Gareth Southgate is not having a good weekend. The English head coach has been bombarded with criticism from all sides following his team’s poor showing in their first two Euro 2024 fixtures. While England picked a 1-0 win over Serbia, they were held to a 1-1 draw against Denmark earlier this week. This leaves the team in a tough position as they need at least a draw against Slovenia if they want to make it to the knockouts.

Apart from the team’s performances, experts aren’t on board with Gareth Southgate’s team selection policy as he continues to field Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield despite poor outings from the player. Southgate tried to defend his decision following the draw against Denmark, claiming the English team lacked depth in their midfield. That probably has to be one of the most bizarre statements this year, considering England’s quality on the pitch.

USMNT legend Alexi Lalas seemed stunned by the manager’s claims as he ripped apart Gareth Southgate, during his appearance on Fox Sports. Lalas was all over the manager, stating, “I recognize I have a very small brain, but that brain is exploding right now. Cry me a river. What do you guys call it over there whining? Quit whining! It’s absolutely ridiculous. The embarrassment of talent, the wealth of ability that exists on this team. Figure it out. And if you are the manager and you arrive at the tournament and haven’t figured it out, then that’s on you.”

Lalas isn’t the only one who has taken offense with Gareth Southgate’s comments. Many experts feel the English manager has failed to make the most of his players, so far, during the Euros. It will be interesting to see how England bounces back with their place in the knockouts on the line against Slovenia.

Gareth Southgate on his last legs as Three Lions face Slovenia

The English head coach will have to pull out all the stops in the team’s final group-stage game. Despite fans counting England as the favorite for the title, nothing from their last two outings shows the side deserves to lift the trophy. With the results not going the team’s way, Gareth Southgate is 100% on his way out if the team cannot make it to the knockouts. The pressure is mounting on the manager, and, for now, he keeps hanging by a thread.

Gareth Southgate needs to ensure the team does not get too defensive early in the contest. England has sat back after scoring the opening goal in their previous encounters. It is something that does not suit a team with such great attacking potential.

The manager will also have to sharpen his midfield with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice, not working according to his plans. Maybe a start for Conor Gallagher could be a step in the right direction, and then we’ll see how Southgate takes it from there.