England fall at the last hurdle… Again | Three Up Front

[@huggyster]

Not a single mention of Philip Walter Foden, in a tournament which was dominated by young talent: Williams, Yamal, Musiala, Wirtz, Guler, Conceicao, Maino etc... Foden started every game for us and registered probably one good half of football. In terms of under performers, he and Kane were up there with the biggest.

[@alexsimonelis164]

Foden had chances and is always dangerous. Similar to Palmer.

[@huggyster]

@@alexsimonelis164 statistically incorrect, 0 goals or assists, lost the ball more than other England player, hardly had forward passes into the box. Palmer was clear all tournament

[@abody499]

his deliveries into the box were mostly rotten and he kept losing it in the earlier matches

[@Prosperagainstcunts]

Classic walter

[@sebastianvella8992]

Totally agree he was rubbish bar one half in the semi. He has now played close to 40 matches and only scored 4 goals. He may be young, but his time might already be up. A new manager must be ruthless. From my experience watching International football players who have a successful International career have a great start like Palmer. The only exception that I can remember was Waddle who improved his performances who were lacklustre only prior to Italia 90.

[@matt94alexander32]

Sitting back, inviting pressure, riding our luck and hoping for magic moments isn’t the way to play football when you are England.

[@matt94alexander32]

@@paultaylor9498We did that in EVERY game! Only 1st half vs Holland was we a bit forward for any period of time.

[@matt94alexander32]

@@paultaylor9498Did you watch any of the games? Think most will agree with me and those that don’t clearly haven’t been watching.

[@Sam-gw5pl]

@@paultaylor9498did you??!!

[@Sam-gw5pl]

@@paultaylor9498 I’ll pipe down for no one, let alone you pal. BTW Denmark had more possession than us, so you’re wrong. Who are you? A Southgate burner account?

[@Kurgan618]

​@@Sam-gw5pllol!

[@stockg1379]

beat poor teams and lost against good teams is Southgstes legacy

[@stevenbarlow7088]

Best ever don't you know! Hahahaha. for me, the worst we've had in respect of style of play.

[@ComradeOgilvy1984]

Looking at Southgate's record over the last four major tournaments, the best teams Gareth ever defeated were a Colombian side whose star player was having a poor tournament (2018), a bizarrely underperforming German side (2021), and a decent Netherlands which was a shadow what we have seen from them in recent memory (2024). That is it. England has never beat a single team that was playing very good football while Southgate has been at the helm.

[@wrfootball3847]

All other managers Legacy (except Ramsey) before Southgate: Lost/drew to many poor teams Lost to decent teams. I can't think of a single biggish team we beat in knockouts since I been watching in 1986. Even beating Spain in 96, Spain weren't a big side back then, never won a tournament at that point.

[@MrJeffHead]

When you consider all the extra times and pens and his losses he actually had a win % below 50% in tournaments despite playing such poor opposition.

[@wrfootball3847]

​@ComradeOgilvy1984 perhaps but before Southgate it was so much worse, we even lost/drew to many average sides and barely won opening games. Since Southgate they have beaten some big sides (Netherlands and Germany, who have previously won tournaments) in knockouts. (Never beaten any big name sides like this in knockouts before). Whatever people's opinion is on Germany not being good, it's still a huge pressure fixture given the rivalry and history of that match. Most deep down didn't really expect England to beat Germany that day before the game. Did you? There is a reason why. They also beat other decent sides like Switzerland this time and Denmark 2021 in knockouts again. Also beat Croatia in group game. These are still pretty decent sides. I can't think of a single biggish team we beat in KNOCKOUTS since I been watching in 1986. Even beating Spain in 96, Spain weren't a big side back then, never won a tournament at that point.

[@gilesmcdowall8860]

Southgate sent 3 players home because they weren’t fit enough but he kept Kane in knowing he was carrying an injury. Southgate also kept Luke Shaw with an injury! So I can understand Grealishs’ anger at being dropped.

[@gerryz8216]

True but even if taken Gareth would have given him 3 minutes of stoppage time 😅

[@daleviker5884]

@@gerryz8216 I'm convinced that Southgate didn't play Gordon because he was surprised at the backlash over Grealish. If he played Gordon and he didn't perform, Southgate would have been criticized. So the easiest thing was to not play Gordon, and avoid the risk of criticism.

[@nigeats65]

There is definitely 'history' between Southgate & Grealish. Not only was he incorrectly dropped from the squad for this tournament BUT recall the pre selection of penalty takers before Euro 20 (2021) at Wembley. Grealish is clearly seen to be nodding in accepting that he wants to take a penalty. So what happens..? Southgate chooses 3 players who he was trying to prove to the UK & World media that they were iconic & special. We all know they tried to be too clever & missed. I bet Southgate would have loved to have played a Team of non-indigenous players. How can he really leave Grealish out..? Definitely a clash of personalities (& the fact he is white).

[@ErichSermon]

​@nigeats65 wow what a ignorant comment...

[@darren-lee]

England very lucky to reach the final, but were outplayed by Spain, and lucky not to lose by more than 2 goals. If you look at the stats, makes you think how did the game ended 2-1, spain should have won by more.

[@ComradeOgilvy1984]

Stones' superb performance saved England from a demolition job. Spain could have put 4-5 in, if not for John getting some difficult blocks and tackles just right.

[@tomfletcher9247]

Troy is bang on, Southgate is too stubborn to play Gordon, Watkins, Palmer incase they smash it and everything would say well that was obvious.

[@redmed10]

He was more worried about losing than winning. He doesn't even consider the possibility of winning.

[@thecraftyguy6358]

I'm not sure about Gordon and Watkins. Palmer for sure and should have got more game time.

[@aldozilli1293]

Kane even clearly not fully fit was still getting the goals. Watkins would not have been better, he had zero impact against Spain when given more time and that is his fresh legs against tired.

[@pearcegreatesteverleftback03]

@@aldozilli1293So Who then? Toney? Or simple fact that England strikers just aren’t good enough

[@aldozilli1293]

@@pearcegreatesteverleftback03 Kane was good enough but starting to look a shadow of his former self, so yes we haven't got anyone nearly as good as him in the wings.

[@lukelocks9083]

How the hell did Walker get into the UEFA's team of the tournament! Was at fault for the 2 Spainish goals, offered nothing offensively to aid Saka, his assist to Kane, took 2 deflections in order to arrive to Kane. The only player that could have, would have been Guehi.

[@tmkent]

Team of the tournament is bollocks, I agree, but Walker wasn't at fault for either goal. The 2nd was 100% Saka

[@JYPapin]

The goals coming from his side doesn’t mean he was at fault. All the build ups were from the left side. For the first goal Shaw and Bellingham failed to get tight to Carvajal and Yamal. Olmo clever run pulled Walker inside leaving space on the right side for Williams. Rice and Mainoo were nowhere to track Olmo for Walker to defend his side.

[@tomarmstrong1992]

​@@tmkentThe second goal the defensive drop and walker doesn't drop. If he drops with his defence he'd have an extra few yards and would have blocked the cross. He was caught out.

[@tomarmstrong1992]

​@@JYPapinFirst goal Saka and Mainoo didn't do enough. Along with Jude and Shaw who got the press all wrong. Second goal walker didn't read the situation so well. Should have dropped with his back 4.

[@ThomasSelway]

@@JYPapin he was banging the talk sport bird too

[@yuvraj8494]

Graeme Souness can anchor this program on his own. His knowledge and in-depth analysis is mind blowing. Frank, to the point and constructively criticism make this channel better. Great work guys. A perfect trio.

[@incitatusdelaruinalparaiso3166]

Overall the english commentators has been fair telling Spain won convincingly, but still there are few people who tried to delude themselves in the way "the difference between Spain and England is just one goal in the final, "when the truth is the differemce between these two teams is an abyss.

[@freddysquirenaranjo4859]

Spanish teams in all Men's Major Football Finals have since 2001, "Won Every Single Final" they have competed in!!!!! 24 out of 24 finals.... PS This weekend Spain just won the Euro U19 against France 2 nil, of which is not included in the above.... it's in their culture from a very very young age!

[@stevewturnbull]

I'm sure - as always happens with coaches - Southgate's cautious approach and nervy demeanour rubbed off on the players. We need someone who is confident and relaxed. We also need someone who understands that England need to keep the ball better and create chances from midfield, like every successful team ever.

[@chavinho7793]

Bro south gate didn't tell them to stay back they automatically did it on their own . England sucks at possession and Spain was NEVER going to let em have it. Despite the small clubs most those Spanish guys play for they have possession based football in their DNA since little kids. England values strength and athleticism over technique historically and it showed

[@monkey39128]

​@@chavinho7793 That's not entirely true. The FA changed a lot of that after 2010, kids started playing on smaller pitches and talent on the ball became more of a focus. The real difference is that at best we've had 12 years of employing these methods (Going by the date St George's Park was opened but in reality the time is probably even shorter than that) whereas the Spanish have had decades upon decades. Like you said it's in their DNA, there are no shortcuts.

[@chavinho7793]

@@monkey39128 well I was right up until 2010 then. The kids coming up now won't be ready to showcase their talent till at least ten more years and that's IF it was done correctly the first batch might not be good enough but the 2nd one maybe

[@monkey39128]

​@@chavinho7793 Yeah you're right, it's going to take time and there will definitely be problems along the way. Plus there's the fact that any English coaches involved are essentially learning on the job. The fact that we're winning some of the under tournaments is a good start but there's definitely still a lot of "old England" in these players. It'll be interesting to see how it develops.

[@declanshanahan3888]

@@chavinho7793 That opinion is out of date, that is not the situation around the academy system for the last 8-10 years and Southgate has been part of that process. I know this as my lad is in the system. We have won titles at youth level across age groups nationally. We are though behind and we have a lot of foreigners playing at the top level and English kids not given the chance with the exception of teams like Utd who will put kids in. The talent is there it's about opportunity and you have to rely on a manager taking a gamble on a kid - Kobbie Mainoo, Palmer was brave to leave as he didn't see a pathway. The annoying thing is when we beat the Germans at Wembley last time round we went at them and was under Southgate and for some reason since then he became cautious. No idea why.

[@patrickhannon8126]

The biggest monkey on our back is the bloody ‘Three Lions’ song. Should’ve been abolished after Euro ‘96. Constant dredging up of ‘66 glory and our inability to win anything since. Southgate in charge of England is the equivalent of having a performance vehicle and never getting it out of 2nd gear. The outpouring of love for him since his resignation is frankly laughable. Two consecutive easy-route Euro Finals-one with mainly home advantage & still nada. Still,at least our penalties were good,eh?🙄

[@SAnd-pd1ou]

Brilliant song 👏

[@Squadron_Bodron]

This is antisemitic. Delete.

[@Dinobaburas.]

​@@SAnd-pd1ouAn Arrogant expectancy statement that's gonna haunt you's for ever! ABE🇪🇦😎😭🇪🇦

[@SAnd-pd1ou]

@@Dinobaburas. Think you picked me up wrong. I love the song cause it adds to the hype, and as sure as the sun rises in the east, ends up in abject failure🤣 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇪🇸

[@jbuk4369]

I agree. Every time I hear the song or the saying, or even see it in print, I cringe.

[@PALACEKAV]

You wouldn't believe the difference when Oliver Glasner took over from Roy Hodgson at Palace,in 4 months,incredible. Get this one right and things shift quickly.

[@Gigs2trappy]

Been a life long palace fan and honestly never been more excited for us lads rly hope it’s not a let down 👌

[@bilallee5614]

Looking forward to seeing how you guys do this year.

[@andrewkirk3159]

How important was Wharton to the improvement do you think?

[@Brodda-Syd]

Would we accept an England manager that comes from a country that calls a game of throw and catch football?

[@PYPN]

TRUE

[@gratefulkm]

In that team , the moment the manager does not play TAA, The rest of the team know to never take any risks and they play scared

[@chucky7826]

So what's your excuse for the games he played when they were even worse than when mainoo was in

[@ComradeOgilvy1984]

@@chucky7826 That England was bad for many reasons that had nothing to do with Trent. When Trent was on the pitch, he was involved in the majority of England's chances -- he was not the problem. It was obvious to everyone a lot English players were playing poorly due to crap tactics (Jude, Phil). That said, I would start Mainoo over Trent. Trent is a player you bring on when England falls behind in a KO game. It is beyond bizarre that Southgate would let Pickford mindlessly lump balls forward while behind with Trent on the bench. Trent is literally one of the best long ball passers in the world, and he is better with his weak foot than Pickford is with his strong foot. If you are going to lump balls forward or make hopeful crosses, actually let someone do it who is capable.

[@anthonybowyer1874]

Not only the most interesting; but also the most accurate dissection of England's Euro's. England can only succeed at future tournaments if we select players and play them in their club position: we must stop trying to squeeze our best players in to one team.

[@Chinaboatman]

Unbelievable the level of delusion. This nonsense narrative that's already developed that England have better players than Spain and only lost becuase of Southgate. If you put any england player in that Spain team you would create a weak link because the English players - STILL - don't have their level of technique, positional awareness or creative vision. England tried to press Spain - they couldn't. The Ppsnish players were jsut too good on the ball, too comfortable. Light years ahead of the English players. The English players look good in teams filled with quality foreign players designed to facillitate them. Watch some football outside of the premier league for god's sake.

[@lestrem11]

Simply removing Kane would have helped massively.

[@Brodda-Syd]

@@lestrem11 And swapping out Foden for Gordon on the left. I think we still would have lost anyway.

[@lestrem11]

Just so you know ,child. Do you honestly think Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest we’re the best teams in Europe when they won the cup? They had the best managers at the time. Do your research.👍

[@wobkgs]

In 7 games we were the better side in 1 half. Hardly a player in the Switz, Serbia ,Slovenia or Denmark squad would get anywhere near this England side, yet they all outplayed us. The system was wrong.

[@aldozilli1293]

Firstly the problem comes from people like you who over estimate the England players. Other teams are also stacked with equal and better talent.

[@wobkgs]

@@aldozilli1293 Name a few who are better.

[@SAnd-pd1ou]

Here we go again. You think all your players are good because the glorious Prem tells you. Two potentially world class player and the rest alright

[@wobkgs]

@@SAnd-pd1ouOne of the swiss penalty takers couldn't even get in the Burnley team

[@SAnd-pd1ou]

@wobkgs OK, pray tell what world class players England have ie. they would be in there natural position in a world 11?

[@Tony_jr12]

Can someone correct simon about rice dominating rodri in both wins? Rodri didnt play in the 1st game that arsenal won, so thats incorrect and the 2nd game was a 0-0 draw which man city absolutely dominated and arsenal parked the bus and held on for a draw. So please where did rice dominate rodri 🤦‍♂️

[@nudisco7882]

Who won Euros Player of tourney? Who do many say is #1 in entire world this season? Rice shouldn't be in the same sentence with Rodri.

[@lycheeznuts]

Rodri got booked to duck the rice fade at the emirates

[@Tony_jr12]

@@lycheeznuts 😂😂

[@Fortefortay]

Remarks about Rodri are awfully incorrect. He didn’t play in the first game against Arsenal at the Emirates, so obviously Rice dominated midfield and secondly, both Spanish goals came in the final once he had been taken off the pitch 😂

[@athreyathandeswaran7510]

I don't buy your rhetoric. Foden was tasked with man-marking Rodri. When Zubimendi replaced Rodri, Foden pushed up and England pressed in a 4-4-2. As a result, Spain had a free man in the midfield and Rice had to jump. Rice jumping freed up Yamal centrally and then BOOM. GOAL. The goals came after the Rodri sub not because of Rodri's lack of quality but because of a proactive tactical change made by De La Fuente.

[@Fortefortay]

⁠you’re missing my point. He wasn’t on the pitch. You can’t talk about the genius of Rodri and use two out of three examples where he wasn’t even playing

[@alexcoleman3999]

Thank god someone mentioned it. Can't hack this Rice propaganda

[@AC_Milan1899]

​@@athreyathandeswaran7510what does 'jump' mean? I know Pep says 'when he jump, you jump'

[@TomBerishaj]

English pundits only watch the Prem and whichever games the Prem teams play in the Champions League.

[@jackmannion143]

The pure incompetence to not have palmer starting and impacting games early after having proved himself the only player capable of contributing in all stages of the tournament

[@nudisco7882]

THIS one thing ruined the team.

[@Vegan_Photographs]

@@nudisco7882one player in a disfunctional team doesn’t make that much of an impact! Really tired of speaking about individuals when it’s the mentality

[@Teos123]

​@@Vegan_PhotographsBut he did make an impact in every game he came on.

[@beejj6190]

Fkin...hell can somebody unblock Deeney's nose - he virtually can't speak now, lol!! Plus, Safegate is all about playing NOT to lose / playing for penalities (in tournaments) / being tactically (rarely playing the best players in their best positions), strategically naive (as he rarely makes the most obvious adjustments) / then gambling on moments of individual brilliance to get a result in the last ten minutes. Bottom Line: He is bang average, overly- cautious, stubborn / defensive and lucky...

[@nudisco7882]

@@Vegan_Photographs mate, did you SEE the matches? Ollie Watkins said he AND Palmer decided on the bench what they'd do IF they got on. And then DID it minutes later (to save the game). Jude & Palmer decided let's not lose and teamed up on the goal in the Finals (to equalise). The best individual players with the strongest mentality took over despite the trainwreck all tourney. England better build around those who refuse to lose mentality instead of all these "nice lads"

[@thetrevorosborne]

I've been watching England in tournaments since 1970 and apart from a few games here and there its usually the same old story the same old narrative . Players put that England shirt on they suddenly look laboured and tired bereft of ideas .We are predominately not a good watch we always play with caution and conservatism .never on the front foot always worry about the opposition rather then let them worry about us etc. This cautious approach can only get you so far. To win you have to take chances take risks be brave. Over the years England have had many strong talented squads going to major tournaments the most disappointing thing is not that we don't win..... its that we don't play well we don't give ourselves a chance by being brave taking risks. Consequently at the end of the tournament the frustration and disappointment that is England again underperformed, not just the fact that we still haven't one a major tournament since 1966 . It leaves one yet again feeling rather underwhelmed by the whole experience.

[@daisyholmes1773]

So true. We want a team we can support and. enjoy watching, who gives it their best shot. You can’t play elite sport in second gear. If they win all the sweeter.

[@nimascolari1508]

England got to finals and semis IN SPITE of Southgate not because of Southgate. Let that sink in. Individuals bailing him out not tactics bailing the team out. Tactically amateur.

[@jeffd3473]

​@@Krampus5164they have literally never had a good manager. Always comes down to the manager

[@nimascolari1508]

@@Krampus5164 under Fabio C, Sven they played attacking but had club rivalries and faced the best generation/golden era of football. Literally every squad was historic from Spain, France, Brazil, Germany, Italy etc look at the squads. England's golden generation were not as good as France or any of the top nations. Nowhere near. This team compared to opponents is far better but Southgate is tactically incompetent. We've had the easiest brackets ever and only attack when we are behind. It's tragic.

[@zolimbika]

More of favorable fixtures

[@Skutnu]

@@Krampus5164 Answer is simple. We overrate these English players too much, that disease still remains to this day. Premier League football will never translate into international football. High octane low cerebral football, isn't how the rest of Europe plays, and will never play. The rest of Europe does not bring their youth through to be able to play like that, so it isn't just athletes coming through who know how to pass the ball decent, they have real ballers that make it, with England, they filter out the ballers for the athlete. These 'superstars' in the PL playing for the national team only look good when they are in a team full of foreigners who use their brain when playing football. Declan Rice right now is the definition of overrated English trash. The man without a Jorginho or Partey next to him looks lost, nothing more than a runner, who can pass sideways...he is no different to Gallagher, Gallagher may even be more mobile than Rice, yet the man was sold for £100mill+ and a shoe in to be the next captain for England 🤦‍♂ England has had maybe 1 or 2 legit world class players in their squad in the last 25 years. Ashley Cole being one of them, and you can make an argument for Rooney, Terry and Rio too, and if he wasn't so injury prone, Reece James as well. The media, the fans love to overhype these trash playing for England, and then dumbfounded on why they can't perform at the international stage. Nothing to do with managers, all to do with the quality of players. This is a period where there is no stand out international teams atm, hence why England can reach the latter stages easier then before. But, this won't last, the youth in Spain are looking good, the youth players coming through at France are looking amazing, same with the Germans...England will go back to being quarter finalists at best by the next world cup, but, the public will keep on buying the hype generated for these English trash who are only made to look good at club level by their foreign counterparts. If anyone watched Madrid last season would know Jude is trash and was being carried heavily by Vini and Rodrygo being dangerous and pacey on the wing, with Kroos and Valverde protecting him every time he tried to dribble and lose the ball. Yet people think he deserves a Balon d'or 🤣😂

[@nimascolari1508]

@@Krampus5164 a lot better. Control games. Kane can play with Watkins or Gordon. It's not one or the other. Southgate relies on personnel to change games not tactics, shape or philosophy because he doesn't understand any of those. His subs are like for like or the same shape. It's tragic.

[@globalital]

Kane shouldnt need telling,if he wasn't right like we all knew he wasn't he should of stood up as captain and said I'm not up for this I need to sit out, disgraceful man management from Southgate, everyone saying his man management is one of his strengths,kane should of stood up and said I'll sit out for the good of the team, country,fans ect

[@intenzityd3181]

Agreed Kane should have been punished in some way for misleading the coaches about injuries. It's just lying fir the sake of ego.

[@DannyTaylorDT]

@@intenzityd3181he did the same thing to Spurs in one of the finals they lost, played when he was blatantly still hurt and couldn’t do anything

[@pauloneill914]

He did the same for Spurs champions league final. Kane is selfish

[@adeldaqo3880]

With no playmaker even god kannst score goals. Kane score 3 without any one passing the ball to him

[@ComradeOgilvy1984]

@@intenzityd3181 Doesn't matter. We all knew it after watching Kane in his very first match of the tournament. Kane did not suddenly get worse or better, but maintained consistent mediocrity. The coaching staff could not have missed it. Gareth just did not want to do the obvious, because he plays favorites under pressure.

[@Andrew-ms5ee]

Rice has been found out

[@chuak.c7349]

Found out he actually is a side pass, back pass,anyhow pass 100 million donkey 🫏

[@brettriverboat9920]

Rodri is the best midfielder in World Football and it's not even close

[@leejohnson3068]

💯

[@nigelball3329]

European football anyway. Let's see how Spain go at the next World Cup.

[@anandmorris]

Spain only scored when he was taken off.

[@jereflechis4014]

@@anandmorrisDoesn’t change this fact

[@jereflechis4014]

@@anandmorrisDoesn’t change this fact kid

[@neilherring]

Kane didnt get any service because he was constantly out of position.

[@Leewoods123]

Simon saying Spain didn’t dominate England in the first half🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@addy1231]

They didn’t

[@Leewoods123]

@@addy1231 give your head a wobble!! They had near 70 per cent possession and created numerous chances!🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@gerryclarke9795]

@@addy1231 Oh yes they did!

[@freddysquirenaranjo4859]

@@addy1231 blinded by the light my friend or too much beer 🍻 🍻 after Nico scored, Spain should have had a least 3 before Puddin Bowl Palmer scored! Otamendi was brilliant also Dani Olmo to Oyarzabal and he to Cucurella and the return cross, back of the net, job done 86 minutes and England fucked lol 😂😂

[@johnwhite7306]

Rice is a huge issue for England as cannot play the ball forward quickly or one touch.

[@tusharimdad9595]

Pleasantly surprised with this discussion: engaging, good pace and nice synergy between the 3 - exactly what England could have done with 😂

[@maxbranning4172]

Rodri didn’t play when Arsenal beat City at the Emirates

[@chrisdnz7]

Indeed

[@craigmitcham2619]

the 2 games home and away that were probably the most boring last season, pep has ruined the style of football that everyone plays now, bielsa said it best the other week 5 mins of 90 worth watching, and i wont watch england until world cup if they make it

[@paulbuckingham9627]

Depends if they're talking solely league, or if the community shield is being accounted for as well

[@maxbranning4172]

@@paulbuckingham9627 true. Game was a draw mind

[@lycheeznuts]

Bc he got booked to duck rice

[@thechameleon344]

Graeme, if you had just a cursory look at the team Spain put out against Scotland compared to the team in the Euros, you would have noticed immediately that Spain had 10 different starters in the Euros team. Come on! It took me two minute's to find that out. Professional?

[@abody499]

I thought Rice was one of the worst, along with Walker. How Walker became right back of the tournament is beyond comprehension. His mistakes kept coming over and over.

[@tournaline3448]

Walker has always been just a roadrunner. Poor player technically and not the best footballing brain. Rice - never understood the hype.

[@AC_Milan1899]

'Kyle Walker Abuse' still alive and kicking. I thought he'd fixed his reading of the game and misreading the play.

[@alexsimonelis164]

Walker at least puts out. He tries very hard. Rice - no. Tried a bit in the final, but far from enough.

[@Youtubechannel-po8cz]

I must agree, Rice is Mr negative, side ways or passing backwards and Walker got caught out of position multiple times. I don’t think England under achieved, I think the opposite they over achieved. Negative tactics and a fear of defeat led to ‘defeat’. I say better to go down fighting on the front foot like Georgia and Turkey. There’s no disgrace losing a game if you give it everything you’ve got, not like timid and turgid England, too frightened to have a go.

[@MohamedHasan-mb3hi]

totally i agree with you about walker & never critised by pundits

[@amritheer5564]

Graeme souness is absolutely bang on when he talks about Rice!

[@matthewbarber13]

No he really isn’t

[@amritheer5564]

@@matthewbarber13 good player, not 100M player. Kante is a defensive mid yet hes very good on the ball, makes the team tick. 1 forward pass in a euro final is woeful. Better player in that position would elevate the team immensely.

[@matthewbarber13]

@@amritheer5564 well the fact is his is a £100m player. Why is he expected to make the team tick given his role in the team is to sit in front of the back 4? How many others in that defence/midfield struggled to move the ball forward given that our creative players were nowhere to be found in positions to receive the ball? If you watched the games you would see time after time the sheer frustration in Rice, Stones and Guehi that their only option was to go back to each other. Rices stats for the tournament as a defensive midfielder have him up there as the best. Souness can bang on as much as he wants, Rice is pivotal to Arteta and Arsenal, he’s a leader who did not let the team down in any situation. His ability to win the ball back and press further up the pitch allow Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard, Havertz to do what they do best. To be that consistent week-in-week-out in the PL makes him worth every single penny Arsenal have spent on him and more. Souness is a relic, who talks for clout/relevancy. He can talk about the players he played with and whatnot and have his little love in with Jordan. He’s bitter, outdated and over opinionated and offers very little insight into the game as it is today, he lives in the past and loves it when people say oh Graeme what a player you were back in the day, but that’s just it……. Back in his day, his tenure within the PL has shown how out of touch he is and shows a real immaturity and ego when he goes in on a player. No one is talking about how Foden was the worst player in the tournament by any team or that Kane was not fit, the 2023 version of Bellingham has gone AWOL in 2024- has struggled to be the player he thinks he is in his own mind. These players were supposed to be the reason England were so fancied to win the tournament yet it felt like the rest of the team were carrying them, Walker looked every bit a 34 year old and suddenly cannot seem to see the danger in and around him but can do it with eyes closed playing under Pep. But sure Declan’s performances were the real issue. Ffs 🤦‍♂️.

[@KD_5759]

That CB talk is crazy, but the safe sideways passing is true

[@chuak.c7349]

Arsenal will play better ,entertaining football without rice. He is such a momentum killer.

[@Best_game59]

What happened in the second half is that Fabian Ruiz dropped into right back just like Toney Kroos was doing for Germany. It made it harder to press him unlike pressing Rodri in the midfield. With Kane not pressing, Foden vacated pressing Zubimendi who came in for Rodri and started pressing Fabian Ruiz, Mainoo, as Sounness has noted did not hold the midfield position, Rice was left tracking Olmo and Zubimendi, he also dropped deep leaving a big hole in the midfield. Saka was further up and did not track Cucurella..,Walker did not hold his line.,, that small change of shifting Ruiz disorganised England structure...

[@conormcbride9281]

😅😂

[@ChampSportz]

1 completed forward pass in 90mins for a 100m pound player. And we are told he's world class. Pants

[@Brodda-Syd]

Who told you he is world class?

[@mloose7870]

@@Brodda-SydAssnal Clowns! You idiots say him & Rodri are the best in the world 🤡

[@bushmonster1702]

I've actually never heard him described as world class.

[@Skutnu]

@@Brodda-Syd Literally ever arsenal fan in existence

[@Brodda-Syd]

@@Skutnu I'm an Arsenal fan, I the only Arsenal player that can might be considered "World Class" is Odegaard.

[@shumannongera]

Is it illegal to speak about Foden???

[@theblues8840]

It’s almost as if there’s more to football than scoring goals… Yes England have some top goalscorers but they need a foreigner to control the game for them at club level, Rodri for City, Jorginho for Arsenal, Kroos/Modric for Madrid etc. You can’t have Rice, Bellingham or Mainoo in midfield and expect to control the game when none of those players play that role. England simply don’t have an elite midfielder who controls possession, so they rely on being direct!

[@craigmitcham2619]

ur aving a laugh aint u 1 shot in most games, boring as fuck football

[@chavinho7793]

Exactly but tell these idiots on the comments section they have no clue💡

[@Windbadger]

I disagree. Mainoo is quality and once he gets more experience he'll be a world beater. Bellingham was played out of position. He should be in central midfield, where the has all the attributes to succeed.

[@theblues8840]

@@Windbadger Mainoo is quality but this just proves the point, the best players don’t make the best team. If your midfield 3 is Mainoo, Rice and Bellingham then who will dictate the tempo because none of them do it for their clubs either?

[@RL-]

We aren't direct though. We play pointless possession and look clueless in the final third. Wing to centre circle to wing, game after game, year after year. What version of England have you been watching? The last few minutes of games where we're behind or level and Pickford is trying to find Toney? 😂😭

[@karlhoward2737]

Troy….top man, damn good player….I really like Souness, I was lucky to see him play for Rangers……true grit….both of them….we need this now for both England and Scotland.

[@pearcegreatesteverleftback03]

WHY are so many in form players excluded from tournament squads just coz they play for smaller PL clubs? England gone wrong with this for over 20 years.

[@thesumster7016]

At last someone see Rice for what he is i.e the best backpasser in the business

[@Direct_Dutchy]

Rafael van de Vaart commented the same but got absolutely hammered for it by the English :p

[@Skutnu]

Declan Rice right now is the definition of overrated English trash. The man without a Jorginho or Partey next to him looks lost, nothing more than a runner, who can pass sideways...he is no different to Gallagher, Gallagher may even be more mobile than Rice, and can look up when passing, so makes forward passes, yet Rice was sold for £100mill+ and a shoe in to be the next captain for England. England will go nowhere with these system players who look half decent with their foreign counterparts in the PL, leading them at the international stage.

[@Skutnu]

@@Direct_Dutchy The English press have been rating overrated trash for the last 30 years as world class or something close to that. Honestly, the only player that was world class and managed to translate that into international football for England was Ashley Cole. You can make an argument for Rio and Terry too, but, Ashley Cole was the only one who looked world class at Chelsea, and looked world class for England consistently. They would play Ronaldo the opposite side so he didn't have to go up against Ashley Cole.

[@fortheloveofmusic860]

Rice could make a decent central defender. But he's too limited to play in midfield.

[@martinharvey2390]

If you don't have anyone making runs or showing to receive a pass its hardly the fault of the person trying to make that pass that he can't. So he either has to go backwards, sideways or give the ball away. Would you prefer he hits and hopes and ultimately gives the ball away? Also Southgate didn't use him in the role he fulfilled for Arsenal last season, which was basically as a box to box ball winner, breaking the opponents up high up the field. He is quite adept at doing that from a deep lying position which is effectively what he's been asked to do and you only realise how well he does that when he's not there. In the first group game the opponents completely dominated the 2nd half, how many shots at goal did they have maybe 1 or 2 max, why was that? Because of the work Rice was doing. If you want to know how good he is ask any West Ham or Arsenal fan. Oh and Van de Fart would criticise him wouldn't he, he played the Middlesex trophy dodgers 🤔 Also he covered more ground in this tournament than any other player People are piling into Rice, Mainoo who everyone is raving about played 0 progressive passes in the final and against Switzerland he made 1. So let's get some perspective here

[@nishchaychauhan8814]

If Declan rice is 100m, rodri is atleast 300-400m

[@Brodda-Syd]

If? It is a fact that he is worth £100Mill to Arsenal as they paid it. Seems you do not know what a fact is?

[@Skutnu]

@@Brodda-Syd facts

[@Windbadger]

Rice has definite qualities but he still has a long way to go before he becomes international standard.

[@Muhammedalshabea]

@@Windbadgerwhat a stupid thing to say he would start for any country in the world

[@tournaline3448]

@@MuhammedalshabeaWhat a ridiculous statement. Would he get in the Spain team? Real Madrid? Man City? Barca? 😂

[@willmatalan2177]

I think Rice is amazing - hes someone who mostly passes sideways or backwards and usually a pass of no more than 10 m and yet hes been able to construct and stage manage his career to be worth 100m. Class act for self enrichment and promotion but not a footballers arsehole. Well done sir

[@Brodda-Syd]

So you agree he should not be in the squad.

[@nudisco7882]

He's a company man. England loves a "good lad"

[@tournaline3448]

😂😂😂

[@Suroky232]

Rice completed ony 1 forward pass in the entire game! that is truly shocking.

[@Brodda-Syd]

Why do you think that is?

[@gerryclarke9795]

@@Brodda-Syd Why do you ask?

[@Brodda-Syd]

@@gerryclarke9795 Because wise people ask questions. Fools think they know everything. Did you not know that?

[@Brodda-Syd]

@@gerryclarke9795 Wise people ask questions. F00ls think they know everything. Did you not know this?

[@terrymay8114]

if we got a penalty against spain and rice took it hed pass it back to pickford

[@Jackahuahua]

Another great episode fellas. Really cannot beleive the 'we did great and you did the nation proud lads doing the rounds on social media after the final... Fact is I thougt we were absolutely bloody awful. The in game decision making was severely painful for just about all of the tournament and if i'm being brutally honest it was uncomfortable to watch. That showing was criminal and it was a relief when Southgate stood down tbh. Yes, I agree, hs's a lovely bloke but for gods sake lets get things right here... we were absolutely diabolical and incredibly poor.

[@johnhawkinshawkins1284]

Whew! I said from the first match that Rice was undercooked.

[@siphiwomanana8666]

Spain had chances in the 1st half,Williams nearly scored a similar goal to the one he scored,Olmo had a chance, too

[@willenhallred7057]

If any manager International or domestic is scared to make the difficult calls , they have no business being a manager The top top managers are ruthless , also any player regardless if they are a legend or not should never be undropabble

[@billgiddings2362]

Spain came out in each half with brilliant attacking football, with immaculate passing, contrasted with England. In the final third, England few attacks in the first half lacked the final cross leaving H Kane mostly stranded. Yet England equalised and in the following goalmouth scrambles nearly went ahead. Kane was sorely needed during those scrambles. Spain’s winning goal four minutes from time was on the borderline of offside. In effect, it was a very close run thing with Spain actually winning on the very smallest of margins.

[@Mogambo30]

Where's the Foden criticism ??

[@terrymay8114]

because hes better than fucking rice

[@plusultra6199]

Zubimendi is a very good player and could play for a bigger name club. Don't know why they're surprised that he was good. If he wasn't, he wouldn't get in the Spain team.

[@philmarsden9594]

no way kane was 100% fit. southgate must of known, he could see what we did. but he still played him :|

[@johnnobrega4767]

Excellent watch lads . Spot on

[@conner.9262]

I have to mention, these conversations around HK is the exact conversation in the last Euros ….. WHY…… The manager is a defensive manager,a reactive manager….. HOW can you leave the best ball player in England in TAA on the bench especially when the setup was a back three…… ludicrous…..

[@nudisco7882]

Southy tied his fate to Harry Kane. Preferential treatment did him in.

[@MohamedHasan-mb3hi]

Bellingham is like Dele Ali

[@nigelball3329]

Glad they analysed this because, i have to say, i didnt recall that forward pass from Rice. Must have nodded off at that point!! 😂😂

[@AlexAkeemOgedengbe]

Foden disappointment Bellingham disappointment Kane disappointment Walker disappointment Trippier disappointment And saka had 1 good game

[@tfostercrx]

Rice too

[@Skutnu]

Sorry Saka was a disappointment too. His performance in the final was trash. That 1 good game was him playing rwb, with a hit and hope shot to save England. Jude's overhead kick doesn't cover up the fact he was trash all tournament.

[@sammybeck4855]

Trippier didn't put a foot wrong defensively aside from one pass to Guehi. Not a fault for any goal we conceded either. No one's done anything going forward really. Bellingham, Kane Foden, Walker, Rice all more disappointing

[@leebryantravels]

What's the common denominator?? Or did they all go out of form at the same time.........

[@sonnyirish3678]

In fact it was all a bit of a disappointment.

[@jimmytan2348]

No matter how good England national football teams are, they need a manager who has a good winning record in knock out tournaments, boring or exciting football, it does not matter . I hope Jose Mourinho will one day manage England and make England special again, haha !

[@FrankensteinintoFranken-FINE.]

Difference between a good manager and a bad manager, is seeing how players are playing making a decision no matter who they are, if kane himself did have issues he should have said. personally i just think thats an excuse. Kane wasn't his best the whole tournament He is not an attacking player and has not done much all tournament. The subs come on and made a massive impact previous games. The supporters know more than the manager. I said if Kane starts they will lose. What happened.

[@BOZ_11]

"England fall at the last hurdle… Again" -- Eh? England NEVERRR had a Euro final pre-Southgate. Thank him for getting there, more than any other England manager. Based on results, he is literally the second-best England manager of all time, behind old Alfie. He's miles ahead of Bobby Robson

[@Jim90117]

If we asked the question based on results against top 10 teams in the world would he still be number 1? You reckon Southgate could have beaten that 2002 Brazil team that Sven faced? Context is very important.

[@BOZ_11]

@@Jim90117 you guys lie like rugs. 2 finals ain't a fluke

[@MohamedHasan-mb3hi]

Simon please I'm your fun,don't compare the un comparable Rodri & Rice

[@jonathanhall7815]

Spain were on the front foot from the start in all games. They went behind in a couple of games and just carried on playing the same way and eventually won. England were too cautious and that is why they also didn't win any of the previous recent tournaments (2018-2022). The big, missed opportunity for England was Euro 2020(1); if they had won that game they might have approached the next two tournaments with a different mindset. Some of their games in this tournament were painful to watch.

[@JMFishing]

They could have played Spain another 5 times and lost all of them. Spain was a way more talented team. The English are blaming Southgate which is a good way of denying the fact that the players just don’t have the quality and talent to perform on the international stage. It’s a bit of a cop out and a way to bury their heads in the sand to the real issue with England.

[@stephenkelley7951]

I’ve never seen a cast of podcast hosts with less charisma

[@Alex-ng6wx]

I'm glad someone is mentioning how awful rice was

[@lycheeznuts]

Bc he was played out of position in an unbalanced mf with no structure by a gaffer with zero tactical acumen? Lol You're not very bright

[@jereflechis4014]

@@lycheeznutsEscuses

[@HarrySmith-nl6oh]

Excellent podcast. Simon Jordan’s honesty converted me from 5 Live to Talk Sport. The insight and honesty of this trio has now converted me from the Athletic’s podcasts. Whether you agree or disagree is irrelevant what should be admired is the fact that they speak their minds. For those not familiar with Souness as a player he was genuinely world class. He was’nt just a hard man he could really play. Thank you for this podcast.

[@MrStardust50]

Bellingham's attitude is poor now. He needs to get back to just playing.

[@tonymckenzie3091]

by the time we somehow got to the final I had been reduced to a state of not being bothered and felt no disappointment when we got beat....that is the effect of Southgate's England !

[@danielgalea8499]

These guys are dodging the obvious with Kane. Only one who even touched on it was Troy. Most of the opponants, Swiss, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Slovakia a little bit... They were all comfortable with their backline, regardless of personal, standing on their own half way line and daring England to play a ball in behind for Kane. They know in a race of speed they are winning it. Kane can drop in all his likes, Saka is the one and only danger to run behind because Foden, Jude, whoever, want the ball at their feet. This is why Watkins was obviously more dangerous, because he is a willing runner who will attack spaces. Whenever someone says, 'oh he has no service'. That's automatic red flag excuses. What service can they give him? When the ball is in England half he can't run, and when it's in the opponants half he was barely moving. How many times Saka did a cross of some kind and Kane was nowhere in range?

[@user-ky7fe1ce3p]

Only one performance to be analysed, Southgate, Southgate, Southgate. All the players played bad because they either had no instruction or the wrong instructions or played out of position. No player should be criticised, they don’t play like that for their clubs. Why did Southgate think he could make them play long ball defensive football !

[@gerard394]

England we're never in the race

[@aldozilli1293]

were

[@JMFishing]

They could have played Spain another 5 times and lost all of them. Spain was a way more talented team. The English are blaming Southgate which is a good way of denying the fact that the players just don’t have the quality and talent to perform on the international stage. It’s a bit of a cop out and a way to bury their heads in the sand to the real issue with England.

[@Djsonley]

@@JMFishing They aren't more talented it's purely setup and tactics. foden is better on the ball than any Spanish player. Did you see him last season against Madrid?? He was mugging them off and the year before they just annihalted Madrid on and off the ball. England's tactics didn't work on or off the ball, football is now a system game and Southgate was wayyy behind the times tactically. We were playing mid 00's football Spain were playing something more entertaining than Pep's first Tiki Taka revolution. I loved the attacking with no square pegs in round holes setup.

[@Harry-tb8yo]

@@Djsonley Did you see how the spanish players passed the ball and made plays at high speed and didn't lose the ball that often? Englands players were not capable of doing that. It was a demonstation of a skill gap. So yes, that spanish side is much more talented than the english one.

[@Djsonley]

@@Harry-tb8yo Then why did Foden and Man City play Real Madrid off the park then with 60+ percent possession every single time the past 3 years with Foden skipping past playeers at will and scoring goals? The manager sets the team up end of the day to get results. Southgate sat back with the wrong system players.

[@garethadams9610]

Soccer Credibility. Total. Unmissable. Addictive. Sensational.

[@mickraines8908]

I’m English through and through, we were shite end of .

[@Govanmauler]

Dude , imagine having to watch your team getting up ended 5-1 in the opening game 😂 I know it must hurt right now but England are a great team..time will come

[@elingrome5853]

The "PR training" is the single most annoying aspect of this time as manager... and yet the thing he's most lauded for...sounds like a policeman giving evidence in magistrate court...sends me to sleep...

[@tournaline3448]

😂 on point

[@ulfanfinneriksen4643]

Winning is more important than being loyal. More important than being proven wrong.

[@JP_LDN582]

rice is world class at passing sideways. pure class!

[@barryispuzzled]

I listened to a lot of the ex-pros doing podcasts, notable England players, who were screaming out for a left winger every game. In a tournament where there are fine margins, how did Mr Southgate conclude that a team with only a functioning right-wing attack could gain the upper hand? Well done for creating a harmonious group. And well done for tying the Spanish wingers down in the first half. But I'm afraid he has less idea that most of us how to set up a team to attack the opposition. Our forward line needed more pace.

[@matthewjamison]

Rice is Hendo 2.0

[@bushmonster1702]

we actually missed an Henderson type. A voice on the pitch.

[@nudisco7882]

No opponent fears Rice. He's too soft

[@emotionbuilder2556]

Rodri sub is beginning to look like a masterful move designed to drop England’s guard.

[@PeteRumley]

Calling souness the manager is wild when he was a far better player than troy 😂

[@CJS6611]

I am 75 and tell me why Southgate took so long to make subs. Great managers are quick to change

[@alexsimonelis164]

I'm not an expert but Rice made no sense to me. Passed sideways or backwards almost always. Rarely made an effort to lose his marker. He's the best England has? Can't be.

[@terrymay8114]

overated plodder whos stealing a living from proper players in the lower lgs

[@Markus-uc5jq]

England played like Germany in the 90-s / 2000. We had a term for this kind of playing: Rumpelfußball. Hard to watch, kind of effective because of good single players. In 2002 it was last time , this worked, in 2004 at the Euros, they were battered by Chechy and the 2nd team of Portugal. So there was the project change under Klinsmann, they got 3rd in 2006, went to the final in 2008 got 3rd in 2010 and lost the final 2012 - always against prime time Spain. Then in 2014 they got champions, and the downfall began again... Maybe England needs kind of a project, like Klinsmann started. (And De La Fuente now) Mix of powerful youth and experienced players. England's game plan was looking like based on fear. Not a good adviser... There are so many great players in England. Problem is building a team, it is obvious. Throwing in 11 stars and parking this bus most of the time might be not enough, to build a working team with perspective. When should they learn, to play, if they don't dare something?

[@kennethmacquene9045]

Graeme is so correct-- he knows the game: Harry Kane did not get any passes/ball to him-- check the game and just see it-- absolutely no service to Kane

[@nudisco7882]

Because the players know how he is

[@DavyRo]

Yes because they were expecting him to be up front but he was wandering about far to deep like a sloth. His movement was shocking. Saka done his full back 3 times in one game & delivered the box into the box. Kane didn't even challenge once for the ball. He didn't challenge the opposition centre half's for the ball. He destroyed our shape with going where we didn't need home. Everything he did he did at a snails pace. It was unbelievable how poor he was. 7 games & the defenders who marked him were on holiday.

[@Skutnu]

@@DavyRo Kane without some fast direct wingers alongside him is useless. He is another system player who only looks good when the system is set up perfect for him, at Spurs and Bayern he had some of the best direct pacey wingers to work with. Last Euros he had Sterling to work with. Southgate should have taken Sterling or used Gordon if he was adamant on playing Kane every game. But the wingers he ended up playing was more suited to a Watkins or Toney leading the lines. So half on Kane and half of the blame on Southgate. This was obvious to see from the first game, why Southgate never changed that, we will never know, but he got us to 2 finals and 1 semi's by the way....in a period where the is no stand out international teams like there was in the 2010's, 90s and 80s. That's over now though, the spanish youth, german youth and french youth all look fantastic, England will go back to being quarter finalists at best next world cup. Our golden period is over, and we failed miserably. Southgate's failures won't be felt for another 10 years though, so the man will eat of his 2 finals and 1 semi for a decade at least. This was our real golden period, not the one with Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes in the squad. They had real competition from xavi-inesta spain, del piero-pirlo-totti italy, the 3 R's Brazil...but since 2016 has there really been a stand out team like we had in the 2010's and before?? Nope, and we failed to bring a single trophy home. This was our last chance now another 50 years of wait.

[@fortheloveofmusic860]

Kane's useless without decent delivery in the box. He scored 36 goals in the Bundesliga. 31 were from inside the box. And a decent amount from those from the goalkeeper area.

[@johnclarke-vs9qe]

Did they not give him any passes because the had in the previous games and he lost or wasted it?

[@c.m.l.184]

Rodri, Fabian, Olmo, Nico, Yamine Lamal, even Morata,all attack and all defends.

[@7iger4ce]

I think he was bang on when he said Southgate was afraid to prove himself wrong "to himself". While this initially sounds absurd, especially when you point out the rationale that if dropping Kane worked it would be self evidently the correct decision... It's about the internal loyalty Southgate has to his big players, which he feels is justified and right. If he betrayal his loyalty and it works, he realises that loyalty in the pursuit of success is only a weakness and this prospect frightens some people, so they remain loyal, afraid to see the truth of ruthlessness being the superior path.

[@jamesrennie92]

To be honest, I think that it might be a mentality issue among fans and England coaches with playing certain types of midfielders. Many English people's desire is to see players "getting a sweat on" and running around the pitch, which is essentially what you do in the primary school playground. We've had controlling midfield players - Hoddle, Scholes, Carrick, et al. - but we don't seem to know what to do with them. Our best passer, set piece taker, and the player with the most league assists out of anyone in the entire squad (more than the captain and other forwards) was wearing the number 8 shirt. He spent most of the tournament on the bench. He played a bit more than two halves of football and came off the bench to score a penalty. He played more line-breaking passes than anyone else for England in the group phase and created more chances than anyone else in the group phase. This was despite him ostensibly playing out of position. Fans called for - clichéd English phrase coming up - "legs" in midfield instead, so he was replaced by Gallagher and then Mainoo. The fans demanded athletes, not footballers. The crossing of Walker, Saka, Foden, Bellingham and the rest was shocking. The set pieces were poor too. In the final, we needed someone to create chances and to pass the ball well. The best one at that was on the bench, rather than in the right channel where he is so brilliant. People talk a lot about TAA's defensive ability but we didn't win the tournament and fans are angry that we were so defensive. Maybe it's time for all of us to recognise that tournament football is about keeping the ball, so we should play the best passers in midfield. Hopefully we will also realise that players who press in temperatures between -5 C and 20 C with no humidity cannot do it in 25 to 35 C with 65%+ humidity. It's an insane argument.

[@JCC311]

Troy is obviously right about Kane. He was dropping short, which he normally does, but England have three players in Bellingham, Foden and Saka who also want the ball into feet, and Bellingham and Foden are both 10s who occupy the space between the lines into which Kane likes to drop. None of them run in behind. Kane needed to stretch the game rather than dropping in. If he can't do that, then Southgate was faced with a choice: either drop Kane or drop one or both of Bellingham and Foden. Throughout the tournament, Southgate could not decide which way to go.

[@martyjago8636]

So Souness is picking out Trippier ??? He's a rightback getting played at leftback I think you need to look at the likes of Bellingham and Kane

[@jamesburke2094]

Didi hamann on money Foden, Bellingham, kane all massively underperformed. Rice too. Lucky vs Netherlands. Skilled to compete : mainoo, palmer, saka, Grealish, shaw, bowen I need to start recording the images where Bellingham and foden fail catastrophically. People are starting to contest andclie about their failures.

[@Jamesadams210]

I agree it’s extremely hard to play on an opposite side as a fullback especially not so much for attacking players because generally there are more options when you cut inside. It’s human nature to shift the ball onto your stronger side and it’s extremely hard to deliver quality with a weak foot and there are very very few players in World. Football, who can use their week as well as their strongest one isn’t trippier fault it’s the clown who forgot to take a spare left back with him knowing full well the number one left back was injured. He then took four games to go to 3 at the back instead of just going to that system straight away which solves that problem? Anyway he could’ve easily played three centre backs and played Anthony Gordon as a left-wing back. Kane and Bellingham awful. Foden the same. Saka not much better but rice was the worse of the lot.

[@sharifs649]

​@@Jamesadams210I literally never saw tripper deliver a cross with his left foot the whole tournament that is extremely pathetic saka would mix in crosses with his weaker right foot down the right flank how can a professional footballer not even attempt this utterly frustrating

[@sammybeck4855]

He would've had an assist on his left foot had Foden not gone early with his run ffs.

[@mylesday2043]

Totally right gents! Start to finish. You can’t not lose a tournament! You have to go win it! Palmer and Watkins needed to start. Foden and Bellingham is a choice you have to make and to not take a left back was madness with Shaw injured. The great thing that Southgate has done is build a structure for young players coming through. We will win moving forward. Should have taken 1 of the last three though.

[@cedrickngoepe9059]

I dont think Jude is a number 10, he's not a creative midfielder, i thought Gareth would play him depper.

[@tonynesbit9673]

Graeame get use to it mate Simon is always spot on he is a very smart guy,England have somehow winged it through southgates tenure we got very lucky mostly playing dire football against mostly average sides until we met a few decent sides who then quite easily beat us,we at no time ever looked like we deserved to win any of those 3 tournaments.

[@matt94alexander32]

The football, media and political establishment are all right up Southgate’s backside.

[@nightman_cometh9367]

political establishment - lol, what does that even mean? You think Boris Johnson is going to get up on stage at the G20 summit and dismantle his tactics?

[@pearcegreatesteverleftback03]

Hit the nail, Foreign players make the England players look much better then they actually are. 100% FACT

[@azlifmohamed8804]

Rice is the most unnatural player in the England squad. His moves are so awkward with the ball. Hes another hendo, just a system player with coaches blessings, over working all over the pitch but resulting in lack of creativity and making all safe pass and moves.

[@GaryDixon-ww9so]

Henderson could pass a ball forward

[@KevinSheedy10]

​@@GaryDixon-ww9soWith very little quality.

[@terrymay8114]

spot on

[@jakhaughton1800]

I can’t remember which World Cup but Butch Wilkins played. He passed backwards, backwards and backwards. RIP Ray but that World Cup was a disgrace. Totally agree England’s best play was when they were behind. Why?

[@rk_092neo]

Declan Rice - What Does He Do?

[@KG-vn8ou]

I honestly don’t know. England surely can’t sustain playing with two defensive midfielders. Particularly Rice, he does nothing other than pass sideways and backwards. Mainoo as a single cdm would be enough, providing the team with defensive qualities but also a player that will link defence and attack. Rice is a good player in certain circumstances but at international level his limitations are clear and obviously exposed.

[@chuak.c7349]

Running around like a donkey with duck legs.

[@chuak.c7349]

He can do very good side pass, back pass, anyhow pass.

[@chrisjackson3750]

Jude is a fabulous young talent, seeing him in this tournament was a tough watch, seriously looks like he's suffering burnout due to the ridiculous demands on his body, time and mind, someone around him needs to look at stepping back these demands for the sake of his future

[@barryispuzzled]

Simon's right about Saka for the first Spanish goal. Saka in the first half was the right back. He was upfield for their goal.

[@gaving9041]

And also the 2nd goal. If you freeze frame that attack for Spain in the 86th minute we had absolutely nobody in the midfield because Rice and Bellingham were basically back with the defense and the front 4 didn’t really no whether we were attacking or defending. That comes from the sideline and the lack of identity within the team.

[@jackle_chien5422]

Quality Show - 3 Participant Format Works Well

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

Walker and Rice are such negative players. Every single time Walker got a chance to just cross it without touching the ball first. He got it under control, took his time checked back, and went backwards. He was an absolute disgrace. He did cross it a couple of times in the tournament, but normally, it was to no one in the box or over hit because he was so out of practice of crossing. Southgate should have been sacked after the Italian match. He is a nervous, fearful player and manager. His outlook is and always has been what might go wrong rather than what might go right. If you listen to an interview with him before a match, it's one of praising the opposition, and that negative fearful attitude rubs off on players that were playing so well for their clubs. I hate that attitude in life because it ruined my life, and it's ruined our chances of any success in the last 4 years.

[@williamrobinson4253]

If Southgate did not like what he was seeing then he should have made player or tactical changes. I agree with what you said as far as this tournament and I would add Stones who was unrecognisable as he was reluctant to pass forward. Walker and Rice are so much more positive for their clubs so either the players were playing with fear or Southgate's tactics were the cause.

[@dazza9448]

Agree about kane I’ve said it myself So many people keep suggesting he’s not been fully fit but it’s astounding how many people don’t seem to watch and recognise that the link between midfield and the attack was just poor

[@coeurdelion484]

Rice got found out for what he really is in this tournament in my opinion, no way he’s a 100 million pound midfielder!

[@colincorn8678]

well Arsenal are still saying they ripped us off

[@KevinSheedy10]

​@@colincorn8678People who spend a £100m pounds don't like to Dmit mistakes

[@Charlie_Crown]

Rice had to play according to Southgate's instructions, does he play like that for Arsenal, does he 'eck as like 😂

[@KevinSheedy10]

@@Charlie_Crown 😂amazing that Arsenal fans are completely blind to what everyone else can see.

[@stewartmaclean6665]

@@KevinSheedy10 i guess they see more him, plus he must have a better manager and team around him.