England Senior Team General Discussion Thread

I don't really get this. We're playing wing-backs, right? That's where Saka has played for England recently, and he did very well. Why rule him out as a candidate for that role in the summer?

 

The situation would be a lot simpler if Shaw wasn't performing at the highest standard in that sort of position.

 

For me Rashford is more of a runner in behind. Whereas Saka is more comfortable with the ball at his feet. More of a midfielder. They are different players anyway so it's hard to directly compare them.

 

I don't have a problem with Shaw getting a chance, especially in an expanded squad. I don't have a problem with Shaw pushing Saka out if he takes his chance, for that matter. I do think it's odd to say that we shouldn't consider Saka as a wing-back option when he's done that job pretty well for us already. The fact that we already know he probably won't make the squad as a winger/10 doesn't mean that we have to rule him out of other positions that he can play well.

 

To be fair it depends which players you mean. Foden and Grealish seem to suit 3-4-3 in my opinion.

 

Am I right in thinking that Euro 2021 allows five substitutions?

 

Looks to me like that's only been agreed for the play-offs.

(Regulations are here: https://documents.uefa.com/v/u/jelrkQPEX8GrBz8fAuJvhA)

 

If we continue with 3-4-3 and don't impress this summer Southgate will get destroyed by media/pundits etc if players like Madison/foden etc aren't getting in the team due to the formation. I feel like this formation is setting a noose around his neck, given the quality we have we should be aiming for semi final

 

If we switch to 4-3-3 and don't impress, he'll still get destroyed. Par for the course innit.

 

Realistically there’s no way to include Maddison, Sancho and Saka in the squad.

So, which one misses out?

 

Maddison unfortunately. He hasn't been involved enough with England

 

Saka isn’t bad defensively either as he has the pace to cover

regardless we have an array of options and possible formations (sadly, Gareth will probably stick with his 343)

 

Sancho > Saka > Maddison is the likely order. Sancho's been a regular in the squad for some time - that always gives someone a little leeway on form.

 

It's not that Shaw shouldn't get a chance it's that with Shaw on form it's difficult to justify Saka taking the place of Shaw or Chilwell when he doesn't even play in that position for his club any more.

 

I'd be amazed if saka isn't taken. His versatility is what southgate really likes

 

As well as Shaw is playing, surely you just take Chilwell as 1st choice and then Saka as back up being that he can also cover other positions.

23 players isn't a lot in a tournament squad - versatility really helps and Saka is mega versatile.

In a normal tournament, which sees Chilwell start and play to his capabilities, does taking a back up LB do much? Unless Chilwell gets injured or suspended, or we qualify early, he'll start every game - if he doesn't then Saka is capable of covering him

 

There are question marks over Maddison and Saka making the 23 in June but they should both definitely be given a call up in March.

 

Shaw is also versatile though and is arguably a better LCB than Mings.

 

What makes Shaw such a good fullback never really understood his qualities

 

Most other countries would take those two without question. Only England would dither with such talented players

 

The full backs are key to the way Southgaate's going to play. You take your two best players in that position.
Do we go with just three centre backs, because Rice and Henderson have both played a few games at the back?

 

The problem is there are a set number of places, and we have established squad members and others playing just as well, if not better than them.
If you have four world class keepers, you still need to leave one out.

 

23 man squad.
3 keepers
5 centre backs
4 full backs
4 midfielders
5 wingers/attacking midfielders
2 strikers

Rashford, Sterling, Sancho, Grealish, Foden are the likely 5, and Mount can also play there assuming he's included inthe 4 midfielders. Who are you leaving out for Maddison/Saka?
Revert to a back four, and you can drop a centre back for another attacking option, but a third striker may be preferable in that situation.

 

Most likely maddison. As for the two fullbacks. I would take James and trent. Chilwell and saka. Im afraid as good as trippier is, we need to build for the future. James needs tournament experience. I would take walker as a centreback/fullback. This tournament might be a year too soon. We should be aiming to win Qatar 2022. If its 5 centrebacks then for me walker stones maguire gomez possibly Keane or mings. If tomori plays regularly then him

 

Southgate will bottle the right back choice and take all three, using Trippier as back up left back.