Well at least there is agreement about the under performers last night. I was surprised, but perhaps shouldn't have been, that Foden wasn't withdrawn at 60 or 70 mins for Eze. With the Serbs more committed to attack, it would have been ideal for him. Maybe that's an indication of where he really sits in the England ratings. He may not appear unless we end up with a dead rubber against Slovenia.
An aside but Anderson looked underwhelming for Denmark. Almost a right back I thought, which didn't seem to suit.

This is my thinking as well.

I have been in conversation with a plethora of people over the weeks, many whom were optimistic of England's chances of winning the tournament, but I was consistent in my messaging that England do not have a "Snowflake in Hades" chance of returning home with the trophy.

Last night, we exercised control for the first half hour but thereafter we were distinctly disappointing and at the end of the match one never concluded that here was a team that had a good chance of winning the tournament.
Many will have concluded that Southgate and the team will return home before the final on the back of lacerating attacks.

The only positives from last night, a victory and a "Clean sheet".

Edited by Willo (17 Jun 2024 8.30am)

Last night I saw a combination of tired players and a team without any tactical identity. That will get us nowhere.

It's nice now as I have something to compare it to which all should understand - Oliver Glasner. A man with a distinct philosophy/way of playing who has transformed our football club.

If anybody can articulate what Gareth's style/way of playing is I'd love to hear it? I strongly believe there is none.

A team without a coherent game plan, relying on individual players who look a bit knackered after another gruelling season and the weight of a nation on their shoulders. My expectations are set low.

Being a soft touch, 'feelings-based' friend of a group of players isn't football management IMHO.

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

Agree with all of this, except for the bit in red TAA should not be in midfield - or backup for Rice, but backup for Walker.

I actually thought that Gallagher was the right choice at that point (should have been earlier) as we were losing the battle in midfield and needed his energy and industry. DR and TAA are too attacking and don't 'get in to' the opposistion enough. After he came on, we didn't give them as much time, and generally we limited their effectiveness.
I Would like Wharton to start alongside Rice, (although I'm a little unsure of his defensive capabilities at this level - he can't be the whole package yet!) he's got to be better than TAA in there, especially against the 'lesser opposition' - to start with.

Apart from that, the main criticism has to be against Foden. Shockingly bad - the worst I've seen him in an England Shirt. Constantly gave the ball away, always going backwards or sideways. Cesc Fabregas called it after the match, this is His time to show The world what he can do, and he's not doing it. Any of Gordon, Palmer or Eze would have done a better job last night. personally I think Eze won't do it on the left, and needs to be more central, so would rather not risking him damaging his rep! Gordon on left and Saka on right, for me gives the team a decent balance.

need to start this Team vs Denmark - they looked dangerous vs slovenia.

----------- Pickford
Walker - Stones - Guehi - Trip
------- Wharton - Rice --
Saka ---- Bellingham ---- Gordon
------------- Kane

"It was a Team effort, I guess it took all players working together to lose this one"

The narrative has focussed on all the talented players in the squad.
In the final analysis one can have all the ingredients but this does not mean that the souffle will rise.Much depends on the chef.

When I witnessed Pickford simply thwacking the ball long in the direction of Kane I concluded that the team were devoid of ideas.
It was asserted in commentary that with Serbia being "Brave" and leaving only 3 at the back this was a valid tactic, however Kane was continually outmuscled by rugged defenders and he does not possess the pace to run past opponents.

After the first half-hour it was a hard watch and once again England were disappointing and gave supporters no grounds for optimism.
They will be arriving home before the final and Southgate will not continue until his contract ends in December.

Edited by Willo (17 Jun 2024 9.49am)

I'd love to be wrong, but it looks like Southgate will guarantee another failure this time around.

I told my son we would defend a 1-0 lead for the rest of the game, and we did. Our substitutions were laughable, and Arnold is no more a midfielder than he is a defender.

He then takes off Arnold, who is actually a good passer, and puts on Gallagher who isn't, playing next to Rice who also can't pass. We then resort to hoof ball.

My Chelsea supporting son was begging for him to put Eze, Wharton ,Palmer or Gordon on in place of Foden, who did nothing, Arnold and Saka.

This tournament is going to be very dull, and short, if we play like this every game.

Edited by Hrolf The Ganger (17 Jun 2024 10.06am)