England (unconvincingly) qualified top of Group C at Euro 2024. Fans learnt about the strengths and weaknesses of the squad, whilst Gareth Southgate experimented with his starting lineup. Here are the five things we learnt from England’s group stage.
Five Things We Learnt From England’s Shaky Euro 2024 Group Stage
1. There is No Clear Declan Rice Partner
Declan Rice is one of England’s most important players, controlling the centre of the pitch both in and out of possession. Yet Southgate has no clear partner for him in the double pivot.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started against Serbia and Denmark, yet was hooked in the 69th and 54th minutes respectively. Despite inverting from right-back for Liverpool, he seemed an unnatural fit in midfield for England.
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Conor Gallagher started against Slovenia but looked just as ineffective, being substituted at half-time. Kobbie Mainoo had a strong second-half after replacing the Chelsea midfielder, looking exciting going forwards but also composed in the build-up. It is very possible that the Manchester United starboy will start in the Round of 16, but it is not clear whether Southgate has a nailed-on partner for Rice.
2. England’s Group Stage Performances Were Very Poor
It’s clear for everybody to see that England’s performances in the group stage have been poor. Despite qualifying top of their (quite easy) group, they won just one game.
Even when they did win against Serbia, it was unconvincing. Though their strong defence prevented Dragan Stojković’s side from posing any threat, the Three Lions’ attack created an expected goals (XG) of just 0.52. The performances have not looked convincing at all this tournament.
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With a very easy run to the final (avoiding Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, and Belgium) there is a very good chance that it could “come home”, but performances must improve drastically.
3. England Have a Left-Back Problem
Kieran Trippier has played at left-back with Luke Shaw yet to play a minute of professional football since February. This has hurt the system with Trippier’s preferred right foot limiting service to Phil Foden.
Shaw could return for the knockouts and, as one of England’s most important players at Euro 2020, could significantly improve this side. However, both his fitness and level of performance (following four-and-a-half months of injury) could disappoint fans.
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Whether the 28-year-old even returns this tournament is unknown. There is certainly a potential problem in the quality of England’s left-back for the remainder of Euro 2024.
4. Cole Palmer Isn’t Playing
Cole Palmer has played a grand total of 19 minutes this tournament, all of which came against Slovenia in a short cameo appearance.
This surprised fans, with Chelsea’s main man scoring 25 goals in the 2023/24 season. Jarrod Bowen has seen more minutes off the bench, making appearances in the opening two matches in which Palmer simply watched.
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Whilst Bowen is a very good player, it seems strange that the “incredible” 22-year-old was not given a chance ahead of him. There must be reasoning behind the manager’s decision, but it is unclear what this is.
5. Marc Guehi is a Strong Harry Maguire Replacement
Harry Maguire’s injury, leading to his withdrawal from the provisional squad, worried fans heading into the tournament as it seemed that John Stones lacked a strong centre-back partner.
However, Marc Guehi has absolutely stepped up to the plate; the Crystal Palace rising star has been one of England’s best players in the group stage. His passing range has been crucial in progression, and his defensive capabilities have helped the side concede the lowest XG at just 1.1.
At 23-years-old, Guehi will be a crucial asset to the nation in coming tournaments.
