For all the excitement around England’s attacking options, Redknapp’s concern feels grounded in a long-running reality. England rarely lack technical quality in midfield or flair in the final third. The harder part is building a defence that looks calm, clear and properly balanced under pressure.
His view is telling because it is not just about one player. It is about the whole picture:
Reports suggest Thomas Tuchel still has decisions to make around names such as Dan Burn, Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, while debate has also swirled around the absence of Harry Maguire.
Redknapp’s faith has not disappeared. “Acho que temos uma chance tão boa quanto qualquer outro,” he said, and that optimism makes sense. England have enough match-winners to trouble any side if the structure around them holds.
That is where Tuchel will be judged. He is widely regarded as a coach who values organisation, detail and control. If he can give this team a reliable defensive shape, the talent further forward could take over.
Redknapp was equally clear on Cole Palmer. “Ele pode mudar um jogo,” he said, arguing that tight tournament matches are often decided by one player producing something unexpected. That is the strongest case for Palmer: not balance, not system, but pure intervention.
If England start well against Croatia, the noise around selection will quieten quickly. If they wobble defensively or lack invention late in games, Redknapp’s warnings - and his Palmer argument - will only grow louder.