England topped Group C and have a clear route to the final of Euro 2024 - but all is not well.
Poor performances have dampened the mood as their incredibly talent squad struggle to live up to expectations. Despite having some of the best attacking players on the planet the Three Lions have looked short of ideas, scoring just twice in their three group games.
Phil Foden looks a shadow of the player he's been for Manchester City, Jude Bellingham hasn't got close to the levels he's hit for Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold's midfield experiment has not gone to plan and there is minimal threat from out wide. The lack of a natural left-back continues to hamper the balance of the team with Luke Shaw still out.
Southgate has turned to his bench in games and seen a host of players who stand up for their clubs on a weekly basis and they desperately want to be given the chance from the start.
The England boss has been known for his conservative selection policy over the course of his tenure. He's rarely thrown in a curve ball and dropping big players has not been part of his make up, but he may have to move away from his usual habits if he is to deliver success in what many believe will be his final tournament as boss.
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He claimed after the goalless stalemate with Slovenia that things are on the up, although not everyone watching agreed. The writers at Mirror Football have given their take on who the starting XI should be as England desperately try to click into gear.
John Cross
I always get caught in these debates between writing what I would choose and what Gareth Southgate will pick as his starting XI. For the record, I’d be amazed if Southgate makes many changes and it could just be Kobbie Mainoo for Conor Gallagher in the line-up.
Mainoo was great in the second half. He always looked forward and helped England dominate and control the game much better. They just could not find the killer pass. If I’m playing fantasy England manager then I’m taking a chance on Luke Shaw’s fitness because England are so lopsided and unbalanced without a natural left back.
England's attacking squad has only managed two goals in three games (PA)Kieran Trippier has put in a good shift but always comes inside and that has not helped Jude Bellingham. The notion that Bukayo Saka could play left back is laughable. Look at his stats. He’s England’s current Player of the Year and won it last year, too. Why would you drop a key player?
Getting the best out of Jude Bellingham is key for England but I would put faith in the best players. I’d love to get Cole Palmer in but I think he’ll be great from the bench.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Mainoo, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Kane.
Simon Bird
Five changes please. I’m not as negative as most about the goalless draw against Slovenia. Southgate’s substitutions showed the way forward to a more front footed, direct system and personnel.
The headline here is Jude Bellingham is benched. He has been pedestrian and hardly contributed bar a stellar first 30 minutes of the tournament. Either play him next to Rice or drop.
Foden picked up the No10 berth to unlock what will again be deep lying, defensive opposition. The fearlessness and freshness of Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer is needed on the wings. Width is essential to open up the central channel which has become the focus of England’s play. Mainoo links play better from deep in midfield and can get forward.
Trent can add passing and creativity at right back while Kyle Walker is moved to left back, unless Luke Shaw is fit, which seems unlikely. Harry Kane just about keeps his place, but hook him on the hour if it still looks stale and give Ollie Watkins a chance.
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England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Walker; Rice, Mainoo; Palmer, Foden, Gordon; Kane
Sam Meade
Whilst I've got my own thoughts, fundamentally I just want to see Southgate roll the dice. What's that quote about insanity.. doing the same thing and expecting different results? We've seen one change to the starting XI across the three games - have the ambition and bravery to throw caution to the wind.
Me, I would leave Bellingham on the bench. I think he and Foden have cancelled each other out, both want to operate centrally and the Madrid man is a great option off the bench.
Cole Palmer has only got one brief cameo at the Euros but provided a spark in attack (Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)Defensively I don't see any issues and Trippier is doing enough to justify his left-back spot whilst John Stones and Marc Guehi have proved solid given their lack of history together.
Kobbie Mainoo, after his cameo off the bench, has to come in. Whilst seen as maybe a deep lying midfielder, he's far from a negative selection and is incredibly progressive on the ball. Cole Palmer is deserving of a shot playing from the right and Anthony Gordon provides the outright pace we need.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice, Foden; Gordon, Kane, Palmer
Simon Mullock
England have stumbled into the last 16 of the Euros - and the three group games illustrated that unless something changes drastically then the huge advantage of landing in the "weaker" half of the knock-out draw will be squandered.
The pre-tournament favourites have looked like a team without a clear plan of action, a group of players who appear not to be being coached to any significant degree.. England are much better than this. It's unfair that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher appear to be carrying the can for what's gone on. How many members of England's squad have performed at the required level? Maybe Marc Guehi, Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker.
The rest have underperformed as Southgate has tried unsuccessfully to hammer round pegs into square holes. The England manager can make adjustments but will he?
Phil Foden is England's most technically accomplished player. He must play in his best position at No 10. Jude Bellingham is all-action. Pulling him deeper wouldn't just free up Foden, it would allow the team's best all-round midfielder to demonstrate just how many tools he possesses.
Has Bukayo Saka done enough to keep Cole Palmer out of the team? Probably not. What about the youthful energy of Kobbie Mainoo and Anthony Gordon. This is it. No second chances.
England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Palmer, Foden, Gordon; Kane.
Jacob Leeks
Gareth Southgate simply has to make changes after a pretty dismal group stage campaign. The second-half against Slovenia was slightly more encouraging, but it was still a poor all-round performance. Slovakia are likely to set up in a deep block similar to Serbia and Slovenia, meaning a more attacking outlook is needed.
For me, that starts in defence, where ahead of Jordan Pickford, I would start Trent Alexander-Arnold to right-back and shift Kyle Walker to left-back, where Kieran Trippier just has not worked. John Stones and Marc Guehi have been solid at centre-back so would continue there, as would Declan Rice in central midfield. But alongside the Arsenal star, I would bring in Kobbie Mainoo, who impressed after coming off the bench at half-time against Slovenia.
Jude Bellingham has struggled to replicate his club form so far for England (UEFA via Getty Images)While he disappointed in the final group game, I would still continue with Jude Bellingham in the No.10 role. Given Phil Foden will likely miss several training sessions while he is back in England for a family matter, I would bring in Anthony Gordon on the left wing.
Bukayo Saka looks like he needs a rest and has faded as the tournament has gone on, which means a starting spot for Cole Palmer. And while he has not looked quite fit, I simply can't look past starting Harry Kane up-front.
England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Walker; Rice, Mainoo; Gordon, Bellingham, Palmer; Kane
Andy Dunn
There is a debate out here in Germany - and I’m sure it is taking place at home - about Jude Bellingham’s right to be in the starting lineup. But let’s be honest, it is a debate that won’t even register with Gareth Southgate - Bellingham starts, end of story.
So he should. Contrary to popular opinion, Southgate does not have too many genuinely world-class players but Bellingham is one of them. And you don’t leave world-class talent on the bench for the big games. That is why Foden should also keep his starting place.
But the one bold move that Southgate should make is to find a position in his eleven for Cole Palmer, a precocious player who, quite simply, always looks likely to make things happen. And after his quietly accomplished display as a second half substitute, Kobbie Mainoo should partner Declan Rice in the centre of midfield.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Palmer, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Neil Moxley
I watched Slovakia beat Wales 4-0 in one of the warm-up games. In many respects, they’re similar opponents to Slovenia. Well-drilled and athletic, without packing too much of a punch up front. Slovenia coped comfortably against us until a combination of tiredness and Cole Palmer caused problems in the final 20 minutes.
So, the back five stays the same. Declan Rice picks himself. I’d play Jude Bellingham alongside the Arsenal man - although the Real Madrid midfielder is lucky he scored in that opening game because his performances haven’t been up to scratch.
Anthony Gordon has only appeared off the bench but there are growing calls for him to startI’d give Palmer the nod on the right and try Anthony Gordon on the left. We'll likely have plenty of the ball and a combination of a bit of pace on one side and guile on the other might give us a lift. Harry Kane down the middle.
Oh, and Phil Foden in the role of No.10. But if he doesn’t produce after an hour, he’s getting the hook, Palmer’s moving inside and Bukayo Saka can take over on the right.
England XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Bellingham; Palmer, Foden, Gordon; Kane.
Alex Richards
England have flattered to deceive so far and Southgate's side have spent far too long with sterile possession. They need more oomph, verticality and aggression. Anthony Gordon would help with that. He wants to run the other way, not just come to the ball.
Too much of England's game is played in front of opponents at present. It needs to change and he gives an out ball in that respect.
The Phil Foden question has dominated the Euros so far for the Three Lions. If he's back on Sunday, give him his head in the No.10 position, give him a base of Rice and Mainoo, and give task him with making a difference.
It may be harsh on Jude Bellingham, but after an unbelievable season, he's running on empty. You can see it. Give him a rest, let him refresh ahead of the last eight. If they can't beat Slovakia without him... Also, if Luke Shaw is fit, start him. No point easing him back in. No point waiting until the quarters or semis, him being rusty and it proving costly. Do it now. Get minutes under his belt and build from there.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane.
Mark Jones
Clearly England need to do something different because this game could very easily descend into the mess that we saw in their last couple of matches, with Slovakia sitting deep and stifling them.
A couple of bold calls need to be made, and I’d do them down the right hand side. Kyle Walker has been a brilliant servant for England but I’m not really sure his pace is needed against sides with a low block, so I’d put Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back where he can drift into the middle and create from a deeper position.
Kieran Trippier is operating as a makeshift left-back at present (Anadolu via Getty Images)It seems like Luke Shaw is going to be fit but I don’t see the need in putting him straight back in from the start, so Kieran Trippier stays at left-back. I’d also go for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield over Conor Gallagher because frankly it’d be more fun to watch.
Then in attack I’m dropping Bukayo Saka, moving Phil Foden to the right where he’s so good for Manchester City and I’d give Anthony Gordon a start on the left. If that team can’t beat Slovakia then they’ve got no hope.
England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Stones, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo, Bellingham; Foden, Kane, Gordon
Daniel Orme
It’s clear that England need changes. The Three Lions have been utterly miserable in Euro 2024 - allowing for a bright 30 minutes against Serbia. Their main problems have boiled down to attack. Chances have been at a premium, while the finishing has left a lot to be desired.
It might be time to give Phil Foden a rest, while the same could certainly be said of Bukayo Saka. Luckily, Gareth Southgate has two of the most in-form wideman in Jarrod Bowen and Cole Palmer at his disposal. Both should be in the starting line-up on Sunday.
While some should argue for Harry Kane to be on the bench, you simply don’t leave out England’s all-time record goalscorer. One further change should come in midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo impressed during his brief cameo against Slovenia and should have done enough to keep his starting spot for the Three Lions. Defence has been solid so should stay the same.
England XI: Pickford; Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Walker; Rice, Mainoo, Bellingham; Palmer, Kane, Bowen
David McDonnell
When they were introduced against Slovenia, Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer showed why they have to start England's last 16 knockout tie with Slovakia. Mainoo should have started the tournament in midfield for England, given the failed experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold and the abandonment of Conor Gallagher there after 45 minutes against Slovenia.
Just like he does for Manchester United, Mainoo's first instinct when he receives the ball is to look to play it forward, unlike the plodding, pedestrian approach that was such a turgid feature of England's midfield play in the group stage.
Mainoo also makes intelligent runs and finds pockets of space, which is a nightmare for opponents, as well as carrying a goal threat, so I would start him ahead of Gallagher.
Kobbie Mainoo's second-half showing on Tuesday night may well earn him a starting berth (Getty Images)The same can be said of Palmer, whose unpredictability when he receives the ball, and his ability to conjure something from nothing in the blink of an eye, allied to his goal threat and composure in possession, means he has to start, ahead of Phil Foden, who has not been at his best and who returned to the U.K. for the birth of his third child, missing vital training sessions.
I would keep the back four as it is, Declan Rice in the holding role, giving Mainoo and Jude Bellingham licence to push forward and attack, with Bukayo Saka on the right, Palmer on the left and Harry Kane through the middle.
Slovakia will sit back, content to absorb pressure from England and hope to hit gareth Soutgate's side on the counter-attack. After such a miserable group stage, Southgate needs to take the handbrake off and allow his players to express themselves with more attacking freedom – the inclusion of Mainoo and Palmer will allow them to do that.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Palmer
David Anderson
Gareth Southgate needs to let off the handbrake and attack Slovakia. England shouldn’t have much defending to do, so it is the ideal game to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in his preferred right-back role. Let him step inside and play the quarter-back role he does so well for Liverpool and be creative from a deeper position.
I don’t know why Gareth Southgate brought Luke Shaw when he hasn’t played since February and knock-out football in the Euros is not the time to bring him back. Instead I’d go with Joe Gomez and he was outstanding at left-back for Liverpool.
In midfield, I’d bring Jude Bellingham back from his No 10 role, when he has been ineffectual in his last two games, and let Phil Foden play in that position. I’d go with Anthony Gordon on the left wing and he deserves his chance after an exceptional season for Newcastle.
The rest of my team is unchanged, but I’d make substitutions a lot quicker than Southgate and Jarrod Bowen and Kobbie Mainoo would be on standby to come after 55 minutes if things need shaking up.
England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Gomez; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane.
Ben Husband
I hate to bring up bad memories, but this Slovakia tie has more than a bit of the Icelands about it. And not just the 2016 debacle, but the defeat a matter of weeks ago. Again, England's inability to move the ball quickly against a low block was exposed and if they can't overcome that on Sunday, they may be on a red eye with red faces come Monday morning.
But enough of the negativity. Let's get England into this tournament. I'm moving Walker to left back, he may be right footed, but unlike Trippier he is happy to carry the ball forward.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's stint in midfield hasn't worked but he could be shifted back to the defensive line (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Alexander-Arnold on the other side, to do the kind of job he actually does for Liverpool. Declan Rice can sit in front, and we only need one - after all we can't replace his old partner. Then we can have Bellingham and Foden further up the field, with Saka on the right and Gordon on the left. Runners beyond Kane will help him as well. It shouldn't be THIS difficult.
England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Walker; Rice, Bellingham, Foden; Saka, Kane, Gordon.
Mike Walters
It won't happen in a month of Sundays, because Gareth Southgate is too conservative (with a small 'c') to change his formation.
But after consulting his players, Bobby Robson changed formation from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 at the Italia 90 World Cup, and guess what? England reached the semi-finals - so what's Southgate got to lose after having beer cups thrown at him in Cologne?
A flat back four and two holding midfielders is weighing England down like lead boots in the deep end, so it's time to let Southgate's cast of attacking talent off the leash. A back three of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Marc Guehi (who has been England's best player at the Euros), please.
Two wing-backs - preferably Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and Bukayo Saka on the left. Three in the middle - Declan Rice sitting deepest, with Jude Bellingham (left) and Phil Foden (right) more advanced. And two up top, with Cole Palmer allowed to drift wide and play off Harry Kane. Do not adjust your sets - that's right, TWO up top, with Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins to come on as genuine impact subs.
Like I said, it won't happen. But perhaps Southgate's "experiments" in live tournament group matches should have started in th warm-up friendlies...
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Alexander-Arnold, Foden, Rice, Bellingham, Saka; Kane, Palmer.
Thomas Wathen
Slovakia await in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 and it's time for Gareth Southgate to pick an England XI that'll bring some excitement to the tournament.
With England still unbeaten and winning Group C, nobody should expect to see many changes - but some big calls and bold decisions might be needed to give us the best chance during the knockout rounds.
Luke Shaw is working hard to regain his fitness (Michael Regan/UEFA via Getty Images)Pickford, Walker, Stones and Guehi all deserve to keep their place in the XI, but I can see Trippier being dropped for Shaw if the Manchester United left-back is fit to start. In midfield, I'd sit Rice as the number six to keep control of the middle of the pitch, with Bellingham and Palmer ahead to get Slovakia constantly on their back foot.
Up top, I'd love to start Bowen ahead of Saka but I can't see Southgate making that call, so I'd pick Arsenal's Star Boy and Newcastle's Gordon to use their pace to support Kane in attack.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Palmer; Saka, Kane, Gordon.
Tom Victor
If England want to get the most out of their squad in this tournament, the attacking shape needs to change.
Starting Harry Kane as a 9 who drops deep and Jude Bellingham as a 10 who occupies too many of the same spaces hasn’t been working. Against a Slovakia side likely to give England plenty of the ball, it’s time to drop Bellingham deeper and introduce Ollie Watkins alongside the captain - while Carlo Ancelotti appeared to have concerns about Bellingham in a deeper role for Real Madrid, that’s unlikely to be as much of an issue in the international game.
Further back, Kieran Trippier’s inclusion at left-back has hamstrung England’s ability to attack fluently from full-back. It might be too ambitious to expect Luke Shaw to be ready to start, so the full-back combo that finished the Slovenia game - Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and Kyle Walker on the left - might be the way to go.
England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Walker; Saka, Bellingham, Rice, Foden; Kane, Watkins
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