Mourinho claims Southgate had 'fear of losing' against Scotland

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By Tom Canton

Published: June 19, 2021 10:42 am

Last Updated: June 19, 2021 1:30 pm

Table of Contents

Mourinho: Southgate feared losing

Mourinho said that Gareth Southgate’s decision-making showed that he was worried about losing against Scotland rather than wanting to win.

Specifically leaving Kalvin Phillips on the pitch and not bring on a more attacking player.

“I didn’t see any risk or desire from England to gamble and try and win,” said Mourinho.

“What was so good against Croatia was the midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.

“If England needed to beat Scotland then I think Phillips would have been subbed around the 60th minute for more creativity.

“But a fear of losing kept him on the pitch.”

“If England needed to win this match, Phillips would be out on minute 60.”

“The fear of losing it kept them on.”

José Mourinho says England’s team was set up not to lose against Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/iqliNOaWqC

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 18, 2021

England are now second in the group, joint on 4 points with the Czech Republic who they play in the final game.

Should they lose, either one of Croatia or Scotland could overtake them on goal difference leaving Southgate with a nervy wait to see if they would qualify as a best 3rd place team.

Wright questions Southgate subs

One of the more frustrating elements of the evening was a lack of change.

Whilst Mourinho pointed out that it was fear, many failed to understand why the likes of Jadon Sancho were not brought on.

Ian Wright speaking after the game questioned why Sancho wasn’t brought on.

“What is he [Southgate] taking Foden off for?” Wright said after the game. “There’s no way Phil Foden should be leaving the pitch today, for me. It’s very disappointing to see.

“You’ve got someone like Jadon Sancho on the bench. 15 goals and 20 assists a season – and he doesn’t even get on. We need to create.”

“There’s no way Foden should be leaving the pitch today… you’ve got Sancho on the bench – 15 goals and 20 assists a season – and he doesn’t even get on. We need to create… I’m embarrassed for us today.”

🗣 @IanWright0 reflects on #ENGSCO pic.twitter.com/ySGCnIkcJU

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2021

Southgate used just 2 of the 5 substitutions available to him.

There will be much scrutiny of the line-up and further decision-making during the game against the Czech Republic who had little trouble winning 2-0 over Steve Clarke’s side.