Troy Deeney, a former Premier League striker and Sun columnist, now working as an analyst for CBS in the US, offers a critical perspective on England's World Cup performance. Deeney questions the dominance of England's £224 million midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, arguing that they haven't dominated any game so far. He highlights the lack of consistent control over the ball and the team's inability to manage possession effectively.
Deeney's skepticism extends to the team's overall performance, particularly against Mexico. He criticizes the narrative that England's victory was a gritty, hard-fought win, emphasizing that Mexico's top player, Raul Jimenez, is not a match for England's third-tier players. Deeney also points out the team's lack of control and dominance, even after taking a 2-0 lead.
The analyst expresses frustration with the high expectations and unrealistic expectations placed on the team by fans and the media. He argues that the team's performances have been underwhelming and that the focus will quickly shift to the lack of dominance and the decision not to include Cole Palmer in the starting lineup if England loses.
Deeney also discusses the team's upcoming match against Norway, acknowledging the challenge of breaking down a well-organized low-block team. He compares the situation to playing against Haaland at Man City, where the focus is on dominating the ball rather than creating space for the striker. Deeney concludes by stating that he expects England to win but still favors Argentina as the potential semi-final opponent, emphasizing the need for a more consistent and dominant performance from the English team.
