I think we will stick to this system now, can’t see him going to three at the back when we have been so ruthless so far this tournament ( except the US game ) I think he will start with the same midfield and try and strangle the French and limit the balls to the front players and Mbappe. I think it would be risky to change formation now to something that hasn’t really worked for some time. Before anyone starts I’m not criticising but I’m sort of at odds with us at the moment. I mean it wouldn’t surprise me if we ended up beating France but then again it also wouldn’t surprise me if they battered us. I just can’t really work out why I feel like this, lol.
Regardless of the result against France; England are 100% on the right path as a team. Soon we’ll be in a position where we fear nobody. Southgate has improved and learned as a manager too.
I'm a big critic of him, but he has been better this WC and I feared we'd play 3 at the back but we haven't. I thought he was too negative against Italy and I just hope he has learned from those mistakes. We've had in general a terrible record in tournaments, but to be fair under Southgate we have been pretty flawless and looked like a solid tournament team. You have to give him credit for that, I grew up with some dismal performances from my childhood and lacklustre tournaments. France won't play a possession game which actually suits us IMO. I think man for man we are pretty equal, but obviously they have mbappe who is just insane. It's key to starve him of service, their full backs are a weak link and with their injuries their midfield isn't incredible. We can definitely get goals against this side and they should be fearing is as much as we fear mbappe. It will be tough, but France aren't a side that will dominate games, they are very scrappy. If we can win this, we have a very good chance. It's a shame this game has come so early, I really don't rate Brazil or Argentina
Five at the back would be a big mistake - at some point we need to acknowledge our record against good teams in that formation is horrendous, the conservative midfield set up already provides an defence protection and Walker basiclly fulfills his same role in this set up. Bellingham also showed against the US playing in a midfield 2 is not really his game, to get the best of Bellingham you want him able to roam. France will be interesting because unlike other top teams they're not particularly interested in possession, so it shouldn't be a case of us being suffocated off the ball which is our tendency against the top teams. Of course they're devastatingly quick in attack which brings its other issues but its an interesting match up for us.
I'm fully backing Southgate from now on. No more turning on him after a bad result. I hope he carries on no matter what. The nations league was obviously secondary. Used to test out players. My big hope is he doesn't go to a back 5. This team is working perfectly. The future Is extremely bright. We just need a couple of centrebacks to come through over the next couple of years then I think we can continually challenge the big boys
This summer made me turn against Southgate from an apologist to a critic, but him picking Maddison and making comments about "taking the handcuffs off" reaffirmed my faith in his tactical approach. He's been rock solid in tournaments there's no question about that, which is why I have a ton of confidence going up against France. I expect a tight, tough game against France but definitely can see England scraping through. I think both teams are very good at scoring goals from out of nothing. That's how either team will probably score.
I'm a bit disappointed not to see maddison tonight. I thought this was the perfect opportunity. Bringing on mount was futile as we had already won the game. We didn't need his pressing
Three youngest English players at the World Cup 2022 so far:Bukayo Saka (21) ⚽️⚽️⚽️Phil Foden (22) ⚽️🅰️🅰️Jude Bellingham (19) ⚽️🅰️Directly involved in seven out of twelve goals scored by England at the tournament. Lovely to see. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/2i6L7vjSfy— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) December 4, 2022
As for Bellingham coming back to England would be a huge mistake. He needs to play in a league that isn't physical. He also needs to play In a league where he has Time on the ball
I meant it. Hes proven to be a brilliant tournament manager. Yes the final and semi final was a let down but he's blown the likes of sven and capello away
I’d love it for Bellingham to go to Madrid. It means something when a player joins them and he’ll also have a much better shot at both winning the CL regularly and even being in the Ballon D’or discussion as Barca and Real players always get the most individual recognition. A few years ago I’d have said it would be good for him to go to Liverpool. However the fact they seem to be fading as a force and their record with injuries means I don’t want him to go there now.
Mbappe and Dembele are the problem.. I think Shaw maybe able to cope with Dembele if he gets some help but I’ve no idea who is likely to help by doubling up on him .. Same with Mbappe… Walker will need someone to help him out as well
12 players are out for today's session in Al Wakrah, with those who started yesterday's game taking part in a recovery session.@CallumWilson has a minor strain and sits out as a precaution, while @sterling7 is absent after travelling home to deal with a family matter. pic.twitter.com/c7O2hGJXE1— England (@England) December 5, 2022
I don't see how Southgate can go to a back 3 now, there's no way he can drop Bellingham and he wouldn't start him alongside Rice in the 5-2-3 surely. I do worry about pace in our backline though against France
Shows in data just how much Bellingham has kicked on this season. The rapid evolution of teenager Jude Bellingham pic.twitter.com/YVf344jLqK— Nathan (@NathanAClark) December 5, 2022
Liverpool also like to play a much more functional midfield under Klopp generally with the intent of making sure the full backs are covered to give them and the front three more freedom. Not to say they don't have very good midfielders but could be a bit stifling for Bellingham's overall development, kind of like how Rooney lost a lot of his teenage raw explosiveness when he went to Man United in order to become a better fit for their team. Conversely I think Harvey Elliott is in the perfect place because his defensive and off the ball game is so weak and he'll never make it to regular at senior level without it, but if anyone can coach that side of the game into him its Klopp.
Liverpool would be an awful move as would United. City are the only club in England that would suit him. I hope he goes to madrid