You may well be right, I don’t watch premier league so I can’t really comment. Just saying league form doesn’t always transfer to international, Hoddle from years ago was a classic example, there’s been many more since. Also made the point it’s not just a case of picking the best eleven players, it’s about balance, playing players that fit a system and teamwork. I just think it’s difficult to criticise when he’s taken us to the semi finals and final in the last two major tournaments. As for being defensive I agree, but I’d rather be boring and successful, than entertaining and lose. Like you I think we could have won at least one of the last two tournaments, but I believe it’s about mindset. We’ve improved in that regard to even reach as far as we have, we just need to go that bit further. I also believe if we do it once the flood gates may open. Once that happens we can stop being defensive and really go for it.
You did....... see below. 'The premiership has been full of brilliant foreign players for years, long before Southgate took over' And then you say....... 'Also made the point it’s not just a case of picking the best eleven players, it’s about balance, playing players that fit a system and teamwork.' Sorry, that's 'stating the bleeding obvious'. Haven't you just admitted we need rid of Southgate.
The FA love Southgate the way they loved Beckham Which made me stop following England in the first place.
Totally agree that is my way of thinking, however how many fringe players that feature in the "unders" squads ... and win things to boot ... fail to make the prem, and therefore their standard gets stagnant? They sometimes make it from Champs to prem .. but spaces for them are few and far between. For the betterment of football maybe each team, top teams divisions should have a starting line up of 1 academy player, 4 or more English players and 5 fore1gn players goal keeper can be either. second half they can change the numbers [ in first half an injury needs to be ???? ]
If you’ve not watched / paid attention to Man City, then you are missing out. Pep is a genius and you will see in years to come that defenders need to be midfielders as well. Plus you may get a better picture of Foden and then wonder why he’s not picked.
I was saying Foden may well be a very good player, but if he doesn’t fit the system England play, or doesn’t transfer his league form to international then maybe that’s why he isn’t picked. I’ve watched him playing for England and I wouldn’t pick him, but I’m conceding he may be very good for Man City as I don’t watch them. As for Southgate needing replacing I think his achievements in the last two tournaments were more than good enough to warrant him being kept on, the other worry is who’ll take over, as he’s been by far the most successful England manager for yonks. Basically if it ain’t broke, why fix it.
Some players are world beaters for their clubs, and panel beaters for their country, some are better internationally than for their clubs. Pep may well be a genius I just don’t enjoy PL football. The only football I can really tolerate now is City & England, although I don’t get as upset these days when England lose, I’m like a bear with a sore head for a couple of hours when City lose.it used to take a lot longer for me to calm down though, so even that is diminishing.
Enjoyed the game. Over the border in Benalmádena now for a few days - watched the second half from Bonanza Square I thought England looked professional and composed (apart from the OG of course!)
Over the border in Benalmádena now for a few days - watched the second half from Bonanza Square Were Hoss and Little Joe there ? Or are you too young to have seen Bonanza on TV ?
I was really impressed with Dunk, appreciate it was only Scotland, but he looked really assured, won most headers into our box and seemed to be organising the defence as well., I’ve wondered previously why he hasn’t at least made the squad.
