England manager Gareth Southgate has been carefully considering the balance of the midfield ahead of Euro 2024. With key players Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, and Mason Mount currently unavailable, Southgate has been experimenting with different personnel and positions. In a recent 3-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Conor Gallagher impressed in midfield alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, who delivered a standout performance and even scored a stunning volley from his more familiar right-back role.
Southgate expressed his satisfaction with Alexander-Arnold’s performance in midfield, noting that it is a position the Liverpool player is still discovering. He emphasized the importance of having different options and strategies to tackle the challenges that different teams will pose in the tournament. However, there remains some uncertainty about Alexander-Arnold’s ability to fulfill a midfield role against top opponents, as a knee injury prevented Southgate from testing him in matches against Brazil and Belgium in March.
The England manager acknowledged that while he knows what players like Gallagher, Mainoo, and Wharton can and cannot do, Alexander-Arnold’s capabilities in midfield against elite opponents remain unknown. Southgate is trying to find the right balance in the midfield, especially considering the presence of Declan Rice. He anticipates facing teams with a back five formation and believes that England has good options both in terms of the starting lineup and adapting during matches.
The composition of England’s midfield has long been a puzzle, but the emergence of young talents like Mainoo and Wharton suggests a promising future. Mainoo, who played a key role in Manchester United’s FA Cup final win, recently joined the England camp, while Wharton impressed on his debut off the bench. Wharton’s calmness and ability to read the game quickly have caught Southgate’s attention, particularly considering the challenges he has faced over the past year.
Southgate’s decision to bring on Wharton during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was pre-planned, just like the introduction of Harry Kane. Kane, who had been recovering from a back injury, scored upon his return, replacing Ollie Watkins. Southgate prioritizes getting Kane up to speed over determining his backup striker, although Ivan Toney will be involved in the upcoming match against Iceland.
In conclusion, Southgate’s focus on the midfield balance for England’s Euro 2024 campaign highlights the importance of finding the right combination of players and tactics. While Alexander-Arnold’s potential in midfield remains uncertain, the emergence of young talents like Mainoo and Wharton offers hope for an exciting future. Southgate’s strategic decisions, such as pre-planned substitutions and prioritizing Kane’s fitness, demonstrate his commitment to achieving success in the tournament.