Gareth Southgate responds to Erik ten Hag after Man Utd boss took shots at England

England manager Gareth Southgate has brushed off criticism from Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag over his tactical approach.

Ten Hag, speaking on Dutch TV during England’s victory over Serbia, suggested that Southgate tends to secure a lead and then sit back, relying on “moments” rather than seeking to dominate the game.

However, Southgate responded: “During the course of a tournament there’s obviously millions of opinions in different directions and so whilst I’m not reading a thing, or listening to a thing, you become aware of these things because they get sent to you.”

He added: “There was a moment where we weren’t in as much control of the game on Sunday as we would’ve liked, and we felt that was a good moment for Conor Gallagher to come into the game. He did the job.

The England boss also praised the contributions of Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, and Jarrod Bowen when they came on, noting that Bowen nearly made it 2-0 with a cross. Southgate concluded: “I accept everyone’s going to have different views and I’m really calm about that.”

Ten Hag has been putting himself front and centre in his new punditry duties, recently boosted by the vote of confidence he has been handed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford.

And, after England opened their Euro campaign against Serbia, Ten Hag wasted little time in pulling apart Southgate’s approach to the match.

The Dutchman said: ” It’s the vision of the manager [Southgate].

“England will take a 1-0 lead, then he decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.”

Ten Hag will be aware that United have been heavily linked with a move to bring Southgate on board, with Ratcliffe and the INEOS hierarchy said to be big admirers.

Ten Hag recently admitted that he was told by club officials that United had held talks with former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, but it was decided that a move would not be made.

Now, Ten Hag is set to remain and the option of a possible contract extension has not been ruled out.

He added: “Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract.

“This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.”