Perhaps, but he didn't play them with the exception of Young, and since Rose got turned inside out in both games v Belgium I think Young was the right choice. That said if Shaw could start acting like a professional rather than a Sunday League player the left back position would be his.
But arguably still taken ahead of English players who deserved a call-up more based on the 17/18 season. It’s also worth pointing out that 12/14 outfield players against Croatia played for top 4 clubs, the only exceptions being Maguire and Vardy. The narrative for Southgate can’t be both ‘he didn’t just trust big club players’ because he had two Burnley players on the bench AND ‘he didn’t rely on the old names’ whilst he had Welbeck, Cahill & Jones on the bench.
Surely it's to be expected that the majority of players in most England squads will be from the top English clubs? 7 of Belgiums starting XI today play for English top 4 clubs, as did 2 of their 3 subs. To be fair to him this is his first tournament, and his squad is in transition. I've no doubt he'll now do to Young, Cahill & co. what he's done to Rooney and Smalling, and replace them with younger players.
WC 2014: Out in Group Stage Euro 2016: Out in round of 16... to Iceland WC 2018: Reached the semi-finals There's definitely been a fair bit of improvement imo. 2 years ago we would've lost that Colombia match.
I'd rather look at the teams faced than how far we go. It's being pretty kind to say it was a pretty nice route to the semis. I agree there has been improvement and Colombia would have maybe got us previously. But it's not like we did well, we drew and went through on pens. Hardly the collosal improvement people seem to make it out to be. We haven't looked convincing against a good side. Looking objectively, there is no indicator that we have made more than a very very minor improvement in our actual performances. Our chances created and shots on target even against an easy set of opponents was diabolical also.
Huge difference in the quality of groups though mate 2014 had Uruguay and Italy ( when they was still good ) We had Tunisia and Panama ffs And people definitely over rated that Columbia side japan beat them in the 1st game We got an amazing draw and still couldn't get to the final
So head out after today's Final for a fish supper, and while I'm waiting in the car, I decide to put TalkSport on (don't get 5 Live in my car for some reason). Big mistake. I thought they'd be reflecting on the match, speaking about France or Croatia; but no, more England rubbish about how Southgate's 'Heroes' took the tournament by storm. They couldn't give it a rest for one day could they.
Yeah I was fortunate to get them on when they were actually talking! Even when they talk, they are usually sponsored by something. Ofcom should look at the amount of ads on that station, its ridiculous.
So, England player of the tournament? Personally I’d say Harry Maguire or Pickford. Both has been immense, Pickford made some worldie saves and Maguire has been excellent in defence and he’s been a nightmare for opponents at set pieces. Henderson deserves a shout too, he’s been fantastic. High pressing and great long balls too. I know Harry Kane has won the golden boot, but I don’t think he’s anywhere near player of the tournament for England.
Trippier without a shadow of a doubt was England's best player - created the most chances in the tournament.
Just switched it on, sorry I did. Luckily there was some jazz on one of the other stations - which was nice.
Trippier, Henderson, Maguire top 3 for me. Don't think many had a poor tournament though. Rose, Dier, Sterling maybe.
Don't think Alli was fully fit nor in his best position though so I was cutting him a little slack. Still left the tournament with a goal too.
This thread is going to look so stupid when England under-achieve in the European Championships. This is the trend in modern football, over reaction to everything that happens. He's overachieved from a very low base and his team have beat nobody who is any good. Next time the expectation will be higher and no doubt he'll be the worst English manager that ever lived. The wally in the waistcoat?
We were told Colombia were favourites to beat us and against Sweden it would be a tight match and now we beat them they were suddenly rubbish and we haven't beat anyone good. Reminds me of when Leicester won the title "you haven't beat anyone good yet" then we did it was "you haven't beat anyone good away from home yet" them when we did it was "you haven't beat the teams at the bottom now they're scared of you and stick 10-men behind the ball and give you all the possession yet". I'm not saying England had the toughest run in but to spin it as anything other than a very good tournament for England in which we've done anything other than very well is just silly tbh. That's not to say we can't improve or that we will be up there at Euro20 but I wish somw people would just give credit where it's due without the typical and tiresome modern cynicism and suddenly-nonchalant snarkiness for once.
