Gareth Southgate’s England team finds themselves in a familiar position once again – drawing their second group game in a major tournament. While remaining unbeaten and on the precipice of advancing to the next round, the lackluster performances in the goalless draws against Scotland and the USA, as well as the 1-1 stalemate with Denmark, have raised serious questions about the team’s tactics and overall approach.
One prevalent concern is why an England side filled with talented players from clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, who are known for their aggressive pressing style, has been so passive and lacking in energy. Pundits and fans alike have wondered why the team has been sitting back in a low block instead of taking control of midfield battles. This lack of pressing allowed Denmark’s Morten Hjulmand to exploit space and score a magnificent equalizer. Former England defender Rio Ferdinand points out that the current balance of the team is preventing players from reaching their full potential, with players like Phil Foden being played out of position. The tactical questions surrounding the team’s pressing, positioning, and overall cohesion are concerning and need to be addressed.
Another area of concern is England’s midfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled to make an impact in recent games, leading to speculation about whether he should be replaced. Former England defender Izzy Christiansen suggests playing someone else alongside Declan Rice or dropping Jude Bellingham deeper. Additionally, there are suggestions to experiment with playing Alexander-Arnold at left-back instead of Kieran Trippier. These decisions will require Southgate to make bold choices during a live tournament, which could either lead to success or failure.
One of the most significant talking points is the performance of England’s star striker, Harry Kane. While his scoring record for England is impressive, he has appeared peripheral and ineffective for long periods during matches. Comparisons have been drawn to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with both players being prolific goal scorers but lacking in intense pressing. Ex-England striker Gary Lineker believes that Kane needs to be asked to do more by his manager and create space for the midfield players behind him. Fellow former Three Lions forward Alan Shearer emphasizes the importance of players running beyond Kane and stretching the defense to create opportunities. It is clear that England’s success heavily relies on getting the best out of their star striker.
While there was some surprise at the criticism following the draw against Serbia, there is a more accepting atmosphere this time around. England’s past experience of reaching the final after drawing their second group game at the Euros provides some hope, but Southgate must address the pressing concerns raised by these performances. The team’s lack of intensity, tactical issues in midfield, and the effectiveness of their star striker are all areas that need immediate attention and improvement if England wants to succeed in Euro 2024.