The England Thread
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ItsBoris
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- Jan 18, 2011
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I think the most you can ask of an international manager is someone who creates a good group atmosphere and happy dressing room and picks the right players. A tactical genius would be a nice third attribute but there's not many of those at international level. I would say someone who's a great coach isn't a top requirement because even the best club coaches take years to perfect teams. There's simply not enough training ground time for international teams for it to matter to have a manager who's also a top class coach.
My main criticism of Southgate is just not picking the right players. But in the last few games I don't have much to criticize.
easley91
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- Jan 27, 2011
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The one thing I think people need to remember about planning a squad for a tournament is how easy it is to change between breaks. Look how many regulars weren't involved or pulled out this week.
You can have your core group in mind with tactics but a few injuries and suddenly it's up the shoot. They don't get time to integrate players like clubs and so I think it's an underestimated job being an international manager.
You can have your core group in mind with tactics but a few injuries and suddenly it's up the shoot. They don't get time to integrate players like clubs and so I think it's an underestimated job being an international manager.
McFlash
In the corner, eating crayons.
- Oct 19, 2005
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Yeah but Dunk?!
I can't understand him playing at all today, let alone being in mind for the tournament.
Surely it would have been more useful to look at the younger defenders?
Frank Blank
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Southgate has been pretty lucky - case in point being Mainoo, who was promoted from the U21's only because of injuries. And yet, he will now likely be on the plane. And with the midfield (Rice, Mainoo and Belingham) possibly sorted.
Yes, obviously it was Mainoo's full debut, but just occasionally someone comes along and quickly nails down a place. I think Mainoo is the real deal in terms of what he's required to do.
ItsBoris
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Honest question, do you think he'd be playing for England if Roy Hodgson or Capello were still in charge? I agree G.S. isn't perfect but at least he made the right call to play him in the end.
Nine while nine
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Honest answer. Roy Hodgson gave Raheem Sterling his full debut at the age of 17, so, yes, yes I do.
ItsBoris
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Well who was the competition for places with? Lallana, Milner, and Ross Barkley? Incidentally that's who Roy started in the first game of the 2014 world cup and left Sterling on the bench.
If you want to appreciate Southgate a bit more, go look at the teams Hodgson (and Capello) were picking back in those tournaments. I'm not a Southgate fan by any means but he has two things they don't: mostly sensible team and squad selections, and good vibes in the team.
Edit: My bad he actually did play Sterling in the opening game but then dropped him in the final group game against Costa Rica.
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PCozzie
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Jesus, just checked how old Dunk is as I was about to reply that as a player in his late 20's he was unlikely to develop a lot further and that he's the kind of player that would ordinarily end up as a late call up and the 4th CB on the bench at the sharp end of a crisis.
He's 32!
C'mon Southgate FFS. He was running in treacle for their second goal - Mbappe will go to jail for what he will do to him in the semi-final.
robbiedee
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Frank Blank
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Nope, Hodgson and Capello are/were dinosaurs. And yes, Southgate made the right call in the end, but I re-iterate...he made the right call, because injuries gave him/forced him to seize the opportunity to play Mainoo. The question is, does he have enough balls now to persist with him?
Form wise, Phillips is now likely done, so I'm assuming Southgate reverts to type by playing teacher's pet Henderson alongside Rice. What is obviously yet unclear is whether Mainoo has done enough to make the squad and if he has, how much playing time will he get.
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aliyid
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Shhhh keep quiet, I can't think of anything better than Southgate taking charge of the Utd INEOS revolution.
Mainoo looked much better than I was expecting last night, still reserving judgement till we see what his 'normal' level is (a lot of players impress in the first few months when busting a gut before settling into a more standard level) but it's a positive start for him.
Yid-ol
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aliyid
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It's like the famous David Beckham free kick winner against Greece.
DogsOfWar
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I enjoyed tonight and felt we were more expansive than I'd seen for a long time.
But he's let himself down again with Dunk, 32 years old and not international quality.
Just play Branthwaite. I'd even rather he called up Ashley Phillips (or some other u21 youngster) and stuck him on the bench for future planning.
I thought Toney did a great hold up job and is clear second choice now.
But even though I thought Bowen was solid, Palmer really does need to be added to that eleven to see if he can transfer club quality to country.
Whilst Southgate deserves credit for where he's bought us he just needs to summon up the courage for one last push to put his faith in the youngsters.
But he's let himself down again with Dunk, 32 years old and not international quality.
Just play Branthwaite. I'd even rather he called up Ashley Phillips (or some other u21 youngster) and stuck him on the bench for future planning.
I thought Toney did a great hold up job and is clear second choice now.
But even though I thought Bowen was solid, Palmer really does need to be added to that eleven to see if he can transfer club quality to country.
Whilst Southgate deserves credit for where he's bought us he just needs to summon up the courage for one last push to put his faith in the youngsters.
easley91
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I didn't say I agree with certain selections.
Actually I don't think Dunk has put a foot wrong for Brighton for years now, so to say he doesn't deserve it is a bit much. People want players picked on form, and well Dunk has been solid for his club.
Would I have Dunk over a Tomori or a Branthwaite? Probably not, but don't dismiss what he has done in helping Brighton get to where they are. I think one tournament is fine. If everyone is fit, he won't start.
