Rumoured that he isn't in the provisional Euros squad
Why would he be? Played 6 months in Saudi for a team barely in the top 6, and have half the points of the league leaders, then made just 9 appearances for Ajax, who finished 5th, 35 points behind the league winners. He also missed the whole of April due to injury
I wouldn't have picked him but the expected he would be because he has been a big part of Southgate's squad. As has Maguire who has only started 18 PL games and in the last half a dozen games he did play United conceded 13 goals. He'll still be picked even though he has had a very average season at club level. As might Phillips and he's barely kicked a ball at either City or West Ham. One doesn't necessarily follow the other.
Rumoured that he isn't in the provisional Euros squad
Why would he be? Played 6 months in Saudi for a team barely in the top 6, and have half the points of the league leaders, then made just 9 appearances for Ajax, who finished 5th, 35 points behind the league winners. He also missed the whole of April due to injury
Because Southgate loves him
Southgate likes him for the calm and experience he brings off the pitch, as well as his maturity on it. At this point he's shown over the course of a full season that he can't do the second part anymore so taking him would just be for his experience. Can't really afford to do that in midfield though so it makes sense that he wouldn't go. We don't have the best central midfielders in terms of depth but in Rice, Bellingham and Gallagher there's a good amount of maturity despite their youth so there's less need for a Henderson type. Southgate has done the same with Conor Coady; apparently he's incredible to have around the place in a squad abroad where everything can be a bit dull but his level has dropped too low for him to be included
Rumoured that he isn't in the provisional Euros squad
Why would he be? Played 6 months in Saudi for a team barely in the top 6, and have half the points of the league leaders, then made just 9 appearances for Ajax, who finished 5th, 35 points behind the league winners. He also missed the whole of April due to injury
I wouldn't have picked him but the expected he would be because he has been a big part of Southgate's squad. As has Maguire who has only started 18 PL games and in the last half a dozen games he did play United conceded 13 goals. He'll still be picked even though he has had a very average season at club level. As might Phillips and he's barely kicked a ball at either City or West Ham. One doesn't necessarily follow the other.
Felt same as you over Henderson but I totally get Maguire. He actually had a decent second half of the season and we don't have a bucket load of other CB's to choose from. Phillips would be a poor inclusion, his confidence is totally shattered.
Rumoured that he isn't in the provisional Euros squad
Why would he be? Played 6 months in Saudi for a team barely in the top 6, and have half the points of the league leaders, then made just 9 appearances for Ajax, who finished 5th, 35 points behind the league winners. He also missed the whole of April due to injury
Because Southgate loves him
Southgate likes him for the calm and experience he brings off the pitch, as well as his maturity on it. At this point he's shown over the course of a full season that he can't do the second part anymore so taking him would just be for his experience. Can't really afford to do that in midfield though so it makes sense that he wouldn't go. We don't have the best central midfielders in terms of depth but in Rice, Bellingham and Gallagher there's a good amount of maturity despite their youth so there's less need for a Henderson type. Southgate has done the same with Conor Coady; apparently he's incredible to have around the place in a squad abroad where everything can be a bit dull but his level has dropped too low for him to be included
What does he do, card tricks?
Maybe? Sadly I've never made the squad (Southgate out!) so I couldn't tell you. I think there's a lot to be said for players who go to a tournament knowing they're almost certainly never going to play but they are delighted to be there, push the starters in training to be on top of their game, don't sulk when they don't get any minutes and then contribute a lot during the down periods. Apparently being part of a squad can be really, really dull inbetween training and matches with hours of nothing much to do except table tennis and rest. By all accounts Coady is the kind of person who makes those down periods more tolerable with his personality and doesn't create any drama about not getting any minutes while he's out there. A good option as a last choice centre back as long as he's at the right level, which he isn't anymore.
I'd have been more surprised if Henderson had been picked. I doubt Phillips will go either.
The main doubt for me is whether you take Rashford. He's been horribly out of form and doesn't deserve to go, but could be a decent option off the bench late in a game.
I'd have been more surprised if Henderson had been picked. I doubt Phillips will go either.
The main doubt for me is whether you take Rashford. He's been horribly out of form and doesn't deserve to go, but could be a decent option off the bench late in a game.
Agreed. It's a no from me (for the final squad at least) but can see the temptation.
In a 23 man squad, Rashford is a good option as we don't really have anybody else that can play down the wing and then up top (possibly Bowen). With the increase to 26, we can fit in enough attacking midfielders and 3 out and out strikers so don't really see the need for the versatility.
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The main doubt for me is whether you take Rashford. He's been horribly out of form and doesn't deserve to go, but could be a decent option off the bench late in a game.