Yes, Eza and Wharton should be in the final squad but you just know Southgate won’t take them :-(

Cant say any of our lads let themselves down Guehi solid and plays out well , Eze has given Southgate something to think about and he shouldn't even be thinking about Wharton as his passport should already be stamped

I think it's just been made harder for Southgate to pick his squad - don't think Wharton got enough time, Eze looked good. Guehi looked rusty first half but I think he'll definitely get picked. Eze now looks considered for his role under Glasner - vying with Grealish. Thought Grealish looked good too frankly - better than I expected. You have to consider Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Saka will certainly go - could maybe then still bring Eze and Grealish. I'm not sure Bowen did quite enough - he tried hard and was better in the second half but he seemed to just lack that last touch or pass and perhaps made the wrong decision a couple of times. Being harsh as he was alright - no one was that bad really. Then Trent Alexander Arnold could cover holding midfield and perhaps right back or wing back too - which I suspect may mean no Wharton. Watkins ran around but never seemed in the quite right place - not sure he did enough either. Kane was his usual self quickly enough and Palmer was pretty good in my opinion. I thought Dunk was pretty good too - apologies.

Red and Blue Army!

I think that performance get Eze his plane ticket.

He wont start, but if we are 1.0 down and need something different he's shown he has a very different skillset on offer. (Grealish and Maddison looked like players in poor form).

Wharton clearly is super talented, and his one/two touch passing in the middle really help to set the tempo. Its often work that goes un-noticed, because its not the exciting stuff, but helps the attacking players get the ball early enough that they get half a turn.

I really do believe that the best 3 CM's are Wharton Rice and Bellingham. Will be interesting to see what GS does on Friday

Its pretty unbelievable how easy he's made the step up.

I thought Eze and Wharton both looked good. There are a few question marks over Guehi at that level for me but he might get lucky due to England’s lack of options at the back.

Eze looked great when he suddenly comes alive and runs at players which is what England need but at times he looks just a little pedestrian. Having said that he also made some great runs which weren’t picked out tonight and his bursts with the ball were probably the highlight of the first half.

Wharton looks like he’s been playing at that level for years. He always seems to get himself in positions where he gets the ball just outside the box and make things happen.

Edit. I thought Bowen got better and better as the game progressed and it would be a very tough call to leave him at home but we have so many world class midfielders. Nightmare selection decisions.

Edited by XKudu (03 Jun 2024 10.26pm)

I think Wharton has a chance of going as even if he Southgate can't see what is front of his eyes the 'numbers guys' will show how good Wharton is. Also Rice instinct is to get forward. Same with Mainoo. Wharton can be disciplined and hold his position and not get carried away. Against the better teams Southgate (perhaps wisely) likes two 'proper' centre midfielders to avoid being too 'open'. That is why Henderson / Phillips were picked so much. For that role there is only one 'proper' choice which is Wharton.

I remember Didier Deschamps being credited for France's first world cup winning campaign as the 'water carrier'.

Wharton can do that role and more with his quick, simple, direct, forward passing.

Edited by mileend (03 Jun 2024 10.50pm)

Also congratulations to Blackburn for developing such a fine player

Edited by mileend (03 Jun 2024 10.51pm)