And, with 28 caps, the least capped of the XI who won the World Cup. But who will nevertheless go down in history.
My thoughts were not about how we played Serbia, but how we approach games generally. I think englands general approach is a bit cautious. When you look at te starting11, it should send fear into any opposition, but after tonight’s display, it probably gives hope to the opposition. I’m not saying we should have put 8 past Serbia tonight, but if we go into games with the mentality that we can put them to the sword, then we will do so more often, and will create a fear factor.
Well, you got that. Wasn't great was it. Couldn't keep the ball at all second half, we just kept hoofing it. That's the sort of thing England teams used to do, and we said it was because we didn't produce players who could take the ball and use it. Supposedly we do now, yet I was seeing people like Foden twatting it up the pitch instead of keeping it, leading to us staying camped in our own half hanging on. Conversely, the defence which is supposed to be **** coped better than expected with the balls into the box.
For the opening game of the tournament, I thought it was a pretty adequate performance. A few players had not played for a while, and always better to start slowly and peak at the right time.
Don’t think anyone has mentioned it, but I thought the referee had a good game last night Got most decisions right.
As I thought...a tight game...Not sure what the hell Southie is doing playing Foden on the left wing. Playing there he's about as much use as a deckchair on a submarine..Needs to be playing virtually next to Kane to be any value whatsoever...No width in the second half...Perfect time to bring either Gordon or Palmer on to stretch them...That said I was impressed by young Bowen....We won't win this with Southgate...No chance...Hope I am way-way-way wrong.
Kane far too isolated all game, no one near him. Bellingham was playing AMC but was given a free role so was often dropping very deep and getting the ball off the defenders. That said, 3 points in the bag and we move on. Just wish Southgate would let the brakes off with the players that we've got but he truly believes that being pragmatic wins tournaments.
Harsh on Foden...Played out of position, consistently by Southgate...Kane got zero service and was well marshalled, but yeah didn't do much.
I actually think he might be one day. I'd love to see the odds on it. He's a great talker, the F.A would be attracted to his communication methods.
My thoughts exactly. We played a right footer at left back and Foden in front of him then wonder why there’s no width. Fair enough Foden is left pegged but he’s hardly known for beating a man out wide is he? Gordon or Eze would have given far more balance. As soon as Serbia worked out how to stop Saka we had no attacking threat what so ever. Which brings me into my next point. If we haven’t got anyone who can play as left back why play a back four? I’d rather see 3511 with 2 sitting and 2 wing backs. Pickford. Walker. Stones. Guehi. Rice. Wharton/ Gallagher. Saka. Bellingham. Eze. Foden. Kane. It would be high energy, high pressing and physically demanding for the midfield but when you’ve got Palmer, Mainoo, TAA and Gordon on the bench it shouldn’t be an issue. If managed correctly.
