It’s a pointless competition with the WC coming up, with too many games coming too close together. All the major teams have one eye on the WC, all of them are trying fringe players, both to see how they cope, and not wanting to “burn out” their first choice players. I watch because it’s England, a bit like I watch City, because it’s City.
Grealish does seem to have more of an impact from the bench, he’s better when he is given the license to take on defenders, yesterday when playing from the start he seemed afraid to take chances incase he lost possession. He constantly checked back and played the ball inside, the whole point of playing him is for his attacking flair. He was obviously playing to orders, I just don’t see the point.
Finally a change to 4-3-3 and he plays Phillips as the play maker. Outclassed and outTHOUGHT by Hungary who sat back with a 4-5 letting Englands CB's have it, then broke at pace and intensity, Southgates England crawl up the pitch.
Phillips was a total liability yesterday, but the whole thing was turgid at best. Whilst I see the need for rotation, these are "quality" players from the Prem who, to a great degree, should know the England system and be able to slot in when required.
I hadn't ever realised that England were playing last night until I arrived at my local at around 10pm and looked up at the TV screen that was showing the result!
its Cricket NZ were 265 -7 after 106.4 overs 243 -6 after 95.3 overs England now are 264 -6 after just 49 overs, from 55 from 11.5 overs 65 behind [ almost 6 per over these 2 batting