June 24th 2024.
Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England national football team, faces some tough decisions ahead of their upcoming game against Slovenia. According to former player Stuart Pearce, Southgate needs to find some "solutions" to improve their performance and secure a win. This may mean making some changes to the starting lineup, including dropping star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
Despite being at the top of their group, England has not been playing up to their potential in the Euro 2024 tournament. Their narrow 1-0 win against Serbia and lackluster 1-1 draw against Denmark have left fans and critics underwhelmed. With their spot in the knockout stages almost guaranteed, Southgate is expected to shake things up and inject some more attacking energy into the team.
Pearce, who used to play as a full-back for England, boldly suggested that Southgate consider benching Kane and Bellingham, who have scored the team's only two goals so far in the tournament. "No, I wouldn't," Pearce said when asked if he would start Kane. "I would have a look at somebody else in the hope of finding some solutions." He believes that playing Kane does not offer any new insights and instead, it may be worth trying out other players who can bring something different to the team.
On Bellingham, Pearce also had some thoughts. "We think he's a machine," he said. "But he's only 20 years old and has played a lot of games this year. He looked tired in the last game, but he played great in the first game." Pearce believes that it's important to pay attention to the players' energy levels and assess if they need a break or some extra support.
As for Pearce's own starting lineup, he suggested some interesting changes. He would bring in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and push Declan Rice and Phil Foden into more advanced, central positions. "I'd probably play Wharton in that defensive role. Then Foden and Rice ahead of him, with Phil just in front," he explained. He also wanted to see Antony Gordon and Bukayo Saka on the wings, using their speed to stretch the opponent's defense. And finally, he would give Ollie Watkins a chance up front.
With the pressure on to secure a win against Slovenia, Southgate has some tough decisions to make. But with the support of former players like Pearce, he will surely find the best solutions to lead England to victory.
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