For the fans, England’s Euro 2024 journey has left them with more questions than answers regarding their midfield. The Gareth Southgate experiment of using Trent Alexander-Arnold as a deep-lying playmaker ended in a dull 1-1 draw against Denmark disastrously. The Liverpool player struggled, passing the ball astray and not being able to create any scoring opportunities for his team leading to him being replaced early in the match. Though engaged in close stages of the tournament, Southgate must reconsider his middle tactics. So what are England’s choices?

The Safe Option: Conor Gallagher

Gareth Southgate has always been practical; however, Conor Gallagher is his safe option. Gallagher is a Chelsea midfielder who has been introduced into the game twice as a replacement so far within this contest. His strong attribute is his tenacity and work rate which may be challenging but can be effective in terms of effectiveness. He often found a place for himself at goal while playing at the club level and created good chances for others in the same team according to the information given. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to repeat that performance on an international platform at Euro 2024.

Proven on the Biggest Stage: Kobbie Mainoo

Mainoo might be the answer if Southgate would take a little risk. The Manchester United teenager is technically excellent and versatile, able to play as an eight or in defense. He has yet to earn a cap at the senior international level but is known for his performances in club games which show that he thrives under pressure. This goal and dynamic performance against Manchester City during the FA Cup final shows his potential. The Slovenia game could provide a chance for Mainoo to team up with Declan Rice to form a midfield partnership that may be long-lasting.

Bellingham Deeper, Foden Unleashed

Alternatively, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden both can be sent into midfield for England. Whether it means playing him deeper like he did in Borussia Dortmund was another option of having excitement in the future. Despite being successful at number ten at club level, he is also known for other box-to-box capacities. In addition, his exhausted look against Denmark suggests that going deeper could save more of his energy. Recently, Foden has been struggling on the wing opened by teammates but has shone when used as a roving midfielder by Manchester City. If Foden were allowed to operate primarily through this position, England’s attacking might eventually be unlocked.

An Opportunity Well Deserved: Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer, another young Chelsea star surprisingly left out. In his debut season, Palin scored at will. No matter England’s fight about creativity, he has been thrown out of the seat. Palmer’s style is perfect for slower international tournaments and his ability to find spaces could be of high value. Pairing Bellingham deeper and keeping Foden wide could create an opportunity for Palmer to shine in an attacking midfield role.

The Best Option against Slovenia: Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton may hold the key to unlocking a low-block defense such as Slovenia’s. Wharton displayed his potential with an impressive 28-minute cameo in a friendly against Bosnia, showing that he can play forward and improve England’s approach upfront. Blackburn Rovers midfielder can duplicate and elevate what Kalvin Phillips used to do combining both defensive solidity and creative spark.

Should the experiment go on?

Southgate can continue with Alexander-Arnold. Despite the poor show, Alexander-Arnold’s technical proficiency cannot be questioned. This trying period will fade if he adjusts and shines in the knockout stages. Southgate has invested heavily in this experiment and may not want to abandon it completely. However, given that much is at stake, he is more inclined to go for a safer bet.

Conclusion

The midfield for England remains a pivotal and contentious matter. The Gareth Southgate experiment Euro 2024 has failed to work out as expected; thus, he must find an answer quickly. Therefore, whether going for Conor Gallagher who is safe, or taking a gamble on Kobbie Mainoo, freeing Foden and Bellingham, giving Cole Palmer an opportunity, or putting his faith in Adam Wharton amongst others, Southgate’s choice shall determine the destiny of England. The next days should be decisive as he tries to correct things and send England deep into the tournament.