Gary Neville begs Gareth Southgate to ‘disrupt’ England’s starting XI as he names TWO stars who must play vs Slovenia
GARY NEVILLE has urged Gareth Southgate to “disrupt” England’s starting XI against Slovenia.
The former Three Lions defender believes two players must come into the team for the final group stage match.
England face Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday night as they look to book their place in the last 16.
A win will see Southgate’s side top the group, with a draw enough to assure progression.
The win over Serbia and draw against Denmark have already given England four points, which will likely be enough to finish as one of the best third place teams if necessary.
However, the draw with Denmark has prompted a debate over the team selection against Slovenia, with Neville now giving his thoughts.
Speaking during ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage, he admitted a change in midfield and out wide is needed.
Neville revealed: “He’ll disrupt it, he has to. He talked about a partner for Rice and maybe some pace up-front alongside Kane.
“That’s Gordon and that’s Mainoo. Rice must have a partner in midfield that can help get us playing out from the back.
“I do actually think he could be disruptive enough to do what he’s done in previous tournaments, which is go to a three at the back. But it’s that left wing-back slot which is a little bit difficult for Gareth.”
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Mainoo played the final four minutes against Serbia but was an unused substitute for the second match with Denmark.
Southgate instead introduced Conor Gallagher into the midfield off the bench on Thursday.
The Manchester United midfielder is coming off the back of a breakthrough season and has won four caps since his debut in March.
He also put in a man of the match display on his first start against Belgium earlier this year.
As for Gordon, who also made his debut in March, he has yet to feature in the tournament.
However, he was able to start the final warm-up match against Iceland after recovering from an ankle injury.
The Newcastle winger scored 11 goals and added 10 assists in the Premier League last term.
Southgate has so far opted to introduce Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze off the bench in the first two matches.
England have won five of their six previous meetings with Slovenia, drawing once.
The two sides also met in their final group fixture at the 2010 World Cup, with Jermain Defoe scoring in a 1-0 Three Lions victory.