England play like ‘old school’ Italy, says former Arsenal star who says criticism is justified

England’s performances at Euro 2024 have been compared to an ‘old-school Italy team’, according to a former Arsenal star.

The Three Lions have had two disappointing performances at the tournament so far after beating Serbia 1-0 and drawing 1-1 with Denmark.

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Boss Gareth Southgate has been criticized for his side’s performances, which saw England gain the upper hand only to sit on their lead rather than kill off their opponents.

England were lucky to resist Serbia’s second-half resurgence, but they were not so lucky against Denmark, who were unlucky to take all three points.

Fans and pundits have weighed in on the debate over why England are taking a more conservative approach in matches, despite arguably boasting their most talented squad in years.

But it’s not just England fans who have been left perplexed by the Three Lions’ style of play at Euro 2024.

Former Arsenal and Fulham defender Moritz Volz is keeping a close eye on Southgate’s men and admits he has been disappointed by what he has seen so far.

“I’ve been commentating on the matches, I’m the England pundit here for the German broadcasters and I didn’t like both of their performances,” Volz told talkSPORT.

“I felt like they really played like an old-school Italian team. Once they got their noses in front, they sat back and drew pressure.

“They defended very well and with all the criticism I think justified and correctly expressed in terms of play and perhaps lack of enthusiasm and attacking football.

“I think their defense is great and I keep saying unfortunately I think this group is still good enough to go far in this tournament.”

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England have already qualified for the last 16 thanks to Albania’s 1-0 defeat to Spain on Monday.

However, England are expected to hit back at their critics in Tuesday’s final Group C clash against Slovenia.

A victory would see them top the group and face a more favorable opponent in the round of 16.

It could also see England placed on the opposite side of the draw from the big hitters Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Gareth Southgate is expected to make changes for the Slovenia clash in Cologne after naming an unchanged squad for the opening two games.

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