I was pretty set against Saka going but I think i've changed my mind. Not sure you'd want him put up against a top tier winger, but in games England need to score or against weaker opposition where we'll be on the attack he could offer an interesting alternative to Chilwell. Plus the fact he's left footed makes him an interesting option and alternative for the front 3 and maybe allows us to take an extra outright centre forward if Rashford is out. Certainly he's had a better season than CHO who seems to be in the running.
Haha sorry, just meant out for the time being. Hopefully both make it to the Euros and we win the bloody thing!
It does seem like Rashford won't be match fit in time for the Euros and Kane is very close to that timetable as well now. Still, we need to take Kane even if he's 80%.
Was Solksjaer ever questioned on the stupidity of playing Rashford knowing he was already carrying an injury?
I think Ian Wright was the only one to call Ole out for his selfishness, trying to get result using a player who clearly needed a rest. He ran him into the ground. Couldn't even give him a rest for a cup game against wolves. I was disappointed more pundits and journalists didn't blast him. Come the Euros they might remember how we could actually do with this guy.
To be fair, I remember on TalkSPORT there was many questioning it for quite a while if I remember right.
True, but arsenal set up in a specific way Xhaka slots only at lb when saka goes forward and auba plays narrow would that work with sterling and Kane if he’s fit? saka is basically playing as lw depending on who Southgate picks in midfield would affect sakas influence
Puzzled to what has happened to Tomori? Not even on the bench today for Chelsea, real shame as thought he was one of Chelsea’s better defenders earlier in the season so not sure if he’s just not fancied by Lampard anymore?
I disagree, players will and should rightly always want to play. The likes of Ronaldo and Messi would never want to miss out, however sometimes they need to be protected from themselves and that ultimately lies at the manager's door, as he picks the team.
To be honest I'm still far more worried about Kane than Rashford. I like Rashford and think we are better with him, but equally I'm extremely excited to see what Sancho can do as although he's not always set the world alight for England yet, he has definitely gone up a level since the last international break and is blossoming into something really special. There is an argument to say that even if Rashford had been fit, Sancho's form and quality would've made it a very close run thing anyway and Southgate would've had a major headache. I am actually more disappointed just for Rashford personally as this was shaping up to be a breakthrough season for him and if he'd got 30 goals in all comps, it would've given him an extra swagger and spring in his step. I just hope he comes back the same as before. There is just no replacement for Kane though unfortunately. The likes of Abraham, Ings and Calvert-Lewin have been doing well and can only play what's in front of them but Kane is world class and the aforementioned aren't.
Have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised with how much Mourinho's using Winks. Happy to have called that one wrong.
Surely saka is a must for the next squad. Even the Euros. I'm really worried we will miss out on him if Gareth doesn't take notice, the guy is going to be a star
Still not sure Saka is ahead of Shaw just yet. It’s between those two for me. Southgate will make the decision based on footballing factors, not because Saka is a dual player.
First and foremost a left back should be reliable in defending. Who would you want to bring on as sub for the injured Chilwell against Belgium in a nervy quarter-final? Shaw or a teenager who is much better in attacking than defending? I know the answer, and I think Southgate does too.
His rise is incredible.. what a utility player .. three left sided positions covered . Probably the right winger spot as well