England reached the last eight of the tournament after topping a group that contained Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia, before dumping out Slovakia in their first knockout match.
But the Three Lions were then accused by the reporter of being given “easy runs” at major tournaments.
Three summers ago, England reached the final of Euro 2020 after qualifying from a group consisting of Croatia, Czechia and Scotland, and dispatching Germany, Ukraine and Denmark in the knockout rounds.
On Saturday, Southgate was told by the journalist that England had beaten a “poor Germany” at Euro 2020. And the former defender fired back: “Yeah, but I am saying they had about eight Champions League winners in that squad.”
And when the 53-year-old was presented with a list of teams the Three Lions had defeated en route to the showpiece event in 2021, he added: “Look, the teams we've played are because we won our group.
The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer's Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
“If you go back through history, England had different routes to the final because we didn't win our group. I understand of course, you'd rather not have to jump the Grand National to win the tournament.
“Most teams, when you have back-to-back games - two, three, four games against big nations - the margins are so fine and then those games end up quite even. You win one, you lose one - so it's very tough to go through those processes.
“I'm not really sure what to say, it's the madness of this job - but it's been an enjoyable night and I will try to keep it that way.”
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England overcame Switzerland at Euro 2024 on Saturday (Image: GETTY)
After remaining unbeaten in Group C at this summer’s tournament, England ensured they wouldn’t meet the likes of France, Spain or Germany until the final.
And ahead of the showdown with Switzerland, Southgate again quashed suggestions his team would be in for an undemanding run of fixtures in Germany as he exclaimed: “I would say that's a classic example of the entitlement we have as a nation that creates drama and annoys our opponents.
“We're playing a football nation who have played enormously well and have pride. Our focus is on how we play to the best of our ability. We've only had two finals in our history, three semi-finals. Lots of nations who we might perceive to be smaller have far better records than us.”
