Euro 2024: Gary Neville emphasizes the importance of properly nurturing these talents as England faces challenges once more.

In a lackluster performance, England managed to secure a spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a goalless draw against Slovenia. However, former England player Gary Neville believes that the team may have mishandled their young talent pool, and this could come back to haunt them in the future.

The first half was largely forgettable for England, with their only bright moment being Bukayo Saka’s disallowed goal due to offside. The fans had little to cheer about as the team struggled to create opportunities.

It was in the second half that England showed some signs of improvement. The introduction of substitutes Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo injected some energy into the team. However, their efforts were not enough to secure a victory, and England had to settle for a point.

Neville, speaking on ITV, expressed his concern about the mishandling of England’s talented players. He mentioned the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Mainoo, and Phil Foden as players with immense potential. Neville emphasized the importance of nurturing these talents and not letting them go to waste.

He urged England manager Gareth Southgate to take notice of these players and utilize them effectively. Neville praised their technical abilities and their ability to make the team look cohesive and comfortable on the ball. He criticized England’s lackluster performance in the first half, describing it as a reflection of the rigid style of play that has plagued the team for the past two decades.

One player who made a significant impact after coming off the bench was Cole Palmer. The former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane commended Palmer’s unpredictability and his ability to beat defenders. Keane acknowledged that Palmer’s presence on the field always led to something exciting happening. Even Keane, who is not easily impressed, recognized Palmer’s potential to make a difference in the game.

As England progresses in the tournament, it is crucial for them to tap into the talent they possess and make the most of it. The likes of Palmer and the other young players mentioned by Neville have the ability to elevate England’s performance and bring a new dimension to their game. It remains to be seen whether Southgate will heed Neville’s advice and give these players the opportunity to shine.