Wayne Rooney says Gareth Southgate has "killed" two England players during the group stage of Euro 2024.
England finished top of Group C but produced three lacklustre performances that have raised doubts over whether The Three Lions can go all the way in Germany.
After narrowly beating Serbia 1-0 in their opening game, England were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark before playing out a goalless stalemate with Slovenia.
Advert
They will now face Slovakia in the last 16 of the competition on Sunday.
Southgate has received criticism for his conservative approach in the tournament, while his substitutions and tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny.
England legend Rooney claims Southgate has 'killed' Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea's Conor Gallagher by using them before quickly 'discarding' them.
Advert
Alexander-Arnold started in midfield alongside Declan Rice against Serbia and Denmark, before Chelsea's Gallagher replaced him for the Slovenia game only to be taken off at half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo came in for Gallagher for the second period and the Manchester United youngster could keep his place in the side for the Slovakia game this weekend.
"Against Slovenia, Kobbie Mainoo staked a big claim for a starting place, Cole Palmer was very good and Anthony Gordon, though he played only a few minutes, had a couple of excellent touches," Rooney told The Times.
"At just the right time in the tournament, Gareth may have stumbled upon the right team. I would play at least two of those three youngsters against Slovakia – and, in fact, I said before the tournament that my starting XI for the knockout stage would have Mainoo and Gordon in it.
Advert
"None of what happened in the group stage surprised me. I would never have played Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and expected that, when the experiment didn't work, Gareth would try Conor Gallagher.
"Gareth killed both a bit by discarding them, but in each case it was the right call and when Mainoo came in you saw him making forward runs and showing composure on the ball.
"Palmer? He is just suited to international football. He can take the ball, he's calm on it and has the personality you need on that stage. Gordon is more direct than the other two and ensures there is a good blend.
Advert
"With those three on the pitch you saw runners going beyond Harry which, good as Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Foden are, we had not seen from them."
SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated transfer news channel to send you the latest deals, rumours and more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, Wayne Rooney
Rory O'Callaghan