Rob Green told Sky Sports during their live coverage of the U21 European Championships that Tottenham and Everton duo, Oliver Skipp and Tom Davies, had ‘real difficulties’ playing alongside each other during the tournament.
England U21’s were knocked out of the group stages on Wednesday, with Tottenham’s 20-year-old academy product starting all three matches and Davies starting the first two, before he had to return to Everton because of an injury.
Whilst Aidy Boothroyd’s side recorded a 2-1 win against Croatia in their last group match, it wasn’t enough as they suffered a humiliating and crushing exit.
Former England goalkeeper, Green, thinks Skipp was ‘one of a few positive notes’ during the tournament, but he explained why his partnership with Davies didn’t work in the middle of the park.
“He (Skipp) has been one of a few positive notes over the couple of games,” said Green. “But, him and Tom Davies together have had real difficulties.
Analysis of previous games: “You look at this Portuguese shape. They are sat comfortably, with Tom Davies and Ollie Skipp in the same position, looking for the same ball and you look at the ball go backwards.
“There’s no real difference. They aren’t occupying anybody. The ball has to go back and that pressure can come and then they lose the ball.”
A lot of questions are going to be asked of Boothroyd now because, for the second tournament in a row, the young Three Lions have suffered a group stage exit.
All the damage was done during the first two matches, where England looked passive and devoid of any ideas.
Someone like Skipp should hold his head high because he showed some good form and now he will be hoping to continue that at Norwich, where he is thriving out on-loan this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
