midnight_rendezvous
Well-known member
Second least GA since Christmas (6th least over the course of the season) with the 6th best CS. All three centrebacks are English but not one of them makes the squad… go figure
I'm not "England negative" far from it. I will love the Euros and absolutely get behind the effort. But for now, from a subjective, opinion-based footy discussion, I am critical of Southgate and his approach to his squad selection in the context of the most realistic chance of doing well, (Home advantage for some games) since 1996.. The thoughts of Tyrone Mings being integral to that is vexing to me.. relying on players who have had bad injuries, not been fit enough to play in their Club's biggest games over the last week or so is also vexing!
I hope it pays off, I really do, and it might because in Mount, Foden and yes, Grealish, we have young players who are exceptional at creating moments in games and not burdened by previous tournament heartache.. but Grealish also fits the bill of "not 100% up to speed".
but Grealish also fits the bill of "not 100% up to speed".
Or Dan Burn.
But… surely Southgate should be using these friendlies for.. players going to the tournament?
Hmm.. am I missing something.
What’s the bloody point?
Good idea. Head it up with the tag “no negativity on this thread please” and here’s one poster who’ll respect it.......and possibly not post on it all
Presumably because the 12 that are coming back from the champions league/Europa league aren't ready to play.
Plus we know that Southgate likes to keep players involved. I think he made sure that every player bar the third choice keeper made an appearance at the last world cup.
Plus it'll be great for Ben White (and Godfrey) to make his England debut.
But… surely Southgate should be using these friendlies for.. players going to the tournament?
Exactly! Gotta feel for the lad - probably had his holiday plans scuppered and then gets himself and his family all proud and excited only to be crushed a week later without even getting a chance in a game to prove himself
That's the key point.
I don't think any of our defense are that good so if we can give them any help we should. Shaw's had a decent season. I agree in that I think Chilwell is better but I don't think he's so much better that it overrides the understanding that Maguire and Shaw will have developed over the past couple of years.
To those concerned at the lack of support - I'm not "England negative" far from it. I will love the Euros and absolutely get behind the effort. But for now, from a subjective, opinion-based footy discussion, I am critical of Southgate and his approach to his squad selection in the context of the most realistic chance of doing well, (Home advantage for some games) since 1996.. The thoughts of Tyrone Mings being integral to that is vexing to me.. relying on players who have had bad injuries, not been fit enough to play in their Club's biggest games over the last week or so is also vexing!
I hope it pays off, I really do, and it might because in Mount, Foden and yes, Grealish, we have young players who are exceptional at creating moments in games and not burdened by previous tournament heartache.. but Grealish also fits the bill of "not 100% up to speed".
But… surely Southgate should be using these friendlies for.. players going to the tournament?
Bens inclusion was always a nod to the future and hopefully a 1st cap in one of these games. Also, on standby right up until our first game in case of injury etc. It would be silly to take Ben to a tournament straight away, so I’d the right decision I think. Dunk on the other hand should be going and close to starting of course.
Bit hard when half of them can’t play!
Learn the facts before posting Mr V!
Bens inclusion was always a nod to the future and hopefully a 1st cap in one of these games. Also, on standby right up until our first game in case of injury etc. It would be silly to take Ben to a tournament straight away, so I’d the right decision I think. Dunk on the other hand should be going and close to starting of course.
To paraphrase Mark from Peep Show; Four rightbacks, Gareth! FOUR? That’s insane!
Yes Southgate should, but his hands are somewhat tied. The Chelsea and Man City players aren't joining the squad until after the Austria friendly and it's unlikely the Man Utd players will be involved in the first warm up match either. That's 11 players missing from the first friendly leaving a squad of 15 including 2 goalkeepers. They obviously need to have the 6 who missed out available for the friendly.
From Ben's point of view if he gets on the pitch its a good chance to show what he can do at international level and show Southgate he was wrong to leave him out.
This is the latest thing to vex me.. surely a chance to get some fitness into those players who haven't played much recently, or just back from injury. (To be fair, this may yet be the case!) Why look to build that "Club environment" with players who will not be in that Club? If they have benefitted from the experience, then that is job done as you see it.. Playing Lingard is completely pointless and risky!! What if he bangs in a hat-trick? What pressure do you create for yourself as a coach then?
Offering a game to a player who has just been told he is not good enough for this squad, is confusing unless it is making people feel better, and the hard bit on that front has already been done?