Joey Barton launches scathing attack on Gareth Southgate; calls for FA to axe England boss

Joey Barton has launched a scathing attack on Gareth Southgate after England’s World Cup exit and is shocked the Three Lions boss in still in a job.

England suffered a quarter-final exit at the hands of reigning world champions France on Saturday after Harry Kane missed a late penalty that would have likely taken the game to extra-time.

Speculation has been rife that Southgate would not continue in the role after the tournament, having been in charge for six years.

However, he sidestepped questions over his future after the undeserved France defeat.

“I don’t want to be four or five months down the line thinking I’ve made the wrong call. It’s too important for everybody to get that wrong,” Southgate admitted on Sunday night.

“After every tournament, I’ve sat with everybody at the FA and talked things through logically and I think that’s the right process to go through again.”

Barton, however, insists Southgate has to go following events in Qatar and the disappointing Nations League results before it, with several names tipped to take over.

In a tweet, in which he mocked the former England defender for going through with the infamous Pizza Hut advert following his penalty miss back at Euro 96, Barton said: “Can’t believe Southgate hasn’t resigned yet.

“That’s two World Cups and a home European Championship we could/should have won. Stop rewarding failure. Got to go.

“Time to hire somebody who can win. Pizza Hut advert years ago. Enough said.”

Barton’s comments have not exactly been echoed around the country, although Rio Ferdinand revealed his own disappointment at Southgate’s substitutions in the France clash.

FA keen on Southgate to stay on

The FA has made it very clear that they would like Southgate to stay on and see out the remaining two years of his contract.

The 52-year-old has an excellent overall record as England boss since succeeding Sam Allardyce in 2016.

Bristol Rovers boss Barton did, however, double down a little when responding to another tweet from a fan who shared an image of England’s recent results.

Barton retorted: “Exactly Harry. Time for him to move on. You have to win. He’s a nice guy but he isn’t a winner. When he put Pizza Box on his head after missing the pen, he was done with. No self-respecting man would ever do that. Sorry. He’s had his time. Move him on.”

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