Spain left out a lot of talent from their squad back around 2010, obviously their midfield was incredible and they had more talent there than we do, but it's pretty similar to the situation with our attacking players now. Players that would make other top teams are going to get left behind, but that's a good problem to have. It isn't so good that we take 6 CBs in order to play a formation that doesn't suit us. As it is I think Madison would be fringe at this point anyway and wouldn't make the XI but it's never bad to have that option off the bench
Nobody said we don’t play to win. Make full use of our squad as we did against Belgium at the World Cup. It’s pragmatism. Do you really think we should be looking to face Portugal or France in the last 16 if we don’t have to?
Why doesn’t it suit Foden? Thought he was superb against Iceland in the 3-4-3. Freedom to find space centrally without much defensive responsibility. Foden might eventually end up as a No.10 or central attacking midfielder but he’s not playing those positions regularly for Man City. Next best thing in my opinion is off the right in a 3-4-3. That’s where he played against Iceland, plus it gives him and Grealish freedom to drift centrally and wreak havoc. Akin to having two no.10s off each side.
Ok - it is essentially though because he has also named James, Tripper plus TAA in addition. I agree with the above in that Foden/Grealish work well behind Kane, however that leaves Sancho/rashford/Greenwood/sterling on the bench.. depends who we play but you have to have runners in behind.
I wonder what Southgate's thoughts are that Tuchel has come into Chelsea, changed them to 3-4-3, and has deemed Chilwell not good enough for the wing back role.
Southgate " Chilwell has always done well for me" etc etc Tuchel just subbed Hudson-Odoi off after 30 minutes as well. Came on as a HT sub
Was he playing that badly when he came on? I only saw bits of the game and he didn’t look that bad from what I saw but like I said, I wasn’t fully concentrating on the game.
It’s a rumour doing the rounds but lots of signs pointing in the same direction. The shin apparently. Hopefully it’s not months.
Hopefully it’s not a long term injury but let’s be honest the Euro’s are upon us and it wouldn’t be the same without multiple players getting injured just a few months before the tournament starts
Tom Davies has had a good game. Playing himself into contention for a role in the senior set up. Pickford’s had a very good display too. Also DCL off the bench was good. Pretty much the role he would have if he was in the finals squad. Having that physical hold up play late on would be an asset if Southgate was prepared to use it.