I have a feeling that Southgate is going to leave Maddison behind for the Euros. In that advanced midfielder role we have a lot of talent with the amazing Bellingham rightfully first pick.
After he went off vs Brazil Foden played in there and i felt that didnt quite work, we lost a bit of our creativity in the advanced areas.
vs Belgium, Maddison got just 20 minutes, coming on in Bellingham's position with him dropping back into CM closer to Rice.
That maintained much more of an attacking threat and it was of course an advanced Maddison who cut the ball back to Bellingham coming from deep.
With Mainoo now putting forward a strong case, and Southgates love of Henderson and Phillips and starting Gallagher vs Brazil, i can see him sacrificing attacking players, of which we have many, to load the CM position where the options are more limited with some injured/off form.
He has failed to truly explore TAA in midfield as an option, an approach that will take more than just one go to make it work. This option allows us to job share and save places in the squad, with TAA covering 2 positions.
My mind always goes back to the last tournament where he took 4 RBs and 4 CBs and the Euros before when we had Walker James and Trippier and TAA withdrew and he added Ben White - 10 defenders in the squad.
The man errs on the side of caution and i can see faves like Rashford, Henderson and lots of defenders making the squad, even players like Philips Mount or Sterling if they show a bit of form before May. Maddison is clearly not a fave having played 20 / 180 minutes in the last 2 friendlies before the squad announcement. Others like Palmer, Bowen and even Mainoo at risk of missing out is Southgate goes full Safegate.
I also have a feeling he might struggle to chose between Watkins and Toney, so will take both.
Maddison
posted on 28/3/24
rice bellingham jones, sorted
posted on 28/3/24
Jones would have been a good option but his sick note tendencies have denied him a chance to show what he can do internationally.
posted on 28/3/24
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 1 hour, 45 minutes ago
Unfortunately Maguire has the turning circle of a cruise liner and is certainly not the quickest CB around.
Stones is a quality player who has a very relaxed and calming style, which hides his athletic and energetic type of play. If you look at any top international CB they nearly all have the ability to look unhurried, but when needed they have the pace and ability to read the game, which in turn makes how they play look easy and comfortable. Sadly Maguire does not have that in his arsenal, although he is very strong at set pieces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dunk looked particularly immobile vs Belgium also. Our no.2 CB options are, well, no.2 💩
posted on 28/3/24
It would be difficult to ignore Maddison if Spurs finish in the top 4 and he has a good end to the season. I think there is a place for him. Really he should be 2nd or 3rd choice to play in that number 10 role behind Bellingham and Foden based on form this season.
posted on 28/3/24
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 1 hour, 54 minutes ago
It would be difficult to ignore Maddison if Spurs finish in the top 4 and he has a good end to the season. I think there is a place for him. Really he should be 2nd or 3rd choice to play in that number 10 role behind Bellingham and Foden based on form this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't think they will take 3 number 10's unless there are more injuries
posted on 28/3/24
He’s been in every England camp since the world cup. I think that will work in his favour as well.
posted on 28/3/24
Foden will play left side and Saka right of Kane.
Maddison is a great option off the bench. Great on set pieces too and gets plenty of goals and assists.
Defo on the plane for me.
posted on 28/3/24
comment by Kobbie The King Mainoo (U10026)
posted 7 hours, 35 minutes ago
Southgate’s commented on the injury issue. Will be interesting to see if enough FAs can pressure UEFA into expanding the squad sizes to 26.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68684953
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Defo hasn’t been the same since injury
posted on 29/3/24
In terms of centre back options, Konsa and Guehi are two I’d look at closely. Stones and sadly Maguire will start but I think those two are better than most others.
posted on 29/3/24
It would be an absolute disgrace if Henderson or Phillips are on the plane. Maddison should be a certainty if they are the alternatives.