McCormick

Exactly. Not sure what people are talking about; Grealish is definitely a world class talent. 100m may perhaps be a bit steep but you always end up paying 25% more when buying from (loaded) PL teams.

Only if they can prove it. Which, I imagine, would be difficult to do…

The unfortunate thing is that Ashley has turned this club into such a non-entity that no one outside Newcastle will know or even give a shit that this absolute shambles is going on. There needs to be a big reaction from fans to force this debacle into the public eye.

This is an absolute disgrace.

He’s just limited imo. Sitting back and countering can be a valid tactic depending on the personnel at your disposal. But come on; it’s been proven in the last few years that, if you have the players, a well-organized high press is generally the winning formula. Unfortunately, for all his good attributes, Southgate is not at that elite level to execute this kind of game-plan. Which, based on the talent of this squad, means he’s not up to the task.

He deserves praise for galvanizing the team but there’s no way he achieves anything without the insane talent in this current squad. He’s another in a long line of old school, English man-managers, with a tenuous grasp of modern tactics. No discernible play-style beyond sitting back and breaking. The England setup has been bolstered massively from the best (foreign) managers in the world getting involved with premier league teams and coaching our youth properly; which why we have this crop of talent. Unfortunately, there is a real dearth of good tactical English managers. We are still so far behind the coaching levels of countries like Germany and Italy.

Perfect opportunity at 1 nil to bring on Sancho etc. to catch them on the break. Gutless management. Southgate is a nice guy but a bit of a dinosaur tactically; our press today was non existent.

Sancho?

Rashford ffs

Get one of Sancho or Grealish on ffs.

Not sure how reliable but got it from here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/england-team-leaks-before-euro-24509804

Don’t think we’re playing to our strengths though, would much rather have more players in the final third that can make runs/ run at their backline with pace.

Mount’s great, but I don’t see him being much use on the counter attack (if our tactic is to sit back and break).

Apparently going for a back 5, with Trippier coming back in, with Mount and Sterling behind Kane. Think that’s a bit too negative personally, but can’t argue with wanting to keep it tight early on.

The good thing about the 2/3 behind Kane is that all our options there are insanely talented so it’s fine.

I like Saka but he isn’t at the level of Sancho, Foden or Grealish yet IMO…

Really think playing a back 4 and with Saka in for Sancho is a bad move but I’ve looked pretty silly for doubting Southgate’s selections thus far. Honestly believe the same team vs Germany but with Grealish in from the start (over Saka) gives us the best balance of defensive solidity and threat going forward, but we’ll see. Pretty worried tbh!

I think Foden, Grealish, Saka, Sancho and Mount are as talented (and some arguably more so) than Sterling tbh. Correct re: Kane, though I do think with the attacking talent around him, DCL could definitely be a threat.

Think he just reached his athletic peak early and had to adapt his game as he got older. Can’t imagine he would have become the great player he was if it weren’t for Sir Alex IMO.

Wonder if Gareth will go 5 at the back for the next game. Tbf, I’ve been way too harsh on him throughout this tournament; his selections, in hindsight seem to have been spot on. I will say though that the quality of this squad has helped massively. Hard to go wrong when you have to choose 3 from Grealish, Sterling, Mount, Foden, Saka and Sancho tbh. Might sound cocky but I think a 2nd choice England team could feasibly pose a threat to any team left in the tournament.

Italy have benefited from having probably the best manager in the competition (you could also argue for Enrique tbf). What top level football competitions and leagues have shown us recently, is that well-drilled high-pressing teams with coaches that have defined footballing philosophies will usually do very well.

It was a fairly assured tactical performance and a good win. I’ve been very critical of Southgate’s team selections and play style thus far and, even if I honestly think we have more talent than what we’re currently showing, it’s bonkers to argue with looking very compact and conceding 0 goals so long as we’re winning games.

Fair enough, Gareth.

He’s so wet, it’s unreal. Bet money he used to call his bullies at grammar school ‘ big meanies’. Imagine how limp his pre-match rallying call would be.

No faith in Southgate for this, only seen interviews from him talking about how great Germany are. No mention of our own strengths and taking the game to them. Might sound harsh, but he comes across as such a loser.