comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 22 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by Kobbie The King Mainoo (U10026)
posted 5 minutes ago
Rashford’s previous England form might give him some credit in the bank with Southgate, especially as he seemed very happy with the group have players that have got us through qualifying since the world cup.
Of the available players for selection, only Sterling and Kane have more goals in an England shirt. I’d be very surprised if Southgate wants to go into the Euros without at least one or Sterling and Rashford, if not both, based on the lack of goal scoring experience in the squad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah Southgate has run out of games a bit. He may take Watkins over Rashford. Toney is the big question mark, so I’d say it’s between him and Rashford.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To not take Watkins over Rashford would be unreal. Watkins is going to end up with around 20 goals and 15 assists. Bowen too could be close to 20 goals.
Either Rashford suddenly has the form of his life for the rest of the season and is taken, he doesn't and is correctly dropped, or Southgate is made to look stupid and turns the fanbase against him by taking an out of form Rashford to the Euros over someone who has had a great season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He had Bowen, Rashford and Watkins in the last squad.
I guess it’s down to Toney and maybe Sterling to change that. We’ll know a bit more next week
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know who you have included in your team to assume it's between Rashford, Toney or Sterling? I mean Gordon hasn't been mentioned yet but he is more deserving than Rashford this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you even look at the previous squads Spurtle?
comment by Dylan Carreiro (U1734)
posted 2 minutes ago
Rashford is 100% going to the euros. Also the English media will cause a storm either way. If he goes he'll probably be crap and they'll moan that Toney or Bowen should have gone due to form. If he doesn't go then they will moan when England go out that they missed his pace as a threat on the counter and why have they got some mid table Brentford striker instead, as class is permanent at this level? Either way, whether he goes or doesn't, it will be a BAD decision.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody is going to complain that we should have taken a rubbish Rashford in retrospect, should we go out of the Euros. If we go out it will land purely at Southgate for failing to win anything for a 4th time of trying.
Darren,
Great post, fully agree.
Southgate hasn’t taken a wild card as yet, to any tournament, but I really hope he takes a good look at Gordon.
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 17 seconds ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 22 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by Kobbie The King Mainoo (U10026)
posted 5 minutes ago
Rashford’s previous England form might give him some credit in the bank with Southgate, especially as he seemed very happy with the group have players that have got us through qualifying since the world cup.
Of the available players for selection, only Sterling and Kane have more goals in an England shirt. I’d be very surprised if Southgate wants to go into the Euros without at least one or Sterling and Rashford, if not both, based on the lack of goal scoring experience in the squad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah Southgate has run out of games a bit. He may take Watkins over Rashford. Toney is the big question mark, so I’d say it’s between him and Rashford.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To not take Watkins over Rashford would be unreal. Watkins is going to end up with around 20 goals and 15 assists. Bowen too could be close to 20 goals.
Either Rashford suddenly has the form of his life for the rest of the season and is taken, he doesn't and is correctly dropped, or Southgate is made to look stupid and turns the fanbase against him by taking an out of form Rashford to the Euros over someone who has had a great season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He had Bowen, Rashford and Watkins in the last squad.
I guess it’s down to Toney and maybe Sterling to change that. We’ll know a bit more next week
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know who you have included in your team to assume it's between Rashford, Toney or Sterling? I mean Gordon hasn't been mentioned yet but he is more deserving than Rashford this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you even look at the previous squads Spurtle?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon wasn't in the previous squad was he? Doesn't mean he won't include him or someone who wasn't in the previous squad.
Bowen not in the previous squad either. Hard to ignore him if he goes on to score around 20 league goals and numerous assists.
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
The message seems quite obvious to me.
He talk about his commitment to the club, how he would get buses to training, how he sacrificed a lot of his youth to play for the club.
Since he's had is bumper contract, he quite plainly doesn't care that much, or he'd be showing us on the pitch. He's "made it", he wants and needs for nothing anymore, he has lost the hunger and desire to be a top professional.
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't say Rashford wasn't a favourite, I said that Sterling was more preferred which I think is true in terms of England overall. Sterling hasn't exactly been worth including since he went to Chelsea and there have been times in that period Rashford has been more deserving. I don't think either really merit a place this time but it would be surprising for Gareth not to take at least one.
Ok my mistake, I checked the subs bench for the last England game and Bowen wasn't there according to the BBC.
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't say Rashford wasn't a favourite, I said that Sterling was more preferred which I think is true in terms of England overall. Sterling hasn't exactly been worth including since he went to Chelsea and there have been times in that period Rashford has been more deserving. I don't think either really merit a place this time but it would be surprising for Gareth not to take at least one.
Ok my mistake, I checked the subs bench for the last England game and Bowen wasn't there according to the BBC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All fair.
I like a complete left field player each tournament and would take Gordon myself but we’ll see.
Busby
I doubt it’s as simple as that. I’m sure a huge wage increase can have an effect but I’d imagine he still loves the game and playing, it wouldn’t instantly stop him caring. It’s probably a few factors including not being as good as many think, struggling mentally with the pressure playing at this level brings, niggling injuries, playing for a man offensively poor side as well as personal issues.
If he really wanted to write an honest open letter then he could have discussed these points but instead he just went down the sob story route not realising most player come from adversity and make sacrifices to become a professional footballer.
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 28 minutes ago
Darren,
Great post, fully agree.
Southgate hasn’t taken a wild card as yet, to any tournament, but I really hope he takes a good look at Gordon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never been a big fan of Gordon but he’s really stepped it up this season. I think he’s got a chance based on that and having been viewed favourably within the younger age groups for England.
Form is important but for me based on ability and experience within the England set up I’d go with the options mentioned.
Rashford has been shiiiiiite this season, however, if he is confident within the England set up come the Euros he could be such a dangerous weapon for us - even if it’s just running at tired legs and, or, trying to expose a high line if we need to counter.
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't say Rashford wasn't a favourite, I said that Sterling was more preferred which I think is true in terms of England overall. Sterling hasn't exactly been worth including since he went to Chelsea and there have been times in that period Rashford has been more deserving. I don't think either really merit a place this time but it would be surprising for Gareth not to take at least one.
Ok my mistake, I checked the subs bench for the last England game and Bowen wasn't there according to the BBC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All fair.
I like a complete left field player each tournament and would take Gordon myself but we’ll see.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's a bit trickier to work out the left side for England at the moment. With the right it's easy, Saka is the obvious choice. You've got Foden who has definitely been in form worthy of starting for England but the left isn't his best position, though hard for him to play central when you have Bellingham and Rice there. Watkins, can he play on the left?
After that it's players who are perhaps less worthy of starting all the way down to Rashford.
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
I think Rashford was always viewed by Safegate as offering his usual wide left role but also as backup to Kane down the middle if needed. He took Wilson t the WC but he proved he cant play games that often, and Watkins has emerged as genuine Kane backup.
With the form of Foden, Maddison, Palmer, Saka, Bowen, Watkins there are a lot of 'attackers' to get into the squad who are probably more deserving and in form than the likes of Sterling or Rashford. and Gordon can also be added to that list.
The upcoming friendlies will be interesting, if all things stay the same, we should be looking at the likes of Palmer & Gordon, rather than sticking with Safegates "trusted" underperformers (which also include Phlilips, Mount, Henderson)
We could also use him as a penalty take in a shootout.
I doubt it’s as simple as that. I’m sure a huge wage increase can have an effect but I’d imagine he still loves the game and playing, it wouldn’t instantly stop him caring. It’s probably a few factors including not being as good as many think, struggling mentally with the pressure playing at this level brings, niggling injuries, playing for a man offensively poor side as well as personal issues.
If he really wanted to write an honest open letter then he could have discussed these points but instead he just went down the sob story route not realising most player come from adversity and make sacrifices to become a professional footballer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Good post this MU82
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 1 hour ago
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They shouldn't be but who else is there once you go beyond Rice?
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 1 hour ago
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They shouldn't be but who else is there once you go beyond Rice?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’d take JWP ahead of both for sure. I’d look at Mainoo in these friendlies too, but yeah it’s slim pickings there.
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 30 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 1 hour ago
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They shouldn't be but who else is there once you go beyond Rice?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
JWP, Curtis Jones (if he's fit), Mainoo, Longstaff. Gallagher too, though he might be considered more of a 10.
It might not be the best set of options but all are better players than Kalvin Phillips at least. Henderson has more of a chance depending on how he gets on at Ajax.
Henderson’s going. Southgate went all the way to Amsterdam to watch him play when he could have seen multiple options in the PL. As long as he’s match fit he’ll be there.
Central midfield is a real concern. Most of the players named aren’t really playing as centre mids or defensive mids like Henderson and Phillips do. And even if played there at times aren’t actually any better.
I’d be seriously looking at bringing Barkley back into the squad. I’m fine with Henderson as a cm option. But there really isn’t any other holding mid that can provide an alternative to Phillips. Really need to hope he can pick up some form between now and the end of the season.
Actually there are more options than I first thought as I didn't instantly think of JWP but yes more deserving than Henderson or Phillips in the holding midfielder role. I suspect he's going to take Henderson whether we want him to or not and you know he'll probably use him.
Central defence isn't exactly looking great either.
Why is he? He very rarely plays as one because he’s shiiiiiit at football outside of his set pieces. His best work for his clubs has always been in attack, because he can cross, which is why West Ham signed Alvarez and Phillips and often play Soucek as a dm.
comment by Kobbie The King Mainoo (U10026)
posted 2 hours, 2 minutes ago
Why is he? He very rarely plays as one because he’s shiiiiiit at football outside of his set pieces. His best work for his clubs has always been in attack, because he can cross, which is why West Ham signed Alvarez and Phillips and often play Soucek as a dm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
5 goals and 6 assists in a league much better than Henderson's. Whether you rate him or not he warrants going more than Henderson. I'd take him just for his pens and free kicks if anything.
That doesn’t refute the point, it just enforces it. Henderson is a vastly superior central midfielder. Taking him for his pens and set pieces when he isn’t good enough to get on the pitch is a waste of squad place.
A lot will depend on how Trent and Bellingham are viewed regarding the midfield as well. Bellingham has played cm in most of his apps, but whether he gets moved forward due to what he’s been doing with Madrid remains to be seen.
We’ve tried Trent in midfield and he’s not really shown he’s capable there, so we’ll have to see if Southgate persists with it because it’s unlikely he’ll play as a right back.
Barkley and Gallagher are cm options, though Gallagher doesn’t look like he’s capable of playing in a double pivot from what I’ve seen.
Defensive midfield we really are stuck if Phillips keeps playing shiiiiiiiit. There really aren’t many English defensive midfielders in the prem, let alone of a high standard.
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Rashford
Page 5 of 6
6
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 22 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by Kobbie The King Mainoo (U10026)
posted 5 minutes ago
Rashford’s previous England form might give him some credit in the bank with Southgate, especially as he seemed very happy with the group have players that have got us through qualifying since the world cup.
Of the available players for selection, only Sterling and Kane have more goals in an England shirt. I’d be very surprised if Southgate wants to go into the Euros without at least one or Sterling and Rashford, if not both, based on the lack of goal scoring experience in the squad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah Southgate has run out of games a bit. He may take Watkins over Rashford. Toney is the big question mark, so I’d say it’s between him and Rashford.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To not take Watkins over Rashford would be unreal. Watkins is going to end up with around 20 goals and 15 assists. Bowen too could be close to 20 goals.
Either Rashford suddenly has the form of his life for the rest of the season and is taken, he doesn't and is correctly dropped, or Southgate is made to look stupid and turns the fanbase against him by taking an out of form Rashford to the Euros over someone who has had a great season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He had Bowen, Rashford and Watkins in the last squad.
I guess it’s down to Toney and maybe Sterling to change that. We’ll know a bit more next week
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know who you have included in your team to assume it's between Rashford, Toney or Sterling? I mean Gordon hasn't been mentioned yet but he is more deserving than Rashford this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you even look at the previous squads Spurtle?
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Dylan Carreiro (U1734)
posted 2 minutes ago
Rashford is 100% going to the euros. Also the English media will cause a storm either way. If he goes he'll probably be crap and they'll moan that Toney or Bowen should have gone due to form. If he doesn't go then they will moan when England go out that they missed his pace as a threat on the counter and why have they got some mid table Brentford striker instead, as class is permanent at this level? Either way, whether he goes or doesn't, it will be a BAD decision.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody is going to complain that we should have taken a rubbish Rashford in retrospect, should we go out of the Euros. If we go out it will land purely at Southgate for failing to win anything for a 4th time of trying.
posted on 1/3/24
Darren,
Great post, fully agree.
Southgate hasn’t taken a wild card as yet, to any tournament, but I really hope he takes a good look at Gordon.
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 17 seconds ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 22 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by Kobbie The King Mainoo (U10026)
posted 5 minutes ago
Rashford’s previous England form might give him some credit in the bank with Southgate, especially as he seemed very happy with the group have players that have got us through qualifying since the world cup.
Of the available players for selection, only Sterling and Kane have more goals in an England shirt. I’d be very surprised if Southgate wants to go into the Euros without at least one or Sterling and Rashford, if not both, based on the lack of goal scoring experience in the squad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah Southgate has run out of games a bit. He may take Watkins over Rashford. Toney is the big question mark, so I’d say it’s between him and Rashford.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To not take Watkins over Rashford would be unreal. Watkins is going to end up with around 20 goals and 15 assists. Bowen too could be close to 20 goals.
Either Rashford suddenly has the form of his life for the rest of the season and is taken, he doesn't and is correctly dropped, or Southgate is made to look stupid and turns the fanbase against him by taking an out of form Rashford to the Euros over someone who has had a great season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He had Bowen, Rashford and Watkins in the last squad.
I guess it’s down to Toney and maybe Sterling to change that. We’ll know a bit more next week
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know who you have included in your team to assume it's between Rashford, Toney or Sterling? I mean Gordon hasn't been mentioned yet but he is more deserving than Rashford this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you even look at the previous squads Spurtle?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon wasn't in the previous squad was he? Doesn't mean he won't include him or someone who wasn't in the previous squad.
posted on 1/3/24
Bowen not in the previous squad either. Hard to ignore him if he goes on to score around 20 league goals and numerous assists.
posted on 1/3/24
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
posted on 1/3/24
The message seems quite obvious to me.
He talk about his commitment to the club, how he would get buses to training, how he sacrificed a lot of his youth to play for the club.
Since he's had is bumper contract, he quite plainly doesn't care that much, or he'd be showing us on the pitch. He's "made it", he wants and needs for nothing anymore, he has lost the hunger and desire to be a top professional.
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't say Rashford wasn't a favourite, I said that Sterling was more preferred which I think is true in terms of England overall. Sterling hasn't exactly been worth including since he went to Chelsea and there have been times in that period Rashford has been more deserving. I don't think either really merit a place this time but it would be surprising for Gareth not to take at least one.
Ok my mistake, I checked the subs bench for the last England game and Bowen wasn't there according to the BBC.
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't say Rashford wasn't a favourite, I said that Sterling was more preferred which I think is true in terms of England overall. Sterling hasn't exactly been worth including since he went to Chelsea and there have been times in that period Rashford has been more deserving. I don't think either really merit a place this time but it would be surprising for Gareth not to take at least one.
Ok my mistake, I checked the subs bench for the last England game and Bowen wasn't there according to the BBC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All fair.
I like a complete left field player each tournament and would take Gordon myself but we’ll see.
posted on 1/3/24
Busby
I doubt it’s as simple as that. I’m sure a huge wage increase can have an effect but I’d imagine he still loves the game and playing, it wouldn’t instantly stop him caring. It’s probably a few factors including not being as good as many think, struggling mentally with the pressure playing at this level brings, niggling injuries, playing for a man offensively poor side as well as personal issues.
If he really wanted to write an honest open letter then he could have discussed these points but instead he just went down the sob story route not realising most player come from adversity and make sacrifices to become a professional footballer.
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 28 minutes ago
Darren,
Great post, fully agree.
Southgate hasn’t taken a wild card as yet, to any tournament, but I really hope he takes a good look at Gordon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never been a big fan of Gordon but he’s really stepped it up this season. I think he’s got a chance based on that and having been viewed favourably within the younger age groups for England.
Form is important but for me based on ability and experience within the England set up I’d go with the options mentioned.
Rashford has been shiiiiiite this season, however, if he is confident within the England set up come the Euros he could be such a dangerous weapon for us - even if it’s just running at tired legs and, or, trying to expose a high line if we need to counter.
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
Bowen was in the previous squad, and earlier you were saying Sterling (who wasn’t) was a favourite and Rashford (who was) wasn’t.
Not much of what you’re writing makes sense
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't say Rashford wasn't a favourite, I said that Sterling was more preferred which I think is true in terms of England overall. Sterling hasn't exactly been worth including since he went to Chelsea and there have been times in that period Rashford has been more deserving. I don't think either really merit a place this time but it would be surprising for Gareth not to take at least one.
Ok my mistake, I checked the subs bench for the last England game and Bowen wasn't there according to the BBC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All fair.
I like a complete left field player each tournament and would take Gordon myself but we’ll see.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's a bit trickier to work out the left side for England at the moment. With the right it's easy, Saka is the obvious choice. You've got Foden who has definitely been in form worthy of starting for England but the left isn't his best position, though hard for him to play central when you have Bellingham and Rice there. Watkins, can he play on the left?
After that it's players who are perhaps less worthy of starting all the way down to Rashford.
posted on 1/3/24
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
posted on 1/3/24
I think Rashford was always viewed by Safegate as offering his usual wide left role but also as backup to Kane down the middle if needed. He took Wilson t the WC but he proved he cant play games that often, and Watkins has emerged as genuine Kane backup.
With the form of Foden, Maddison, Palmer, Saka, Bowen, Watkins there are a lot of 'attackers' to get into the squad who are probably more deserving and in form than the likes of Sterling or Rashford. and Gordon can also be added to that list.
The upcoming friendlies will be interesting, if all things stay the same, we should be looking at the likes of Palmer & Gordon, rather than sticking with Safegates "trusted" underperformers (which also include Phlilips, Mount, Henderson)
posted on 1/3/24
We could also use him as a penalty take in a shootout.
posted on 1/3/24
I doubt it’s as simple as that. I’m sure a huge wage increase can have an effect but I’d imagine he still loves the game and playing, it wouldn’t instantly stop him caring. It’s probably a few factors including not being as good as many think, struggling mentally with the pressure playing at this level brings, niggling injuries, playing for a man offensively poor side as well as personal issues.
If he really wanted to write an honest open letter then he could have discussed these points but instead he just went down the sob story route not realising most player come from adversity and make sacrifices to become a professional footballer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Good post this MU82
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 1 hour ago
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They shouldn't be but who else is there once you go beyond Rice?
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 1 hour ago
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They shouldn't be but who else is there once you go beyond Rice?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’d take JWP ahead of both for sure. I’d look at Mainoo in these friendlies too, but yeah it’s slim pickings there.
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 30 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - I taught Szoboszlai how to cushion half volleys (U6374)
posted 1 hour ago
Agree with both of you there.
Normally hate these Easter friendlies but these ones seem pretty vital with so many questions needing answered.
Phillips and Henderson need looking at. On paper they shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad imo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They shouldn't be but who else is there once you go beyond Rice?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
JWP, Curtis Jones (if he's fit), Mainoo, Longstaff. Gallagher too, though he might be considered more of a 10.
It might not be the best set of options but all are better players than Kalvin Phillips at least. Henderson has more of a chance depending on how he gets on at Ajax.
posted on 1/3/24
Henderson’s going. Southgate went all the way to Amsterdam to watch him play when he could have seen multiple options in the PL. As long as he’s match fit he’ll be there.
posted on 1/3/24
Central midfield is a real concern. Most of the players named aren’t really playing as centre mids or defensive mids like Henderson and Phillips do. And even if played there at times aren’t actually any better.
I’d be seriously looking at bringing Barkley back into the squad. I’m fine with Henderson as a cm option. But there really isn’t any other holding mid that can provide an alternative to Phillips. Really need to hope he can pick up some form between now and the end of the season.
posted on 1/3/24
Actually there are more options than I first thought as I didn't instantly think of JWP but yes more deserving than Henderson or Phillips in the holding midfielder role. I suspect he's going to take Henderson whether we want him to or not and you know he'll probably use him.
Central defence isn't exactly looking great either.
posted on 1/3/24
Why is he? He very rarely plays as one because he’s shiiiiiit at football outside of his set pieces. His best work for his clubs has always been in attack, because he can cross, which is why West Ham signed Alvarez and Phillips and often play Soucek as a dm.
posted on 1/3/24
comment by Kobbie The King Mainoo (U10026)
posted 2 hours, 2 minutes ago
Why is he? He very rarely plays as one because he’s shiiiiiit at football outside of his set pieces. His best work for his clubs has always been in attack, because he can cross, which is why West Ham signed Alvarez and Phillips and often play Soucek as a dm.
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5 goals and 6 assists in a league much better than Henderson's. Whether you rate him or not he warrants going more than Henderson. I'd take him just for his pens and free kicks if anything.
posted on 1/3/24
That doesn’t refute the point, it just enforces it. Henderson is a vastly superior central midfielder. Taking him for his pens and set pieces when he isn’t good enough to get on the pitch is a waste of squad place.
A lot will depend on how Trent and Bellingham are viewed regarding the midfield as well. Bellingham has played cm in most of his apps, but whether he gets moved forward due to what he’s been doing with Madrid remains to be seen.
We’ve tried Trent in midfield and he’s not really shown he’s capable there, so we’ll have to see if Southgate persists with it because it’s unlikely he’ll play as a right back.
Barkley and Gallagher are cm options, though Gallagher doesn’t look like he’s capable of playing in a double pivot from what I’ve seen.
Defensive midfield we really are stuck if Phillips keeps playing shiiiiiiiit. There really aren’t many English defensive midfielders in the prem, let alone of a high standard.
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