Gareth Southgate‘s tactics have once been under fire, with the Three Lions putting on a subpar performance against Serbia. Despite the team picking up a much-needed win, experts were not impressed with England’s performance. While Harry Kane and Co. had a good start in the first 20 minutes of the game, the team failed to create a hole in Serbia’s defense in the following minutes. Phil Foden, who started as the team’s No. 10 over Jude Bellingham, looked lackluster in the unfamiliar role as the player failed to make an impact for his national team.
Former English star Jamie Carragher touched down on the team’s display following the game as he claimed Gareth Southgate needs to stop experimenting in such a major tournament. The pundit claimed, “There has been a lot of talk about Bellingham being deeper to allow Foden to play as the 10. England’s opening goal shows why it has to be Bellingham in that role. After an encouraging start that turned into a satisfactory rather than an excellent win for England. They ran out of steam as the game progressed.”
'England’s opening goal shows why it has to be Bellingham in that role'
✍ @Carra23#TelegraphFootball | #EURO2024
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 16, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There were a lot of expectations on Phil Foden heading into the game. The Manchester City star had a phenomenal season for his club, with the player bagging the PWA Player of the Year award. However, his performance in the opening game against Serbia was nowhere close to the standards fans expect from him.
Jamie O’Hara rips into Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Former Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara was less than pleased with England’s performance against Serbia in their Euro opener. The player-turned-manager seemed displeased with Gareth Southgate’s selection as he felt the Three Lions were nowhere close to how fans expected them to perform. O’Hara also questioned Southgate’s decision to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield while slamming Phil Foden to deliver for his country.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During a watch along with TalkSport, O’Hara stated, “Phil Foden should be off the pitch. I’m sorry I love him. He has been unbelievable this season. But he’s ineffective in an England shirt. Trent, I think that’s the last game we’ll see him play in midfield. I just don’t think he’s good enough in the midfield. He’s not comfortable there, he’s gonna give the ball away. I mean he made just one change, I mean come on.”
It will be interesting to see if Gareth Southgate changes his approach after the recent criticism. What are your thoughts on England’s performance tonight? Let us know in the comments below.