How England MUST Setup vs Netherlands.

[@oliverrhunt]

The 3-3-1-3-7 formation looks good.

[@GeorgeSampson-b1r]

This formation allows us to push 7 strikers into the box. But clueless Southgate will put out the same formation as last game 🙄

[@jixal]

Even Konsa's getting some striker action 🥸

[@ellleigh1216]

if you play kane, you need gordon or a runner in behind. if you play foden, you need a Watkins and runners in behind. both players want to progress the ball and not run in behind. they aren't working together, so one must be dropped, it's that simple.

[@l...m9415]

Well said, this has been the obvious issue since the lineup for the first game was announced. Crazy that it's not been addressed.

[@yt8co]

I don't think we need Mainoo. Foden was great when he dropped deep against Switzerland. Rice-Foden-Bellingham can be the midfield. Then play Gordon in front of Kane.

[@bannnnner]

I think Foden hasn't been making runs beyond Kane. That's been the weak link. Foden for Watkins is my vote

[@touchpotential3762]

Southgate has never replaced Sterling who was perfect for England on the left wing as he’s fast and direct.

[@jaredbowhay-pringle1460]

​@@touchpotential3762 Gordon is perfect for England on the left wing as he's fast and direct

[@Jynz0]

I think you have to start with Shaw, you can take him off when he starts looking leggy, rather than it being guess work ALSO, it gives you options, if you're behind we can bring on Eze like we have in the past, or Trippier if you're ahead

[@chyanfrancisco4818]

Agreed, playing Trippier pretty much guarantees 0-0 and HOPING Shaw can change the game, playing sure makes a surprise 1-0 or 2-0 lead possible that Trippier can defend

[@Jay_Coop]

Right on. I also don’t want Shaw in a back 3 late in the game against Weghorst if we’re trying to mount a comeback

[@Jynz0]

@@Jay_Coop agreed! & Weghorst almost certainly comes on in the second half if we're leading

[@PoliAstroN]

England’s tactics vs Switzerland: Copy & Paste and win on Pens

[@redbloodcell4047]

After watching the Swiss game I'd take pens from minute 1. Can't believe I'm saying that as an England fan.

[@panenka7656]

The Dutch now have a worse record in competition pen shoot outs than England.

[@alzer6467]

England tactics: build the team around Foden. Foden does nothing for 115 minutes before being subbed. Hope Bellingham or Saka do something.

[@IAmCrumpton]

@@alzer6467a lot of that problem is Kane dropping back into the space Foden wants to be in instead of being up the field for Foden to find. They don’t work together and I think it’s kanes fault more than Foden even though I like kane

[@alzer6467]

@@IAmCrumpton it's actually Southgate's fault. Kane has been doing that his whole career with pacy wingers. Unlike Foden, Kane can pick a pass and can perform for England. English fans and cluleless pundits like Neville and seemingly Southgate think Foden is a creative 10. He's not a KDB, Foden scores more than he creates, because he has great ball striking and excellent technical skill. It's this technical skill that fools casuals into overrating him a bit. Hes aesthetically pleasing for people. He's still a very good player but not the one you build your team around. Pep will never replace KDB with Foden, he's pretty much said it if you read between the lines.

[@Yewchoobarkontz]

Sunak said he would "Stop The Boats" Southgate said "Stop The Goals"

[@LeaguePredictor]

Love starting this video essay with inspirational quotes from Gareth 🥺

[@sirprintalot]

staggering work James, about time more English did a tactical breakdown of our opponents and not just us!

[@dazred1]

Gareth Southgate wears steel toe-capped boots to take the bins out.

[@AF-gd7fh]

Sensible. You can never be too careful

[@TfortLo-q8m]

Does he?

[@Hainesi]

Original comment

[@cameronlovelady2484]

Ha

[@drew1564]

But he succeeds in taking the bins out, after all.

[@Jay_Coop]

⚡️Shaw HAS to start!!⚡️The fluidity he brings to the build-up gives us our greatest chance of a lead against a Netherlands side that starts slow. With Netherlands typically going behind early, starting Shaw gives us the greater chance to take that lead and hold on, rather than more likely having to mount a comeback. Then we can bring on Trippier to hold that lead! Yet, if we do go behind with Shaw starting, we can easily change to a back 3 with Guehi > Konsa and Shaw > Eze/Gordon. Late in the game I’d almost rather have Konsa in a back 3 than Shaw because someone will have to deal with Weghorst; I’d definitely rather have a winger with pace than Shaw on the left to exploit the space a tired Dumfries will leave in behind. We can be just as aggressive in the second half without Shaw, but we can’t be as fluid in the first without Shaw starting ⏳

[@samwiseshanti]

This will happen: England start 4-2-3-1 Shaw starts with Mainoo Apart from that same as always The idea will be that Saka or Trippier will be moved into LB when Shaw is tired Bellingham and Kane will also look tired Probably Mainoo and Saka too But substitutions will be too late Then, either: Making subs too late costs us the game, or England win uncomfortably but everyone including me says if subs had been made earlier we would have won more comfortably.

[@Jord97x]

The dutch look so much better when Weghorst comes on and they have a target yet Koeman sticks with Depay up there who has offered very little.

[@thefootballpunnedit]

Partially fresh legs and gamestate plays into it

[@jonathandeman9051]

Depay has not been good, but starting Weghorst wont fix any issues

[@greggen63]

The idea of people suggesting Southgate would start Eze 😂. I was chuckling at the idea he'd consider making subs at 0-0 70 minutes in 🤣

[@williamdavies5957]

Southgates legacy will be real wierd when England win this euros despite not playing well..

[@I..I237]

when?😂

[@Michael-me6qu]

Each time its a win despite him and his tactics. Goals scored by Starting lineup -:1 Goals scored by altered lineup (subs): 4 Goals conceded by starting lineup: 4 Goals conceded by altered lineup:0

[@mehzgirl5044]

If not when lol??

[@michaelreay6992]

Weirdly I think we may do it.. ..undeserved...absolutely

[@JamesCM86]

@@michaelreay6992undeserved is so funny to me. The team who scores the most wins, never been about ‘deserving’ anything.

[@tobymcflurry258]

The best youtube analysis as always mate, thank you and come on the boyssss 🦁 🦁 🦁

[@wardje5195]

Gordon on the left, Palmer on the right and Watkins up front, it's easy.

[@irongiant9352]

You do make a great point about Shaw/Trippier dilemma. I love Shaw, but since he's not 100% I would say start Trippier and then bring him on around the 65' mark.

[@MaskedAnalysis1]

Southgate won't bring any player on untill the 80th minute unless we go 1-0 down then he'll make subs lol

[@irongiant9352]

@@MaskedAnalysis1 unfortunately you're right aha

[@marineboy1964]

Back 3 of konsa, stones and kane

[@Michael-me6qu]

I used to love these videos but know i know the only thing Gareth is gonna do is the wrong thing or the right thing too late. However: Essential change - Trent for Trippier, or shaw for Trippier - anyone for Trippier really and thats from a Newcastle fan. not his fault but totally not working. No point saying cant play trent - what you mean is you cant play trent on the right. If we arent winning at 60 get Gordon on. i know he wont but he 100% should. the failure ot play Gordon has been Southgate's unforgivable crime.

[@redbloodcell4047]

Gordon only getting 6 minutes while Foden starts every game has been Southgate's biggest error in my opinion.

[@thefootballpunnedit]

Gordon is really really good off the ball defensively, he makes more sense coming on and playing LWB than Eze does by far…

[@paulmoulds9500]

Bloody love you mate, a positive England fan!!! ain't checked in for a while, but slug life ain't just for Christmas Fucking cmonnnnnnnn, gonna be tough, but what if we only went and bloody done it

[@pete456113]

What really annoys me is the idiots saying if we win it, it’s in spite of the manager. That’s literally not possible

[@genuardi22]

Gakpo going to have a field day against walker

[@devilsolution9781]

It will be a field day but not for gakpo

[@Jynz0]

@@genuardi22 I think Walker steps it up, he's better when there is a clear player to lock down

[@genuardi22]

@@Jynz0 he very well could but this will be the best attack England has faced and he has looked shaky in nearly every game of this tourney so far

[@genuardi22]

@@devilsolution9781 based on?

[@Jynz0]

@@genuardi22 I wouldn't hate Konza RB this game, but it won't happen

[@WickerMan98]

'The starting lineup won't win us the game' ok so change the starting lineup for fucks sake, we all know that there won't be a single sub until the 75th minute so why bother. Im behind the team and cba with all the negativity, but at this point its madness

[@LA-ue2ph]

not really madness if it works

[@josephkerrigan733]

@@LA-ue2ph You don't believe this. If he put on 3 keepers in the starting lineup & then substituted all 3 keepers for the penalty shootout but we won you wouldn't be suggesting that because we won the decision wasn't madness.

[@nothlw]

@@LA-ue2phit hasn’t worked? We’ve scored 2 goals in 5 games with the starting 11. 3 goals in 2 games once subs are made

[@Al-oy3pk]

Would be really happy with a Gordon start down the left and bring Foden on as impact sub. Kane as well should either be swapped out for the first 60 and subbed on or the other way around. Neither have done enough for me

[@michaeldawson3223]

I think Trent is better at defending than you’re giving him credit for. Gakpo is his teammate, he will know what he’s about and if we play a 3-back then that’s ideal for Trent cos gakpo becomes the RCB’s man

[@jens2049]

LoL yes please put Trent against Cody

[@tak94zet68]

Gakpo wont become the rcb man because his starting position is really wide. Dumfries and gakpo are the players that bring the width.

[@richardcoffer4758]

Most people dont want Kant, sorry Kane to play at all but realise Southcrap loves him and realise, ah, thats how we get Tony.

[@CAEJ_]

Konsa has to start, he’s so clear of Guehi

[@lewismundy8230]

1:50 not sure we'll get away with playing that many up top

[@Mark-sg2ri]

Even if he’s only fit for 45 mins Shaw has to start

[@leedscity6881]

I just wanna see Gordon play, we need energy and people who are exciting

[@theblues8840]

Walker over Konsa in a back 3 is absolutely ludicrous, eye test says this and their 1v1 stats last season back this up too. Might as well keep Trippier wide left aswell if we’re picking players based on name value or caps/experience 🤦‍♂️

[@-Chunk]

You know zero!

[@billybudd5854]

Everything depends on the England team selection. I would have Shaw on from the start and Watkins or Toney in place of Kane. But both those things carry an element of risk, so almost certainly will not appeal to Southgate.

[@redbloodcell4047]

It's actually less risky starting Shaw than it is bringing him on later. Plus half of the chat this tournament is about how Southgate's gamble on Shaw hasn't paid off and was a huge error - the Netherlands game would be his chance to prove them wrong I guess. I don't see him benching Kane (or Walker) though.

[@alzer6467]

Better to bench Foden who has never done anything in an English jersey and balance the team with Gordon. Kane has always needed the pacy winger to play with. Fodens PR is out of control. People think he's a creative 10 but he scores more than he creates because he has excellent ball striking and overall technique.

[@stephenwood2172]

Thing is Kane has done nothing, so benching him is completely risk-free as we can't do any worse!

[@Adam-xe5xm]

@@alzer6467 the more we watch this foden lw nonsense the more obvious it becomes that rashford should be in the squad. Clearly Gordan doesnt have the reputation to start over Foden because i cant see any other reason why hes not on the pitch.

[@alzer6467]

@@Adam-xe5xm yes or even Sterling. Even though Rashford and Sterling had bad seasons, they still would have brought balance to the team and have played with Kane.

[@DeathByKappa]

I think Shaw has to start for the reason you mentioned earlier in the video that the Dutch often start slowly so we need to get at them during the first 30 minutes. If we wait til we're 1-0 down 70 minutes in to bring on Shaw who is on the left hand side anyway more creative that Trippier they will just wait us out.

[@mitchw0569]

Southgate said after Switz that that was the best we've played all tournament, he won't change the 3atb formation

[@bannnnner]

What about Stones? Not playing the ball like he usually does. Made a few duff mistakes. Konsa has impressed

[@yt8co]

Shaw just needs to do an Umtiti for us

[@uksoundadvice4362]

You can do slight changes, but changing 3 or 4 players will unsettle the team. So play wing backs with maybe Trent in and Shaw.

[@l...m9415]

Why do people want kane and toney to play together? It's probably the worst idea out of all the many bonkers suggestions England fans have had this tournament

[@matthewdale2142]

Xavi is having an "almost tournament" so far, and it feels like he is going to click soon

[@redbloodcell4047]

Tbf that sounds like the entire England squad

[@jackgreenway4646]

Saka has already clicked, they will have to stick 2-3 men over that side when he has the ball, unreal.

[@limmy7411]

Shaw isn't a better player than Trippier if you compare their career stats. But he is a better left back... because that's his actual position. The constant shade getting thrown at Trippier is ridiculous. If Trippier had had Gordon ahead of him for at least some of the time I swear we'd have created more chances. And it's not Trippier's fault that Foden doesn't know how to stay onside.

[@Al-oy3pk]

I hope people realise its just because trippier is out of position as hes a great player really

[@Ron_Swanson]

I rate Tripper but he’s dog shit on the left. offers nothing

[@user-ls6dm3kv4b]

Foden was offside because he assumed trippier would play the ball first time (which he should but didn’t)

[@Adam-xe5xm]

it is trppiers fault he doesnt have a functional left foot however which is almost the entire reason the left hand side is useless. Did you notice how much more output we got on that side when he went off.

[@user-ls6dm3kv4b]

⁠​⁠@charliegreen4588was a blind run there’s no way he could have timed it any different, the Slovenian defence just pushed up at the right time. So first time was unlucky second time it was trippiers inability to use his week foot (any actual left back puts that across first time because it’s impossible to defend that way)

[@riddling7279]

I think Watkins should start and in the event of pens you have two world class penalty experts ready to come for them 😤

[@yelbuck]

Again with this? Southgate will pray extra hard, is about the only tactics he can manage. Ffs, England are only where they are DESPITE Southgate. Thx to the players.

[@GGMatt]

We had a better golden generarion of players 15-20 years ago, got absolutely nowhere near a semi-final, let alone a final, and for one go around decided not to even quality for a major tournament - WITH BETTER PLAYERS. There's a hundred different caveats that go into being a good manager that gets players to perform, and what you see on the pitch is barely 10% of everything that goes into it. Is Southgate tactically strong? No. Everyone is aware of this. It's everything else behind the scenes, motivation, discipline, camaraderie, building a team ethic. That's where he excels, and that is why we keep going late into tournaments - BECAUSE OF HIM - not in spite of him. Every one who doesn't appreciate him now will get a fat taste of reality when he's gone, that's for certain.

[@Alfie-ps6ll]

​@@GGMatt Way better competition 15-20 years ago.

[@bananarama3624]

"England are only where they are despite Southgate". Southgate has won more knockout matches (in the 8 years he's been in charge) in WC and Euro's, as every manager before him since the 1966 world cup. So he's won more knockout matches in 4 tournaments/8 years than every England manager combined has in 49 years (he was appointed in 2016 so 2016 - 1967 = 49). Oh yeah and he's made as 3 semi finals in Euro's and WC's. England in their entire HISTORY have made 3 WC semi's and 4 Euro semi final appearences (including 2024). So in the total semi final appearances England has ever had there have been a total of 7, and Southgate has made 3 of them. If you decide to do semi final appearances in the last 50 years, the 1966 WC win and 1968 3rd place don't count, so Southgate has 3 out of 5 semi final appearences in the last 50 years and the first final for England since 1966. And don't give me the players narrative either. Since 2000 in Euro's and WC's, England has never beaten a traditional 'big team' apart from Germany in Euro 2020, and it isn't like England have been a bad team since 2000 - they've had players like Lampard, Gerrard, Terry, Rooney, Beckham etc.) No matter what you say, Southgate sets his team ups to be defensive and win individual knockout games and the statistics prove it.

[@wrfootball3847]

​​​​@@bananarama3624I like this because it's backed by facts and I agree. It's also only this tournament we haven't played well throughout but past tournaments there were many times we did under Southgate, against Germany, Ukraine, Denmark and Senegal at WC we banged in alot of goals. Also i don't buy the argument England always fall short against top teams. Well we didn't against Germany, we beat them in 2021, a huge pressure match. But people say "that one doesn't count because it was a weakened Germany". But hang on, so IF we lost to them everyone says "you see whenever we come up against a big team we bow out" but since we beat them "ah they're not a big team suddenly, so doesn't count!". People can't cherry pick the situations to suit their arguments! We beat Croatia too in 2021, previous WC finalists. "AHHH, doesn't count". Always some excuse! Let's say we lose to Netherlands, same thing "we come up against big team and lose", but if we beat them "ahh it was a weakened Netherlands". Same with Spain if we get to final. There will be some excuse...."Rodri was injured, that's why England won, it's not the same Spain you beat". Just you wait!

[@wrfootball3847]

​​@@GGMattagree. I'm not comparing England to say Argentina 86. But I'm sure teams like that won because of the great players, not the manager. I can't remember who the manager was, but I sure remember the players. So if england win because of incredible players, not maybe because of Southgate, that's OK! Having said that, I do think Southgate is a good manager, but he falls short tactically. But tell me any manager in the world who has EVERY trait....tactics, good with media, works well with FA, team togetherness, mentality, culture, international experience, etc,etc. Where some managers are great tactically they may fall short with media or the culture. Example, Pep or Klopp great tactically but don't have international experience and may have issues with English media (club vs country, etc)

[@Jynz0]

Any thoughts on Walker out, Konza in? & Who deals with Gakpo better

[@redbloodcell4047]

Walker seems to have lost his pace this season and has made some pretty big errors. Honestly I'd have a back 3 of Stones - Konsa - Guehi, not sure on the order though.

[@zelandakhniteblade5436]

This is my version of England within the framework Gareth has set up for the team. S11: OW AG-PF LS-DR-KM-TAA MG-JS-KW Give OW+PF orders to play at 100% & pre-arrange they are to be replaced after 55-60 mins by HK+JB. If England are ahead, bring on KT+BS for LS+AG; and at the close any CB for TAA If behind, bring on BS+CP for LS+KM; with JB or IT to come on for KW if we absolutely need a goal quickly. Whatever the order of goals, if the game finishes level the England team on the pitch at the end will have most of their best penalty takers available, particularly if IT comes on as the XT sub. What I have most against your structure is that England have shown themselves at their most vulnerable playing a back 4 against teams with 2 high wide men and the ability to switch the ball from one side to the other quickly. This is one of the Netherlands' strengths so I think not addressing the issue is a mistake. As such, playing a 3 just makes sense if England continue their safety-first approach. This team structure also avoids all of the issues of having PF+JB playing together. Having them stack while playing at a high intensity offers the team more overall. And Jude is a solid penalty taker so he's going to be the finisher. The same logic applies to OW+HK and finally using BS as a finisher gives great flexibility in whether he comes on as an offensive change (at WB) or a defensive one (as an AM). I am not saying this is a perfect team but I do think it's much better (against the Netherlands) than the types of 4-2-3-1 you are putting out here, particularly the last one with Trent RB in a 4 and a midfield of CP-DR-JB. Your suggestions would make some sense against France; I think it's poor against the Netherlands or Spain.

[@paulwalter2715]

We are fragile on our flanks in previous games. We need to make our attack their problem and be smart in our press so we do not get caught out

[@DavidGreen-ot2ni]

All good but what you're forgetting is Shaw played 50 minutes,he was only going to be 20 minutes at the end of the game. I feel Konsa could do the same job as Trippier,Ramsgate too

[@richardcoffer4758]

Any tactics that involve Southcrap and Kant, sorry Kane are guesses and hopes because if these 2 have anything more to do with the tournament, we're out.

[@aspectaerialimagery6288]

Southgate would wear a life jacket to go the the shops in case it rains

[@BeeChomper]

Southgate will set up to mirror the Netherlands. 4atb with Walker/Stones/Guehi/Shaw starting. Rice/Mainoo double pivot, Bellingham/Foden/Saka attacking mid, Kane up top. We'll go to 3atb in possession with Shaw providing width in final third so Bellingham can stay in centre-left channel. If we're a goal down by 70th(ish) min we'll sub Kane for Toney (Kane will sub himself off again). Eze will come on for Shaw, Palmer for Mainoo, and Bellingham will start coming a lot deeper in possession, creating space for Eze to move into. Trent will come on for Foden again in ET if we're going to penalties, and we'll save the fifth sub for an emergency. Either that or he'll just stick with the exact same setup we had against Switzerland because we looked in control for the majority of the match, despite the fact that the Netherlands have a completely different setup.

[@jak3brap10]

I’d start shaw and Toney, I’d hope at least shaw starts because I don’t have any confidence in Gareth making subs at the right time. Can see him starting trippier and Kane and foden and not making any changes until like 80mins.

[@carlsutton9217]

JLA would be a fantastic English lit teacher

[@cainhopkinz4144]

James for next england manager

[@jermainewmiller]

To give a bad analogy, Southgates tactics isn't of a nice guy who loves the game. It's of an 'abusive parent' who give you just enough to get by.😂😅Were not happy but were alive lol

[@PEGGLORE]

Southgate puts a gasmask on to go shopping during Covid.

[@drew1564]

But he succeeds in never catching COVID.

[@Superdelphinus]

‘Reactionary’ doesn’t mean what you think it means

[@eldante4139]

It’s lucky that Netherlands aren’t playing their strongest team this Euros. Van de Ven should be starting, incredible that he isn’t.

[@Jord97x]

Best 2 midfielders unavailable also in De Jong and Koopmeiners

[@jackgreenway4646]

The English players we left at home are better than the Dutch first team. Man for Man we have the best squad simple.

[@youareasock9752]

Van de Ven ahead of Van dijk?

[@eldante4139]

@@youareasock9752 no but I’d have him next to Van Dijk or as left back ahead of Ake.

[@youareasock9752]

@@eldante4139 You'd have to switch to a 5 at the back then since he plays lcb. Ake is a better player aswell.

[@FreeFallerrz]

7 upfront is bold there James

[@Hesgoneandwrittenitdown]

Switzerland looked awesome until they met us. Akanji owned the pitch in previous games like a Swiss cheese version of Franco Baresi. Then they played us and looked very ordinary. We are better than we realise.

[@ratttttyyy]

At corners, I think Trippier, still playing in the totally wrong position, should just hit it straight back to Pickford. Why bother wasting any more time? Pickford can hoof it up into the box for VDV to clear it every time. I think this is the way to go for Gareth. This is Gareth Ball.

[@Adam-xe5xm]

any position other than on the bench is wrong for trippier

[@ratttttyyy]

@@Adam-xe5xm which is exactly why he will be playing :D

[@jens2049]

Lol Xavi has been our worst starting player if we ignore Joey Veermans infamous game

[@JW-fb4li]

Still joined most assists

[@encoreunefois1X]

I do hope Gareth is watching .

[@edwardbaker9657]

Surely players who know each other from domestic football will know what to expect. Seems a strange point on trent v gakpo?

[@maxcooper9803]

We need to focus on the left, ( right for Netherlands perspective), that’s where they are weak caus so far Ake and vdv have been a wall on the right ( left for Netherlands)

[@LouisMalagodi]

How old are these people who say they dont enjoy the England win when playing pragmatic?? Capello/Hodgeson era conceded way too many goals despite having on paper better defenders. The heartache of those exits were the worst ever when England were not pragmatic. History shows the team with the best defense wins the tournament. Conceding fewer goals and winning knockout games is objectively good.

[@sadsack8319]

I love these

[@DavidGreen-ot2ni]

What if we're winning 1-0 with 30 seconds to go,no Toney and Trent and they score

[@christiansimmons2518]

Shaw HAS to start! He's played about 40-45mins, so should be fine for 50-60. Let's try and get in the lead, who knows, maybe even a 2 goal lead! Then replace him with Gomez, Konsa or as a last resort, Trippier. I never want to see Trippier play for England again! If its nil nil or we're losing, replace him with Eze as a left-wing back, like he's done twice already. There's no reason for Trippier on the left again.

[@hoejennedy]

did james re-read that deep into the book to find that quote? the bastard probably has it annotated

[@username0218-e2x]

Not even got Gordon listed as a sub? Christ.

[@TheLord_M]

The ğ always elongates the vowel so it comes out the way it sounds when you go a, e, i, o, u. Or you know, some better explanation

[@curtisgoulding869]

Don’t get why you’d start weaker in both an offensive and defensive way by not starting shaw. Start strong and try win the game in the 90 mins, gets more out of our star players that he may start thinking of changing by the time shaw comes on as well

[@PaulFranks-cx3yd]

Southgate's going to pick a back four of Trippier, Walker, Stones and Shaw. Rice and Mainoo. Saka, Bellingham and Foden Kane

[@WannabePlayer18]

I find it strange when people say they aren’t happy with England etc. because we aren’t playing exciting football. For years we were desperate to consistently get to the latter stages of tournaments. We’re doing that now. It’s almost impossible to play well consistently and win consistently in tournament football at the highest level. Real Madrid have won 10+ Champions League trophies by playing clever football and relying on individuals without always looking brilliant. People forget where we were before Southgate too, we would’ve been dancing in the street if we had got to a Semi-Final. The country was so excited by the 2018 World Cup; when we beat Colombia it was almost unbelievable that we had won a penalty shootout and there were compilations created all over Social Media. We beat a better team on penalties in this tournament and made it to a Semi-Final and it’s taken for granted. That’s because of Southgate’s success, we haven’t been successful in spite of Southgate like some more unfair fans like to claim. He hasn’t had a perfect tournament, but he’s been a great manager for us and he’s changed everything about our team for the better. No one should claim that his success is because “we’ve got an amazing team” either - we’ve always had great players. Everyone at this level has great players. On paper, VVD, Ake, Gakpo, Frimpong, Simons, Dumfries, Depay, Van De Ven, De Ligt etc. they’re all great players. In 2018 we had Lingard, Alli, Trippier, Young, Delph, Dier etc. against Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Rakitic, Perisic, Mandzukic… that argument is redundant. Southgate deserves to be backed and we can win this tournament under his leadership. I bloody hope we do.

[@baxl7253]

Start shaw. However the game pans out Shaw come off for saka at left back and get Palmer on or if we are winning trippier for the solidity. Prioritising foden over Palmer is criminal in my eyes after what we had seen from foden over the course of the tournament.

[@chriscolyer2579]

I actually think this time (more than any other time) it’s going to come together. It almost feels like this is set up for his team. I think we’ll win in 90. I predicted penalties against the Swiss, and defeat to Slovakia. So this is the first time I’ve felt we’ll win.

[@peterjessop1878]

Don’t think he will use a back 4. Saka and Trips will start as wingbacks. Rice, Mainoo, Foden and Bellingham will be in a box midfield. Holland’s midfield is relatively weak and this will expose that. Kane will be told to not drop back to provide space for our 10s. also helps our press. Kane should only drop if Bellingham makes a run forward. Subs Shaw comes on at either 0:0 or if behind. Maybe Kane off for Watkins if Kane continues to drop deep. Palmer will come on possibly for Mainoo and Bellingham drops deeper if we need a goal. Tony for Watkins/ Kane if goes to extra time. In other words same as for Switzerland pretty much. Gakpo is a danger but Saka plus Walker should be able to cope with that and I think they will be more worried about Saka that we should be about Gakpo anyway.

[@Rvbeus]

Start Watkins bring Kane on at half both Kane and Toney if game is tied. Find a way to get Palmer at the 10 if we are losing and desperate for a goal in second half

[@EliBroomfield]

What platform do you use for you tactical analysis with the field, players, tactical drawings? I'm a coach and this would help me with my tactics and analysis of my team.

[@24lled41]

gordon literally had 3 mins more than grealish in this tournament (LTSI)

[@Mx01-w5v]

3-4-2-1: Walker, Stones, Guehi Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw Foden, Bellingham Kane Trent comes in for Shaw and switches sides with Saka Palmer comes in for Foden Toney for Kane Gordon/Eze for Mainoo and Bellingham drops a bit

[@thefootballpunnedit]

Southgate is a keen reminder that international football is of a much lower quality and rewards luck more due to the small number of games giving less time for anomalies to even out. We can’t keep thinking about it like it’s a club with all this talent… we’ll never play ultra fluid Wengerball at a Euros or world cup. He’s a plonker, but if he wins… he’ll be our plonker.

[@drawde5762]

gakky is NOT getting past walks

[@Jack-Daniel.1]

Kane would be better used as a 10 and use Toney as the 9

[@anthtan]

I wonder whether Southgate or any member of his staff actually watch this stuff. Or do they just ignore all external analysis?

[@awabsherif2922]

Wlker.stnes guhe Saka. Shaw Maino. Rice Jude. Eze Watkins (Need physical players and pace for this game hence Watkins and eze & shaw in )

[@madwibble]

Its when we go ahead that we really need to replace Kane. He has been terrible as a defensive outlet.

[@kevla57]

pickford konsa stones guehi trent manoo rice saka Bellingham Toney Watkins

[@markfaulkner2335]

Trent is faster than 'Recovery Pace' Walker! Gordon is the fastest player in the squad, then Trent, then Walker (officially, not the eye test).

[@ADS-FTBL3]

i would like to know the software you using

[@jeewa7114]

Simons gets in good positions and his movement is good. But everything else has been so mediocre. Gakpo is by far the biggest threat

[@natashacallis2736]

I don’t know if we’ll win, hoping we do. If we lose, I want Spain to beat France, but if we beat the Netherlands then I want us to play France in the final… I can’t see us beating Spain. Problem is, the Spain-France game is on before ours! COME ON ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@notmyflavva]

Football terrorism just works for Gareth, that’s why he’ll never drop Kane or Foden.

[@Bpt8825]

Shaw has to start. It looked a million times better and imagine if Gordon was linking up with him on the left. Southgate will keep the same team though for in his own words, continuity even though we look like a team of strangers

[@tonilando]

Southgate Vs top 10 is around 22% and Netherlands are top 10, Netherlands win this 8 times out of 10 Southgate needs a miracle which is fireable in itself with the superior on paper individuals

[@Frank-yl8gy]

Anthony Gordon must start. It is shameful that he hasn’t started yet. He takes the piss against these Dutch boys but Southgate will go for Kane and Foden.

[@username0218-e2x]

Foden and Kane were poor but somehow keep their place. Walker’s defending has cost us goals meanwhile Konsa was the only thing stopping Embolo. Trippier offers nothing going forward and can hardly defend, why’s he even being considered? We need Watkins, Palmer, Gordon, and Konsa all in for Kane, Foden, Trippier, and Walker.

[@Harvstermysterinator]

Watch the video next time

[@Beerwald]

What is the name of the website that you use?

[@inkledoodle6503]

Gordon!?!

[@jens2049]

Hey Mate, De Vrij is pronounced de Vry

[@blueboy1788]

Do people think there's any chance Palmer starts for Foden? Has legitimately been better than him this tournament, as fulfils similar roles. I get wanting to save Palmer for penalties, and I don't think Foden has been used well by any means, but he is the one big I could realistically see dropping out of the starting side.

[@anthonydavis-u2s]

why is james so supportive of southgate i just dont get it. I really respect james and his takes though one of the best in the scene.

[@calvinjaynum1767]

His not really that supportive of southgate. it's more about the english team. No matter how shit southgate is their not going to fire him in the middle of the tournament, so whats the point of banging on about it.