'We're finished' - England fans fume at Gareth Southgate as team news leaks for Belgium clash

'We're finished' - England fans fume at Gareth Southgate as team news leaks for Belgium clash

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Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 26/03/2024

- 13:31

The Three Lions will play their final match before squads for Euro 2024 are named

England fans have been left angry with Gareth Southgate after team news for Tuesday's friendly against Belgium was leaked.

Reports claim Ben Chilwell is set to be given another start at Wembley despite struggling in the 1-0 loss to Brazil on Saturday.


Chilwell had a miserable evening on his first appearance for England since last September having missed the last two international breaks due to injury.

He is the only fit out-and-out left-back in Southgate's squad, with Luke Shaw set for another few months out with a leg injury.

Gareth Southgate

England vs Belgium: Gareth Southgate has been criticised after team news leaked for the friendly

Getty

Joe Gomez came on in place of Chilwell for the final 25 minutes on Saturday, winning his first cap since 2020.

The versatile Liverpool star has impressed at left-back in recent months but it appears Southgate will keep faith in Chilwell.

Sky Sports says the former Leicester star will start, while 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is also set for his full international debut.

Mainoo is set to line up in midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, who will skipper the team on his 50th cap.

Ivan Toney is also in contention to make his first start for England in the absence of Harry Kane.

But it is the inclusion of Chilwell that has led to fury from many England fans on social media.

One X user wrote: "Not Ben Chillwell deary me."

While another posted: "Is Southgate blind? Did he not see Chilwell's performance against Brazil."

A third wrote: "Chilwell we’re finished." While a fourth put: "Chilwell is the worst LB for England ever."

Many would prefer to see Gomez given an opportunity instead of his Chelsea rival.

One fan wrote: "Joe Gomez is clear of Chilwell." A second put: "Not Ben Chilwell. Start Joe Gomez."

Chilwell struggled in the final third in particular against Brazil, sending a couple of wild shots high and wide, while his crossing was well below par.

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Ben Chilwell

England vs Belgium: Ben Chilwell struggled during the loss to Brazil on Saturday

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Criticism kept being aimed at Southgate as England prepare for their final match before the Euro 2024 squads are named.

One X user wrote: "I cannot fathom GS. Chilwell average at best v Brazil gets another chance? Thrown other players under the bus?"

Another put: "Chilwell was the worst player on the pitch against Brazil and is rewarded with another start."

A third wrote: "Chilwell again. Please just sack that munter."

Ben Chilwell and Declan Rice

England vs Belgium: Ben Chilwell and Declan Rice are both set to start at Wembley

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Southgate leapt to the defence of Chilwell on Saturday, insisting there must be patience after recently returning from injury.

He said: "Ben Chilwell was very good, he was aggressive in his defending and he gave us width.

"We have to manage him carefully because he’s been out for a while."

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