Just moments ago, England kicked off their 2024 UEFA Euro campaign against Serbia. While they did secure a crucial three points in their opening group stage fixture, it was a nail-bitingly close victory. The focus of the post-match analysis has shifted to Gareth Southgate, who is now under fire from potential Manchester United successor, Erik ten Hag, for his perceived ‘passive‘ game strategy.

A 13th-minute strike from Jude Bellingham was enough to keep the Three Lions on cruise control as they couldn’t seal the win with a more attacking display. Instead, things remained relatively stagnant, something that the Red Devils manager wasn’t letting slide easily. Making his remarks as a pundit in the post-match show and as complied by @TheEuropeanLad on X, he remarked, “England were playing very passive. I actually saw them moving backwards, they kept Serbia coming at them.”

However, ten Hag has a different take, placing the blame on Southgate’s tactical decisions. As reported by @centredevils on X, he commented,  “It’s the vision of the manager [Southgate]. England will take a 1-0 lead, then he [Southgate] decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.” This critique from the United manager has sparked a debate over Southgate’s approach.

Ironically, the current England boss was touted to replace ten Hag at Old Trafford after the Dutchman’s future was up in the air. However, the board and INEOS gave the green light to the former Ajax man to stay. Perhaps some superiority show from ten Hag over his potential replacement’s tactical display. But let’s crunch the numbers to know if Southgate was at fault.

England’s win over Serbia in numbers as questions raised at Gareth Southgate

Serbia took six shots, one more than England, but only managed to keep one on target. In contrast, England’s lads kept three of their shots on target. The Harry Kane-led side ended the game with a 54% possession, while Dragan Stojkovic’s side had 46%. Despite these numbers, it’s a performance that England should be proud of.

England should have deployed more attacking jets tonight. Eyebrows will be raised even more as skipper Kane, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka were expected to show their creativity but failed. Though Bellingham showcased that his Real Madrid form is still alive on the international front, they shouldn’t solely rely on their No. 10. Yet, the benefit of the doubt can be given to them; tonight’s match might have been a trial one.

Still, all eyes are on Gareth Southgate and Co. as they are expected to seek redemption for losing last edition’s disappointment. Let’s see if things change for them in the next stage. Otherwise, Erik ten Hag’s jab may turn out to be true.