Rooney advises Southgate to make key change for Slovenia match

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Wayne Rooney has advised Gareth Southgate to make one key change to his England line-up for their final Euro 2024 group clash against Slovenia.

The Three Lions have already qualified for the competition’s last-16 after Spain beat Albania on Monday, but have largely underwhelmed at the tournament so far.

An opening victory over Serbia was followed by a difficult draw against Denmark, with England’s stars struggling to reproduce their club form on the international stage.

Southgate has faced criticism for his squad selection and tactics, notably choosing to push Phil Foden out to the left-wing and bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield.

Things are yet to click with Foden failing to show his typical creativity, Alexander-Arnold struggling to adapt to his central role and Harry Kane reduced of goalscoring chances in attack.

Wayne Rooney has advised Gareth Southgate to make one key change to his England line-up for their final Euro 2024 group clash

Rooney believes making a tactical change would make a 'big difference' to the Three Lions

Rooney believes making a tactical change would make a ‘big difference’ to the Three Lions

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Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is tipped to come into midfield alongside Rice an Jude Bellingham against Slovenia, but Rooney has stressed Southgate needs to make a different change.

The Man United and England legend formerly captained the national team at several major competitions and feels England’s success rests on moving Foden into a central playmaker position.

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Keen to see a change made, Rooney suggested Southgate play Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon on the left-wing and move Foden into a attacking midfield spot with Rice and Bellingham just behind.

Explaining his choices, the recently-appointed Plymouth Argyle boss told the BBC: ‘I’d like to see Anthony Gordon come into the team.

‘I’d play Gordon off the left, [Bukayo] Saka off the right, Rice and Bellingham in the middle, Foden as No.10 and Kane up top.

‘I think at the minute what’s happening is, Phil [Foden] and Jude [Bellingham] are almost occupying that position and it’s difficult for them to find space in there.

‘I think just dropping Jude back a little bit and giving Foden that space to go and roam and having Gordon and Saka to keep the width to me will make a big difference,’ he added.

Rooney also wants Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon to start on the left-wing against Slovenia

Rooney also wants Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon to start on the left-wing against Slovenia

Gordon (middle) would provide more natural width to England's attack against Slovenia

Gordon (middle) would provide more natural width to England’s attack against Slovenia

Southgate explained after the Denmark draw that he is still trying to find the right balance in midfield, but seems cautious over moving Foden into midfield.

The serial Premier League winner prefers playing behind the striker under Pep Guardiola’s guidance where he can dictate play as opposed to having to come in off the wing.

But, with the Three Lions there is concern that Foden starting in midfield would limit Bellingham from getting forward and potentially provide Rice with too much defending.

Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is another midfield option for Southgate to consider but has so far been limited to one appearance off the bench. 

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