Football News: Southgate Faces Tough Decisions Ahead of Denmark Clash
As England prepare to face Denmark in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday evening, former England stars Frank Lampard and Gary Neville have urged manager Gareth Southgate to consider a change in his starting XI.
The Three Lions secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia last Sunday, with a first-half header from Jude Bellingham giving them the lead. However, they struggled to maintain control in the second half, leading Lampard and Neville to suggest that Southgate should re-evaluate his midfield options.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool right-back, played in midfield for England against Serbia, but both Lampard and Neville believe he may not be the best fit for that role. Lampard, the former Chelsea midfielder, suggested that Southgate should consider giving 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo a chance in the middle of the park.
“I think I would look at Kobbie Mainoo and think about putting him in,” Lampard told BBC Sport. “These kids sometimes come along and they just settle straight into the team. And they just have this awareness. He plays that pass through the lines, and you need to be able to find the pass at the right time.”
Neville, the former Manchester United and England right-back, echoed Lampard’s sentiments, stating that balance in the midfield is crucial as England progress through the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
“Balance demands that, as the tournament progresses, Alexander-Arnold may be sacrificed in midfield and Kobbie Mainoo played instead,” Neville said on ITV. “Every good team has a player who can receive a ball on the half turn, set the rhythm of the team and control a game.”
With the Champions League and FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Southgate will be keen to find the right balance in his England squad. The Africa Cup of Nations Standings and the Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup will also be closely monitored as the manager looks to build a team capable of challenging for major trophies.
As the Women’s World Cup kicks off this summer, the England women’s national team will also be aiming to make their mark on the global stage. Fans of Football News will be eagerly awaiting updates on all these competitions in the coming months.
🔗 Source