Yeah don’t get that one. Fine to keep them around and train with the group for the rest of the week because I guess some of the CL finalists are only just coming into the group but really the players going to the tournament should be getting the game time.
Apparently the City, United and Chelsea players haven’t come into the camp yet, which would explain why players not in the final squad might start tomorrow.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57321192 "We have four players that play sometimes at right-back for their clubs." Sometimes?! ""Basically they are in the best 26 footballers and that is why they are in the squad. If I could have picked five or six right-backs I would have done." And that's why you'll **** it up. You wouldn't pick 12 keepers if they happened to be the best players, would you? Pillock.
James and Walker offer some versatility and TAA is a great option going forward if he plays a back three with wingbacks. But as good a player as he is Trippier is surplus to requirements. We don’t have a lot of creativity in central midfield. I’d have sooner he picked Ward-Prowse - or given his form and goals recently, Lingard.
Not sure about the lack of creativity in midfield bit, i think we are quite well off there. I would have kept Lingard as an impact sub though when legs are lagging, the man is fast and busy. He can also play damn well when on form too.
I cannot believe Sterling will be anywhere near the starting 11. Been poor this season and the likes of Foden and Grealish will surely keep him out.
I really don’t know what to expect with Gareth at the helm at the moment. I’m getting serious Aidy Boothroyd-U21s vibes with him. The talent we have in this squad is the best we’ve had in ages but can’t help feeling he’s gonna completely waste it with a bizarre formation and selection.
He has been immensely bad in most of his international matches. But due to commentators confirmation bias you'd never know it. Basically if he doesn't score it's 'he's not in the team to score, he contributes other things' and if he scores it's 'that's what he's in the team for'. His contribution to the last world cup was negligible, but again you'd never know it when pundits talk about it. He's got this Rooneyesque vibe about him, ie will be played long after his sell by date, and keep better players out of the team. Do not be surprised if he starts.
Poor. Player in the team who’s not in the squad. One of those right backs at left back. Is there a point to this after a long, condensed season when a bit of rest and then some training sessions might have been more productive?
He was left out of the Stoke squad for the first half of the season, then went on loan to Karlsruher in the German 2nd tier and played 10 games. He's moved back to Austria now though, joining Rapid Vienna on a free. They're in the Champions League 2nd qualifying round. Might be able to get back into the squad, if he does well. Three of their centre-halves play in the Bundesliga though, so maybe not.
Alexander-Arnold looks out of the Euros after pulling a hamstring. Hope Lingard gets a reprieve, looked good to me.
From the BBC: "A win for England but the big news is of an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold. England may be down to the bare bones of just three right-backs heading into the Euros."
