Insight Into Southgate's Substitution Strategy: Does It Benefit England?

Gareth Southgate's game management faced criticism once again as England delivered a lacklustre performance in a 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday. Despite Harry Kane's early goal in the 18th minute, England seemed content to sit back, allowing Morten Hjulmand to equalise with a powerful strike.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher highlighted the team's lethargic display, emphasising the need for more energy from the bench. Posting on X after Southgate made a triple substitution at the 70-minute mark, Carragher wrote: "Pleased Southgate has made changes. By the look of England so far they are going to need real energy from the bench in every game. Disappointed Anthony Gordon wasn't one of those changes."

Southgate's reluctance to use Gordon became a hot topic on social media, especially given England's imbalance without a natural left winger or left-back. Only 23.3% of England's attacking touches occurred on the left flank, while 44.6% were on the right, where Kyle Walker often appeared as the primary outlet despite not being known for his attacking prowess.

One major criticism of Southgate at recent tournaments has been his perceived failure to change games from the bench. Data from the Euros supports this notion. Southgate has made 33 substitutions across the 2020 and 2024 editions, with those players contributing just one goal and one assist in 682 minutes of play.

Substitute Performance Analysis

In total, England have scored 19 goals via substitutes in 97 games under Southgate, a modest figure considering they have netted 207 times during his tenure. These goals came from 13 different players, with none scoring more than two. Notably, only Kane and Watkins from this list are part of the current squad.

Rashford and Grealish, who have made significant substitute appearances under Southgate, were notably omitted from this tournament's squad. Rashford has made 32 substitute appearances, while Grealish has made 21.

Carragher's Tactical Insights

Carragher also stressed that football is about selecting the best team rather than the best players. He pointed out that Foden appeared frustrated when positioned on the left-hand side and that Alexander-Arnold struggled in an unfamiliar midfield role against Denmark.

"Unfortunately, two of the best Premier League footballers—Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden—will have to be sacrificed now," Carragher wrote for The Telegraph. He added that Alexander-Arnold has more time and space to utilise his passing range when playing in his usual hybrid role rather than midfield.

Challenges Ahead for Southgate

Foden did not have a single touch in the attacking third within the width of the six-yard box against Denmark. When making changes, Southgate opted to keep a below-par Bellingham on the field rather than move Foden infield.

Southgate's substitutions will be crucial if England are to progress in this tournament. The data suggests there is room for improvement in this area.