Football legend Wayne Rooney has delivered a brutal assessment of England's Euro 2024 performance, suggesting Bukayo Saka wasted a golden opportunity that a prime Michael Owen would have buried without hesitation.
The Moment That Could Have Changed Everything
Following England's disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark, Rooney dissected the key moments where Gareth Southgate's men failed to capitalise. The former England captain pinpointed a specific first-half chance where Arsenal star Saka found himself in a promising position but couldn't convert.
'Michael Owen buries that chance nine times out of ten,' Rooney declared during his analysis. 'At that level, in tournament football, you have to take those opportunities when they come.'
A Tale of Two Generations
Rooney's comparison draws fascinating parallels between different eras of English football. He recalled playing alongside Owen during the 2004 European Championships, where the lightning-fast striker consistently delivered in crucial moments.
'When Michael got through like that, you were already turning away to celebrate,' Rooney reminisced. 'That clinical edge is what separates good teams from trophy-winning teams.'
England's Euro 2024 Concerns Mount
The Three Lions' performance against Denmark has raised serious questions about their tournament credentials despite sitting top of Group C. Harry Kane's early opener was cancelled out by Morten Hjelm, with England appearing sluggish and lacking creativity throughout.
- Concerning possession statistics favouring Denmark
- Lack of midfield control and creativity
- Questions over Southgate's tactical approach
- Growing pressure ahead of Slovenia clash
What Next for Southgate's Side?
With one group game remaining against Slovenia, England must find solutions quickly. Rooney's comments highlight the fine margins at major tournaments, where missed chances can prove costly in the latter stages.
'The talent is there, no question,' Rooney concluded. 'But tournament football demands that clinical edge. We saw it with Michael, and this generation needs to find it quickly.'
