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Trent Out & Gordon In vs Denmark?

Trent Out & Gordon In vs Denmark?

A clean sheet and a win: England’s strong start

England’s victory in the opening match of the European Championship brought a collective sigh of relief to fans and pundits alike. As Alan Shearer highlighted in his insightful interview with BetFair, the importance of a strong start cannot be overstated, especially given England’s historic problems in their early games.

“Looking at the bigger picture, I think it was a clean sheet and a win. England are known to have been poor in their early games at the European Championships over the years. Last night we had only won one of the last ten.”

Shearer’s observations are striking. In the wider context of the tournament, England’s early performances should be seen as a step forward. When combined with the failures of other great powers like Italy and Belgium, England’s victory, while not flawless, shines brighter.

Tactical adjustments needed: Shearer’s recommendations

Despite the win, there were tactical nuances that Shearer said needed to be addressed. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deployment in midfield raised eyebrows and while functional, his strengths were not fully utilized. Shearer suggested:

“I wouldn’t call it a major concern, but the most pressing thing is what happened with Trent in midfield. I thought he did a good job without being spectacular. Will Phil Foden continue to play on the left?”

His tactical insights are convincing. Shearer’s call for Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze to be considered on the left against Denmark is rooted in the need for balance and dynamism. The interplay between Foden and a right-footed left-back like Trippier may indeed limit Foden’s effectiveness, an aspect that warrants careful consideration by Gareth Southgate.

Phil Foden’s role: maximizing potential

Phil Foden’s positioning was another critical point raised. Shearer believes Foden’s roving style is better suited to a central attacking role:

“I would play Bellingham alongside Rice and Foden as the 10, and that’s where he wants to play. I don’t think that would be a problem. You play Bellingham with Rice so you open up the left side for someone to get behind, whether that’s Eze or Gordon.”

This adjustment could give Foden the freedom to influence the game more directly, while maintaining width through other players. It’s a strategy that could unleash England’s full attacking potential against a more compact defense.

Confidence against Denmark: a predictable victory

Looking ahead to the match against Denmark, Shearer’s confidence is palpable:

“I think if you look at Denmark, who they are and how they play, I would see it very much like I did the first game for England. I would expect us to win the game and build their confidence. It won’t be easy, but it would be a match I expect England to win.”

This optimism is underpinned by a pragmatic understanding of England’s capabilities and the momentum gained from their opening win. Shearer’s expectation of a 2-0 or 3-0 win underlines the belief in England’s ability to improve and dominate.

The certainty of Harry Kane: the patience of a goalscorer

Despite a quieter performance from Harry Kane, Shearer’s confidence in the England captain remains unwavering:

“As a striker I wouldn’t worry too much if you don’t touch the ball… I’m not worried about Harry Kane, he has enough experience, he has played at this level, he has won a Golden Boot in the League.” World Cup. He will score goals, I have no doubt about that.”

Kane’s ability to influence games with minimal detail is well documented, and his record in major tournaments speaks volumes. Shearer’s reassurances are a timely reminder of Kane’s class and reliability.

Conclusion: build on positive points

England’s performance, while not perfect, laid a solid foundation for the tournament. Shearer’s analysis provides a balanced perspective, highlighting both strengths and aspects requiring refinement. With the proposed tactical adjustments and confidence in key players like Kane and Foden, England look set to make a deep run in the competition. As Shearer aptly puts it:

“You won the game, you look at the positives and you ask why things happened, how things happened, you look at the negatives and see how you can improve.”

England’s journey has only just begun, and with thoughtful adjustments and continued faith, they can indeed build on these positives and aim for glory.