The argument that Gareth Southgate’s refusal to lift the handbrake is the only thing blocking England’s path to glory refuses to go away. Yet before they face Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, it is worth asking whether throwing caution to the wind really is the right way forward for a team fretting over a range of defensive concerns and unsure over who should partner Declan Rice in midfield.
Of course, there will be those saying that attack is the best form of defence, not least because few countries have as many talented forwards as England at Euro 2024. For Southgate, perhaps the main task is working out how to fit them all in behind Harry Kane. Phil Foden on the left, Jude Bellingham as the No 10 and Bukayo Saka on the right? It sounds great – but how about Southgate finds a spot for Cole Palmer and leaves Rice to look after all the dirty work in defensive midfield?
