Football News Update: England Struggle Ahead of Euro 2024 Qualifiers
In the run-up to the highly anticipated Euro 2024 qualifiers, former England striker Gary Lineker has expressed concerns about the national team’s recent performances. Lineker, who hosts the popular “Rest Is Football” podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, believes England are now “distinct second favourites” against Switzerland after a display against Slovakia that he deemed “a bit archaic at times”.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, had previously guided the team to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. However, much of the goodwill towards Southgate appears to have dissipated, as rumblings of discontent emerged during their 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual runners-up, France.
Lineker, a legendary figure in English football, was critical of England’s tactical approach and style of play, stating that the team “don’t seem to know what they are doing or how the team should be playing”. He added that the current style is “alien to most of them” and that the players “look a little bit lost”.
Shearer, another former England striker and Lineker’s co-host, was equally unimpressed with the team’s performance against Slovakia, describing it as “so bad it was untrue” and “desperation stuff” at times. Shearer believes England need to “massively improve all over the park” to have a chance against Switzerland.
Richards, the third member of the “Rest Is Football” podcast team, echoed these concerns, stating that England’s “overall play needs a lot of work” and that they are “tactically a mile off”. He questioned the team’s tactical approach, wondering “What are we trying to do?” and suggesting that the manager’s message is unclear.
As the focus shifts to the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, England’s performances will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike. The team will need to address the tactical and strategic issues highlighted by these experienced analysts if they are to secure their place in the tournament and potentially challenge for the title.
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