England football players glad to see the back of Gareth Southgate ahead of Finland clash

Southgate's team went into that competition as the favourites to lift the trophy. However, despite having one of the best squads in world football, they were unconvincing for large spells of the tournament.

England did make the final, where they'd lose to Spain, but scraped victories over the likes of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Slovakia and Serbia.

There's no denying that Southgate is one of the best managers in England's history, having guided the team to two finals, one quarter-final and one semi-final of major tournaments throughout his tenure.

Yet GB News understands a certain group of players are glad to see the back of Southgate and enjoying a new lease of life under interim boss Lee Carsley.

A source, whose identity shall be concealed to protect relationships, has revealed that England's attacking players felt 'stifled' under Southgate this summer.

Some wanted him to play with the handbrake off and believed that going gung-ho was the right tactic as they set about ending 58 years of hurt.

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Phil Foden, in particular, was aggrieved with his methods.

The Manchester City star has long been impressive at club level and, just last season, bagged a remarkable 27 goals across all competitions.

When it comes to playing for his country, however, Foden is yet to show the same form that has made him a standout talent during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Foden, we're reliably informed, was disgruntled at the way he was deployed during the recent European Championships.

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In an attempt to coax the best from the 24-year-old, Southgate tried to play him alongside Jude Bellingham in the No 10 position.

Neither man was really able to excel, however, and there were times when that area of the pitch would become far too congested.

England players were also unimpressed at the way winger Anthony Gordon was treated by Southgate.

The forward was included in the squad after shining for Newcastle last term but ended up being restricted to just one appearance off the bench.

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Southgate, reports at the time claimed, was worried about his focus amid transfer interest from Liverpool.

However, England players felt he deserved more minutes and that Southgate was more keen on playing it safe than risking it all by throwing him on the field.

Overlooking Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins for starting berths also raised eyebrows, too.

Both men flourished for Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively last season but had to often make do with being on the bench out in Germany.

Some individuals felt Watkins should have come in for Harry Kane when it was clear the striker was still struggling with an injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich at the end of last season.

Fast-forward to now, and England players are enjoying life under Carsley so far. They have been impressed by his desire to play attacking football and believe his methods, at least for now, are more suited to their qualities.

It is currently unclear if the interim boss will land the job on a permanent basis, however, with the FA still mulling over their options.