Croatia might still sneak in through the back door. If Denmark beat Serbia, Turkey beat Czechia and we beat Slovenia by 3, they're through. You'd get big odds, but none of those things is completely out of the realm of possibility.
Everyone is talking about dropping Alexander-Arnold and bringing in Wharton or Mainoo to give us control in midfield. However, for Mr Cautious that would be too big a risk and he will bring in the distinctly average Conor Gallagher because he can run about a lot and get a few tackles in. Gallagher, in my opinion, is not good enough quality for England whereas Wharton and Mainoo both look exactly what we need. Spain trust youth and look the best team in the tournament, Southgate's England are cautious and unambitious.
This is a bit of a generic statement to me. Spains youth is Yamal, Niko Williams and Pedri, all absolutely elite talent. Where England have elite talent, we also play youth (Bellingham, Saka for the last 3 years). Foden, Trent, Gallagher all made their debuts in their teens and are barely in their mid 20's. For me Mainoo and Wharton are not those absolute elite players that you can't afford to leave out. This might be controversial but I think Gallagher had a better season than both Wharton and Mainoo.
Should have been peddled after the last tournament I was going to say fcuk, we always lose when we are on ITV...
Personally I see Gallagher as a run of the mill player. Plenty of effort and limited quality. Mainoo looks a far, far better player to me. Its all opinions but I see Gallagher as symptomatic of Southgate's cautious and uninspiring approach. It is this approach that holds us back. We now have top players and getting to quarters or semis or even the last Euro finals should be minimums. With a team full of Champion's League winners we should be winning the odd tournament like France, Spain, Italy and Germany. Under Southgate consistently we have wilted when we come up againts decent opposition. The excuses are gone for him, unless, of course, you raise the point of not having Kalvin Phillips.
Predictions for today? France 2-0 Poland Netherlands 1-0 Austria Denmark 2-2 Serbia England 2-0 Slovenia
I think Gallagher is a very good player and I want to see him start if we are to play with 2 midfielders behind the 3. He has been under the radar at Chelsea becauss they have been such a basket case. But in amongst all of their start buys he is the one who has stood out more often than not. A good mate of mine is a Palace season ticket holder and he said he was brilliant. What I want him to do is leave Rice when we have good possessiond try and get beyond Bellingham. We need to disrupt defensive shape and I suspect agressive runner from deep is one to do that. His goals and assists stats are pretty decent. Whoever comea in for Trent, and he has to drop out, has to get forward when the time is right. Trent is too conservative in hia running game. And like Souness said, he simply is not a midfielder. CM is the hardest position on the pitch to play, Trent just doesnt have the awareness for it. I wonder if he makes other changes tonight? It must be tempting to give the likes of Gordon and Watkins a run. Then again, does any coach in the world really drop Kane. As Thomas Franke said so succinctly, No.
Pickford Walker Stones Guehi Gomez Wharton Rice Saka Jude Gordon Kane Gomez played well at LB for Liverpool this season and with Gordon ahead of him he wouldn't have to be the width holder on the left side like Trippier has been while Foden drifts infield. Instead it would create more of a back 3 with Stone and Guehi while Walker joins the attacks on the opposite flank. Gordon on the left to hold the width. Currently we don't have any threat on the left side so this is much needed. His final product is slightly lacking but just his presence will create more space for the other attacking players. His runs in behind will also mean when Kane drops deep it isn't to the detriment of the team as Gordon will offer a threat in behind. The speed of passing through the thirds needs to be higher and for me Wharton is the best option to help with that. Doesn't hold onto the ball, keeps it moving and is always an option.
Draw wide open if England win the group. Most of the big teams in the other half. Not that we have any intention of taking advantage of our luck again.
Tin hat time I think GS is playing a game of chess and today will see some changes. What have the other main contenders gained from our first matches regarding tactics and ability, nothing and I bet they feel really confident how to play us now. I think today will aim to squeak a win for the better side of the draw and be very sluggish in movement and attack. Just had to say it but maybe GS has me fooled into thinking he's a better tactical manager than he is. Anyway let's hope.
