How Southgate Should Setup England In The Knockouts.

[@2723cadd]

What worries me so much about Mainoo and Palmer making an impact on the game is that it means southgate won’t play them again.

[@catinthehat906]

Palmer had the chance to win it at the end, he was perfectly set up inside the box for a left footer to curl into the right hand top of the net- but instead we had a weak shot straight at Oblak. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5bPmnaLnL6Vadk at 3.30

[@edford3354]

@@catinthehat906 yeah he had a bad shot but he was still the best player on the ball for the rest of the game

[@Jannetts_]

Saw it with Watkins vs Denmark. Did great when he came on was the only time we attacked. And in the ‘free’ game he got 0 minutes

[@ethan_shrapnel]

@@catinthehat906 rather disingenuous

[@CallumFowlerEFL]

fantastic trim young man

[@VillaBoys123]

Man went season 2 Shane from walking dead after watching England.

[@wack...]

Pretty gay, appreciating another man’s looks?

[@Tom-nr3dr]

@@wack... have you heard the tales of fleet services….

[@wack...]

@@Tom-nr3dr I have not

[@ovomaltine8481]

@@wack...Ye who would not turn gay for a man with that haircut

[@nateswaby93]

Rice needs Wharton next to him. Even Arteta realised during the season he needs someone who can collect the ball from cbs & punch the ball through the lines to atttackers. That’s not Rices game hence why the ball keeps going side to side. Hes elite at screeening but he needs his hand held next to him for facilitating.

[@harolddpvp8994]

£100m player btw

[@amitpatel3071]

What’s screening ?

[@tobym1688]

@@harolddpvp8994 so Bayern shouldn't have paid 90m for Kane because he can't play in goal? Have a word with yourself, not every player is Clarence Seedorf

[@danielcarbaugh4354]

I’ve been saying this about Rice all season! This is the difference between him and Rodri. Rice is a great player but he didn’t truly flourish at Arsenal until Arteta realized that pairing him with Jorginho would help with progressing the ball through the lines. Wharton is the only player in the squad who fits this profile but unfortunately, I don’t think Southgate fully trusts him yet. Mainoo could do this but he likes being higher up the pitch and when he’s deep, he gets exposed defensively.

[@garino881]

So Arteta realized what West Ham have known for years - he is a top class number 6 who is best playing as a CDM. It is not a coincidence that Rice wanted to play further forward in the last 12 months at West Ham and they suffered for it - SOucek had to be played further back which limited him and his goal output. No surprise that Soucek started scoring again AFTER Rice left and they brought in a specialist CDM in ALvarez

[@TonyTynebridge]

James Lawrence Baldcott

[@Ellz66]

Always love your analysis, James. Also like your half glass full approach to everything, a rare quality when it comes to us English!

[@Thomas...191]

Indeed, I like to support England, but I really dislike the fans, especially the arrogance shown over the last few days.

[@shipit9937]

Agreed James' level of delusion is impressive

[@kd5973]

Would like to see Gomez for trippier. He’s deceptively fast and has played LB all season. Even though he’s right footed, he’s better on his left than tripper and won’t constantly make that predictable pass trippier makes that they anticipate. Also instead of switching Walker to LB when bringing on Trent, he would work cause he is used to playing with Trent doing his thing

[@LiamHead-ty4hb]

I have been screaming for this. He's great on the overlap and has no issues crossing with his left. He'll actually make runs in behind which trippier doesn't have the pace for. Tired of seeing trippier up high, he offers nothing. The players don't even bother passing to him even if he has loads of space because he is too slow and too 1 footed. Then your spot on about how it would bring balance for trent at rb. Trippier ruins our whole left flank which makes us predictable and easy to press!

[@ness-ee]

I think Southgate is purposely playing sub-par until the knockout stages. Gomez will play in the next match

[@jack28aug]

thank you, joe gomez is THE most underrated player in the england squad, nobody ever mentions him even being there talking about walker and saka and trippier or a guy that hasn't played for ages limping about the training pitch, instead of gomez who played LB 19 times this season, and has been used at lb at times since brendan rodgers was the manager about a decade ago.

[@AceGunnerManEIR]

Yeah Gomez LB Trent RB. They are used to these positions in a high press system

[@jnoels29]

Must be a Liverpool fan. “I think all the Liverpool players should play”. Walker is not getting dropped.

[@gemthemage]

Idk how english people dont get it. The problem is not trent playing in the midfieled its the 2 forwards who just drop in to the middle. Put gordon or watkins in and trent will give england a way to score goals. They have the best ball passer and dont want to use him lol. They complain about henderson but theyre asking why the players arent playing like henderson. Its so obvious in international football its the most simple obvious way to win with trent and either watkins or gordon doong what they do best

[@Noname-f5e6s]

They all follow the advice they heard from the people that came before them saying ‘you can’t drop Harry Kane’ but those people didn’t win anything. Watkins and Gordon would completely change the game for England. Trent RB, Walker LB, Jude off since he looks a shadow of himself. It all seems so obvious.

[@lol-bg4wh]

@@Noname-f5e6s100%. English media is by far the worst in the world and a lot of it has to do with these “experienced” pundits. You have a whole generation of England players who won nothing trying to tell these players how to win something. Blind leading the blind. Back on to trent, i heard keane saying Declan rice was babying trent in midfield. What??? Trent wasn’t a star but he barely put a foot wrong and they want him gone. England fans and the media are by far the most unintelligent creatures. And they act like when mainoo or Gallagher came in they were any better, they offered nothing that trent couldn’t, and that’s without trent having any runners who actually would go behind the defender. One day they will learn

[@rrr324]

Genuinely what’s the point of playing Trent midfield if you’re not gonna have forwards trying to get in behind. Kane, saka and foden are great but it’s not in their nature to get on the shoulder and in behind

[@alexmaggs3461]

There wasn't enough space behind the Slovenia back line for what you said to be effective, against the teams that will come out and play for a win I'd agree

[@gemthemage]

@@alexmaggs3461 so what if Slovenia played back trent can cross better than anyone else if England has possession and if it doesn't work he can always be subbed off. And by the time they reach top16 most teams will play for possession

[@meSsi2y]

The last 20mins needs contexts, Slovenia sat in deeper to protect the point they needed to qualify

[@thefootballpunnedit]

Gamestate nuance

[@1972dsrai]

I think Slovakia will be similarly tough to break down. They don’t concede a lot of goals and it will be interesting to see how England set up against a team that is well organised and drilled who will probably try to take it to penalties. We’ll have to be careful of not getting caught out on a break, but they won’t commit too many players.

[@shootatsquare]

100%. Saka offers a threat in behind that Palmer doesn't quite. Depends on circumstance who works better

[@mellowfellow4956]

they did that all game...?

[@kd5973]

I think a Trent-Mainoo-PalmER RHS would work so nicely. Giving Henderson, Salah, Trent in their peak vibes

[@ArchieAerokc16]

I get that everyone is on the Palmer hupe train, however, making him the Salah of this rhs trio is a reach 😂 the closest to Salahs game from Englands options realistically is Bowen, but Im sure that wouldnt fit your narrative lol

[@kd5973]

@@ArchieAerokc16honestly, any of Bowen or Saka or Palmer would be great. I LOVE Bowen. A functional right wing that will make the runs and form the triangles

[@jameswyatt4443]

The problem with that is Mainoo is a different type of player to Hendo, so Trent won’t get the same license to get forward, because Hendo would cover for him. Palmer is nowhere near prime Salah. And they don’t have Mane and Robertson on the left pressing and being options to switch play to or make long balls in behind.

[@Easilytriggered]

Historically England don't have enough runners and ball carriers. You think of Beckham, Gerrard, Lamps and Scoles. Amazing players but 0 runners or dribblers. Foden, Rice, Gallagher, Bellingham have a kind of similar feeling despite Foden and Bellingham being amazing dribblers it doesn't feel like they can consistently progress the game into the final third. Owen used to carry the ball solo and was very effective in that regard at international level but a great example of this is Darius Vassell. Direct running and ball carrying made an average prem player look amazing for England.

[@Thomas...191]

Good thing that it's a passig game then isn't it. Even messi dominates games by passing more than dribbling. Take ons are good but give me an immaculate fist touch and pass every time in a player.

[@Easilytriggered]

@@Thomas...191 so England never win, because they can't progress the ball or creat chances with just passing.

[@iainrichards6872]

@@Easilytriggeredlol that’s not why England never win. Did Germany have that player in 2014? Did Spain have it from 2008-2012? Portugal in 2016? The answer is no

[@tobym1688]

@@Thomas...191 you can't set up your entire team like that though, you might like players like that but unless you're actually Spain and every player is immaculate at passing and your plan is to pass it into the net like that you need players that can run and do the dirty work like dragging markers out of position or simply offering a passing option by moving away from their marker.

[@tobym1688]

@@iainrichards6872 Sami Khedira in 2014, Renato Sanchez or Adrien Silva in 2016, Kante and Matuidi in 2018 and Spain didn't really have one because their plan was to pass the ball into the net but England aren't Spain and the 2nd best team that year was the Netherlands and they had De Jong. I agree that's not why we never win but the teams you mentioned mostly have a player of that type that can eat grass, De Jong's nickname was "The Lawnmower" for crying out loud

[@harryhunter9002]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, swap saka and foden and play Gomez at left back, in possession it can look something like this; Kane Saka Bellingham Foden Trent Rice Stones Gomez Guehi Walker Pickford

[@jack28aug]

sploosh.

[@helloitsme_omer]

trent rw/rm? are you having a laugh?

[@samkirkbright56]

Exactly what I have said too mate

[@furkanalbayrak5129]

I just dont get Southgate. If you aren’t going to play a double pivot why not just play Foden at 10 and Bellingham at 8. Solves a whole bunch of problems in my opinion.

[@1972dsrai]

That would be too obvious. Southgate clearly thinks they’d be better out of position. Also, we have to remember Bellingham is still very young and he’s played a lot of games for Real this season in La Liga and UCL. He must be a little fatigued and I think Southgate maybe should have rested him a little more in the group stages. Maybe brought him off earlier or used him as a sub if needed.

[@tobym1688]

"Bellingham our best player so he has to be in the most important position" - Southgate "logic"

[@Al-oy3pk]

Got to see it at least. If it doesn't work fair play but seems the best move to fix all issues

[@battlep0t]

Bellingham who played at 8 at Dortmund and literally played that role effectively for Southgate at the last world cup but he had one good season this year playing further up the field with Ancelotti so apparently he has to play 10

[@Sam03xx1]

These videos are so cool. Started watching you at the start of the tournament. Really like these vids, keep them up 🎉

[@Pogo1357]

could do with turning the gain down slightly on your mic i think Jim - seems to be clipping when you get loud. Not a huge issue though, great vid!

[@battlep0t]

I don't understand why we don't just play: Pickford Walker - Stones - Guehi - Tripper/Shaw Rice - Bellingham Saka - Foden - Gordon Kane Bellingham has played as an 8 effectively at the last world cup and in 3 seasons at Dortmund prior to Madrid. I don't understand this notion that he "has" to play 10 when we have no experienced viable options for the role next to Rice just because he had a good season playing further up the field for Ancelotti. It also means we're playing Foden in his preferred position and not forcing him out wide where it's been clear we need more of a runner to play off Kane.

[@kdjannie3214]

Honesty, Walker has been poor on the ball and doesn't offer near as much as TAA or Trippier going forward on the right. Why is Walker not playing on the left? Play Trippier or TAA on the right (Trippier if Englsnd isn't dominating possession and then sub on TAA).

[@jbri1]

please don't be overly nice with Southgate, he's maddening with his decisions

[@almondkizzor762]

Psychology? I liked the explanation on Bellingham- Federer. Love IT!!!!

[@lfcyeezus]

Preface this by saying there’s a reason I’m not England manager. Ik James has said this before, but I’d thought about this for Liverpool before. Since trippier has been shocking, instead of putting Trent at RB and Walker at LB, but Trent at LB and invert and let Walker stay in his position, at least until Shaw gets fully fit. As well as getting mainoo in for rice. Not to start, but rice is so negative in the buildup (as I’m sure Southgate told him to) but letting mainoo try to break the lines with his dribbling and passing ability. That’s just me idk

[@cadenkeefer6270]

I've been looking for someone to suggest this. Not like Southgate would ever actually implement it but it makes a lot of sense. It would definitely improve the midfield balance. I also think that Trent at right back and Joe Gomez at left back would work better than Walker and Trippier.

[@jack28aug]

gomez played lb 19 times for us this season, and he's been v good.

[@fader1912]

Foden was our best player for most of the match and especially in the first half. He needs to play in the 10 with gordon on the left and let foden find him. Foden is the answer to our problems because he can turn and face the opposition and run at them or create but Bellingham just can’t but rice and Bellingham need to not be scared to play the ball in tight spaces to foden

[@Vendetta2323able]

What are you on about. Foden has offered nothing for England. And from looks of it will never will. He is not a player you play around or built your entire system for him to effect games. Matter of fact, our most dangerous attacks happened when he wasn't on the pitch. All of Englands best moments never involved Foden. He is best utilized as super impact sub. I think people need to stop coping and face the cold fact that he doesn't fit this team.

[@MathewRoberts1]

Why is Foden so undroppable? Jude had a Balon D’Or worthy season as a 10 so Gareth is right to play him there. Gordon LW, Trent RB, Mainoo CM. Give Trent runners and let him dictate from deep. If you’re desperate for Walker play him LB, but let our best playmaker in Trent do his thing. I’d stick with Saka over Palmer too. Saka been our best attacker this tournament (admittedly an underperforming attack) and if he has Mainoo and Trent as a right sided triangle that is brilliant imo.

[@limpan9999]

Because he is the best player along with Kane, Jude has been by far the worst attacker and shouldnt sniff the pitch if it isnt in the 8

[@Mister6124]

No, Gareth does not have the right to play Jude there, especially after it hasn't worked because England is not Real Madrid. Madrid don't need Jude to defend, they don't need him in build up. England do, so they can not act like they have Madrid's personel. Foden isn't undroppable but he's had a player of the season season at 10 so isn't he also warranted to play there given the circumstances?. Jude playing deeper does not mean that he must not attack, he'll play further forward with Foden. I don't see what's wrong with that.

[@jasonallen6081]

Foden has come back to England to attend the birth of his third child. No wonder he's been playing as if he has things on his mind. It's as if these players have private lives.

[@gr3saeyend]

acting as if foden hasnt had a ballon dor worthy season in midfield

[@jack28aug]

literally best player in the squad bar none in the 10 thats y, plus, gomez played left back 19 times THIS SEASON and he's been used there from time to time for a decade! How anyone else gets a shout at lb is beyond me! i do agree about gordon, but jude needs to move into the 8, and trent needs to play at rb. u can't rely on mainoo ur gona stunt him for the future and pigeonhole him, its not fair on the lad.

[@abd9633]

the point about bellingham is so concurrent with zaha at palace. he was often dismissed as stroppy but it was all about standards and expecting more from palace

[@kd5973]

Another problem is how slow the defence is at moving the ball. By the time they had taken 2-3 touches each and passed side to side 5 times, they’ve give the opposition time to reset and ready to defend against any attack. The press is still miles off, way too slow.

[@johngorny8306]

Mainoo Off the ball movement is called Peeling. Its pulling players to create space for your team mates.

[@andyh323]

Gallagher is not international class. Stop defending him.

[@philipcowling679]

What has to be considered is that as well as Palmer played in that 20-minute cameo, he was up against a tired Slovenian defence. Would he have the same impact if he were to start?

[@OserojiemenKing]

You didn't watch a single premier league game of his last season, did you? Even in the big games (against City and the likes) he was the main man on the entire pitch every time. The kid's special: wasting him on the bench for system players (Foden, Saka) is just madness.

[@philipcowling679]

​@user-zc2sz1os3j Where did I suggest that Palmer should be left on the bench for the next game? Of course, I've seen what he can do in the Prem. He's a top talent. But, anyone who knows anything about football will know that a player of Palmer's quality will be an absolute nightmare for a tiring defence. In saying that, I'm not adverse to Palmer starting on Sunday, especially if Saka is not 100% match fit

[@davkarimz]

​@@OserojiemenKingyou have no idea what you're saying

[@eddiewawa]

Great work James, this whole run through was what I was playing with last night, just without the data that you have, but this analysis has reinforced what both what I want to happen and what Southgate would pick...

[@Lit51]

It's almost like Southgate doesn't even watch these!

[@wardje5195]

🤣🤣🤣

[@scottflavell726]

Southgate sent you to that Sean dyche haircut Jim 😅😂

[@samuelloification2749]

How are you so fit Jim? Rocking the new trim 🔥🔥

[@albertomondy2964]

Gordon on the left, Bellingham-Rice-Foden in the midfield

[@henrydodson655]

phenomal analysis. i think against the lesser teams trent can do great job at rb. of course against duel warriors you need warrior. the one thing ive not heard is that trent playing in saka is different to trent playing in gordon. we need capitlise trent pinging it to a left runner - trent pinging to saka (the only runner, right foot to right side) means that you dont make the most of him. bellingham needs to be in cdm overlapping kane due to how deep kane is in this system, and trent needs to playing in a runner (NOT FODEN). From there you make a triangle between the rcm position ( trent tucked in) to gordon who would play it to kane, saka, bellingham, foden if hes central. ofc this feels football manager but i do think this unlocks the team. of course, bring grealish or whoever, but where we are now we have our squad and our manager. we played 3 games against a low block, all with very, very low scoring games. we can still go on to win this tourney, but itll be difficult. i just think gordon must play. he is THE southgate winger. either play gallagher/mainoo/bellingham next to rice, or play foden/bellingham central. gordon must play on the wing. edit: one more thing, but if foden HAS to play left wing, then u play palmer central, bellingham/mainoo cdm, and then have a fluid front 4 of kane dropping, palmer and saka interchanging. saka right side and central. foden and palmer all three.

[@nelsonogbuigwe7500]

Not Jude mainoo CM, rice mainoo. Jude will try to dominate ball too much

[@BOOGERBOY1]

Trent should replace walker at right if England want to score goals

[@edburt9067]

i'm alright thanks Jim, hope you are too!

[@xg_zack]

Madison 8. work rate meets tempo setter meets roaming playmaker. Progressive passing meets off the ball runs into space. Only thing he hasn't tried only thing that will help on its own.

[@TommyPalmerFootball]

Love the content James, can I ask what you are analysing the game on? In terms of software etc, thanks!

[@globalfrank9557]

Mainoo was always the best option for the 3rd midfield spot, has all the attributes to bring balance to the team. He HAS to play for the remainder of our tournament!

[@SilverShamrock71]

But would Palmer provide that level of "spark" for the entire game or is it better to bring him on at the 60 min mark? Start Gordon for Bellingham though. Slovakia will be another low block team, they will want pens, so we absolutely need to have effective penetration down both wings. Edit - or start Gordon for Foden as he may not have trained ahead of the game

[@robmackintosh8471]

I agree with you on gallagher having his uses and i wouldnt be mad at him starting games in the knockouts, particularly if it is netherlands up next. But in a game against serbia where we're going to dominate the ball and try and break down a side in a low block, on what planet is he the guy? Match was tailor made for mainoo

[@SunnyDispossession]

Good video but if youre going to put Bellingham as an 8 and Foden as the 10, you might want to put them on sides they've been most effective this season - foden has to be given as much license to get into that right half space, while Bellingham has been playing best on the left. Foden can play inside of saka no problem - he does so with Bernardo all the time

[@felixj8097]

Imo the team should be: Pickford Walker Stones Guehi Gomez Wharton Rice Foden Saka Gordon Kane I don’t mind Palmer instead of Saka, Watkins instead of Kane, or Bellingham instead of Rice (or Foden) but this imo is the structure we need that offers balance and has players that complement each other. Having said that, Southgate will be playing Foden on the left again, I don’t even know what goes on in his head at this point - this is the worst managerial performance I’ve ever seen on many levels. And yes Bellingham is dropped here, however he looks knackered, and could still be subbed on in a structure that could actually suit him, and then if he plays well start the game after next. Also against a worse team I don’t mind Trent even at RB if we dominate the ball, but I just think against better teams with quality wingers Walker has to play.

[@FloydManFloyd]

I thought of an ultra attacking 11 the other night I wondered how it would do, gk pickford rb trent cb stones cb guehi lb saka cdm mainoo/wharton m foden m bellingham rfwd palmer lfwd eze fwd kane, probably would get ripped apart especially with trent at fullback with saka getting high 😢

[@johndean1634]

Watched all 3 games. And no matter how you examine it. Kane in 3 games Not Effective and to Slow. Saka and Foden did less in 3 Games than Palmer did in 15 mins. So start with replacing these 3 With Watkins, Palmer and Gordon. All have Pace and can put it about with body strength. Midfield Mainoo has a lot more creativity which is lacking. Bellingham is used to playing in a Attacking Team. Changes up front would suit him better. Back 3 have done ok. Walker has to be in. Trippier has offered very little. So replace him.

[@gr3saeyend]

foden did less than palmer in 15 minutes? foden was englands best playr in both games

[@samuelpatton147]

I’m loving this! Mainoo, Bellingham and foden draw all the players out to the left, palmer free on the right coming in with Trent on the overlap? ITS COMING HOME GUYS CMOOOOOOON

[@BohemianRaichu]

If Trippier is injured I'd play Gomez at left-back. If he's not used now I don't know what he's in the squad for. I'd start Mainoo. I'd stick with Saka on the right, and Foden on the left, but look to bring on Gordon on the left with Bellingham coming off and Foden moving centrally around the hour mark, and Palmer coming on the right around the same time. I'd also bring on Wharton, maybe for Rice, towards the end.

[@footiegambler1347]

everyone and his dog is commenting and analysing England games. Yet Jimbo is doing something different and showing unique analysis, congrats.

[@sydneyduke428]

Nothing has changed since the dawn of time. To break down low blocks midfielders including wide players have to be prepared to make runs without the ball, and everyone on the ball it’s one and and two touch, with willingness to play risky forward passes. Mainoo Gordon Bowen excellent runners off the ball, Bellingham also. Foden and Palmer can play forwards one and two touch with risk. These are the players that have to play (start and off the bench) for England to progress.

[@pepps1692]

This baldgates knowledge always spot on👌🏼

[@jackbeswick4662]

Mainoo, Palmer and Gordon must must start.

[@Dural1985]

The problem for me is the left hand side, with Tripper always cutting back and no one running down the left everything comes inside. I think we need to get Bellingham more involved in the game, he clearly gets frustrated when he doesn’t get the ball, give him a freer role in the middle with Rice. Then put Faden in the 10, Gordon down the left, the solution is so simple to me, I don’t get why Gareth continues without addressing the left hand side.

[@ethan_shrapnel]

Surely we understand at this point that Palmer is too good to go “but will he start him? idk.” He’s shown you he’s good enough to start, especially if the guys starting ahead of him aren’t cutting it. Not trying to take away from how good they are, but that’s just how football works (so you would hope). He just set a new benchmark for players in his bracket, in the league we all watch and we’re saying he has to prove it. He has nothing to prove.

[@n0ttgabriel]

do we now think kane should start instead of watkins?

[@ArchieAerokc16]

The worst part about this is that he will not change anything going into the knockout stage, the changes should have been made here. Gordon to hold the width, Watkins upfront, or whatever else to help bring the best out of certain players. Instead he’s more likely to drop Saka for Palmer & end up with almost a full XI of players that need the ball to feet to make something happen 😂

[@VinnieDarby]

Feel like ur videos would be so much better with faster cut editing

[@EPL_Scout]

If nearly every England fan thinks we should play Gordon on the left and a midfield 3 of Rice, Bellingham and Foden, why do you think Southgate is refusing to even try it?

[@acidtwin]

Because he is less useful than a plank of wood.

[@EPL_Scout]

@@acidtwin it's so frustrating

[@acidtwin]

@@EPL_Scout It really is - I gave up around 99' with England. The FA have zero balls to bring in the right managers, all of this was predictable.

[@Thomas...191]

Because thankfully: arrogant England fans are not picking the team via twitter.

[@EPL_Scout]

@Thomas...191 what do you mean arrogant?

[@derekhough-jm9gc]

Foden's gone home so Gordon should start -- Palmer and Saka can do a half each -- Mainoo can join Rice, Bell at 10 -- Kane and Watkins half each

[@StocksFCWetherz]

Gomez at left back, or Saka if we going cray cray

[@theblackwolf1638]

What is the name of the website that you use?

[@helloitsme_omer]

Wish you had timestamps mate

[@dtaafe2857]

Having watched England struggle to break down 3 stubborn defences in the group stage, does anyone have any real optimism we will suddenly find a way to score goals. Against a team that will aim to frustrate in similar fashion. Even if we do, it will be a single goal, and sweaty ars*s for the remainder of the game. We're getting excited by the 'draw opening-up' but tactically a Southgate team is more likely to impress, and to score, against teams that are more expansive. Would we have beaten Germany or Belgium or whoever...probably not. But I think the performance would be considerably improved, and we could at least have pride in the team. It's ultimately lose-lose for Southgate now, unless we at least make the final. Because chances are we go out, to a Slovakia or a Switzerland or an Austria. Maybe Southgate will get some mercy if it's Italy in the QF or Netherlands in the SF. But Southgate, tactically, has given all these teams the blueprint of how to beat this England team. We aren't going to beat 3 of these teams consecutively, and break down their defences, not playing how we have been. No chance. Changes are essential, and we have to surprise the opposition. If we get past Slovakia, likely via a nervy penalty shootout. We will lose the QF against either Switzerland or Italy. I obviosuly hope I'm wrong, and will back the players regardless. But we've got little to be optimistic about. 😔

[@garino881]

Seeing as England have to play Slovakia now and not the Netherlands, perhaps England can afford to "rest" Bellingham (looks tired), Saka (does not look fit) and Foden (who is away for personal reasons and not back til late). I would try Gordon left wing, Palmer as CAM and Bowen right wing. So far Englands attack has been disjointed, not creating much against so.called "lesser" opposition and general lacking. Putting in Gordon, Palmer and Bowen would mean having 3 players who are direct, who like to run and beat their man (Gordon and Bowen esp), who have been in form for their clubs and who will want to put in a shift and impress. They are direct, have pace and can score. Put Rice and Mainoo behind and freshen things up. Englands problems have been the imbalance in first eleven, players looking tired or players just out of form and Southgate has to stop being so stubborn and freshen it up. Things were so bad against Slovenia Italian TV said England were like "Snails on holiday" there was so little movement and desire.

[@danielgarside8173]

So this is it.. is it? That's fine just wanted to check that this is really it?

[@EPL_Scout]

Southgate obviously thinks Bellingham is our best player and his best role is as the most advanced midfielder. He also wants Saka in the team, therefore Foden is the one being sacrificed, he has to adapt his game for others. Which is a waste of the best player in the PL last season. Bellingham playing slightly deeper as a no.8 is more natural and would provide more balance to the team than Foden playing on the left wing.

[@jamespace5429]

Foden hasn't adapted at all. He isn't spending any time on the left wing, he's looking for touches in central areas, which is his game.

[@bna919]

​@@jamespace5429Yeah it's pretty ironic because Foden looked the best when he was staying out wide

[@EPL_Scout]

@jamespace5429 he did drift central at times in the Denmark game, but not so much yesterday, other than when Bellingham moved out wide for a bit. Check his heat map on sofascore, most of his touches are on the left. If you look at his heat map in the PL last season, he was predominantly right/central. That's where he's most effective

[@jamespace5429]

@@EPL_Scout you can't show me a clip of Foden having effective moments on the wing. All the highlights that people point too as POTY are dead centre, edge of the box. He's not beating a man down the outside, or stretching the play by running in behind. Which is fine, that's not his game. But Foden isn't "adapting anything".

[@EPL_Scout]

@jamespace5429 I agree. What I meant was he is having to try and adapt and find a way to be effective, coming in off the left wing. But it's not really working and I think he's more dangerous when starting centrally or slightly to the right. Right now he's either starting wide and cutting in, or drifting inside and Bellingham/Trippier keeping the width. But the combination of him, Bellingham and Trippier down that side hasn't really worked because none of them want to get down the sides or in behind. We need Gordon to attack with pace and/or Shaw to overlap and put crosses in.

[@jameswyatt4443]

I think Mainoo can do dirty work and work hard as well. Not to Gallagher’s level, but still to a high level.

[@jah5076]

absolutely love Bellingham but he isn't known for his creativity hes great at those lampard esque runs but right now hes not done that enough. personally id try like to see him as an 8 next to rice (which i think at madrid will be his position now they have to work around mbappe and kroos retirement or drop him for mainoo to be that 8/6 next to rice. so that we can have a player that can be creative. a foden, palmer or eze . id also tell kane to be a number 9, not a false 9 dropping so deep that hes practically non existent in attack. not an expert obvs but we need something to change

[@seanmcculloch9385]

Drop rice can’t pass a ball, should be Mainoo Bellingham in middle Foden and Palmer swapping between 10 and right wing, Gordon on left ( should be Harvey Barnes) Watkins upfront

[@Tarack1]

I think it was obvious to everyone except Southgate that Mainoo, Gordon and Palmer all have to start.

[@Richard-d1y]

How is it obvious? Doesn't that mean no Saka and Foden? Are you seriously claiming that it is obvious that we don't play Foden and Saka? How the fick is thar obvious? Two of the star players of two of the best teams in Europe dropped... obvious??

[@Tarack1]

@@Richard-d1y Yes, I'm suggesting exactly that. Palmer was fearless going up against those defenders. Saka has been shite over the 3 games. Foden isn't a natural left winger so clearly Gordon needs to be in that role...you know, the one he naturally plays? Mainoo scored a winner in the FA Cup and has been class all season. But sure, give the spot to Foden who has done fuck all so far this tournament. I can respect you don't agree with my assessment but you just sound like Southgate. ''oh no, they are too big to drop''. Absolute bullshit. If they aren't performing, give someone else a go.

[@EPL_Scout]

Is Bellingham good enough defensively to play as the 8? I think so, he's just as good as Mainoo or Trent and a tenacious presser like Gallagher. So why are we not playing him in that position with Foden at RCM/10? He should still be given the license to drive forward and arrive late in the box, as long as the full-backs don't push right up. Southgate is so frustratingly stubborn. That game was the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

[@DamianKnox11]

southgate

[@Ghanaman15]

Don’t think he has the composure or spatial awareness yet to play in the position. Ancelloti thinks exactly the same

[@flobodeluxe3531]

@@Ghanaman15 he played there for dortmund alot

[@EPL_Scout]

@Ghanaman15 does Gallagher? I don't think so. How about Trent? He's not experienced playing midfield, positionally both in and out of possession, receiving with his back to play etc. Bellingham is no worse than those two. Mainoo is probably more comfortable playing a bit deeper, although I think Bellingham is more aggressive and physical than Mainoo

[@JamesHaddow-gy8dt]

Remember when people were calling palmer a pen merchant 6 months ago 😂

[@steverafferty4114]

Think about it for 1 second. Southgate is a genius he’s going to 0-0 us to the final winning the next 4 games on penalties in Germany! He’s got 7 world class penalty takers. Apart from Toney they have all had game time. Knight him know. He’s a genius.

[@ThiloNorris]

It is not always about the tactics. If you do not have fun at work you are not very motivated for working. And oh boy, I am not sure if anybody had fun during the matches ._.

[@hashtag_thisguy]

Like watching Manchester United. Same struggles. Maybe like united England will do better against the better teams as theyll play on the front foot allowing England to counter attack. Don't think we're technically good enough to attack whilst playing keep ball cos we can't break down a low block.

[@benjaminjamesclarke5385]

Jim whats with the transplant trim buddy?

[@JBGOONERLIFE]

Yes mate

[@DavidGreen-ot2ni]

Trippier has been our worst defender,over lapping full back and also booked. There you go ,he's the problem

[@darkknightz007E]

The clip u showed at 7:56 and said C. Gallagher is good at pressing there is false as better team will kill his ill discipline there as they will play the ball inside of Saka to that player and even if both Saka and K. Walker presses him they'll get done by outside. As the wing is free to be passed and both Saka and K. Walker is inside so they can put in a quick cross. A better team will do that imo. 🤔

[@bradypitts7057]

I would have to say that the Jude Bellingham situation is unusual. Not the frustration part because we have seen that plenty, but for the first time it almost feels like he is not playing as free. He himself looks nervous under an England shirt and that is something that I would never have said before. On top of this, I think that he does believe he has this sort of superiority over others which leaves his performance lacking. I feel more impressed everytime Foden steps inside over Jude. There’s energy around Foden and I don’t feel that with Bellingham. Would like to see more from him but for what he has accomplished already at 20, you can’t be too critical.

[@nelsonogbuigwe7500]

The media has gotten to his head. And it’s fed his main character syndrome. And the coach keeps enabling his worst tendencies. He should be benched

[@1972dsrai]

I think Bellingham is just fatigued after having a really long season with Real. He played in virtually every game and its not really surprising he’s looking a little jaded for England. We have to remember he’s still very young and could be suffering from burnout.

[@dans2971]

It’s a trick question!! Southgate shouldn’t be anywhere NEAR the national side. Well, not if you want it to do well.

[@Bpt8825]

Pickford Walker Stones Guehi Shaw Wharton Mainoo Palmer Foden Gordon Kane

[@3chords490]

Southgate is in a situation where he has to creative , dynamic and inventive to make this all work…….and the problem is that he just doesn’t have it in him.

[@GeorgeJarvis-o6i]

Probably try Pickford at centre forward they seem to pass to him more than anyone else.

[@pauldaley9108]

Foden also displayed frustration with Kieran Trippier due to his limitations during the game so please don't single out just Bellingham. Thanks.

[@kdjannie3214]

He literally said that in the video.

[@RJYGM]

11:08 sums up why harry Kane should be dropped, sat in our own half with the defenders with 7 players in front of him. Stick Watkins on to run in behind any day of the week

[@ethan_shrapnel]

Is it not logical in tournaments like this to start your most form players? You don’t get another chance, like from now on you lose and it’s over.

[@deloford]

Love the analysis but God do I disagree on Gallagher, thought he was atrocious, couldn't receive a pass, no touch, everything sideways and backwards, only tackle he got close to he got a yellow card, didn't press well, often dropping right onto the back 4 and when his golden chance came to nod it in.. yep shocking cameo, hope to god Spurs don't buy him and Mainoo starts, now there is a player! 😂

[@stewartmarshall4839]

Think mainoo showed enough in that second half to start next game, he is what that midfield misses

[@ultimateblaze23]

There's lots to be positive about in the future, all this team needs a good manager. A good manager will fix the press and build up. Forget this tournament it was over the second they didn't Southagte years ago. Next world cup is interesting. Hope Netherlands win 4-0 to ensure this clown is sacked.

[@Tom5555]

Rico Lewis would have done better than all these guys next to Rice. Possession, energy, dogged defending, threat going towards. Next time I guess

[@DavidGreen-ot2ni]

Mainoo is poor at running back,even Roy Keane pointed this out in previous Utd and England games. He's still young and probably hasn't built up those stamina lungs

[@amychaseaussie]

We got buzz cut GTA6 before England winning anything 😂

[@danwilson6978]

Conor Gallagher is the Frank Lampard of Scot Mctominay’s

[@LGEightZero]

Kyle Walker was so so bad. Right now the “senior” players are stinking the place out. Apart from Stones. My theory is they’re totally complacent that Southgate won’t drop them, because “experience”. And so are not motivated in the same way as players fighting for their place in the team (like the young ones).

[@lukefaccenda1467]

People way over the top with Palmer, dropping Saka for him is wild.

[@josephsochor-grethe7970]

This guy man

[@johanfredriksvendsen8482]

I am sorry but I have to slightly disagree with what is being said about Bellingham at 34:40. I dont disagree that he is intelligent and can see space and know where to be and when to be there. That we have seen for Madrid all season. You can and should also applaud the work rate and effort he is putting into pressuring the opponent, but all the clips you highlighted of his frustration etc screams of someone who is not intelligent. He is doing all that work and and no one else following it up. It is understadnable he is frustrated with that, especially if this is something they have planned and talked about before the match. "Jude sets the tempo on defense, he pushes up and everyone needs to up their intensity otherwise it is all in vain". I would be furious, but he also has to look at what his team mates are doing. All that effort showcased in those clips showed he put a lot of work in for exactly no reason.

[@fader1912]

It doesn’t matter how hard Bellingham is pressing because you have to do it with the team and he doesn’t. He’s always running on his own like a headless chicken so ofc you’re going to be tired and annoyed

[@jamesardron]

I’d only want Bellingham benched for him taking that break, he can also be a weapon as a sub

[@PuhutaanPyöräilystä]

This tournament is so nervy and apathetic I can't take it. Not just for England, also France, Belgium, Germany and Portugal etc. There's Greece vibes here.

[@HM-mw7cg]

How can you say Saka did nothing wrong? He took no risks. He stood no players up, he took no players on. That has to be wrong, even though he hasn’t made any flagrant mistakes