We need to play to our strengths. Don't think we have a player who can play a sweet slide rule pass...so we need to get it out wide and get the crosses in...give Harry a chance and he will test the keeper at the very least. There were lots of sideways dithering last night. Suppose that is necessary against a team with 10 men behind the ball...but then someone has to make the run, someone has to risk the pass. I don't think our quality of play is ready to take on the big guns yet. If our only outlet us to get it wide then whip it in...we will get sussed. Teams will sit a winger on the touchline and that's our main attacking threats, the wing back play, gone. Alli needs to be on his game if he wants that spot. This is not Spurs where he's got an electric Sonny and the wizard that is Eriksen as an option.
Typical Skyrimmer post ... Hendo did OK ... way better than his usual dross ....granted Maguire made a couple of mistakes but it's been a long time since we had two central defenders that can bring the ball out like Maguire and stones ... and Maguire actually set up England's best chances including the one at the end which Harry Kane scored from ...
I actually like Maguire on the whole and have stated that a number of times. He needs to keep it simple though as he's a clumsy ****er at times. Southgates original back 3 of Stones, Maguire and Gomez would have been good to see in the tournament, shifting Walker to his more natural wing back role. I think that was the plan until injury tbf.
Correct, further dispelling this myth that Pep has 'improved' him. He hasn't, he's bought a shed load of players to improve the team around him. Sterling is ****e, always was and always will be, should be nowhere near an England shirt. Anyway, turned out ok last night after a very iffy middle hour. Lot's to do and think about. I'd pick Rashford ahead of Sterling for a start and, if Ali is not fit, then bring Loftus-Cheek in to replace him and play him alongside Henderson, who did well enough and actually pinged one or two passes in a generally forward direction. Walker isn't a centre half so he shouldn't play there. I'd rather Phil Jones came in than Cahill any day. Walker doesn't deserve to play instead of Trippier either. Other than that, as they were, they did ok.
The problem with the Dier/Henderson conundrum is that each brings something the other doesn’t. Dier is the better passer, I’m convinced of that - more creative, He also tackles well. But, he’s too slow, especially to recover when possession is lost. Poor reactions at times, Which can be fatal against teams better than Tunisia, Henderson is solid, but he brings nothing creative. Just 99% sideways passes. But he covers more ground than Dier, is quicker, especially to recover. Better defensively, but not as versatile. Pays your money, takes your choice.
Thought Loftus-Cheek looked very good in his cameo - great strength and he's quick and skillful for such a big unit
Not sure if you realise but Henderson's ability to move the ball quickly is a huge reason why we had 3 20+ goal forwards last season. I know we disagree but that comment convinces me you hardly watched Liverpool last season. His passing was absolutely key to our attacks.
You’re right in that I don’t watch many. Can’t say I’ve ever particularly noticed him doing that though. But, different team, completely different style of play. He probably gets the chance to ping it about with all that space when you’re battering Stoke, but it ain’t working for England.,
I think Dele should be rested for the Panama game. He obviously has some kind of twinge that was affecting his game. Loftus-Cheek should start against Panama, and hope Dele is fit for the Belgium game. Kane was great, despite the fact that the Tunisian defenders all but had him in a headlock every time he entered their 18 yard box, he still managed to get 2 goals. Sterling needs to get better. Hendo is queer The back line and keeper weren't really troubled. They will face much sterner tests than last night. Decent result against ****e opposition who tried to cheat their way to a draw and got the reward they deserved.
My son asked why a player as poor as Henderson played for England. I told him it was because the other option was Dier. There must be better out there.
Dele apparently took a nasty knock on his thigh and was seen limping leaving the stadium. No word on how bad it it is, but if he’s injured he has to drop to the bench. We can’t carry anybody ( especially as we’re already carrying Sterling and Young) Delph could get a shot.
