“He has killed him with his stupid tactics” – Rooney reveals how manager has ruined super Chelsea star in Euro 2024
England hasn’t performed well in Euro 2024 thus far. Though they advanced to the round of 16, the Three Lions’ performances were hardly spectacular. They had won their group.
Despite having a wealth of quality at his disposal, Gareth Southgate has not been able to establish a cohesive midfield system, which has been England’s biggest issue thus far.
The great Wayne Rooney of Manchester United has also chastised Southgate for the way he has utilized and benched two England players, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.
“Against Slovenia, Kobbie Mainoo staked a big claim for a starting place, Cole Palmer was very good and Anthony Gordon, though he played only a few minutes, had a couple of excellent touches,” Rooney told The Times.
“At just the right time in the tournament, Gareth may have stumbled upon the right team. I would play at least two of those three youngsters against Slovakia – and, in fact, I said before the tournament that my starting XI for the knockout stage would have Mainoo and Gordon in it.
“None of what happened in the group stage surprised me. I would never have played Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and expected that, when the experiment didn’t work, Gareth would try Conor Gallagher.
“Gareth killed both a bit by discarding them, but in each case it was the right call and when Mainoo came in you saw him making forward runs and showing composure on the ball.
“Palmer? He is just suited to international football. He can take the ball, he’s calm on it and has the personality you need on that stage. Gordon is more direct than the other two and ensures there is a good blend.”