North Macedonia v England

[KRBFC]

Oh it's 4 weeks now, is it?

I doubt the players or the FA would want that after a long PL, domestic cups and European club competition season.

You took my original post quite literally then, does it matter if it’s 3 weeks or 4 weeks?

They were playing like 3 Nations league games after the season last summer, sack that sh**e off. Nobody wants to watch that either.

I don’t think you understood anything I said either, if Burnley played when England did, the PL season would finish like 8-10 weeks earlier.

That’s an extended 4-6 weeks off the players would get at the end of the season even after 4 weeks of internationals.

[KRBFC]

The opposite infact.

Having multiple 2 week slots out for internationals makes the season longer and more of a slog!

Simple maths really, if Burnley played when England did the players would end up with more down time after the season.

[boatshed bill]

I have to say: having just watched that pile of crap I am struggling to see the point of these training camps.
I also wonder if our PL players are really prepared to give 100% to these dead rubbers.

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

If your ever suffering insomnia just watch an England match soon puts you to sleep. Best snooze I’ve had in ages

[Vegas Claret]

Agreed completely, this planting a seed in the referees head by intentionally showing him a freeze frame FIRST then a slow motion replay is absolute rubbish. Just manipulation at its finest

manipulation - that's a great word for it !

[fidelcastro]

You took my original post quite literally then, does it matter if it’s 3 weeks or 4 weeks?

They were playing like 3 Nations league games after the season last summer, sack that sh**e off. Nobody wants to watch that either.

I don’t think you understood anything I said either, if Burnley played when England did, the PL season would finish like 8-10 weeks earlier.

That’s an extended 4-6 weeks off the players would get at the end of the season even after 4 weeks of internationals.

If that was the only international football that was played, then there might be something in what you're saying, but the nations league is here to stay. It was set up so there weren't as many meaningless friendlies. When would you play these games, given we have a major finals tournament every two years?

[Vegas Claret]

easiest solution is to just hand the trophy to France and we don't have to bother

[bumba]

In the other group game Ukraine just been denied a definite penalty in the last minute against Italy, a Ukraine winner sends them through and Italy out.

Just seen these highlights, unbelievable decision. The amount of VAR decision they review where it's blatant the attacker has left their leg hanging to make contact that they give or don't overule then this he doesn't do anything the defender clips his back leg causing him to trip and nothing given. It's a stonewall penalty

[KRBFC]

If that was the only international football that was played, then there might be something in what you're saying, but the nations league is here to stay. It was set up so there weren't as many meaningless friendlies. When would you play these games, given we have a major finals tournament every two years?

You’re also forgetting the Euros is not every year, it’s every four years. That means they don’t even need to squeeze all 8 qualifying games into a 4 week period at the end of 1 season, split it over 2 years.

We have another international break in March for friendlies lol It’s boring nonsense

[claret2018]

The nations league is effectively a bunch of meaningless friendlies though, as are 99% of the qualifying games that England play.

I don’t know why anyone bothers watching these games, they’re always half-arsed tedious affairs, and would be regardless of manager.

[daveisaclaret]

I think it's a bit radical to suggest they should radically overhaul how international football works because England fans are bored of it, to be honest.

[mkmel]

3 goals scored in games against Malta and North Macedonia.

And 2 of the 3 were own goals.

And two poor performances.

[bumba]

3 goals scored in games against Malta and North Macedonia.

And 2 of the 3 were own goals.

And two poor performances.

BUT BUT BUT.......he's one of the greatest managers England's ever had

[warksclaret]

Its now widely acclaimed we have the strongest squad of players in the world, and there is an expectation we should win the Euros after several failed attempts in major tournaments. I sense that Southgate is starting to feel the pressure in the manner he is defending both the current players, and his justification of why he continues to exclude the likes of Sterling and Ward Prowse .Because we have persisted with the likes of Henderson, Phillips and Trent Alexander in midfield I feel we only have Bellingham and Rice as top level midfielders

[KRBFC]

3 goals scored in games against Malta and North Macedonia.

And 2 of the 3 were own goals.

And two poor performances.

And what difference does it make?

I wouldn’t be judging our tournament credentials (or anything at all) based on two nothingness kick abouts with players giving 10% desperate not to get injured.

Unless you think those games were played at the same intensity as a tournament game. I’m sorry to tell you, when motivation to win is low and the result doesn’t matter, it’s simply about getting through the game unscathed.

We beat Macedonia 7-0 when the result mattered btw.

[fidelcastro]

You’re also forgetting the Euros is not every year, it’s every four years. That means they don’t even need to squeeze all 8 qualifying games into a 4 week period at the end of 1 season, split it over 2 years.

We have another international break in March for friendlies lol It’s boring nonsense

I haven't forgotten anything. I just don't see a better alternative. Your latest suggestion is bonkers btw. Having qualifiers played two years before the tournament when there are other international fixtures to consider wouldn't work at all.

[Spijed]

Its now widely acclaimed we have the strongest squad of players in the world, and there is an expectation we should win the Euros after several failed attempts in major tournaments. I sense that Southgate is starting to feel the pressure in the manner he is defending both the current players, and his justification of why he continues to exclude the likes of Sterling and Ward Prowse .Because we have persisted with the likes of Henderson, Phillips and Trent Alexander in midfield I feel we only have Bellingham and Rice as top level midfielders

Do we actually have the strongest squad though?

For example, remove Kane and we don't have another good strikers.

[warksclaret]

Do we actually have the strongest squad though?

For example, remove Kane and we don't have another good strikers.

Yes we do-a squad is a squad, not an individual. By next Summer we should have Kane, Watkins, Wilson, Toney all available as strikers. My point being why have we not given game time to players like Watkins who I think would be playing for most countries if available. Watkins could have played v Malta which was a nothing game. Foden, Saka, Grealish, Maddison, (Sterling & Ward Prowse if ever picked), can all score too, as can Bellingham and Rice.

[Swizzlestick]

Watkins started last night and did nothing. His line up last night gave game time to a few squad players such as Grealish and Lewis, Agreed the games were a waste of time but they were always going to be. We got the job done and got it done comfortably early doors. I do think we probably need a manager refresh after the Euros, but the Southgate criticism continues to be OTT.

[CoolClaret]

Watkins started last night and did nothing. His line up last night gave game time to a few squad players such as Grealish and Lewis, Agreed the games were a waste of time but they were always going to be. We got the job done and got it done comfortably early doors. I do think we probably need a manager refresh after the Euros, but the Southgate criticism continues to be OTT.

Ah so one game of Watkins doing nothing means he's not a top striker?

- Bellingham arguably the best player in the world
- Kane arguably the best striker in the world
- Saka, Rice, Walker, Stones, James arguably top sort of 3 in their respective positions in the world

Countless others, Foden, Grealish, Trippier, Maddison, Shaw, Bowen, Tomori, Chilwell, Trent, Sterling (the list goes on) that have won majory silverware for their respective clubs.

I can't think of another side in World Football, that has this many players at the top of the game right now.

France are the next in contention and obviously have Mbappé who is undoubtedly unbelievable and the midfield duo of Camavinga and Tchouameni but for the rest of them? still reliant on Giroud, Griezemann who aren't the same players they were 5/6 years ago and I think our squad is much more talented man for man overall.

Gareth has no plan B and hasn't showed that he can overcome adversity against a decent team yet, that has to do with the drab safety first style that he utilises, surely?

[Big Vinny K]

I don’t think there is a country with the quality of players and depth of squad as England.

Brazil struggling and how many of their team would get in the England first eleven ?
Argentina beaten comfortably with Uruguay and Messi coming to end of his career.
Germany, Spain and Italy in transition
Croatia - ageing team.

France probably next best squad to England - they have the added advantage of Mbappe who on any given day can win a game against England or any other country. As was the case for Argentina with Maradona and Messi that is the issue of you being drawn against these teams in a knock out competition and these types of players are on fire.

Doesn’t guarantee you are going to win a tournament but history does tend to show that at some point the best teams do win at least one tournament eventually.

Guess with the age of Harry Kane England need to try and make sure it’s next years Euros as the 2026 World Cup might be too far away for Kane.

You need a bit of luck too with injuries going into tournaments. It’s ok being ranked No 1 in the world but not much good to you if you lose a couple of your best players weeks before a tournament starts (as has happened to many international teams on numerous occasions)

[Swizzlestick]

Ah so one game of Watkins doing nothing means he's not a top striker?

Where did I say that? Warks was implying he hadn't had a chance, he did have a chance last night and didn't take it. I don't believe I've said anything about his performance that was incorrect.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Guess with the age of Harry Kane England need to try and make sure it’s next years Euros as the 2026 World Cup might be too far away for Kane.

You need a bit of luck too with injuries going into tournaments. It’s ok being ranked No 1 in the world but not much good to you if you lose a couple of your best players weeks before a tournament starts (as has happened to many international teams on numerous occasions)

He’ll only be 32 at the next World Cup.

[Rileybobs]

Its now widely acclaimed we have the strongest squad of players in the world, and there is an expectation we should win the Euros after several failed attempts in major tournaments. I sense that Southgate is starting to feel the pressure in the manner he is defending both the current players, and his justification of why he continues to exclude the likes of Sterling and Ward Prowse .Because we have persisted with the likes of Henderson, Phillips and Trent Alexander in midfield I feel we only have Bellingham and Rice as top level midfielders

Who has acclaimed that we have the strongest squad of players in the world? You then go on to say that we only have two top level midfielders - is that not a contradiction? Then you question why Ward-Prowse isn't in the squad - the best squad in the world - James Ward Prowse?

Would the strongest squad in the world have Maguire at centre back and Trippier at left back? Pickford gets hammered on here, yet he's the number one goalkeeper in the strongest squad in the world? Is Ollie Watkins (a good player btw) the second best striker for the best squad in the world?

And even if we did have the strongest squad in world football, what does that mean? Is being able to name the best second eleven in the world more important than being able to name the best eleven?

Fine margins in international tournaments and there are various factors which can tip the balance in a team's favour, a head coach being one. But it's really lowest-common-denominator thinking to put England's lack of trophy's firmly at the door of Southgate - particularly as we were a couple of penalty kicks away from winning only our second tournament in history under his leadership.

[Big Vinny K]

He’ll only be 32 at the next World Cup.

Didn’t realise that - thought he was in his 30s already !!

[KRBFC]

Griezemann who aren't the same players they were 5/6 years ago and I think our squad is much more talented man for man overall.

Stop

Griezmann had the season of his life last year, this just highlights how English football fans don’t really know what they’re talking about when it comes to anything outside of England.

We have a good squad but not in a million years is it better than the French lot.

[KRBFC]

Maignan > Pickford

Theo Hernandez > any English left back

Saliba, Kimpembe, Kalulu, Lucas Hernandez, Varane, Simakan, Pavard, Kounde, Upamecano is considerably stronger than Stones Maguire Guehi Dunk

Non of the attackers are better than Griezmann or Mbappe. Kane will fit in as a central figure with those two either side.

[CoolClaret]

Stop

Griezmann had the season of his life last year, this just highlights how English football fans don’t really know what they’re talking about when it comes to anything outside of England.

We have a good squad but not in a million years is it better than the French lot.

Well that’s just not true is it?

Just because you play FM and fifa it doesn’t mean that hype and fifa ratings mean a damn.

Griezemann often deployed in a role for France similar that Jude is for Madrid - who are you taking right now?

Saka over Dembele any day, not even a contest.

Walker/Stones/Foden/Grealish all key players in a side that just won a treble!

Harry Kane ridiculous goal scorer, absolutely destroying the Bundesliga with a greater ratio of goals:games than any Lewandowski season…

Deschamps is just a far better manager than Southgate.

[KRBFC]

Well that’s just not true is it?

Just because you play FM and fifa it doesn’t mean that hype and fifa ratings mean a damn.

Griezemann often deployed in a role for France similar that Jude is for Madrid - who are you taking right now?

Saka over Dembele any day, not even a contest.

Walker/Stones/Foden/Grealish all key players in a side that just won a treble!

Harry Kane ridiculous goal scorer, absolutely destroying the Bundesliga with a greater ratio of goals:games than any Lewandowski season…

Deschamps is just a far better manager than Southgate.

Fifa ratings? Jesus

You said Griezmann has declined, that’s absolutely madness to me given he had his best season of his career last year.

Saka over Dembele/Coman? Not for me. Foden just hasn’t kicked on yet, huge talent but never performed for England and not held down a regular spot at City.

Griezmann Kane Mbappe would be the front three, quite comfortably too.

Bellingham, Rice, Tchouameni midfield three.

The defence and keeper is French dominated aside from right back with Tripps James Walker and Trent but you can’t play all four at once.

[KRBFC]

Just looked at Griezmanns stats last season, 38 apps 15 goals 16 assists for Atletico.

I don’t know if you remember too, Atleti were in a battle with Barca over triggering the buy option in his loan which meant Griezmann was being used for like 20 mins a game last year.

The buy option was 40mill triggered if he played 45 mins in more than 50% of games he was available for. They were trying to worm around it by limiting his games for the first half of the season.

[CoolClaret]

Fifa ratings? Jesus

You said Griezmann has declined, that’s absolutely madness to me given he had his best season of his career last year.

Saka over Dembele/Coman? Not for me. Foden just hasn’t kicked on yet, huge talent but never performed for England and not held down a regular spot at City.

Griezmann Kane Mbappe would be the front three, quite comfortably too.

Bellingham, Rice, Tchouameni midfield three.

The defence and keeper is French dominated aside from right back with Tripps James Walker and Trent but you can’t play all four at once.

I said he isn’t the same player that he was and no he didn’t have his ‘best ever season’ last year.

Look at Saka’s goal scoring contributions- it’s literally that of Coman and Dembele combined more over the past three seasons and in a much tougher league.

The England Team is packed with talent - a lot in their prime or entering it.

Southgate simply doesn’t get enough out of them.

[CryerBFC]

- Saka, Rice, Walker, Stones, James arguably top sort of 3 in their respective positions in the world

I agree with some of what you have posted on this thread, but I hope you aren’t suggesting Reece James is in the top 3 of RBs in the world? He’s not even in Englands top 3

[CoolClaret]

I agree with some of what you have posted on this thread, but I hope you aren’t suggesting Reece James is in the top 3 of RBs in the world? He’s not even in Englands top 3

Reece James (when fit) is absolutely unbelievable.

Sadly he’s another plagued with injuries.

[CryerBFC]

Reece James (when fit) is absolutely unbelievable.

Sadly he’s another plagued with injuries.

Right now, all fit, it’s Walker, then any of Trips, TAA, Ben White and Reece James to battle for the rest of the spots.

In regards to world football, Hakimi, Cancelo, Di Lorenzo, to name a few, there’s plenty who are above James.

[KRBFC]

Right now, all fit, it’s Walker, then any of Trips, TAA, Ben White and Reece James to battle for the rest of the spots.

In regards to world football, Hakimi, Cancelo, Di Lorenzo, to name a few, there’s plenty who are above James.

Stones is never a top 3 central defender in the world either He probably just squeaks into top 3 at City. Pep had him inverted right back

[CryerBFC]

Stones is never a top 3 central defender in the world either He probably just squeaks into top 3 at City. Pep had him inverted right back

Looking back over the original comment there’s probably only Walker I’d make a case for. The rest aren’t in the world top 3 of their position. Reece James stood out the most but looking back there’s better than nearly all of them out there.

[CoolClaret]

Stones is never a top 3 central defender in the world either He probably just squeaks into top 3 at City. Pep had him inverted right back

And he was a world beater playing there! He absolutely bossed the Champions league! We have some insanely talented players!

[CoolClaret]

Looking back over the original comment there’s probably only Walker I’d make a case for. The rest aren’t in the world top 3 of their position. Reece James stood out the most but looking back there’s better than nearly all of them out there.

The over riding point (rather than nitpicking) is that we have side jam packed with top, top taken… A good number that played regularly last year for a treble winning side, two more are arguably the best play in La Liga/Bundesliga respectively, two more are two of the best in the Prem (Rice, Saka)…

[spt_claret]

I said he isn’t the same player that he was and no he didn’t have his ‘best ever season’ last year.

Look at Saka’s goal scoring contributions- it’s literally that of Coman and Dembele combined more over the past three seasons and in a much tougher league.

The England Team is packed with talent - a lot in their prime or entering it.

Southgate simply doesn’t get enough out of them.

France's squad is way ahead of England in a lot of key areas especially the spine of the team,CB and CM.
Kane is a better striker than anyone in France but Giroud is an evergreen freak. Griezmann is a SS/#10 more than anything, his closest direct comparison is probably Rashford and he's better, maybe Bellingham of late but that's not his usual role for England and it's one thing to do it for Real in a weak Spanish league another to do it at the Euros (granted same true for Griezmann). Mbappe is also a bit overrated reliant on pace but still ahead of any English wide forward. We have slightly more depth in a sense that our best 4-5 are better than the sum of France's best in those roles, even if Frances first string are stronger. Dembele, like Grealish, flatters to deceive, Coman is behind Saka and Foden and Rashford and on current form Maddison.
Fullbacks it's close, but France have more balance as their best leftback is a proper leftback. Trippier is England's best RB, one of the best in world football but is also England's best LB it's a problem position. Walker is still very good but not getting any younger.
I wouldn't put England first favourite on squad alone. We're ahead of Germany who are still rebuilding, Italy who can't put it all together and Spain who have weaknesses, but Portugal are a fantastic squad that's underperforming, Belgium keep on rolling and France are the top squad. We're probably joint 2nd on paper.
All that said, I do think Southgate is a weak, deeply uninspiring manager who has blatant favourites,is absurdly play it safe and likes to set expectations low, and has limited tactical acumen beyond trying to steal the homework from better managers. Hes regressed in his time with England, he was better with a weaker squad, but this was the problem of the 00s- fabulous fabulous squad, depth and quality everywhere, zero output. The England manager needs to inspire and unify and that's hard when a top squad comes with top egos. Failing that he needs to be an expert tactician who can manage divas. Southgates neither and isn't a winner.

[CryerBFC]

The over riding point (rather than nitpicking) is that we have side jam packed with top, top taken… A good number that played regularly last year for a treble winning side, two more are arguably the best play in La Liga/Bundesliga respectively, two more are two of the best in the Prem (Rice, Saka)…

I’m not doubting we have talent, I agree in that respect, I just don’t think the players we have are the best in their positions, except Kane and Bellingham on current form, and I just don’t think we’re good enough to win a tournament. It’s been the case for as long as I can remember, maybe barr the Steve McLaren days, that we have an amazing squad and we should do better, but we just never do.

[Swizzlestick]

You can not like Southgate tactically or as a person, but I fail to see how you can criticise him for his man-management or management of ‘divas’ considering his longevity as a manager at international level and the generally high morale / lack of incident levels amongst the players. You can point at player personality too but the manager deserves some credit for that too.

[warksclaret]

France's squad is way ahead of England in a lot of key areas especially the spine of the team,CB and CM.
Kane is a better striker than anyone in France but Giroud is an evergreen freak. Griezmann is a SS/#10 more than anything, his closest direct comparison is probably Rashford and he's better, maybe Bellingham of late but that's not his usual role for England and it's one thing to do it for Real in a weak Spanish league another to do it at the Euros (granted same true for Griezmann). Mbappe is also a bit overrated reliant on pace but still ahead of any English wide forward. We have slightly more depth in a sense that our best 4-5 are better than the sum of France's best in those roles, even if Frances first string are stronger. Dembele, like Grealish, flatters to deceive, Coman is behind Saka and Foden and Rashford and on current form Maddison.
Fullbacks it's close, but France have more balance as their best leftback is a proper leftback. Trippier is England's best RB, one of the best in world football but is also England's best LB it's a problem position. Walker is still very good but not getting any younger.
I wouldn't put England first favourite on squad alone. We're ahead of Germany who are still rebuilding, Italy who can't put it all together and Spain who have weaknesses, but Portugal are a fantastic squad that's underperforming, Belgium keep on rolling and France are the top squad. We're probably joint 2nd on paper.
All that said, I do think Southgate is a weak, deeply uninspiring manager who has blatant favourites,is absurdly play it safe and likes to set expectations low, and has limited tactical acumen beyond trying to steal the homework from better managers. Hes regressed in his time with England, he was better with a weaker squad, but this was the problem of the 00s- fabulous fabulous squad, depth and quality everywhere, zero output. The England manager needs to inspire and unify and that's hard when a top squad comes with top egos. Failing that he needs to be an expert tactician who can manage divas. Southgates neither and isn't a winner.

Thats a very good summary, and agree with many of your points. Off the pitch Southgate has huge integrity, and manages the media and players very well.I know Simon Jordan is not everyone's cup of tea but he absolutely hits the nail on the head by stating "Southgate does not possess a winning gene in his body"

[warksclaret]

Who has acclaimed that we have the strongest squad of players in the world? You then go on to say that we only have two top level midfielders - is that not a contradiction? Then you question why Ward-Prowse isn't in the squad - the best squad in the world - James Ward Prowse?

Would the strongest squad in the world have Maguire at centre back and Trippier at left back? Pickford gets hammered on here, yet he's the number one goalkeeper in the strongest squad in the world? Is Ollie Watkins (a good player btw) the second best striker for the best squad in the world?

And even if we did have the strongest squad in world football, what does that mean? Is being able to name the best second eleven in the world more important than being able to name the best eleven?

Fine margins in international tournaments and there are various factors which can tip the balance in a team's favour, a head coach being one. But it's really lowest-common-denominator thinking to put England's lack of trophy's firmly at the door of Southgate - particularly as we were a couple of penalty kicks away from winning only our second tournament in history under his leadership.

Its my belief we have the strongest squad in the world, and a crop of very exciting youngsters. Its a view shared by many on here and the media.The squad would be even stronger but for Southgate favouring several badly out of form players.

Maguire is in the squad because our manager has persisted with him rather than give a run of games to some other good young central defenders. In a similar way we have stifled the development of midfielders by not giving them experience in some of the friendlies and easier qualifiers at the expense of Phillips and Henderson. You mock the thought of Ward who has already 5 assists and 2 goals for WHU, a new club for him, this season ,and the best dead ball kicker we have had since Beckham. And Rio Ferdinand who has far more international experience and knowledge than posters on this board combined, has advised Ward Prowse to offer his international retirement as its a disgrace that a position in the squad is being deprived by Phillips who has played less than 30 minutes this year and Henderson who is well past his best years. He said the same about Sterling who has been in sensational form in the last 5 or so PL games against very good teams. Its the likes of Sterling , or a free kick from Prowse that are going to win you a final rather than the presence of players like Henderson and Phillips

[Rileybobs]

Its my belief we have the strongest squad in the world, and a crop of very exciting youngsters. Its a view shared by many on here and the media.The squad would be even stronger but for Southgate favouring several badly out of form players.

Maguire is in the squad because our manager has persisted with him rather than give a run of games to some other good young central defenders. In a similar way we have stifled the development of midfielders by not giving them experience in some of the friendlies and easier qualifiers at the expense of Phillips and Henderson. You mock the thought of Ward who has already 5 assists and 2 goals for WHU, a new club for him, this season ,and the best dead ball kicker we have had since Beckham. And Rio Ferdinand who has far more international experience and knowledge than posters on this board combined, has advised Ward Prowse to offer his international retirement as its a disgrace that a position in the squad is being deprived by Phillips who has played less than 30 minutes this year and Henderson who is well past his best years. He said the same about Sterling who has been in sensational form in the last 5 or so PL games against very good teams. Its the likes of Sterling , or a free kick from Prowse that are going to win you a final rather than the presence of players like Henderson and Phillips

It's a free kick from Ward-Prowse that's going to win you a final? I'll have a pint of whatever you're smoking.

And I bet whenever Sterling was playing you were laying the fault at someone else being left out of the squad - probably Ivan Toney or something. Like I say, lowest common denominator thinking.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Its my belief we have the strongest squad in the world, and a crop of very exciting youngsters. Its a view shared by many on here and the media.The squad would be even stronger but for Southgate favouring several badly out of form players.

Maguire is in the squad because our manager has persisted with him rather than give a run of games to some other good young central defenders. In a similar way we have stifled the development of midfielders by not giving them experience in some of the friendlies and easier qualifiers at the expense of Phillips and Henderson. You mock the thought of Ward who has already 5 assists and 2 goals for WHU, a new club for him, this season ,and the best dead ball kicker we have had since Beckham. And Rio Ferdinand who has far more international experience and knowledge than posters on this board combined, has advised Ward Prowse to offer his international retirement as its a disgrace that a position in the squad is being deprived by Phillips who has played less than 30 minutes this year and Henderson who is well past his best years. He said the same about Sterling who has been in sensational form in the last 5 or so PL games against very good teams. Its the likes of Sterling , or a free kick from Prowse that are going to win you a final rather than the presence of players like Henderson and Phillips

Not sure I agree with your sentiments.
I think we have some of the best players in the world in certain positions (Kane, Bellingham, Walker, Rice). however I think we are also incredibly weak in other areas such as CM (aside from the two mentioned), CB is weak without stones, LB looks like it’s going to be a consistent issue with no one really shining this season.

I think we have a riches in attacking areas but our centre midfield and defence certainly has a lot of weaknesses. There two or three better squads just in the Euros alone.

[CryerBFC]

It's a free kick from Ward-Prowse that's going to win you a final? I'll have a pint of whatever you're smoking.

And I bet whenever Sterling was playing you were laying the fault at someone else being left out of the squad - probably Ivan Toney or something. Like I say, lowest common denominator thinking.

Whilst it sounds ludicrous, I understand the original comment. Maybe not JWP, but a dead ball specialist who can pick out his desired target time and time again, will help win things and could be the difference in a big game.

[Rileybobs]

Whilst it sounds ludicrous, I understand the original comment. Maybe not JWP, but a dead ball specialist who can pick out his desired target time and time again, will help win things and could be the difference in a big game.

You mean like Trippier's free kick against Croatia in the World Cup final? Or the numerous goals we've scored from corners and set pieces in general under Southgate? Set piece delivery is obviously one of the reasons why Southgate plays Trippier at left back and why Maguire is integral to his plan.

[CryerBFC]

You mean like Trippier's free kick against Croatia in the World Cup final? Or the numerous goals we've scored from corners and set pieces in general under Southgate? Set piece delivery is obviously one of the reasons why Southgate plays Trippier at left back and why Maguire is integral to his plan.

Semi-final*

There should be more emphasis on the ‘could’ be the difference. I rate JWP, I think we could accommodate him for his set piece ability, but is he the answer? Who knows.

To say Trippier starts at left back solely to take free kicks is a bit daft, it’s probably more the fact he’s the better than other LB competition.

[Rileybobs]

Semi-final*

There should be more emphasis on the ‘could’ be the difference. I rate JWP, I think we could accommodate him for his set piece ability, but is he the answer? Who knows.

To say Trippier starts at left back solely to take free kicks is a bit daft, it’s probably more the fact he’s the better than other LB competition.

Yes, semi-final of course.

I didn't say Trippier starts at left back solely to take free kicks did I? So it's a bit daft to suggest I did when I clearly say 'Set piece delivery is obviously one of the reasons why Southgate plays Trippier at left back'. Why do people feel the need to misrepresent other's points?

Are JWP's set piece deliveries so good that we should change our system to accommodate him? I certainly don't think so. But even if you do, it appears to be nit-picking to be levelling criticism of Southgate for not picking a player who was relegated from the Premier League last season and was signed by Southampton. I mean, I thought this was the best squad in world football, but James Ward-Prowse will be difference between this amazing squad winning a tournament or not.

The fact is that Southgate has to pick a squad, and there will always be talented players left out of that squad. But no matter what squad he picks, the people who don't like or rate Southgate will always nit-pick on these omissions regardless of how minimal the impact of their selection would be. We had it with Ivan Toney when the last world cup squad was announced.

There's certainly a case that JWP should be selected, especially as Henderson has moved to Saudi and Phillips barely gets a game for his club, but let's not pretend that a decision like this will be the difference between England winning the Euro's or not.

[CryerBFC]

Yes, semi-final of course.

I didn't say Trippier starts at left back solely to take free kicks did I? So it's a bit daft to suggest I did when I clearly say 'Set piece delivery is obviously one of the reasons why Southgate plays Trippier at left back'. Why do people feel the need to misrepresent other's points?

Are JWP's set piece deliveries so good that we should change our system to accommodate him? I certainly don't think so. But even if you do, it appears to be nit-picking to be levelling criticism of Southgate for not picking a player who was relegated from the Premier League last season and was signed by Southampton. I mean, I thought this was the best squad in world football, but James Ward-Prowse will be difference between this amazing squad winning a tournament or not.

The fact is that Southgate has to pick a squad, and there will always be talented players left out of that squad. But no matter what squad he picks, the people who don't like or rate Southgate will always nit-pick on these omissions regardless of how minimal the impact of their selection would be. We had it with Ivan Toney when the last world cup squad was announced.

There's certainly a case that JWP should be selected, especially as Henderson has moved to Saudi and Phillips barely gets a game for his club, but let's not pretend that a decision like this will be the difference between England winning the Euro's or not.

I apologise for misinterpreting your point regarding Tripps.

Personally, Southgate messed up with his ‘pick players on form’ comment he made when first appointed, to then never really back it up. I lost interest in international football years ago, of course I’d like us to win something but I won’t lose any sleep over it if we don’t even make it out the group stages.

In regards to relegated players, Nick Pope and Tom Heaton were relegated from the Championship, James Maddison was, there’ll be plenty of others who are good enough. That shouldn’t even come into the thought process. If you’re good enough and in form, it should be as easy as that.

We’ll all see on Saturday how influential JWP can be.