The Euro 2024 Thread

[Deutsch Wolf]

PLAYER REVIEWS PART 2: ENGLAND, EURO 2024

Completing the run down of Gareth Southgate's final squad

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[Sniffer]

Difficult to disagree with anything there. Looking back at the tournament many of the faults of both the team and the players can be thrown back at Southgate. He is undoubtedly a decent man, he took us further in tournaments than anyone since Ramsey, with the exception of a functioning left back the squad was probably right but....

The left hand side was a problem in all games. Even when we controlled the first halves against Switzerland and the Netherlands, which were our two best halves in the tournament, everything had to move inside and go to the right.
The centre midfield was a problem when we had 4 at the back but for me Rice/Mainoo looked fit for purpose when we went 3 at the back. We had a final group game where we had already qualified and there was room to experiment or rest players yet neither Wharton or Bellingham were tried in roles that could have suited them. We'll never know if it would have worked but throwing Bellingham back when he's already blowing out of his arse doesn't count as trying him there. This could have meant trying Gordon wide left and to see if this gave the side the balance it so desperately needed.
The three attacking midfielders did not suit Harry Kane at all.
Harry Kane did not look fit.
After a couple of bright performances Foden effectively had a job of man marking Rodri in the final.
I understand why he wanted to go to a four in the final but in doing so it exposed the flaws seen in previous games and left the team unbalanced again.