1. To the rhythm of " Dancing in the Dark ," one of Bruce Springsteen's greatest hits of all time, 20,000 British fans at the Frankfurt Arena sang along to "Phil Foden's on fire."
The song, composed by professional fans, resonated with optimism as the match against Denmark was about to begin. But when the game ended, the atmosphere was replaced by disappointment with the 1-1 draw and the poor performance of the "Three Lions" .
English football fans didn't want to know anything about their players, and even less about manager Gareth Southgate. There were even some boos as the players walked towards the stands to greet the fans.
"We always need the fans. I have to say they were very impressive in the stands, and I can completely understand their disappointment with how we played," Southgate said dejectedly at the end of the match. He admitted, "It was my fault."
England seemed non-existent. In their disarray, the talents of Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and the goalscoring prowess of Harry Kane were buried in a dull, disjointed game. Each player could only try their best individually to create something when the team was powerless.
The lack of tactical ideas has lowered the standing of the team that was considered the number one contender for the EURO 2024 title.
2. With 4 points, England are virtually unthreatened about securing a place in the EURO 2024 Round of 16. At the very least, they will be among the four best third-placed teams.
However, a sense of unease had settled within a group that at this moment seemed unaware of what they were doing.
In the Frankfurt press conference room, Southgate reached for a bottle of water while his face showed the anguish of someone who had become the target of criticism.
Southgate sipped his water slowly while listening to sharp questions from the British press. One of them went straight to the heart of his tactical approach against Serbia and Denmark.
They asked him about Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's right-back, playing in central midfield. This was an invention Southgate employed at the EUROs to maintain the failing 4-3-3 formation.
"We know this is just an experiment, we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips, but we are trying some other players. At the moment, England isn't performing as we'd like, that's for sure," Southgate admitted.
The inclusion of Phillips came as a surprise to the British press, as Southgate himself had removed the player from the list, citing his lack of fitness.
3. In England, the debate over the absences wasn't just focused on Phillips. The lack of creativity in the first two games led to criticism of Southgate for leaving out Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford.
Southgate has always been criticized for building teams based on players' names rather than their performances. He's now blaming himself.
"The team wasn't working effectively, and that's my responsibility. I'm in control, and I have to find a solution. The players are giving their all . We weren't passing effectively and conceded goals too easily," he explained regarding the poor performance against Denmark.
"The pressure the team is putting on isn't strong enough, and that's causing us problems. The team needs to find a more flexible approach," Southgate continued. "These players aren't lacking in effort, but we need to find more quality."
Southgate, who has threatened to step down if England don't win the title, is expected to make changes from the final group stage match. "We are disappointed with the level of performance in the last two games, and now the team must analyze deeply and address the problems we have."
The new solution starts with no longer having Alexander-Arnold play in midfield. His position will be given to young players like Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) or Wharton (Crystal Palace).
EURO 2024 is not for inventions. At least not in the case of Southgate and England.
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Stunning WAGs electrify England fans in the stands.
Despite England drawing 1-1 with Denmark, the WAGs (wives and girlfriends of the players) did not disappoint as they came to the stadium to cheer on the Three Lions.
English fans are angry because Gareth Southgate forgot to mention one person.
Fans in England have expressed their displeasure at manager Southgate benching Cole Palmer, despite England's poor performances in their last two matches at Euro 2024.
Video highlights of Denmark 1-1 England - Group C EURO 2024
Denmark dominated the game but lacked luck and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with England in Group C of EURO 2024.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/euro-2024-southgate-pha-nat-doi-tuyen-anh-2294133.html
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