The doubts around Gareth Southgate’s remarks have increased following another subpar England performance at Euro 2024, according to Ian Wright.
Ian Wright has questioned England manager Gareth Southgate. (Image: ITV/GETTY)
After the England manager stated he doesn’t have a suitable Kalvin Phillips replacement for Euro 2024, Ian Wright shot down Gareth Southgate. Southgate’s qualifications are coming under more scrutiny after England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday was yet another below-par performance.
Similar to their match against Serbia on Sunday, the Three Lions’ performance waned after Harry Kane’s first-half goal.
In their first-ever encounter, England prevailed 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen, but Morten Hjulmand punished them with an incredible long-range goal this time.
A draw with Denmark wasn’t all bad news, as Southgate’s team still needs to defeat Slovenia to win Group C and secure a more favourable path to the July 14 championship game.
However, the most recent dismal performance was concerning, especially considering how difficult it was for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice to establish control in the middle.
Following the draw with Denmark, Southgate acknowledged that starting Alexander-Arnold, a right-back by trade, in midfield was an experiment meant to take Phillips’ spot.
Regarding Alexander-Arnold, Southgate stated, “He’s had some moments where he has delivered what we thought he would.”
“We know it is an experiment and we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips, but we’re trying some different things and at the moment we’re not flowing as we’d like, that’s for sure.”
Gareth Southgate trusted Kalvin Phillips. (Image: Getty)
Phillips made his debut for England in 2020, and Southgate has since used him thirty-one times.
Although he didn’t play a major part in the country’s run to the Euro 2020 final, he and Rice forged a solid partnership that helped the team advance.
However, Phillips’s performance at Manchester City since joining from Leeds United has prevented him from being included in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Fans and commentators took issue with Southgate’s remarks because he also has Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo, and Conor Gallagher available for selection in Germany.
Wright refuted his assertions, citing Southgate’s selection of Mainoo and Wharton as more logical midfield substitutes.
He clarified on ITV, saying: “I don’t believe that Gareth [Southgate] named Kalvin Phillips, who is the only player in the nation who could play that job.
“I believe that Adam Wharton can play it, and I believe Kobbie Mainoo could play it as well – and you’ve picked them.”
Although it is now imperative that England win against Slovenia on Tuesday, Southgate is now under pressure to do something different in order to get more out of his incredibly gifted team.
