Gareth Southgate has a number of issues. So what are the options?
England could also be high of Group C and unbeaten at Euro 2024, however their 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday evening was worrying.
From the bodily situation of the gamers to their tactical formation and urgent off the ball, there have been issues all around the pitch.
A spot within the knockout levels is all however assured, however England want a significant shift if they’re to make an influence within the latter levels of this match.
Listed below are among the choices Southgate may flip to within the remaining group sport in opposition to Slovenia on Tuesday, the place he hopes to kick-start what has been a whirlwind marketing campaign in England. Have a look after which vote to your favourite…
1) Change the formation of the midfield
Having seen England’s midfield fail to push as onerous in opposition to Denmark, it appears clear that Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be enjoying there in opposition to Slovenia. This experiment is suspended. May Southgate additionally take the chance to fully overhaul his setup on this space and transfer to a three-man midfield? If that is the case, Conor Gallagher – Alexander-Arnold’s substitute in each video games to this point – is more likely to are available in alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
2) Change the form of the midfield and ditch Foden
Whereas Alexander-Arnold has been one of many targets of criticism to this point, Phil Foden’s performances have additionally come below hearth. The Manchester Metropolis ace could have hit the publish in opposition to Denmark and carried out higher than he did in opposition to Serbia, however he continues to seek for his finest type in an England shirt. Is it time to offer Anthony Gordon an opportunity to stretch his legs and stretch the opposition defence? Or give Cole Palmer the possibility to repeat his Premier League goalscoring feats on the worldwide stage?
3) Time to show to Palmer?
Can Palmer simply make an influence slotting into the present setup with Bellingham feeding him from the #10 place?
4) Usher in fan favorites Mina and Palmer
Palmer’s title trended on social media after each England video games. And Kobi Mainu too. Southgate isn’t often one to bow to public strain, however he may give England followers what they need by fielding them each in opposition to Slovenia. Mainoo could possibly be the reply to England’s midfield conundrum.
5) Gordon on the wing, Mainu in midfield
With Rice and Mainu providing protection, would Gordon supply a greater outfield than Palmer?
6) Bench Kane AND Bellingham!
Southgate’s choice to switch Kane in opposition to Denmark was justified, nevertheless it’s at all times a shock to see the captain and high scorer withdraw. There was additionally the matter of eradicating a drained Jude Bellingham, however the golden boy performed the total 90 minutes. If Southgate desires each of his key males firing at 100 per cent within the knockout rounds, may he be daring sufficient to place them up in opposition to Slovenia and benefit from his many attacking choices on this squad?
7) Give Kane a strike companion
Perhaps Kane simply wants assist from above. How about enjoying Ollie Watkins alongside him to supply a operating again?
8) Play with wildcards!
With England just about via to the subsequent spherical anyway, maybe now’s the time for Southgate to unleash his wildcards and provides his kids like Mainu, Adam Wharton and Abby Eze the liberty to play?
The ultimate matches of group C
England v Slovenia (Cologne, kick off 8pm UK time)
Denmark vs. Serbia (Munich, kick off 8pm UK time)