England’s performance at Euro 2024 has ignited a wave of criticism and disappointment among fans and the media. However, it seems that the perception of England’s underwhelming performance is not exclusive to the country itself. Across Europe, there are mixed opinions about Gareth Southgate’s team.
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague expresses his disappointment with England’s performance, highlighting the high expectations built around the team due to their potential and success at club level. He specifically mentions the reliance on “names” rather than players who can fulfill their roles effectively. Balague questions the deployment of Jude Bellingham, who plays a different role for England compared to his position at Real Madrid. He also highlights the lack of wide players and the toxic pressure placed on the team by the media and fans.
French journalist Pierre-Etienne Minonzio, who covers England for L’Equipe, admits his confusion over Southgate’s decisions. He believes that playing Phil Foden on the left is ineffective and draws a parallel with Sven-Goran Eriksson’s attempt to fit all his best midfielders in the same lineup. Minonzio questions Southgate’s passive attitude towards criticism and his reference to Kalvin Phillips, who has not performed well recently. He suggests that Southgate needs to make bold decisions, such as including Cole Palmer in the starting XI or potentially dropping Foden.
Dutch football journalist Arthur Renard acknowledges that group-stage games should not be taken too seriously, but he points out that England’s lack of cohesion and only scoring two goals have raised concerns. However, Renard reminds readers that Portugal drew three times in the group stage of Euro 2016 and went on to win the tournament. He believes that one match can turn everything around for England.
Italian football journalist Daniele Verri notes a shift in perception surrounding England since the beginning of the tournament. While they were initially considered one of the top favorites alongside France, Germany, and Portugal, their performance has been lackluster. Verri highlights players’ fatigue, pressure, and underwhelming performances as reasons for the change in perception. He states that Italy now perceives England as a potentially dangerous team but also one that lacks cohesion and dynamics on the pitch.
The European papers have also echoed the criticism of England’s performance. Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport describes the draw against Slovenia as the breaking point for English fans. German tabloid Bild criticizes those who threw cups at Southgate, acknowledging the frustration but deeming such actions excessive. French outlet Le Monde expresses boredom during England’s matches, while Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf questions their playing style and decision-making.
Despite the criticism, it is worth noting that England still holds a strong position in the tournament. The team has qualified for the knockout stages by finishing first in their group. With a potentially favorable route, England has the opportunity to turn their performance around and prove their critics wrong.