Gareth Southgate’s biggest mistake so far for England at Euro 2024

The England national team faces a daunting challenge as they go through their Euro 2024 campaign. Manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to include injured Luke Shaw in the squad and overlook options more natural left-back designs are coming under scrutiny. This decision proved costly for the Three Lions, who struggled to find balance on the left flank.

Southgate is known for his cautious management style, often opting for a conservative approach in his team selections and strategies. Historically, he has preferred to use two defensive midfielders and has been slow to bring in players who are just starting to make a name for themselves at their club. However, Southgate has recently strayed from his usual conservative approach. In March, he brought Kobbie Mainoo, then 18, into the team after initially leaving him out. In May, he omitted long-time servants Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford from his provisional Euro 2024 squad, and ultimately also left out Jack Grealish for his final squad. He even brought in Adam Wharton, who had less than four months of experience in the top flight.

The biggest risk Southgate took was including Luke Shaw in his Euro squad despite Shaw having been injured since February. With Shaw’s continued absence, England are left without a left-back in their 26-man squad. This created a glaring problem for the team in their first matches in Germany.

England’s left-back crisis

Without Shaw, England have had to rely on Kieran Trippier to fill the left-back role. Trippier, a right-handed player, had difficulty adapting to this position. In the warm-up matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland, it was clear that he was not suited to this role. Trippier’s tendency to take extra touches to pass the ball to his right foot slowed England’s attacks down the left side.

In Germany, Trippier’s difficulties were even more pronounced. He proved unable to overwhelm effectively against opponents like Serbia and Denmark. This limited England’s attacking options, who mainly attacked down the right flank, resulting in both of their goals being scored from that side. Trippier’s defensive positioning was also problematic, contributing to Denmark’s equalizer when Harry Kane found himself out of position.

The absence of a natural left-back affected not only the defense but also the performance of left winger Phil Foden. Foden, who thrives with full-backs like Nathan Ake at Manchester City, has struggled not to have a similar presence in the England squad. This left the English left flank disjointed and ineffective.

Southgate acknowledged the impact of Shaw’s absence after the Denmark game, admitting the team lacked balance without their best left-back. While praising Trippier’s efforts and spirit, Southgate admitted that the team’s left-sided dynamic had been disrupted by the presence of a right-footed player at left-back.

With Shaw only just returning to full training, it remains doubtful whether he can return to full fitness in time for the round of 16. Adding to the uncertainty is Shaw’s injury history, which includes a serious fracture of both limbs in 2015 and numerous muscle injuries.

To alleviate the problem, some analysts have suggested deploying Bukayo Saka at left back. Saka, who played left-back at youth level and occasionally for Arsenal, could provide a left-footed option. However, that would mean asking one of England’s best right forwards to adapt to a new role, a risky move at a critical stage of the tournament.

Gareth Southgate’s previous successes and current challenges

Southgate has previously been praised for building a cohesive England team that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final. His approach has often been focused on stability and improvement progressive. However, on the occasion of his fourth major tournament, he seems to improvise more than ever.

The gamble with Shaw, compounded by the omission of a natural left-back, left England vulnerable. Southgate’s decision to exclude players like Tyrick Mitchell, who had an exceptional season with Crystal Palace, is now being questioned. Mitchell, a natural left-back, could have provided the balance England desperately need. Its durability and recent form make it a serious contender, but it has been overlooked in favor of more versatile, but less suitable, options.

Southgate’s reluctance to call on Mitchell is puzzling given the player’s ability to perform consistently. Mitchell has thrived under new Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, playing as a left-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation. His performances were crucial in Palace’s strong end to the season, and he demonstrated his abilities in both defensive and attacking roles. This versatility could have been beneficial for England, particularly in a tournament context where tactical flexibility is often required.

The wider impact on the team

The left-back problem has a knock-on effect throughout the team. With Trippier struggling on the left, players like Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling have had to adjust their play. Foden, in particular, has struggled to replicate his club form for Manchester City, where he benefits from the overlapping runs of the left-handed full-backs. This disjointed play on the left wing made England’s attacks predictable and easier to defend.

Additionally, the lack of a natural left back forced Southgate to rely heavily on the right side for attacking plays. This predictability makes it easier for opponents to set up defensively. The imbalance also led to increased pressure on right back Kyle Walker and right winger Bukayo Saka to be consistent.

England’s solutions and strategies

As England prepare for their final group match against Slovenia, Southgate faces a critical decision. Shaw’s fitness remains a concern, and it is unrealistic to expect him to be match-ready after such a long absence. Southgate may need to consider alternative strategies to solve the left-back problem.

One potential solution is to move to a back three, allowing the use of wingers. This system could allow players like Ben White or Joe Gomez, who both have some experience in wider defensive roles, to be deployed more effectively. This change could also provide more cover for the central defenders, who have been exposed due to the imbalance.

Another option is to continue with Trippier but adjust the team’s tactical approach to minimize its shortcomings on the left. This could involve more central playmaking and quick shifts to the right side, where Walker and Saka have been effective.

Southgate’s decision to include the injured Luke Shaw and neglect a natural left-back has created significant challenges for England at Euro 2024. The impact of this decision is evident in the disjointed play and lack of team balance. As the tournament progresses, finding a solution to the left-back problem will be crucial to England’s success.

The situation highlights the importance of careful team planning and the need to have natural options in key positions. Southgate’s gamble hasn’t paid off so far, but with some tactical tweaks and perhaps a little luck, England can still overcome these challenges and aim for a deep run in the tournament.