FANS were left fuming with Gareth Southgate’s decision to start Conor Gallagher against Slovenia when the midfielder was hooked at half-time.
Chelsea star Gallagher, 24, was selected in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The change did not work well, however, with stats suggesting that Gallagher struggled to make an impact.
As pointed out by Statman Dave, during the first 45 minutes he completed 17 passes at a success rate of 85 per cent.
He also did not complete a dribble or win a tackle.
Gallagher didn’t create a chance or attempt a shot, prior to being hooked for Kobbie Mainoo at half-time.
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With Southgate having ditched his Alexander-Arnold experiment, only to sub Gallagher at half-time, fans were left scratching their flags.
One wrote: “Southgate can’t make his mind up with this midfield! This is so poor from a England manager.”
While a second fumed: “Two and a half games in and Southgate is on his third plan for centre midfield. You’d laugh if it wasn’t so worrying.”
A third moaned: “Incredible Southgate think the only problem is that other central midfield position next to Rice, absolute madness!!!”
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England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs Slovenia
ENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.
England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.
SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.
Kieran Trippier – 6
The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.
Marc Guehi – 7
Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.
John Stones – 6
One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.
Kyle Walker – 5
Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.
Conor Gallagher – 4
Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.
Declan Rice – 7
Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.
Phil Foden – 7
Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.
Harry Kane – 6
Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7
Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.
Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7
Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6
Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.
Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6
Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.
And a fourth commented: “Mad how Southgate has no idea what his best midfield combo is.”
And another added: “Another failed midfield experiment by Southgate. You have to laugh!”
England need superhero Bellingham back to have any chance of winning Euro 2024
JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024, writes Charlie Wyett.
Yet we have not seen much from the boy wonder since.
Maybe he left his cloak in the dressing room at Gelsenkirchen and is still looking for it.
But he needs to discover in time for the last 16 tie this weekend otherwise England are knackered.
Approaching the serious part of Euro 2024, this team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.
At times against Slovenia, Bellingham just looked lost.
Let’s hope he can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.
Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.
Read Charlie Wyett’s England vs Slovenia verdict in full.
Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 stories.
Mainoo’s introduction did not go on to make the difference that Southgate would have hoped.
The match eventually meandered to a drab 0-0 draw, with fans left unimpressed.
England’s result saw them top the group after Denmark failed to capitalise – also drawing 0-0 with Serbia in Munich.
KOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield.
I think he showed why in the second half tonight.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
