"They have to create the bond, this is not coachable" - Fabregas names 2 players who must connect to get England firing at Euro 2024

Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has said that England midfielders Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham have to create a "bond" while playing together at Euro 2024. His remark comes in the wake of criticism of the Three Lions' attack.

England have scored just one goal in each of their two opening fixtures against Serbia and Denmark. Manager Gareth Southgate has faced a lot of criticism for his defensive tactics and the team, despite a plethora of attacking talent, has struggled in the final third.

Fabregas, who won Euro 2012 with Spain, explained how he played as a false 9 and ended up winning the tournament. While speaking on the 'Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE' podcast, Fabregas said a player needs to have "game intelligence" and the "personality" to make an impact.

Talking about England's conundrum in midfield and attack in Euro 2024, he said:

"The more options you have, the better obviously. But I also believe in connections. Jude [Bellingham] and Phil [Foden], they have to find each other. They have to create the bond, but this is not coachable sometimes."

"Either you feel it from day one, I remember Diego Costa and I, we connected without even knowing each other. We just looked at each other and said, 'okay, this is your strength, these are my strengths, let’s work together'."

The Three Lions face Slovenia on June 25, Tuesday, in their last group-stage game.

---

"Don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips in Euro 2024" - England coach Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate has received a lot of flak for justifying his decision to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. He stated that playing the Liverpool right-back in midfield was an "experiment," while adding that he didn't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips.

Trent has started in midfield in England's first two games and was substituted in the second half of both matches.

Here's what Southgate said (via Daily Mail):

"We know it is an experiment and we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips, but we're trying some different things and at the moment we're not flowing as we'd like, that's for sure."

Pundits have urged him to deploy either Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo or Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer in midfield. The latter was Chelsea's standout performer last season, scoring 27 goals and managing 15 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.

Palmer has warmed the bench so far and might get a chance to play against Slovenia on Tuesday.