GARETH SOUTHGATE will stand by his beliefs rather than stand down Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold against Denmark.
Southgate is expected to name an unchanged side for England’s second Euro 2024 group game in Frankfurt on Thursday evening.
Foden and Alexander-Arnold faced criticism after Sunday’s patchy 1-0 win over Serbia.
But the Three Lions’ boss is generally reluctant to alter his line-ups so early in major competitions.
And he believes much of the negative assessment of the two players is unwarranted, particularly of Foden.
In fact, Southgate claimed the Manchester City playmaker’s “unsexy” work off the ball made the difference against Serbia – even though it was the brilliant Jude Bellingham who headed the only goal.
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He is also tipped to stick with the extra creativity in midfield of converted Liverpool wing-back Alexander-Arnold.
Bringing in a grafter like Conor Gallagher might be seen as a safer option.
Or introducing a passer such as Adam Wharton would be a hit with fans.
But Southgate is keeping faith with an XI that, it should be remembered, was widely viewed as a sensible selection BEFORE the Serbia game.
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How fans and pundits reacted to Southgate playing Foden on the left wing
GARETH SOUTHGATE has been widely criticised for his use of Phil Foden following the uninspired 1-0 Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.
The Premier League Player of the Year had a sublime season at Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in yet another title-winning season.
Foden often shone brightest as a No10, but was allowed to roam freely behind Erling Haaland to wreak maximum chaos.
Despite putting in a staggering 13.2km shift in England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, fans and pundits alike were left frustrated by Foden’s isolation on the left-wing.
After the game. ex-England star said: “I don’t think Phil Foden played well, he didn’t get into it.”
Micah Richards added: “It makes me sad when I see a player of this quality in and out of games.”
Cesc Fabregas demanded Foden “be more like Jude Bellingham” and “demand” the ball, while Rio Ferdinand claimed the City ace is “allowing” the Real Madrid star be the “dominant” figure.
Fans, meanwhile, fear Southgate is “turning Foden into Mason Mount” and demand the Three Lions boss find a way to get both him and Bellingham to shine together.
SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere reckons Southgate could play BOTH as No10s, with Declan Rice sitting deep as the No6.
The ex-Arsenal star said: “When Bellingham gets the ball, even if he is only lending it to Foden to get it back, or vice versa, they want to combine and make something happen.
“We have to get them between the lines and receiving on the half turn, playing forward.
“As I said before the tournament, I believe they can play in the same team, as two No 10s, with Declan Rice as the only holding player — especially in the group games.”
England take on Denmark in their second Euro 2024 clash on Tuesday, with kick-off in Frankfurt 5pm.
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Denmark Euro 2024 guide
THE winners of Euro 1992 will be hoping for another unlikely surge to the latter stages under boss Kasper Hjulmand.
The spirit of the squad cannot be questioned after they recovered from Christian Eriksen’s collapse to make it to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and give England a scare.
MANAGER: Kasper Hjulmand
Played in America for North Florida Ospreys and became Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Mainz in 2014.
KEY MAN: Rasmus Hojlund
One of few bright sparks as Man Utd finished a dismal eighth in the Premier League. Can cause problems with his tireless work ethic and clinical finishing.
How Denmark attack
Denmark are very structured and patient in the way they attack.
They will often push a midfielder up to join the three strikers and attempt to create a four-man overload.
How Denmark defend
While Denmark attack in a 4-3-3, or even a 4-2-2, they will drop into a deeper 5-4-1 out of possession.
They will wait patiently for the right moment to press and recover quickly if the opposition attempt to play over the top.
Read the full Denmark Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Nonetheless, Foden and Alexander-Arnold remain “the third man” to the two “untouchables” in England’s three-pronged midfield and attack.
Bellingham and Declan Rice are cemented in the centre of the pitch.
And up front the place of wideman Bukayo Saka is pretty much as safe as skipper Harry Kane’s.
Elsewhere, Kieran Trippier appears sure to stay at left-back as England have confirmed Luke Shaw is still not ready.
Southgate said: “Luke won’t be involved… He’s actually on track for where we thought he would be originally.”
The Manchester United defender is still training on his own – with full fitness for the final group clash with Slovenia next Tuesday a possibility.
Before that England face the Danes, with Rice saying: “Serbia were very physical. I see Denmark being more of a technical, tactical team.
“It’s probably going to be a completely different game.”
England Euro 2024 guide
GARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attack
England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
How England defend
England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
