Gary Neville urges England boss Gareth Southgate to make key change for Euro 2024 clash against Denmark for ‘balance’
GARY NEVILLE believes Gareth Southgate needs to make a personnel change for England’s clash with Denmark to ensure “balance” in the team.
The Three Lions made a winning start to Euro 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday.
Next up for the pre-tournament favourites is a rematch of their semi-final from three years ago as they prepare to face Denmark in Frankfurt.
And Manchester United legend Neville, 49, feels Red Devils midfielder Kobbie Mainoo needs to come into the midfield at the expense of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Southgate lined up with Alexander-Arnold in the No8 role in between Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham for the win over Serbia.
Alexander-Arnold was replaced by Conor Gallagher in the 69th minute, before Mainoo came on for Bellingham in the latter stages.
Looking ahead to the Denmark game, Neville told ITV: “Balance demands that, as the tournament progresses, Alexander-Arnold may be sacrificed in midfield and Kobbie Mainoo played instead.
“Every good team has a player who can receive a ball on the half turn, set the rhythm of the team and control a game.
“I love Bellingham, Rice and Alexander-Arnold. They are all amazing players.
“But I’m not convinced the current midfield three can provide that.”
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Mainoo, 19, only made his England debut in March when he came off the bench in a 1-0 defeat to Brazil.
He then started the 2-2 draw with Belgium and 1-0 loss to Iceland before the Euros.
Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal midfielder and SunSport pundit Jack Wilshere disagrees with Neville on Alexander-Arnold.
He feels the Liverpool man proved himself against Serbia and should be given another chance in midfield.
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Four dilemmas for Southgate ahead of England's second Euro 2024 clash
GARETH SOUTHGATE has plenty to think about ahead of Thursday’s second Group C game against Denmark.
SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT looks at the major issues facing the England boss…
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
Southgate believes the Liverpool right-back could ultimately be an outstanding partner for Declan Rice in midfield. Alexander-Arnold did OK in the 1-0 win over Serbia but he is a work in progress in this position — to put it mildly. Asked about his display, Southgate said: “It seemed he was great when we were in control but struggled a bit when we lost control.” Conor Gallagher was introduced and he made England more solid. If Alexander-Arnold is dropped for Denmark, the entire experiment is over.
PHIL FODEN
The Manchester City star is becoming an enigma, which is such a shame. Particularly as he has come off an absolutely terrific season for City. Foden has now played 35 times for England and you can count the good games on one hand. Southgate will surely stick with Foden for the Denmark match rather than unleash Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze. If Foden struggles on Thursday, Southgate has to make the call and replace him after an hour.
KIERAN TRIPPIER
The Newcastle defender did well against Serbia even though he is not fully fit, having only just returned from a long lay-off. Add the fact he is right-footed and neither is he a perfect fit on the left. Southgate aims to start Luke Shaw when he is 100 per cent but this is unlikely to be against Denmark.
HARRY KANE
The England captain nearly scored his 64th international goal when he hit the bar — but it was still a struggle. He only touched the ball twice in the first half. Kane is certainly not dropping as deeply as he has in the past so the service has to be better. Equally, he does not look totally match sharp. He missed the end of the season with Bayern Munich with a back injury although he returned as a sub for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The slight concern over Kane was one reason a third striker, Ivan Toney, was added to the squad, with both James Maddison and Jack Grealish missing out.