Gary Lineker calls out Gareth Southgate's 'strange' Jude Bellingham & Phil Foden tactics after England's Slovenia bore-draw at Euro 2024

England's goalless draw against Slovenia in their final group-stage match of Euro 2024 has sparked widespread criticism due to their lacklustre and lethargic performance. Despite progressing to the knockout stages as Group C winners, the Three Lions' performance left much to be desired, highlighting recurring issues in their attacking play.

Lineker did not hold back in his assessment of Southgate's tactics, especially the decision to have Foden and Bellingham frequently switch positions throughout the game. This tactical manoeuvre seemed to confuse more than it clarified, as Bellingham, who had been a standout player as a No. 10 for Real Madrid, appeared out of place on the left wing.

Lineker, on The Rest is Football podcast, remarked: "I think he’s spoken to Bellingham and Foden and said, 'Right, OK, you keep swapping. One goes left and then one goes in the 10'. But that’s a strange thing to do, isn’t it, throughout the whole game?

"First half, and even in the second half, I saw sometimes Bellingham’s on the left-hand side. Jude, he’s had a bad night. Having had a great opening game, he’s struggled since. I think he chases lost causes a lot. Sometimes, you can see him sprinting. I understand why because he’s so determined to help the team, but I think sometimes you’ve got to reserve your energy a little bit. But that’s experience. He’s only 20."

Despite the overall disappointing performance, Lineker found some positives in England's second-half display. He praised their willingness to press higher up the pitch, which created more opportunities and applied pressure on Slovenia's defence.

"In the second half, I thought you could see that if this team continue to play a high press, chances will come," Lineker observed. "And we may have been playing that way because Slovenia knew that a draw would get them through. So, they were cautious and sat back a little bit. I understand that. But I saw enough to suggest that England are improving slightly."

Southgate’s tactics have come under increased scrutiny as England fans and pundits alike question his decision-making. The tactical choices against Slovenia, particularly the positional swap between Bellingham and Foden, have added to the debate over whether Southgate is maximising the potential of his talented squad. It remains to be seen if Southgate manages to transform England in the knockouts when they take the field on June 30 in a round-of-16 encounter.