Gareth Southgate missed two tricks during England’s goalless draw with USA on Friday in Qatar, by leaving Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, believes Gary Neville.
It was not a great performance from England as they played out a stalemate with the Americans, failing to create many chances or dominate the ball against an energetic and impressive opponent.
Southgate’s side were a long way from the performance they turned in against Iran on Monday, although USA were far superior to the Iranians, coming closest to breaking the deadlock when Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar in the first half.
England were certainly nowhere near as threatening as they were against Iran and Neville thought Southgate could have turned to two of his more creative talents in Foden and Alexander-Arnold.
Neville has been critical of the Liverpool full-back’s defending in recent weeks, but also thinks he has the talent to create goals when England are struggling to produce opportunities from elsewhere.
‘I’m torn by it as I’ve got huge respect for Gareth Southgate,’ Neville said on ITV. ‘He’s achieved far more than any of the other managers since Sir Alf Ramsey, but we’ve got a couple of talents there sat on the bench in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden.
‘In terms of opening up the game, Alexander-Arnold has got one of the best deliveries you’re going to see from a full-back. Down that right-hand side when Marcus Rashford came on, he had Henderson and Trippier so he was blocked in a way from getting the sort of delivery and combinations you’d want.
‘Those two not coming off the bench was disappointing as they’re world-class talents. Other nations: Spain, Brazil and France – would probably have Alexander-Arnold and Foden in the starting XI.
‘I understand a little bit having watched Alexander-Arnold defend, but in games where we’ve lacked creativity and not created chances. Alexander-Arnold should be in there.’
England remain top of Group B despite dropping two points, meaning a victory over Wales on Tuesday will keep them in top spot, but a draw or defeat would put that place in jeopardy.
MORE : England struggle to USA stalemate in underwhelming World Cup showing
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