Gary Neville says ‘I’m struggling to see how we go the whole way’ as he reveals England’s major weakness at Euro 2024
GARY NEVILLE believes that England’s defence will prevent them from winning Euro 2024.
The former Three Lions full-back, 49, is in Germany covering this summer’s tournament for ITV.
Appearing on the broadcaster ahead of this afternoon’s clash between Spain and Croatia, Neville listed his concerns for Gareth Southgate‘s men.
After it was suggested that Marc Guehi will start alongside John Stones at the back, Neville said: “That is a massive opportunity for Guehi, I think he’s an exciting young player.
“But when you think about winning a tournament… unless this tournament is going to throw up something previous tournaments haven’t, defensively you have to be strong to go the whole way.
“That is the massive worry. I was hearing Roy (Keane) last night talking about it, and Ian (Wright) referring to it, everyone is referring to England‘s defence.
“I’m struggling to see, unless Gareth somehow finds a way to compensate for them, how we go the whole way with that back four.
“Unless they play the game of their lives every week, but I’m struggling to see how that can happen.”
The discussion had begun with the possibility of Trent Alexander-Arnold starting in midfield being raised.
On the possibility, Neville said: “Against Serbia who are going to play deep we’re going to need to find a way to cut them open, I can see why Trent works for the match.
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“As the tournament moves on I don’t think it’ll remain that way, I think other players will come into the fold.
“The clamour for this midfield of (Phil) Foden, (Declan) Rice (Jude) Bellingham, I don’t think Gareth is going to give us that because of the defence.
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“What Trent being there does is allow Kyle Walker to stay back almost as a third centre-back, which he’s done for Manchester City for a lot of the season – allows Trent to go down that right hand side and deliver, as almost like a right-back.
“So I can see why it works but I’m not sure it’ll be the solution as the tournament moves on.”
Roy Keane went on to claim that Alexander-Arnold will be “found out” and “ripped to shreds” if he starts in midfield against better teams later in the tournament.
Neville then added: “I think (Conor) Gallagher will come in, in certain games. To be fair, with this idea of Foden going out to the left wing, this is not Paul Scholes being shoved out on the left wing.
“Foden’s played there before, he’s used to that position. So it’s not like it’s something that’s really weird.”
Earlier today, SunSport revealed Southgate’s expected XI to face Serbia on Sunday.
Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier are set to start at the back in front of Jordan Pickford.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will partner Declan Rice in midfield, with Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden lining up behind skipper Harry Kane.
England Euro 2024 guide
GARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attack
England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
How England defend
England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.