Can England turn their dim EURO2024 campaign around?

Despite topping Group C, England’s journey at Euro 2024 has been marked by uninspired performances. As they head into the knockout stages, the pressing question remains: can Gareth Southgate’s side find the spark they so desperately need?

A Slow Start: England vs Serbia

England’s Euro 2024 campaign began with a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. Jude Bellingham’s first-half header secured the win, showcasing the young midfielder’s growing influence on the team. Bellingham was everywhere on the pitch, creating chances and displaying a maturity beyond his years. His performance was the standout in a game where England dominated the first half, but struggled to maintain their intensity after taking the lead.

Marc Guéhi’s solid performance at the back alongside John Stones was another positive takeaway. However, the second half highlighted a worrying tendency for England to sit back and invite pressure. This defensive approach nearly cost them, with Jordan Pickford making a crucial save in the dying minutes to preserve the clean sheet. While the win was a good enough start, it exposed the need for greater consistency and attacking intent throughout the match.

Tactical Uncertainty: England vs Denmark

The second match against Denmark saw England held to a 1-1 draw, a game that highlighted the team’s tactical uncertainties. Harry Kane’s early opener was cancelled out by Morten Hjulmand’s strike, and England failed to find a breakthrough in the frustrating second half. Southgate’s decision to experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield backfired, with the Liverpool star looking uncomfortable and out of place. His substitution after 53 minutes, replaced by Conor Gallagher, added some stability but wasn’t enough to secure a win.

The match also raised concerns about the team’s fitness and energy levels. Jude Bellingham, the star against Serbia, seemed off the boil, and Harry Kane appeared one note. The lack of intensity and cohesion was evident, and the fans’ frustration was palpable. The tactical uncertainty, particularly regarding Phil Foden’s role and the best use of Kane, needs urgent resolution as Southgate grapples with how to maximise England’s talent.

Lack of Creativity: England vs Slovenia

England’s goalless draw against Slovenia in Köln secured their place at the top of Group C but highlighted ongoing issues with creativity and purpose. The match was emblematic of the broader problems plaguing the team: possession without penetration, a lack of creativity, and an uninspired approach. Fans voiced their frustration with boos, and Southgate faced the ignominy of having cups thrown at him.

The first half was particularly drab, with England displaying a game of sideways and backward passes, devoid of movement and bravery. Marc Guéhi provided some assurance at the back, and Phil Foden’s efforts to inject creativity were notable. Yet, these individual sparks were insufficient to ignite the team. A disallowed goal by Bukayo Saka for offside highlighted the rare moments of incisive play.

In the second half, the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer provided a glimpse of what could be. Mainoo’s presence in midfield added balance and compactness, while Palmer’s reception from the fans underscored his impact. These changes led to a more threatening England, though clear-cut chances remained scarce.

Learning from the Group Stage

England’s performances in the group stage have been characterised by tactical uncertainty and a lack of intensity. The draw against Denmark highlighted the failure of the midfield experiment with Alexander-Arnold and raised questions about fitness levels. The narrow victory over Serbia showcased Bellingham’s brilliance but also exposed the team’s tendency to sit back and invite pressure. The draw against Slovenia epitomised England’s current struggles, with possession without purpose and a lack of clear-cut chances

The Road Ahead

England now face Slovakia in the last 16, a match that will be crucial for the manager’s future. The fans’ trust is wearing thin, and the pressure to deliver is mounting. Southgate’s conservative approach has been criticised, and there is a growing call for bold decisions. The inclusion of Mainoo and Palmer in the starting 11 could provide the necessary spark.

The knockout stages present a new challenge. Slovakia, though not among the favourites, have shown resilience. Should England progress, they will face either Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals, with potential semi-final opponents including Romania, Netherlands, Austria, or Türkiye.

Finding the Missing Spark

England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a mixed bag of uninspired performances and glimpses of potential. To make a deep run, Southgate must address the tactical uncertainties and find the spark that has been missing. The inclusion of dynamic players like Mainoo and Palmer could be the key to unlocking England’s attacking potential. As the tournament progresses, the Three Lions must raise their game significantly to restore confidence and live up to the expectations of their supporters. The journey continues, but the path to success requires bold decisions and a renewed sense of purpose.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as EURO2024 unfolds, here on FromTheSpot.