Euro 2024

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.Kobbie Mainoo came on at half-time for EnglandCredit: GettyConor Gallagher was hooked for the Manchester United teenagerCredit: GettyBut I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.He’s only 19 but he understands the game so well and knows what it needs.He is better on the ball than Gallagher and he also allowed Declan Rice to get forward even more in the second half than he had in the first.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIt might not feel like it, but England WERE better overall.The 4-1-4-1 formation worked.Roy Keane blasts ‘slow and sloppy’ England with Gary Neville labelling Southgate’s side ‘basic’ after awful first halfIt keeps the width and gives you two pocket players, in the first half Gallagher and Bellingham, then Mainoo and Bellingham.For Slovenia defending in their four it was hard for them to keep moving across.Eventually one of them would be a little bit late, and that would open up a line that you could pass through. That’s what happened for the disallowed goal and although Foden was a good way offside, that kind of pass from Rice was something we should have done more.Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in futureJack WilshereWe had more of the ball and seemed more in control. But I wanted us to be braver.It proves the point that Declan Rice can do that position on his own. It sounds strange to say it, but even though he was in a more withdrawn role, he seemed to have more freedom to get forward.The best thing about Gallagher was his positioning. I thought he could have done more with the ball and he gave it away a few times.England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND 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 – 6Largely 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 – 6The 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 – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One 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 – 5Played 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 – 4Got 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 – 7Had 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 – 7Liveliest 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 – 5Cut 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 – 6Tapped 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 – 6Insists 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.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made 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) – 7Finally 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) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.He was staying on the back of the Slovenian midfielder. That meant the player could not go and press Rice because it would have left Gallagher completely free.He was very intelligent and disciplined in that sense. One of the reasons it wasn’t working with Trent was because Trent is a player who wants to get on the ball and make things happen. That is very hard against a block.He gives you that energy. He’s probably not ever going to be a midfielder who can dictate the game for a team. But it doesn’t mean he won’t be successful because he can offer something different. He can occupy players and open up space for other players.But Mainoo does that, and more.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYOverall it was better but still some way off what I think this team can be.It can’t be that we’re not fit, but we must have been feeling the heat. It is hard to play when it’s hot and humid.Or maybe the gameplan was to let Slovenia have it in certain areas.Whatever the reasons, I didn’t see an energetic, high pressing team.Slovenia weren’t pressing like Denmark. It was only really on a backwards pass that they were more aggressive.We needed to move the ball quicker and to pass the ball forward sooner.Sometimes they should have missed a man out when moving it across the back and giving us the chance to go round the outside.There were a few good combinations at a higher tempo but I felt we could have done it more. We have the players with the intelligence and quality to do it.Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden rotated nicely at times, but Bellingham looked like he had lost a little bit of confidence, though.We definitely needed a change on the wings and it was good to see Cole Palmer get on to the pitch.We had so little to do defensively, we could have brought Trent on sooner.We didn’t create enough going forward, which is disappointing given all the talent we have.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut we’re in the knockout stages, and Mainoo showed that he can get us on the front foot.I just feel a bit sorry for Gallagher.England need superhero Bellingham back to have any chance of winning Euro 2024JUDE 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. More

JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024. 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.Jude Bellingham reacts at full time of tonight’s gameCredit: GettyBellingham endured a disappointing eveningCredit: GettyAt half-time of that 1-0 win over Serbia, Bellingham, who turns 21 on Saturday, appeared on a bloody-minded mission to drag this England team by the scruff of the net and carry it into the knockout stages.As Southgate admitted afterwards, he put 90 minutes of running into that first half performance and in fairness, it would have been impossible for any player on this planet to keep that up.Like the rest of his team, Bellingham was below-par in the 1-1 draw against Denmark. And for all of the game last night, despite putting in the hard yards, Bellingham cut a frustrated figure in an England midfield which is still not quite right.So, now we are approaching the serious part of Euro 2024. This team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLet’s hope Bellingham can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.During Bellingham’s incredible season in LaLiga, there was also one period in Spain, when he was not quite reaching the stunning levels he had done for much of the campaign for Real Madrid and the Spanish media described his spell as a “‘grey’ one. It was not terrible just not at his normal 10/10 standards.In the Champions League final at Wembley, Bellingham delivered the assist for Vinicius Junior to score the second goal against Bayern Munich but it was still a largely disappointing performance by the lad from Stourbridge.At times last night, Bellingham just looked a bit lost. When Slovenia had the ball, he played in the No10 position with Foden out wide on the left.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet with England in possession, Bellingham, drifted out to the left which was the position he ended the season for Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.In the first half, Bellingham failed to create any chances, win any duels or cause any problems with one of his trademark mazy runs.England vs Slovenia Player RatingsEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYIt was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.Also, the quick passing combinations were not there. At times his control was poor, as summed up with the moment he received a stunning second half pass from Harry Kane as he rushed into the area.He needed to control the ball with one touch before sticking it past Jan Oblak but again, Bellingham showed a lack of composure and fluffed his lines.There is still the argument that in the last 16, Bellingham should drop deeper next to Declan Rice.It certainly will not be Conor Gallagher starting again in that spot after his disastrous first half and England were better with Kobbie Mainoo in that spot.Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.Charlie WyettWith Bellingham playing slightly deeper, it would allow Foden to play as a no 10 allowing Southgate to unleash Anthony Gordon.Yet whatever happens, do not expect wholesale changes from Southgate who will remain patient and refuse to panic.Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.At the last World Cup, he was terrific against Iran, superb against Senegal in the last 16 and also did well against France in the quarter-finals.Yet at no stage has Bellingham, or any of his team-mates, looked anywhere near as good as they did in Qatar 18 months ago.Bellingham, who has already done things many players of his age can only dream of, is his biggest critic so he will not be happy.We are still unlikely to hear from him publicly as he rarely speaks to the media and only spoke after the match against Serbia because he was Uefa’s player-of-the tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut none of us will care about hearing his voice if he can let his football do the talking on the pitch.Portugal won Euro 2016 despite drawing all three of their group games. But it still seems unthinkable that this team will be in Berlin on July 14. More

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”.Gareth Southgate made one change to his starting line-up to face SloveniaCredit: GettySupporters were convinced they had lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formationCredit: ITVTrent Alexander-Arnold dropped to the bench for the clashCredit: GettyHe was joined on there by Cole Palmer, much to the fury of fansCredit: AlamyMuch 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.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But 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.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother 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.”Slovenia fans make their way to RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne for Euro 2024 clash with EnglandA 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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

DENMARK pipped Slovenia to second in Group C – thanks to one loud-mouthed coach.Both teams drew all of their games in the group stages at Euro 2024 to finish on three points behind England who topped the group on five.Denmark finished second in Group C despite three drawsCredit: GettySlovenia were pipped in bizarre circumstancesCredit: GettyNot only that, but they had a 1-1 draw against each other before drawing 1-1 in their second game and 0-0 in their final game.Denmark were held to a goalless draw with Serbia while a laboured and uninspiring England could not break down Slovenia in another snoozefest. That means their goal differences were both zero, with two goals scored and two conceded.Had Denmark and Slovenia played each other in their final group game, they would have played a penalty shootout.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Instead, incredibly, it came down to their respective disciplinary records in Germany.There was confusion because initially it was thought that once again they could not be separated as Slovenia and Denmark’s players both picked up six yellow cards in the three matches in Germany.However, it then came to light that a member of the Slovenian backroom coaching staff, assistant Milivoje Novakovic, was booked during their first match of the tournament against Denmark.That meant Denmark had six disciplinary points to Slovenia’s seven. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHad Novakovic not been booked, they would have been level on disciplinary points and then Uefa would have needed to look at their records in qualifying.Remarkably, they were in the same qualifying group – and both finished on 22 points with seven wins, a draw and two defeats.Laura Woods stuns in bold outfit on ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage as fans hail ‘only good reason to watch this England game’Slovenia had a better goal difference but Denmark pipped them to top spot because of the head-to-head record.The game in Slovenia in June 2023 finished 1-1 but Denmark secured a 2-1 victory in Copenhagen on November 17. And that saw Denmark finish ninth in the overall Euro 2024 qualifying ranking – with Slovenia 15th.But in the end it came down to the yellow cards as Denmark came out on top. However, they have been penalised for their good behaviour – because they will face Germany in the last 16 as part of that horror half of the knockout bracket which also features Spain, Portugal and France.Slovenia, meanwhile, will either face Portugal or the winner of Group E, which can still be any of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia or Ukraine. READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland’s next opponents are still not confirmed but will be the Netherlands, who finished third in Group D, or the third-placed team from Group E. Should the Three Lions win that last-16 clash on Sunday, they will face either Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals.Slovenia celebrated their goalless draw with the Three LionsCredit: AFP More

ENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.Bukayo Saka had the ball in the net in the first half but it was ruled out as Phil Foden was offside in the build-up.Conor Gallagher failed to impress against SloveniaCredit: AlamyPhil Foden was lively in the matchCredit: EPADeclan Rice also did well in midfieldCredit: GettyConor Gallagher, the man in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, struggled so badly that he was brought off at the interval for Kobbie Mainoo.The Manchester United youngster helped Gareth Southgate’s men put in a better display after the break.While Cole Palmer also looked lively on the bench as he finally got some minutes at this tournament.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely 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 – 6The 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 – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.John Stones – 6One 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 – 5Played 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.Charlie Wyett slams ‘massively disappointing’ England after drap 0-0 draw with Slovenia in final Euro 2024 group gameConor Gallagher – 4Got 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 – 7Had 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 – 7Liveliest 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 – 5Cut 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 – 6Tapped 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 – 6Insists 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.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made 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) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.READ MORE SUN STORIESTrent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.England need superhero Bellingham back to have any chance of winning Euro 2024JUDE 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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More