I do not accept that for one minute. I have enjoyed their world cup and thought they gave a much more enjoyable tournament. I see much potential and accept they are a work in progress. I was sceptical about Gareth Southgate....but believe he can improve this team. So for me he should continue to at the very least the next European championships.
He's got to be here for the next few years at least. He just needs a few more players to come to the fore that will give us that bit extra. A special midfielder like Scholes, Gerrard or lampard is hopefully being nurtured at one of our premier league clubs. I'd say a Beckham but Trippiers right foot is filling that void.
The Euros will be a very tough ask Holland Portugal Italy Spain Germany Scotland (Sorry scratch that) Denmark Sweden All potentially winners in 2 years time But this world cup has done us no harm and Southgate will know that if we can solve the midfield problem with regards a player to dictate the game we've a very real chance.
I said the same. When we needed to do something different against the better sides we just lacked that bit of quality in midfield. A player like Scholes would make a big difference.
Phil Foden. But he'll stagnate on city's bench for the next 5 years because why would they play him when they can buy the finished article every transfer window with their dirty money?
It's funny you should mention that. I haven't seen him, but for years I've always thought that foreign imports were good for the club's but not the national side. I think that's changed slightly now and we really have some good home grown players - apart from in the middle of the park. One thing I'd say though, if the lads good enough, I think guardiola will give him games.
I don't. The expectation is for him to win everything ASAP. And with a limitless chequebook he has no incentive to bring on young talent.
Problem is he has to get games to become good enough, he needs a loan to somewhere like Southampton etc
Not too worried about that list. Can't see in the space of two years Italy and Holland going from not qualifying, to winning the next tournament. Germany the pressure is on because Low for himself can't afford another poor tournament and is lucky to still be there. Spain with their tippy tappy football will continue to be found out. Portugal would then be relying on a 35 year old Ronaldo who will have played a couple of seasons in the slower paced Italian league.
All fair points. I think that France and Belgium have at least another two good tournaments in them. Whilst I'd say that we have to be looking to win the next Euros with it being virtually a home tournament for us. the strength in depth is considerably higher than at the World Cup. It's a very tough competition to win.
He’ll get loaned out. He was a bit unlucky that De Bruyne, Silva & Gundogan never got injured last season as he was regularly on the bench. Unfortunately barely any young player gets a first team run at their parent club unless there’s injuries or they’ve had a successful loan. Rashford & Alexander-Arnold only got games because of injuries
Could do with going on loan to a decent side. Some top team abroad would be a top move for him. Sticking him in a side that's gonna battle against relegation won't suit him long term as he's been brought through the ranks being successful.
In fairness to Southgate he did say that 4th was not a fair reflection of where we are at the moment. He's a realist and knows we are somewhat below that ranking and we still can't beat the top tier nations. As for the young players whose route is blocked they should tell their agents to find them clubs in good leagues so they can get game time, whether that's Germany, France or Italy. For Foden today read Pat Roberts a few years ago - fantastic footballer gobbled up by Man City from Fulham and then despatched to Celtic for two seasons. I love Scottish football but playing Kilmarnock and Partick is not going to help him become a world beater.