Odds on that Southgate will start with Sterling, Rashford and Mings - all out of form.
Those 3 players are incredibly well respected off the pitch for various reasons but like any England player, shouldn’t be on it when they are out of form.
Odds on that Southgate will start with Sterling, Rashford and Mings - all out of form.
What have we learnt / had confirmed tonight?
Johnstone
A better keeper than Pickford but won't start
Mings
Hard to find words to describe how far below international standard he is. Can't fathom how he is anywhere near the squad, never mind starting.
White
Looked like he was earning his 22nd cap, not his 2nd. Amazing that his inclusion in the squad is in doubt. A frustrating consequence of Southgate's scouting missions being to the same clubs, watching the same players all season long. Short-sighted strategy.
Grealish
Huge talent but so frustrating watching him launch himself onto the deck at the slightest touch or a suggestion of anticipated contact. Not sure if Grealish is soley to blame for this - or if Dean Smith needs to shoulder some of the blame. Big chance that the better refs at the Euros / VAR will punish him for his habitual diving, and deservedly so.
Up front
Decent at creating chances vs. a packed defence but without Kane the standard of finishing was poor, to say the least.. Admttedly we hit the bar twice, but also row Z took a bit of hammering too. Rashford looked well off his game. Decent chances spurned and to cap it all, a piss-poor penalty by a bloke who's never scored for England, had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes and hasn't played for months. What ****ing genius decided that would be a good idea?
Overall
Yes, just a warm up and nothing like our starting XI but still baffled by some of Southgate's selections and tactics. Let's hope he's sandbagging....
Pretty much agree with all, but would cut Grealish some slack. He’s an incredible talent to have at our disposal and still new at international level.
He is going to ask questions of every defence we play and could win us a lot of penalties. I’ve enjoyed watching him play for us already.
Sometimes the family name tells a story. There are several poorly regarded scientists in my area by the name of Kunz, Vanker and Arzoll.
Fully agree that Grealish is an incredible talent but that is what makes his gamesmanship and frankly, cheating - so frustrating for me. He really doesn't need to do it. He is one of those players who can get people out of their seats when he sets off on a run from deep midfield but to see him prefer to 'win' a free kick or a penalty rather than create a bone fide chance is not how I want to watch football. I'd love to see him try to stay on his feet. I loved how Gazza used to run at defences and create unforgetable moments of magic - not tumble to the turf at the slightest brush. If we progress because Grealish wins us a lot of penalties that won't feel like much a victory to me.
Fully agree that Grealish is an incredible talent but that is what makes his gamesmanship and frankly, cheating - so frustrating for me. He really doesn't need to do it. He is one of those players who can get people out of their seats when he sets off on a run from deep midfield but to see him prefer to 'win' a free kick or a penalty rather than create a bone fide chance is not how I want to watch football. I'd love to see him try to stay on his feet. I loved how Gazza used to run at defences and create unforgetable moments of magic - not tumble to the turf at the slightest brush. If we progress because Grealish wins us a lot of penalties that won't feel like much a victory to me.
Odds on that Southgate will start with Sterling, Rashford and Mings - all out of form.
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