FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – JUNE 20: The English team lines up for the national anthem in front of the … (+)
It is fair to say that England did not surprise Europe with their performance at this year’s European Championships.
The “Three Lions” entered the tournament as one of the favorites and struggled to make it to the knockout rounds. They eventually finished first in their group, in which they only managed one win on the first day of play.
England, who on paper have huge attacking potential and are packed with stars, have only managed two goals in three games against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia. It has been a sad affair so far, with the system and players not meshing well together.
England coach Gareth Southgate has been under a lot of scrutiny over the past three games, with fans complaining about the static style of play and the lack of excitement so far.
Other teams – all except Spain – also struggled and dropped points, but England’s overall performance did not give the nation much hope of progressing to the knockout phase.
And yet, incredibly, England have managed to end up on the right side of the draw, facing teams that are theoretically much easier to deal with than those on the other route to the final, which features Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France and Germany.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 25: England coach Gareth Southgate gives instructions to Kobbie … (+)
Tournaments are not won on paper, but given the current situation, England perhaps have no better chances of reaching the final of another major tournament. Given their performance so far, facing Slovakia in the round of 16 will be no formality, but it is still a better game for them than the one they face against the Netherlands, a possible opponent later.
What frustrates fans the most is the inability to create exciting, world-beating plays and intentions. The system seems restrictive and players can’t play to their best.
Southgate was forced to use Kieran Trippier at left-back, partly because he could not find a fit left-back for the team, which hampered the Three Lions’ ability to attack down the left.
In front of Trippier was Phil Foden, whose primary instinct is to come inside and influence the central areas in the final third rather than overpowering his defender and running to the byline. He is not a traditional winger and is pushed into the side and placed on the left flank. Too often Foden and Jude Bellingham, who plays as a number 10, got in each other’s way and clogged up the vulnerable half spaces.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 25: Anthony Gordon of England watches full-time after the team … (+)
Fans want to see Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo on the field more often. Gordon and Palmer only played seven and 25 minutes respectively in the final group match, while Mainoo played a total of 49 minutes in the first and third games.
Southgate’s tactical sense has come under heavy criticism so far in the tournament, leading to fans booing and heckling the team after the final whistle against Slovenia.
The bottom line is that England have come through the group stage as winners and are in a very good position for the tournament. They are expected to go far and it would be embarrassing if they did not at least reach the semi-finals.
At the same time, fans are calling on Southgate to bring in other players who have shown fighting spirit, ambition and enthusiasm when they came on as substitutes – especially Gordon, Mainoo and Palmer.
England needs a boost and these three young players can give the nation what it craves: excitement.
