The form of three players will be concerning Gareth Southgate as England head into their final game of the Euro 2024 group stage, according to Mark Lawrenson.
The Liverpool legend questioned why the Three Lions boss opted to have his team sit back after taking the lead in what was a disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark.
But the performances put in by three players who are often considered to be among England’s most talented is even more troublesome for Southgate, according to Lawrenson.
He told GB News: “I think the problem is, they’re experimenting a little bit at the moment.
Mark Lawrenson questioned three players after England's dour draw
PA / GB NEWS
“Trent Alexander-Arnold unfortunately just hasn’t played with the same form he’s played for Liverpool.
“He’s great, but it’s just not happening for him at the moment. Phil Foden, he can’t get into the game. What’s all that about? The fella is a genius.
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“Then you’ve got Harry Kane who plays up top on his own.
“It’s a case of England scoring then sitting off as opposed to going to get the second goal.”
Despite the worrying nature of the performance against Denmark, Lawrenson still feels optimistic about England’s chances.
After securing four points in their opening two games, qualification is all but secured to the knockout stages of the tournament.
England players were disappointing during their draw with Denmark at Euro 2024REUTERSWith tougher teams potentially in store for England like Germany and France, Lawrenson insists the Three Lions will raise their game when needed.
“I will bet you now that England, when they get through this group and whoever they play, I bet they will play really well”, he said.
“It’s hard to put your finger on it. If you watch how the lesser teams play against England, they’re organised, they man mark players, sit back and make it difficult.
“I would love to be in England’s position. I think it will improve. Once these players come out and play against the big teams it will be a completely different performance.
Mark Lawrenson joined Paul Coyte on GB News
GB NEWS
“It’s a mental thing as much as anything.”
The under-fire England boss admitted post match that he was disappointed with the manner of the performance, and says the team must show a greater threat.
Sunday’s performance in the 1-0 win against Serbia raised concerns that were exacerbated against Denmark, with the team struggling across the board and booed by fans following the 1-1 draw in Frankfurt.
“We didn’t press the ball with our intensity and we kept conceding possession too cheaply and when you do those two things it’s hard to have control in the game,” boss Southgate said.
“It led to an anxious performance the longer we game went on and we understand that that’s got to be better if we want to progress to the stages of the tournament that everybody’s expecting and delivering what we need to deliver.”
