Gary Lineker questions Gareth Southgate’s substitution of Trent Alexander-Arnold who was replaced by Chelsea star Conor Gallagher
Gary Lineker didn’t like Gareth Southgate’s idea of bringing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in place of Trent Alexander Arnold when England were struggling to keep the ball and had to defend their 1-0 lead. He felt it was a poor replacement and Gallagher’s introduction meant Three Lions would further strive to control the possession.
The Three Lions edged Serbia 1-0 despite being less dominant throughout the game. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring 14 minutes into the game after heading the ball home from Bukayo Saka’s cross. But Serbia applied the pressure and came numerous times close to equalising.
Southgate will be pleased to get three points as they started the game on the front foot and managed to defend the lead until full-time, but Lineker wasn’t pleased with the Southgate substitution, (Metro), and told The Rest Is Football podcast:
‘’The one thing they weren’t doing was keeping the ball, and suddenly you brought on a player who is less likely to keep the ball [Gallagher], which is odd.’’
Lineker’s points are correct, but Gallagher’s introduction gave the Three Lions more balance in the midfield.
Bringing Gallagher was a better option because he provided a steel in midfield and his pressing at least gave Serbia less time on the ball. Southgate will have to find a better balance in the midfield because the Three Lions appeared vulnerable.
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Southgate has a wealth of options in his squad. He will have to find the right balance; otherwise, it will be just another poor selection from the Englishman and it will be another competition that ends up being the same sorry story for them, and he will be criticised for not using them to their full potential.