AJ9

Christ on a bike that’s a grim side just drop Maguire already and play 4 at the back.

I think we're not actually disagreeing too much here to be honest - I think it was the poster before you who was saying he fluked it twice and was dogshit I was disagreeing with more.

And within that we had 2014 and 2016 which were two of the shittest tournaments ever...we also didn't qualify for 2008, stunk out the place in 2000, were pretty lacklustre in 2006. All I'm saying is that we aren't traditionally a nation that is really top tier, and Southgate is the guy who in my lifetime has taken us the closest. I personally hate the football he plays, and think he has taken this as far as he can, but he's done a better job than most before him.

I get what you're saying, and yes of course the home advantage is a massive factor, but you can't get away from the fact that we were favourites because we were actually pretty good...

You have a point on the next manager mind. It’s going to be someone that needs the role rather than the other way round. I expect the media to clamour for Dyche

And of course the mad thing is that the teams we beat are always shit in hindsight, but I don’t remember anyone really saying Columbia, Denmark and Germany would be easy fixtures at the time.

Come on man. It’s not really fair on him to say he spawned his way to a semi and a final due to the route they had. I have nephews who are old enough to have been born when we had easy routes and were dumped out regardless. We were a couple of penalties away from winning the euros. We didn’t, but that’s the closest we’ve ever been in my 36 years of living. He didn’t pick the teams we played against and others have played worse and failed massively. Criticise him all you like for his boring, turgid, soulless football, but his record so far is great, and compares much more favourably to other more high profile England managers (Sven, Keegan, Capello, McClaren…at the time)

I don’t necessarily think the issue is with the players he picks or the formation, but the idea that exciting teams don’t win tournaments. I reckon the whole setup is geared around trying to control the ball and win the key ‘moments’ and to be fair it kind of has worked thus far. However, it basically looks to me like the players aren’t really showing the motivation to play this style of football any more. I think the cycle is at an end and his influence on the team is waning. Maybe they will turn it on in the WC but I don’t hold out any hope, and we will be back to where we have been for all my life, a second tier international football team that occasionally mixes it with the truly elite teams, but ultimately aren’t good enough.

I know it is incredibly naff, but increasingly I do think that the answer to this (as well as standing areas) is probably if a group emerged that were up for bringing new chants and reviving old ones in the ground, having some sort of visibility, bringing things like drums, megaphones etc like they have in Europe. I love it when the ground is spontaneously rowdy but that doesn’t really happen that many times.

How many matches will we have our full XI out for? 4?

I think we’re seeing why Eddie wanted Maddison. We really lack a threat from midfield.

Definitely the best thing to do.

Wouldn’t the easiest thing be for WF just to say as a mark of respect we will suspend the display? Means they don’t have to step into a discussion on the monarchy

My first non SJP game.

Glad I missed this shite today ?

Wonder if he could do a job as a backup keeper?

Yeah he’s a great guy and has been excellent for us at times. Good luck to him.

I don’t know how we play with Isak and Wilson both fit, but I’m excited to see!

8, but mildly disappointed that it wasn’t 10

He’s utterly pathetic like. A real turd of a footballer

I can’t see owt happening tbh. Hope I’m wrong.

Thought he was pretty decent to be honest, but won’t be here when we’re successful

You fuck off anaw

Fuck off

He is absolutely class. So so so good.