Booed by their own fans and heavily criticised by the media back home, England's Euro 2024 campaign is off to a stuttering start despite picking up four points from their opening two games.
Booed by their own fans and heavily criticised by the media back home, England's Euro 2024 campaign is off to a stuttering start despite picking up four points from their opening two games.
However, Southgate has several fires to fight if the Three Lions are to deliver on the expectation to become European champions for the very first time.In response to questioning over why England have sat back after going in front early in both their opening games, Southgate has conceded his players are not at the physical level needed to press for 90 minutes.
Indeed, Southgate has hinted the opposite is the case as many of his squad had not played a competitive 90 minutes for nearly a month before facing Serbia and finds himself left hoping they will regain match sharpness as the tournament progresses.Southgate's gamble on bringing Luke Shaw as his only natural left-back in a 26-man squad already looks misjudged.
Kieran Tripper has deputised ably at left-back but his tendency to come inside is exacerbated by Phil Foden also wanting to drift infield from a wide left position.Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice remain pivotal to England's hopes despite failing to impress against Denmark, but who plays alongside them in midfield is up for debate.
The quartet of Foden, Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane should be the envy of Europe after they combined for 114 goals in club football in the 2023/24 season.
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