England v Bosnia

[bobinho]

How good is he? Going to the very top imo. Has to be in the final squad.

Ran the game at deadwood v us last time we played em in the championship….

[Fretters]

Thought that was a very typical performance of a group of players who have just finished a gruelling Premier League (and other leagues) season and are now building back up towards a Euros championship.

Southgate is a brilliant international manager, he’s done wonders across the FA and with the England squad. He’s delivered consistently building towards this Euros.

Agree on Southgate who has achieved what countless managers before him failed to do in uniting an England squad. You've got lads who are bitter rivals through the season behaving like they're best mates, whereas in the past you'd have your Lampards and Terrys sitting separately to your Gerrards and Carraghers etc.

I just wish he'd bring in someone with that tactical nous to be alongside him on the touchline, someone who has the ability to think quickly and affect a game. Mancini had Southgate on toast in the Euro final.

[Silkyskills1]

Ran the game at deadwood v us last time we played em in the championship….

Did he?

[RammyClaret61]

Pre tournament friendlies use to be “warm-up” games. For the players to get the chance to play together, get formations right.
Now they’re just games for those who won’t be playing to get a game. Complete waste of time, and of course the fans money. But I suppose the fans have a choice.

[Vegas Claret]

Did he?

I thought he was the best player on the pitch by some distance

[Sproggy]

Another mind numbingly dull performance. I gave up at half time. We won though, so presumably mission accomplished but what we learned after that 45 minutes is anyone’s guess.

I hope we win the Euros so that Southgate can leave in a blaze of glory. It seems like the only way we’ll get rid of him.

[Alan Young]

There should be a word for people who repeatedly watch international friendlies and complain that they’re boring.

[Sproggy]

There should be a word for people who repeatedly watch international friendlies and complain that they’re boring.

Hopeful?

[equinox]

I hope we win the Euros so that Southgate can leave in a blaze of glory. It seems like the only way we’ll get rid of him.

...and then you can get stuck straight into the next one.

[Fretters]

I thought he was the best player on the pitch by some distance

He was, and we only got control when Cork came on.

[NottsClaret]

He’s quality that Wharton. Plays like a clone of one of those Spain / Barca players from 2010. Probably miss out this time for a 7th centre half.

[Winstonswhite]

He’s quality that Wharton. Plays like a clone of one of those Spain / Barca players from 2010. Probably miss out this time for a 7th centre half.

Southgates had the nous and forward thinking to bring in a 20 yr old with only a dozen premier league games under his belt, yet you’ve managed to turn it round to criticise him - great work!

[ArmchairDetective]

Haven't seen much of Wharton until last night's match. He looked class. Should be on the plane based on that cameo. Refreshing to see someone play it forward rather than sideways. Let's hope that isn't trained out of him over time.

[Newcastleclaret93]

I know it’s hyperbole but when was the last time England had a cm with them attributes? 10-15 years?

Looks nailed on to make the final 26

[bobinho]

Did he?

No. Cork kept him quiet as a mouse. Hence the emojis…

[Sproggy]

...and then you can get stuck straight into the next one.

Why, who will it be?

[bobinho]

There should be a word for people who repeatedly watch international friendlies and complain that they’re boring.

There is. Optimists.

[RVclaret]

I know it’s hyperbole but when was the last time England had a cm with them attributes? 10-15 years?

Looks nailed on to make the final 26

Out of interest who would you be leaving out as things stand?

I’d say Trafford, Quansah, Konsa, Dunk (think he’ll take him over Branthwaite though), Jones, Maddison, Toney and Shaw (injury dependant).

[IanMcL]

Well that didn't set the world alight.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Out of interest who would you be leaving out as things stand?

I’d say Trafford, Quansah, Konsa, Dunk (think he’ll take him over Branthwaite though), Jones, Maddison, Toney and Shaw (injury dependant).

You have listed 8 there, only needs to leave out 7.

I can see him leaving, Trafford, Quansah, Branthwaite, Jones, Toney, Gordon, Gomez

I can see Konsa staying in the squad as a utility option (yesterday he played right back and left back) which is something we are short of in the squad.

[RVclaret]

You have listed 8 there, only needs to leave out 7.

I can see him leaving, Trafford, Quansah, Branthwaite, Jones, Toney, Gordon, Gomez

I can see Konsa staying in the squad as a utility option (yesterday he played right back and left back) which is something we are short of in the squad.

You’re right, not sure how I managed that. Surely he leaves Shaw out if he’s not at all fit? Hasn’t played in months. I think Gordon will go if he’s fit as a genuine direct left wing option. Don’t need to take Maddison when you’ve already got Eze, Bellingham, Foden, Palmer and arguably Gallagher in there. And yeah I like Konsa so a toss up between him and Gomez.

[Newcastleclaret93]

You’re right, not sure how I managed that. Surely he leaves Shaw out if he’s not at all fit? Hasn’t played in months. I think Gordon will go if he’s fit as a genuine direct left wing option. Don’t need to take Maddison when you’ve already got Eze, Bellingham, Foden, Palmer and arguably Gallagher in there. And yeah I like Konsa so a toss up between him and Gomez.

I just have a sneaky suspicion shaw is relatively fit and he’s the only natural left back selected in the squad.

Wouldn’t be surprised if he plays in the first game at the euros.

I tend to agree regarding Maddison and you’re probably right. The only reason I couldn’t see him taking Gordon was I think he prefers Eze off the left. I am almost certain he starts Foden there as well.

[bobinho]

No. Cork kept him quiet as a mouse. Hence the emojis…

Having said that, he’s developed very well since then. Looked the real deal v Bosnia.

[ClaretOfMancunia]

England looked lethargic and toothless last night. Doesn't bode well. No idea how we're going in as bookies favourites.

That said, we've done pretty well in recent competitions so who knows.

[Swizzlestick]

Thought we played alright, to be honest, considering it was a pre tournament friendly featuring a much changed line up. Eze and Wharton both looked like they could provide some excellent alternatives for us, and I thought Konsa fitted in well at left back after Trippier went off, which could be useful, though trickier tests ahead obviously.

These matches are difficult to make too many judgements on. One of the other favourites, Germany, could only muster a 0-0 against Ukraine at home last night.

[Claret Toni]

I believe Kane wanted to come on to take the penalty!

Captain of the squad and wanted the goal in a meaningless friendly instead of letting Palmer get his 1st international goal. Looks like it's all about him and maybe a reason he's won no team honours in a team game.

Wharton was mightily impressive though.

[Newcastleclaret93]

I believe Kane wanted to come on to take the penalty!

Captain of the squad and wanted the goal in a meaningless friendly instead of letting Palmer get his 1st international goal. Looks like it's all about him and maybe a reason he's won no team honours in a team game.

Wharton was mightily impressive though.

Not sure that’s true, Southgate said they were pre planned substitutions at the 60 mins mark.

[GetIntoEm]

please dont start questioning Harry Kane and what he does for England, you'll turn this into a "bee hole end" burnley criticism thread.

Harry Kane is the Number 1 striker in the world. i'm glad hes english.

[Ric_C]

Game was pretty dull until the subs. Wharton, Kane and Grealish all played well when they came on