Ahead of the Slovenia match, there was a lot of negativity surrounding Gareth Southgate and England. Their defensive-minded playstyle irked many and the knives are out once again following the draw against Slovenia. However, a prominent pundit insists that the manager isn’t to blame. Instead, he said, ‘England made it tough for themselves.’ What could be his rationale? Let’s find out below.

Speaking on the ESPN FC Show, Steve Nicol believes that some of Gareth Southgate’s decisions are indeed questionable. But there are far bigger issues than the manager. Southgate revealed, “Players have to play. They have to get their head right, they have to get their attitude right and they have to go and produce.” In fact, Nicol didn’t seem particularly unimpressed with the performance of Phil Foden.

He added that Foden and Harry Kane had exchanged only 1 pass in the game. It’s not a good look for the attacking duo. Steve Nicol also gave this theory on why Jude Bellingham hasn’t hit the heights expected of him so far. He revealed, “Bellingham is a guy who’s who’s at his best certainly in an attacking sense getting in the box.” According to the pundit, due to the current English system, he’s not sure of what’s going on.

Nicol also added that the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold and Conor Gallagher didn’t work in midfield. However, he insisted that the substitution of Mainoo in the second half did wonders. Interestingly, Gareth Southgate has used the Manchester United man very sparingly despite his fine form, and that has come in for criticism.

Paul Scholes laments Gareth Southgate’s ‘obsession’

Unlike Steve Nicol, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is not impressed with Gareth Southgate’s tactics. The iconic midfielder did not enjoy Trent being picked in the midfield and Phil Foden’s displays. Notably, the Manchester City star has yet to score or assist in the Euros. But what Scholes is most unhappy about is Southgate’s mindset. He said, “Why are we so obsessed with energy when we should be obsessed with brains?.”

Paul Scholes is possibly hinting at Gareth Southgate’s preference for Connor Gallagher over Kobbie Mainoo. He said, “If Kobbie Mainoo came in, all of a sudden you have control, you have a player who makes your team play football.” Considering Mainoo’s impact today, will Southgate pay heed to Scholes’ words? England’s upcoming Euro selection will make for an interesting watch.