Gareth Southgate has to make big changes to get the Three Lions firing in their final Group C game on Tuesday
England manager Gareth Southgate adopted a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach to England's second game at Euro 2024 against Denmark, but 90 minutes later his side looked utterly kaput and quick fixes are now needed to put things right in their last Group C game against Slovenia.
The Three Lions may still be top of the group and almost certainly heading into the knockout stages, but their ragged performance against Denmark suggested they will not be going very far in Germany unless they drastically improve. And they will need to beat Slovenia to ensure they finish top of the pack and ensure what is likely to be a more favourable draw towards the latter stages.
Southgate fell into a familiar trap of cramming the best players in his squad on to the pitch without thinking of how they actually work together in Frankfurt, and now he must make big calls. That means dropping Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold while resting other key players who looked jaded after playing two games in quick succession.
GOAL picks the team Southgate should put out to ensure they finish the group strongly and to avoid an angry backlash from fans who are already voicing their frustrations…
GettyGK: Jordan Pickford
Pickford is one of few England players to have escaped criticism so far as he kept a clean sheet against Serbia while there was nothing he could do to stop Morten Hjulmand's rocket for Denmark.
AdvertisementGetty RB: Kyle Walker
Walker has been top-class so far in Germany, contributing to both of England's goals and limiting the damage at the back. He is also showing few signs of tiredness despite recently turning 34.
(C)Getty ImagesCB: Lewis Dunk
John Stones has been showing signs of tiredness in both matches and is due a rest. Brighton centre-back Dunk is good on the ball and is adept at baiting the press. Although he has not always performed at his best in an England shirt, he is due another chance to put things right.
Getty CB: Marc Guehi
Guehi has had a very good tournament, looking solid in both matches, save for one moment when he lost the ball in a dangerous position against Denmark. He compensated with a perfectly-timed tackle and England will need his calm presence on the ball to ensure they navigate their way out of their final Group C game.