Bankruptcy against Iceland

Southgate after 1-0 defeat: “It’s good for us”

Gareth Southgate's team were beaten 1-0 by Iceland.(Bild: AFP/APA/Glyn KIRK)

England's soccer team boss Gareth Southgate has voiced clear criticism after the 1-0 home test match defeat against Iceland - but he remains confident for the European Championship. "It was obviously a disappointing performance and we didn't show enough character, but I think that's good for us ahead of an international tournament," said Southgate.

England's star striker Harry Kane was beaten at Wembley Stadium in London after Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson scored in the 12th minute. Kane was substituted after just over an hour (64'). "I think we have to get better without the ball," said Southgate. "It's inevitable that the players have an eye on what's coming for them in terms of first challenges. There's no excuse for the result, but there are a lot of things we can put right quickly."

Disappointment for Declan Rice (m.) and Co.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

"It hurts me inside"
Declan Rice is similarly disappointed. "It's not ideal that we lost, but there are a lot of learning curves to build on as a team," said the Arsenal midfielder. There was no doubting the quality of the team. But: "I had the feeling that we were a bit overstretched at times and not as compact as usual. It hurts me inside, and there's still a lot to do before the next game." England face Serbia (June 16), Denmark (20th) and Slovenia (25th).