England Scrape Past Serbia in Tense Euro 2024 Opener
England faced their first test of the Euro 2024 tournament, narrowly defeating Serbia 1-0 in their opening group stage match. While the Three Lions secured the crucial three points, the performance left room for improvement, according to former England star Ashley Young.
Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast, Young provided his analysis of England’s displaying, suggesting that Gareth Southgate should consider deploying two number 10s to unlock the team’s attacking potential. The former Everton defender believes this tactical tweak could help England become “more proactive and on the front foot” going forward.
“Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham as reasons to experiment with the midfield setup. He advocated for Foden and Bellingham to operate as the two number 10s, with a single defensive midfielder behind them. This, he argued, would allow the pair to thrive in the pockets of space and create more chances for the team.”
The debate also extended to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance, with Young acknowledging the Liverpool star’s quality but suggesting a cautious approach may have hindered England’s ambition in the second half. The former England international expressed a preference for a single holding midfielder to provide greater attacking impetus.
As England now prepare to face Denmark in their second group game on June 20th, the pressure is on Southgate to address the issues that plagued the Serbia encounter. With a place in the knockout stages on the line, the England boss will be hoping for a more convincing display to ease the nerves of the supporters.
In other football news, the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations has reached the knockout stages, with several big names already eliminated. Senegal, the defending champions, have secured their spot in the quarter-finals, while traditional powerhouses like Nigeria and Morocco have fallen short. Fans will be eager to see which teams emerge victorious in the coming rounds of this prestigious continental tournament.
The UEFA Champions League draw for the 2024/25 season has also been conducted, with several mouthwatering matchups on the horizon. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, will face a stern test against a resurgent Manchester United side, while last year’s finalists, Liverpool and Manchester City, have been pitted against each other in a highly anticipated clash.
Excitement is also building for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The qualification process is already underway, with teams from around the globe vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament. Football enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on the road to the World Cup in the coming years.
In the domestic leagues, the Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup continue to provide thrilling action for fans. As the new season approaches, teams will be hoping to mount a strong challenge for the coveted titles on offer.
With the Euro 2024 tournament now in full swing, the world of football remains captivating, with countless storylines unfolding across various competitions. Fans can look forward to more edge-of-the-seat action in the weeks and months ahead.
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