"They were underwhelming" – Don Hutchison picks most disappointing team from Portugal, France and England after Euro 2024 opening games
Ex-Scotland and Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison has stated that England were the most underperforming team after the end of all of the UEFA Euro 2024 opening matches.
Earlier this Sunday (June 16), England scraped out a 1-0 Group C win over Serbia at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. They struggled to assert their dominance in their Euro 2024 opening fixture, relishing 53% possession and registering just five shots against Serbia.
During a chat on ESPN FC, Hutchison was queried who among England, Portugal, and France were the most disappointing team in the opening week of the Euro. He replied:
"England. Easy answer. They were underwhelming. I even thought at one point that it could be a 1-1 draw. Judging by the stories and headlines back home and on social media, the main question is about 'how to get the best out of Phil Foden?' In my opinion, it's an easy fix. Drop [Jude] Bellingham back alongside Declan Rice, play Anthony Gordon on the left and Foden is now number 10."
Phil Foden, who started the Three Lions' recent match against Serbia, relished an excellent season for Manchester City. The 24-year-old midfielder scored 27 goals and contributed 12 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, guiding his club to three trophies.
However, Foden failed to replicate his club form on the international stage, starting the Group C match against Serbia on the left flank. He completed 49 of 56 passes and created a chance in 90 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, Portugal eked out a late 2-1 win over Serbia in their Euro 2024 Group F clash earlier this Tuesday (June 18). France beat Austria 1-0 in their Group D tie after an own goal from Maximilian Wober.
Who do England face next in Euro 2024?
After beating Serbia with help from Jude Bellingham, the Three Lions are next set to face Denmark in Frankfurt at the Euro 2024. They will have to defeat Denmark to better their chance of topping Group C.
Earlier in Euro 2020, Gareth Southgate's team locked horns with Denmark at the semi-final stage. Harry Kane's extra-time winner helped the Three Lions advance to the summit clash after a 2-1 scoreline.
England, who are fourth in the FIFA rankings, boast a decent head-to-head record against Kasper Hjulmand's side. They have recorded four wins and three losses in their last eight games against Denmark.