Agree with all of that, Goatster. Only saw the second half, and even then not all of it, but I thought Lingard livened things up quite considerably when he came on. I’d like to Rashford in a more central position, but with Kane in the team (as he clearly should be) that probably can’t happen, and Rashford’s certainly worth a place in a wider position anyway.
Is there really not a better holding midfiled pair available than Dier and Henderson though (especially Henderson)? Hard to believe.
Its been England perennial problem…we dont have a midfield maestro… those players that can do it all, orchestrate the creative attack, yet be the first line of any defence… the calm general. … and we wont because, most clubs dont play that patient game, and those that do spend 80mil on a foreigner one… its no surprize to me that World Cups are won by sides that have these players- Spain with Inesta et al, Germany with Schweinsteiger/Kroos… but England with… Dier and Henderson … And to be honest, its why Stephen Davis is great playing for NI, he looks to play that way, but through no fault is just not quite as gifted as a Kroos.
But more than that, we still dont have a TEAM… we have a collection of talented players who play at clubs playing different styles and with difefrent responsibilties… some of whom dont even play regularly because they would rather earn 100k a week playing 20 games a season, than 60k a week playing 40…
The matter how much will or investment there is by the FA, until the clubs align on strategy for youth development and style of play, we will always have talent without cohesion, whether its Southgate or whoever.
England’s problem (for decades now) is that we play athletes instead of footballers.
Jordan Henderson is the perfect example (also see Smalling, Phil Jones, Cahill, Livermore, Dier) Physically put together like Mr Potato Head. Can run all day. Lacks any wit or invention with a football at his feet. A lumbering oaf.
Whenever I say these 2 words, I get the same reaction from the modern English football fan and it is a huge sigh! Normally followed by either, that’s another weekend ruined, or I think I will go and watch blank (fill blank in with local lower league side)
That is true. First time that I’ve been called modern for a while though.
I was born in Cardiff and grew up in Hampshire. Grew up watching England so have always supported them, even used to hope. Now it’s exactly the same despite my bluff.
The thing is that spent the last two hours drinking with no footy to watch.
MP has been practising (and talking about) switching to a back 3.
And Bert Rand looks like he will actually get a chance to test that new role out in the upcoming game against Lithuania. So not quite as much apathy for this upcoming game as I would have had.
(Which means Southgit will rotate his players and it won’t happen)