Evening all,
I was looking at the draw again earlier and thinking just how lucky England have been this year with how it’s panned out. We could get to the final having potentially only needing to beat one team ranked higher than us (and that being Switzerland). Compare that to even four years ago where we had Uruguay and Italy in the group, the difference is huge (and a draw that probably won’t be replicated for another thirty years).
Given that before the WC started, most thought we’d likely face Brazil or another top teams in the quarters, that was seen as a successful World Cup and that Southgate would have done well. Now that the route is considerably easier though, what would be success in people’s minds now, particularly in assessing Southgates performance, as surely those expectations should now be changed?
I’m probably in a minority in that I don’t actually like the 352 he’s utilising as I don’t think it gets the best out of our main players, I’d still prefer a 433. I do think that what he has at his disposal in terms of as a collective is as strong as anyone on that side of the draw. Given the relative immaturity of the squad and him as a coach though, I’d see getting to the semis as a good job by him. Anything below that, barring a freak result, the jury would still be out for me and a real opportunity missed.
How about everyone else? What would you consider a good job by him now the draw is what it is?
Southgate - measuring success
posted on 3/7/18
comment by gratedbean (U4885)
posted 2 hours, 25 minutes ago
*reffering to the post above. Not ur op melts 💖 u
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it was a very good post though!
posted on 3/7/18
Penalties and the door marked Exit does have an air of inevitability for many. England's team really isn't that great in the creative areas so to be looking at the semi-finals is presumptive beyond words. Look at the England team and ask how many would be wanted by Barca, or Real or City (apart from the current City players who it is safe to say City do want). A Post Ronaldo era Real would want Kane but his style wouldn't suit Barca or City and the rest are nowhere near good enough. England can do it, but that does not presume they will. They will need the whole team to pull together and not try to go after individual glory. Generally speaking Southgate does seem to be successful in getting the players to realise that.
posted on 3/7/18
Southgate has done a good job in my book, team playing without fear, tactically decent, and scoring.
That said we’ve been totally untested at this World Cup, thanks to having the easiest progression of any team.
posted on 3/7/18
comment by meltonblue (U10617)
posted 6 hours, 9 minutes ago
comment by gratedbean (U4885)
posted 2 hours, 25 minutes ago
*reffering to the post above. Not ur op melts 💖 u
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it was a very good post though!
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Thanks
posted on 3/7/18
Agreed with all of your points too China. Apologies, I’ve been in and out of meetings all day and it deserved a better response.
posted on 3/7/18
comment by LQ (U6305)
posted 9 hours, 50 minutes ago
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 8 hours, 10 minutes ago
PS I'm not at all counting on us beating Colombia tomorrow. Not after a lifetime of watching England and all the upsets in this tournament.
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This 100 times over, some fans never learn, it’s plain arrogance oh we have a better run to the semis, England have shown time an again that putting the cart before the horse doesn’t work.
I don’t think we will beat Columbia but that’s just my opinion.
We need Kane an Lingard to step up again today if we are to have any chance.
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Good post>•
posted on 3/7/18
I’m still reserving judgment thought he got it wrong and today showed major flaws in his system.
posted on 3/7/18
When I see pressing with the likes of Klopp and Guardiola’s teams, I’m very much deflated watching England watch the opposition take time to find a pass. Zero urgency.
Don’t get me started on Henderson. What is his role exactly?
This 3-5-2 is pretty much 5-3-2 most of the time, with zero creativity in CM.
posted on 4/7/18
“with zero creativity in CM”
Yep
posted on 4/7/18
England have no creative midfielders to choose from. By creative I mean a player like those of Modric, Kroos, Eriksen, type players.