lol,no, you have to be a bit realistic in your aims though. Southgate's England contract won't include an entertainment clause, his job isn't to entertain the fans. Don't get there- sacked Go out in group - probably sacked R16 - depending on who you lose to maybe get another go, but if you only get to R16 the 2nd time - sacked Q/F again depending on who you lose to another go or a new contract, + a success bonus S/F and beyond, new improved contract. + a bigger success bonus, win something membership to royal family.
I feel dirty saying it, but I am with Fosse on this. Since when has Southgate been a "serious manager"?
France 98 was **** football from England. David Batty in midfield the only player I would take in this setup as a replacement for ‘Trent’
Realistic? You dont think its realistic to think England should be beating Slovenia? Im not asking for Brazil 94 or Argentina 86 type performances, but grinding out a 0-0 with Slovenia?
I liked David Batty, great for Leeds and Blackburn, except that time he got into a punch up with his team mate during a CL match
The Trent pick was a dumb call but he has at least played there recently. Totally different to playing an attacking right winger used to playing as part of a three up front at left-back just because he’s quite quick.
On commentary last night it was mentioned that a number of the Slovenians had English football experience... particular mentions for Swindon, Northampton and Wigan!!! ... that really does put last night's abject display into perspective
I've spent the last 4 years watching defensive 18yd line football, and I thought Slovenia gave a world-class display of it last night.
... or because he regularly played there at England youth level and broke into the Arsenal first team in that position? ... Guess he must just have broken into the first team because he was quick - nowt to do with having impressed the Arsenal hierarchy playing there in the reserves / training etc ... and I'm merely backing Ian Wright's suggestion not dreaming up something myself
Why can’t Southgate switch to a back three. you could have ‘Trent’ as RWB and either Shaw or Trippier at LWB
5 years ago when their two senior left-backs were injured. Trippier has played regularly at left-back for England. It’s genuinely incredible how you’re so stubborn on everything.
The only two games in tournaments under Southgate I've genuinely enjoyed from start to finish were both at the last WC: 6-2 v Iran, brilliantly entertaining football against a team who aren't amazing but can hold their own. 3-0 against Senegal. Mature, controlled performance that took a potential banana skin and threw it in the bin as soon as the whistle went. Everything else has either been turgid or lucky.
If we’d planned a 5-2-3 all along it wouldn’t have been an awful plan. Obvious flaws in midfield and we’d still be talking about Trippier not being capable on the left unless he took Mitchell or someone similar but it would’ve made sense with the squad’s strengths and weaknesses. We play like there’s no plan at all. Just wing it.
