I’m beginning to think quite a few of the problems would be solved if we said to coaches that they had to play 4-3-3 and pick genuine full backs. Specific roles but you can still allow freedom to interchange in certain areas. All these systems and tweaks and attempts to play inverted this and that etc. It all becomes a mess and you struggle to even figure out the attempted formation at times. The amount of times we’ve been completely outnumbered on counters, overrun in midfield or players have lost their man at least partly because they are being asked to play too high. Or play two roles in and out of possession. I don’t think we even have time to incorporate most of these ideas. I don’t even like playing number 10’s behind a centre forward because we seem to always struggle in a two man midfield. Everything gets isolated etc. I just don’t see other teams trying so many random experiments with their teams.
And it’s probably mostly a miss but when we do get a good one they almost certainly don’t hang around for very long as they get poached for a bigger role which off course you can’t blame them when they will probably double their wage.
True. A lot leave but do not even last long in club football roles. It is probably part of the problem that development role positions are not deemed that different to senior club coaching roles.
Acheampong George Miley Dibling Rigg Moore (mostly missing) All missing from the elite round, basically all the players with decent senior experience. If we had them in this squad things would’ve been quite different.
I figure we would have been playing Spain today, that would have been really spicy after Saturday. What a shame we got so many things wrong with under 19s this year.
Possibly but when you look at what Carsley has done at U21 level you really have to question the approach at U19 and U17 level. After having a full season with the players available you have to be offering up something more coherent at a tournament. This isn’t even about winning games or reaching a Carsley like standard. Mere competence hasn’t even been attained by both teams (U17 and U19) over three competitive games each. These reviews on team performance should be glaringly obvious and focused on the coaches.
Crazy game in the semi final 5-5 in extra time! Did anyone see the Spain own goal in the last minute, that made it 3-3 and saved Germany. Jesus it was a comedy goal!
It’s encouraging to see we’re not the only ones that seem to struggle with the art of defending at the moment.
I think this is the cruz of the matter, we always seem to end up with coaches who seem to over complicate their set ups. International football doesn't lend well to maverick set ups, you simply don't have the time with the set ups to iron out the finer details you need in what limited time you have with the group. Then we end up looking a complete mess and conceding tonnes of goals against other more disciplined sides.
🚨💙 Enzo Maresca: “My plan for Josh Acheampong is very clear. I want him to stay with us”.“He’s absolutely part of our project”, says via @kierangill_DM. pic.twitter.com/dCNyYsFUVK— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2025
doesn't mean much of anything but Louis Page has scored twice in our first pre season game, currently beating Peterborough 3-1 (Silko Thomas got the 3rd as I was typing), very young second half side but I wouldn't be shocked to see him in and around the squad if he isn't loaned out. EDIT: if he should be in the U20s thread now please move this post
Blackburn have joined Premier League pair Wolves and Burnley in the race for 18-year-old English striker Devine Samuel, who has turned down a new contract at Leyton Orient. (Birmingham World, external)
Stoke midfielder, Sol Sidibe, 18, an England youth international, is attracting the interest of Ligue 1 side Lille. (Stoke Sentinel, external)
Oliver Whatmuff has joined Rochdale on a season long loan. Decent first loan considering he’s still only 17.
Sunderland are ready to give teenage sensation Chris Rigg a pay rise to keep him from Premier League rivals. (The Sun)