ENGLAND HAVE THREE PLAYERS THAT NEED DROPPING AS GARETH SOUTHGATE WOES WORSEN IN SLOVENIA DRAW
Just a few weeks ago, England fans were convinced football was coming home.
However, after three subdued performances in Germany so far, the Three Lions actually look closer to going home instead.
Sure, England finished top of their group on Tuesday night. Despite failing to beat a Slovenia side ranked 50 places below them in the world rankings, they were let off the hook following a stalemate between Denmark and Serbia.
But make no mistake about it, Gareth Southgate's woes are worsening.
Some England fans targeted the 53-year-old with plastic cups - empty, of course - after the result.
Others took to social media to rage at Southgate, bemused by his failure to get the best from such a star-studded squad.
So far at Euro 2024, the negatives certainly outweigh the positives. Anyone who dares to usher the words 'it's coming home' are likely met with a roll of the eyes, if they're lucky.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Towards the end of the draw with Slovenia, Southgate appeared to stumble on something. Something that could, potentially, alter the whole tournament.
GB News now takes a look at the three players England must drop to the bench when they take part in the round of 16 on Sunday night.
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Kieran Trippier
There's no denying Kieran Trippier is a useful player to have in the England squad.
But playing the Newcastle star at left-back has failed to pay off so far, even if Southgate's side have conceded just once in three matches.
Trippier, as a right-footed player, is slowing England down. He always requires an extra touch, something that Luke Shaw wouldn't if he was fully fit.
Against Slovenia, he made way for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the closing stages of the clash.
Kyle Walker was then shunted to left-back, with Alexander-Arnold posing a threat with the creativity he offers.
And that's a change that Southgate would be wise to make for Sunday's round of 16 clash. Walker's speed means he can cover ground Trippier cannot, while Alexander-Arnold's ability with the ball makes him worthy of inclusion. Just not in midfield...
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Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher was given the chance to start for England, having previously come off the bench in matches with Serbia and Denmark.
But this decision backfired, with the Chelsea star hooked after just 45 minutes.
It isn't Gallagher's fault. He brings energy but, when it comes to his ability on the ball, there are question marks over his game.
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Certainly, his flat showing was in stark contrast to the enterprising performance of Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo.
Though only 19, the Red Devils star showed experience beyond his years. He provides England with control in midfield, something they've lacked while out in Germany so far.
Mainoo, simply put, has to start. If he does, England may just find themselves capable of keeping the ball and doing something with it.
Phil Foden
This is a controversial take.
But Phil Foden is a No 10, not a winger. Yes, he's played there for Manchester City - but the brilliance of his team-mates at the Etihad Stadium makes that area far more comfortable for him to operate in.
England can only play with one No 10 due to Southgate's tactics.
And though he's struggled over the past two games, Jude Bellingham is the right player to be used in that position. His performance against Serbia on matchday one remains the best any attack-minded Three Lions star has managed at the tournament so far.
Cole Palmer, like Mainoo, has to play. He was brilliant off the bench against Slovenia, posing a constant threat as England chased a late winner.
Foden can, of course, come on when England need him to. But it's worth rolling the dice with Palmer, who deserves to be unleashed from the start.
2024-06-26T08:00:30Z dg43tfdfdgfd