Body language expert Judi James believes concern about England’s players at Euro 2024 is justified after worrying pre-Slovenia footage emerged, and she has pinpointed potential reasons behind it
The England squad appear to be lacking motivation and could be feeling the absence of big personality Jack Grealish, it’s been claimed.
It’s not been the start to Euro 2024 that many were hoping for the Three Lions, with a 1-0 win against Serbia and the 1-1 draw with Denmark providing unconvincing attacking performances. Nevertheless, they head into their final group game top of Group C.
Footage was shared on social media of the players boarding their coach before they headed to Cologne yesterday ahead of tonight’s fixture against Slovenia (Tuesday, June 25 – 8pm kick off UK time). And the clip only served to spark fears about their negative body language.
Expert in that field, Judi James, reckons there is cause for concern. She exclusively told Mirror Sport : “The players’ body language looks almost totally devoid of energy, motivation and positive anticipation here.
“Shoulders are slumped, heads are down, one player even seems to turn his head away from the cameras to hide behind his cap in a gesture normally associated with shame. Even the smaller non-verbal cues have a lowering effect on men who should be presenting as proud heroes, no matter how disappointing their form so far.”
James suggests that lack of motivation could come from above, accusing boss Gareth Southgate of failing to do his job in that respect. She continued: “Southgate’s press interviews don’t sound motivational or stirring either. Claiming it’s ‘experimental’, blaming the absence of certain players or even the presence of some of them is unlikely to get hearts beating faster with pride.”
Attempting to explain why the energy levels could be low in the Three Lions camp, James highlighted the potential impact of big characters like Grealish not being there like usual. He’s been a regular international in the last four years before the £100m Manchester City star’s snub for Germany.
“If an absence should be felt it might be that of known comics, jokers and morale-boosters like Grealish,” she added. “Or even seeing [Harry] Kane out in the hub of the team, patting backs, offering some motivational words and pulling them together at every stage, including this desultory-looking walk from the vending machine to the coach.
“Of course anything can happen in football and these players might be lifting that trophy at the end while we all claim them as heroes. Their body language here suggests it’s more important than ever that the country gets behind them rather than turning on them too soon.”
Southgate named an unchanged team to face Denmark but is now expected to adapt following the second successive lacklustre showing. Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield looks likely to be the only change, though, despite question marks about Grealish’s City team-mate and Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden playing on the left despite primarily showing his best form in a more central role. However, that position continues to be taken by Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who scored the winner against Serbia in England’s opener.