Gary Neville Criticizes England's Star Management, Calls For Mainoo In Euro 2024
Gary Neville has criticised England's handling of their key players and urged Gareth Southgate to start Kobbie Mainoo in the Euro 2024 knockout stages. Despite topping Group C after a goalless draw with Slovenia, England faced boos from their fans due to another lacklustre performance.
England managed just 0.8 expected goals (xG) despite having 74% possession, their highest ever in a major tournament match where they failed to score. The team didn't attempt a single shot until the 30th minute, marking their longest wait for an attempt in a Euros match since 2000.
Southgate made only one change from the team that drew with Denmark, swapping Trent Alexander-Arnold for Conor Gallagher. However, Phil Foden and Harry Kane continued to struggle in attack. Neville, speaking as a pundit for ITV Sport, highlighted the talent within the squad.
"England have Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Phil Foden—massive talents—and we cannot afford to mismanage them," Neville said. "We are the only country in the world who continually ask, 'where can these players fit?'"
Manchester United midfielder Mainoo made a positive impact when he replaced Gallagher at half-time. Southgate is now considering starting him in Sunday's last-16 clash against a third-place finisher from either Group D or E.
Neville believes Mainoo should start the next game. "Every time England made a change, they got better," he said. "I am certain Mainoo will start the next game."
Southgate initially chose Gallagher for his energy but realised they needed someone to get them playing better. "It was quite obvious we needed someone on there to get us playing and Adam Wharton is capable of doing that as well," Neville added.
Performance Analysis
The more substitutions England made, the less rigid they appeared. "We looked so basic in the first half; it was a struggle to watch that," Neville commented. "I think we moved forward in the second half."
Despite not getting the desired result, there were glimpses of potential improvement. England conceded just 1.13 xG through three matches—the lowest among all 24 teams at the tournament.
England top Group C while conceding a combined 1.13 xG through three matches.
That's the lowest among all 24 teams at the tournament.
#ENGSLO #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/r6pGX33qV4
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 25, 2024
Neville concluded by saying that while England did not secure victory against Slovenia, there were signs of what they could achieve moving forward.
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