Euro 2024: Michael Owen Criticizes England's Negative Approach

 

England manager Gareth Southgate

The England men's football team, under the guidance of Gareth Southgate, has once again come under scrutiny for underperforming, even with a star-studded lineup, at the Euro 2024 tournament. Despite securing a spot in the Round of 16, England's journey has been marred by criticism and questions about their tactical approach.

Persistent Trophy Drought and High Expectations

It's been 58 years since England last won a major trophy, but the Three Lions continue to be a focal point in every major tournament. With high hopes pinned on the team, especially given their placement in a relatively easy group with Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia, England was expected to dominate.

However, their performance so far—a narrow 1-0 win against Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark—has raised concerns. Former England international Michael Owen has voiced his frustrations, highlighting the tactical decisions that he believes are hampering the team's progress.

Tactical Issues and Midfield Struggles

A significant point of contention has been Southgate's decision to field Trent Alexander-Arnold as a holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice, citing a lack of natural replacements for Kalvin Phillips. This move has been met with skepticism, given Alexander-Arnold's defensive vulnerabilities.

Michael Owen, in an exclusive interview with Sportstar, stated: “Southgate has always preferred two holding midfielders. I don’t understand why. Kalvin Phillips is out of form, so we’re experimenting with Alexander-Arnold in a position that doesn't suit him. I would have chosen Declan Rice alone with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham ahead of him.”

Lack of Penetration and Defensive Play

England's offensive struggles are evident in their statistics: out of 1,014 completed passes, only 54 have been in key attacking areas, with just 79 reaching the final third and a mere 14 inside the opposition's penalty area. This lack of penetration, coupled with a tendency to sit back after scoring, undermines the team's attacking potential.

Owen criticized Southgate's rigidity, suggesting that using Alexander-Arnold for his vision would be more effective on the right flank. However, this position is currently occupied by the in-form Bukayo Saka and the reliable Kyle Walker, creating a selection dilemma.

Call for a More Attacking Approach

Owen believes that Southgate’s insistence on two holding midfielders forces other players out of their natural positions, leaving talents like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer underutilized. “We should not be so negative. Playing more attacking players would benefit the team,” Owen argued.

The Pressure to Win and Historical Context

Reflecting on England’s historical performance, Owen noted that the pressure to win is immense. England's "Golden Generation" faced similar expectations but were often outmatched by other top teams. “We compete at the highest levels, but the idea that England should win every tournament is unrealistic. We have a good team, but so do other nations.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Owen remains hopeful but realistic about England’s chances. “If we don’t win the Euros, it shouldn’t be seen as another failure. These tournaments are rare, and we must keep striving for success.”

As England prepares for their final group match against Slovenia, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Southgate adjusts his tactics to better utilize the team's attacking talent and address the midfield issues that have plagued their performance so far.