Troy Deeney launched a scathing attack on England's wingers after they laboured to a 2-0 World Cup win over Panama. Thomas Tuchel made five changes to the side which was held to a goalless draw against Ghana earlier this week, but the alterations did little to improve the Three Lions' fluency.
Deeney's criticism of Saka and Rashford
Morgan Rogers struggled to show he could work in tandem in a new-look midfield with Jude Bellingham, while Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka only showed flashes of their true potential. Saka, making his first start of the tournament, lasted just over an hour as Tuchel continues to nurse him through the competition, and was replaced by his teammate Noni Madueke. The former Chelsea star was equally wasteful, however, and his display was neatly summed up by his first contribution when, up against an isolated full-back, he overhit the ball and needlessly kicked it out of play, much to Deeney's consternation.
'Have a look at the possessions lost, 14 for Saka, 20 for Rashford and 7 for Madueke,' Deeney told CBS Sports. 'That's fine if when you're playing you're being really incisive with the passing, little flicks around the corner. If you watch that game, Madueke when he first came on he kicked it past someone and kicked it out for a goal kick. Am I meant to get excited about that? Rashford kept coming in on his right foot and wants to shoot and if that's not I'll kick it, someone will be there. It was so wasteful.'
Wasteful display despite platform
Deeney highlighted that the wide players were given a platform by the centre-backs and Elliot Anderson holding midfield, but they failed to capitalise. 'The first half I said it was about the two centre backs and Elliot Anderson holding, dictating and giving these guys a platform. The second half they got the platform because the ball was getting out to the wide players as Panama got a bit more confident so there was more spaces for one vs ones. They got worse.'
'Arrogant and ignorant' attitude
Deeney did not hold back in his assessment of the wingers' mentality. 'You know what they were? They were arrogant and ignorant. They thought all they need to do was run past them, I play for whatever club I'm better than that person. No, you're playing against another man on the other side playing for his national team. He is going to feel it's important to me so now I want to showcase against England with the most viewers I'm probably going to get in my career I want to show you what I can do best. They were ignorant and arrogant and that graphic summed it up in a nutshell.'
