The Italian press has delivered a brutal and unanimous verdict on England's Euro 2024 campaign, echoing Jamie Carragher's now-infamous critique after a dismal 1-1 draw with Denmark. The nation's top sports publications didn't hold back, branding the performance a catastrophe and sounding alarm bells for Gareth Southgate.
Front Page Fury: 'Disaster' For The Three Lions
Italy's media giants launched a full-frontal assault on the English team. Gazzetta dello Sport led with the damning headline 'England Disaster', accompanied by a report that slammed the team's 'usual, boring, slow and confused football'. The critique cut deep, suggesting the performance was even worse than their opener against Serbia.
Corriere dello Sport was no less forgiving, declaring 'Alarm Bells for England' and pointing a direct finger at manager Gareth Southgate. Their analysis questioned his puzzling substitutions and overall tactical approach, leaving readers in no doubt about their scorn.
Bellingham's Brilliance Fades Into The Fog
In a startling turn, the Italian papers turned their focus away from Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham. Tuttosport noted that the 'Bellingham light is obscured', a stark contrast to the hype surrounding him after the first match. The narrative swiftly shifted from praising a saviour to questioning his impact within a struggling side.
The press reserved particular criticism for captain Harry Kane, whose anonymous performance and post-match comments about needing to 'block high presses better' were met with incredulity. The consensus was clear: talk is cheap, and England's actions on the pitch were not matching their words.
Carragher's Words Echo Across Europe
The reaction in Italy perfectly mirrors the explosive analysis from Jamie Carragher on UK television. The former England defender didn't mince words, stating the team looks 'absolutely knackered' and is suffering from a severe 'physical and technical' deficit. His claim that no England player would get into the French team resonated deeply, a sentiment the Italian press seemed to share in their own scathing assessments.
This trans-European punditry paints a bleak picture for the pre-tournament favourites. With the Italian media now joining the chorus of condemnation, the pressure on Southgate and his squad has reached a fever pitch, turning their final group game into a must-win not just for points, but for pride.
