Didn't watch, was up late with a sick child so the 5am call came too early for me. I think that's the best England could hope for going into the tournament really. A very dignified loss in the final to a team that are just head and shoulders above everyone else. Lots of positives in terms of individuals, some pretty glaring issues with the team that need to be addressed if they're to win anything. Southgate might have earned himself a shot at the world cup but he needs to realise tactics can beat the opposition, not just nullify them.
Making him captain was ludicrous ... ... I can't think of one of the top teams who'd want him in their starting line up. Spain wouldn't even consider him.
He was also shocking when he played, i get taking another natural LB but Chilwell didnt deserve to go on form Id of taken Colwill - if he was fit, not sure if he had an injury or not
Imo Southgates plan was to get to 75 - 80 minutes at 0-0 and then bring on Watkins and Cole-Palmer to win it. That's why he started Kane. Problem is the back 4 had deck chairs out until he made the subs earlier than he probably planned, so Watkins wasn't going at a tired defence. I said a few time last night why is Foden looking more like the striker than Kane, he would be running into the box with Kane stood about 10 yards behind him! Spain put relentless pressure on last night in both attacking and when England had the ball and despite a excellent defensive display imo, that type of pressure I'd always going to make chances and they had 4 or 5 very good chances. England in comparison pressured for about 10 minutes total and the goal scored was even a clear chance.
He went 4231 yestersay, the issue was he shoehorn plsyers into the starting line up He had bellingham playing LM in that system which just doesnt work He was right to go with a back 4, means shaw could go up against yamal n walker against Williams I think a wingback system probably does England at the minute but id go for naturals on each side - saka on the left n trent on the right Id then have 2 no10's, 2 of foden palmer n bellingham behind watkins. Watkins movement in behind is very good and itll stretch the game that gives the 10s more space
Howe has probably done more than Potter in management tbf to him Itll be 1 of these 2, potter is the easier appointment as hes out of work but i actually think howe would be a cracking appointment for England
A glorious failure or a predictable outcome? It's the second option for me sadly. Which says it all about Gareth, time for a change.
Maybe but Colwill ain't going to go you width like a Chilwell, Shaw or even Mitchell. That's me signing out from this thread as it's pointless now.
Chilwell was awful last season, he isnt the player he was - couldnt play 5 yard passes Mitchell could have been an option and i probably would have taken him as an option
"Out of the 10 worst games in the tournament, England was responsible for seven." Didi Hamann, ruthless bastard, kicking the team while they're down.
I don't think so mate, they thought Bobby Robson had 'taken them as far as he could' when they were top four ... ... they'd accept Howe going because they'd believe the club would bring in the very best manager. When they didn't that's when they'd start to unravel. I'm not sure Newcastle are attractive to the best managers tbh, they're a very long way behind City, etc.
Southgate has been good at getting us to the final stages of competitions by being cautious, and credit to him for that, but unfortunately, that's not going to be enough to win them. Time for a manager who'll just go for it more.
I don't even see it as an achievement getting to a final. We have played poor for majority of the tournament. Can not expect luck every game. We were out played yday. Simon had nowt to do. This is all down to the conservative way we play. The handbrake not let off. Sick of wasting an hour each game. Paid the price. Hope he goes personally. Nice bloke but tactically inept and when it comes to the crunch, he has bottled it every single time.
Yep. Spot on. If not longer. The stupidity is, that the handbrake came off for about 10 minutes last night. We caused Spain problems. Got to 1-1, tried for another couple of minutes, then reverted to type! They were struggling fir a few minutes after we scored. Watkins caused problems, then we said “it’s ok we’ll wait until extra time”! That’s how I saw it. I want him gone too! 2 tournaments into finals. First team to ever not win the second one! When we went ahead v Italy, we all celebrated then thought “oh hang on, it’s Southgate, he’ll defend for 88 minutes”! Get rid
