Southgate killed them — Rooney criticizes England boss ahead of Slovakia clash

England take on Slovakia in the quarterfinals of EURO 2024, as they chase their first international trophy since 1996

Southgate's men have been underwhelming at this summer's tournament, stumbling to one win and two draws in the group stage.

The performances have drawn serious criticism from fans and pundits, with calls for Southgate to drop certain players for the game against Slovakia.

England legend Rooney believes the criticism is deserved and thinks Southgate killed certain players.

“None of what happened in the group stage surprised me. I would never have played Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and expected that, when the experiment didn’t work, Gareth would try Conor Gallagher.

“Gareth killed both a bit by discarding them, but in each case, it was the right call and when Mainoo came in you saw him making forward runs and showing composure on the ball.

Kobbie Mainoo is expected to line up alongside Declan Rice in midfield against Slovakia as England aim to keep their EUROs dream alive.