This may sound ridiculous but every time I watch England I feel it is almost like following Bristol City because I hope for the best but prepare myself for the worst. Tonight's fixture is another here we go again moment as 2 defensive errors have led to Belgium taking a 2-1 lead against a lacklustre England who, in all fairness, are playing a lot of untried young players. If anyone thinks this lot under Southgate will win the Euros this summer may have to temper their expectations and if I'm brutally honest I don't see Gareth as a top rate manager who despite his efforts has never got the best out of an England squad that should be capable of much better. That is so similar to the comments on 606 about Bristol City and when I say we should be way more advanced in whatever it is we are trying to achieve, the song remains the same at both football hotbeds.
Manoo looks good, Toni has done ok, looked dangerous at times, excellent pen. Bellingham poor imo, Bowen has played welll, Foden flatters to deceive.
If Bellingham plays to his normal high standards we win that, but the quality player he is he still managed to save it at the end.
Belgium scored two goals from two comical errors.. At the back for some reason as with previous England teams, we struggle being in control of the ball.. never look comfortable.. Same as City.. we need to move it quicker with confidence and conviction.. Other than that I thought we looked much better..
I only saw bits of the second half but I thought England played quite well and put Belgium under continuous pressure which ultimately paid off. I thought Bellingham played well.
the Belgium player who thought he was doing "good for the team" by getting booked in 90 +4 actually did us a favour! he got 30 secs added on for booking and also gave us more time to get into attacking positions!
I think Pickford is a fruitcake. What I like about Mainoo is he can play on the half-turn allowing to run forward. At AG our lot only ever play back or square providing a mind numbing spectacle. Tbf it's one area we really miss Alex Scott.
Agree about Mainoo, but actually like Pickford for England, one of those that does better for England, I know he messed up last night, but doesn’t often, also a friendly is a good time to mess up.
Funny how different people see things differently, I don’t think he was his normal self, even missed a sitter, he even mentioned it in his post match interviews. Don’t get me wrong he was good, but normally he’d head and shoulders above everyone else, last night not so much.
R&W Bellingham was our best player again last night. The way Belgium set up, sitting, with their quality was always going to be difficult to break down. Tbf I thought Rice, Bowen and Mainoo also had good games. I'm amazed at Bellingham's running and power as well as his world class ability. He has one weakness,and it's a big one, his temperament. He'll be targeted at the Euros and will need others to keep him on the pitch.
We played a much better game, and tempo against Belgium, than we did against Brazil, that game was turgid! Still big question marks against the defence. Going forward is a bit like City, lots of passing across the field, but not enough incision through the middle when it’s needed.
None of the defence were regulars, so not unexpected really. I agree like City the passing is too slow. There were a few fringe players that improved their chances of inclusion in the squad, in that sense the two games were invaluable, injuries allowing players an opportunity to impress.
