Is it all Southgate's fault for the inconsistency of Kane, Bellingham and Foden?
The fatigue of the players will be included in the conversation in order to properly and fairly charge the share of the responsibility to those who are responsible. However, Gareth Southgate as much fortunate as he is to be able to have in his squad three players who have each stood out in their own ways and performances at club level, he sees them being completely ineffective at Euro 2024.
By KONSTANTINOS ZALIARIS
The national coach was target of empty glasses and bottles from the fans shortly after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia. The qualification to the next phase of the European Championship came comfortably and without sweat, since two goals with a win and two draws were enough. However, seeing the games of the "three lions" can make anyone think about the possible shocking elimination in the knockouts at an early stage.
In this context and trying to find a footballer who stood out or offered something more than the rest, indeed, Bellingham had the goal in the opening game against the Serbs and Kane the one against the Danes. And nothing else. Foden had some good touches, but they were subtle and certainly cannot stick in the fan's mind.
Gareth Southgate wondered how a team could finish top of their group and receive so much criticism, so much boos and people even throwing objects. Of course, up to a point, similar images were also observed in Belgium, where De Bruyne perceived the intense dissatisfaction of the fans after the 0-0 draw with Ukraine, in a group where the Romanians passed through to the round of "16" via the top spot.
People expected a lot from Bellingham. And he already from the first minutes of the European Championship with the movement in the area of the Serbs and the header for the 1-0 showed that he meets the requirements. And then... nothing. The Champion of Europe and Spain with Real, was lost. So does Kane. The Bundesliga's leading scorer with a terrific year for Bayern Munich, scored a goal, hit the woodwork at the first game and his presence was anemic and ... static. That is why the controversy was caused with the comments of Shearer and Lineker regarding what he does not offer to the national team of England.
Phil Foden was named Premier League Player of the Year and at Euro 2024 he can't find a way to help. He had a crossbar, tried for some very isolated moments to make more free movements, but again he made nothing out of it, again provoking debate about his best placement and the wings or the center.
Three players who, in their way and in their field, emerged as the best not long ago, suddenly have zero impact on the biggest football stage. And again, the fatigue part comes into the "game". Gareth Southgate perhaps should have realized what was going on and looked into the way he can manage their time on the pitch, if indeed in case they are not in the best possible condition.
The squad can offer options that can give fresh legs to the team and a clearer mind. Mainoo, Palmer, Gordon, are waiting. The coach must find solutions... in no time.
Sunday and the match against Slovenia in the round of 16 are closer than he might think...
