Gareth Southgate has been called out for replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold with Conor Gallagher in both of England ’s Euro 2024 matches.
Sam Allardyce took issue with the England manager’s tactics over the course of the first two Group C fixtures. Tournament favourites England gained four points from their opening matches against Serbia and Denmark but largely frustrated with stale displays in both games.
Several tactical risks have not gone to plan for Southgate, with one being the use of Liverpool ’s talented right-back Alexander-Arnold in central-midfield. Despite him making the odd threatening pass, Southgate’s experiment has largely failed, with Alexander-Arnold lacking the awareness, legs and experience to impress in his new position.
That was evident when the Three Lions boss substituted him in the 69th minute against Serbia and the 54th minute against Denmark, both times replacing him with Chelsea midfielder Gallagher. And Allardyce didn’t mince his words when criticising the choice of replacement.
He said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “I don’t think Conor Gallagher’s the answer. Conor’s still a young guy learning his trade. His work rate, closing down and winning the ball is very good but his passing is not quite the best or good enough yet to warrant that place.
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“If Southgate is still stuck on playing two in the middle, they need to put Jude [Bellingham] back there because he can do both roles equally well. That’s where he started anyway, in the deeper position.”
Allardyce added: "Southgate's coaches must have a say as well. They’ve got to say ‘gaffer you can’t keep playing like that. You’ve got to stop’. If they don’t then they’re more to blame than Gareth. You’ve got to change it and try something different with the players and system."
Southgate twice took off Trent Alexander-Arnold [R] for Conor Gallagher (AFP via Getty Images)Bellingham has thus far played in the attacking-midfield position, where he has thrived since joining Real Madrid, winning the La Liga and Champions League double in his first season. But that has caused several imbalances in the squad.
One of those has been the need for a central-midfielder alongside Declan Rice, where there is currently no standout candidate in Southgate’s mind. The manager stunned fans and pundits alike by stating England still miss the out-of-form Kalvin Phillips after Thursday’s dismal 1-1 draw to Denmark.
Another issue which has risen from Bellingham’s free role is Phil Foden being shifted to the left. With Foden’s tendency to drift inwards, England have been left without any width on that flank this tournament, an issue compounded by the lack of a left-footed left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw.
With the exception of Gallagher and Alexander-Arnold, Southgate’s midfield options to play alongside Rice in the double pivot are Manchester United sensation Kobbie Mainoo and flourishing Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
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