I have mixed feelings. With Trippier I'm Happy to see a Toon player doing well but at the same bricking it and worried he may get injured. I suppose there are no midweek games to worry about in the mean time so it's only one match and he'll likely be on the bench. please log in to view this image
Apparently Pickford is injured, although fully expect Southgate to play Ramsdale over Pope because he plays for a 'bigger' club. Phillips has hardly kicked a ball all season so should be nowhere near the squad but because he plays for Man City will probably start every game in the World Cup
It's fine by me if Pope doesn't play - less risk of him getting injured. But the call up to the squad should hopefully boost his confidence.
Pope is def 3rd choice as doesn’t really know how to kick a football which is his downfall in this day and age, as hit shot stopping us up there. Some strange selections based on current form, with shaw maguire Grealish Phillips having barely played and been dropped for their club.
I don't think Pope's distribution is bad, it's just not world class/sweep keeper stuff. But he's solid at shot stopping, and aerial command/box command though.
His kicking is OK, he's just not an all out sweeper keeper, and I'm kinda glad, cos there's an overload of that these days. Dubravka was the definition of a sweeper keeper, but Pope has ousted him, which tells you all you need to know.
Been impressed with some of his high claims from crosses into the box. Dubz use to punch or flap at high balls where as Pope is so confident. To go from Dubz and Darlow to Pope and Karius is a big upgrade across the keeper department although I'd have preferred to keep Dubravka as second/competition.
Think it’s the last tournament tor Southgate. He’s doing what all England managers do and sticking with favourites regardless. Gets fans irritated, they turn quicker and he’s shortening his lifespan. For all he’s a nice lad, he’s a **** football manager. All those names should not be in a squad - we’re not ****ing Scotland who pick players based on how good their parent club is.
I've no idea either, not a fecking clue what he's on about, but it sounds like fun and you only live once.
