@garginio @Southwater_FC@Benlewiis@Samb_902 Good article that mate, felt at the time like a decent game of football to be a part of. Looking forward to the reverse fixture 👏
Southampton are going under the radar, they really should’ve won yesterday. Even before the red, they were the better side and looking good in possession which isn’t easy at St James’ Park. I reckon they’ll finish highest out of the promoted teams, still go down though.
I covered #England under 10 managers, including some caretakers, very august names and figures among them. Not one of them achieved what #GarethSouthgate has, some with potentially exceptional sides in 98, 06 and 10.
(Venables might have, but couldn't swallow his pride and do a Euro 96 'audition', though it was really the FA suits fault for insisting he did.)
Worth remembering too, that England failed to qualify for a Euros and three World Cups in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Not only is Southgate's record of achievement quite brilliant, he did it with enlightenment, by developing and empowering young men, showcasing them as shining representatives of a diverse and - largely - tolerant nation, partly bolstering a nation's self-esteem in some dark years and ridding the national team of a world-weariness.
There are those who called him woke. He certainly woke English football. The 'Dear England' letter was a masterstroke.
There were mistakes, moments he missed, opportunities that slipped through his fingers. He will surely reflect on them more than anybody.
They are not for today, nor does today belong to those who have been vilifying this most honourable, articulate and steadfast of men for perceived failures that really aren't.
Today is for him to be assured that those who have any realistic sense of English football's history and standing, and who appreciate a return to being able to hold heads high, are humbly grateful for his eight years of inspired, yeoman service.
@SxrgioSZN This was my view pre tournament, actually prefer Jude and Foden behind Kane IF he (Kane) can stay high. If not then I wouldn’t mind seeing Tony start, Kane drop to where Jude is in your graphic and Jude drop next to Rice?!
@t_kay14@InvertTheWing Tbf I agree with him showing more risk and initiative especially in 1-1 duals. That could pose more of a threat coming off the bench but also pointless if he gets less that 15 mins, needs at least 30 to get going. Fully agree with the Rash shout, he’s perfect next to Kane
@t_kay14@InvertTheWing What would Palmer do differently to Foden on the left? There a similar style and neither one gives the runs in behind that the left side needs. If you’re going to change it you may as well go with something completely different?!
Jude Fucking Bellingham. Again not pretty and actually rather poor for the majority but we’re through and like it or not in tournament football that’s all that matters. #eng#EURo2024
The best LeBron stat of all time might be that this kid just got drafted to the NBA while LeBron is still averaging just as many points, assists, and rebounds per game as he did when this photo was taken 17 years ago 🤯
An alternative view on what is wrong with #Eng (it has to do with balance of the team and the trust on names instead of role fillers, but what I will say next too, I think)
YOU are all to blame
There is no risk, passes are predictable, nobody does anything special or different... Because they are scared, nobody wants to be the player that gets abused on social media or the one blamed for failure. You have seen through the years what happens to the scapegoats
Fear takes risk away, which takes confidence away, which makes the team easy to defend against and lacking in creativity
This has been going on for decades. The closer success is likely (or the more is demanded), the more that pressure you all put the team under to win (as if there was a divine right for England to win) makes fear prominent
No other national team gets this (toxic?) pressured to win, I don't think
France, Spain, Portugal and Germany in one side of the draw thus far, absolute carnage. Paints a much prettier picture on the other side. Hint hint nudge nudge #eng#EURo2024
Great to see Gareth Southgate picking England's most talented players and putting them in their best and preferred positions. I think this is really good, this works very well