England once again have failed to live up to expectations and perhaps, the potential of the team with this scrappy draw against Denmark in their second game at the ongoing European Championship in Germany. It is safe to say that England were lucky to have left Stuttgart with a point as the Danes were the better side in either half.
They were not in full gear in their first game against Serbia either, however, they found some individual brilliance to pull them through that hurdle, which failed to come alive in today's game.
Looking at the entire England squad, especially the first XI, all of the players, perhaps with the exception of Harry Kane play high and press football at their various clubs, but coming to the national team, it's an almost opposite of it. Of course, I believe they're playing to instructions, but I believe Southgate shouldn't be scared to allow his team play.
Their folly was more apparent because they faced a dogged Denmark side that stretched them, compared to the respect shown them by Serbia in the first game.
I think Southgate is doing too much trying to tinker the team to fit some players and playing others out of position, which hasn't been helpful.
For a start, Phil Foden thrives more as a RW or an AM, but being deployed on the LW has taken the sting off him. It's not a crime if Foden plays from the bench. I believe Anthony Gordon would do a better job on that LW.
Jude Bellingham plays as an 8 but has been deployed as a 10 by Southgate. Forget the cameos TAA has had in midfield, he has no business there when you can either play a Kobbie Mainoo (save us the excuse of inexperience) or play Declan Rice as the only holding midfielder. Rice has also not been able to push high up the field like we know he can do, giving more more bodies for the press.
Ollie Watkins came on and seemed to give the Danish defence more to think of than Harry Kane did. This may be a difficult call for the manager to make, but at least, the Villa man is giving him a viable option off the bench.
I hope Southgate can rethink his tactics as I'm rooting for England at this tournament. Well, I still have France and Germany in my corner. ☺