GARETH SOUTHGATE will stick to his beliefs rather than defeat Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold against Denmark.
Southgate is expected to name an unchanged squad for England’s second Euro 2024 group stage game in Frankfurt on Thursday night.
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Foden and Alexander-Arnold faced criticism following Sunday’s uneven 1-0 win over Serbia.
But the Three Lions boss is generally reluctant to alter his line-up so early in major competitions.
And he believes much of the negative assessment of both players is unjustified, especially Foden.
In fact, Southgate claimed the Manchester City ace’s “unsexy” work without the ball made the difference against Serbia – although it was the brilliant Jude Bellingham who headed the only goal.
He should also retain the extra creativity in midfield from converted Liverpool full-back Alexander-Arnold.
Bringing in a grafter like Conor Gallagher could be seen as a safer option.
Or introducing a passer like Adam Wharton would be a hit with fans.
But Southgate maintains faith in an XI which, remember, was widely seen as a sensible selection BEFORE the Serbia game.
How fans and pundits reacted to Southgate playing Foden on the left wing
GARETH SOUTHGATE was widely criticized for using Phil Foden after the uninspired Euro 2024 opening game 1-0 against Serbia.
The Premier League Player of the Year had a sublime season at Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in yet another title-winning season.
Foden has often shone brightest as a number 10, but has been allowed to roam freely behind Erling Haaland to cause maximum chaos.
Despite making a stunning 13.2km change in England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, fans and pundits were left frustrated by Foden’s isolation on the left wing.
After the game. Former England star said: “I don’t think Phil Foden played well, he wasn’t involved.”
Micah Richards added: “It makes me sad when I see a player of this quality in and out of games.”
Cesc Fabregas demanded Foden “be more like Jude Bellingham” and “demand” the ball, while Rio Ferdinand claimed the City ace is “allowing” the Real Madrid star to be the “dominant” figure.
Fans, meanwhile, fear Southgate is “turning Foden into Mason Mount” and demand the Three Lions boss finds a way to make him and Bellingham shine together.
SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere reckons Southgate could play BOTH at number 10, with Declan Rice sitting at number 6.
The former Arsenal star said: “When Bellingham gets the ball, even if he just lends it to Foden to get it back, or vice versa, they want to combine and make something happen.
“We have to put them between the lines and receive them in the half-turn, playing forward.
“As I said before the tournament, I believe they can play in the same team, as two number 10s, with Declan Rice as the only player detained – especially in the group stage games.”
England face Denmark in their second Euro 2024 clash on Tuesday, kicking off in Frankfurt at 5pm.
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Denmark Euro 2024 Guide
THE Euro 1992 winners hope for another unlikely advance to the latter stages under coach Kasper Hjulmand.
The team’s spirit cannot be questioned after recovering from Christian Eriksen’s collapse to reach the Euro 2020 semi-finals and give England a scare.
MANAGER: Kasper Hjulmand
He played in America for the North Florida Ospreys and became Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Mainz in 2014.
KEY MAN: Rasmus Hojlund
One of the few bright sparks as Man Utd finished eighth in the Premier League. It can cause problems with your tireless work ethic and clinical finish.
How Denmark attacks
Denmark are very structured and patient in the way they attack.
They often push a midfielder to join the front three and try to create a four-man overload.
How Denmark defends
While Denmark attacks in a 4-3-3, or even a 4-2-2, they will fall into a deeper 5-4-1 without possession.
They will patiently wait for the right moment to press and recover quickly if the opponent tries to play on top.
Read the full Denmark Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
However, Foden and Alexander-Arnold remain the “third man” of the two “untouchables” in England’s three-pronged midfield and attack.
Bellingham and Declan Rice are cemented in the center of the field.
And up front, wideman Bukayo Saka’s position is as secure as that of captain Harry Kane.
Elsewhere, Kieran Trippier looks certain to remain at left-back as England confirmed Luke Shaw is not yet ready.
Southgate said: “Luke won’t be involved… In fact, he’s on track to where we originally thought he would be.”
The Manchester United defender is still training alone – making it possible to be fully fit for the final group stage clash against Slovenia next Tuesday.
Before that, England faced the Danes, with Rice saying: “Serbia were very physical. I see Denmark being a more technical and tactical team.
“It will probably be a completely different game.”
England Euro 2024 Guide
GARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions going into this competition – it’s make or break.
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 arsenal.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star came closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy mess.
Southgate is aware of what the nations expect and has even suggested he will quit if he fails to reach the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the best player in the world at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attacks
England will try to dominate the ball against almost everyone.
Declan Rice is crucial to advancing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to get defenders out of position and Kane can score and drop deep to give others chances.
How England defends
England press man to man with the midfield moving forward to support Kane when the ball is lost and try to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back position could be a cause for concern, especially with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness problems.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
