England fans are furious and they’re taking aim at one player
England fans are expressing deep disappointment with the performance of right-back Kyle Walker following their heart-wrenching defeat in the Euro 2024 final. Despite a dramatic late equalizer from Cole Palmer, England fell short, losing 2-1 to Spain on Sunday. This marks England’s second consecutive loss in a European Championship final, leaving supporters frustrated and seeking answers.
Spain’s triumph was sealed with an 86th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Oyarzabal, who delivered a decisive blow to England’s hopes. This victory marked Spain’s seventh consecutive tournament win under the astute management of Luis de la Fuente, further cementing their dominance in European football.
The post-match narrative among England supporters has been dominated by criticism of Kyle Walker. Fans have singled out the Manchester City defender, holding him accountable for both of Spain’s goals. Social media was ablaze with comments, including one from a fan who posted on X, “Kyle Walker is responsible for both Spanish goals. You cannot write this script.” This sentiment was echoed by popular football personality Mark Goldbridge, who tweeted, “Don’t ever tell me Kyle Walker isn’t just pace. Both goals on him.” Another fan harshly criticized Walker’s overall performance throughout the tournament, writing, “Walker has been a disaster all game – all tournament.”
Walker’s primary defensive assignment during the match was to contain Spain’s left-winger Nico Williams. However, he struggled to keep the 22-year-old in check, allowing Williams to score and give Spain the lead early in the second half. The situation worsened late in the game when Walker failed to prevent Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella from making a critical pass to Oyarzabal, who then scored the match-winning goal.
This performance has led to widespread speculation that Euro 2024 might be Walker’s final European Championship. At 34 years old, his future in international football is uncertain, and many fans are already advocating for his replacement. One fan voiced their frustration, stating, “You lost the game when you decided to not even give Trent Alexander Arnold a single minute.” Another supporter praised Alexander Arnold, saying, “Trent Alexander Arnold is a world-class footballer. What he can do with the ball from right back is obscene. He can control the game from there. He is a generational talent.”
The calls for Alexander Arnold to be given more opportunities reflect a broader debate about England’s defensive strategy and player selection. Fans and pundits alike have long discussed the Liverpool defender’s ability to influence the game with his exceptional passing and playmaking skills from the right-back position. His omission from such a critical match has only fueled further scrutiny of the coaching decisions.
In the wake of this defeat, the pressure on England’s coaching staff and selection committee is intensifying. They are now tasked with reassessing their defensive lineup and making tough decisions about the future. The focus will be on finding a successor to Walker who can offer both defensive solidity and the ability to contribute to the attack, qualities that many believe Alexander Arnold embodies.
As England looks towards future tournaments, the lessons from Euro 2024 will be crucial. The team’s ability to learn from this defeat, address the weaknesses exposed, and integrate emerging talents like Alexander Arnold will determine their success on the international stage. For now, the sting of the loss lingers, and the debate over England’s defensive strategy continues to rage among fans and analysts alike.