England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark has left Gareth Southgate grappling with more questions than answers at Euro 2024. Despite leading Group C, England’s performances have been underwhelming, raising doubts about their tournament prospects.
Harry Kane opened the scoring early, but Morten Hjulmand’s stunning equalizer dampened England’s hopes. Gary Neville didn’t hold back, criticizing Southgate’s tactics on ITV. “There’s an imbalance in the team, square pegs in round holes,” Neville said. “We know how this ends. He has to change something now.”
Southgate’s decision to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield has come under intense scrutiny. Former England striker Alan Shearer voiced his concerns on BBC, stating, “Gareth is not getting the best out of England’s best players.” Alexander-Arnold’s struggles in an unfamiliar role were evident, leading to calls for a tactical rethink. “It’s not his fault. It is not his game. It should be pursued no further,” Neville added.
Southgate’s bold substitutions provided a glimmer of hope. Conor Gallagher’s introduction brought much-needed energy, suggesting he might be a better fit in the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Speaking of Bellingham, he seemed fatigued, a stark contrast to his usual brilliance. “Bellingham looks tired. How can he be otherwise? He completed his 103rd game in the last two seasons,” noted one observer.
Phil Foden showed flashes of his club form, nearly scoring with a low drive that hit the post. His improved performance could be crucial as the tournament progresses. However, Harry Kane’s fitness remains a concern despite his goal. “Kane is way off in terms of fitness,” said a commentator. “Unless Kane is firing on all cylinders, England will always be lacking something.”
Southgate’s tactical approach has also been questioned. The team’s pressing game fades too quickly, with players dropping deeper as matches progress. Southgate himself admitted, “I haven’t told the players to drop deep, but I can’t explain what has happened to our pressing game.”
With a crucial match against Slovenia on the horizon, England needs to find their spark. The boos in Frankfurt were a clear sign of growing impatience among fans. England must step up to meet expectations and secure their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
