Is England's squad good enough to succeed in Russia?

[AFCB_Mark]

Thought this was pretty interesting

https://twitter.com/x/status/1004078422627442689

 

[mistermagic]

Pretty sure England would lose if they faced Colombia. Must finish on top to avoid them imo. After England/Belgium, Poland/Colombia is the 2nd game that I'm attending that I'm most looking forward to. Mouthwatering stuff.

 

[Gassy]

On paper our squad is better than both of them. I just have a gut feeling that we’d beat Poland but lose to Colombia

 

[St. Juste]

In fairness, I agree with your general point about preferring to face Poland rather Colombia but only because I just think Colombia are better.

Correct, Colombia are a good side and more of a threat than Poland.

On paper our squad is better than both of them. I just have a gut feeling that we’d beat Poland but lose to Colombia

What does squad on paper mean anyway? Seems something England are always strong in but doesn't translate to much, maybe Colombian fans think their squad would be stronger?

Since England won the World Cup in 1966 they have won five knockout games in the space of 52 years.

86 Paraguay
90 Belgium
90 Cameroon
02 Denmark
06 Ecuador

 

[G.B]

Shit English cunts

 

[Dirk]

Shit English cunts

other than Serbia, right?

Did England really won only 5 k.o matches in all World Cups after 1966? Wow, that's few (maybe they get "another one" this time)

 

[SF_]

I doubt there is a single England fan who wouldn't deem reaching the quarters a good tournament.

No chance of winning it, reaching the semis would be absolutely astounding.

 

[Gassy]

Correct, Colombia are a good side and more of a threat than Poland.



What does squad on paper mean anyway? Seems something England are always strong in but doesn't translate to much, maybe Colombian fans think their squad would be stronger?

Since England won the World Cup in 1966 they have won five knockout games in the space of 52 years.

86 Paraguay
90 Belgium
90 Cameroon
02 Denmark
06 Ecuador

Spain in 96 as well.

Colombian fans are free to think what they want. I am saying that on paper (man for man) we have more better players in their position than Colombia has.

However there is a difference of paper to in practice. EG, Scotland are better on paper than Saudi Arabia. In practice though...

 

[St. Juste]

Spain in 96 as well.

Colombian fans are free to think what they want. I am saying that on paper (man for man) we have more better players in their position than Colombia has.

However there is a difference of paper to in practice. EG, Scotland are better on paper than Saudi Arabia. In practice though...

I was considering World Cups.

What does this on paper stuff really mean? I'd be interested to see a clear definition.

Saudi Arabian internationals aren't allowed to play outside their country I think (?) they might be great for all I know,

 

[DelPieroTips]

The squad is good enough but the problem is that England are seeking Germany in 1/4 so its a bit a chance

 

[Gassy]

The squad is good enough but the problem is that England are seeking Germany in 1/4 so its a bit a chance

Yep Germany or Brazil most likely. I’d bite your hand off to get the 1/4 finals though

 

[Gassy]

I was considering World Cups.

What does this on paper stuff really mean? I'd be interested to see a clear definition.

Saudi Arabian internationals aren't allowed to play outside their country I think (?) they might be great for all I know,

Really? I had no idea!

I don’t think there is a true definition though, just more of you line up 11 vs 11 who has the most better players for their respective positions. That’s my guess anyway!

 

[SALTIRE]

Yep Germany or Brazil most likely. I’d bite your hand off to get the 1/4 finals though

You've got a squad good enough for the quarters or maybe even better with a bit of luck. The problem is fear; you find a way to play without that, and you'll have a good tournament.

 

[Gassy]

You've got a squad good enough for the quarters or maybe even better with a bit of luck. The problem is fear; you find a way to play without that, and you'll have a good tournament.

Just watching pre match vs Costs Rica and they summed it up well, “there aren’t really any battle scars with this team”

Unfortunately as fans we all have it. I don’t think we really have a clue how we will do at this one. One minute I think we have this great young team all fighting for each place, next minute I’m thinking they’re a bunch of lazy, over paid bellends

 

[SALTIRE]

“there aren’t really any battle scars with this team”

These pundits ought to make up their mind what they want. Southgate is damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't by the media; he plays experience, then 'its time to blood youth into the side, get rid of the old guard and get rid of the fear'; he puts in youth, then 'there's no experience here to cope with tournament football.' - he can't win!

 

[Benji]

Just watching pre match vs Costs Rica and they summed it up well, “there aren’t really any battle scars with this team”

Didn't most of this team lose to Iceland two years ago?

 

[Gassy]

Didn't most of this team lose to Iceland two years ago?

I’d guesstimate that out of those that started on the day, 5 will start against Tunisia.

I agree with Saltire, he is damned either way. I think that’s a positive for us though - for so long we had a very obvious starting 11, for the first time in ages, we have a squad where anyone apart from 3 players could start. And I guess you could look at that 2 ways; a lack of word class players or real competition for your place

 

[Benji]

I don't think it matters either way. Is anyone looking at Brazil and saying they will struggle because of how they went out 4 years ago? The press just crap on everything England indiscriminately, it's boring.

I much preferred it when they thought England were the best in the world ahead of the World Cup, then after a lacklustre opening game they would crap on them.

 

[Gassy]

I don't think it matters either way. Is anyone looking at Brazil and saying they will struggle because of how they went out 4 years ago? The press just crap on everything England indiscriminately, it's boring.

I much preferred it when they thought England were the best in the world ahead of the World Cup, then after a lacklustre opening game they would crap on them.

Tell that to them if we get to penalties

I agree with the press though, awful

 

[Skinner]

Good vocal crowd at Lids tonight, I wish we'd just fuck Wembley off

 

[Super_horns]

Good vocal crowd at Lids tonight, I wish we'd just fuck Wembley off

They will play the qualifiers there's but move friendlies around the country I reckon .

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Rashford with the best England goal since Joe Cole, I think?

 

[Renegade]

FOOTBALL'S COMING HOME

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Absolutely. As always it will come down to if (and it’s a big IF) they actually turn up when the pressure is on. If they do, they’ll be one of the more exciting teams at the tournament.
I’ve not seen an England team that has so many selection headaches for quite some time. Usually it’s just, “Should Rooney play?”.. and the answer was of course no. But the options England have this year are impressive. Lots of pace, creativity (attacking midfielders), movement and even some strength and power. Rashford has to play behind Kane now, as Sterling just doesn’t have the same threat as he does for Man City. I’d like for Loftus-Cheek to start too (whether that’s ahead of Lingard or Alli), as he makes things happen, he has upper body strength and he can pick a pass. He’s also comfortable driving forward with the ball at his feet.
The right wing back position is very strong, as that Alexander-Arnold is some talent. However my preference would be Trippier.
I’m not overly convinced by the defence as they do tend to give away chances every game. But then again, no team will have a perfect defence because that’s modern football. I mean Sergio Ramos is classed as one of the best in the world and he’s riddled with errors.
I don’t rate the left wing back position too highly as I’ve never been convinced by Rose and Young (although I rate him) will get sussed out. I’d like to see Delph there.
The goalkeeper situation is tricky. I think Butland has been one of the most consistent keepers in the league the last few years, but errors/bad decisions have crept into his game the season just gone. Pickford has many faults too, but he does possess a monster kick that could be a weapon and he is good on the ball generally. Speaking of keepers, that Navas has to be the luckiest player ever. He would struggle in the National League. Makes so many mistakes and is so overrated.
So yes, they have a chance to do well, if they perform. Perform with the same energy, ability and movement that they’ve been showing recently and, well.. they should at least be entertaining to watch for once.

 

[mente captus]

Correct, Colombia are a good side and more of a threat than Poland.



What does squad on paper mean anyway? Seems something England are always strong in but doesn't translate to much, maybe Colombian fans think their squad would be stronger?

Since England won the World Cup in 1966 they have won five knockout games in the space of 52 years.

86 Paraguay
90 Belgium
90 Cameroon
02 Denmark
06 Ecuador

At the euros there is a single shoot-out win vs spain 1996 in the books and thats all

 

[SALTIRE]

At the euros there is a single shoot-out win vs spain 1996 in the books and thats all

Remember being gutted Spain didn't win that, they were by far the better team on the day.

 

[Dirk]

Remember being gutted Spain didn't win that, they were by far the better team on the day.

Salty was gutted that England won. What a surprise

 

[SALTIRE]

Salty was gutted that England won. What a surprise

The pricks didn't do us any favours at Euro 96 when we could've done with their help, of course I was wanting them to lose!

 

[Gassy]

Absolutely. As always it will come down to if (and it’s a big IF) they actually turn up when the pressure is on. If they do, they’ll be one of the more exciting teams at the tournament.
I’ve not seen an England team that has so many selection headaches for quite some time. Usually it’s just, “Should Rooney play?”.. and the answer was of course no. But the options England have this year are impressive. Lots of pace, creativity (attacking midfielders), movement and even some strength and power. Rashford has to play behind Kane now, as Sterling just doesn’t have the same threat as he does for Man City. I’d like for Loftus-Cheek to start too (whether that’s ahead of Lingard or Alli), as he makes things happen, he has upper body strength and he can pick a pass. He’s also comfortable driving forward with the ball at his feet.
The right wing back position is very strong, as that Alexander-Arnold is some talent. However my preference would be Trippier.
I’m not overly convinced by the defence as they do tend to give away chances every game. But then again, no team will have a perfect defence because that’s modern football. I mean Sergio Ramos is classed as one of the best in the world and he’s riddled with errors.
I don’t rate the left wing back position too highly as I’ve never been convinced by Rose and Young (although I rate him) will get sussed out. I’d like to see Delph there.
The goalkeeper situation is tricky. I think Butland has been one of the most consistent keepers in the league the last few years, but errors/bad decisions have crept into his game the season just gone. Pickford has many faults too, but he does possess a monster kick that could be a weapon and he is good on the ball generally. Speaking of keepers, that Navas has to be the luckiest player ever. He would struggle in the National League. Makes so many mistakes and is so overrated.
So yes, they have a chance to do well, if they perform. Perform with the same energy, ability and movement that they’ve been showing recently and, well.. they should at least be entertaining to watch for once.

I do wonder why Pope isn’t really being considered though?

Highest finish in the league, most clean sheets, 0 errors that lead to shots/goals (bth Pickford and Butland had a tally) and Pope had the highest save percentage of shots at him by far??

 

[AFCB_Mark]

I do wonder why Pope isn’t really being considered though?

Highest finish in the league, most clean sheets, 0 errors that lead to shots/goals (bth Pickford and Butland had a tally) and Pope had the highest save percentage of shots at him by far??

I think we've had Pickford and Butland earmarked since the aftermath of Euro 2016, when it became clear we needed to find a new goalkeeper. Despite 10 caps between them, they've both been in the squads regularly in that time.

Pope has come slightly from left field, forced his way into the squad on the back of an excellent season, which is just what you want from previously totally unconsidered English players. Whilst forcing a way into the squad is one thing, I guess it becomes harder to parachute him straight from nothing to number 1 over the head of Butland and Pickford? There's been a certain inertia for 18 months around those two for this tournament.

To be honest I think there's really not a lot between the 3 of them, they're all reasonable choices without any being top class. If Pope continues over next season it'll force Southgate to think again. Right now we could happily pick any 1 of them and have other areas of the pitch we need to worry about more.