Eamon Dunphy Questions Southgate Decisions After England’s ‘Awful’ Win | Balls.ie

There are more questions than answers for England despite their winning start to Euro 2024 and legendary Irish soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy has got in on the act.

England began their title bid with a 1-0 win against Serbia on Sunday, but failed to live up their their strong status with a number of key men failing to fire.

Youngster Jude Bellingham was excellent in scoring the match-winner on his maiden Euros start, but more familiar faces like Harry Kane failed to hold up their end of the bargain.

The pressure is on manager Gareth Southgate to end their drought in major tournaments which extends all the way back to 1966, but uncertainty remains.

He tried to accommodate his best players in the win but some have consequently had to play out of position, with Phil Foden struggling on the left wing and Trent Alexander-Arnold lacklustre in midfield.

Eamon Dunphy Questions Southgate Decisions After ‘Awful’ England Win

Dunphy was not impressed with the former defender’s tactical calls, labelling England’s second-half performance ‘awful’ while highlighting a number of the manager’s decisions.

Writing in his column for The Irish Mirror, Dunphy shared his view that England – tipped by many to win the competition – failed to live up to the hype.

They were rudderless in that second half, nervy, sloppy, awful to watch,” Dunphy reflected.

“Compared to Germany and Spain, England have looked the worst of the favourites so far.

“Questions have to be asked of Southgate’s decision making. Like why did he have Trent in midfield? Why is Luke Shaw in the squad if he is not fit? Why was Foden on the left?

“As a coach, you need courage to make the right decisions.”

Dunphy also speculated that England could be sent packing before the quarter-final stages if their form does not pick up for the rest of the tournament.

Southgate has a few more days to reflect on his side’s opening win, with Denmark – who they beat in the Euro 2020 semis – awaiting them on Thursday.

SEE ALSO: Kevin Doyle Thinks Harry Kane Will End Up Costing England At Euro 2024