Troy Deeney launched a blistering attack on three England players after their World Cup victory over Panama, accusing Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke of being “ignorant and arrogant” despite the Three Lions finishing top of their group.
Thomas Tuchel’s side completed the group stage unbeaten with a 2-0 win, as Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock before setting up Harry Kane to score his record-breaking World Cup goal.
But the result did little to convince Deeney, who tore into England’s display during CBS Sports’ post-match coverage in the United States.
The former Watford captain was particularly critical of England’s wide players, claiming they repeatedly squandered possession and underestimated their opponents.
“Have a look at the possession they have lost: 14 for Saka, 20 for Rashford and seven for Madueke,” Deeney said.
“Now that’s fine when you are being really insightful with the passes and trying little flicks around the corner.
“If you watch the game, Madueke when he first came on kicked it past someone and straight out for a goal kick; am I meant to get excited?
“Rashford kept coming inside onto his right foot and wants to shoot, if the shooting option is not on ‘I’ll just kick it, someone will be there’, it is so wasteful.”
Troy Deeney launched a blistering attack on three England players after their World Cup victory over Panama, accusing Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke of being “ignorant and arrogant” despite the Three Lions finishing top of their group
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CBS SPORTS
Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford struggled in England’s World Cup game with Panama
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Deeney acknowledged England improved after half-time as Panama began leaving more space in behind, but insisted the front three still made poor decisions.
“The second half they got a platform because the ball was going out to the wide players better because Panama were getting a bit more confident and wanting to take them on, there were more spaces and one vs ones – and they got worse,” he continued.
“You know what they were, they were arrogant and ignorant.
“They felt ‘I’m quicker than that person, I am just going to run past them, I play for whatever club, I am better than that person’.
Match stats from England’s 2-0 win over Panama at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS
“You are playing against another man on the opposite side who plays for their national team and feels ‘it is important to me’ and they are going home so they want to showcase everything against England, in front of the most views I am probably going to get in my career and show what I can do.
“They were ignorant and arrogant.”
The criticism did not end there.
Deeney argued England supporters had been promised a more exciting style of football under Tuchel but claimed the team were still struggling to control matches despite boasting some of the world’s most expensive players.
Former Leeds, Brentford and Bury winger Mike Grella agreed, questioning whether England’s reputation had become greater than the level of their performances.
“This guy is worth £100m, this guy is worth £200m, you guys have got all these world beaters,” Grella said.
“Maybe it is Tuchel, maybe it is Rashford, maybe it is this guy – ‘Do you guys ever think you’re not that good at football?’
“You come to a World Cup and people want to see England play, you are synonymous with football.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham struck as England defeated Panama | PA
“One player is worth the cost of the entire Panamanian team.
“But you lose every 50/50 battle, you play slow and predictable, you do everything the opposing team want to do and have no street smarts.”
England will now face DR Congo on Wednesday in the round of 32 (5pm).
The African side booked their spot in the knockout stages with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, with Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa scoring twice.
