Gabby Agbonlahor has raised concern after he spotted an incident between Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice during England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Frustration levels have grown after Gareth Southgate’s men produced a hapless performance and were extremely fortunate to leave Frankfurt with a point.
England looked disjointed and unable to muster any attacking creativity, with Harry Kane dropping far too deep in search of the ball.
Fans in Germany and back at home were quick to criticise yet another lacklustre display by such a highly talented group.
Jordan Pickford involved in concerning Declan Rice altercation v Denmark
Pickford, of course, started in goal but looked disgruntled at times.
The Everton man was trying to get his side playing quickly and perhaps was slightly out of sync with his back four and defensive midfielders.
And, speaking on talkSPORT on Friday morning, Agbonlahor claimed what he saw involving the 30-year-old was concerning.
“Pickford wanted to get the ball and kick it quickly long,” said the former Aston Villa striker.
“Declan Rice was screaming at him, saying calm down, play it short. You were seeing a bit of like arguing between the players as well. That’s not a good sign.”
England fans deserve so much better
It feels like one of the golden generations of English football is being criminally held back by a lack of tactical nous and overly pragmatic style.
There’s no way a team as talented as this is willingly looking to drop deep and become completely passive when in the lead.
Pickford looked utterly at a loss witnessing what was going on in front of him in Frankfurt on Thursday.
The Everton star, usually so assured in an England shirt, didn’t seem his usual self.
Looking ahead to the final group game, a positive performance is non-negotiable. Southgate may be forced to persist with a relatively unchanged eleven, considering the lacklustre nature of England’s Euro 2024 to date.
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