England's average positions from Euro 2024 opener shows huge problem for Gareth Southgate

England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win against Serbia but Gareth Southgate’s tactics have been called into question.

Jude Bellingham’s first half goal was enough to secure three points for the Three Lions who top group C after Denmark drew 1-1 with Slovenia earlier in the day.

Southgate opted to start Trent Alexander-Arnold at the base of the midfield alongside Declan Rice meaning Phil Foden was pushed to the left of the attacking midfield trio.

Question marks were raised after a subdued second half showing at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen and Southgate has many tactical questions to ponder ahead of Thursday’s game against Denmark.

The performance of Foden in particular was brought into focus after the win, with many fans suggesting the Manchester City man should be played down the middle in a similar position where he thrived under Pep Guardiola last season.

Indeed, when looking at the average positions of the England players, it showcases the problem Southgate has in fitting the Premier League Player of the Year into his side.

The heatmap shows the 23-year-old in close vicinity to Bellingham who was operating as the central attacking midfielder, potentially limiting the impact he could have on games.

The average positions of the England players showcases the issue facing Gareth Southgate (pythaginboots X)

Speaking after the game, ex-Man City defender Micah Richards urged Southgate to find a way to bring the best out of Foden.

“The big talking point for me tonight was Phil Foden. I think the first 20 minutes he got into some really good positions. We need to find a way to get the best out of him.

“He wasn't involved. At Manchester City we obviously know it's choreographed with the system and the movements and all those sorts of things. But it makes me sad when I see a player of this quality just in and out of games.”

He added: “It's very difficult when Jude's got the freedom of the pitch and Phil is having to go from pressing out wide, to coming in midfield. He's playing with [Kieran] Trippier, who's not right-footed, he needs [Luke] Shaw to go and overlap so he can get those combinations.

“It's just sad to see because this season he's been immense. Watch Man City every other week and the stuff that he's doing for Man City we need to see it in an England shirt.”