Euro 2024: 'England lacked any sort of direction' in draw with Denmark, says former England defender Rio Ferdinand

ByDarren Beattie

Updated 20/06/2024 at 20:25 GMT

Questions have been raised about Gareth Southgate's tactics after a "lacklustre" England were held to a 1-1 draw with Denmark in their second Group C game of Euro 2024. The Three Lions are one of the favourites to lift the trophy on July 14 but have not yet realised their full potential, with Rio Ferdinand accusing the team of lacking "any sort of direction".

England were "tactically" inferior to Denmark in their 1-1 draw at Euro 2024 according to Rio Ferdinand, who has questioned the balance of Gareth Southgate's side.

The Three Lions took an early lead through Harry Kane in the Group C match but then allowed Denmark back into the game, and at times were hanging on for a draw in Frankfurt.

Former England striker Alan Shearer, on BBC Sport duty, claimed Denmark deserved to win the game, while Ferdinand expressed concern about Southgate's tactics.

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"Lacklustre, lacked any sort of direction in my eyes," Ferdinand said. "Tactically, well below par.

"We were overshadowed tactically. Denmark were tactically superior, forced England to look very average.

"Our best players, our most decisive players, are at the top of the pitch and we choose to set up to defend. We’ve got too good of players to set ourselves up tactically to sit back and wait and hope to get through a game."

Although England started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia, the performance was far from convincing and in Frankfurt more questions were raised.

Boasting the likes of Phil Foden, the Premier League player of the season, and Jude Bellingham, who has been touted as a future Ballon d'Or winner, England are among the favourites to lift the trophy on July 14.

But Ferdinand stressed that Southgate needs to find a way for his players to replicate their displays at club level on the international stage.

"There’s so much room for improvement, it just concerns you," former England defender Ferdinand said.

"The players don’t look the same players we see for their clubs. It happened in my generation, so I understand exactly what it is.

"I don’t think the team balance is allowing the players to perform at their best. Foden’s not playing in his best position, isn’t performing at his best. Jude Bellingham might be better off playing at No. 8."

‘A lot of positives’ - Stones not worried by England’s draw with Denmark at Euro 2024

Southgate 'not getting the best' out of players, says Shearer

Shearer was similarly concerned about the level of performances shown by England's best players.

"It wasn't good enough," he said. "Where do you start? No energy, no guile. I wouldn't say a lack of effort but there's so much more to come from the players out there.

"Look at Jude tonight, he couldn't put one foot in front of the other, he couldn't get forward. Look at Phil Foden on the left, is he affecting the game? No chance.

"Look at [Bukayo] Saka, look at Harry Kane. How many times did you see him [John Stones] get the ball and run into midfield or get the ball and turn in the Man City team? He's brilliant at it. How many times have you seen him do it in the last two England games? I can't remember any.

"Gareth at the minute is not getting the best out of England's best players."

Harry Kane of England looks on as he sits on the substitutes bench during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Denmark and England.

Image credit: Getty Images

Kane may have opened the scoring, but his overall contribution has been questioned, and he was eventually subbed off with over 20 minutes remaining.

Shearer feels the 30-year-old needs players running in behind defences and believes he could benefit from Newcastle wide man Anthony Gordon's presence on the pitch.

"He needs players in and around him," Shearer said. "That's why I would have Gordon in the team because he has the energy, he has the ability to run in behind."

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