Ukraine v England - Sat 9th September, 17:00 | Euro 2024 Qualifier

[cheekybids]

We certainly weren't good against France.

Our midfield trio were poor but were also let down by Southgate’s tactics that saw them too far apart from each other, leaving gaps when we didn’t have the ball that made us too easy to run and pass through, and made it difficult to get on the ball (Rice 61 passes, Henderson 41 passes, Bellingham 46 passes) in a game England had 58% possession… so who had the ball if the midfield didn’t?(Stones 71 passes, Maguire 91 passes).

Midfielders can only have just 41 and 46 passes of the ball in a game their team has 58% possession if they are too far apart from each other or there are more men from the other team in the midfield area.

There are games that Rodri has over 140 passes for City and Spain. Ederson had 70 passes against Burnley and had had 43 and 47 passes of the ball in two other games this season.

How many times did Stones and Maguire have the ball in that game and were just stood there holding their hands out as if to say ‘what the fuck are you doing?’ to the midfielders?

You’ve highlighted with stats how I’d sum up with we didn’t control the game.

 

[cleavers]

I didn't see the whole game (working), but what I did see was England having a lot of possession, but creating near enough nothing, and Ukraine attacking on the break and looking dangerous. It was a poor game of football, but pleased for Kyle to finally get a goal, and a good one too.

 

[Crooked_rain]

Until England have a midfield that can control games, we’re going to flatter to deceive. We’ll get found out by the better technical teams, whoever is in charge.

That's why I've always said Rice is overrated. As soon as we come up against good teams, he has absolutely no influence on the game.

Henderson is finished, his legs are gone and he's playing in Saudi. Frightening to think he might be starting at the Euros next year.

I was actually stunned to see Rice, Bellingham and Henderson starting together. I've no idea what the thinking behind that is. Southgate is truly clueless in my opinion.

Rice and Bellingham in midfield is ok, with Foden in a more advanced role. That's all it needs to be.

 

[cheekybids]

What top job does waistcoat get when he leaves England.
Im not sure many championship clubs would give him a gig.

@bluehammer told me there was 6 premier league clubs who’d employ Southgate but failed to answer me with who.

I think he gets Palace but can’t see anyone else touching him.

 

[peter.evans]

We’ve had recent wins and very good performances against Ukraine, Italy in this group.

World Cup we played really well against France but obviously lost, and the 3-0 wins v Senegal and Wales we were very good.

3-3 v Germany was a great watch unfortunately Popes last min error cost us the win. Draws v Italy and Germany before that were good performances also.

Obviously some hate England and Southgate so much so will always give very little credit or be rational when it comes to England.

Played really well against France ! That's where I lost it.

 

[cheekybids]

In my opinion the England squad has been the most talented in the world since the England Euros. The whole world and his dog knew England would not beat Italy in that final. Roberto Mancini outpointed him as a manager in the same way the Croatia manager outpointed him in the Russia World Cup semi final.

I’m sure we’ll qualify because it’s a talented squad. We could go far in the Euro’s, but the only certainty is we won’t win it because Gareth Waistcoat is wasting our generational talents. We’re a half decent manager away from winning a tournament.

You are right, it isn’t doom and gloom. It’s fucking frustrating and a criminal waste. Southgate resides at the apex of everything I despise about our Football Authorities. He’s like Ian Huntley to me.

Definitely not doom and gloom though.

I’ve liked it cos I agree with all but the Huntley comment, that wasn’t needed.

 

[Mr Kobayashi]

That's why I've always said Rice is overrated. As soon as we come up against good teams, he has absolutely no influence on the game.

Henderson is finished, his legs are gone and he's playing in Saudi. Frightening to think he might be starting at the Euros next year.

I was actually stunned to see Rice, Bellingham and Henderson starting together. I've no idea what the thinking behind that is. Southgate is truly clueless in my opinion.

Rice and Bellingham in midfield is ok, with Foden in a more advanced role. That's all it needs to be.

Jude's been playing as a 10 for Madrid and scoring for fun.

4231 with Phil on the left would have made more sense. Not sure why Southgate wanted to shoehorn Maddison in at LW.

 

[city2]

England are shite end of.

 

[Mr Kobayashi]

I’ve liked it cos I agree with all but the Huntley comment, that wasn’t needed.

It's a beyond daft comment if meant seriously.

 

[marco]

Sven Eriksen and Capello won trophies galore managing clubs around the world -
Were they your typical FA yes men ? Both never won England a trophy, both with a lower % win than Southgate and was our football under them ‘attacking and exciting’?

do you think England were attacking and exciting under those two? England have been pretty boring since Italia 90 and the further back you go the better they were, if your anything under the age of 40 then excused you are, older then you should realy know better