da brwin： Gareth Southgate must mix things up in the knockout stage as there is no margin left for error for his underperforming side
da fezbet： After a frustratingly dull journey through the group stage, the real Euro 2024 can finally begin for England in the knockout phase. And they could not have asked for a more comfortable last-16 opponent than Slovakia, who are 40 places below them in the FIFA rankings and have never won a knockout match at a major tournament.
Gareth Southgate has baffled fans and pundits alike by largely sticking to a formula that has not worked in the tournament, making just one change to his line-up in England's three games. But he has to mix things up now that there is no margin for error. After all, another draw after the stalemates with Denmark and Slovenia would leave England vulnerable to a penalty shootout, which has so often been their downfall in major tournaments.
Fortunately, Southgate is blessed with a squad packed with attacking quality and has plenty of options to try and get a tune out of his rusty team.
GOAL picks the starting XI the England manager should go with to finally get a resounding performance from his team and ensure they reach the quarter-finals with minimal fuss…
Getty GK: Jordan Pickford
The goalkeeper has had a pretty quiet tournament, facing just one shot on target each against Serbia and Slovenia. He was kept busier against Denmark but could hardly be blamed for Marton Hjulmand's sizzling equaliser. He comfortably keeps his place for the first knockout game.
AdvertisementGetty RB: Kyle Walker
Walker has continued his club form into the Euros with three fine displays, helping England score both of their goals while expertly marshalling the defence. Despite the strong options England have at right-back, he is still the top choice.
CB: John Stones
Stones has reverted to his former role of being a centre-back first and foremost, with conservative positioning and no marauding runs forward. But that is what is being asked of him by Southgate and there is no reason to take him out of the team at this stage.
GettyCB: Marc Guehi
The Crystal Palace defender has been arguably England's most consistent performer in Germany, taking the baton from the highly experienced Harry Maguire and carrying it even better. He keeps demonstrating calmness and courage on the ball while also anticipating danger, taking rapid action to get on top of it.