I have always hated the anthem. Horrible song. Doesnt mean im not a nationalist. Some of the comments in twatter make my head hurt. Seeing goons posting pictures of people like Stuart Pearce .
People are getting worked up by a song asking something that doesn't exist to save a position that shouldn't exist.
As I was skimming back through this thread, I was waiting to find a comment like this from you. It didn't disappoint to be fair lol.
I'm in full agreement with you about the anthem bit, but the 'doesn't mean I'm not a nationalist' part is potentially slightly concerning...
Your #ThreeLions in Dublin! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/uZOhJuEbPv— England (@England) September 7, 2024 Biggest shock is not 1-11 starting.
Solid eleven, I just hope expectations are reasonable. Ireland will I assume play very defensively with 5 at the back, and in Carsley's first few meet ups i'm not expecting him to instantly correct all the many issues England have showed over the last year going forward. We should win of course but just improvements in the coherency in the side, not having major structural issues would be good first steps. Lots of joy to be had against the Ireland full backs so hopefully we decide to actuallly use both wings again. It'll take a few meet ups to really assess the players and get them used to some new ideas.
I also think Carsley is being wise in not making wholesale changes all at one time. Any personnel changes should be done incrementally as the entire squad becomes more familiar with his demands. Despite wanting us to move on from him in the long run I also think playing experienced players like Maguire is probably a sensible choice too with the awkwardness around the fixture.
I don't really mind Maguire in a game like this where the oppositions main outlet is set pieces and hitting long balls to their big centre forward. That's generally his bread and butter. Over the cycle I think we should be phasing him out slowly, but games like these he's still probably the best player to deal with the oppositions threats.
Plus until such time as he is the full time manager the very big decisons are difficult to do anyway.
This is their cup final no one should underestimate Ireland for a second. Look at the u21s last night. N. Ireland defended brilliantly and got a nil each through being a good team.
Interesting to see how we get on and see some new faces today. Hopefully play well and get the win.. I think we’ll be on a slight decline in the short term till some of the newer squad players step up.
You posted this literally 10 minutes into a managers first game, a game 16 minutes in that we lead 1-0, and have had 3 golden chances already. Absolutely bizarre.