I think its Wharton or Bellingham deeper if you don't want to try him really. We have to get the midfield doing more to allow the attack to get on the front foot quicker.
I’ve posted this before but maybe it’s time to try 3 at the back. Trippier has offered zilch going forward.
I'm not keen on that because I feel like our wide players would get pushed back too much against teams who have good wingers (which is most in the modern day). 343 could work I guess - but I worry that just ends up a 541
I thought we were off to a slow start, but then really got hold of the game, we scored, then immediately sat back. Only after they scored did we venture in their half. It’s frustrating, but I think if we can get the Rice & Another right, then we’ll improve. People calling for Bellingham to partner Rice, why not, we’ve tried everyone else. Gallagher is definitely NOT the answer!
Don’t know if these stats are correct but the sentiment is … This proves why you should watch football with your eyes and not numbers Declan Rice's game by numbers vs. Denmark: 100% dribbles completed 100% tackles win rate 91% pass accuracy 58 passes completed 4 clearances 3/3 tackles won Solid display at DM https://x.com/cultureforce1/status/1803851760466842077?s=46&t=CLJGJiX9tvREX5Sw7qjVFA
Its also worth remembering - we have been in exactly the same position after two games in the last couple of tournaments - and then improved a lot in the knock outs. The Slovenia game will be very very telling I think. Either we'll see the players realise we need to get it right now - or we'll look like we're not up for it.
He's going to have to change it I think. I think the quotes after the game suggest Trent will make way. The worry for me is - I don't think you can justify leaving out Saka, Foden and Kane. They are amongst the worlds best players. As much as they might have had good seasons - Bowen, Eze and Watkins aren't at the same level. We won't win the tournament if 2 or 3 of Bellingham, Kane, Saka and Foden aren't on form.
I’m a big fan of TAA as his delivery is phenomenal but he’s barely had a chance to show it because the system we’re utilising won’t allow it. We’re totally unbalanced, with often three players vying for the same space on the right flank TAA, Saka and Walker, whilst Trippier ploughs a lone furrow on the left, which is not his strongest side. I agree with a few others who have suggested that we should start with two wide players, Foden in the middle as the 10 and Bellingham as the 8, who can still arrive late in the box like he did in the previous game. When we have the ball Stones can push into midfield to support Rice and allow Bellingham more freedom to get forward. But most of all they have to press as a team, just like Denmark did!
He did actually break up play quite well, which is expected of a physical defensive mid. However, he sat so deep in front of the back four and never ventured from that static position when we had the ball. He was also quite sloppy in possession. I’m seeing a lot of our players walking with the ball, which is fine if we’re having 70% possession every game and pin the opposition deep into their own half and are winning comfortably. But we’re not. We’re sitting very deep ourselves, not pressing and not controlling possession. We can barely string more than two passes together. This is entirely down to Southgate. This is the same game plan he’s had throughout his career as England coach. Did it against Croatia in 2018. Did it against Italy in 2021. Did it against France in 2022. The guy plays the most cowardly, negative football with one of the most talented and formidable squads in international football. What a joke.
I don't dislike Trent at all, but he's not the right midfielder for this team for me, and I prefer Walker as a full back.
I don’t disagree with that and think he’d probably benefit by being brought on when we need to get something and he’s given more freedom to do what he does best.
This has a smack of previous campaigns with issues in the middle... wasn't it (please correct if wrong) Beckham and Lampard that couldn't play together...? it just didnt work...
That was Gerrard and Lampard. I think this is a different problem though. Then we couldn't work out who to drop - now we can't work out who should play.
Aaaah thats right Drew... couldn't think.. I laughed when it was mentioned we're missing Calvin Phillips...
