Rio Ferdinand has said that Gareth Southgate let England down with his use of substitutions in their 2-1 defeat to France in the World Cup.
Ferdinand was analysing England's exit as Southgate continues to be under the spotlight after another tournament which saw England fall at the vital moment.
After falling behind in the first half, England played the better football and scored a deserved equaliser through a Harry Kane penalty. With Hugo Lloris making several saves to keep France level, and Kylian Mbappe kept quiet, it looked like luck was on England's side.
However, yet again, it wasn't to be, as Oliver Giroud put France back in front in the 78th minute. Kane then missed a penalty moments later as England couldn't find a second goal to bring the game to extra time.
With many key players yet to enter their prime for England, they will be back. However, England fans will feel like this was the opportunity to win the World Cup.
Rio Ferdinand On England's Loss
One former player that has constantly supported Gareth Southgate is Rio Ferdinand, but claims he got last night's substitutions wrong.
It's hard to remember England having such a talented squad at their disposal, and Rio Ferdinand claims he left it too late to use the options he had at his disposal.
Our substitutions are where I think Gareth Southgate let us down. I think he's been pitch-perfect, touch-perfect in almost every decision he's made up to this point, but you get into a game like yesterday where this is really where it matters now.
I think Gareth Southgate came up short in the tactical element in terms of substitutions. That's part of tactics, making substitutions, and in-game management and deciding games with substitutions st the business end of the tournament.
I think he would hold his hands up in retrospect. It hit 1-1 and we're sitting there going take the bull by the horns, make a substitution, get us on the front foot. You've got Rashford, you've got Grealish who can go on, get us on the front foot and change this game.
You've got to do this when we've got the chance of still winning this game and taking the game from them."
Strong comments from Rio Ferdinand, who was speaking on his podcast following England's exit.
While Southgate has been a favourite among former players, his in game management has often been criticised in big games.
SEE ALSO: Jamie Carragher Pinpoints What England Did Wrong In Defeat To France
