Gareth Southgate makes worrying claim, says England players not fit enough to press effectively
Gareth Southgate has made a huge revelation in terms of England’s lackluster show at the Euros so far. The Three Lions have managed four points in their two matches so far, and are well on course to finish at the top of their group. However, they have looked far from convincing in both their outings so far.
After claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia last week, the Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark. England manager Gareth Southgate has stated that his side are unable to press effectively, as they did in the Qualifiers campaign. He puts this down to the lack of fitness among the players, who come on the back of a hectic domestic season.
Gareth Southgate also stated that his team are unable to keep the ball for longer periods and create meaningful chances. They have managed to score just one goal each in both their matches, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winner against Serbia, and Harry Kane opening the scoring against Denmark.
“We are not pressing well enough, with enough intensity,” Southgate said. “We have limitations in how we can do that with the physical condition. We can’t press as high up the pitch as we might have done in the qualifiers, for example. And we are not keeping the ball well enough. We have to keep the ball better and build with more control,” said Southgate, as quoted by the Guardian.
“We are trying to do something that has never been done before” : Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate has stated that his team are bonding well, and they love to work with each other. He believes that it is his responsibility to guide his side past this tough phase, as they look to get their campaign back on track against Slovenia in their last group stage fixture.
The England manager also stated that his side are looking to create history, hence the path to success will not be without any challenges. Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice believes that the players are putting too much pressure on themselves, instead of just going out there, and enjoying themselves.
“I am seeing every day that they are loving working together. I don’t think it is a lack of spark. At the moment, they ironically care too much and they need firm leadership. We have to guide them through the difficult period that is coming but really stay on track and focused on this challenge ahead,” said Southgate.
“We are trying to do something that has never been done before [win the Euros]. So that is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s not going to go smoothly when you are trying to achieve extraordinary things. They are bloody difficult. We have to accept the level of expectations, we have to accept the arena we are in. And we have to find a better way of playing to how we have so far,” he added.
England currently sit on top of Group C with four points to their name. Their last league fixture is against Slovenia, as a win would guarantee them a top place finish.
