Ange Postecoglou has warned Gareth Southgate to “play players in their natural positions” after a lopsided system has drawn criticism at Euro 2024.
- England have been lacklustre at Euro 2024
- Southgate facing flak for underwhelming performance
- Postecoglou shared a few bits of advice to the manager
WHAT HAPPENED?
Entering Euro 2024 as one of the favourites, the English team have struggled to live up to expectations. While they remain unbeaten, their performances have been far from convincing. The team’s lacklustre displays have prompted questions about Southgate’s tactical choices, particularly his decision to play certain key players out of their preferred positions in their opening win over Serbia and their draw with Denmark.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
One of the most contentious decisions has been the deployment of Kieran Trippier on his weaker side. Additionally, Phil Foden has been less effective than usual while playing on the left flank, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield pairing with Declan Rice has not produced the anticipated results. These choices have raised concerns about whether the players are being utilized to their fullest potential.
WHAT POSTECOGLOU SAID
Drawing on his extensive experience in international football, Postecoglou suggested that a more stable lineup would benefit England. In an interview with ITV, he remarked: “It’s fairly extreme, particularly here in England. I know there are a lot of reference points where people say, well, in other tournaments in England, have sometimes made radical changes, and it’s worked. I just don’t think that that’s the point they’re at at the moment.
“I’d like to see players just playing in their natural positions to start with. I think that’s your starting point. And I think if you can get midfielders in the midfield areas, wingers in the winger’s areas, and if that’s the way you want to play, I think that helps you get a little bit of stability.”
DID YOU KNOW?
England’s draw with Denmark marked the third consecutive major tournament where they secured four points from their first two games. However, Postecoglou warned against complacency and emphasized that past successes should not lead to a false sense of security. “I think experience does count in this scenario,” he stated.
“Jordan [Pickford] referenced the last two tournaments quite a lot and I’m sure that’s the talk inside the camp. They’ve had four points before. I think the key to that though is you’ve still got to stay in the present. Just because you had four points in the past and things worked out ok, you still didn’t win. Doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen this time so I still think they’ve realised that there needs to be some impetus to their tournament now I think next game gives them the opportunity to do that.
“Some momentum in terms of form, in terms of players maybe playing with a little bit more freedom and a little bit more confidence. Because I think if you don’t get that at some point in the tournament, it will get away from you.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
Postecoglou’s advice comes at a critical juncture for England as the Three Lions are vying to end their group stage at the top spot with a win over Slovenia on June 25. It remains to be seen if Southgate pays heed to the advice from the Australian and rings in the changes to get back on the winning track. With high expectations and intense scrutiny, it is crunch time for Southgate to find the right balance to achieve their Euro 2024 aspirations.
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