Any idea why we took this guy? If Southgate is desperate to play another defensive midfielder to set the tempo isn’t that precisely this lad’s game ? if there was never intention to player him then couldn’t Southgate have taken someone else? like a fully fit left footed left back?
I think he’s been taken as he’s seen as the only natural replacement for Rice if anything happens to him but it seems such a waste to me. There’s no doubt in my mind that him & Rice can play together. I’m personally of the opinion that Rice is at his best when he’s a bit more box to box & not just restricted to sitting in front of the defence. I think we took one centre back too many & should have taken another left back.
Rice has been poor I’d drop him, Foden and TAA Tuesday for Wharton, Mainoo and either Palmer or Gordon but think Southgate won’t change. Unlikely but this could be his last England game so to stick would be madness
Would be one of my first names on the team sheet. I expect Southgate will go with the “energy” of Conor Gallagher when he eventually calls time on the TAA experiment.
Rice played at his best for Arsenal when he had Partey/Jorginiho at the side of him doing a lot of the defensive work allowing him to get forward more so in that respect playing Wharton alongside him may work. But would that bring the best out in the rest of the team, I'm not so sure
No definitely not. Out & out central midfielder. I’m not saying he’s anywhere near as good but Rodri type player
Agree with this. Our best 4 players consistently last season were Bellingham, Kane, Foden and Rice. So we have to absolutely get the best out of them. The issue we have is that Foden, Bellingham and Kane all want to drop into the Number 10 spot, so we're so lopsided. I think Foden has to be sacrificed unfortunately - we need proper balance. Kane also needs to be told to stay out of the way and stay up front. As you say, Rice has improved immensely this season with someone next to him doing the donkey work - and Wharton is probably the best man for that job. I think I'd bring in Gordon and Wharton for Foden and Trent - I can't believe I'm dropping Foden after the season he's had, but thems the breaks.
The issue with Southgate is that his tactics and systems are so rigid. Most of the players in the England squad play for managers who like to add flexibility. Foden has almost a free role at City, the midfield is so fluid and all the players have freedom to roam and create. Stones is another example. Plays in a back 4 but can step up into midfield when the opportunity arises, the system allows him to do that. Either Rodri drops in or the remaining defenders tuck in. Not seen as much of Arsenal but what I have seems similar so Rice will not be restricted with a rigid system.
Personally I'd base my England squad largely on what players have done for me at that level previously. That means Rashford and even Henderson would have been included, as would Sterling. They are proven performers. I wonder if Southgate has lost the plot a bit. He should stick with what's brought him success. As the saying goes, form is temporary, class is permanent. Chucking newbirs in with almost nill experience is not fair on them. Bringing them in gradually, ie Bellingham, Saks, Rice etc, is by far the best way.. Since we are where we are, Gordon has to come in to give us some kind of pace on the left and an outlet. Trent goes out (shouldn't be in the squad) and Foden moved more central, or omitted. England's decent run since 2018 has been forged on pacey forwards linked by Kane. This one is woefully short on that score. Now's that's off my chest going for drive
A lot of sense in this. I agree with Rooney that Henderson should have gone. I also think Grealish and Rashford should have gone. I think he’s twisted and it hasn’t worked. Maguire not coming is also a huge loss. even if those 3 don’t play , team spirit and experience is vital in tournament football. They look rudderless to me.
I don’t think Grealish & Rashford deserved to go on form & from what you can gather they aren’t exactly leaders in the dressing room or anything like that but I do find it bizarre that Henderson gets so much grief. He didn’t start the last tournament but came into the team & we were a better side with him than without. Football’s about far more than 11 talented players been stuck on a pitch together but you wouldn’t think it when people write down their teams & squads. In a 26 man squad & especially with us missing Maguire I wouldn’t have had a problem with him been there over Mainoo or a centre back who’s never going to play.
