Apologies if I missed the thread on this, but I couldn't see one so thought I'd start one for those who are following . England kick-off vs Sweden shortly.
Do we think they can build on the Toulon tournament success, and emulate the U20s, or are we staring down the barrel of another disappointing English tournament performance?
Also, anyone know if the game is on the radio anywhere or available through any web streams (radio commentary that is - I'm at work so can't really watch unfortunately)? I may be being stupid but it doesn't look like it is on either 5Live or Talk Sport.
1
Comments
I think we have a good chance to make the final this year
Too negative.
If any of those 3 were English they'd be in our senior squad and deemed 'too good' to go back to the under 21s.
We were 1-0 down at half time and looked woeful. Did well to turn around and win.
Top of the group on 4 points and we play Poland on Thursday 7:45PM.
On course to sneak out the group but I can see a repeat of 2009 when we got to the final and got destroyed by Germany.
Watching the u20's they looked in better shape and probably a couple for example like Lookman who wouldn't have looked out of place. I would be very surprised if we go all the way.
Personally don't feel Redmond is international quality either, maybe Mawson isn't far off.
I know Southgate rates Chalobah highly but he hasn't impressed me at all in either of the matches.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/comment/columnists/jim-holden/812696/Gareth-Southgate-England-Scotland-World-Cup-qualifier-Nathaniel-Chalobah-Dele-Alli/amp
Ward Prowse isn't anything that special yet but our lack of depth in midfield should see him given a decent chance
The first match was awful. Just lump it forward into the channels for Tammy Abraham. When they were in the final third it was get crosses into the box for Abraham (marked by three players) and maybe Lewis Baker or Nathan Redmond getting in.
They played more football last game. Jacob Murphy was excellent. I'd never seen him have a good game before, but he came on and was good defending and provided a really good outlet going forward. I rate him very highly. I think he's suffered massively from the Chelsea habit of loaning young players out continuously. I first saw him at U17 level for England along with JFC, Cousins, Redmond, and Raheem Sterling. Him and Sterling were considered the biggest prospects at the time. He has all the tools. Athletic, good on the ball, two footed, good range of passing. He was on loan at Napoli last year I think it was but struggled for opportunities. There's clearly a player there, but he needs first team football to grow.
I think Callum Chambers has been quietly excellent. I didn't watch much of Boro last season, but apparently he was very good on loan there. And he was highly rated 3-4 years ago coming through at Southampton, he just went to Arsenal and his career stalled.
Abraham also looks a player. He's one that's been talked about for a while, and scored for fun with Bristol. He looks comfortable with the ball at his feet, which makes the whole lumping it forward to him even more frustrating. He's a part of that U-20 group but was promoted for this tournament.
Think Ward-Prowse has been decent. He uses the ball very well, but his positioning can be a little all over the place. Agree that he will play a fair amount for the senior team.
I think that U-20 group is a more technically gifted one, particularly in central midfield where you have Maitland-Niles and Onomah who both look like the ball is tied to their feed, plus Lewis Cook and Ejaria are quite tidy.
Lastly then I'll shut up, I've never been hugely convinced by Aidy Boothroyd. As mentioned earlier, I think his teams have played three bad halves of football and one good one, which means that this afternoon's game will be key obviously because of the result but also because of the performance. He has to find a way to get Baker involved. On his day Baker is the pick of this lot in terms of creativity. He's been nigh on non-existant in part because the ball goes from back to front so quickly.
Oh, and for realsies lastly this time, Spain have all the inevitability of that Germany 2009 (Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Boateng, Ozil, Khedira) team. Not only are they good at this level, but you feel like you're watching the heart of the national side for the next decade.
Gray with a brilliant goal. Slovakia are winning so anything other than a win would probably result in England going out.