Woeful England's Great Escape | EURO 2024

Can you look past such a poor England performance because they did ultimately get through? What tactical changes would the boys like to see for England’s next game? Will the late, dramatic turnaround be the spark they need to finally find some form?
Gary, Alan and Micah discuss England’s performance against Slovakia, where they were 30 seconds away from one of the most miserable and humiliating defeats in English football history.
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00:00 - Intro
01:16 - England v Slovakia
06:20 - The Defense
08:20 - England’s Substitutions
10:20 - A Moments Team?
12:51 - Players Who Stood Out
15:30 - England v Switzerland
20:00 - England’s XI
25:30 - Spain v Georgia
30:10 - Micah’s “Drip”

[@shabba1234]

Southgate's choice to not make any changes at half time must rank as one of the worst managerial decisions in the history of football. To carry on with the same formation and basically the same starting eleven following the abject misery of the previous three games is pure incompetence.

[@32446]

I was angry at SG I was screaming at the TV. He just sits there and does nothing.

[@jefri4176]

He is just stubborn and a coward to make real changes at halftime. The first 11 are tired been playing nonstop.

[@joseph1845]

I'm so sick of him, and then listening to his delusions after the game, I dislike him as a manager

[@DB-nn2iu]

It’s a joke. He’s so clueless. At 1 nil down only one sub up to 84 min and that’s because trippier was injured. Unbelievable.

[@beejj6190]

I like to be able to work a lot of things out. Blaggy politicians, CV -19 manipulations, blah, blah... but Southgate's continued employment with his obvious tactical failings is beyond me?? The only thing I can think is him mainly winning [badly] is enough to keep England sponsors happy / the money coming in for the top brass. It's almost sinister...

[@Carlos_Jr1984]

I worked it out. It takes each England player 4 seconds on average to pass the ball on after they receive it. Gotta give the opposition a chance to get set. It’s only fair

[@jamesrennie92]

🤣🤣

[@SamMerchant-vn4or]

true, far too slow, especially the defenders

[@tsteed97]

I've been saying that since first game, impossible to break down a team doing that

[@iNEEDiTiWANTit]

Should be given the cup for thoughtfulness

[@ps5andstuffhere]

Stop playing Foden please. No attacks down the left again. Balance a mess

[@MrDpjrichards]

Seeing Gomez, who has actually played at left back this season and did well, sitting on the bench while watching Trippier who won’t or, more likely, can’t kick the ball with his left foot, in that position is peak Southgate favouritism. Then rubs salt in the wounds by moving his right winger to left back and then brings on another defender to play left back who hasn’t played in that position before. No wonder Joe looked so dejected even after the final whistle. It can’t just be me that thinks it is utter madness?

[@Kilcobert19]

Not at all. And to double down on favouritism from Southgate: picking Luke Shaw. He's not going to be near fitness for the tournament and there are so many other choices he could have picked. Very bizarre.

[@dicarpio2177]

I think the players recognise how limited trippier is there as he was in acres of space for most of them game and they mostly refused to give him the ball

[@omnipotentcheese6359]

the most beautiful part was early on ish trippier had that opening that sat up beautifully on edge of area if you happened, for some reason to have a right footed lb and he cleared the stadium with his shot it was so bad.0 benefit from him. just take a 2nd lb if shaw isnt fit.

[@TheAdArchive]

@@omnipotentcheese6359don’t forget that lovely moment when Trippier sold Guehi short with a pass which means he got carded.

[@sammybeck4855]

​@@TheAdArchiveAlso remember Guehi and Stones going for the same ball and then Guehi just let the man run past him for the goal. Walker was getting skipped past all the time but let's scapegoat Trippier again who defensively wasn't actually as bad as the other three defensively yesterday. Only decent corners were put in by Trippier and the chance he missed why would he have scored that when he's a full back and it was bouncing awkwardly in front of him. Would've had an assist had Foden held his line for the disallowed goal. Midfield and forward players have been the worst players every game but it's the same one player who gets blamed every single time. The mentality of the team is all wrong. Everyone drops deep. It's shit to watch.

[@PulpDogg]

The contrast the Spanish side later on was pretty stark. On paper, England has the same level of individual talent as Spain - and yet it took a lucky punch backflip goal by Bellingham and a header by Kane to advance. Where Spain didn't seemed bothered at all by Georgia going up 1-0. They knew, they had enough time to equalize and turn the game around.

[@texnorton3494]

Spain didn't play a strong team so far. See how easily Switzerland dispatched of Italy. Let's see how they do against Germany

[@carlenn2008]

​@@texnorton3494 i don't understand the comparison with Italy. They were awful throughout and were very lucky to make it out of tbe group.

[@Redonepunch]

The Spain games being on the same day as England have demonstrated such a stark contrast between two talented teams

[@D1ARBO]

Both Spain and Georgia were far far superior. England will, unfortunately, lose to the Swiss.

[@cogitoy7692]

​@@D1ARBOBut is it unfortunate, really?

[@cpj93070]

@@D1ARBO Bet you said that last game didn't you? and the game before?

[@CHuzz7777]

Georgia were more energetic, organised and incisive than England never mind Spain.

[@nickwoodward819]

@@cpj93070 Us fluking it against a poor team doesn't make the sentiment wrong

[@smccarthy1975]

Kane spent about as much time inside the English half as he did in the oppositions . At one stage , he even hoofed a ball from the English half up to where he should of been himself to the oppositions box . Crazy to see . Southgate is soo lucky after that win

[@wrfootball3847]

La la la la la la la la la la hey Jude....Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude,Jude, Jude, Jude! Cmon England what a win! Cant get that song out my head now! Come on!!!!

[@stevewturnbull]

Kane is as good the service he gets. He got a good free kick and nearly headed it in. He got an easy header and scored. England's problem isn't Kane, it's the lack of creativity in midfield. Same as always (despite Bellingham).

[@kevinl6390]

@@stevewturnbull They should have brought maddison

[@heppolo]

@@kevinl6390 maybe leaving Grealish and Maddison wasn't that kind of a "brave decision" Southgate should have made. Time for an emergency to bring back Becks out of retirement 🤣

[@xXSuperman117]

Kane spent first 20 mins in the box,THE BOX and got zero service. Than all game he received 2 chances and he scored 1. This Team needs creativity

[@andrerosenlund5349]

Feels mental to me that Joe Gomez isn't getting a shout for left back when we clearly have such a problem down the left. Played there for Liverpool for big chunks of the season.

[@bonzobanzi1137]

The excuse would likely be that "he doesn't offer enough going forward" same as Trent isn't a good enough defender ahead of Walker. It's ridiculous

[@tyrannosaurus696]

Or just go 3 at the back. Stones & Walker play in a back 3 week-in week-out.

[@wardje5195]

Joe Gomez is mister inconsistent. One day he looks like he can do it all, the other day he makes one mistake after another.

[@bigtony4829]

Don't underestimates Toneys vital role in both goals ,He blocked a defender for Jude and Headed the ball for Kanes goal He was the missing piece of the puzzle ,,Holds the ball up , heads the ball across the box .Does the physical ugly side of the game so well

[@jamiestewart48]

He also lead the line which forced the opposition back towards their own goal, when Kane drifts back into and crowds his own half.

[@neildean7515]

Conpletely right both comments. Everyone knows Kane is coming deep (doing job of other midfielders whilst blockibg their playing space), but southgate does not have the balls to tell him. He csnnot play as alone striker(Limited movement and no pace to get behibd defenders), this is why playing Tony along with Kane in a 3-5-2 will work. Tony and Kane together will terrorise defences and will get bags of Goals. Defenders need to defend, Midfielders need to play whilst strikers need to go into combat and score goals.. But Southgate is too negative

[@georgemeacham8591]

that header was gold, prior to that we had put three balls across the box all game, Kane's missed header, Foden's offside and Judes goal.

[@virtualinsanity2457]

It’s safe to say the nation is expecting to lose against Switzerland. Probably the best approach given Southgate’s mind boggling tactics.

[@shacharrachmany1102]

Someone has got to tell him he's coaching england team 2024 not greece team 2004

[@darranwilkins4648]

loose your getting leathered of them

[@Snook_Dog]

Mate I'm using my free bet from Paddy to put Switzerland to win and I am actually certain it will come in

[@rage8kage]

If this is southgate? How da hell did he stay in the job for so long? I knew he was mediocre when he was put temporarily in charge but he's still a nothing tactically. He's not even playing the players in the right position. This England team has big players playing in big teams. Probably the best crop ever. There's no way they should be so shit. Crawling through with individual talent last minute. It's sad

[@Snook_Dog]

@rage8kage appoint the Middlesborough manager and you get a Middlesborough team, people seem to forget his only managerial experience was at a Middlesborough side that was struggling under him and was dropping down the table, watch some of them games from when he was manager there and it looks exactly the same as the England team does, he is clueless and is still sticking with a plan that doesn't work and the reason why is because he doesn't have a plan B and to say "I never felt like we were going out" is ignorant, when everyone in the country can see the issues and he can't he is clearly touched in the head, and then you gotta ask yourself what is the definition of insanity

[@musamatheslim6617]

We don't deserve to be through. Absolutely terrible again. Was honestly hoping we would go out just so we can finally end this and get Southgate out. The football he plays is actually painful to watch

[@Redandwhite_bluesuedeshoes]

You’re very kind…I wouldn’t think he could explain how he wants to play let alone explain the methodology…

[@George-li1yv]

You'll get your wish on Saturday most likely

[@user-oc2ip4ji5v]

But would you rather going out, or going through playing as bad as we are, it’s tournament football, a win is a win

[@walkingandadventures6114]

Don’t watch it then,

[@wrfootball3847]

Na na na na na na na na naa hey Jude....Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude,Jude, Jude, Jude! Cmon England what a win! Cant get that song out my head now! Come on!!!!

[@TigerT72]

The level of disrespect being given to Joe Gomez is criminal. Gomez had one of his best seasons in years last season, playing a quarter of his games at left back. Trippier has played just one club game in that position in his entire career, an EFL game against Barnsley back in 2017, yet is nailed on to start there every game. Even when Trippier is taken off injured, Southgate decides that it’s safer to play Saka there, a right winger that has openly admitted that he’s not the answer to the left back issue, than Gomez. Gomez has every right to be pissed off with Southgate. None of the panel in this podcast even mentioned his name when asking for a solution to play there against Switzerland!

[@GarethSewell1982]

Trippier has played left back several times for Newcastle 👍

[@TigerT72]

@@GarethSewell1982 I got my info from Transfermakt, and it doesn’t list any other games at left back, other than for England. If you are a Newcastle fan and have seen this with your own eyes, I’ll stand corrected.

[@wardje5195]

Joe Gomez is mister inconsistent. One day he looks like he can do it all, the other day he makes one mistake after another.

[@GarethSewell1982]

@@TigerT72 I’m pretty sure he has played there for us, albeit he may not have started there. Trippiers mentality has gone now, he was woefull for us last season- I’d prefer a propper left back there.

[@TigerT72]

@@wardje5195 I don’t agree with that. Fitness has been the main reason he’s not played as much as he would have liked over his career so far, but this season he has stayed fit and been pretty consistent. He had his best season for a while, both at left back and at right back.

[@Polcar1]

Omg, first time I ever heard Gary Lineker swear, it was quite refreshing, he's a shining example to us all.

[@xRonan__x]

Southgate is basically saying to the players ‘if you play bad, you’re still going to start next game’ so players aren’t worried about getting dropped.

[@PazzV27]

They shouldn’t be worried about being dropped, they should be worried about nearly embarrassing the entire nation against such poor opposition, no offence to Slovakia

[@xRonan__x]

@@PazzV27 yeah it’s both mate. If a player isn’t worried about getting dropped they will naturally drop off in performance as they don’t face consequences, Foden for city works because pep will drop him in a heartbeat for someone if he doesn’t perform. Southgate hasn’t got the bottle to drop players

[@LightninBolt]

@@xRonan__xFoden was pathetic yeah

[@hyywe240]

Always picks his favourites doesn't he! Maguire, henderson, phillips, mount, sterling, rahsford. Sick of it!

[@SueMyChin]

@@xRonan__x If their performances drop off they will be out! Why would they be worried about being dropped? What a gormless comment.

[@MrDylan102]

I can't believe how lucky Southgate is, those players saved his undeniably awful tactics. Not making changes at half time was ridiculous. I'm not an English fan, but I'm a fan of many of the individual players. Bellingham was really quiet the whole game but that's the quality he gives you, he can create big moments.

[@bighas96]

Are you irish?

[@MrDylan102]

@@bighas96 I am

[@user-fm5kn2qc9g]

Hi Dylan, I remember enjoying Ireland at the world cup, especially the Jack Charlton era. Best wishes from England.

[@mrragergaming3021]

What is Micah wearing...he looks like he's straight out of Miami Vice 😂

[@TronLegacy5000]

If Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins played like Harry Kane; they would be on a flight home by the media and the manager! FACTS

[@everdreamtim]

I agree with that. Ok Kane scored, but really the team have carried him for 4 games. Captain ? Its a joke.

[@JulianJamesProd.]

As a Belgian, England look very similar to us right now. It's like the managers have no idea what tactics to employ and just throw some players out there on the field to try and do something good. Wasteful coaches unfortunately

[@gavinmillar461]

Except England are the luckiest team in the tournament with the teams they’ve played & will play! I bet they go all the way now. Without playing a decent team until the final. Crazy but it’s looking likely. ✌️

[@Trippenzoid]

I think even Belgium and Lukaku performed better than England. Good luck for tonight.

[@JohandariAber]

You must be joking..Belgium is miles better at this time

[@vanessamentor1469]

Rooting for Belgium tonight....Come On Red devils💪💪💪

[@vh9129]

@@Trippenzoid lukaku has been so bad , I even think half off the time he didn't know where the ball was and/or where he was

[@richieshaw1988]

With little evidence of a game-plan, and players not seeming to know what each other are doing, Micah is spot on that we’re a team of individual moments.

[@valuetraveler2026]

Insta-team

[@cantcontrol12]

IG-land😅

[@jc6087]

Toney and Kane up top looked so f*cking good, they dovetail perfectly. Toney goes long while Kane goes short its perfection. If i was Kompany I would instantly be in for Toney after seeing how they work together.

[@DadreamDahreem]

Good spot,astute

[@Sam-yf4kt]

It’s a case of anything except the system he plays. Kane drops short, so we can’t press. We have no width on the left, and predictable on the right. Centre is congested against counter attacking teams. It’s hopeless tactics.

[@VERDICTInsanity]

“They looked like they had just met” I think hits the nail on the head, which is crazy when you think about it.

[@n4ht4n80]

I think the biggest hint at how Southgate never learns is as soon as Kane scored we went straight to a back 5. We’ve got killers in that team and he doesn’t let us finish games

[@Smartacus420]

Any manager/team would do that while leading in extra time of a knockout stage. If he kept on pressing with a high line up the pitch and we conceded you'd be livid.

[@dingbatdave9440]

​@@Smartacus420 Any manager would do that? against slovakia??? meanwhile Spain are saying hold my beer! And the OP is huffing hopium with his " We’ve got killers in that team" hahaha FFS

[@Youafool500]

@@Smartacus420No, the gutless managers would do that, the ones with something about them will kill the game off by getting another goal

[@TheSinimatik]

Are you really criticizing a manager for shutting up shot in AET after taking the lead? Lol really? Southgate has a lot to be criticized for not this

[@sizey8105]

I hate that type of football. He’s got a team of first class players but he won’t let them play! 5 at the back and inviting them on! What a joke

[@dudao4163]

Toney subs at 94th min was the most ridiculous thing ever. And Southgate bragged about it like a genius !

[@chrisbirch4150]

I think in this whole campaign that is the most alarming and bizarre thing to happen. Like a mixture of stupidity and spite. It should be talked about more.

[@user-fu4iw5dx3f]

And yet he created the goal?!?

[@chrisbirch4150]

@@user-fu4iw5dx3f well he created the goal in extra time. People aren't critical of bringing him on. It's bringing him on with a couple of minutes to go.

[@shadow_realm47]

@@user-fu4iw5dx3f he created the goal despite being treated poorly all tournament. Not because of it. He should have been brought on 65-74 minutes on the clock.

[@bigwhitewill4974]

@@user-fu4iw5dx3f you must be so deluded to think he thought, 30 seconds left this will work. That’s not how it works. You don’t do subs that late as it has no real effect. It was pure luck that Bellingham scored - and also fuck all to do with Toney. Bringing on 3 subs at half time after giving them a bollocking, probably would have smashed them 4-1 like how Spain came back against Georgia

[@albetteridge5553]

We must play Toney, his hold up play and physicality is something we haven’t seen in the tournament yet. Much better than the ineffective saka and foden.

[@samburrell3288]

Slovakia's manager totally outsmarted Southgate and did a number on him. Southgate didn't make changes at HT or change the tactical approach because he simply doesn't know what he's doing, he's so poor, he's inept. You see all the prem managers, Thomas Frank et al, all of them, they make changes early, they're very tactically smart. Southgate is so out of his depth it's scary

[@Stephenphillips29UK]

60secs from being knocked out, absolutely sh*t performance

[@SueMyChin]

Too much pressure on them to perform. Everyone asking for this guy to start and that guy to play but in reality it makes no difference. We had 60 minutes of Palmer, what did he do? Saka at LB how did that help?

[@Vegan_Photographs]

@@SueMyChinI 100% agree! Everyone saying he should start there and another there or GS should make changes sooner 😂😂 They don’t realise prime messi and zindane could be in that side but all that would happen is they’ll play it backwards and no one moves THAT is the issue TAA is the best passer in the squad, playing him is pointless when no one makes a run KM is so energetic and burts forward, pointless doing that when no one else is loving Foden playing LW or CM is pointless if all he’s gonna do is play it back to Pickford lol There’s absolutely no confidence and this comes from GS! He should be the one that tells them it’s on him if they make a mistake as they’re the ones being told to play forward etc, no different to Klopp and Pep Take ownership, not leave it up to the players

[@SueMyChin]

@@Vegan_Photographs I agree to a point but you can tell them whatever you want, the players aren't stupid. They know if they make the mistake the costs us the tournament they will be slaughtered like Beckham was and if they happen to be black they'll also be abused on SM too.. It's a really difficult cycle to break.

[@Mash_Mash22]

@@SueMyChinhave a league 2 level manager, get league 2 football. Southgate is a disgrace

[@SueMyChin]

@@Mash_Mash22 Sure, and you know better because you have a keyboard and access to the internet... You've just convinced me, well done!

[@dudeLaurence]

"It was as if theyd just met each other for the first time and gone on the pitch and tried to play football" Gary nailed it. My thoughts exactly.

[@neha7445]

when has Southgate ever played a settled team. picks the headliners from the moment - has not built a team or system to suit the best players he has

[@philipmarsden7104]

​@@neha7445That describes his picking Mainoo and I for one am not convinced he offers more than TAA did. The whole team has played poorly, and putting all the blame on TAA, which Southgate has, is foolish.

[@diddyxl]

Fodon should have been taken off at halftime. The bench is packed with energy and two clinical finishers. You don't take Kane out, you go to a back three and introduce another striker. Did anyone see Kobbie's stats?! He's solidified his place.

[@Hali88]

Did you really not expect that performance, after everything we have seen from England this tournament? But, we learned 2 things: 1) We were better after Trippier went off (nothing against him he's just not a LB) 2) We were better without Foden. Great player but he clogs the centre and doesn't run down the line. If we replace Trippier and Foden we might have a chance of causing Switzerland some problems.

[@Nr4747]

As a German (who got this in his recommended) all I can say about Foden is this: If your absolute bin bag of a manager didn't insist on playing Foden as a left winger, then maybe one of the best players of this season's PL could actually do something.

[@tyrannosaurus696]

Just pull Bellingham back next to Rice, put Foden at 10 & stick Gordon on the left.

[@Hali88]

@@tyrannosaurus696 yes, it's so obvious. But Southgate expects his DMs to sit just in front of the defence at all times, and he is depending on Bellingham & Kane for all the goals. It all comes back to Southgate being too conservative given the attacking talent at his disposal.

[@Hali88]

@@Nr4747 yep!

[@Here4Hummus]

The point Micah says about narrowness is spot on. Saka is predictable, walker seems reluctant to overlap and the left hand side is non existent. Just keep narrow and tight and you negate 90% of englands threat. EVEN ICELAND FIGURED THAT OUT GARETH!!

[@Mandem909]

So true. When you watch city and arsenal overlapping full backs are crucial to their dynamic play

[@alecburrett]

Imagine Saka being called predictable for Arsenal… anything but!

[@lunaslair6162]

Interesting how Saka is the main weapon out wide for Arsenal but with Southgate he’s “predictable”, maybe open your eyes to the real problem

[@jaybe2908]

I think we have to go to a back 3 with Gordon and TAA playing wide off them, he can't keep just tinkering around the edges anymore.

[@jimmyrace1258]

The full backs aren't allowed to go forward. Walker and Trippier play mostly next to the centre backs

[@philelson113]

Honestly, I heard Gareth's interview after the game and he said something like he didn't make changes earlier as he didn't want to disrupt the shape and we were controlling the game. Firstly Gareth, we don't have a shape, the team is unbalanced so no chance of affecting the shape and secondly Gareth, we weren't in control of anything!!

[@aryavansh108]

You do understand that not having a shape is a shape!! 😢😊😅😂

[@philelson113]

@@aryavansh108 Err yes of course I do but you know what I'm saying. It's a shape that's not a shape. It's awful to watch and everybody but Gareth can see it.

[@keepitsecret-dl1pr]

"controlling the game" *spends most of the game 1 nil down*

[@alixldn]

control? does he mean the four at the back just passing to each other?

[@MrGidds91]

We were controlling….our own downfall that is 😂 😅

[@georgemorley1029]

England were looking a certainty to go - game one, 1-0, game two, 1-1, game three, 0-0 and lastly, game four 0-1. That was the regression we were witnessing under Southgate. And then Bellingham popped up and scored with our first shot on target and Kane with our second. I honestly expect Switzerland to tear us apart.

[@Alo4321]

That Foden offside was criminal. Shocking positioning

[@hearmenow909]

Like no player has ever been offside before.

[@Bleech606]

22:10 I find it mad that no one is talking about Walker's mistakes of which there were many. If TAA made one of them he's getting utterly crucified and overanalysed by literally everyone and we supposedly play Walker over TAA because he's better defensively. Why does Walker get a free pass to make mistakes? I feel like we'd stick with Walker into his 40s without anyone criticising him.

[@aotea6983]

No player hs performed but for some reason TAA is the only one to be hung out to dry and he has been about the most creative we have had. Not just this tournament, any mistake of his is jumped on while mistakes by others ignored. It's bizarre

[@KellysHeroes777]

Exactly. Walker has be atrocious, he's a shocking defender but is fast so he can recover. If it was Trent everyone would be slagging him off right now

[@joso7228]

Walker is dreaming. You can see his heads not in the game. Get Trent on.

[@jamesmilligan2797]

Great shout!! TAA wld be HAMMERED if he made the mistakes Walker has

[@francisjones174]

He's lost his pace now he's 34, and that was the only thing that got him into the team in the first place.

[@sayanchatterjee355]

I have never seen a national team as clueless about their tactical plan or structure as England. They're a joke.

[@francisjones174]

Played 4 won 2 drawn 2; GF 4 GA 2. Hardly a ''clueless'' performance so far. How many national teams have you actually seen?

[@DavidManifield]

Hey let us English not kid ourselves, some of the English prem teams serve up some utter unwatchable Tripe

[@LazyRecap32]

I don’t know why you’re defending them, fifa rank top 5 already requires football miracles to draw against rank ~50 which you’re usually hoping for against really tough opponents instead of the first game on the easier bracket 👀 I mean sure, the turn of events is something to be happy about as a fan but..not exactly “that’s it, continue like that you’re doing great it’s coming home” vibes

[@rjfb973]

We've been shit​@@francisjones174

[@Sidneyyoungblood75]

​@@francisjones174oh behave. Just because of the results means jack! The play is disgraceful. Beyond words. Southgate is the luckiest England manager ever. His record won't show how dire he's been in all tournaments

[@Br0wn1e91]

Didn't even mention Joe Gomez. He's played every position in defence for Liverpool and does a good job.

[@user-dn7mb4oo5v]

Gordon's got more chance winning the TourdeFrance than he does starting against the Swiss . He is good cycling though

[@George-li1yv]

Micah is the only person on earth who can pull that shirt off

[@ryuhayabaker]

He either dresses like he's in Top Gun or Miami Vice.

[@hammertic]

😂 So macho yet so camp 😂😂

[@ness-ee]

I pull a shirt off every evening before bed

[@heppolo]

​@@ryuhayabakerGTA Vice City style

[@markroberts4517]

How the fuck did he get it on!

[@lifeasahongkongerinlondon]

Can't even watch a minute of Southgate's press conference highlights. That's how ordinary England fans feel about the team's performance.

[@hamonryechinaski180]

I wanted him to leave after Italy. Its insane how poor we are but defending and dropping deep after we score is pure Southgate. Gordon must be wondering what to do. No subs for 70mins

[@MrKelso85]

What’s sad is Southgate was actually showing consistent progression until this tournament, I I am grateful for what he’s done and I won’t disrespect therefore… but it’s time for a better manager now

[@jackhenstridge2718]

Once again. This is all down to Gareth Southgate being stubborn, arrogant, or inept by playing his best players either out of position or not playing them at all. And playing tactics that just do not work with the players he has. The sooner you pundits say it plain that this is Gareth fault the better.

[@crazyhorse9298]

Who knew, shooting on target is far more likely to lead to goals. Mind blown.

[@heppolo]

And staying onside (Foden, we see you).

[@dfnffc]

What is this sorcery you speak of? It'll never catch on

[@benclarkey1412]

It's not as simple as that is it. The problems are almost entirely structural because of Southgate's poor tactics

[@michaelaperkins32]

My 10 year old son bless him, he struggles with his emotions and he went from crying with anger to just sobbing with joy, he barely spoke for the rest of the game even when Kane scored. I cut my ankle open jumping round the living room and my husband who hates football was just stood in shock watching us lose our minds. We didn't deserve to win and it was so incredibly stressful to watch, waiting for any substitutions was infuriating

[@joso7228]

its tough being an England fan. Enjoy!

[@MrRhurbarb]

I can never really understand this 'didn't deserve to win' line. England scored two goals, Slovakia scored one. England also had a lot more possession, many more attacks and the better chances. It is not like there was some sort of cheating or injustice.

[@Mikeunism1]

reminds me of myself at his age, i remember when england were knocked out by croatia in the world cup in 2018, i would have been 13 at the time and it was similiar chaos at my house too haha.

[@DavidManifield]

I hope your son doesn't support a prem league side, because if he does and you don't allready take him to a prem game then I'm afraid he'll have more matches like this for him to watch because there's some ultra boring games through the season!

[@officialmohammedkudus]

Is he acoustic?

[@astb01]

Biggest issue and has been all matches is how slow Stones in on the ball. He dwells on the ball rather than just recycling the ball and upping the tempo. Why they don’t play a high line is beyond me when you have Guehi, Walker and Konsa in the squad. If the defence moved up 10 yards the whole team would benefit. Moving Foden to his natural right side would be a good start and he can drift in naturally on his left foot.

[@ComradeOgilvy1984]

To be fair to Stones (and Rice), Southgate seems to want the team to try to progress the ball straight up the middle from the back. Since the opposition figured that out by the 5th minute of play, the central zone is always clogged, and it leaves Stones looking gormless while he sorts out which covered teammate to definitely not pass to.

[@MrSajioo]

Southgate stops at traffic lights in GTA game

[@corbinio101]

I'm a United fan and feel like i'm reliving our entire season all over again 😭

[@liz7437]

That's exactly how I felt yesterday.

[@johnlindsay3820]

…and me.

[@TheCommonFool]

Exactly, one of the worst seasons in ManU's history, but at the same time, goal of the season with Garnacho and an FA Cup, talk about moments.

[@posteveryside-beatsnews]

100% mate. Its exactly the same. Amad vs Liverpool was the exact same feeling

[@simondalzell5635]

I'm Everton so It's great to watch a much better team !!

[@HeyItsAJOmega]

Says it all that as soon as England took the lead, we *immediately* reverted to type and sat back to cling on to the lead.

[@francisjones174]

Which worked

[@cidiracing7481]

​@francisjones174 Not going to work against a top team. And there is no reason to believe that he wouldn't play like that against a top team. He won't even get the lead against a top team. Slovakia let England kick the ball into the box and pray for luck for an hour and only in the last minute they got lucky to have the ball fall right to Bellingham. And then you see Spain relentlessly attacking and going for more goals. Spain plays like a title contender. England plays like a team that stumbles their way through every single game and hoping for luck.

[@bonglesnodkins329]

And won.

[@cidiracing7481]

@@bonglesnodkins329 By pure luck. Against Slovakia. With a squad worth 1.5 billion that comprises the best players in the world.

[@bonglesnodkins329]

@@cidiracing7481 Question: would you expect to win easily if your team line-up was: 1. Mbappe 2. Kane 3. Musiala 4. Havertz 5. Morata 6. Gakpo 7. Fullkrug 8. Ramos 9. Hojland 10. Lewandowski 11. Lukaku ? If not, why not? (That team is worth a fortune!)

[@evaa1243]

It’s such a shame that the players think that the nation are being critical of them. When the entire problem with England is all the manager. And most of the nation understand that.

[@mack983]

These guys nailed it when they said yeah the players have been poor but they also have poor because of the tactical setup.

[@pixelwolfeman1928]

Portugal 2016: "We're the worst team to ever win the euros" England 2024: "Hold my vindaloo"

[@Scallion_D]

That Portugal team could actually create chances though. No one in the history of football would've been this bad to win a major tournament, that includes Greece. That's why we ain't winning shit.

[@lol99209]

Tbh, that Portuguese team played more as a TEAM than this English team has played so far.

[@Scallion_D]

@@lol99209 Without a doubt.

[@jonchapman86]

Agreed; drew all their group matches, finished 3rd, needed extra time or penalties apart from beating Wales. So they won 1 match.

[@heppolo]

​@@jonchapman86and they played a succession of Croatia (out of form back then), Poland and Wales on the road to the final in the knockouts

[@GGM28]

Yamal and Williams. Elite wing partnership

[@audialiastt2601]

WILLIAMS & YAMAL showcasing all their skills. Managers personality on his team. Spain are delicious to watch.

[@Scallion_D]

If they can develop a David Villa esque striker they could be unstoppable again in these next 10 years.

[@manuelrodriguez2637]

Yep... Not since the days of Joaquín & Vicente have i seen wingers play for the National team... been a long time

[@jacob4690]

@@Scallion_Dnice overhype

[@andrekoerber7334]

There is a crucial bad point: Williams 1 goal, Yamal 0....and what has a forward to do???.....score goals. Schranz and Mikautadse 3 goals each playing in limited teams.

[@Kjartan1985]

Lineker says most of the players play dynamic, high-pace, short-passing, high-pressing football and at the same time he wonders why Harry Kane doesn't seem to be on his game. Is this really the best you can do Gary? You basically asked and answered your own question, yet you still don't seem to get it. Put Harry Kane in the Germany-team and he's have 6 goals by now.

[@JustMike2k23]

I find it really disrespectful that Joe Gomez who has played at Centre back right back and left back to Liverpool many times and with a lot of control and quality getting the ball forward doesn’t even get a sniff over going to left back and Trippier doing an average job, what is the point of taking him if he’s not going to get a run out in his own position?

[@user-vr9wc2ik9z]

Quite

[@mikepotter2561]

The fact England ended up with Saka at LB, and then Eze at LWB and Saka at RWB, shows Southgate panicked and had no real plan for how to win the game. If you have a plan, you bring on players to execute a particular system, you don't just throw on extra forwards and attacking players and hope. Bringing Toney on with less than 2 minutes left was pathetic. When we actually needed to return to a proper shape after we scored, we put ourselves at real risk, with Eze expected to come in and defend the far post, which he somehow got away with once despite being wrong side of his man. We got extremely lucky - and it's absolutely no way to go about winning games.

[@peacepuffz]

He could'nt set up a PE lession.

[@lillypadgaming6191]

It’s the pace of England that gets me , no urgency whatsoever, Spain went 1 down and just attacked got level and still attacked and kept attacking didn’t sit back at all, lesson to be learned I think.

[@neha7445]

Yep - were 3-1 up in the 82nd minute last night and still pressed the right back. Good, quick skillful team

[@111southeastsam111]

I don’t like him outside of football but Lineker has been spot on this whole tournament with his analysis. Not really about personnel, it’s non-existent tactics and style. Southgate is a very limited coach, compared to Nagelsman and De La Fuente. Just throws together a rigid starting 11 and hopes for the best.

[@SuperTommy2005]

'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'

[@alexandres777]

Just don't understand how Southgate is playing the same tactics 4 games in a row when the team is playing so poorly.

[@swfc91]

Madness

[@marshac1479]

No subs when they came back out after half time!!!

[@heppolo]

He doesn't believe any other one is better. It's unlikely he believes in his players, the thought is that if England goes too high and too offensive they're immediately exposed at the back.

[@ps5andstuffhere]

Stop playing Foden please. No attacks down the left again. Balance a mess

[@JamesVBradley]

A proven sign of insanity.

[@jameswright21]

When was the last time England players looked like they were enjoying playing football? Certainly not this tournament, and I'm struggling to think of a game in the last 2 years. The Spanish players look like they absolutely love it, and it's a joy to watch. It is the beautiful game, but England seem to have forgotten the first part.

[@petercurrie3953]

Love Micah’s shirt😂 Wots up with Gary’s nose ,can’t stop playing with it ,been on the hooter shooter 😂

[@davidchandra8722]

Southgate survived 10+ years of his clueless tactical awareness is crazy 😂

[@bonglesnodkins329]

By far the best tournament record of any England manager in 50 years.

[@Sam-yf4kt]

@@bonglesnodkins329he dealt with the psychology of the team, tactics aren’t psychological. That’s what we need to take it to level of winners.

[@TheManOnTheRail]

I watched on Belgium TV (French) and the commentators/pundits were so astute - but laughed when there were no changes at half time and bringing on Toney at the end, they felt for him.

[@valuetraveler2026]

Impossible to watch England games on English TV - so biased

[@stevenesbitt3528]

I said him at 85 mins, even I didn’t think it would be that late😂

[@TheManOnTheRail]

I would add that the Belgium channel had upmost respect for the England team and players but were shocked by the performance.

[@dundundun363]

@@valuetraveler2026literally the opposite, the english commentators were perplexed on commentary.. lee dixon couldnt believe his eyes

[@jbri1]

they were astute? how is that relevant?

[@nickwoodward819]

Can we just focus on Jude saying England were "dangerous" please? Tells you everything you need to know about the manager - he's HAS to be telling them they're simply unlucky. Matches up with why he's waiting until the 94th minute to make substitutions. He doesn't think anything is going wrong.

[@joso7228]

'Dangerous' he was talking about their Dance Moves when he scored

[@FPInvention]

haha I was like Alan, I couldn't sit still, I was restless, hands in my head. From pure horror to pure joy in the end

[@bobwillsher5716]

I didn't watch the Slovakia game as there were two slugs having a race on my garden path . England won absolutely amazed but by the sound of it the slug race was still far more enthralling . The boys here are 100% correct !! lets face it we got through by the skin of our dinks .Not through playing great football ! The extra time goal brilliant ! I bet when the ball went back into the mixer instead of being passed back to the keeper Gareth had a meltdown but it produced a goal thank f**

[@Dwicheung]

Does everybody just forget about Joe Gomez’s ability to play left back?

[@davidhandley9007]

It's crazy, he played left back for Liverpool regularly last season, and he's just a forgotten man at England.

[@michaeljamespitt8728]

how he’s being overlooked despite playing many games at LB last season, at the most successful club in english history, it’s ludicrous. some players are getting either 0 ir very few minutes who CLEARLY deserve more

[@kieran9882]

Gomez played his best football in years at left back, i think it’s actually his best position

[@simondalzell5635]

No. He's just not very good.

[@davidhandley9007]

@@simondalzell5635 he's better than an out of position tripper, or saka.

[@sharptothepoint]

With the easiest teams England is facing, the media hype (again) and poor performaces, it is hard not to dislike this team

[@bangersngash1096]

Which part did you edit?. Great performaces😂😂😂.

[@audialiastt2601]

Agree, "hype". English media has always been the best at that. I HATE that part bout our culture. Disrespectful of the nation and the true great footballers.

[@GIBBO4182]

Who’s “hyping” this performance??

[@ItSdAb1zZle]

Not sure where you think we are hypeing up this team or performances. They're being slated

[@joseph1845]

Southgate is totally delusional, I saw him in the interviews after, and I think it is rubbing off on the players.

[@brendansait2137]

That stone worktop is stunning and be Mic’s shirt is on another level!!!

[@jonathanhall7815]

Lineker had similar experiences in the 1990 WC knockout phase v Belgium and Cameroon where they also scraped through. Greece won Euro 2004 with similar narrow victories and cautious tactics.

[@crabby5700]

How did Gordon not get on the pitch? Game was screaming out for his directness and width on the left. We didnt compete at all against a side that is nowhere near our level. Making changes with 5 minutes to go and bringing Toney on with 3 minutes to go is stupid.

[@t.d6379]

We don't know how they're training, he might be training and performing badly. Only the team know it

[@a.c.slater573]

When palmer and Gordon have played for England they’ve been largely shit. Not just this tournament but the qualifiers and friendlies too. Palmed came on last game and had a decent spell but was giving the ball away and ineffective. Gordon does need a shot but he’s not messi, he looks average in this system.

[@crabby5700]

@@a.c.slater573 so has Foden on the LW

[@joemorris1282]

Such a weird feeling after that match. We're through, and I felt relieved, but not "happy"? What got me was when we were in possession, every player held onto it for so long, because there was NO movement off the ball, just statues, so no outlet. I mean, WTF? I don't get it!

[@heppolo]

Width was necessary. And still Foden was so clueless all game, especially at the moment of a disallowed goal (which was supposed to be the actual turnaround).

[@beejj6190]

Perfect...sadly been saying this for 30 years, so nothing changes... sigh.

[@sharkymoon422]

The whole of England cannot believe how delusional safegate is.. Actually we can include the whole world cannot believe!

[@andrewsteer8860]

We’re very ponderous in possession aren’t we? Every player is taking 1 touch too many and often the chance is then gone.

[@sharkymoon422]

@@andrewsteer8860 I think that’s because we seem to be not so compact and that’s why teams play through us easily .. 3-5-2 incoming…

[@petermartinaitis8166]

Watch John Stones, he runs forward with the ball then suddenly stops as though he has hit an invisible wall then passes the ball, clearly been told by Southgate he can only go so far upfield. Reminiscent to Rio Ferdinand under Ericsson, "centre backs do not run with the ball".

[@carolinemarburger5859]

Definitely my favourite English speaking comment. Thanks! Likable, knowledgeable and funny. I find they are talking down when it is required and enjoy and praise where necessary. It also feels it is not as England centered as others - with all due respect you should know most of us have little other foreign other commentaries we are able to follow besides the ones in our native tongue. I m only glad if anything changed that game around it was a brilliant Bellingham goal. I know England deserved it in the end but of course you must love the underdog if they fight and get so close. Made it easier to digest kind of. I guess England will end up in the final - go Swiss, though! In the end the darn result counts. As a German I ve always cheered for England to finally win it. I just find it really hard to feel that way these days.

[@danielchokoe5734]

Toney’s presence changed the game , he brought a breathe of fresh air and his movement was insane

[@Atari-stfm]

Which is why he won't play again

[@bestt2252]

@@Atari-stfm😆😅

[@SueMyChin]

Did it change anything though? We still played the entire Extra time the same as we did vs Denmark.

[@TomTudusHughes]

@@SueMyChinwell he assisted the winner so yeah

[@SueMyChin]

@@TomTudusHughes Obviously I'm just talking about the general play. Nothing against Toney, he was pretty good, I'm just saying we were still pretty shit after he came on too.

[@GrumpyBuddhist]

Can someone explain to me why the journalists sitting in the post press conference aren’t being more challenging towards Southgate? Pundits seem to think that it’s the management of the squad that needs addressing, not the players, so why aren’t they questioning Southgate more? He is on a very generous salary to represent England on the big stage and needs to defend his decisions better.

[@ShogunAsh]

You're not wrong, but pundits and journalists are always gonna go from different angles

[@joseph1845]

I don't understand it either, it's like the Emperors new clothes

[@koalaorange.]

Because they're scared they will get kicked out and miss the story

[@beejj6190]

Because the England set up is so powerful that the journos get banned for challenging his BS managership...

[@GrumpyBuddhist]

I asked ChatGPT to come up with a question and this is what it produced: “The teams lack of cohesion and limited chances were evident. Many fans and pundits believe your late substitutions and overall tactics are holding the team back. Why did you wait until we were trailing in the final moments to make changes, and how do you respond to criticism that your tactical approach is stifling the team’s ability to perform effectively”.

[@poppygrace546]

Same vibes as Italy 94 WC. Scraped through the group stages, a late winner in aet during the round of 16 against Nigeria who they were expected to beat and then went all the way to the final 👀 That goal from Baggio was the catalyst they needed, I’m hoping it’s the same with Bellingham

[@tazpiramine2699]

Camp deep? We were 1 of the favorites for the tournament! & Joe Gomez was outstanding cover as left back for Liverpool!

[@humble_frog]

the product placement in this is hilarious, two pepsis drunk down to the same levels, lids both just sitting open (who tf doesnt put the lid back on every sip?) and the labels perfectly facing camera one and camera two

[@moonglum101]

Good spot.

[@skirrah6936]

As Cristiano Ronaldo would say..drink water!

[@Suspended4thYT]

LOL - just posted much the same 😁

[@dab88]

and no ad declaration? Very cheeky...

[@bramolini4835]

They don't have enough money , got to make a bit more or they won't eat . Champagne socialists.

[@grahamorgan6909]

Mixed emotions, we were less than 60 seconds away from a new England manager, now we have another abysmal game in the euros to look forward to. If anyone needed proof of Southgate’s clueless tactical awareness it was there for everyone to see against Slovakia.

[@joso7228]

its 2 years to see these players with a new supermanager. Lets do something now.

[@Lee-qs5bl]

This is me also. Obviously want England to win but 100% want Southgate gone. I've not watched an England game since Qatar until this tournament began and will not watch again until he is gone.

[@davidchandra8722]

Its been there for 10+ years 😂 everyone knows and just need to accept

[@scottyrobins5923]

I love my beloved England...but didn't care if we lost last night..as I just want Southgate gone!.... Banished!.... Tried for high boredom!.... Conning football fans for 7 years!....keeping a proper coach out of the job...should I mention more?... .

[@nickpeterminter]

Southgate is sulking because of the flak he's deservingly been receiving, and he's stubborn. Not a good combination

[@roma5770]

Gomez & Trent sitting next to each other on the bench....can you imagine what was going through their heads that GS didn't see the need to make any changes at half time.....they are used to Klopp....one of the best managers in the world. Foden used to pep...these young players must be absolutely sick to death of GS so called tactics & how Trippier & Walker are always picked & we play in our own half....sideways & backwards. Infuriating.

[@Julia-lz8vl]

I hope people don't mind if I drop in here to describe the perspective of a Swiss fan. 😅 To me this tournament feels absolutely surreal... For decades we have watched our team barely make it to the tournaments, often dropping out in the group phase or in round of 16, and now we're up against England and suddenly the media talk about how England can stand a chance against us, the tiny Swiss nation? It feels like I've slipped into a different universe😂 The game against Italy was great, but it was weird to watch, because we've beat a top nation (and our big neighbour at that, we have a large Italian community here) from a position of dominance. It almost feels too good to be true, so the typical Swiss attitude is to be wary and expect a significantly improved performance by England. But man, it would be so great to advance to the semi-finals for the first time...

[@Trippenzoid]

You are going to FLATTEN England, plain and simple, you are an organised unit, ticking like a swiss watch.

[@lorddarlo6194]

English I wouldn't be surprised if you beat us.

[@hamborger2200]

Switzerland has to knock England out of the tournament. I can't stand even more matches like this. I was so angry after England vs. Slovakia I ordered a FC Winterthur scarf. Greetings and good luck from Germany

[@dylanobrien97]

You could easily beat us we’ve been poor all tournament you’ve got a very underrated team Somer Akanji Schär Xhaka Embolo and you’ve also got the momentum

[@tims7639]

You can easily beat us on Saturday. We were outrageously lucky against Slovakia and Switzerland have had a good tournament so far.

[@sunizzo]

in 90mins plus injury time, england have won 1 game, drawn 3 and averaged three shots on target against the likes of Serbia, Denmark, Slovenia and Slovakia. England play with fear, which I think is partly down to the fear of the media reaction. I can’t see England getting past Switzerland in 90mins at all.

[@CrimsonCr0wn]

So what you are saying (or what Im reading) here is: they go through via pens? 😅

[@beejj6190]

Fear isn't the main reason. They play a system that is largely ineffectual - so don't develop confidence. 'Lacking confidence' [via Southgate's inept management] is the main problem..

[@aryavansh108]

But we are the best league in the universe! Innit!!!!

[@SueMyChin]

@@beejj6190 The players clearly disagree with you. the performances disagree with you too. Walker passing to their player to nearly score from his own half is because of 'the system' sis it?

[@beejj6190]

@@SueMyChin - Shut up, Sue...lol.

[@lbat5276]

I'm clueless about the tactical side of football but a key difference for me between Southgate now and the 2018-20 era was Pippa Grange. i.e., he proactively bought in psychologist help to work on the mentality of the players and help them create a less pressured, less terrified team mindset. That was such a huge thing then and sidelined now. Not having a proactive plan to address the huge expectation and the pressures that have gone with that seem to be a major difference in this tournament.

[@HD-cq3ei]

At least we’re through and sometimes games like that give the team a boost. Would be nice to have a bit of positive and just enjoy the moment.

[@FloatLABSLB]

The table makes it look like Gary's mic has been dragged aggressively in front of him

[@chrisbirch4150]

Haha nice spot. It's like they decided last minute to film the podcast in the opposite direction

[@hoodyfrog7036]

Some may not agree, but they need to start playing through Mainoo. He is the only player in the team who doesn't panic, strong on the ball, drives forward and is press resistant. I could see some players were scared to pass to him but Mainoo can spin a defender with 1 touch

[@LosBags]

Definitely… cuz rice cant make a decent pass if his life depended on it.

[@Max-gk6ot]

agreed it doesn't look like they trust him at the moment. So many opportunities for a quick ball into his feet that Stones and Guehi just never play.

[@bonglesnodkins329]

Also partially at fault for Slovakia’s goal, not tracking back to help the defence.

[@T.london878]

💯💯💯

[@patrickcrombmusic]

I felt sorry for him, he kept asking for the ball in tight spaces because he has the confidence to take it on the half turn but they never did. always the safe , side ways option. pathetic

[@colutuber]

Any striker would've scored Kane's goal. The play was shocking.. we need to stop playing backwards.. Rice is a culprit for that

[@_Aldz]

That’s a good point. First was 5mins added on then went to 6…made the difference

[@ChrispyP]

Can we PLEASE have an episode where Micah chooses Gary and Alan's outfits?? 😆

[@SoundofGugu]

it does hurt my eyes when i think about it

[@PazLeBon]

god no, be in a dress next

[@GiverJene]

Omgggg YES

[@EverydayLife621]

When we invariably go to penalties, we should give Micah a seat behind the goal (in that outfit), we might actually go through 🤣🤣

[@PazLeBon]

@@EverydayLife621 lmao

[@user-ch2pc2ml4w]

Lads.. Southgate was a defender during his career.. he is a defensive manager. He has no idea what it's like to play on the wing, or up front. He is the luckiest man in England right now..

[@DavidManifield]

Lots of prem teams set up this way playing away from home don't kid yourself he's the only one, look at the team relegated out of the prem...awful to watch look at Everton and West Ham awful to watch

[@nmz3450]

Wasn't Klopp a defender and Pep a cdm? Don't think him being a defender excuses that he's just a rubbish manager

[@user-ch2pc2ml4w]

@@nmz3450 Pep was a defensive midfielder, Southgate was a defender, you can have defenders who can also score going forward, Roberto carlos being one. Southgate mind set is defense, and he needs to go

[@Hildreth1101]

Think this isn't entirely true because he may be a manager, but he has an entire team of coaches + Analysts. I think Steve Holland + Paul Nevin have a lot of impact on the style of the team as well. It is fair to say they are relatively defensive/counter attacking minded, I know Paul Nevin as a West Ham fan had a big impact on our team when we were at our best under Moyes, and we were a Counter Attacking side who scored a lot of goals from set pieces. Probably the system is more like.....designed to be defensively solid, and hope our talented attacking players do something. We've looked really bad in possession and sloppy, teams have mainly hurt us by winning the ball back up the field, aside from Slovakia goal yesterday where nobody covered the space left by Guehi when he lost his header. Don't get me wrong this isn't the way to manage this team in my view, we've got a very talented team but Southgate still manages them like it is World Cup 2018 where we played entirely to our strengths and scored bags of goals.

[@johnrawes4908]

Got to give the manager full credit for getting this group of quality players, to be as bad as they’ve been That’s quite a skill

[@thechriswhewell]

It's fear. Brian Clough was asked if he managed so well because his players were scared of him. "Don't be ridiculous (young man). Players can't play if they're filled with fear. If they're scared of making a mistake, they won't stop making them. Players need to be relaxed, and not scared of anything." Think about that next time you look at these young men playing in our shirt. Everything they've been told is that they're going to win, and nothing less will be acceptable. Not the match. The tournament. There is so much pressure on them not to fail. Southgate needs to be able to find away for these players to vent away their pressure, to learn to relax, to forget about the task in hand for a little while. The best team spirit is not forged in stress. It's formed in the funny moments and memories. We need Peter Kay and Micky Flanagan in there with them. Chill them out a little bit. Help them to relax.

[@Dwayndibb]

Yes it wasn't fear of Clough made players play well. It was wanting to win for him that made the players good. I think that is the same with Klopp and Mourinho. Where Pep is just a genius and players obviously just can't fail to love him either. Ferguson was sort of a mix of fear and personality. Southgate is just mister calm 😮

[@OLSKl.]

Yeah….but also they need to have confidence and trust in a game plan. All good creating a good atmosphere and work ethic, but if you set your team up the way Gareth is then it will be the same again and again. Quarters Semi Even a final!!!! I respect Gareth, and I hoped so much he would change but no. We’re probably going out to the Swiss if not next round. IF WE WIN I WILL SHIT IN MY HANDS AND EAT IT. YOU HAVE MY WORD

[@samcarter5576]

I’d like to see a 442! Toneys hold up play was great. Can’t believe Southgate made one change and left it super late for subs. Want him gone

[@Vdb___]

I share the same sentiment about wanting to see them field a 4-4-2 next game with Ivan starting up too with Harry, I feel like having him as a target man up top bought a completely new dimension and offered a necessary outlet to England's forward play, the game changed with him being on the pitch I thought, I know Bellingham's goal was obviously the major shifting point in terms of saving England's game at the death but Ivan was instrumental in that second goal, wonderful header back across goal to set Kane up, shouldn't underestimate that contribution at all imo, without that second goal things could have gone either way still.. I think everyone seems to be crying out for a change of tactical approach and personnel too and I feel like that change to a traditional 4-4-2 could be a good way to go

[@samcarter5576]

⁠ agree. Toney was a great target man. We’ve missed that. It’s bleddy hard with so many stars in the team but I really miss a 442 system in todays game. Think I’d leave Bellingham on the left so he can come in but have Palmer on the right, 2 target men in the middle in Kane and Toney. Mainoo and Rice in middle. Hoping Shaw comes back as he can fly down the left. Right defence I like tripper as feel he can whip the ball in far better than Walker and for me Walkers been off. Id go Konsa aswell but will Southgate make changes? No.

[@l...m9415]

Jesus christ no. We have no pace up front already and you want to add toney to that?

[@drewdavies3010]

Mike basset for manager

[@Daniboi971]

They’d get destroyed in midfield

[@bobbyg8891]

Plain and simple, Switzerland will teach us a huge lesson..

[@valuetraveler2026]

hope so

[@t.d6379]

They will laugh if they see the same XI who started against Slovakia. But they will be worried if we make wholesale changes.

[@hyywe240]

​@@valuetraveler2026 if any england fan want the team to lose, they are not an england fan

[@anthonytaylor4323]

​@@valuetraveler2026Some fan

[@roganroberts8789]

A lesson it took five consecutive games to learn....I don't think this team is capable of playing together, but they are capable of bodging their way to the final.... I don't think I can watch another 90 mins of this dogshit. It's making me dislike the sport.

[@andrewholt5659]

I remember Shearer and Lineker’s England teams being equally bad.

[@bimbur1]

I am not sure how the feeling is in England, but I hope you realise, that you are the underdogs on Saturday.

[@0191Marko]

Oh don’t worry, we are ALL aware that we are the underdogs, by a very large margin as well.

[@ianbanks3016]

Scammed a win against a team rated 45th in world football. They're not winners, they're not good, but they are very, very lucky and that might be what carries them through. However, luck has a tendency to desert you at some point.

[@anthonytaylor4323]

Unlucky that 3 of his players missed in the final moments 4 years ago , unlucky that the captain skyed it over the bar when we were out playing France , got to take the rough with the smooth. England are in the last 8

[@TurboGomez]

Scammed? Damn there are some really dumb people out there😂

[@ianbanks3016]

@@TurboGomez Two shots on target in 120 minutes of football, against a team ranked 45th in the world is scamming a win. Damn, there are some dumb people out there.

[@ianbanks3016]

@@anthonytaylor4323 Like I said, luck always has a tendency to run out at some point.

[@Samuel-ln1oc]

It’s the arrogance of the England team that is pissing me off. Anyone can have a bad game but it’s like fans and pundits are out of line for having an opinion or making out that their performances or tactics are beyond criticism. 2016 was dire, 2010 wasn’t far behind but this has to be the most bizzare tournament where the entire country seems to see the flaws that the manager and players don’t. But what do I know I’m a nobody in football so maybe I shouldn’t have an opinion.

[@mikem9309]

The poor performance is not so bad as any crap they are all spouting in the interviews as if all is going to plan and they are fighting a good fight!!

[@TurboGomez]

Of course it's fine to have an opinion but no one really cares 😂 England have always been crap it's Just that the fans are even worse 😅

[@OliTaylor]

I get that. When Jude was trying to get the fans going at 1-0 down in the 80th minute was ridiculous. They don’t understand that to get the support and recognition you need to perform. England fans have forked out thousands to watch this dross and the players get frustrated when we show the frustration

[@youknownada2326]

No you shouldn't. 😂😂😂. Don't want to be upsetting the England players by spitting facts. 🤷

[@albuxtoni]

Good on you Al, I also had to go outside for a scream. 😂

[@daltondesborough8255]

Love how you guys said Ivan Toney was just “alright “even tho he literally changed the game with his first touch of the ball setting up Bellingham then assisted Kane too ?

[@davidb9531]

It was Guehi that flicked it on for Bellingham

[@hearmenow909]

We needed a physical presence on the pitch, England have lacked physicality.