England’s struggles in Euro 2024 are becoming more evident with each passing match. Harry Kane, the team’s star striker and record scorer, seems to be dealing with fitness issues, having missed Bayern Munich’s final matches and looking out of form in recent games. This raises the question of whether England is carrying their captain rather than benefiting from his contributions.
The team’s overall form is a cause for concern, with only two wins in their last seven matches. If this were a club league, they would be in danger of relegation. There is a lack of a clear style of play and pattern of tactics, with the team often relying on passing the ball to Bukayo Saka as a last resort.
Gareth Southgate, the manager, is facing criticism for his inability to motivate and inspire the team. England’s performances against Serbia and Denmark were lackluster, with players admitting to struggling both on and off the ball. The team’s starting XI has been criticized for being unbalanced, with gaps in the defense and midfield that better teams could exploit.
The absence of key players like Luke Shaw and the tactical gamble of experimenting with different formations have not paid off for England. Players like Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham seem unsure of their roles on the team, leading to confusion and a lack of cohesion on the field. The team’s lack of football intelligence and slow, risky passing from the back have also been glaring issues.
As England heads into the latter stages of Euro 2024, there are pressing questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. With key players struggling for form and fitness, and tactical decisions backfiring, the team will need to regroup and find solutions quickly if they are to salvage their tournament hopes.
