Jamie Carragher insists that England's 'big players didn't turn up' as he blames Three Lions stars and NOT Gareth Southgate for failure to win Euro 2024

Jamie Carragher laid the blame for England's unsuccessful Euro 2024 campaign at the feet of the squad, while defending Gareth Southgate after the Three Lions' final defeat by Spain. 

England suffered a heartbreaking loss to Luis de la Fuente's side in Berlin on Sunday night, with Mikel Oyarzabal the match winner with a goal from close range in the 86th minute.

The Three Lions had failed to impressed for the majority of the tournament but looked to be ramping into the form at the perfect time, following their dramatic semi-final win over the Netherlands. 

But Spain, who were a cut above the opposition throughout, proved too stern a test for the side but Carragher largely resisted blaming the England boss for the team's shortcomings. 

Instead he aimed his criticism at the players, many of whom did not produce the kind of form shown for their club sides last season. 

The Liverpool legend posted a series of messages on X throughout the game, one reading: 'England second best to Spain in that half, but Spain have not created too much. England can win playing like this but they need more pace in attack. 

'Three out of the 4 attackers like coming to feet, they need at least 1 more if not 2 who can makes runs in behind.'

After England's defeat was confirmed his said: 'Sven played 442, Fabio was too strict, Gareth is too defensive! Funny how it’s always on the manager isn’t it?!! The fact is our big players didn’t turn up in this tournament. And other tournaments going back years.' 

'International football is not littered with top managers,' he said in response to a post lauding the work of Spain boss De la Fuente. 'It’s about the players. Ours froze in that first half, allowing the keeper to go long & not demanding the ball & showing for it.'

Carragher then replied to a post that showed that England's overall xG at the tournament was less than Croatia's, whop exited the competition at the group stage. 

'Exactly! Big players didn’t turn up!! We had about 60% possession until the final because we played average teams. You blame Southgate for some of the best attacking players in Europe not being able to break average defences down???' 

A dejected Southgate conceded that Spain were the best team in the tournament but he refused to confirm whether he'll stay on as the Three Lions boss.

'I think they were the best team in the tournament.' He told the BBC. 'We didn’t keep the ball well enough but we were in it until the last. I am devastated for everyone, players have been incredible, I am so proud. 

'We had a little bit of momentum. Big chance at the end to equalise as well but I’m not sure we did quite enough.

'Against Spain you have to keep the ball when you win it back. We were fine defensively in the first half but that takes it out your legs.

'There's no hiding from we have had a lot of issues. We have managed to deal with most of them but we have fallen short.' 

Carragher added in another post: 'I have no relationship at all with Southgate. I feel he has been cautious from the bench throughout his time but in this tournament the substitutes have been great. 

'There is this idea though that he is holding back an amazing team. Is it any better than 1996/1998/2004??'

Sunday's final defeat could be the last match for Southgate as England boss, though reports indicate that the FA would be keen for him to continue until at least the 2026 World Cup.