UEFA Euro 2024: Five critical issues England must solve before knockout games

England have performed poorly in the UEFA Euro 2024. The Three Lions, who came with the tag of favourites, could not live up to the expectations so far in the tournament. Gareth Southgate's side lacked the fluidity in the games they have played so far. Despite winning their first game with the finest margin by just one goal in the second game, they were held back by Denmark in a 1-1 draw. The fans are unhappy with the way the team has been playing. 

They will be facing Slovenia in their final group-stage game of the tournament and a win against them will earn them the top positions in the relatively easy group and qualify for the knockouts. But the concern remains as to how the star-studded team performs in the final group game and the knockout stages as well. With the squad depth and qualities they have in their team, Gareth Southgate's men have not performed as a team.

The bonding in the team has been missing amongst the footballers. Previously, Declan Rice commented on the side taking more pressure on itself than it is from the outside and that might have been the main reason for the failure of the side. Southgate has been under huge fire and he might also be leaving the team if they miss out on the silverware. 

Five issues that the Three Lions must resolve before knockouts

5. Over expectations

The star-studded English squad was expected to be rampant through their opponents, but they have failed to carry the high expectations of the fans and the football pundits. The manager has asked his players to "walk towards the expectations" rather than be frightened by the challenge. The side needs to step up on the big occasions win the games and perform under pressure.

4. Proper combination in midfield

The team has failed to find the best combination in the middle of the park. Southgate has started with two holding midfielders in the game Trent Alexander Arnold and Rice. But the former has not been at the best of his game playing in the midfield neither he could deliver in the attack and the defence as well. Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher have been on the bench, the latter has come off as a substitute, and the former is yet to get a game in the major tournament. 

3. High press 

The team, despite the several big names, has not pressed when they have lost the position. Southgate has conceded his players are not at the physical level needed to press for 90 minutes. The physicality of the has been called into question of the team, however, some footballers are strong enough to press during the game. But the mentality has also been a question for the side. 

2. Left back problem

The Three Lions have not brought any out-and-out left back except Luke Shaw as the only natural left-back in a 26-man squad. The Manchester United full-back has not featured in any of the games for the country. Shaw has still not been fit enough to join in team training in Germany and he will also be missing the final group game against Slovenia.  Kieran Tripper has deputised ably at left-back but he has not been up to the mark for the side. 

1. Harry Kane needs to step-up

Harry Kane has been silent in the two games he has played for the country, but he has failed to score any goals so far in the tournament. He was replaced with over 20 minutes to go in Frankfurt and even faced calls to be dropped if his performance did not improve against Slovenia.