Na full credit for getting that far, but it is very specifically a major reason that we didn’t win both of those games and it’s still happening, I really hope that he can learn from it. It’s not as if England don’t have the depth. Everything else is spot on.
I agree. I'm not convinced a more attacking style which exposes us more would have got us that far though. All supposition though admittedly. I agree the sub thing is baffling as **** btw. I just find it hard to get too downhearted during the qualifiers as we'll definitely qualify anyway. Let's not forget that a point in Poland isn't a bad result either. Just the nature of it that's a bit annoying.
I think that Gareth will go after Euro '24 and that will be the right time (assuming we don't completely flop next Summ- Winter) He's handled the transition to the younger guard well and will undoubtedly leave the setup in a better place than he came in. He's tactically poor which is really obvious but I think he's been superb at a lot of the less obvious things. We're far better on the ball than I can ever remember for example.
Yeah it has been a good week for England really, 4 points from the two most likely challengers away in two very strong atmospheres. The Hungary game was an excellent performance.
Yeah we were superb in Budapest. This looked like following a similar pattern though Poland had a bit more about them. I genuinely thought we'd see it out once we scored, Gareth will be fuming at the defending for the equaliser. It's almost like they saw Bednarek had a shocker for Kanes goal so thought it only fair that we defend like Saints too.
His greatest achievement is that he has managed to create a team atmosphere in the England squad, something that I’ve definitely not seen since at least the 90s. The players also seem to really enjoy playing for the National side which is something that seemed completely absent through the whole ‘Golden Generation’.
On a separate note, Denmark currently on 6 wins out of 6 without a conceding which is pretty impressive. Sorry though lads. Despite that you're dogshit cos you lost to England. Golden rule of international football that (along with never writing off the Gerrmans).
Yes, we should be using our depth later on in games, especially at FB. Due to the wealth of personnel and Gareth's reluctance to break up Stones and Maguire (or RIce and Philips for that matter). Kane also struggles to press later on in games.
I think the key is that you could see Walker was dying on his feet after the goal, guy was totally wiped out - That’s one of the main reasons we have substitutions and one of the risks of not using them.
England are quality but will never win anything under Southgate is my thoughts for the evening! The sub situation was odd and the lack of game time for Grealish in the summer baffling. Unfortunately, we will be out thought in those critical gamesb e.g. Italy. Having said that I don't remember enjoying watching England more.
Not surprisingly, Alphonso Davies was out for Canada's fairly-pivotal match against El Salvador after pulling up lame at the weekend. And...it doesn't look like it's going to matter. Atiba Hutchison, who is approximately 125 years old and debuted for the Dominion of Canada, opened the scoring in the 6th minute, before Jonathan David heads in five minutes later. All setting up nicely to be in the auto qualification spots with a few matches remaining before getting our teeth kicked in by Costa Rica and Jamaica or something.
I think you are right. It’s an odd one. Best football to watch in decades, but he bottles it with changes. Even Ralph is sorting his subs out! Hope I’m wrong of course. Bring on Qatar!
Does anyone rate him? I actually think he is hugely under rated (whilst still not being that good) haven’t met anyone who thinks he is any good at all. Only the pundits on TV seem to rate him
It's hard to fathom that England won't win anything because of Southgate given that England reached a penalty shootout in a major tournament final with Southgate. It's entirely possible England doesn't, for the simple reason that there are some talented teams out there. But I do think some perspective is in order. Not only did England reach the Euro final, and extra time of a semi-final at the World Cup, but 16 points from 6 in qualifying with the only mark against being an away draw to a very capable Poland side is actually quite good. Germany lost to North Macedonia! Spain lost to Sweden and drew Kosovo! France drew twice in this window! Only one team in the entirety of the UEFA pool will have more points after six matches than England. England's fine. Southgate's fine. Everything is fine.
And Pep Guardiola. With the money available at City, Pep would have got rid of him ages ago if he was as bad as so many people say.
As bad as people say? Most wax lyrical over Pep. Especially pundits. He is good but not as good as what you would think based on the pundits I guess similar to Walker now you mention it