The England football team’s performance in their recent 1-1 draw against Denmark at Euro 2024 has come under scrutiny, and BBC Sport pundits Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, and Alan Shearer have voiced their opinions on how the team can improve. One area of criticism is England’s tactics, with the team appearing tactically inferior compared to Denmark. They had fewer shots, shots on target, and touches in the opposition’s box. The pundits also criticized England’s negative approach and lack of pressing.
Rooney believes that the team lacked energy and balance, and he places some blame on the players for not knowing what to do after the game. Fabregas points out that Spain, for example, have a clear plan and are aggressive in their approach. He wants to see more confidence from England when they go forward. Fabregas also suggests that Harry Kane no longer has the legs to press high, which can affect the entire team’s performance.
Shearer emphasizes that England has world-class players, and it is the manager’s job to get the best out of them. He acknowledges that there were glimpses of this in the first game, but overall, he feels there is a lack of energy and a lack of clarity in the team’s plan.
The pundits also discuss the players themselves, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold’s unconventional position in midfield. Rooney questions where players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden fit into the team, suggesting that Bellingham should play deeper and Foden should have more freedom. Shearer expresses surprise at Gareth Southgate’s comments about Kalvin Phillips and suggests that changes need to be made, especially with Alexander-Arnold’s position.
While Rooney believes that the players need to take responsibility for their performance, Shearer argues that the confusion on the field comes from the manager. He feels that the players don’t know when and how to press the opposition, which is a result of the manager’s instructions. Fabregas agrees that every team needs a clear game plan, and if the players don’t know what to do, it’s a problem.
The pundits also discuss the preparation leading up to the tournament. England’s defeat by Iceland in their final warm-up game raised concerns, and Southgate’s admission that using Alexander-Arnold in midfield was an “experiment” didn’t help alleviate those concerns. Fabregas emphasizes the importance of going into detail and having a well-planned game plan. He believes that there is something wrong with England’s approach.
Rooney criticizes Southgate for using the term “experiment” and suggests that if England doesn’t perform well in the tournament, Southgate may regret it. Additionally, the pundits discuss the lack of experience in the team and the need for voices on the field. Rooney would have included Jordan Henderson in the squad, as he believes Henderson brings experience and leadership.
In conclusion, the pundits have highlighted various areas where England can improve, including tactics, player positions, clarity of game plan, and the inclusion of experienced players. They believe that these changes can help England perform better in future matches.