A Middlesbrough legend has hit out at some of the treatment Gareth Southgate received while England manager.
The conclusion of Euro 2024 has seen the focus in the footballing world shift back to club football.
Middlesbrough are gearing up for another campaign in the Championship under Michael Carrick.
The Boro boss will be eyeing promotion to the Premier League in 2024/25 after finishing fourth and eighth in the previous two seasons.
Carrick has done an excellent job at the Riverside Stadium since his arrival in 2022, bringing some much-needed stability to the club thanks to the backing of owner Steve Gibson and Kieran Scott.
While things are going well for Carrick, one former Middlesbrough boss has had a rough week.
Gareth Southgate led England to the Euro 2024 final over the weekend, losing 2-1 to Spain.
The ex-Boro captain has now stepped down as England manager and the view of his time in charge is split.
Colin Cooper slams Gareth Southgate England critics
Southgate took England to their first European Championship final in 2021 and their second in 2024.
He also reached the World Cup semi-final with the Three Lions in 2018 after 28 years of previous managers failing to do so.
However, despite being the most successful manager in the country’s history since the 60s, the ex-Middlesbrough player was still criticised for his style of play and inability to win anything with the current crop of English players.
One man who does not share that view is Middlesbrough legend Colin Cooper, who played alongside Southgate during his second stint at the Riverside between 1998-2006.
He said: “I think while he’s been the most successful England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, the record will say that.
“I think some of the treatment he had during the tournament and before the tournament, has been nothing short of disgraceful. So my feeling is you’ve made the choice Gareth, you can walk away feel very proud of what you’ve achieved.
“No England managers won anything since 1966, and people seem to have this divine right that we should be winning things with this golden generation of players.”
Middlesbrough can learn from Southgate England stint
While Southgate’s tenure in the England dugout ended without a trophy, there is still plenty Middlesbrough and Carrick can learn from his time in charge.
Ollie Watkins shone at Euro 2024 when Harry Kane looked a shadow of his usual self, highlighting the importance of a quality backup centre-forward.
Carrick does not currently have that, but a new striker remains a priority for Middlesbrough this summer.
Southgate also did an excellent job of integrating young players into the England system.
Carrick has started to hand some academy players more first-team minutes, but the likes of Law McCabe and Sonny Finch should be afforded more opportunities in 2024/25.