International Friendlies 21st-28th March

Henkeman said:
England have been abysmal the last few years, and they get a kicking by the right on hipster types even when they're showing progress, because it's well cool to slag them off, innit. But they're making progress here. Southgate gets abuse for being an intelligent man and trying to get them to play like Pep-lite, but the point is that England ARE playing better football, there IS a plan behind it. Irrespective of being against a poor Dutch team, the passing was crisp, the movement excellent. Are they up with Spain and Germany? Of course not, it's not even close, but are they improving? Without question.

England are weak in central midfield, and Southgate knows that, so he's focused on ball playing defenders to try to get the best out of a forward line that is genuinely dangerous. Jack Wilshere is no David Silva but he is the best we have, which is why he wants him fit. Southgate wants England to play football, and develop. We have strong youth coming through, and should get better over the next decade. But it is going to take time, and it's all about showing the direction of travel.

He's doing a good job and he's no fool.
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I have to say, I am warming to Southgate. He was right when he said there was an island mentality about English football, so he's trying something new and 3 at the back has worked well so far. I'm also glad he's not playing the obligatory United players like Smalling, etc, just because they play for that lot, unlike previous managers. Hopefully he keeps that up. I don't think it will be good enough to win the World Cup, quarter finals would be a step in the right direction though, and something to build on.
 
Vienna_70 said:
Michael O'Neill must be some fucking manager, considering what he gets out of the players at his disposal.
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*Like" - When you look at our squad it is amazing - 24th in the world. Complete underdog every time, Windsor Park is always bouncing and confidence is so high.
 
That Jock rag proving his credentials by being injured after his first cap I see

As for Engerland. I wouldn't put it past Southgate to play all the city lads for 80 mins and rest his spuds/dippers/rags.
 
mat said:
That Jock rag proving his credentials by being injured after his first cap I see

As for Engerland. I wouldn't put it past Southgate to play all the city lads for 80 mins and rest his spuds/dippers/rags.
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I think John was the only member of the squad that played all of both games at the last international break, and was then injured in our next match.
 
Vienna_70 said:
I think John was the only member of the squad that played all of both games at the last international break, and was then injured in our next match.
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That would be typical. I'd have him and Eric playing in the blue dippers game.
 
Cheadle_hulmeBlue said:
i thought we played quite well yesterday. the back 5 i think are the strongest part of the team. its good to see players comfortable on the ball. maguire and stones look quite good and pickford for me should be first choice. we desperately need a foden type player in midfield - someone good on the ball that can pass it forward.

despite all the hatred i actually think we have a decent side. its not the best, but we dont need that. what we need is a team players not a bunch of individuals like in past tournaments.
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It's not hatred mate, its ambivalence and lack of interest, it's not their fault they are always hyped up by the media prior to every tournament, it is their fault though that England teams fail to
perform every time they play in a big tournament... Will this World Cup herald a new era? No chance whatsoever ... Hope I'm proved wrong though I have to say ....!
 
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