Englands’ Euros Objective Requires Reaching “Different Level,” Says Southgate
Published on: June 25, 2024.
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England manager Gareth Southgate remains focused on winning Euro 2024 but acknowledges that his team needs to show improvement in their upcoming match against Slovenia. Despite securing four points from their first two games, England’s performances have faced criticism for not living up to their status as tournament favorites. Southgate, however, believes that his team has the potential to win the tournament and aims to reach a higher level of play. Under Southgate’s leadership, England has achieved impressive results in recent major tournaments, including a final, semi-final, and quarter-final appearance. However, he acknowledges that their performances in the current tournament have fallen short of expectations.
Southgate recognizes the importance of the team’s performance and understands that he will be judged based on how they play. He remains comfortable with this and believes that their actions on the field will speak for themselves. Slovenia, on the other hand, needs a positive result against England to have any chance of advancing to the last 16. England’s Declan Rice acknowledges the threat that Slovenia poses, particularly their striker Benjamin Sesko. Sesko has attracted interest from clubs across Europe and is considered a key player for Slovenia. Rice expects Slovenia to come at England with the aim of causing an upset and securing a win.
Captain Harry Kane has responded to critics who have been overly harsh in their assessments of England’s performances. Kane reminds them that even former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer did not win any major tournaments during their playing careers. In contrast to the criticism, Southgate has chosen to distance himself from media coverage during the tournament in order to maintain focus on the team’s preparation. He believes that this approach allows him to improve the team and remain composed in his decision-making.
Southgate is expected to make a change to the starting lineup for the game against Slovenia, with Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. Luke Shaw, who recently joined team training, is not yet fit enough to feature at left-back.
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