UEFA European Football Championship 2020 (21) , the Time has Come

a reply to: Oldcarpy2

And again....

a reply to: mirageman

Southgate couldnt really fail with this group of players. An average manager would go far with them they are seriously talented. Yes they've gone further and further. Is that because of the players being so damned good? Playing under world class managers every week. Playing champions league finals. Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Spurs have all been in the final the past 3 seasons. Thats the pinnacle of club football. So i dont think Southgate could do much wrong.
When Mancini sussed out the English tactics last night he changed his formation and it worked. It was there for all to see, England were being pressed and pressed. Southgate did nothing. I read on the Sky Sports website today that he did exactly the same against Croatia in the semi final 3 years ago. 3 man defence with 2 wing backs. Once the opposition suss this out and change their formation accordingly, it means that the 2 wing backs become part of the defence. A 5 man defence. So its hard to get out of your own half. Being under pressure constantly.
England's attack consisted of 3 players. Kane didnt have 1 shot all night. He got no service. Too many defensive players. England are best when attacking its as obvious as daylight.
Hindsight's a great thing, but when big decisions were needed Southgate did nothing and therein lies his failing

a reply to: mirageman

I think some of the comments are a little harsh about Southgate as he did not have the benefit of hindsight.

I assure you, I'm not trying to blow my own trumpet here but I did sort of call it before the game.
And a few others have mentioned Southgate's cautiousness.

It seems Gary Lineker shares some of the same concerns;
www.bbc.co.uk...

There's no denying that Southgate has done remarkably well in some departments.
His preparation and attention to detail is second to none.
He has the squad playing and pulling together and with a purpose and sense of pride I for one have never seen in an England team.
He seems to command a lot of respect and the players enjoy working with him.

But he is just too defensive and conservative in his approach.
He seems to set his teams up not to lose rather than to win.
And far too often he is behind the game with his substitutions and incredibly reluctant - or even incapable - of adjusting his tactics during a game.

The entertainment, joy and pride he has brought to this nation can not be understated and deserves recognition for what he has given to the team and the country.
But more of the same will not win us anything - and make no mistake, we have a group of players who are more than capable of winning major tournaments.

Maybe he needs someone who is more proactive in his approach working alongside him?

a reply to: Freeborn

From your link

Lineker, who it should be stressed was totally supportive and rich in his praise for Southgate's work, wrote: "I think going forward England have to find a way of being more attack-minded. Braver in possession and throwing more people forward. We have the forward talent to scare teams, at present we seem scared ourselves to release that talent."

He's spot on with that comment. The attacking talent England have is frightening almost. Take off one defensive midfielder. Stick with a back 4. And unleash the talent.

a reply to: Oldcarpy2

Almost got it, you need to either upload and use the url code or use the one I posted and take the spaces out.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Thanks. I'll have a go tomorrow if that's OK as have to do some w*rk as have a trial to prep on Wednesday.

Congratulations and no hard feelings. You b@#tard.

a reply to: SecretKnowledge

a reply to: Freeborn

Fair points guys and I was addressing comments more generally about Southgate beyond just this thread. I was defending Southgate's record and how it has it got England further than we've been since 1966.

But I totally agree about last night. When it came to the final hurdle he was left wanting.

Southgate certainly has some great young players at his disposal, and I think Qatar will be his last attempt to deliver with England. Even if he seems more suited to the international game than club management. I can't see him managing one of England's big clubs, Real or Barca, Juve, PSG or Bayern.

a reply to: Oldcarpy2

LOL, no worries. I'll buy your grouchy ass a pint next time I'm in the UK.

a reply to: Oldcarpy2



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Copy/paste this into the signature box, then change the cip in both brackets to pic. Be mindful of the / in the right side brackets.

a reply to: mirageman

Southgate will move into a senior administrative or management role within the F.A. probably getting a knighthood a few years down the line.

He seems tired and weary - it must be all consuming at times.

Regardless of how we perform in Qatar - don't get me started on why its being held there! - I can't see him staying on beyond that.

a reply to: Freeborn

I can't see him staying on beyond that.

You hope...

With any luck he'll resign by the end of the week

Zidane is available.

originally posted by: SecretKnowledge
a reply to: Oldcarpy2



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Copy/paste this into the signature box, then change the cip in both brackets to pic. Be mindful of the / in the right side brackets.

Thanks.

a reply to: Oldcarpy2

Gawd. Not working!

a reply to: SecretKnowledge

In the cold light of day it has to be acknowledged that he has brought about some great changes.

I wouldn't be adverse to the idea of bringing his successor into the fold, initially on a part-time basis increasing to full-time involvement during the 2022 Finals - provided his successor is a bit more dynamic and proactive.

a reply to: Oldcarpy2

Sent you a PM mate.

a reply to: Freeborn

Still not working. I'll try again tomorrow. Gaaaah!

a reply to: SecretKnowledge

Zidane is available.

I'd rather have a Jock than a Frog!

Only nationality that could be worse would be an Argey......but then again, Pochettino wouldn't be that bad a shout.

a reply to: Freeborn

Hhahaahahaaa So who would you like to see as a new manager?

Someone who might be available, who'd leave their current job to do it. No point saying Klopp or Tuchel. Someone nearing the end of their contract. Or available now.

I know who'd be great, but i'll wait and see who you come up with.

originally posted by: Oldcarpy2
a reply to: Freeborn

Still not working. I'll try again tomorrow. Gaaaah!

You've almost got it, just put brackets on the outsides where ive put an x

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a reply to: SecretKnowledge

OK