Jamie Carragher pinpoints two issues Gareth Southgate must address for England to win Euro 2024
Former England defender Jamie Carragher has raised two points for manager Gareth Southgate to address if his side are to win Euro 2024. The Three Lions were unconvincing in their opener against Serbia, claiming a narrow 1-0 win in Gelsenkirchen to begin their campaign on Sunday (June 16).
Southgate led the Euro 2020 runners-up to an opening game win at the Veltins Arena, continuing his tradition of winning all of his first games at major tournaments. His side were a bit lucky to claim all three points, as their opponents had them on the ropes on several occasions, and their stars struggled at times.
One of the players who struggled the most was captain Harry Kane, who looked a shadow of himself in the squad. He managed just two touches in the first half and had only 24 by the end of the game as his teammates struggled to connect with him throughout the encounter.
Jamie Carragher wrote in his column for the Telegraph that Southgate needs to utilize the Bayern Munich man in the best way. The striker was left isolated against a physically superior Nikola Milenkovic for most of the game and struggled against the Fiorentina man.
Carragher wrote:
"Of all Gareth Southgate’s strategies for winning the Euros, few anticipated Harry Kane being reinvented as Erling Haaland. The problem with a player of Kane’s many abilities is that it reduces his effectiveness by 50 percent. Kane is a multi-tasking, modern centre forward who was reduced to one-dimension during the 1-0 win over Serbia."
"If Southgate persists with the same system for the rest of the tournament, their No. 9 will be heavily compromised. Possibly too much. Having come into the Euros with a Phil Foden conundrum, after one game Southgate has a Kane one."
The pundit also suggested that the manager handled his midfield selection better as his choices left his team choked in the middle of the park. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold all patrolled the middle, significantly reducing their side's threat in behind.
England will now face Denmark, who played out a 1-1 draw against Slovenia in the other Group C match.
Jude Bellingham hands England perfect start to Euro 2024
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was the star of the show again in his Euros debut at the home ground of his former club's rivals. The 20-year-old scored the winner to send his side to the top of Group C.
Bellingham was on hand to crash home a fine header in the 13th minute to give England the lead against Serbia. He then showed maturity and quality to help his side as their opponents grew in confidence in the second half and was named the Man of the Match.
The former Borussia Dortmund man was taken off in the closing stages, with Kobbie Mainoo taking his place on the pitch. The Three Lions won without being at their best, which is further testimony of how far they have come. England remain among the favorites to win the continental title.