Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag delivered a no-nonsense assessment of Gareth Southgate’s “vision” after England stumbled to a 1-0 win over Serbia.
A first-half header from Jude Bellingham handed the Three Lions all three points on Sunday but it was an uncomfortable evening – especially in that second-half – for one of the tournament favourites.
Will their performance strike fear into France, Spain and Germany? Not likely, although Gareth Southgate was encouraged by their first-half display in Gelsenkirchen.
Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, described England as being “very passive” in his post-match analysis of the Group C clash.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS, the Manchester United boss said: “In the first half I really enjoyed Jude Bellingham. He took England by the hand and lifted them to a higher level.”
He continued: “England were playing very passive. I actually saw them moving backwards, they kept Serbia coming at them.”
Ten Hag, who will remain in charge at Old Trafford following an end-of-season review, went on to criticise Southgate’s game plan.
The former Ajax boss added: “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.”
Southgate was one of the favourites to replace Ten Hag at United before the decision was made to keep him in charge.
The Dutchman opened up on his future during Sunday’s appearance on Dutch TV.
“Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract,” he said. “This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.
“United have told me that they spoke with [Thomas] Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
Image credit: NOS
Ten Hag also confirmed that he met with club officials in Ibiza to speak about his future.
“Manchester United disturbed my holiday, they suddenly stood at my doorstep. They flew to me in Ibiza.”
He added: “INOES took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.
“Here in Holland this is ‘not done,’ in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.
“As in any organisation, and that seems very sensible to me, there is an evaluation. Conclusions were drawn from there. The new leadership is playing football for the first time.”
Featured Image Credit: NOS – Getty Images
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Gareth Southgate, England, Euro 2024