Wayne Rooney has expressed his concern over England’s defensive performance following their 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final friendly before Euro 2024. The absence of Harry Maguire, who was left out of the squad due to a calf problem, was felt by the team, according to Rooney. He described their defensive display as “disjointed” and highlighted the lack of experience as a contributing factor.
Rooney emphasized the importance of communication and organization in a team, which is often provided by experienced players. He noted that there was a lack of players organizing the press, ensuring the backline was in position, and coordinating the timing of the midfielders and wide men. These issues, Rooney believes, can be addressed through learning and patience.
Despite his concerns about the defense, Rooney is optimistic about England’s chances in the tournament. He praised the attacking prowess of the team and expressed confidence in their ability to take on opponents head-on. However, he stressed the need for a strong backline.
Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, also acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in their defeat to Iceland. He admitted that they were “too stretched” and expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of cohesion in their pressing game.
With injuries to John Stones and Luke Shaw adding to Southgate’s concerns, it is evident that England’s defense will be an area of focus leading up to the tournament. The team will need to address these issues and ensure that they have a solid defensive foundation to support their attacking talents.
Overall, while England may have a promising squad with firepower, their defensive performance will be crucial to their success in Euro 2024. The absence of Harry Maguire has already been felt, and it will be essential for the team to rectify their defensive organization and communication in order to have a strong chance at winning the tournament.