Former England striker Alan Shearer, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast: “The stats are pretty damning in terms of England creating chances. When you look at the talent we have got in forward positions – which we all thought was going to be one of our strengths – actually that hasn’t fired at all yet.
“We can massively improve and we are going to have to.”
Former England captain Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I still seriously worry about the tactical approach of the team. Phil Foden is one of the best number 10s in world football. I think there is a lack of balance to the team and I find it really, really strange that he doesn’t play somebody on the left side that plays on the left side.
“I saw a little bit of spark in the players [against Slovenia] that if they do get the right set-up and play high, aggressively and brave, then I think they could do really well. Do I think he [Gareth Southgate] will play that way? No, I don’t sadly.”
Former England forward Ellen White: “Our tempo. When we move the ball at speed, I don’t think anyone can live with us. It happened in flashes against Slovenia, for example with our disallowed goal, but it didn’t happen enough.”
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy: “It is probably the urgency of our play, or lack of it. But that high tempo we all want to see is linked to the manager’s message really. It has to be a consistent theme coming from the manager to give the players the belief and freedom to be able to do it.”