England

[Away Day Gadgie]

Depends, if it was a 4-3-3 then yes there would’ve been no room for Beckham, who was inspirational and un droppable at the time i’d say.  I always thought we should’ve played 3 at the back with Ashley Cole and Beckham as wing backs, Beckham definitely had the engine to play that role.  Don’t think it was ever tried though.

[Guest]

I could see Neville as a right wing-back, Beckham just inside him, then the same issue having to pick two from three.

 

I still think that 2002 World Cup could have been a sliding doors moment for Newcastle. There was a load of talk leading up to it about Sven trying to convince Shearer to come back just for the World Cup. He was just approaching 32 but he’d been shit hot in the season leading up to it and still popular in Asia. I think we’d have won it if he’d played over Heskey. Imagine the knock-on that could have had on Newcastle commercially in the Far East having our star striker winning the World Cup over there, with us just heading into the Champions League?

[Disco]

I just mash those two eras together

 

I think we have a very good squad now, the defenders are pretty quality. CBs are not the best in the world but they're passable, and our choice of fullbacks is excellent.

 

There's probably only 2-3 genuinely world class defenders playing currently so it's not the end of the world.

 

Most nations are fairly piss poor at the back.

[Away Day Gadgie]

I could see Neville as a right wing-back, Beckham just inside him, then the same issue having to pick two from three.

 

I still think that 2002 World Cup could have been a sliding doors moment for Newcastle. There was a load of talk leading up to it about Sven trying to convince Shearer to come back just for the World Cup. He was just approaching 32 but he’d been shit hot in the season leading up to it and still popular in Asia. I think we’d have won it if he’d played over Heskey. Imagine the knock-on that could have had on Newcastle commercially in the Far East having our star striker winning the World Cup over there, with us just heading into the Champions League?

 

Cole and Neville as wing backs would be a bit too defensive minded for me, as they both would’ve been essentially full backs being asked to play a more attacking role.  I don’t think it would’ve worked as well as having Beckham out there, who was attack minded but was more than happy to put the miles in defensively. 

 

That’s an interesting point, it’s not something i’ve thought of before if i’m honest.  Although i remember being glad at the time that Shearer didn’t make an England return. 

[Ben]

Is Coady injured

[WarrenBartonCentrePartin]

1-0.

 

Ireland's Declan Rice with the goal.

[Disco]

Chips and Rice

[Smal]

Getting the CBs involved in attacking play is key to this formation, like. Didn’t do it at all against Belgium but we’re doing it well here.

[Ben]

Apparently Kane has never scored on a Wednesday

[Dinho lad]

Apparently Kane has never scored on a Wednesday

 

No chance of breaking Shearer's record.

[triggs]

Apparently Kane has never scored on a Wednesday

That doesn't sound right. Have all his CL goals just happened to be on a Tuesday?

[Ben]

Apparently Kane has never scored on a Wednesday

That doesn't sound right. Have all his CL goals just happened to be on a Tuesday?

 

According to Laura Woods on Talksport this morning its true

[joeyt]

Think it's only for England on a Wednesday

[Disco]

Negative subs.

[Smal]

That touch down the line from Foden man, holy s*** . Incredible ability.

[Disco]

Foden > Grealish.

[54]

Foden > Grealish.

They're both incredible and both should be starting imo.

[Smal]

I think Foden has a higher ceiling, for sure.

[Disco]

Foden > Grealish.

They're both incredible and both should be starting imo.

 

Against toss like Iceland you’d have to look to try too. It’s a shame Foden has been playing wide more for City, will hinder him for England under Southgate who is negative.

[Smal]

I don’t rate him very highly, but Lampard would probably be a good England manager.

[Nobody]

Foden > Grealish.

Definitely. Foden is a special player, potential is absolutely huge for him.

So versitile as well, will be interesting to see what his best position will be. If I was building a team around him, it'd probably be in a number 10 role, but could easily see him playing on either side of a striker, as a traditional winger or as the attacking cm.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

I'd like to see Foden and Grealish both play TBH.

[Nobody]

I'd like to see Foden and Grealish both play TBH.

I'd have Sterling and Sancho well ahead of Grealish in the 3  attacking positions like. Don't really see a way to fit both Grealish and Foden into a midfield neither.

Still got the likes of Rashford and Greenwood knocking on the door for positions as well.

Such a shame the midfield and CBs are so average with the attacking talent we've got at the moment.

[Nobody]

Henderson

Walker Maguire Gomes

TAA Foden Henderson Chilwell

Sancho Kane Sterling

 

Something like that would be interesting to see.

[Disco]

Formation is the issue for me, and whilst I get why GS likes it and wants stability at the back and in the middle, IIRC of that XI you’ve listed only Chilwell plays in it regularly and even then it’s not every game.

 

To win at international tournaments IMO you need to attempt 3 things: Organisation, Combinations, Create from nothing.

 

England are getting closer to the latter the other two I’m not confident of. Few club combinations playing with each other and the defence and DM is an accident waiting to happen.