Erik ten Hag, Manchester United manager, has criticised the tacts of betting favourites England in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. He also shared an update on Luke Shaw's condition and his chances of playing in the tournament.
England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia. The only goal of the match was scored by Jude Bellingham. Despite getting off to a winning start, England failed to secure a second goal as Serbia grew stronger during the second half of the game.
Ten Hag was part of NOS' punditry team for their coverage of this match in Netherlands. Post-match, he expressed concerns about Gareth Southgate’s tactics during the second half and accused him of 'gambling' with his team’s fortunes.
Ten Hag questions Southgate's second-half strategy
Southgate has been under scrutiny since he was tipped to replace Ten Hag as manager earlier this summer. Following Sunday night's game, Ten Hag seemed to question Southgate’s strategy for setting up his team in the second half. He suggested that Southgate took unnecessary risks which could have jeopardized England's lead.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United manager, said:
‘It’s the vision of the manager [Southgate],’
‘England will take a 1-0 lead, then he [Southgate] decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.’
Luke Shaw to return after miss group stage
Luke Shaw has been out of action since February when he limped off during a 2-1 win in Luton Town match. Last week, he revealed that he regretted accepting Ten Hag’s request to play in that match due to his injury.
Shaw had initially been considered unlikely by Southgate for making it into England’s final squad for Euros due to his injury status. However, recent developments suggest an improvement in Shaw's condition as he returned back into full training this week. Despite these positive signs though, Ten Hag suggested that fans may have to wait until later stages of Euro 2024 to see Shaw back in action for England.
Erik ten Hag added:
“Luke Shaw will start playing once England get out of the group stages,’
England is set to face Denmark on Thursday night, following the Danes' draw against Slovenia in their opening game. The Three Lions will then conclude their group campaign against Slovenia next Tuesday.
While England's victory over Serbia was a positive start to Euro 2024, Ten Hag's criticism of Southgate’s tactics and the uncertainty surrounding Luke Shaw's return add an element of intrigue as the tournament progresses.
