England’s performance in Euro 2024 has come under scrutiny, with criticism from fans and pundits alike. The team’s 1-1 draw against Denmark left much to be desired, and the negative reaction from the crowd was palpable. Former player Alan Shearer, along with Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand, expressed their disappointment in the team’s performance. Shearer believes that while England may be at the top of their group and unbeaten, their performance on the field was far from satisfactory.
One factor that adds to the pressure on the players is the increased scrutiny they face due to social media. England manager Gareth Southgate has addressed this issue with the team, emphasizing that all eyes are on them during this tournament. Shearer agrees, noting that the players are better off staying focused and blocking out the noise from the media and public.
Shearer draws from his own experience during Euro ’96 when England faced criticism before the tournament even began. The team had a siege mentality and used the negative coverage as motivation. Manager Terry Venables created a positive environment within the team, alleviating pressure and allowing them to thrive. Shearer suggests that Southgate must do the same in order to shield his players from criticism.
Shearer also highlights specific shortcomings in England’s performance. He points out that players like John Stones and Declan Rice are not playing to their full potential for the national team, unlike their performances for their respective clubs. Shearer believes that Southgate needs to find a way to get the best out of his players and address issues such as lack of energy, poor pressing, and imbalance in midfield.
Despite the criticism, Shearer acknowledges that tournament football can bring quick turnarounds. He recalls how a penalty save against Scotland in Euro ’96 changed the momentum for England, leading to a successful run in the tournament. Shearer believes that this current England team needs a similar spark to turn things around.
In conclusion, England’s performance in Euro 2024 has been underwhelming, leading to criticism from fans and pundits. The team must block out the noise and focus on improving their performance. Manager Gareth Southgate plays a crucial role in creating a positive environment within the team. Individual players need to step up and perform at their best, while the team as a whole must address areas of improvement. Shearer remains hopeful that a spark can ignite the team’s performance and turn their fortunes around in the tournament.