Euro 2024: Southgate's Gate
England once again have failed to live up to expectations and perhaps, the potential of the team with this scrappy draw against Denmark in their second game at the ongoing European Championship in Germany. It is safe to say that England were lucky to have left Stuttgart with a point as the Danes were the better side in either half.
They were not in full gear in their first game against Serbia either, however, they found some individual brilliance to pull them through that hurdle, which failed to come alive in today's game.
Looking at the entire England squad, especially the first XI, all of the players, perhaps with the exception of Harry Kane play high and press football at their various clubs, but coming to the national team, it's an almost opposite of it. Of course, I believe they're playing to instructions, but I believe Southgate shouldn't be scared to allow his team play.
Their folly was more apparent because they faced a dogged Denmark side that stretched them, compared to the respect shown them by Serbia in the first game.
I think Southgate is doing too much trying to tinker the team to fit some players and playing others out of position, which hasn't been helpful.
For a start, Phil Foden thrives more as a RW or an AM, but being deployed on the LW has taken the sting off him. It's not a crime if Foden plays from the bench. I believe Anthony Gordon would do a better job on that LW.
Jude Bellingham plays as an 8 but has been deployed as a 10 by Southgate. Forget the cameos TAA has had in midfield, he has no business there when you can either play a Kobbie Mainoo (save us the excuse of inexperience) or play Declan Rice as the only holding midfielder. Rice has also not been able to push high up the field like we know he can do, giving more more bodies for the press.
Ollie Watkins came on and seemed to give the Danish defence more to think of than Harry Kane did. This may be a difficult call for the manager to make, but at least, the Villa man is giving him a viable option off the bench.
I hope Southgate can rethink his tactics as I'm rooting for England at this tournament. Well, I still have France and Germany in my corner. ☺
I agree with a lot of what you say and have just logged in to write something similar myself.
The tactics are horrendous. Every player in that team plays for a club that presses high (with the exception of a young Marc Guehi) so why are we sitting so deep and trying to kill the game? It's horrible.
Bellingham's played No. 10 all season for Real Madrid and arguably been their best player so having him in this role is understandable but as you say, this means we're not playing Foden in what many consider to be his best position. Saka absolutely has to start on the right which leaves Foden on the left where he has often played for Man City - presumably allowing him to drift inside... BUT... he can only drift inside if we have an overlapping full back but with the Right Footed Trippier there, that doesn't happen. This then comes back to squad selection - only 1 natural Left Back was selected - the injured Luke Shaw.
Trent's been playing that role for Liverpool but it works for the Reds because he's got runners to look for. If nobody's moving, he's got nobody to pass to and is getting caught in possession. Him alongside Rice should work - but it doesn't because there's no point getting his head up.
Mainoo's not good enough yet and massively overrated.
I'll write my post now... some of it will probably overlap with your thoughts.
Thanks for your comment @the-gorilla.
I agree with most of your thoughts.
I believe he's transferring their club "style" to the national team without necessarily applying the same tactics of resources that they have at their various clubs.
If they continue like this, I hope they'd get past R16. It'd be very hurtful for me though if they don't go far.