RIO FERDINAND NAMES THREE PLAYERS HE CLAIMS WILL WIN EURO 2024 FOR ENGLAND IF GARETH SOUTHGATE PICKS THEM TO REVIVE STRUGGLING SIDE
- England topped group but have drawn criticism for their insipid performances
- Rio Ferdinand believes starting three players will revive the side in knockouts
- LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. New episodes released every day during the Euros
Rio Ferdinand believes three players coming into the starting line-up would revive England's play and see them win Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate's side have come in for plenty of criticism after three uninspiring performances in the group stage, although they have qualified for the last-16 top of the pile.
And Ferdinand, who is working as a pundit for the BBC during the tournament, has put his faith in a young trio to change England's fortunes.
He wrote on X: 'If Kobbie / Palmer + Gordon start our next games…. We will go on & win this tournament! Trust The Fearless Youngsters Gareth.'
Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon all came off the bench in England's 0-0 against Slovenia on Tuesday night.
All three of the youngsters impressed, with 19-year-old Mainoo shining in place of Conor Gallagher after half time, Palmer, 22, continuing the form that made him Chelsea's player of the season and Gordon offering a direct running threat the team had been crying out for.
Ferdinand did not clarify which positions those players would slot in at, though it seems logical Mainoo would partner Declan Rice in midfield, with Gordon taking Phil Foden's place on the left wing.
Fitting in Palmer could be the headache for Southgate, as it could mean either dropping Bukayo Saka or Jude Bellingham.
The selection issue has persisted for England after they scraped past Serbia 1-0 in their opener before drawing 1-1 against Denmark.
An embarrassment of riches on the substitutes bench has ramped up the pressure on Southgate to make changes or face an early exit from the tournament.
Having entered the Euros as betting favourites, England have done little to justify that tag, although they are now on the favourable side of the draw, avoiding big sides such as Germany, Portugal, France and Spain.
Read more 2024-06-26T09:32:24Z dg43tfdfdgfd