Gareth Southgate has received his fair share of criticism after England’s disappointing group games at Euro 2024 but Rio Ferdinand believes he might have a new plan for the knockout phase.
England stumbled their way to the top of Group C without ever really looking like a cohesive team in any of their three matches so far.
The best of the Three Lions came in the opening 30 minutes against Serbia and the final 30 against Slovenia – the rest in the middle is not worth discussing.
England looked sharper in the dying minutes against Slovenia after Gareth Southgate introduced changes from the bench with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon having a positive impact despite being introduced with only one minute remaining.
It begs the question why the 23-year-old had to wait until the final game of the groups to be given his chance, and Southgate is now under pressure to fit him into his England plans for the knockout clash against Slovakia on Sunday afternoon.
Rio Ferdinand believes Southgate could have a ‘genius’ plan
On paper, England have topped their group and done their job but the frustration for England fans is the lack of attacking football on display in a team crowded with attacking talent – and that lands on Southgate.
In just a few minutes against Slovenia, Gordon justified every complaint about Southgate’s lineup by providing a real threat down England’s left side.
Ferdinand believes it could be part of a “genius” plan hatched by Southgate.
Via Rio Ferdinand Presents Five, he said: “Gordon came on at 88 minutes and showed what we’ve all been screaming for – someone who is going to get the ball and go at the full-back.
“That’s what we want. Has Gareth Southgate been having us on in the group stages as believes he has enough to go safe and get through?
“Then he is going to introduce the fearless kids, and that’s what he started to do at the end when he gave us a little taster.
“He’s said to the fans to get behind us now because this is a sign of what is to come. Gareth, please tell me that’s what you’re doing because if it is you’re a genius.”
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Southgate’s plan will unfold on Sunday afternoon when England lineup against Slovakia in the round of 16 and this time the stakes are at an all-time high.
With England entering the favourable half of the tournament bracket pressure is building on the Three Lions to reach the final.
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