Jamie Carragher defends Gareth Southgate as he hits out at 'anonymous' performances from two stars

Jamie Carragher has come to the defense of Gareth Southgate following England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024.

England yet again put in an uninspiring performance to wrap up the group stages, as they continue to look far from a side capable of taking home the trophy this summer.

The 90 minutes of play was filled with more conservative sideways passing, with pretty much zero attacking outlet.

Despite the disappointing result and performance, results elsewhere ensured England topped Group C with just five points, as Gareth Southgate's men await confirmation of Sunday's opponents in the round of 16.

Following the full-time whistle, Southgate addressed the England fans behind the goal, but was met with boos and was even targeted with plastic cups by some members of the England faithful.

Although England continue to look like a team who have never been coached, Carragher has been quick to defend the England boss and laid most of the blame on the players on the pitch.

"I maintain what I wrote before the tournament: international football is about big players coming to the party far more than managers. So far, England’s stars have not turned up and their best performances have been in the pre-match interviews," he wrote in The Telegraph.

Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka- Getty

"The tactical decisions taken by the manager so far can be debated – there is no question they must change in the knockout stages – but they have hardly been outrageous."

The former Liverpool man singed out Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka as players who should be doing more.

"Bellingham is playing the same position for his country in this competition as he has for Real Madrid all season, winning the Champions League. Let’s be honest. He has been anonymous in the past two games," he said.

"Saka is outstanding for Arsenal. He has had minimal impact in the past two-and-a-half games."

Carragher was keen to stress Southgate must switch it up in the next match, and has named the three players he wants to see come into the side for Sunday.

"The obvious inclusions for the round of 16 are Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon," he explained.

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