Fans slam Gareth Southgate’s ‘Sunday League’ tactics as Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment fails miserably
ENGLAND fans have slammed Gareth Southgate for his “Sunday League” tactics against Denmark.
Southgate selected Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield in a repeat starting XI of the team that beat Serbia 1-0.
Things appeared to be going well when Harry Kane tapped home a deflected Kyle Walker cross after 18 minutes.
However, Morten Hjlumand equalised with a fine strike from range after 34 minutes.
England had retreated into themselves after the opener, a fact Jamie Carragher highlighted.
Southgate made his first roll of the dice with a personnel switch with Conor Gallagher replacing Alexander-Arnold after 54 minutes.
And fans were left upset at the Liverpool star, who most often plays right-back for his club, seemingly only being selected in midfield for his passing range.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “Slapping a man in midfield cos he’s good at passing is so Sunday league lmao, how is it happening at the highest level?”
A second said: “It’s soooooo forced it’s a joke, Southgate is playing Fifa.”
A third said: “Slapping an RB in midfield due to his long range passing but having no pace outlet on either side.”
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Another said: “Southgate wants Trent playing QB but doesn’t have any runners up top. I have to laugh.”
Southgate later shocked fans as he made a triple substitution by hauling off his attack of Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden for Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen.
But ironically, with Alexander-Arnold, 25, already off the pitch the best player to exploit the added mobility was unable to use it.
ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGS
ENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.