Neville: England’s poor performances continue but luck is on their side – huge changes needed to progress

Despite England’s last-gasp victory over Slovakia to reach the quarter-finals of the Euros, former Manchester United player Gary Neville emphasized that the national team must undergo significant changes in both personnel and tactics if they are to advance further. He highlighted that, despite the late turnaround, serious issues within the squad were evident.

Neville expressed his concerns during the live broadcast: “The word of the night is ‘relief.’ We rode our luck, and we should be thankful for it. Four games in a row, we’ve been poor.”

“Even in extra time, there was no improvement, allowing Slovakia to dominate. They were unfortunate to lose,” he continued. “Now, we have to address the issue of ‘major change.’ I know Southgate, he’s honest and principled, but tonight will have made him realize that the clock is ticking, and it’s a close call.”

“The fans have been calling for more changes game after game – from the first match to the third and beyond – with demands for players like Palmer and Alexander-Arnold to bring fresh energy and balance,” he added.

“Of course, winning in tournaments is crucial, but to think we can continue in this form for a month and win the trophy is unrealistic,” he said.

Next up, England faces Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, hoping to maintain their fighting spirit.

Joining Neville in the commentary, Roy Keane also remarked, “This win doesn’t really dispel the doubts. Quality matters, of course, but at this level, winning is everything. People want to see great football, but as long as they keep winning and moving forward… The next battle will be even tougher, let’s see how it unfolds.”

“We criticized them harshly at halftime, but they found a way to win, and that deserves credit. Top players step up in key moments and take their chances. If young players like Bellingham continue to shine, it’ll be a massive boost. They seized the turning point and deserve praise.”