Sport
What problems must Gareth Southgate solve as England manager before Euro 2024?
Gareth Southgate has confirmed he will remain as England manager until Euro 2024 following the Three Lions’ quarter-final exit from the 2022 World Cup, ending speculation over his future. Southgate is the most successful England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, but he still has a number of issues to solve in his team.
England’s performances in Qatar raised fresh questions about Southgate’s stewardship. The Three Lions now have the individual talent to win a major tournament. It’s up to Southgate to ensure he forges an effective team unit capable of going all the way. Here are four things he must address before Euro 2024.
How to translate possession into chances
Many claimed England had been the better team in their World Cup quarter-final defeat to France, and it was certainly true that they had more of the ball than Les Blues. However, England failed to translate that possession into clear-cut goal-scoring chances before Harry Kane’s two opportunities from the penalty spot.
England were more expansive at the 2022 World Cup than they were at Euro 2020, when Southgate opted for an extremely conservative approach. However, they were still unable to break through a high-calibre opponent when they faced one in Qatar. Southgate must do even more to harness his team’s attacking threat.
How to get the best out of Phil Foden
Phil Foden is a generational talent and one of Manchester City’s most important players, but Southgate has so far struggled to get the best out of the 22-year-old for England. Southgate most commonly uses Foden as a winger when he is most effective through the middle – that’s where he plays for the Premier League champions.
Southgate should look at the role Jamal Musiala played for Germany at the 2022 World Cup – Foden has the ability to operate in a similar way for England, drifting in between the lines of midfield and attack to link up all areas of the side. Harnessing the youngster must be a priority before Euro 2024.
Find a deputy for Harry Kane
Harry Kane is already an England legend, equalling Wayne Rooney’s tally for the most goals in a Three Lions shirt at the 2022 World Cup. However, the 29-year-old has a habit of running himself into the ground at major tournaments, risking his fitness for the duration of the tournament. England are too reliant on him.
There might not be another world-class striker in England’s squad, but Southgate needs another frontman he can use to ease the load on Kane and keep him fresh for the latter stages of tournaments. Marcus Rashford, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Callum Wilson could all be good options.
Evolve and rejuvenate the defence
Southgate has faced much criticism of his continued defence of Harry Maguire and while the Manchester United centre back had a good World Cup, England must still evolve and rejuvenate their defensive line. Kyle Walker could also be phased out of the side due to his persistent injury concerns.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity at right back would give England a different dimension while Fikayo Tomori’s physical attributes could permit Southgate to position his defensive line higher up the pitch, allowing the Three Lions to be more proactive in their general approach. These are options Southgate must explore.
