England’s Performance at Euro 2024 Raises Concerns Despite Advancing to Knockout Stages
England’s underwhelming performance at Euro 2024 continued with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia, raising serious concerns about the team’s ability to harness its talent and deliver results. The Three Lions, ranked fifth in the world, advanced to the last 16 as Group C winners but managed only two goals in a group where only one team secured a victory.
Jude Bellingham’s goal secured a 1-0 win against 32nd-ranked Serbia in their opening match, followed by a 1-1 draw with Denmark, ranked 21st, with Harry Kane on the scoresheet. However, the inability to break down a team ranked 57th in the world has intensified scrutiny of manager Gareth Southgate’s tactics and team selections.
Former England defender Gary Neville voiced his concerns on ITV, emphasizing the importance of managing the team’s “massive talents” effectively. Neville highlighted the array of young talents in the squad, including Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, and Phil Foden, stressing that England “cannot afford to mismanage them.” He also questioned why England is the only country that continually struggles to find the right positions for these players.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, also commenting on ITV, noted the challenge of easing young players into the team while recognizing those who are ready to make an immediate impact. He pointed out that players like Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton, and Cole Palmer, who were not even considered top-40 players a year ago, could now become key figures in the squad.
Southgate’s decision to start the first two games with right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield and later replace him with Conor Gallagher, who was then substituted at halftime for Mainoo against Slovenia, has been a focal point of debate. The team’s inconsistent performances have not lived up to the pre-tournament expectations that saw them touted as joint favorites with France.
Ex-England defender Conor Coady expressed the concerns of many fans on BBC Radio 5 Live, noting the lack of a standout performance to announce England’s arrival on the big stage. He lamented the absence of anything in the game to suggest a significant breakthrough, despite some half-chances and a bright cameo from Cole Palmer.
As England prepares to face a third-placed team in the last 16 on Sunday, the pressure mounts. Leicester center-back Coady warned of the increased difficulty as the tournament progresses, emphasizing the urgency of getting it right to avoid an early exit.
England’s offensive statistics further underline the issues, ranking 17th out of 24 teams for shots taken (29) and 19th for expected goals (2.26). Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas on BBC Match of the Day echoed the disappointment, noting that the performance left fans with more questions than answers.
With the knockout stages looming, Southgate and his team must quickly address these concerns and deliver a performance that matches the talent within the squad to progress further in the tournament
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