GARETH SOUTHGATE will not name any substitutes for England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.
The Three Lions get their tournament underway on Sunday night.
Southgate will have 15 players at his disposal off the bench – but he is not calling any of them subs.
He is instead using the word “finishers” to make those not in the starting XI feel more involved.
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is likely to be one of the “finishers” for the clash against Serbia.
And he explained to The Mail: “It’s not just about the 11. It’s about the whole team, the culture, the collective. You win the tournament as a collective.
READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
“It’s putting your ego to the side and being able to focus on what’s important for the team.
“If you have that type of culture, which we do, you’ve got the best chance.
“The manager spoke about ‘finishers’. We call them finishers, we know that.
“The players that come on to the pitch, there is a mentality about it, there’s a way to go about it.
Most read in Football
PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!
The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
“There’s importance in that role, it’s not just about the 11.”
England fans are split over the term, with some liking it and others calling it “absolute nonsense”.
One fan said: “I get the intent but it’s a bit cringe.”
Another added: “Never go full LinkedIn.”
A third joked: “Is he naming the ones he will sub off ‘quitters’?”
Others thought it was a good idea, saying: “I’ve never liked calling them substitutes. Fresh vs tired legs plays a key part.”
More commented: “It’s to change the mentality of players coming off the bench.”
EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT
Jack Wilshere’s England XI vs Serbia
SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere wants Engand to start with just one holding midfielder – Declan Rice.
That means playing Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield roles, with Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka on the wings, either side of Harry Kane up top.
Wilshere said: “In the group stage against teams we should beat, we can afford to be more expansive, let’s attack.
“It wasn’t that long ago we were saying we didn’t have the Spanish-type of players who can dominate the ball, now we have.
“So let’s try to utilise that, dominate the ball and go for goals.”
And the ex-England midfielder wants Trent Alexander-Arnold to get the nod at right-back, with Kyle Walker centre-back.
He added: “If you play Trent at right-back and he drifts in midfield, he can switch the play at speed. Walker’s pace will get you out of trouble.”
Read more from Jack Wilshere during Euro 2024.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
