Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has called for more positivity as England prepare for this Sunday’s last-16 clash [NATASA KUPLJENIK/SPP]

FROM a front page seemingly showing a supporter fast asleep, to choruses of boos at the final whistle – it’s safe to say that England’s efforts at the Euros so far have been disheartening at best.

Basic, clueless, dire and lacklustre are some of the more family-friendly words that have been used to describe the performances that Gareth Southgate’s side have produced in Germany.

There are other words, of course, but they’re not so suitable for print.

Emotions aside, however, the fact of the matter is the Three Lions secured their place in the last-16 as group winners, and if England find their roar when they step out onto the pitch at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday evening then all will quickly be forgiven, and, like recent displays, easily forgotten.

It’s also worth remembering that by winning Group C, England are now on what is considered the more favourable side of the draw, avoiding the likes Spain, Germany, Portugal and France.

In what is being widely tipped to be Southgate’s last stand as England boss, the question every fan, pundit and fantasy football manager is asking now is: how do you put the pride back into lethargic lions?

Cole Palmer made an eye-catching cameo in the goalless draw against Slovenia on Tuesday night after coming on for Bukayo Saka as a late substitute. There are now calls to get the Chelsea man in the starting line-up at all costs – even if it means sacrificing Saka’s forward position on the pitch in the process.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright was among those suggesting Saka should switch to defence to free up space for Palmer.

“As great as Saka has done for England in terms of what he creates and his goals and assists, he is a natural left-sided player,” Wright told ITV.

“He started playing for England on the left at youth level, he started at Arsenal on the left. If that’s going to give you the balance and gets you Cole Palmer in the team, it’s something you have to at least look at.”

Saka’s club and country teammate, Declan Rice, had a suggestion of his own ahead of the Slovenia match: try encouraging the England players. Admitting that criticism of the national squad “was fair” after recent performances, the Arsenal midfielder said he personally tries a different approach when it comes to getting the best out of the players around him.

“Naturally as young players stuff can play on your mind. It is better to read a load of stuff which is way more positive than it is negative, particularly with players like your Phils [Phil Foden], your Bukayos [Saka], and your Judes [Jude Bellingham].

“For me as a player when I was captain at West Ham, even as a player at Arsenal, I like to encourage and tell people they can be the best player on the pitch, and the qualities that they have can change games.”