Gareth Southgate has a lot to think about after England’s performance in the European Championships. Although the team remains unbeaten and likely to qualify for the knockout stages, there are clear concerns about their ability to compete at a high level.
The issues that were highlighted before the tournament – such as the fitness of key players, the lack of left-footed options, and the team’s playing identity – have all come to the forefront in the first two Group C games. While these problems are not necessarily Southgate’s fault, he will need to find solutions.
The match against Denmark showed that England struggled to capitalize on their lead and were often outplayed by a team they should have beaten. The weather conditions and the stadium pitch also posed challenges for the players, but Southgate emphasized the need for adaptation and improvement.
One positive takeaway from the game was Southgate’s willingness to make bold substitutions earlier in the match. Conor Gallagher’s impact on the game signaled the end of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield experiment. While Alexander-Arnold displayed excellent passing, his positional sense in midfield was lacking, leading to costly mistakes.
Jude Bellingham’s performance was also under scrutiny, as he struggled to make an impact against Denmark. Reports of his potential shoulder injury raise concerns about his fitness and ability to perform consistently. On the other hand, Phil Foden showed promise with his creativity and attacking prowess, offering a different dynamic for the team.
Harry Kane’s form and fitness have also become a point of concern, despite his goal-scoring record. The team’s lack of a clear identity and game plan is evident, as players seem to struggle to execute Southgate’s tactics effectively. Additionally, tensions among the players were visible on the pitch, highlighting underlying issues within the team.
Amidst the challenges, there are some positives to build upon, such as the growing partnership between John Stones and Marc Guehi in defense. Guehi’s emergence as a reliable center-back is a bright spot for England’s backline.
As England prepares for their final group game against Slovenia, Southgate will need to address the team’s shortcomings and rebuild confidence both on and off the pitch. The match will be crucial in determining England’s path in the tournament and their ability to overcome the obstacles they have faced so far.