Gareth Southgate is facing criticism after England's 1-1 draw with Denmark in the Euro 2024 group stage, reported by GOAL. The decision to omit Marcus Rashford from the squad has sparked controversy, particularly following the disappointing result against the Danes.

England's performance in the tournament has been underwhelming so far. They managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia in their opener, followed by a 1-1 draw against Denmark. In the match against Denmark, England struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to secure a decisive win. The draw has left fans and pundits questioning Southgate's squad choices and tactics.

Marcus Rashford controversy

Marcus Rashford, despite his experience and past contributions to the national team, was left out of the Euro 2024 squad. His exclusion was surprising given his previous performances in international tournaments. Instead, Southgate opted for players like Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, and Ivan Toney, who, while talented, lack Rashford's international experience.

Following the draw against Denmark, Rashford's brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, expressed his frustration with Southgate's decision. Maynard took to social media, stating, “It's hard to sit and watch when you honestly believe your man could make a difference.” This comment highlights the belief that Rashford's inclusion could have positively impacted England's performance in the tournament.

Rashford had a challenging 2023/24 season with Manchester United, which influenced Southgate's decision to leave him out of the squad. However, Rashford's supporters argue that his international experience and ability to perform under pressure would have been valuable assets for England in the Euros.

The draw against Denmark exposed some tactical issues for Southgate's team. England struggled to break down the Danish defense and lacked creativity in the final third. The absence of a player like Rashford, known for his pace and goal-scoring ability, was felt keenly.

Southgate's response

Southgate has defended his squad selection, emphasizing the importance of current form and fitness. He has acknowledged the criticism but maintains that the chosen squad has the capability to succeed in the tournament. The England manager is now under pressure to prove that his decisions were correct as the team prepares for their final group stage match.

England's next match is against Slovenia on June 25. This game will be crucial for Southgate and his team as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stages. The squad will need to show improvement and cohesion to progress further in the tournament.

There is speculation about potential changes in the lineup for the Slovenia match. Southgate may consider adjustments to address the team's attacking shortcomings. Players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold will need to step up and deliver strong performances to ensure England's advancement.

England's Euro 2024 campaign has not gone as smoothly as hoped. The team has shown glimpses of potential but has also displayed vulnerabilities. The criticism from Rashford's camp and the broader scrutiny of Southgate's decisions underscore the high expectations placed on the national team.

Southgate's legacy

Gareth Southgate has been a respected figure in English football, leading the team to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. However, the pressure is mounting for him to deliver success in Euro 2024. His ability to navigate this criticism and guide England to a strong finish in the tournament will be crucial for his legacy.

England's Euro 2024 journey has been challenging, with a narrow win against Serbia and a disappointing draw against Denmark. The exclusion of Marcus Rashford has added to the controversy surrounding Gareth Southgate's decisions. As England prepares for their decisive match against Slovenia, all eyes will be on Southgate and his squad to see if they can rise to the occasion and advance in the tournament. The outcome will not only impact England's Euro 2024 campaign but also shape the narrative around Southgate's tenure as manager.