Southgate faces major concern with midfield balance at Euro 2024, says Neville

Gary Neville believes Gareth Southgate will have major concerns about the balance of England’s midfield following their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.

Jude Bellingham’s fourth international goal was enough to kickstart the Three Lions’ campaign with a win, but the encounter in Gelsenkirchen was far from straightforward.

England had Jordan Pickford to thank to preserve Southgate’s record of winning the opening game of every major tournament he has managed at, producing a fine stop to deny Dusan Vlahovic in the second half.

Much was made of who Southgate would deploy in central midfield ahead of the tournament, with Trent Alexander-Arnold given the nod to feature alongside Declan Rice.

“The midfield is the major concern and the fluidity of the game that comes through there is one thing we need to try and work on in the group stage because when we play against a good team, we’ll have to have it right,” said Neville.

“There are some small alarm bells around balance and having a good group of players that are very talented but are we as good a team?

“Last night, you start to think about the impact and influence of Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips. The best players don’t make the best team sometimes.

“We’re aware Kieran Trippier is right-footed at left-back and is playing there because of all the injuries in that position which creates a further imbalance. But in midfield, somehow we have to try and get that right. Gareth [Southgate] will be more than aware of that.

Gary Neville discusses why he believes England’s midfield is a concern for Gareth Southgate’s side after the opening game against Serbia