Darren Anderton Interview about England’s Euro2024 campaign so far

Former England international Darren Anderton talks exclusively to William Hill about England’s Euro2024 campaign so far. Anderton, part of the 1996 Euros campaign where Gareth Southgate featured, shares his expert opinion of tournament football. Anderton also shares his views of his former sides Tottenham and Portsmouth.

Darren Anderton on England’s performances so far at Euro2024

Where do I start; They need to play with more freedom; I would drop Jude back next to Rice and then Foden can play as the 10 and be more influential; You can then bring in Gordon on the left and have more pace going forward; Everything is too slow and at some point walking pace; so enable the wingers on both side to get in behind the opposing defences; Palmer impressed when he came on so can have big impact from here.

It’s been a tough watch for sure. England v Slovenia was slow, somewhat walking pace at times. The players need to play the way they do for their clubs. Foden needs to be set free. Jude needs to drop alongside Rice and we need pace down the left-hand side to get behind defenders. Defensively England have been good, so this is a place to build from.

Have the pundits been too critical of England?

No, I don’t think so. They are paid to share their view of what happens on the pitch and should be honest. If England played poorly and they were very upbeat, then this wouldn’t go down well with the viewers. England haven’t been at their best and their recent performances haven’t been good at all. With the quality they have in the squad, they should be playing more entertaining football, creating more chances and on the front foot, with a high tempo game, with the forward players expressing themselves more.

Gareth Southgate says the negativity of a small number of England fans is creating an ‘unusual environment’ for his squad. Is he right?

Yes, as England have topped the group. Look at France who haven’t topped the group and now on a tough side of the draw. So, it is strange; but the expectation is so high for England.

What has been Gareth Southgate’s biggest mistake so far?

England are too safe. There is a lack of movement during the game. It’s been easy to defend against England and Southgate has to release our attacking players to show what they do for their Clubs. Phil Foden looks too much restricted and some of our play has been at walking pace. Southgate must give the players freedom to express themselves in the way we know they can do and show week in week out in the Premier League. It’s been a tough watch, but we must look to get the best out of these talented players.

As a former winger, how would you explain Phil Foden’s struggles for England in the left-wing role, considering how well he has done for Man City in the Premier League?
Foden must play as a 10. Drop Jude in with Rice and then give Foden the freedom to play his game! Then you will see the best of him. We have seen glimpses only. I hope there is nore to come as he is top class!

Was it naive to expect Trent Alexander-Arnold to make an impact in midfield?

No, Gareth had his thinking, and we won the first game 1-0 with Trent in Midfield and got a point against a tough Denmark team. The attacking side of the game needs more energy and at some stages it’s like walking football. With no natural left back and left sided attacking player, it’s difficult for Trent to impact the game with his range of passing.

Would you entertain the idea of Bukayo Saka playing left-back to get Cole Palmer in the attack as Ian Wright suggested on ITV?
Yes, I agree with this. After Palmers good display off the bench, Saka left back would work to bring in Palmer on the right-hand side. Not sure it will happen, but it will be a great option to have. I like Palmer a lot. He has a swagger about him, he is fearless, hungry and raw, so it can be exciting when he gets his next chance for England to show what he can do.

What do you think of Harry Kane’s performances so far?

Harry needs to be given the chances to score goals. He is coming too deep to collect the ball. With no natural left sided player, we’re not getting any crosses in from that side. The right side is the only attacking side for England where both goals have come from. We must play to his strengths.

When you look back at Euro 96, do you pinch yourself that you were part of it?

Yes, it was great. Following on from The Swiss game, the 2nd half of the Scotland game we really got into our groove and then the Holland game was where we played our best game, and everything clicked for us. Then we had the penalties versus Spain and Germany was a game that will be remembered forever.

What did it feel like when your team got criticised after the first game of Euro 96?

It was very tough. We had been waiting 2 years for the opening game against Switzerland we didn’t play well at all. In fact, we kind of froze on the big stage, we got the goal, but Switzerland levelled, and we didn’t kick on and play the way we knew we could. You are only as good as your last game for England so perform well and you’re a superstar, don’t play well and you know you are in for a real tough spot by the media who will criticize you a lot. However, Terry Venables was great for us as on the Monday he give us load of encouragement and confidence.

Darren Anderton on comparisons with Ange’s Tottenham team to the 1995 Spurs side he played in with the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann?

Yes, I see the comparisons between both sides. We liked to attack and play free flowing football and had some top players who were capable of great things. When Jurgen came to Spurs everyone stepped up a level and it was a joy to play in that side. Defenders weren’t so happy, but we attacked with purpose and scored plenty of goals. Ange’s team also play on the front foot and started last season so well, scoring plenty of goals.

Darren Anderton on what Tottenham needing to improve on ahead of next season in order to compete with the top 4?

I think support in defence for Van Der Ven. He is massive, but we need support for him as not sure I trust some of the others at centre back.
I would like a striker in the mould of Harry Kane, so it’s a tough one who is available, but I hope Ange can use his network to scout a top striker who can come in and score goals.

Darren Anderton on his former club Portsmouth promotion to the Championship

It’s excellent Portsmouth are back in the Championship. It’s been a while and so happy for everyone connected with the Club.
They have a top manager and it’s great no one has been in for him as they can build on this for next season for sure.
Do you think Portsmouth can emulate Ipswich Town by challenging near the top of the table in their first season back in Championship? Or should the focus just be avoiding relegation?

I think promotion is optimistic for Portsmouth at this stage, but avoiding relegation shouldn’t be something they are mainly focused on. I believe Portsmouth can have a good season in the Championship and enjoy being back in the division. I believe they are good enough to avoid relegation and show why they won League One and perform well next season.
Are you surprised that there hasn’t been interest in manager John Mousinho?

Yes, I am. He has done a great job at Portsmouth and with him in charge, Portsmouth can do well in the Championship and surprise a few teams. The better he does during the season, there could be interest, but hope he stays at Portsmouth as they can enjoy more success with him in charge.