Would even have liked to see some of the other Leeds youngsters in there like Jack Clarke and Shackleton to be honest. Not really sure what to make of this Squad but my initial reaction was quite disappointed. Was hoping for quite a few 2000 and a mix younger players with high ceilings to freshen things up. Not sure what more we can learn from players like Suliman, Hirst and Pearce at the moment.
I don’t like this squad half as much as the U21 selections. Wouldn’t we learn more having Garner or Panzo instead of Suliman? Greenwood over Hirst? It feels like loyalty to certain players is becoming counter productive.
Having mulled over it I think anyone who isn't in contention for the next U21 cycle shouldn't have been included in the squad. I've nothing against Max Lowe or Josh Sims but they're unlikely to ever make the senior England team so what's the benefit of including them in this squad when there are more highly rated players in younger age groups who will just be sitting at home this summer? One thing that's good about the U21 squad and is lacking in this one is - although you can debate picking other players - it doesn't have any question mark players who you suspect have only been picked out of loyalty, familiarity or because they're a good lad to have in the dressing room.
Don’t know who they replaced but it’s names like these two I would have liked in there in the first place tbh.
Shackelton replaced Suliman and Dasilva was just an addition. Ryan Schofield of Huddersfield has also replaced Nathan Trott.
After the season he’s had, I think Suliman was lucky to be in this Squad in the first place if I’m brutally honest. Maybe a host of withdrawals meant he got the call up idk. He needs a good loan or permanent move somewhere next season to get good game time imo.
There are a few players that I’m unfamiliar with. Could someone take a punt at our strongest line up?
Schofield James Chalobah Guehi Lowe Dasilva Willock Tavernier Nketiah Loader McNeil Possibly, but I doubt that'll be a side we get anywhere close to seeing. Presumably Willock + Nketiah aren't even in the running for Saturday.
📋XIs ⚽️@England 🏴 vs 🇯🇵 @jfa_samuraiblue #ENGJPN #TMR2019 pic.twitter.com/uGNBFYgZvG— Tournoi Maurice Revello (@TournoiMRevello) June 1, 2019
Against the run of play but we're 1-0 up. Chalobah from McNeil's corner. Japan have been very lively so far and have had their chances. Good time to score, hopefully we settle down now.
Why do we insist on persevering with mediocre players? Dylan Levitt can make the Welsh senior squad but Greenwood can’t even make the Toulon squad?! We’re still under appreciating technical talents and over emphasising loyalty and athleticism.
Ends 2-1. Japan outclassed us for a large part of the game. They were so much quicker and sharper on the ball. Dwight McNeil comfortably our best player.
Unsurprisingly, McNeil was a class above. Would like to see Shackleton start next time. Willock, Gallagher and Nketiah too.
Weird team really. Many of the best players left on the bench and more left at home. Japan were playing an u22 side but still we should have beaten them. Disheartening to see us playing like crap again.
The problem with persistence with Simpson after that U19 spell is that you know he isn’t going to offer much different. Last season Nketiah was on a record breaking scoring run for the U19’s and he was then shunted left for Brereton/Hirst. I still find it bizarre that Nketiah has barely played the central forward role since the start of that U19 campaign. It has not helped Hirst to be continuously starting whilst struggling or being isolated.
Japan are currently 5-1 up against Chile and it's not even half-time yet. We were extremely poor against them but Japan look to be a very good side. Unless this young Portugal side do us a favour in the final game, we may well have to hope for a best runner-up finish.