26 June 2024 , 09:40
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Rio Ferdinand was forced to eat his words after hammering David James for backing Ralf Rangnick's Austria.
The Manchester United legend waxed lyrical about the Group D winners, who secured their place atop of the group following a thrilling 3-2 win over the Netherlands, a point ahead of Euro 2024 favourites France.
Managed by Rangnick, who endured a difficult spell as interim boss of the Red Devils back in 2022, Austria were earmarked by many as the tournament's dark horses - including ex-England goalkeeper James.
However, his take on the nation wasn't well received by Ferdinand, who admitted he "caned" his former Three Lions team-mate for suggesting they could surprise many this summer.
He told VIBE with FIVE: "Ralf Rangnick, have you seen what he's doing with Austria? Wow, David James did tell us that Austria are going to be his [dark horse] and we were ridiculing him, I caned him and said 'what are you chatting about', he said 'the data is suggesting [it]."
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While he remained bullish that they won't win the competition, he did compliment how Rangnick has been able to implement his ideas on the team, even revealing his jealousy on how cohesive they've been thus far.
"They’re not going to win it, but they’re playing really good football," the ex-England captain remarked. "You know what the biggest thing for me, the biggest thing for me is they look like a well-coached team. That’s all I’m asking for.
Ferdinand admitted that's he's a tad jealous of Austria's performances at Euro 2024 (YouTube/Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE)"A team that looks well-coached and know what they’re doing in and out of possession. They attack together, they run off the ball, they’re out of possession, they defend. They keep possession of the ball. Just basics, man, please. Why am I looking at Austria with envy?"
Ferdinand displayed his annoyance with England's continuing troubles in midfield as he scolded Gareth Southgate for suggesting he doesn't have a replacement for Kalvin Phillips. "You’ve had two years to work out a replacement and then two come and smack you in the face - Wharton and Mainoo - who can play in that role," he argued.
"And you’ve got Jude Bellingham, drop him back to the eight or the six position because the system isn’t working. If Southgate doesn’t come out and address that point about Phillips in the next conference I’ll be outraged. You can’t come out and say that as the England manager.
"For two years you haven’t found a replacement. Why not? Why not?! One of the most important parts of the team when you’re building to win anything is that central midfield area! And we can’t find a replacement for someone who hasn’t started a game for two years consistently. It’s crazy."
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