Your Route to Real News

4 changes England must make for Slovenia clash after Gareth Southgate admission

21 June 2024 , 09:16
1382     0
4 changes England must make for Slovenia clash after Gareth Southgate admission
4 changes England must make for Slovenia clash after Gareth Southgate admission

There was an overriding takeaway from England's draw with Denmark. It simply wasn't good enough.

The Three Lions are still primed to progress in the tournament and have undergone similar slip-ups before but there has been little to inspire in their opening two Euros outings thus far. There isn't much time to find solutions before bad performances result in an exit however.

Gareth Southgate has drawn criticism for his decision-making thus far but fault has also lay on the pitch. Performances from players have not been to the standard fans have grown to expect from England's much-hyped talent.

Those judged the best players have been on the pitch but lethargic displays have followed. Southgate recognises it has not been up to standard.

“It was clearly not what we would have hoped, we are not using the ball well enough and we have to accept if you do that you are going to suffer at times like we have tonight," he said. “We know there is another level that we have got to find."

Guardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on bench qhiqquiqeridqeprwGuardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on bench

That is the challenge for England ahead of Slovenia on Tuesday and for the knockout stages after that. Mirror Football looks at the changes that could be made.

End Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment

Southgate has refered to Alexander-Arnold's position as an experiment. With the ruthlessness the next stage of the tournament provides, there is little time to waste on failed hypotheses.

4 changes England must make for Slovenia clash after Gareth Southgate admissionTrent Alexander-Arnold of England reacts as he interacts with Gareth Southgate after being substituted (Getty Images)

The Liverpool star has provided some of England's best chances but it's difficult to not think he would deliver them more readily from his usual position. England have been unable to dominate possession thus far or build from the back smoothly, meaning Alexander-Arnold has not been able to impact the game how it was often hoped.

Southgate's decision to try something different cannot be faulted but there are midfielders to utilise in the squad. Conor Gallagher could come into the team and provide a box-to-box approach that takes some defensive responsibility from Declan Rice, so could Kobbie Mainoo.

If not for Adam Wharton's inexperience, it's easy to think he may come into the side to help instigate some much-needed passing play. The Crystal Palace ace has yet to pick up a minute however.

Even Jude Bellingham could partner Rice if required and that would facilitate Phil Foden moving to a more central position.

Play down the left

Again, it's understandable that England have lacked natural width on the left flank, but it doesn't mean it should be ignored. Kieran Trippier has been required to do a job with no left-back available for England's squad until Luke Shaw can make his return.

It's an unfortunate circumstance but also one that probably means a more natural winger is required ahead of him, whose work starts on the byline. It's a position Marcus Rashford has enjoyed in an England shirt and perhaps it's his alternative in the group that needs to be utilised.

Phil Foden's tendency was to play centrally against Denmark and that is where his best work is completed. That leaves the left fairly vacant and there are other options available.

4 changes England must make for Slovenia clash after Gareth Southgate admissionAnthony Gordon of England during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and England (James Gill - Danehouse)

Anthony Gordon may be the pick of them. It's a role the Newcastle star is familiar with and the 23-year-old is certain to provide support for Kane.

Liverpool learn huge Jude Bellingham price tag as two England stars beat MbappeLiverpool learn huge Jude Bellingham price tag as two England stars beat Mbappe

Gordon naturally looks to move beyond the opposition backline, has pace and is not afraid to target a goal with some experience playing up front too. The former Everton man even won player of the tournament playing as a forward in the under-21 Euros last summer and has the required niggle to add some tension to the opposition when they are in possession too.

Cole Palmer chance

If anyone has experience of delivering when a team is not offering very much, it is Cole Palmer. Yes, it is another player who wants to drift into a central, forward position but when in search of a goal he should be a definite option.

Palmer finished last season with 33 goal contributions for Chelsea and is highly focused on making an impact. It makes sense he should be turned to when England are in need.

It is not to say that the 22-year-old should start. There is competition. Palmer will provide a direct focus that may be able to relieve the Three Lions of some pressure, while he thrives under it however.

With fatigue seemingly in the England lineup, his presence should soon be felt.

Work with Harry Kane

England's captain got his tournament up and running with a goal against Denmark, but once again was largely ineffectual. It was telling that his substitution came as little surprise.

Kane ended the season dealing with an injury, but is also being tasked with running in behind and pressing from the front. So far, that is achieving little.

Gary Lineker was frustrated with the forward's outing "Harry does not press and he has not pressed in that first half," he said.

"He's barely moved. Then the team goes deeper and Harry Kane goes even deeper and even when you get the ball you have nothing to hit. I just don't understand."

You cannot change the player Kane is but by providing a figure like Gordon to carry some of that burden it will allow the Bayern Munich star to play to his strengths on both sides of the ball. That said, Kane also needs to deliver to avoid England becoming predictable.

Regardless of his seniority, he may need to be reminded of the requirement to provide movement and to press from the front, to take advantage of England's other talents.

Scott Trotter

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus