ENGLAND fans are convinced Gareth Southgate tried a new formation tonight – and you could see it wasn’t working early on.
And they say the fact that Cole Palmer was not even involved from the start in the dour 0-0 draw against Slovenia “made it even worse”.
Much has been made about England’s first two matches at Euro 2024 after they struggled to a 1-0 win over Serbia before last week’s dour 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Southgate opted to put Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield for those two matches – a decision that has attracted huge criticism.
Many called for changes ahead of the Slovenia clash, but instead of ringing them, the England manager just opted for one.
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, 24, came in for Alexander-Arnold as the Three Lions appeared to be sticking with their 4-2-3-1 formation.
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But the first half was not even at the midway point when supporters took to X to claim that our boys were actually in a different line-up.
Some said England looked more like they were set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation.
And they said that it looked like we were crying out for Chelsea’s top scorer last season Palmer, 22, in it.
“England formation tonight looks more of a 4-1-4-1,” spotted one fan.
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Another wrote: “This England set up 4-1-4-1 in deep build up from the goalkeeper has so many flaws.”
A third fumed: “Worst formation, not starting Gordon or Palmer over Foden and Gallagher, no one has intentions of playing attacking football most are just picking up a payslip AND Kane IS PLAYING CM!!! Sack Southgate at Halftime.”
A fourth raged: “Makes it even worse that Palmer doesn’t start.”
A fellow frustrated fan wrote: “Slovenia are ranked 57 in the world. England are 5th.
“England look scared to attack. The formation isn’t working with these players!
“The defenders are having too much of the ball! Attack!!!”
Despite Bukayo Saka having a goal ruled out for offside, it was another frustrating first half for England as they went in at the break 0-0.
And despite Palmer and Gordon coming on late on, they were unable to find a way through at all as it ended in a stalemate.
That was still enough for England to top the group, and now they must wait and see who their opponents will be on Sunday in the last-16.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
