Not watching the England game but the UEFA thread said they’d been shit. Took a look at the guardian min by min, Saka is mentioned once in the 16th minute. Beginning to think Southgate might not know what he’s doing
Well, fwiw, there are some so over the Emerson Royal rollercoaster that they are suggesting Kulusevski at RWB, with a sprinkle of desperation to not have to choose between Son/Richarlison/Kane/Kulu. Maybe Southgate just loves him some Sterling/Kane/Foden and yet is still trying to crack the lack of productive attacking output by the England squad. Just put on attackers until it shatters!
I didn’t see todays match, but he’s just leaning into what worked for him in the past. Ultra conservative, organized & simple setup… rely on set pieces & attacking talent to eke out 1-0 wins. So much young talent & gonna waste Kane’s last chance
Wales and Iran aren’t exactly great and US continue to look like goals are going to be few and far between. Should be a fun group!
They should get through the group, but leaving a lot to chance in the knock outs. Margin of error is small when you play negative football.
Agree. Expecting England to win the group but knowing Wales and Iran will sit deep and the attacking struggles of England and US just thinking that opens the door to even make the group interesting
England have shitty mids and not many who are proven in a back 2 but it’s such a cowardly approach Grealish Shaw double sub was hilarious, why not give Toney a chance to at least mess with Italy CBs. Grealish just comes in to draw meaningless fouls and complain
seems like Partey and Tierney are fine for Saturday. Zinchenko a maybe and ESR out. I like that Arteta is pulling rank on these national teams and getting players back to London if there's even a slightest issue.
Has anyone seen an explanation to why Brazil called up all their regulars but left the Gabs out Maybe Edu asked to rest Jesus but Magalhaes and certainly Martinelli should be fighting for their place. Hell, 43 year old Thiago Silva played in the friendlies Wouldn’t be devastated if the latter 2 don’t make the trip, might give them extra motivation.
Tim Stillman went into that a bit, seemed to think that Jesus and Gabi were already in the WC squad, Martinelli more a case of just needing to see/play other options. He was of the opinion that missing the WC could be demoralizing for Martinelli
Hopefully he can understand the amount of talent they have at his position is the only reason. I don’t know if I buy the other two gabi’s are in, pretty weird to not call them up this late if so. I hope it doesn’t affect them bc making the national team is everything to every Brazilian
He’s gonna have to wait his turn, in 4 years. Definitely read it recently, but not sure if I posted it he is likely better than players like Rafinha, but style of play will likely be the separating factor
The most injured players in modern football history #COYG Spoiler Holy fuck at us having 7 out of the top 20
sounds like you’re right and I don’t get it at all he was great for City down the stretch and mostly great for us and now is time to replace him wonder if there’s some beef with Edu bc it makes no sense