"That’s a strange thing to do" - Gary Lineker speaks on tactics involving 2 England stars in Euro 2024 draw against Slovenia
Gary Lineker has questioned England manager Gareth Southgate's decision to let Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham swap places during their clash against Slovenia. He believes that the move was strange and added that two players suffered because of it in the Euro 2024 match on Tuesday, June 25.
On The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said that the two players switching places continuously didn't help Bellingham and it was a night to forget for the Real Madrid star. He added that the whole side were struggling because of the tactic and said:
"I think he’s spoken to Bellingham and Foden and said, 'Right, OK, you keep swapping. One goes left and then one goes in the 10'. But that’s a strange thing to do, isn’t it, throughout the whole game? First half, and even in the second half, I saw sometimes Bellingham’s on the left-hand side. Jude, he’s had a bad night. Having had a great opening game, he’s struggled since.
"I think he chases lost causes a lot. Sometimes, you can see him sprinting. I understand why because he’s so determined to help the team, but I think sometimes you’ve got to reserve your energy a little bit. But that’s experience. He’s only 20."
He added:
"In the second half, I thought you could see that if this team continue to play a high press, chances will come. And we may have been playing that way because Slovenia knew that a draw would get them through. So, they were cautious and sat back a little bit. I understand that. But I saw enough to suggest that England are improving slightly."
England drew 0-0 to Slovenia on Tuesday, just days after being held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark. The Three Lions still managed to finish as group winners because of their 1-0 win over Serbia in the opening game.
Phil Foden flies back home from England camp
England could be without Phil Foden for their Round of 16 clash. The Three Lions are still waiting to find out who they will face as they are drawn to face one of the sides that finish third in Group D, E, or F.
Foden has a pressing family issue that has forced him to leave the camp in Germany. Reports later emerged that the Manchester City star's partner is set to give birth to their third child and that is the reason for him traveling back.
The winger is expected back in Germany on Sunday (June 30) when the Three Lions take the pitch for their knockout game. He could miss the match as he will be missing training this week.