Gary Neville criticizes England's performance and suggests changes for upcoming match

In a recent episode of his podcast, former England player Gary Neville shared his thoughts on potential changes to England's starting XI for their upcoming Euro 2024 match against Slovakia. Neville suggested three key changes, including moving Trent Alexander-Arnold to right back, Kyle Walker to left back, and introducing Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. He also debated replacing Jude Bellingham with Palmer but ultimately decided to bench Bukayo Saka instead. Neville emphasized the importance of utilizing Alexander-Arnold's skills in ball distribution and set-pieces, expressing discomfort in leaving out talented players like Saka. England faced criticism for a lackluster performance in their previous match against Slovenia, with concerns raised about their midfield balance and attacking approach. Ange Postecoglou and Roy Keane highlighted issues with England's passing accuracy, decision-making, and overall tactical setup. Neville also commented on the need for a clearer vision in midfield to support England's pressing style effectively. The substitution of Conor Gallagher with Kobbie Mainoo at halftime was seen as a positive change by Neville. Neville's initial tactical choices for England's lineup included a 3-4-2-1 formation with specific player roles, but he later revised it to a back four setup with adjustments in midfield and attack. He deliberated on the impact of individual player changes on team balance and expressed some reservations about the overall effectiveness of his chosen lineup. Despite aiming for a less predictable playing style, Neville admitted to being only 80% confident in his final selection for the match against Slovakia. As England prepares to face Slovakia in the Euro 2024 round of 16, Neville's tactical insights and lineup suggestions have sparked discussions among fans and analysts. The debate around player positioning, midfield dynamics, and attacking strategies reflects the ongoing scrutiny of England's performance in the tournament. With expectations high for the national team, the pressure is on Gareth Southgate and his players to deliver a cohesive and competitive display in the crucial knockout stage encounter.