Former Manchester United star, Paul Scholes, has publicly questioned England manager Gareth Southgate's decision to drop Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold for the upcoming Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia.
Scholes took to social media to express his concerns over the speculated change in England's lineup. The Three Lions are set to face Slovenia in their final group game this Tuesday in Cologne. Despite already securing a place in the knockout stages, England's lackluster performances against Serbia and Denmark have increased pressure on Southgate and his squad.
Liverpool player Alexander-Arnold, who has been tested in midfield during England's group games, failed to impress during the 1-1 draw with Denmark last Thursday. In response, Southgate is reportedly planning on replacing him with Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Scholes thinks Kobbie Mainoo should get chance
Manchester United legend and former England international Scholes voiced his thoughts ahead of the match via Instagram: "Why are we obsessed with energy when we should be obsessed with brain." This comment could also be interpreted as a critique of Southgate’s decision not to give more playing time to Manchester United’s young talent Kobbie Mainoo who was benched during the Denmark encounter.
Following their game against Denmark, Southgate admitted that finding a solid solution for England's midfield has been an ongoing struggle: "We have been trying to find a solution in midfield for seven or eight years," he said. He further added that without Declan Rice’s contribution it would have been even harder.
As England prepares for its final group game against Slovenia, the team's lineup and strategy have come under scrutiny. The decisionx to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold has sparked debate among fans and experts alike. As the pressure mounts on Gareth Southgate, it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact England's performance in their upcoming match.
