I think we have the edge in quality to be honest, that’s partly thanks to the fact France had a ton of key injuries before the tournament but even so I think England should’ve always been one of the contenders for the trophy regardless. I think we’ve got some top tier attackers, arguably the best collective in the whole tournament and in midfield Bellingham is becoming a superstar whilst Rice has always been a dependable DM. Pickford turns into prime Buffon for country and so it’s only the defence I have concerns with but they’ve done well so far. Also a chance for Southgate to prove himself in the managerial battle against a high calibre manager. If we turn up and if the manager gets it right, I think we progress. Two big IFs but it’s not impossible, far from it.
would be interesting to see that match up. Would never be near each other on the pitch, both hanging about the oppos 18 yard box.
He'd get skinned like a banana. Correction, a tree of bananas thrown into a cage of chimps. Imagine Trent vs Vinicius in the CL Final but ten times worse.
But Trent has a bloon door nomination. He surely can’t be getting skinned, he is a new wave RB. Doesn’t tackle or defend.
Biggest thing to note for me is that we have a way better bench than the French. Although I do think the French first team is still better. Be slightly concerned by our centre halves, they've not really been fully tested by direct pace yet. One thing is certain though, if we lose Maguire will be somehow made culpable by the social media masses (including this place), even if it's not his fault. I don't trust Southgate to not revert to type though. I don't think we need to go five at the back, I just have a teribble feeling he will, and chuck in that extra right back (not Trent laa, Trippier) at the expense of Bellingham or Henderson, or even Foden. Hope he proves me wrong, as the back four has been solid so far.
A friend of mine got back yesterday from Qatar. She’s an Aussie who’s lives here for about ten years. This is the 4th World Cup she’s been to. Spoke to her this morning and she said it’s the best tournament she’s ever been to. Hospitality, safety, organisation. Everything has been spot on. She went with her husband and 2 kids.
I'd play TAA v France as RWB, with 3 across the back with Walker as RCB to guard against the pace of Mbappe.
