England won their group at the 2024 UEFA European Championship with an unconvincing week and a half of play.
Five points from three games was enough to keep the side atop Group C, which England were predicted to dominant.
Their lone win was a tight game against Serbia to kick-off the tournament, followed by a tentative 1-1 draw against Denmark. A 0-0 tie against Slovenia Tuesday evening wrapped up the group stage.
England’s group win speaks more to the inability of their opponent than proper superiority. Such performances put increased pressure on manager Gareth Southgate to get more out of the group in the knockout stages.
This England side has one of the world’s best strikers in Harry Kane, English Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden, Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or favorite Jude Bellingham complemented with an array of attacking talent.
To only manage two goals in three games demonstrates that Southgate isn’t getting the most out of his group.
Despite his success in the Premier League as a No. 10, Southgate played Foden on the left wing for the entire group stage.
He played Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield for the first two games, and when that experiment failed, he opted for a conservative replacement in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher instead of letting a more-than-capable Bellingham sit back while another attacking midfielder player helps the front three.
The Premier League Young Player of the Season Cole Palmer saw the pitch for the first time this tournament during the 71st minute of Tuesday’s game. Palmer finished second in the Premier League Golden Boot race this past season.
For a side that’s having trouble scoring goals to not go to a reliable goal scorer sooner is inexplicable.
The cautious nature of a side with proven, world-class ability is disappointing for fans. They’re not being given the chance to see the best footballers at the tournament play exciting football.
No matter who England draws for the Round of 16 game on Sunday, they’ll be expected to go through. They cannot, however, promise it’ll be in a way that maximizes their potential and intrigue.