How can Gareth Southgate get the best out of England’s roster? EURO Round of 16 Preview | ESPN FC

James Olley joins Kay Murray, Steve Nicol, Jurgen Klinsmann and Frank Leboeuf on ESPN FC to preview England’s EURO 2024 Round of 16 matchup against Slovakia and how manager Gareth Southgate can get the most out of his side.
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[@lennoxrl]

England had all the ingredients to make the best cake ever and they made a God Dam SOUP without seasoning.😅😅😅😅

[@rjflores438]

Stubborn Southgate again. Foden isnt a left sided attacker, he is a number 10, and Bellingham isnt a 10 in this England team, Palmer and Gordon shojld both start and Bellingham should start on the bench and have Mainoo and Foden in the midfield with Declan Rice. Bellingham has Vinicius Jr and Rodrigo woth him with Kroos, Tchouameni, Modric and Valverde behind him so he can afford to have a fre role due to the quality behind him and 2 quick wingers. Bellingham suits the Real Madrid system in a 10 position but not with England.

[@afolabitoye4393]

When was the last time he played as 10 in City? KD is the man in that position.

[@cjewe1z]

Southgate thought he could copy what Ancelotti does by transplanting Bellingham into the same role for England. He's been trying and failing to copy Deschamps defensive tactics during his whole rain (that's not a typo). That's how bad the mofo is. He just copies what the best coaches do and tries to apply it to England. It's as hilarious as how Alexander-Arnold thinks he's Gerrard 2.0. 🤣🤣🤣

[@mannyyard9882]

So Foden cannot control a ball or make a 5 yard pass, because he is not playing his natural position. He is one dimensional then, and should be on the bench.

[@rjflores438]

@mannyyard9882 Foden likes to invert and play in the half spaces. He had no support from Trippier or Bellingham innthe last game and was isolated. Foden isnt quick and there were no give and goes or overlaps from Trippier throughout the game.

[@mannyyard9882]

@@rjflores438 We weren't making those excuses when Sterling and Rashford were struggling with England. We said they need to perform better wherever they play. But you ppl keep making excuses for foden 🤦‍♀️

[@mbibocav1368]

I guess England’s heading through the South Gate of this euro

[@eL--RaL]

😂😂😂😂🙌

[@java2894]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@chandrakala032003]

Heading out

[@sirprintalot]

Doesn't even make sense as a joke.

[@dylanobrien97]

😂😂😂

[@paulhaynes3688]

If we manage to beat Slovakia. Switzerland will be big favourites to beat us they look good, they can actually pass the ball past the halfway line

[@sirprintalot]

Yeah I maintain England's biggest obstacle is not Slovakia or Austria in the semi, it'll be Switzerland.

[@paulhaynes3688]

@@sirprintalot l see all three of them as major obstacles , they have skill levels as good as if not better than us. We are a good passing side but only in our half

[@tobaepebinuade5830]

Many of people have known this for a while, but going into the RD of 16 an important game in a major tournament, Gareth Southgate still doesn’t know what England’s best starting lineup is. Majority of their problems under him haven’t changed because with all the talent that they have it’s such a dysfunctional and unbalanced squad. This was always going to be a major headache for him every single game at the EUROs and with how badly they underperformed in the group stages, he really needs to make a lot of changes against Slovakia, who’s gonna start, who’ll be on the bench. Look at the other countries in this tournament: France Germany Portugal Spain and even Austria and Switzerland who have less talent than them on paper, for the most part apart from 1-2 players, we know who’s going to be on the field, in contrast to England there’s only a handful of guaranteed starters in their team: Jordan Pickford Marc Guehi Kyle Walker John Stones Declan Rice and Harry Kane, the rest of them, we’re all saying that this guy should start or that guy should start and when you’re competing in a major tournament, that’s not the time for experiments as it only works in qualifiers. There was talk about dropping Kane because of how underwhelming he was at this tournament as he didn’t look fit he looked as if he was carrying an injury and his positioning in the team is a bit concerning with how much he drops deep, his place in the starting lineup isn’t even a debate. There’s a lot of talk about Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham and whether or not they can fit in the same team because neither of them are being used in their natural position and what’s best for the team due to their skillset and versatility is for Foden to be a number 10 playing as an attacking midfielder, Bellingham should play very deep in midfield next to Rice and if they lineup like this, it means that they could play Anthony Gordon on the left as he’s their only natural left winger on the team and that’s the profile of player that they really need. Assuming they want to start Cole Palmer, there’s some suggestions that they should play Bukayo Saka as a left back so that they can accommodate Palmer in the team. Football isn’t FIFA, you can’t just solely be focused on trying to fit all your best players in the same team that’s not how football works because as a manager you have to make big decisions and leave some players out of the team. Their situation at left back has been so concerning all tournament long because Luke Shaw their only proper LB hasn’t played in months and we don’t know when he’ll be fit enough to play a game, Kieran Trippier hasn’t looked comfortable as a makeshift left back and Saka used to play in that position at the start of his career and he is one of the only left footed players who can actually play there. If your attack is going to have Gordon Foden Saka/Palmer behind Kane and then a double pivot of Bellingham and Rice in midfield, what’s going to happen to Kobbie Mainoo because you have to find a way to play him as he has proven that at his age he’s already good enough to start in their midfield and he deserves significant minutes. There’s no room for Trent Alexander Arnold in England’s best starting lineup as it didn’t work out for him in midfield and at right back, they’re not benching Kyle Walker in favor of him because he’s been one of their only consistent performers at this tournament so far. It’s difficult for me to determine how they’ll lineup against Slovakia tomorrow, whoever is on the field it doesn’t matter because with the bracket that they have, England don’t have any excuses if they can’t make it to the final.

[@wrfootball3847]

Yes I do wonder whether he wants to save those weapons for a little later. There is always risk of injuries and yellow cards to these players....look at Gallagher. It's a but cautious but I'm wondering whether he wants to use them when he REALLY needs to and conserve them a bit. I'm not saying it's the best way, just trying to think of an explanation. It's clear they were good and he said in his press conference. So can only think he wants to keep them as fresh as possible

[@Whaleydavey]

France and Spain squads far exceed the England squad. On paper or on the field. And I’m cheering for England.

[@sirprintalot]

Didn't read but England will make the final.

[@riobabic8960]

If I watch England again I will fall asleep before the end.

[@dravendean8710]

Well my cat misduurrr chieeeeef says England will win

[@johnnyoranges]

Juergen's correct, but perhaps he needs to show the Englanders where the ignition is.

[@iangibson8703]

It’s the old adage champion team or a team of champions

[@tilmanscha4285]

ENGLAND VS GERMANY thats even better than a Final i want that as a german so go england win your stuff up to that moment

[@dunngyllite7883]

I think this match will come down to willpower / putting your heart on the pitch vs individual quality finally coming through. So, in all honesty, I wouldn't be surprised to see England having a rough time and maybe even Slowakia snatching a win.

[@kingf4158]

If your playing that safe in the groups. Double or triple down in knockout games.

[@sirprintalot]

We are. We did this in Euro 2020 and we're going to do it again. Play boring in groups, barely score. Then play well in the knockouts.

[@waynejames8607]

As I said before! After England pass the ball sideways and backwards 300 times in the first 30 min, I will switch the channel over and watch a good movie!

[@hungchoonghow5857]

No plot devices to get the story moving in the England team.

[@chuak.c7349]

This is Southgate tactic to make opponent go to sleep and score a winning goal.

[@georgebush67]

It's so painful trying to watch them.

[@dravendean8710]

@@chuak.c7349 who's your team?

[@simonfuchi6461]

Or even a bad one would be better

[@mamadousy9632]

Switzerland very happy about the side of the bracket they are on Not England

[@environm3ntalist549]

No, England were happy too

[@samholt9177]

Is it sad to admit I’d be knee sliding for a 1-0 victory over Slovakia?

[@environm3ntalist549]

Fairly sad, unless you are from Slovakia

[@sirprintalot]

I'd be happy with a win.

[@LeeD7-sd8nq]

Don't forget to do the fingers-in -ears slide

[@ulfanfinneriksen4643]

Kane 40 goals, Foden 25 goals, Palmer 20 goals. Watkins 20 goals, Saka 15 goals, Gordon 15 goals, Bellingham 20 goals. England 2 goals????

[@ChuksEke-z8g]

People keep talking about Gordon and Palmer coming in but the forget these guys started against Iceland at Wembley & lost. You cant use those few minutes they had against a tired Slovenians to pass a complete judgement. Wholesale changes might back fire cos ths is knockout

[@namrofni6236]

Get ready for a different Gareth in the knockout stages. No more mr nice guy 🦁🦁🦁

[@renddiraya4464]

Welcome Mr no idea

[@cjewe1z]

The woman on ITV said that he was different yesterday. That he had a steely determination about him and that he said the players stepped up the level of intensity. 🤣🤣🤣 Shouldn't he and they have that all the time?

[@namrofni6236]

@@cjewe1z He was just saving his lions for the knockout stages. He's managing his resources. They will move up through the gears as the tournament progresses 🦁 🦁 🦁.

[@namrofni6236]

@renddiraya4464 During group stages teams park the bus and play for draws. They can't do that during knockout so expect more open games. You will see a different England 🦁 🦁 🦁.

[@WalkerIGP]

Bwahahaha! Guy can't defeat wet tissue paper.

[@TerribleEnglish]

We see through you, ESPN; everyone predicting a 2-0 England win (when they usually score 0 or 1) so they can say it's a big shock if they lose - which it won't be.

[@banditbaker1675]

Yes, Southgate's preferred team has some skilful players, but there is no pace in that team and without pace it is easy for opponents to defend against. Unless he adds some pace and balance to that front line I can see a very good Slovakian team knocking England out of the Euros

[@russellward4624]

City don't have any pace and do just fine.

[@banditbaker1675]

@@russellward4624 that's because they have a manager who knows how to set up a team to play his way, England, however, have Southgate................... enough said

[@keithbrandon3660]

It is now clear to me why ben white wants nothing to do with that shower.

[@lesgourlay6240]

One word...Lucky !

[@BC-mj7gj]

You wanna win money, bet for Switzerland against England.

[@Whaleydavey]

Who even says Switzerland will get that chance. You are underestimating Slovakia. Slovakia are a solid side. Have been for many years. My friend is Slovakian, so I follow their results. They beat Iceland twice recently, while England lost at Wembley to Iceland. They also destroyed Wales recently.

[@scaredmuffin6371]

England will beat both Slovakia and Switzerland. It is against the bigger teams that England predictably lose.

[@Whaleydavey]

@@scaredmuffin6371 If Saudi Arabia can beat Argentina, and Japan can beat Germany in World Cups, I can definitely see Slovakia upsetting England. Especially seeing how nervey and scared England were against Denmark.

[@chuak.c7349]

Don't forget korean beat Portugal . Anything can happen, Slovakia will win on penalty. 5-3

[@TrustMeiamaD.R.]

Jurgen! Spurs supporters love you bud!

[@chiakeetong8539]

They're going home, they're going home, England is going home

[@nguyenkhanhhung91]

England will have to win ONLY 1 of these teams to win the Euro : Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium. Think about it.

[@BlyatimirPootin]

They'll also have to beat: Slovakia, Switzerland and either Romania, Netherlands, Austria or Turkey. Not easy especially for a struggling England.

[@nguyenkhanhhung91]

​​@@BlyatimirPootin loser in the final isnt the second best team. Poor format

[@tazzatamania]

I'll be watching it, let's face it, we all will. Not in expectation but in some folorn hope that we see a team that plays good football and wins comfortably. Won't be holding my breath.

[@BlyatimirPootin]

You summed it up perfectly.

[@JPayne95]

I wanna see this line up Watkins Foden bellingham Saka rice mainoo trent Geuhi stones walker Pickford

[@JPayne95]

In possession mainoo joins the attack and stones pushes up into midfield

[@JPayne95]

Walker covers trents lack of pace in defence saka solves the lack of a natural left footed winger and both foden and bellingham will be able to stay central whilst running into space that Watkins naturally creates

[@afolabitoye4393]

Let's drop arguably the best striker in the world for an untested player in the second of a tournament. No wonder you English are stupid and dumb.

[@martinB68]

Score the 1st goal ,sit back. 88min 1-1 . Extra time and we go out on Pens. This would not shock me.

[@rumpelja4922]

Should have brought Tyrick Mitchell

[@paulrichards6894]

talking luke shaw and not another left back was stupid

[@Coys01]

Whatever they are doing isn’t working. The football really is quite awful

[@dj71162]

So he's only making one change despite them obviously struggling last match... Did he not notice that they were playing better when Palmer and Gordon came on?

[@wrfootball3847]

Yes I do wonder whether he wants to save those weapons for a little later. There is always risk of injuries and yellow cards to these players....look at Gallagher. It's a but cautious but I'm wondering whether he wants to use them when he REALLY needs to and conserve them a bit. I'm not saying it's the best way, just trying to think of an explanation. It's clear they were good and he said in his press conference. So can only think he wants to keep them as fresh as possible

[@Alejandro2oh9]

probably because the opposition was tired anf they were fresh

[@ripvanwinkle1819]

Got 500 on slovakia

[@MrMishal03]

get 500 on Switzerland instead

[@hungchoonghow5857]

Wow!!

[@roboi2241]

That explains it, they're not a football squad anymore but an NFL roster.

[@birchkids007]

Who was laughing ?? lol

[@english_with_daniel]

What's a roster? ESPN UK my backside

[@mamadousy9632]

Remember WHENEVER everyone Picks your team at ESPN FC IT NEVER GOES ALL Man city Fa Cup is the most recent

[@arsenalarmys.a7058]

From Germany and Denmark.. To this snooze fest today.. Slovakia sitting deep. England passing backwards and sideways.

[@eL--RaL]

I guess England and Italy will play their match at the airport

[@James-sr9vr]

Or we can have a rematch of the Euro 2021 final again

[@GIBBO4182]

Here he is again. Every single England video he has to comment nonsense

[@hungchoonghow5857]

It's coming home and Rome..

[@sirprintalot]

You are obsessed with England. Going to love seeing you cry when we win the Euros.

[@BitcoinMoney8]

They'll win tonight but i think Switzerland will really really test England.

[@mathemen3011]

I always had problems getting to sleep. Now watching England I finally found a way to fall asleep.

[@ChocoLater1]

Betting on Southgate whether he will make it to quarterfinals sounds more interesting

[@afolabitoye4393]

Let them be.

[@juanaltredo2974]

england will win in an incredibly safe and boring game., and then lose against switzerland

[@TheFMHatter1986]

No Gordon or Palmer? Southgate should do subs a lot earlier than the 70th minute

[@sirprintalot]

Just like Euro 2020, England will wake up after scoring only two goals in the groups and play really well. 2-0.

[@real_Gi]

I think England's gonna step up today. They had no tension, because it's the group phase and the opponents were 2nd class. Like a team that only performs in the champions league.

[@AndrewHindley]

Lets get behind england 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@lukelocks9083]

After those 3 games, I've no interest or Tolerance to be listening to any PR/BS about how great the spirit/bond/confidence is, do it on the pitch today, or go home. Talk is cheap, losing is expensive!

[@tombartram7384]

Let's be honest, it's a better tourny without boring, boring England. They've even sucked all the confidence out of the best MF in the world.

[@markwatton6033]

Roster ???!

[@pankajmajithia4429]

It's not going to easy for England

[@kimdan0715]

Asking Jurgen klinsmann about coaching insight ...

[@mohamedfarah4216]

Germany england or france.....portugal and spain got no chance with 40 year old pepe and 39 year old player....yamal is dangerous but he doenst score enough goals

[@DaveDoran]

Slovakia 2-0 England and southgate gets a contract for 2026 world cup ,im calling it 😊

[@brianf3207]

I predict Southgate will get hammered by a delusional press/fanbase regardless of the result.

[@carcav13]

Same team, ENGLAND 0 SLOVAKIA 2

[@Hijo_De_Afrique]

England hasn't been good for the last two decades. It's the FA's fault for a lack of vision in hiring.

[@eL--RaL]

Who should they hire??? It's called international football..Get your own NATIVE manager 😂😂

[@Hijo_De_Afrique]

@@eL--RaL Tuchel is available, Potter would do better, Poch would also be better. Zidane if you can afford him and he rates them. Lots of Options; unless nationalism matters more than winning.

[@SeamusTivnan4678]

Just like Italy, England will go out tomorrow witb a whimper or worse, go through on penalties and then get eviscerated by Switzerland who have more talented players in every position.

[@eL--RaL]

​@@Hijo_De_Afrique national team not club team😂 get in English Manager like Southgate 😂

[@Hijo_De_Afrique]

@@eL--RaL 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pradipartyst5809]

England out on penalties. Can't see them scoring even a single goal in regular time.

[@sirprintalot]

We've already scored two, Mr Amnesia.

[@amuthanm5450]

How? By handing resignation

[@elicastelli9728]

if he plays the same team plus Mainoo - aren't they going to play the same way? Unbalanced, no one running in behind. Watch Jude & Foden getting frustrated! Rooney warned something may happen to spoil the party - as it feels like his time...

[@clarencegaultieri8293]

The Swiss will give them a run for their money but somehow they will get through

[@SkatePvP10]

By not

[@sigurdurmarolafsson4183]

If England is going to tie FF and JB to each other like they have done, England is going home!!!!

[@glennallen1984]

1 - 1 with Slovakia winning in penalties

[@keithbrandon3660]

A close dour game that england will probably win then the swiss will deal with em quite easily.

[@Whatmobiledeal]

Southgate isn’t a a terrible manager, but he has no plan B in his locker. He’s like the friend that only watches the same movie over and over and over again

[@russellward4624]

Yes he is.

[@sirprintalot]

Euro 2020 and WC 2022 suggests otherwise.

[@ANTLORDH760]

Playing paddle... playing paddle... Steve and Craig must be laughing..... heard a great story from micah Richards quote.... Mancini locked every player on the training pitch and even turned on the flood lights and said no one is leaving until you fully understand and play how I want you to play.... Premier League winner fact.... oh and the guy that beat us in the last final. Jurgen Klopp next England manager for sure

[@Altolin]

What makes you think Klopp wants the job?

[@andythoms8130]

By flying home asap

[@andrewdgw6779]

2-1 extra time

[@Hyde_Hill]

Roster? Squad.

[@eL--RaL]

I know England is a very small irrelevant team but they shouldn't back down, they should fight to the very end.. It's always great to see Underdog story..C'mon England 👏

[@SeamusTivnan4678]

Agree. But if a big popular team like Italy exits badly, England will go out tomorrow with a whimper or worse, go through on penalties and then get eviscerated by Switzerland who have more talented players in every position.

[@Whaleydavey]

Ahh your usual hate on for anything English. They may not be Spain. They are still the 7th or 8th most successful national team.

[@dannytallmage2971]

You are Pakistani.

[@Enzoblueblood]

@@dannytallmage2971he’s an irritating idiot regardless of where he comes from. Dunno why people respond to this toxic clown

[@GIBBO4182]

This guy needs help with his English obsession

[@Nick_TV_Producer]

Klinsmann cannot give advice on this matter having totally failed to get a tune out of his talented Korean squad against weaker sides.

[@cyrilfoday]

Not enough people realise that Walker is on the decline. I’d start Trent at right back, especially bs Slovakia and I’d start Gomez at left back. He was miles better than Trippier this season

[@alshort752]

Is that bloke stuck in 1960's Soviet U

[@supercriceto]

He's being debriefed as a double agent. Later he will have some cabbage soup to celebrate.

[@anthonyleighton4754]

Looks like a hostage video...

[@michaelcox8820]

I think it will go to extra time and penalties because they are playing so so poorly.

[@lesgourlay6240]

England get lucky against Slovakia...last minute of normal and first minute of extra time. Is Southgate doing the lottery next week ?

[@indiechana9771]

3-1 Slovakia

[@Englishman-nz3jm]

Ye of little faith…..ENGLAND will come through and win 3-0. I hope

[@jakeansell5408]

Not bothered. I enjoy watching the other nations but England bring the word rubbish to a new level

[@clarencegaultieri8293]

I think Italy may have surpassed English rubbish with yesterdays performance

[@catchmeifyoucan1807]

Its good that the match will be at 9:30 pm IST. I will get a good night's sleep within 30 mins of watching England play

[@ChrisWalker-m8f]

Number one point Phil and Bellingham can't play together he either play one and bench the other Secondly Bellingham is not a number 10 forget abt the nonsense talk of running in behind or late runs that's not number rule a number 10 is the most creative player in the pitch Play a natural left winger Eze or Gordon Do not play 2 box to box midfielders ie rice should other be pare with any player who rum all over the places he need a pare who is calm and even slow in position in other to control the game And lastly pls tell Kane his a striker not a number 10 or 8 or 6 je should stay up front he should not be dropping and making passes for who to finish em ?when his the best finisher in the team

[@afolabitoye4393]

Another fan with no brain

[@Enzoblueblood]

Foden and Bellingham played together in Qatar. Foden played on the left for most of the games he started.

[@ChrisWalker-m8f]

@@Enzoblueblood and what happened at Qatar they won the world cup right or Phil was outstanding in the tournament right that's the thing we all of you you want success but don't want to sacrifice some thing that's very valuable Phil and Bellingham can't never play in the same team cus Phil naturally should play number 10 rule but now every where in England team is they need some one for late runs into the box that's how a number 10 is described in England not some one who is a talented player maker who can create all kinds of chances

[@thetraveler2214]

Every dog has its day

[@inmate1614]

By resigning obviously.

[@GustavMac]

England may qualify, but I do not trust the team.

[@Valhalla88888]

England always gets an easy group, look at Scotland, Germany and Switzerland are into the next round!!! England FIFA ranking 5, Vs Denmark/21, Slovenia/57, Serbia/32, and now they are playing Slovakia which has a population of 2m and FIFA ranking 45😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kevingill648]

Play, Palmer Gordon and Mainoo, otherwise I fear another boring performance that may end in defeat.

[@aytac007]

why is there a rule of getting suspended for 2 yellows, which idiot came up with that idea. everyone wants to see the teams at full stength in all games, what is the point of watching football if the best players are suspended. i think it should be 4 yellows to get 1 suspension. if your team gets to the final; suspension's should be cleared. if a player on 3 yellows get a yellow in the semi, then that should be deemed void for the final. scholes and keane missed the cl final because of this stupid rule and the chelsea bayern final was played with the chelsea reserves against the bayern reserves, if people still remember.

[@markshields5883]

England win 4 -0

[@marlonblade007]

England are playing bring a pillow

[@hondaxyz]

England squad is just average and pair that with abysmal of a coach in Southgate.

[@WalkerIGP]

England about to get smashed! Scoring one goal then sitting back won't be good enough to beat Slovakia.

[@hondaxyz]

England squad has always been mediocre.

[@kendyjapri1559]

Goodbye england, see u at worldcup 2026.

[@chuak.c7349]

Slovakia 3-1

[@praktika1082]

Harry Kane will not win a trophy during his entire career.

[@robhappe906]

Slovakia will win

[@mohdazlan2619]

These bunch of clueless clowns are talking as if England is so great, and continuously looking down on Slovakia..they are either blind or just being oblivious to the fact that England has been absolutely pathetic throughout the group stage..i'm going for Slovakia to shock England and going to the quarterfinals 💪💪

[@rdg7250]

Slovakia win 3:1

[@35t10b]

Fairly ordinary sides. That describes the English team. Loss in penalty kicks

[@AndrewHindley]

An ordinary side would be beaten in normal time

[@ulfanfinneriksen4643]

It will be 1-1 and go all the way to penalties because of their cowardice. Then it's 50-50.