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England seek spark against Slovakia to take advantage of soft draw

Published : Sunday, 30 June, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 301
GELSENKIRCHEN, JUNE 29: England manager Gareth Southgate has pinpointed expectation for the festering unease among his sides travelling support but demand on the Three Lions to deliver at Euro 2024 has only risen after landing in the soft side of the draw.
Southgates men begin what they hope will be a road to Berlin for the final on July 14 against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
A rematch of the Euro 2020 final with Italy or Switzerland would then await in the quarters, while Austria, Turkey, the Netherlands or Romania are potential semi-final opponents.
There has been little in Englands performances in Germany so far to justify their hype as pre-tournament favourites.
But with Germany, France, Spain and Portugal all on the other side of the draw, the pressure has intensified on a richly-talented squad to finally start performing as a team.
"If people are being negative, its only because they expect a lot from you, which is a positive thing," said Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, who could be one of the changes Southgate turns to.
"If we want that to stop, we just need to perform and give people what they want to see."
Despite topping Group C, England have managed only two goals in their opening three games.
The quartet of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane combined for 114 goals in club football in the 2023/24 campaign.
But together they have been a disjointed attacking unit that Southgate is under huge pressure to shake up in Gelsenkirchen.
Foden has rejoined the squad after flying back home to attend the birth of his third child.
However, his lack of time on the training field this week may mean the Premier Leagues player of the year is the fall guy to try and balance the attack.
Englands lack of width on the left has been exposed by Southgate having no natural left-back available due to Luke Shaws injury and Fodens tendency to drift inside.
Gordon looks set to be handed his chance despite having just a few minutes action in the tournament so far.
"My main strength is that Im very direct. Im obviously quick, so Im a nightmare for anyone I play against," Gordon told reporters on Friday to push his case for a first competitive England start.
"Im not a very safe player, Im always going for it, Im always trying to put people on the back foot.
"I think with the players weve got, the likes of H (Kane), who likes to drop deep, I think I add a different element to the team."
Kobbie Mainoo is expected to start in midfield after the 19-year-old made an impressive impact in his second half appearance against Slovenia.
Southgate also faces a clamour to unleash Cole Palmer.
The Chelsea playmaker, who scored 26 goals at club level last season, caught the eye in his late cameo against Slovenia and had Englands only shot on target of the second half.
So far Southgate has remained steadfast and stubborn in his team selection, making only one change to his starting line-up as Conor Gallagher replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield for the third match.
A similar approach at the weekend risks further antagonising a fan base that threw beer cups at their coach after the Slovenia stalemate.
Southgate can point to his experience at negotiating his nation through the highs and lows of major tournaments.    —AFP



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