England has emerged as one of the biggest disappointments of Euro 2024. Despite qualifying as the top team in Group C, Gareth Southgate’s squad has not lived up to expectations, displaying lackluster footballing performances throughout the tournament.
Jude Bellingham: From Real Madrid Star to Euro 2024 Struggler
A significant point of criticism for the English team has been the underperformance of its roster, particularly Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder, who has had a stellar season at his club, has failed to replicate his form on the international stage. His performance against Slovenia was notably poor, marking a low point in his Euro 2024 campaign.
In the match against Slovenia, Bellingham recorded alarming statistics:
- Zero shots
- Zero chances created
- Zero passes in the final third
- 16 losses of possession
- Only 12% of his passes were forward
These figures are especially concerning for a player who is in contention for the Ballon d’Or. This disparity in performance raises critical questions: Why does Bellingham excel at Real Madrid but struggle with the national team? Could the issue lie with the coaching?
Gareth Southgate’s Tactical Challenges

Gareth Southgate’s tactical approach has also come under scrutiny. Despite making only one change to his starting XI, the team delivered arguably its weakest performance in the goalless draw against Slovenia. This result capped an insipid group stage display, with England managing to top Group C without showing any convincing form.
Gary Lineker’s blunt summary, “A new game, the same old sh*t,” aptly describes the situation. The lack of attacking threat and overall uninspired play have left fans and pundits alike questioning Southgate’s strategies.
Looking Ahead: A Glimmer of Hope?
England’s only silver lining has been their knockout rounds draw. Thanks to Denmark’s inability to beat Serbia, England avoided facing Germany in the last 16 and secured a spot on the ‘easier’ side of the draw. However, given their current form, there is little optimism that the Three Lions will advance far, regardless of their opponents.
England’s journey in Euro 2024 has been marked by disappointment and underachievement. From Jude Bellingham’s struggles to Gareth Southgate’s tactical woes, the team has a lot to address moving forward. As they prepare for the knockout stages, the question remains: Can England turn their fortunes around and make a deep run in the tournament, or will their Euro 2024 campaign end in further disappointment?