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Gary Neville aims dig at Boris Johnson after England reach Euro 2020 final

Watch: Gary Neville takes swipe at Boris Johnson's leadership during ITV England analysis

Football pundit Gary Neville appeared to take a swipe at Boris Johnson during the post-match analysis of England and Denmark’s Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday night.

After Harry Kane scored the decider in extra time, England secured a place in the final against Italy at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

As fans celebrated the win on the terraces, England manager Gareth Southgate toured the field and celebrated the win with supporters.

With jubilant scenes playing out on television, former Manchester United player Neville compared Southgate’s leadership to the “leaders of this country”.

Gary Neville took aim at Boris Johnson in a veiled swipe following England's win against Denmark on Wednesday. (PA)
Gary Neville took aim at Boris Johnson in a veiled swipe following England's win against Denmark on Wednesday. (PA)

He said: “The standards of leaders of this country in the last couple of years has been poor.

“And looking at that man there [Southgate], that's everything a leader should be – respectful, humble, tells the truth, genuine.

“He’s fantastic, Gareth Southgate – he’s done a great job.”

The prime minister was in attendance at Wednesday night’s game with wife Carrie, while Neville’s jibe at him quickly trended on Twitter.

Neville continued to heap praise on Southgate, whose missed penalty resulted in England going out of Euro 96 at the last-four stage.

Speaking on ITV, Neville added: “We’ve never done this before in our lifetimes. These lads have to focus but we don’t have to. This country is bouncing, national holiday, enjoy yourselves!”

Meanwhile, former England striker Alan Shearer said Southgate’s ability to engender a strong team spirit while still showing his “nasty” side has been key to their success.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “You have to given the manager credit, he’s the one that creates the team spirit…

England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates reaching the final after the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Wednesday July 7, 2021. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates reaching the final after the semi final match at Wembley Stadium. (Getty)

“There is a nasty side to Gareth and he was spot-on to do that but you can’t tell me Jack Grealish isn’t angry, hurt and disappointed.

“The manager now has to go and manage that and get everyone together again and say ‘Put your individual feelings to one side’.”

The praise continued for Southgate with another former team-mate Darren Anderton saying it was well deserved.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) head coach Gareth Southgate of England celebrate after winning after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on July 7, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Gareth Southgate has been praised for guiding England to the Euro 2020 final. (Getty)

“This is the toughest manager’s job in the world, it really is, and it doesn’t seem to faze him,” he told BBC Breakfast.

“Whether we have a result like we did last night or beating Germany 2-0, which is obviously close to his heart after what we all went through 25 years ago, or if we have a poor performance like we did against Scotland – he doesn’t get carried away either way.

“It’s just great to see him enjoy this success because he really does deserve it.”

Watch: Scenes in London as England reach Euros final