Erik ten Hag has publicly criticized England manager Gareth Southgate’s tactics during their 1-0 Euro 2024 victory over Serbia.
The Manchester United boss labeled the team’s approach in the game as “very passive.”
In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, Ten Hag praised Jude Bellingham’s first-half performance but was less complimentary about England’s overall strategy.
“In the first half, I really enjoyed Jude Bellingham. He took England by the hand and lifted them to a higher level,” Ten Hag remarked.
However, he noted a significant shift in the second half, attributing England’s defensive play to Southgate’s game plan.
“England were playing very passive,” Ten Hag said. “I actually saw them moving backwards, they kept Serbia coming at them. It’s the vision of the manager.
“England will take a 1-0 lead, then he decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.”
But even with Serbia’s persistent pressure, England’s defense, occupied by Marc Guehi, Kieran Trippier, John Stones, and Kyle Walker, managed to maintain their lead.
