Erik ten Hag aimed a dig at Gareth Southgate’s tactics following England’s narrow 1-0 win over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener.
The Three Lions got off to a winning start on Sunday night with Jude Bellingham scoring the only goal of the game.
A second goal never came however with Serbia growing into the contest, forcing England onto the back foot with a spirited second-half display.
Ten Hag was on punditry duty for NOS in Netherlands for their coverage of the match, having spoken out on United’s decision to stick with him as manager at the top of the show.
Following the game, the Dutchman appeared to question the set-up of Southgate – one of the men who was tipped to replace him this summer – in the second-half, accusing him of ‘gambling’ with his side’s fortunes.
‘It’s the vision of the manager [Southgate],’ ten Hag said.
‘England will take a 1-0 lead, then he [Southgate] decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.’
Luke Shaw could miss next two England games
Luke Shaw was among the England substitutes on Sunday night with Kieran Trippier starting at left-back.
Shaw has not played since February when he limped off in a 2-1 win over Luton – last week revealing he regretted accepting ten Hag’s request to play in that match.
His hopes of featuring in this Euros looked bleak with Southgate initially rating his chances of making the final squad as ‘a long shot’.
The left-back has stepped up his recovery however and was back in full training this week. While his chances of featuring in Germany this summer look improved, ten Hag suggested a return to the England will not be until the knockout stages of the competition.
“Luke Shaw will start playing once England get out of the group stages,’ ten Hag said.
England are back in action against Denmark on Thursday night, with the Danes drawing their opening game against Slovenia earlier on Sunday evening.
England conclude their group campaign against Slovenia next Tuesday.
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MORE : Rio Ferdinand questions why two England stars didn’t play more against Serbia
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