Ben Stokes has suggested ‘negativity’ should be left to the pundits in the wake of England’s flat 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday.
The Three Lions were poor for the second match in a row, having laboured to a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia on matchday one.
Harry Kane put England ahead in the 18th minute, with the Bayern Munich star tapping in from close range after a deflected cross from Kyle Walker.
But Morten Hjulmand levelled for Denmark, who were deserving of a point in Frankfurt after dominating the ball and having more shots on target.
Ben Stokes has suggested ‘negativity’ should be left to the pundits in the wake of England’s flat 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday
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After the game, Kyle Walker called for perspective. England have four points, are still unbeaten and are well on course to play in the round of 16.
And Stokes was pleased with the Manchester City star’s interview, insisting ‘negativity’ should be left to the pundits.
“Class interview that from Kyle Walker… made sure everyone heard they are top of the table but knows there is loads more to improve on,” he said.
“Get behind the team and leave the hindsight and negativity to the pundits aye… come on ENGLAND.”
Alan Shearer was one critical pundit, with the BBC presenter saying the result and performance was ‘really concerning’ for the Three Lions.
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“You can see players lying on their back, they look absolutely shattered – there’s no excuse for that,” he said.
“No energy, no pace to the game. We didn’t run in behind until the last 10 or 15 minutes. We got caught too many times on the ball, too many sloppy passes.
“And in truth, Denmark were the better team and deserved to win. There’s so much more to come. It’s really concerning.”
And Shearer thinks Southgate should brace himself for ‘serious questions’ following England’s subdued display.
“Gareth Southgate will get serious questions,” he said.
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“You see the players out there…Phil Foden and what he has done all season for Manchester City, Jude Bellingham turning up in the first game and not so much tonight, John Stones and what we have seen him do at club level.
“There is far more to get out of those players than he is getting at the moment.
“Gareth, at the minute, is not getting the best out of England’s best players.”
As for Roy Keane, the ITV pundit has ripped into Trent Alexander-Arnold – saying the Liverpool star ‘isn’t up to it’ after struggling in midfield.
“When you have been taken off in the two games, it’s not a good sign,” said Keane.
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“I always thought it was a huge gamble to play a player who doesn’t play that week in and week out for his club.
“I know people say that he drifts in there for Liverpool. But drifting into a position and starting is completely different.
“I have played in midfield, it’s a tough position. Physically, getting your distances and he has come up short in the two games.
“It’s not all down to him. You have to probably put this on Gareth (Southgate).
“It’s a huge gamble to throw a fullback in the middle of the park.
England are still unbeaten at Euro 2024 and virtually through to the knockout stages after their 1-1 draw with Denmark
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“This isn’t against the French or the Spanish, where they have got tougher tests ahead and maybe even Germany.
“This is against two teams where you thought England would be fairly comfortable and have lots of possession.
“But it was a big ask for him and he isn’t up to it.”
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