Gareth Southgate left with no choice but to change approach due to two England stars

Euro 2020: Southgate says Kane will come through 'tough period'

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Gareth Southgate has been left with no choice but to change his cautious approach after Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka starred in England’s 1-0 win over the Czech Republic. Grealish and Saka were among four changes made by the Three Lions boss for Tuesday’s Group D showdown, and the two made an almost immediate impact as they combined to set up Raheem Sterling’s winner.

England fans finally got what they had been clamouring for as Grealish made his first start at Euro 2020, following his appearance from the bench in last week’s disappointing draw against Scotland.

The Aston Villa star was joined in Southgate’s team by Arsenal ace Saka, with both brought in to provide the energy and creativity that had been badly lacking against Steve Clarke’s side.

And they didn’t disappoint, with the pair pulling the Czechs’ defence apart from either flank and combining to set up Raheem Sterling’s opener.

Grealish whipped in a cross from the left that was headed home by Sterling to break the deadlock, with Saka also trying to get on the end of it after the Arsenal youngster’s marauding surge forward in the build-up had led to the opening.

JUST IN: Jadon Sancho theory emerges on social media with England star dropped

Following the changes made by Southgate, England had looked much more dynamic from the off than in their first two games – with Sterling hitting the post in the opening moments before finding the net just 12 mnutes in.

Grealish and Saka were making their first starts for England in a major tournament, and were described by Gary Neville at half-time as “fearless”.

And that quality could be the key to England’s chances of success at Euro 2020.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, Southgate had adopted a fairly conservative approach, ignoring calls to play the likes of Grealish, Saka and Jadon Sancho.

When Grealish was finally brought on for his first appearance of the tournament as a second-half sub against Scotland, it was Foden who he replaced, which bemused many as England appeared to need as many creative outlets as possible on the pitch.

He was forced into changes for the clash against the Czechs – with Mount ruled out as he was self-isolating following his contact with Billy Gilmour, while Southgate said Foden had been left out due to being on a yellow card.

There was also a sense that the Three Lions boss felt able to take a risk with his selection, with England having already qualified for the last 16 thanks to Denmark’s win over Russia on Monday.

Southgate’s selection paid off – and it has perhaps confirmed to the manager that his ‘fearless’, fast-paced young guns can be relied upon.

Saka was even called upon to show his defensive qualities in the second half as he cut out a ball into Jordan Pickford’s box which had threatened to carve open England’s reaguard.

Watching the game in the ITV studio, pundits Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Roy Keane were unanimous in their praise for the qualities Grealish can Saka can offer.

Source: Read Full Article