Honestly what a chance to try something different after two absolutely dog **** performances. Already through and Southgate s master plan is one change in midfield. No pace up front, no width on the left. He's an absolute knacker.
You are right, but not sure what other side I would have picked to be honest. I look it and think it is very strong. Last game I blamed the players for playing absolutely terrible. If they can play individually better then that is step 1 for me. Step 2 is show some urgency. Then we can focus on tactics, last game wasnt about tactics it was about players not able to pass the thing 10 yards.
Is part of the urgency issue with the ball the fact we have nothing on one side of the pitch though? Meaning no quick switches or quick right to left build up play? We have to play slow because we've congested the pitch. Gordon in for Foden is such an easy switch, even if Foden does something good in the game it isn't on the left side so why is he playing there? Gordon will provide natural width and make the runs in behind that are missing when Kane drops in.
The lack of urgency last time was in the press for me. We were lethargic, and frankly at times looked like we couldnt be bothered. It was a horrible look. England often play keepball and slow the game down, mainly I think because we want teams to come on to us. Last week we couldnt even keep the ball at the back without panicking. Rice just passing it out for a corner under little pressure summed up every player on the day. Lets see what tonight brings. Not sure what I expect, but hoping to see more energy and urgency, and players able to pass the bloody ball.
For me the left side is hampered by Trippier playing there too, he has no left foot so has to cut in to cross the ball then you have Foden also coming inside...it just doesn't work. It works at Man City as he has Gvardiol on the overlap. We are stuck with Trippier as Shaw is knackered so Gordon would improve things massively imo. And for all he scores goals Kane isn't working on his own in this system, he is dropping far too deep making the midfield very congested.
