Why does the whole forward list matter rather than just the three he’s competing with?

So we have Bayerns top striker, Real Madrids main man (alongside Vinicius jr) and the Prems player of the year.

This is the strongest squad we have had in 50 years. Our front line is world class, Rice and Bellingham are world class, Walker is world class, id argue Stones is as well.

Weaker areas are keeper - but he’s not exactly a liability either, just a tad short and a lunatic. LCB - Branthwaite will be that player, but this summer might be too soon. Everton’s goals against was one of the best in the league though, so big pluses for these 2.

Left back - we are definitely short here and it’s easily our weakest area. I think Southgate will hope Shaw isnn no on it and if not will have to move one of the RBs over.

Rice/Bellingham CM partner - there is not a world class player here yet, but Gallagher has had a great season, Mainoo and Wharton look like they will develop into top players as well.

As for our depth, other than the 4 mentioned positions - it’s off the faaacking chain. Cole Palmer probably won’t start but he would walk into virtually any other side. Saka, Eze, Grealish, Gordon - only 1 can start. Maddison, Bowen, Toney, Watkins - faaack me, these guys will barely make the bench.

The France squad is outrageous as well. It really should be between us and them this time round, the rest don’t have squads close to that level

comment by Darren The String Fletcher (U10026)
posted 3 minutes ago
Why does the whole forward list matter rather than just the three he’s competing with?
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Well some could play in different positions along the forward line. Watkins could be moved over to the left for example if needs be.

What’s the point when we have actual players for that position? It’s shoehorning players for the sake of it just because of some decent club form, even though he’ll never get on the pitch.

comment by Striketeam7 - Laughing at Arsenals nearly slaaaags (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
The France squad is outrageous as well. It really should be between us and them this time round, the rest don’t have squads close to that level
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You said this yesterday but Portugal obviously do.

You only have a certain number of slots really for a position. If a manager decides he's taking three, and you're fourth best, it's not harsh. Unlucky, perhaps, but not harsh.

A manager has to pick a squad to help him win games not make players feel good.

comment by Diafol Coch 77 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (U2462)
posted 6 minutes ago
You only have a certain number of slots really for a position. If a manager decides he's taking three, and you're fourth best, it's not harsh. Unlucky, perhaps, but not harsh.

A manager has to pick a squad to help him win games not make players feel good.
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Exactly.

comment by Darren The String Fletcher (U10026)
posted 5 minutes ago
What’s the point when we have actual players for that position? It’s shoehorning players for the sake of it just because of some decent club form, even though he’ll never get on the pitch.
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Well yeah but that's why it's harsh isn't it? Because he's had some decent club form and has found he's not included compared to others whose seasons haven't been great. I'd have thought this would be agreeable to be honest. I guess not.

comment by Diafol Coch 77 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (U2462)
posted 9 minutes ago
You only have a certain number of slots really for a position. If a manager decides he's taking three, and you're fourth best, it's not harsh. Unlucky, perhaps, but not harsh.

A manager has to pick a squad to help him win games not make players feel good.
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What's the difference between 'harsh' and 'unlucky'?

comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Diafol Coch 77 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (U2462)
posted 9 minutes ago
You only have a certain number of slots really for a position. If a manager decides he's taking three, and you're fourth best, it's not harsh. Unlucky, perhaps, but not harsh.

A manager has to pick a squad to help him win games not make players feel good.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's the difference between 'harsh' and 'unlucky'?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The meaning of the words.

comment by Darren The String Fletcher (U10026)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Diafol Coch 77 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (U2462)
posted 9 minutes ago
You only have a certain number of slots really for a position. If a manager decides he's taking three, and you're fourth best, it's not harsh. Unlucky, perhaps, but not harsh.

A manager has to pick a squad to help him win games not make players feel good.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's the difference between 'harsh' and 'unlucky'?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The meaning of the words.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So tell me then?

The point is I thought I was saying that Solanke was unlucky by not being picked when I said it was harsh.

Harsh would suggest it's cruel in some way. Unlucky suggests that he just missed out because three were better.

I expect Solanke would see it both ways and that he deserves a call up more than Toney does.

comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 5 minutes ago
I expect Solanke would see it both ways and that he deserves a call up more than Toney does.
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Perhaps, but that's not really a problem for Southgate. He's there to select the best squad.

comment by Darren The String Fletcher (U10026)
posted 8 hours ago
I’m surprised by this one. I would have been in favour of brining Henderson, personally.

Foden needs to actually step up in an England shirt, he’s been pretty crap on the whole. City form means little if he plays badly for England. I’d drop him to the bench and use him as a sub late in games.
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City would probably beat England

comment by Silver (U6112)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Darren The String Fletcher (U10026)
posted 8 hours ago
I’m surprised by this one. I would have been in favour of brining Henderson, personally.

Foden needs to actually step up in an England shirt, he’s been pretty crap on the whole. City form means little if he plays badly for England. I’d drop him to the bench and use him as a sub late in games.
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City would probably beat England
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Of course they would, what’s the relevance?

comment by Darren The String Fletcher (U10026)
posted 12 hours, 2 minutes ago
comment by Silver (U6112)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Darren The String Fletcher (U10026)
posted 8 hours ago
I’m surprised by this one. I would have been in favour of brining Henderson, personally.

Foden needs to actually step up in an England shirt, he’s been pretty crap on the whole. City form means little if he plays badly for England. I’d drop him to the bench and use him as a sub late in games.
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City would probably beat England
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Of course they would, what’s the relevance?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Probably

comment by Mo Salahhhhh 7-0 Egyptian King 👑 (U8829)
posted on 21/5/24
It’s vital for Kane that we have runners in behind. Foden, Saka, Palmer all like the ball to feet, so Gordon will be extremely important in this side especially without Rashford, providing he stays fit.
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Knows ball comment, tbf

Saka doesn't deserve to be dropped but if Southgate wants to get the best out of Foden, then he has to make room for him on the right