Gary Neville slams Gareth Southgate's 'illegal' decision that is holding England back
England face Slovakia in their crunch Euro 2024 last-16 clash and more boos followed the players into the dressing room after another dispiriting 45-minute display
Gary Neville branded Gareth Southgate's non-selection of Trent Alexander-Arnold to face Slovakia in England's last-16 clash at Euro 2024 "criminal".
Southgate made one change to the starting XI from the lethargic goalless draw with Slovenia in England's final group stage clash, as Kobbie Mainoo replaced Conor Gallagher in midfield.
But despite the relative splendour Mainoo inspired in the second-half in Cologne, another abysmal 45-minute display from the Three Lions was on display at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen. Slovakia started the stronger team, seemingly stunning a still uninspired England with their vim and tenacity.
Whether Francesco Calzona's side could capitalise on their chances or would wound up ruing was a moot point until the 25th minute, when David Strelec threaded a slick pass into the path of Ivan Schranz who converted with aplomb past Jordan Pickford despite Marc Guehi taking a nibble at his feet in the box.
Slovakia had a chance to double their advantage before the half-time whistle but remained comfortable in defending their lead as England produced another lethargic display which cried out for a sense of urgency and incision. England failed to produce a single shot at goal, while Harry Kane's blocked header represented the only chance of note throughout the half.
And the ITV studio half-time panel was ruthless in their assessment of the display from the players and the tactical architecture from Southgate, particularly the absence of Alexander-Arnold.
" Trent Alexander-Arnold, it is illegal that that lad is not playing football in any game like this for England today," said Neville. "We cannot have Kyle Walker and Trippier at left and right back when we're on the ball most of the time. That is the kid who is the best football player we have ever seen at right-back, or full-back, in this country. He has got to be on the pitch."
Despite fitness concerns earlier in the week, Kieran Trippier started at left back for England, with Kyle Walker assuming his berth on the right side of England's defence.
Alexander-Arnold was shoe-horned in midfield in the opening group stage matches with paltry success. The Liverpool star was replaced by Gallagher in the starting XI against Slovenia, with the Chelsea midfielder duly hooked at half-time for Mainoo.
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