England are in a rut and fans are quick to slam Gareth Southgate… but big-name stars aren’t delivering, says Carragher
LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher has accused some England players of “not turning up” at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions were held to a dull 0-0 draw by Slovenia on Tuesday.
They subsequently topped Group C with five points – but fans were left unsatisfied following three underwhelming performances.
While many have criticised manager Gareth Southgate for his tactical approach, Carragher believes the players should take some more responsibility.
In his column for The Telegraph, he wrote: “So far, England’s stars have not turned up and their best performances have been in the pre-match interviews.
“When Harry Kane and Declan Rice came out fighting after the criticism that followed the Denmark draw, no one was applauding them more than me.
“They looked and sounded like the leaders they are. The trouble is, when you speak like that, you have to back it up where it really matters. To me, that made the Slovenia performance the worst yet.”
The Liverpool icon went on to cite Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham‘s outstanding form at club level, questioning why they have been unable to replicate it on the international stage.
England’s stars have not turned up and their best performances have been in the pre-match interviews.”
Jamie Carragher
He continued: “Southgate has backed his senior players throughout his reign. He continued to do so with his Slovenia selection, drowning out the noise demanding wholesale changes. After analysing the game, he cannot resist that any longer.
“England need a radical solution, and that means leaving out big names because others deserve their chance to shine.
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England player ratings: Southgate's Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs Slovenia
ENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.
England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.
SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.
Kieran Trippier – 6
The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.
Marc Guehi – 7
Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.
John Stones – 6
One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.
Kyle Walker – 5
Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.
Conor Gallagher – 4
Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.
Declan Rice – 7
Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.
Phil Foden – 7
Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.
Harry Kane – 6
Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7
Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.
Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7
Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6
Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.
Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6
Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.
“The obvious inclusions for the round of 16 are [Kobbie] Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon. Like Mainoo, Palmer impressed as substitute against Slovenia, and the team are more balanced with Gordon’s pace.
“Ripping up part of the team and starting again may be against Southgate’s instincts. He has never had to do it before in tournament football. Now he goes into every game knowing it could be his last as the England manager.
“The alternative is more of the same, with players trying to paint a positive picture based on the fact England won the group and are unbeaten.”
England broke an unwanted European Championship record following Tuesday’s match against Slovenia.
Having topped Group C with five points and two goals scored, the Three Lions contributed to the joint lowest-scoring group in European Championship history.
England are set to play in the round-of-16 on Sunday, with their opponents yet to be determined.