Tuchel seems to be starting to get them playing quicker and it was a good performance against a fairly medioca team. Often they struggle against teams with a low block, but he seems to be getting them to play in a way which does pull the defence out of shape to get into good areas. Obviously the acid teast will be against better teams, but to qualify wuth games to spare and not concede a goal in no mean feat.
It’s not just Latvia though is it, 3 back to back much much improved performances, I remember a few years ago we’d splutter through qualification. This seems to be far more polished with the talent available and it seems to be due to having a proper manager not afraid to make some bigger decisions for the betterment of the side (ie Bellingham) the balance seems far better, still early days but I’m excited for the World Cup.
Well it might not be in Boston, he's threatening to move the three games from there because he says it's becoming unsafe. Which isn't bad really seeing he doesn't have the authority to do anything concerning the World Cup.
I agree the balance is better without Bellingham . I quite like Gordon but his touch is heavy at times . It's a pity Grealush doesn't have his pace he'd be outstanding .
I was very sceptical but am gradually being won over by Tuchel’s approach. Not that we should seek to copy anyone, but didn’t Spain have a similar approach with players coming largely from non RM/Barc clubs in the Euros? That said, Bellingham and Palmer (if fit) have to be included in my opinion as we’re light on proven matchwinners in the squad. Palmer actually dd it in the US this summer, in the heat, against quality opponents. Feels good to have qualified. I remember the debacle last time: losing in Norway, then Holland (can we not knock it?) - I nearly ****ing cried.
Bellingham is a good player but his attitude stinks - he's constantly showing his frustration at mistakes other players make and berating them- definitely not a team player
England under Tuchel has, so far, followed a lot of the same patterns of the last few years: very comfortable in qualifying, scoring lots of goals, particularly good in the Autumn but terrible in the June fixtures. Obviously we're yet to see the bit that will ultimately matter. His selection decisions around the likes of Bellingham are very interesting, and it'll continue to be interesting to see what he does in the November and March breaks. Anyone wanting to break into the squad for the World Cup is running out of time.
If you went in to Compton or Watts I doubt you would have made it out Huntington beach Laguna beach Santa Monica Fantastic places and very safe
I went through Compton on the Metro on the way to Long Beach....Made it out the other end. Looked okay to be fair, though didn't go for a walk around the hood. Santa Barbara and Big Sur were lovely. Venice and Venice Beach were okay. As was Santa Monica. Long time ago now. Parts of Baltimore and Philly are worse. Goin to WC in 2026, should be interesting trip.
We had a stint under Southgate in the previous qualifying where we looked amazing, but then it all seemed to go off the boil, and we looked poor in the last few qualifiers, and even worse in the tournament (yet somehow managed to grind to the final). I know we can only beat what's been put in front of us, but I'm genuinely optimistic. We seem to have a team who know what they're doing, a manager who will make controversial calls, and perhaps most importantly, no square pegs.
The final is at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey. I have a dream of being there, watching Bowen come off the bench to score the winner. It could happen, no reason why not.....
I try not to think about it! I have my contacts, I hope. I'm definitely going to a few matches with a couple of like minded gentlemen (one of whom I'm in Chicago next week to get ****faced and watch Ireland play the All Blacks, sort of a World Cup warm up - soften the missus up) but whether I even have a chance for the Final is a whole different matter!!!
