In this European Cup, England, as a super squad worth up to 1.5 billion euros, has been a big disappointment in the group stage. The presence of star players such as Foden, Bellingham and Kane should have been a good reason why they are favourites to win the title. In reality, however, their style of play is bland and lacks the exhilarating fighting spirit and tactical brilliance.
In the 1/8 final against Slovakia, England did not change their decline. Walker and Kieran Trippier have shown problems both defensively and offensively, which has put the team in an awkward position. Walker, in particular, was overwhelmed against a fast winger like Haraslin and was frequently overlooked. Kieran Trippier, on the other hand, was a regular on the left, but his crosses were not always effective in the box.
Kane, the heart of the team's attack, was sluggish and tired in the game. His movements are slow and often easily intercepted by opposing defenders. Slovakia's 25th-minute goal put the entire England team on the back foot. The fans began to grow more dissatisfied, the boos became louder and louder, and their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the team's performance could not be concealed.
On the pitch, England seemed to be in a stalemate, with their passes frequently broken and their attack lacking effective organisation. The players looked lacking in passion and fighting spirit, while Slovakia took the opportunity to control the tempo of the game and keep the pressure on. England's backline also looked less solid and unable to effectively stop the opposition's attack.
It was clearly a tough test for Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff. They are not only facing the quality of their opponents, but also the tactical and mental challenges within the team. At crucial junctures in the game, Southgate will need to make a decision to change the course of the game or face elimination.
Just when everyone thought the game was out of suspense, Southgate showed his unwavering determination as manager. In the 94th minute, he made a controversial decision to replace Foden and bring on Ivan Toney. The move sparked a frenzy of suspicion among fans as there were only a few minutes left in the game, and Foden, the heart of the team, looked like a waste of time with his substitution at the heart of the team.
On the sidelines of the pitch, some fans gave their opinions with emotion. A fan named Tom shouted, "What the hell is this!" Foden is still capable of changing the tide of the game, is Southgate crazy? Subsequently, the online discussion also became enthusiastic. Some supporters of Southgate's decision believe that Ivan Toney's arrival could bring a new twist to the team, and they hope it is Southgate's winning strategy. Foden is a left-footed player whose role at Manchester City has been in the spotlight. In addition to his midfield role, he can also play as a wing-back or right winger, which makes him versatile in the team. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has particularly important comments on him, often describing Foden as a midfielder, emphasising his skill and intelligence in possession, passing and organising attacks.
In fandom, there are different opinions and discussions about Foden's versatility and role positioning. Some supporters felt that Foden's performances in different positions showed his versatility and that it was a huge plus to the team's tactical flexibility. One fan named SoccerFan99 wrote on social media: "Foden is our panacea, not only in midfield, but also in terms of threat on the wings and up front, Pep Guardiola has been so precise with his use! ”
There are also some fans who have reservations about Foden's performance in different positions. Speaking on the sidelines of the pitch, one fan said: "Foden is really versatile, but I think he's better in midfield, his passing and ball control gives the team more rhythm. This view emphasises Foden's central role in midfield, while performances in other positions may require more adaptation and adjustment.
For Pep Guardiola, Foden's versatility is a tactical asset. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: "Foden's flexibility in the squad gives us more options, both in terms of tactics and how we respond to changes in the game. 'This praise for Foden's role shows the importance and trust the manager places on the versatility of his players.
However, there are also quite a few fans who have expressed doubts and dissatisfaction with Southgate's decision. A netizen named SoccerFan88 wrote: "Southgate is playing with fire! Replacing people so late is simply self-defeating. If you lose, you will definitely have to take the blame! Another fan commented on social media: "Southgate is betting on the whole game, and this win or defeat is a substitution decision." ”
On the field, the players also felt the mood swings of the fans. Foden looked a little disappointed as he left the pitch, but Ivan Toney quickly got into the game, showing a strong attacking intent on the pitch. Just when everyone was doubting Southgate's substitution, the game took a turn for the worse – in the 95th minute, Bellingham's inverted hook equalised to pull one back for England.
This scene also made the once skeptical fans start to change their opinions. One fan expressed his sentiment after the game: "I had doubts about Southgate's decision-making, but his determination and vision ultimately allowed us to win the game. It was a dramatic victory! Another fan added: "Southgate's courage and persistence have given the team a chance to win, and he is not a manager without ideas. ”
It was a turning point in the game. In the 95th minute, Bellingham's stunning barb equalised the scores, giving England a glimmer of life. In extra-time, Kane turned the game upside down with a 52-second header and allowed England to overcome Slovakia and progress to the last eight of the European Championships.
Southgate has received mixed reviews. He has a strong squad at hand, but he shows a sluggish side in the game. However, it was his persistence and timely tactical adjustments that enabled England to recover their decline at critical moments and write a series of eye-popping reversals. With four consecutive tournaments leading the team to at least the last eight, Southgate has also set a new all-time high in 74 years.
To sum up, Southgate's toughness and grasp of the situation make him not only a manager, but also an important witness and rewriter in the history of English football. Although he was often questioned, his every decision was on full display in the closing stages of the game, and his ability and luck continued to write a new chapter in the development and glory of English football.
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