Euro 2024

[HahaYeah]

France v Spain, should be a good game.

[martin_p]

France v Spain, should be a good game.

Let’s hope so, all the games I’ve seen so far that should’ve been good games have been awful!

[Poulton-le-Claret]

Athletico paid over €100m for Felix. Bang average

[martin_p]

If you define being successful with the sole metric being 'progression in major tournaments' then factually, yes that's true, he is the most successful manager in the last 50 years.

Its not going to be, and isn't the sole metric he gets judged on though.

What are the other metrics?

[taio]

France v Spain, should be a good game.

Not if France deploy the same negativity as they did tonight.

[Rileybobs]

Imagine what a progressive manager like Southgate could do with this French squad.

[HahaYeah]

Let’s hope so, all the games I’ve seen so far that should’ve been good games have been awful!

Haven't enjoyed France as much as Spain, France can definitely hit another gear yet, should be a good un'.

Looking forward to Netherlands v Turkiye tomorrow, should be a real battle.

[boatshed bill]

Athletico paid over €100m for Felix. Bang average

I think that is harsh. Ronaldo was worse than "bang" average, all the young lad did wrong was hit the post.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

I think that is harsh. Ronaldo was worse than "bang" average, all the young lad did wrong was hit the post.

He also failed to hit the target with his header late in extra time, very easy chance to at least work the GK.

You won't find me defending Ronaldo though, he has been dreadful the whole tournament, but at least he has been a genuine value for money €100m player at one stage in his career

[boatshed bill]

He also failed to hit the target with his header late in extra time, very easy chance to at least work the GK.

You won't find me defending Ronaldo though, he has been dreadful the whole tournament, but at least he has been a genuine value for money €100m player at one stage in his career

But not in this tournament. His lack of input puts pressure on less experienced players.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

But not in this tournament. His lack of input puts pressure on less experienced players.

No argument from me Felix is still bang average in my opinion

[boatshed bill]

No argument from me Felix is still bang average in my opinion

An opinion to which you are welcome.

[summitclaret]

France getting through is the best chance of us winning this competition, as they may get a penalty win against Spain.

[bumba]

Sky sports reporting this morning about the formation change and that Trippier will be the right wing back, why would you play Trippier when you've the best attacking wing back in world football in your squad?
Why can't he just pick the best team.

[IanMcL]

Tripper has the best cross in his right foot.

[bumba]

Tripper has the best cross in his right foot.

Not anymore he's been poor this season. Trent's creativity can't be matched from right back

[JohnMcGreal]

Athletico paid over €100m for Felix. Bang average

He looked brilliant when he burst onto the scene at Benfica. He's never got close to hitting that level since and looks a very average player now (not just because he missed a penalty).

[bobinho]

Sky sports reporting this morning about the formation change and that Trippier will be the right wing back, why would you play Trippier when you've the best attacking wing back in world football in your squad?
Why can't he just pick the best team.

Because, like many that have come before him, he has to “shoe in” the biggest names to make his team.

[bobinho]

And, much as he gets criticised, can anyone name a better choice?

Klopp

[bumba]

Because, like many that have come before him, he has to “shoe in” the biggest names to make his team.

I don't think Trippier is a big name shoe in but more a Southgate favourite.
Makes it come across like Trent was took solely as a central midfielder which shows how inept Southgate is.

[bobinho]

Question about pens if I may?

I thought stopping during the run up had been outlawed? Plenty doing it and getting away with it so I assume the rule has been binned…

[Rileybobs]

Because, like many that have come before him, he has to “shoe in” the biggest names to make his team.

Is Trippier a bigger name than Alexander-Arnold? Perhaps Southgate feels that he needs someone who can defend 1v1 on the wing as Switzerland will pose a significant threat.

But this sums up the Southgate-haters. Call for him to make a change and then criticise him when he does. Of course the proof should be in the pudding so I’ll judge this evening.

[jrgbfc]

Someone in the Portugal setup really needs to grow some balls and tell Ronaldo its over. Was an embarrassment this tournament, like watching a kids team.

[equinox]

Southgate knows exactly what he'll get from Trippier, probably isn't so sure regards TAA.

[bobinho]

Is Trippier a bigger name than Alexander-Arnold? Perhaps Southgate feels that he needs someone who can defend 1v1 on the wing as Switzerland will pose a significant threat.

But this sums up the Southgate-haters. Call for him to make a change and then criticise him when he does. Of course the proof should be in the pudding so I’ll judge this evening.

Ok, maybe not bigger, but a shoe in none the less. A favourite perhaps.

I’m ok with the change of personnel, can’t be any worse than starting a tournament game experimenting with three right backs on the pitch. It’s a change of attitude and mindset I’m more interested in. I’d like to see us take the game to an arguably weaker opposition, try to win it as opposed to trying to not concede. And then when we take a lead, expand on it instead of sitting back and protecting it. Having watched these players carrying out effective roles for their clubs week in, week out, I’m convinced they can and should dominate weaker teams - but not with the message they are sent out with.

I’m not a hater, but I sure as hell don’t like what he’s doing. He’s wasting talent.

[CoolClaret]

Tripper has the best cross in his right foot.

Trent has the best crossing in the game. Creativity machine. Can also split teams open from fullback.

[bumba]

Is Trippier a bigger name than Alexander-Arnold? Perhaps Southgate feels that he needs someone who can defend 1v1 on the wing as Switzerland will pose a significant threat.

But this sums up the Southgate-haters. Call for him to make a change and then criticise him when he does. Of course the proof should be in the pudding so I’ll judge this evening.

When did this creep in that all criticism whether right or wrong is somehow '............haters'??

I didn't hate VK last season but he wasn't the right man for the job and rightly got called out for criticism which has proved since that he was in it for himself.

Southgate was the right man when he took the job and changed the national team for the better but he had two great opportunities and failed miserably against Croatia and Italy despite having it handed on a plate, then there's the embarrassing Nations League campaign which has carried on in to these Euros performance wise. He decided against taking another left back then moaned about not having one, he's now become the wrong manager to lead this squad. Doesn't mean anybody hates him or isn't grateful for what he's done but he isn't the best man to get the best out of the current players available.

[summitclaret]

Trent has the best crossing in the game. Creativity machine. Can also split teams open from fullback.

TAA can, unfortunately that includes his own defence. Having said that, he should be okay as a right side wingback. However, he is a liability as a full back in a 4.

[RVclaret]

TAA can, unfortunately that includes his own defence. Having said that, he should be okay as a right side wingback. However, he is a liability as a full back in a 4.

A liability yet completed club football as a key player in that position at the age of 21.

[bumba]

A liability yet completed club football as a key player in that position at the age of 21.

Won the premier league, champions league, super cup and became a world club champion by 21 and also played in a second champions league final by 21 yet a liability

[CoolClaret]

TAA can, unfortunately that includes his own defence. Having said that, he should be okay as a right side wingback. However, he is a liability as a full back in a 4.

He's been better defensively than Trippier this season - that's for sure.

For what he gives going forward I think it's worth the risk - just have a midfielder a head of him covering like Hendo used to do, shuttling about for Liverpool.

Also won the League and Champions League, being a key figure in both (remember that game at Anfield against Barça?). He has that sort of never say die, ridiculous skill that can just create a chance out of nowhere.

[bumba]

He's been better defensively than Trippier this season - that's for sure.

For what he gives going forward I think it's worth the risk - just have a midfielder a head of him covering like Hendo used to do, shuttling about for Liverpool.

Also won the League and Champions League, being a key figure in both (remember that game at Anfield against Barça?). He has that sort of never say die, ridiculous skill that can just create a chance out of nowhere.

The whole point of three at the back with Walker at right centre back would be so Walker could cover Trent.
Against the Swiss with the three up top they play it'd make them think more about defending and stopping Trent which would relieve pressure on the defence. With Trippier I think they'd still push up high or they'd have the pace to out run him

[Rileybobs]

When did this creep in that all criticism whether right or wrong is somehow '............haters'??

I didn't hate VK last season but he wasn't the right man for the job and rightly got called out for criticism which has proved since that he was in it for himself.

Southgate was the right man when he took the job and changed the national team for the better but he had two great opportunities and failed miserably against Croatia and Italy despite having it handed on a plate, then there's the embarrassing Nations League campaign which has carried on in to these Euros performance wise. He decided against taking another left back then moaned about not having one, he's now become the wrong manager to lead this squad. Doesn't mean anybody hates him or isn't grateful for what he's done but he isn't the best man to get the best out of the current players available.

I never called you a Southgate hater did I, but they obviously exist if you read any kind of social media including comments on this forum.

But call it what you want, Southgate can’t do right for doing wrong with the people who’ve already made their mind up. They will criticise anything he does, from leaving someone as insignificant as James Ward-Prowse out of the squad, to changing to a three at the back despite calling for a change of system.

[Rileybobs]

The whole point of three at the back with Walker at right centre back would be so Walker could cover Trent.
Against the Swiss with the three up top they play it'd make them think more about defending and stopping Trent which would relieve pressure on the defence. With Trippier I think they'd still push up high or they'd have the pace to out run him

If Saka plays at left wing back then I think there’s a good argument to play a safer player at right wing back. I also think there is too much made of the starting 11. We know this will be a cagey game, we know there’s a good chance of it being a 120 minute game. So, personally I don’t see a problem starting with a potentially safer option in Trippier on the right with the option to bring TAA on should the need arise. Whether or not the change will be made is of course another matter.

[bumba]

If Saka plays at left wing back then I think there’s a good argument to play a safer player at right wing back. I also think there is too much made of the starting 11. We know this will be a cagey game, we know there’s a good chance of it being a 120 minute game. So, personally I don’t see a problem starting with a potentially safer option in Trippier on the right with the option to bring TAA on should the need arise. Whether or not the change will be made is of course another matter.

I totally get what your saying about it being a long game but with how we've played and the Swiss momentum I'd rather we went out and really put a marker down and went for them to make a point of were much better than you and suck the confidence out of them.
We don't want to be over cautious and allow the Swiss to build in confidence.

[Rileybobs]

I totally get what your saying about it being a long game but with how we've played and the Swiss momentum I'd rather we went out and really put a marker down and went for them to make a point of were much better than you and suck the confidence out of them.
We don't want to be over cautious and allow the Swiss to build in confidence.

I agree with that. Our tempo has been nowhere near so far. But equally if we go all guns blazing from the start and get picked off there will be criticism coming the manager’s way too. We can still play on the front foot with Trippier at right back, if it’s not working then we can use one of the many substitutes we’re entitled to. International football is so different than club football and France are a perfect example of how a team can be successful by making the least mistakes and taking the big moments.

Another case for Trippier is that we’re already going into this game without Guehi, so I think it’s sensible to minimise the disruption to the back line. Add to that Tripper’s leadership and I really don’t think there’s much to get worked up about.

[summitclaret]

What seems to be suggested by journalists that GS will do is:-

Pickford

Walker Stones Konsa

Trippier or TAA Rice Mainoo Saka

Foden Kane Bellingham

So that's 2 nr 10s in a system that does need a nr 10 and won't work imo. I want to see Palmer or Gordon start. I'd go for Bellingham in place of Mainoo in cm and Gordon left side up top. I think a combination of Saka and Gordon on one side and Trippier/TAA and Foden (with Palmer on reserve) on the other is the way to victory.

[CoolClaret]

If Saka plays at left wing back then I think there’s a good argument to play a safer player at right wing back. I also think there is too much made of the starting 11. We know this will be a cagey game, we know there’s a good chance of it being a 120 minute game. So, personally I don’t see a problem starting with a potentially safer option in Trippier on the right with the option to bring TAA on should the need arise. Whether or not the change will be made is of course another matter.

Depends on the midfield really and their roles, though I don't disagree.

[Buxtonclaret]

[quote=summitclaret post_id=2368318
I think a combination of Saka and Gordon on one side and Trippier/TAA and Foden (with Palmer on reserve) on the other is the way to victory.
[/quote]

Good points.

[Claret Alfie]

Just Konsa in for Guehi. Straight swap or to a back 3.

[Vegas Claret]

[Woody9229]

Feels like a more progressive line up and I’m happier with that. If he had played Tripps at left back again I wld have screamed.

[equinox]

Screenshot_20240706_162259_Flashscore.jpg (442.66 KiB) Viewed 1132 times

That's more like it.

[Carlos the Great]

Are we allowed to start moaning about England now ? Or do we have to wait till after kick off ?

[Carlos the Great]

Message to Frank .. Those that can .. do . Those that can’t … commentate

[claretskeith]

Are we allowed to start moaning about England now ? Or do we have to wait till after kick off ?

Moan to the dog. We're not interested in hearing it.

[CoolClaret]

But not in this tournament. His lack of input puts pressure on less experienced players.

Perhaps but no doubt offers other leadership qualities.

He would have put Portugal 1-0 up late on as well if that pull back (forgot from which player) wouldn't have been behind him - after a really clever move to lose his marker.

[HahaYeah]

Alan watts on dreaming, then back to the knobs in the studio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abWBb1SxkXc

[CoolClaret]

Screenshot_20240706_162259_Flashscore.jpg

That's more like it.

Not so sure tbh.

There's still a problem - that is three players on there (Kane, Bellingham, Foden) that all like to operate primarily in pretty similar areas.

No one on that pitch, other than Saka, is offering an in behind threat.

[Carlos the Great]

Moan to the dog. We're not interested in hearing it.

Was a joke ,, lighten up