England may have topped their group, qualified for the last 16 without losing a game and moved into the favourable side of the Euro 2024 draw, but it’s fair to say we won’t be winning anything this summer if things don’t change.
Not only do the players look lost and uninspired by the tactics – or total lack of them – but Gareth Southgate isn’t learning from obvious flaws in the team and makes substitutions far too late, with last night’s five-minute cameo for Anthony Gordon an absolute insult.
One thing that stands out for me is the lack of balance in the side and congestion in certain areas of the pitch, with three players constantly fighting for that ‘No.10’ space. Foden is starting on the left but constantly drifts inside, Kane is dropping short into a similar position and Bellingham is also being crowded out. All three have been way off it individually and need to be in some way accountable for that, but it’s clear to see Southgate’s plan isn’t working – yet he persists with it.
It’s like that England face the Netherlands in Sunday’s last 16 game on Sunday, so I propose the side I’d like to see start:
England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford – Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier – Rice, Bellingham – Saka, Foden, Gordon – Kane.
At the back, I’d prefer Alexander-Arnold against team we’re likely to dominate, but he’s looked rusty so far and I’m not sure it’s wise to alter the defence. The other three defenders pick themselves, unless Luke Shaw is deemed ready to return to give us some width and drive at left-back. But, even if he’s ‘fit’, is he ready to come straight back in? Possibly not.
In midfield, I really don’t see why we can’t play Rice in the holding role and Bellingham as our box-to-box No.8. He’s looked lost in a more advanced role since impressing in our opening win over Serbia and dropping slightly deeper would allow both him and Foden (No.10) to play in their best positions. It doesn’t feel…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/06/26/is-this-the-england-11-were-crying-out-for-ahead-of-sundays-last-16-clash/
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-06-26 12:31:40
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