Yes in the past we had England teams that had a few world class players but never in this depth. Past teams had 2 or 3 maybe the rest were good pros. The majority of this squad would walk into any team in the world imo. Look at the starting lineup count the players that would look out of their depth in any club side in the world ? My criticism of Southgate isnt calling for his head I'm just pointing out that he is 100% the weak link in the England set up. I'm really hoping he nails it and improves his decision making as we will win alot of competitions in the coming years if he does. This isnt based on last nights draw as that wasnt a disaster at all but he without doubt cost us the Croatia match and the Italy final with his tactics after going a goal up early. You can notice the team change once they are in that situation and imo we should have killed them both off by keeping doing what we started out playing like
I wasn't a Southgate fan but a semi final and a final speaks for itself. Yes i dont understand how we didn't use any subs last night but still i am not going to question a manager who has made big calls and got most correct, i do worry he cant change a game when its going wrong or late on but still for people to question his position is laughable.
I wasn't a Southgate fan but a semi final and a final speaks for itself. Yes i dont understand how we didn't use any subs last night but still i am not going to question a manager who has made big calls and got most correct, i do worry he cant change a game when its going wrong or late on but still for people to question his position is laughable.
Football fans at their finest (Fickle)
Southgate has strengths and weaknesses - tactically he's not the most adept.
I'm stupid to keep voicing my opinion on Southgate as I keep getting pelters but I'm going to say it again and the duck lol
Southall is a lucky man as he has a world class squad of players that literally anyone who could write names on a team sheet would get results. Yes ok before you all say he has reached a world cup semi final and a euro final but I honestly think he is so lacking in terms of tactical nous. My answer to those that keep saying the above re tourney results imo a better manager with this group would have won the bloody tournaments lol
So what you're basically saying is that in reaching a world cup semi final and a Euro final, you feel we have underperformed? A country that has done hardly anything for half a century suddenly starts to do well...........and some people think we should be doing even better. How many European managers in history have reached a world cup semi final AND a Euro final?
It's also easy to say that we have world class players but you still need to get them working and playing well together. If it was as easy as just having world class players then we'd have done a lot more in recent times. Scholes, Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard, Beckham, Ferdinand, Cole, Terry, Owen etc. We did nothing with that lot.
Southgate put Phillips in when many at the start of the Euro's thought he wasn't good enough. He stuck by Sterling when many wanted him out of the team. He resisted public pressure to start Grealish in most of the Euro games. Went with Saka on the right v Germany when most people were crying out for Sancho. Went more defensive minded when everyone was saying we have so many attacking options, play more of them. He's never been afraid to make big calls and pretty much got most of them right.
I know that "buying fouls" (diving) is the norm nowadays.......but Grealish does my head in.
He's no doubt a very talented player - but I can't help but think that he would be more effective if he just put half the effort into staying on his feet than he does into making his hair look nice.
Anyone who thinks the players are somehow carrying Southgate needs to look at the likes of France - a squad that's easily as good as ours and probably better but lacks the unity and team spirit to become a true team instead of 11 players.
I know that "buying fouls" (diving) is the norm nowadays.......but Grealish does my head in.
He's no doubt a very talented player - but I can't help but think that he would be more effective if he just put half the effort into staying on his feet than he does into making his hair look nice.
Exactly as I feel. if when Ronaldo makes he’s second debut for united, he does what Grealish has been doing, it’ll be “oh he’s up to his usual diving tricks again”.
I know that "buying fouls" (diving) is the norm nowadays.......but Grealish does my head in.
He's no doubt a very talented player - but I can't help but think that he would be more effective if he just put half the effort into staying on his feet than he does into making his hair look nice.
I think he's a decent player, but would love to see him try and stay on his feet more and not get involved with the ref
Anyone who thinks the players are somehow carrying Southgate needs to look at the likes of France - a squad that's easily as good as ours and probably better but lacks the unity and team spirit to become a true team instead of 11 players.
Hugely frustrating to get pegged back in the 92nd minute, but to be frank, given the position we are in, the Poles were celebrating a late equaliser in a game they needed to win. We were fine with a draw. We only really got near their keeper a couple of times (the goal and the post spring to mind). We actually put ourselves under pressure in the last few minutes as people on the ball in forward areas had no support so we passed backwards with increasing inaccuracy while the Poles pressured, until we ended up giving the ball away in a position where they could attack us, and did. To be honest, it was a tight game and either of the two scorelines (1-0 or 1-1) seemed fair enough. As for Southgate, he is head and shoulders above anyone we have had for decades, with a squad that is head and shoulders above anything the previous managers had at their disposal. He's doing a grand job, but isn't beyond criticism. I watched the Italy final with neutral Spanish people, and everyone (and that became universal the next day) spotted we were being pushed back by a good Italian team who had the capacity to score. It cried out for a change, as we badly needed to regain the initiative, but Southgate sat and watched, and it cost us. Last night, trying to play out for the 1-0 win was sensible, but he could and should have put some fresh legs out there. I think we will only get better under this set up, and the opposite (a managerial change) would do nothing but harm. But someone near him needs to give him a kick up the jacksie - we have a strong bench, and getting to the 90th minute without bringing on fresh legs is farcical. But better he learns from a 1-1 draw last night than we lose a quarter final in Qatar for the same reason.
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
I get your point - but they would maybe in and around top 20/30 in the world for their position.
Not being a 'galactico' does not make you less than world class IMO.
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
Stones and Maguire, who in the world is significantly better than either and as a partnership. The Italian two and VVD? I can’t think of many more, perhaps Dias.
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
Stones and Maguire, who in the world is significantly better than either and as a partnership. The Italian two and VVD? I can’t think of many more, perhaps Dias.
France couldn't even get Laporte in the squad. After Stones and Maguire your looking at Cody and Mings at the moment.
Stones and Maguire aren't even the best center backs at their clubs.
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
Stones and Maguire, who in the world is significantly better than either and as a partnership. The Italian two and VVD? I can’t think of many more, perhaps Dias.
France couldn't even get Laporte in the squad. After Stones and Maguire your looking at Cody and Mings at the moment.
Stones and Maguire aren't even the best center backs at their clubs.
Who is better than Maguire? Varane possibly will be although I think he's a bit overrated, based on playing for Real.
How Laporte didn't get in the France squad is beyond me, even Zouma went to the Euros. Have to say their centre back depth is unreal, probably got about 8/9 that would make the England squad.
It's a sign of the times, that whereas in the old days we churned out loads of goalkeepers and "warrior" centre backs, now we churn out loads of attacking full backs, wingers and creative No 10s.
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
Stones and Maguire, who in the world is significantly better than either and as a partnership. The Italian two and VVD? I can’t think of many more, perhaps Dias.
France couldn't even get Laporte in the squad. After Stones and Maguire your looking at Cody and Mings at the moment.
Stones and Maguire aren't even the best center backs at their clubs.
The French back 4 had a shocker at the Euros, all over the place. I’d have Maguire over Varane all day long at the moment.
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
Stones and Maguire, who in the world is significantly better than either and as a partnership. The Italian two and VVD? I can’t think of many more, perhaps Dias.
France couldn't even get Laporte in the squad. After Stones and Maguire your looking at Cody and Mings at the moment.
Stones and Maguire aren't even the best center backs at their clubs.
The French back 4 had a shocker at the Euros, all over the place. I’d have Maguire over Varane all day long at the moment.
Maguire is very underrated for some reason .. I saw him play for Leicester a few times and could see why Man U paid a huge sum for him .. he is a great reader of a game, a good footballer as well as 'just' a defender .. also seen him play 'live' for the Blades and Hull, he's always impressed me and has just got better and better over time. Harry K is a lovely bloke, whatever, I'd have Harry M as England captain
This might be seen as a controversial point, but I actually don’t share the view that this squad is ‘world class’ from front to back.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
Stones and Maguire, who in the world is significantly better than either and as a partnership. The Italian two and VVD? I can’t think of many more, perhaps Dias.
France couldn't even get Laporte in the squad. After Stones and Maguire your looking at Cody and Mings at the moment.
Stones and Maguire aren't even the best center backs at their clubs.
The French back 4 had a shocker at the Euros, all over the place. I’d have Maguire over Varane all day long at the moment.
Maguire is very underrated for some reason .. I saw him play for Leicester a few times and could see why Man U paid a huge sum for him .. he is a great reader of a game, a good footballer as well as 'just' a defender .. also seen him play 'live' for the Blades and Hull, he's always impressed me and has just got better and better over time. Harry K is a lovely bloke, whatever, I'd have Harry M as England captain
Huge Maguire fan. Dominate in the air which is still vital for any Centre back.
We were literally a couple of penalty kicks away from beating a team in a final that hadn’t lost in over 30 matches / 3 years.
We couldn’t have been closer, and I don’t think many expected us to get anywhere near the final at the beginning of the tournament.
But even when we convincingly beat Germany, only after the game did the old tripe come out of “oh, well Germany aren’t that great anymore really”.
We absolutely destroyed a decent Hungary side away from home last week, is that all just forgotten now because we’ve drawn with Poland?
The bloke can’t win with some people.
As satisfying as the Ukraine and Hungary thrashings have been for us I think to be considered a great team and a great manager one must only focus on the results against other great teams and great managers.
Yes good result against a fairly lacklustre Germany in the Euros. And against a very rejuvenated Denmark team ~ two very good results. But still ... There are greater ...
Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal.
We were found out against Italy. But the experience was massive and we are going in the right direction.
If our route to a potential world cup final is
France, Argentina, Belgium, & Brazil in the final ~ how many, on their way home from the Poland draw, would think we could honestly do it? Not many.
We had A LOT go our way in the euros + home advantage and easier opposition than others and we still couldn't quite win it.
This is definitely the most exciting and all-round talented squad I have ever known (save the unbelievable midfield of Beckham lampard Gerrard Scholes) And I reckon Southgate will be out of he has a bad Qatar. Such is the expectation now of fans and the FA.
Then may Sir Chris Powell take his rightful place!!
Comments
My criticism of Southgate isnt calling for his head I'm just pointing out that he is 100% the weak link in the England set up. I'm really hoping he nails it and improves his decision making as we will win alot of competitions in the coming years if he does. This isnt based on last nights draw as that wasnt a disaster at all but he without doubt cost us the Croatia match and the Italy final with his tactics after going a goal up early. You can notice the team change once they are in that situation and imo we should have killed them both off by keeping doing what we started out playing like
Football fans at their finest (Fickle)
It's also easy to say that we have world class players but you still need to get them working and playing well together. If it was as easy as just having world class players then we'd have done a lot more in recent times. Scholes, Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard, Beckham, Ferdinand, Cole, Terry, Owen etc. We did nothing with that lot.
Southgate put Phillips in when many at the start of the Euro's thought he wasn't good enough. He stuck by Sterling when many wanted him out of the team. He resisted public pressure to start Grealish in most of the Euro games. Went with Saka on the right v Germany when most people were crying out for Sancho. Went more defensive minded when everyone was saying we have so many attacking options, play more of them. He's never been afraid to make big calls and pretty much got most of them right.
He's no doubt a very talented player - but I can't help but think that he would be more effective if he just put half the effort into staying on his feet than he does into making his hair look nice.
if when Ronaldo makes he’s second debut for united, he does what Grealish has been doing, it’ll be “oh he’s up to his usual diving tricks again”.
I think he's a decent player, but would love to see him try and stay on his feet more and not get involved with the ref
As for Southgate, he is head and shoulders above anyone we have had for decades, with a squad that is head and shoulders above anything the previous managers had at their disposal. He's doing a grand job, but isn't beyond criticism. I watched the Italy final with neutral Spanish people, and everyone (and that became universal the next day) spotted we were being pushed back by a good Italian team who had the capacity to score. It cried out for a change, as we badly needed to regain the initiative, but Southgate sat and watched, and it cost us. Last night, trying to play out for the 1-0 win was sensible, but he could and should have put some fresh legs out there. I think we will only get better under this set up, and the opposite (a managerial change) would do nothing but harm. But someone near him needs to give him a kick up the jacksie - we have a strong bench, and getting to the 90th minute without bringing on fresh legs is farcical. But better he learns from a 1-1 draw last night than we lose a quarter final in Qatar for the same reason.
Are players like Calvin Phillips, Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice all names that would get into a list of the top 20-30 players in the world? Probably not. These are good players, but not necessarily galacticos.
I personally think we had a much stronger side on paper with the golden generation.
But it goes to show how well Southgate has done to squeeze the best out of what we have, and make a system that works.
Its exactly why I don’t share the opinion that the only thing holding us back from winning something is the manager.
Be honest, a few years ago who would have thought that we’d have a side as formidable as we have now that has two holding midfielders from Leeds and West Ham in it?
Not being a 'galactico' does not make you less than world class IMO.
Stones and Maguire aren't even the best center backs at their clubs.
How Laporte didn't get in the France squad is beyond me, even Zouma went to the Euros. Have to say their centre back depth is unreal, probably got about 8/9 that would make the England squad.
Yes good result against a fairly lacklustre Germany in the Euros. And against a very rejuvenated Denmark team ~ two very good results. But still ... There are greater ...
Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal.
We were found out against Italy. But the experience was massive and we are going in the right direction.
If our route to a potential world cup final is
France, Argentina, Belgium, & Brazil in the final ~ how many, on their way home from the Poland draw, would think we could honestly do it? Not many.
We had A LOT go our way in the euros + home advantage and easier opposition than others and we still couldn't quite win it.
This is definitely the most exciting and all-round talented squad I have ever known (save the unbelievable midfield of Beckham lampard Gerrard Scholes)
And I reckon Southgate will be out of he has a bad Qatar. Such is the expectation now of fans and the FA.
Then may Sir Chris Powell take his rightful place!!