GARETH SOUTHGATE will not name a substitute for England’s opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia.
The Three Lions begin their tournament on Sunday evening.
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Southgate will have 15 players at his disposal off the bench – but he is not calling up any of them as replacements.
Instead, he uses the word “finishers” to make those outside the starting XI feel more involved.
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is likely to be one of the ‘finishers’ in the Serbia clash.
And he explained to the Mail: “It’s not just about the 11. It’s about the whole team, the culture, the collective. You win the tournament as a collective.
“It’s putting your ego aside and being able to focus on what’s important for the team.
“If you have that type of culture, which we have, you have the best chance.
“The manager talked about ‘finishers.’ We call them finishers, we know that.
“The players that come on the field, there’s a mentality about it, there’s a way to go about it.
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“There is importance in this role, it’s not just about the 11.”
England fans are divided on the term, with some loving it and others calling it “absolute nonsense”.
One fan said: “I understand the intention but it’s a bit cringe.”
Another added: “Never go full-on LinkedIn. »
A third joked: “Is he naming the ones he’ll replace ‘quits’?” »
Others thought it was a good idea and said: “I never liked calling them substitutes. Fresh and tired legs play a key role.”
More commented: “It’s about changing the mentality of the players coming off the bench.”
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Jack Wilshere’s England XI against Serbia
SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere wants Egand to start with just one midfielder – Declan Rice.
That means playing Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield roles, with Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka on the wings, either side of Harry Kane up top.
Wilshere said: “In the group stage against teams we should beat, we can afford to be more expansive, let’s attack.
“Not so long ago we were saying we didn’t have Spanish-type players who could dominate the ball, now we have it.
“So let’s try to use that, dominate the ball and score goals.”
And the former England midfielder wants Trent Alexander-Arnold to get the nod at right-back, with Kyle Walker at centre-back.
He added: “If you play Trent at right-back and he drifts into midfield, he can change plays quickly. Walker’s pace will keep you out of trouble.
