Yes I think outside of the top nations there’s been a decent game or two, I sat through Georgia and Czechia one Saturday afternoon, which I had no intention of doing but it was end to end and I couldn’t turn it off, the Albanians had a go and the Austrians were a decent watch. But these teams are obviously not going to win it.

Maybe after all these years England have finally learnt a bit of tournament nouce and like the French, Italians, the Portuguese and the Germans who have all grinded, bored and rode their luck to tournament victories in the past, it might just be our year.

Edited by monkey (07 Jul 2024 11.18am)

For England to win anything, there has to be a labour government.

And, just in time, one has arrived.

You see the difference in their play immediately.

Trippier had a nightmare season at Newcastle and at the best is RB, not a LB let alone a Left Wing back. Southgate playing him there really is beyond believe. As is him not taking a (or 2)proper LB, Chillwell or Mitchell should have gone surely.

And sorry Ebs, Marc and Jordan: my loyalties will have changed on Wednesday

I would say there is definitely a case for playing Watkins instead of Kane - Toney could still be a potential "Penalty Sub"

True, was thinking that myself. However, I think we can safely say it's someone with Stones. I presume England will keep the back three. Walker was shown up a bit in the last game but his pace will keep him in. Gareth might stick with Konsa.

Red and Blue Army!

He's got to start Shaw v the Dutch - seeing as we've been more right sided than a stroke victim being able to attack down both flanks will stretch their defence and will hopefully free up Foden a bit more. And I hope he drops Walker for Guehi - keep Konsa. Kane will start no doubt, he just needs to pick the most suitable forward, if we need someone to drop in and play a pass it should be Kane (or Toney) and if we need a presser who can run behind their defence it should be Watkins, but it will no doubt be Kane whatever the circumstances.