England boss Gareth Southgate is facing criticism for his lack of clarity on his best central midfield partnership at Euro 2024. Former player Rio Ferdinand slammed Southgate’s comments suggesting that a replacement for Kalvin Phillips has not been found, pointing to two strong candidates in Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo within the squad. Southgate defended his choices following a disappointing draw against Denmark, where an experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield failed. Phillips, a key player in England’s Euro 2021 run, has struggled with form and injuries at Manchester City and West Ham.
Despite Ferdinand’s criticism, Southgate continued to overlook Mainoo and Wharton in England’s subsequent matches, opting for other midfield options. The manager’s decisions, including replacing Conor Gallagher with Mainoo against Slovenia, were seen as a step in the right direction as England looked more creative. Southgate praised Mainoo’s impact on the game, acknowledging his different attributes. However, there are questions about why Mainoo and Wharton have not been given more opportunities given their potential to provide solutions in central midfield.
Wharton, a 20-year-old Crystal Palace player, expressed confidence in his abilities and readiness to contribute if called upon by Southgate. He acknowledged the importance of the central midfield role in any successful team and highlighted the impact Phillips had during the last Euros. Wharton described his playing style as simple yet effective, aiming to support attacking players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. His willingness to step up contrasts with Southgate’s belief that young players need protection from intense pressure situations, raising questions about the manager’s approach to team selection.
Southgate’s comments about Phillips’s absence and the lack of a suitable replacement have fueled speculation and criticism from fans and pundits. While England remains a strong contender at Euro 2024, the uncertainty around the central midfield partnership has become a focal point of discussion. Ferdinand’s frustration with Southgate’s handling of the situation reflects broader concerns about the squad’s depth and the manager’s decision-making. As England progresses in the tournament, the spotlight will remain on the midfield selection and whether Southgate will give promising talents like Mainoo and Wharton the chance to prove themselves on the big stage. The outcome of these decisions could impact England’s quest for success in the competition.
