Clearly Gareth Southgate has learned a great deal along the way about how to manage a group of footballers (probably one of the most difficult groups of people to manage) and he has the whole squad in harmony and relaxed; a massive plus. I just wonder if we have the class to go all he way. We don't have one match winner whereas some teams have two or more. Not convinced about our defence. They look OK against 2nd rate opposition but against stars like Messi, Ronaldo and several more they could be exposed.
Our strike force is not World class either. We are not a prolific goal scoring outfit, even against weaker opposition. That to me is a worry. Given enough game play, Rashford could be the one to cause most damage (he is not a sub -he needs to start games). Vardy is to some extent living on past glories with Leicester and imo can only be used as a sub. Kane is lethal in and around the penalty area but they have to get the ball to him first; he isn't the most mobile person on the pitch. What's his name (the little **** I call him) will take on players but often one too many. Lingard is full of promise but again, at this level, probably a sub. Is that our strike force?
If it is, I think we will struggle. Should get through the group stage but if they struggle to get a draw with Tunisia it won't look too promising.