GARETH SOUTHGATE claims England are struggling without Kalvin Phillips in midfield.
The manager has started right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the centre of the pitch in the 1-0 win over Serbia and 1-1 draw with Denmark.
But his decision to play the Liverpool star out of position has been questioned after an underwhelming team performance against the Danes.
He was hooked off just 54 minutes into the game as recognised midfielder Conor Gallagher came on.
After the final whistle, Southgate said the team’s drab displays have been partly down to difficulty pressing and keeping the ball.
And on whether the new role for Alexander-Arnold is working, he added: “He’s had some moments where he has delivered what we thought he would.
“We know it is an experiment – we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips – but we are trying some different things.
“At the moment, we are not flowing as we would like, that’s for sure.”
On subbing on Gallagher, Southgate explained: “I wanted to get Conor on, we needed some energy to press better and Conor does that very well.”
Phillips failed to make the England squad after struggling for minutes at Manchester City and failing to impress during a nightmare loan spell at West Ham.
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But before his drop in form, the 28-year-old was a key man for his country and one of the team’s stars at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions made the final.
Phillips has 31 caps for England but has not represented his country since November 2023.
Southgate also opted not to select stalwart Jordan Henderson for the Euros – instead giving youngster Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton a place on the plane.
The Manchester United wonderkid, 19, played four minutes against Serbia and the Crystal Palace ace, 20, is yet to come off the bench.
ENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.
