The England Thread

[ItsBoris]

Historically one of England's biggest problems, especially during the 2000's was focusing more about fitting in individuals and not about what was best for the team. Personally I don't give a monkey's whether it gets the very best out of Bellingham as long as the team as a whole benefits from it. Bellingham is 100% better in that 8 role than anything else we have available. IMO the step up from Gallagher or Henderson to Bellingham as an 8 is far greater the drop off from Bellingham to Maddison or Foden as a 10. I don't think it's even debatable to be honest.

These are the defensive stats for Rice, Gallagher, and Bellingham this season. Maybe Rice and Bellingham could be higher if they had a more defensive role in their teams, but it's not really what's getting the best out of either of them for their clubs. Theoretically, you look at Gallagher's stats and think that should free up the other two to do what they do best. Obviously didn't really work last game but I think it's too early to throw out the idea. Personally don't think Foden or Maddison will work in a three. Here, Maddison was at his best when Bissouma and Sarr were behind.

Plus the choice for Foden isn't central or right, it's central or left. And on the left side there's a big drop off in quality too, from Foden to either Rashford or Gordon. So basically we're probably picking one of Gallagher or Rashford to start. Gallagher starting means Bellingham plays his best position, Rashford starting means Foden does. But the latter creates a midfield without the energy to play the high line possession style that Southgate seems to be wanting to play.

 

[Westmorlandspur]

The boy Vertonghen starts for Belgium tonight. 37 next month.

 

[Trent Crimm]

Is this on TV anywhere ?

 

[spursville]

Historically one of England's biggest problems, especially during the 2000's was focusing more about fitting in individuals and not about what was best for the team. Personally I don't give a monkey's whether it gets the very best out of Bellingham as long as the team as a whole benefits from it. Bellingham is 100% better in that 8 role than anything else we have available. IMO the step up from Gallagher or Henderson to Bellingham as an 8 is far greater the drop off from Bellingham to Maddison or Foden as a 10. I don't think it's even debatable to be honest.

OK fair enough. As long as Foden is somewhere in the middle...Oh look the team for Belgium has come out and it looks as if he's we're going back to the double pivot thingy with Mainoo instead of Phillips and Foden wasted out wide. Oh well...

 

[spursville]

Sorry have I missed something - does regularly Konsa play right back for Villa and is he putting in world class performances? Would rather see Rico Lewis. Why not at least try the left footer Branthwaite instead of Dunk?

 

[luRRka]

Is this on TV anywhere ?

Channel 4

 

[EssexSH27]

Maddison might aswell book summer holiday. Henderson’s not even there taking up a spot and he still can’t get a start.

 

[gavspur]

What’s with the England kit? Is that the 2nd or 3rd kit?

 

[EssexSH27]

2nd. Quite like it. Not paying 80-120 quid for it. Will buy it in 2032 when it’s a retro

 

[ajspurs]

City fans must be loving this International break.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

Dunk starts ahead of Branthwaite…Stones picks up an injury so he brings on…Gomez.

Honestly, what is the point?

 

[Duffman]

Arsenal the luckiest team as always

 

[PCozzie]

City fans must be loving this International break.

Arsenal are.

 

[PCozzie]

Can I hear circus music playing?

 

[Frank Blank]

Good assist there for Pickford.

 

[ajspurs]

Arsenal are.

 

[Doctor Dinkey]

That goal was truly, truly terrible.

 

[cjbyid]

How bloody typical City lose two players just before they play Arsenal

When your luck is in....

 

[SpursForever71]

So Walker goes off injured early, Stones goes off injured early, Saka pulls out completey. i bet they all play in the prem game. total bullshit

 

[luRRka]

Arsenal are.

Akanji pulled out of Swiss squad with a knock too