Denmark 1-1 England: Gary Neville emphasizes changes needed for Gareth Southgate to keep Euro 2024 hopes alive
England drew 1-1 against Denmark at Euro 2024; Gary Neville warns Gareth Southgate must make changes to avoid tournament failure.
England's Euro 2024 campaign got off to a rocky start with a lackluster win against Serbia followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark in their second group game. Gary Neville, a Sky Sports pundit, expressed concerns about England's performance, urging manager Gareth Southgate to make changes to avoid a repeat of past failures. Neville highlighted issues with the team's imbalance, lack of creativity, and dropping deep defensively.
Neville also questioned Southgate's handling of the squad's attacking talent, suggesting that the abundance of options may have led to confusion and hindered the team's performance. He specifically mentioned Trent Alexander-Arnold's struggles in midfield and Roy Keane's criticism of the decision to play him out of position. Keane labeled it as a "gamble" that did not pay off, emphasizing the physical demands and tactical awareness required for the midfield role.
Southgate defended his decision to experiment with Alexander-Arnold in midfield, acknowledging that the team lacks a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips. However, Neville pointed out another midfield concern, this time focusing on Declan Rice's performance. He suggested that Rice may be better suited to a more advanced role based on his strengths and weaknesses in deep-lying positions. Neville proposed Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton as potential solutions to address England's midfield issues.
In conclusion, Neville emphasized the importance of finding a balance in midfield to facilitate better ball progression and alleviate defensive pressure. He urged Southgate to address these issues promptly to avoid a premature exit from the tournament. As England prepares for their next match, the spotlight remains on their midfield struggles and the need for tactical adjustments to unlock their full potential.
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