Ben Smith

Trying to prevent the extinction of technical footballers.

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@raphnelson_abah @FabrizioRomano Looked a good deal to me as well

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@TrxpleM Part 2 because this is being done by United staff. He had a medical while at WC, but this part is United double checking

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@Nick28T 2 players who like the circulate the ball well. One who likes to take risks from wherever.

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@SelecaoTalk Why did Cunha come off? Was bizarre to me

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

This Haaland performance is one of the best 9 performances I've ever seen.

Leading from the front. Fighting for every duel.

What a player.

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

Tuchel said he has one of the best midfielders in the world at connecting the front line and the defence...
He was talking about Declan Rice.

Kobbie Mainoo hasn't even warmed up in a World Cup match yet.

Does he know this is football, not a track event at the Olympics?

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

England defending with the compact 4-1 formation.

The players ahead of Anderson have been a disgrace positionally.

Congo are actually playing as an XI.

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@utdreport @BBCSport How about we have three midfielders that are good in tight areas like PSG do.

The team that has won back to back Champions Leagues.

Bellingham Mainoo and Anderson sitting. Quite simple really.

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@jamesallcott Clive Tyldesley is the blueprint.
Good voice to listen to. Actually informs the viewer without getting into the tactics. Just telling the story of the game and is fully invested.

[CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ @CBSSportsGolazo]

A win for England—but a performance that left something to be desired 🤔

@MikeGrella10 heads to the tactics board for a deep dive into the issues plaguing the Three Lions 🦁

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

Has Harry Kane dropping deep worked once this tournament?

It's comical seeing it be a trigger and all the players charge forward. He's had it swiftly intercepted or he's overhit it every time.

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@imzftbi Argentina and Brazil? We literally have the two best teams on our likely path?

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@footballontnt How is it fair to include set pieces that only 1/2 players from each team takes for chances created?

It's not a fair metric, but who cares. Woohoo!

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@RonnLennon @sour3Boston Not only are those player better, they have vastly more expierience for the most part.

[s @exfootballfan]

If Mainoo was Spanish or Dutch, he’s starting every game at this World Cup. But England would rather pick electricians over technicians because they “run more” and that’s exactly why they win nothing.

[Gabe. @Waju_]

Declan Rice is the litmus ball knowledge test for me. I automatically assume you know nothing if you think he’s elite in midfield

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@NickRTFM Low block 🤣.

If one team takes an agonisingly long time to build up the pitch, then what do you want the opponent to do?

Leave bodies ahead of the ball?

England created the low block they faced because we have a lack of technicians.

Kobbie Mainoo is the cure.

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

@justkinggg_ @mzlrftv2 Normally agree with your takes, but Sesko is miles better than Gyokeres, and he just turned 23.

The only thing Gyokeres is better than him at is using his body to protect the ball, but that usually comes with age.

[Daniel Hussey @DanielHussey2]

Didi Hamann coming for Harry Kane not doing it in the big games and his lack of pace

[Ben Smith @BenSmina6]

England need Kobbie Mainoo next to Anderson if they want to win this tournament.

We can't have Kane dropping deep, and Rice roaming randomly as well.

Anderson and Bellingham doing a great job trying to improvise, but we have to try and form some repeated build up patterns.