Lions not up to mark, says Steve

Even as the European Championships enters the knockout stage, former England midfielder Steve McManaman feels his compatriots are yet to hit top gear and warns that unless they find it quickly, it could be yet another early journey back home for perennial dark horses, the Three Lions.

“I don’t think England’s been particularly impressive. In the first game against Russia they played well but conceded late. Against Wales I thought they played well only in the second half when they were already chasing the game” said the former Real Madrid galactico in an exclusive chat with this newspaper.

“I was very frustrated with the performance against Slovakia. If they are to go on in the tournament, they need to do better.”

With an arguably favourable draw against Iceland in the last-16 stage, McManaman feels they need to up their game if they are to progress.

“They play Iceland, of course I think they have enough to go on but they have to play better because if they win this game they may play France in the next round. To play France in France will be a very difficult game. I hope that when they play better opposition they attack more and then you’ll see the best of England,” he remarked.

While the Wayne Rooneyled side have struggled for goals, the problem extends beyond them as almost all the teams have struggled to hit the back of the net with the expected regularity.

It is an issue McManaman attributes to the 24-team format.

“I think with the new format, where four teams who finish third will go forward, that is a problem. A lot of teams don’t want to lose a game so they sit and defend and that’s why it’s been a bit low scoring. Once we reach the knockout stage it will change because you have to win,” said the Englishman who is a pundit on ESPN FC, an analysis programme on European football leagues which has also launched ESPN.in besides a mobile app earlier this month.

“I think the format is not that good to be very honest. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to see Iceland, Wales and Northern Ireland and all qualify. But you should need to qualify with more than three points in the group stage,” he added.

Asked about the favourites, he said: “I think it’s been difficult this time because I thought Spain or Germany would be favourites but they haven’t looked that impressive.”