[Sammy Spireite]

Job done.

Solid start, if not earth-shattering, some promising signs and am sure the squad will develop and progress as he gets to spend more time with them throughout the year.

When you consider he has less than 30 days with the squad prior to the WC Finals, he’s not gonna change the culture and mindsets overnight.

[The Earl of Chesterfield]

Difficult to take owt definitive from that.

Lewis-Skelley and Quansah looked more than comfortable, as did Jones, whilst Bellingham and Kane underlined their enormous quality.

Fair play to a fully committed Albanian defence for preventing at least a couple more, too.

The challenge remains the same for whoever manages England - win games.

We did that t'neet...

This post has been edited by The Earl of Chesterfield: 21 March 2025 - 09:48 PM

[jack bauer]

The Earl of Chesterfield, on 21 March 2025 - 09:47 PM, said:

Difficult to take owt definitive from that.

Lewis-Skelley and Quansah looked more than comfortable, as did Jones, whilst Bellingham and Kane underlined their enormous quality.

Fair play to a fully committed Albanian defence for preventing at least a couple more, too.

The challenge remains the same for whoever manages England - win games.

We did that t'neet...

konsa was excellent, didn't have much to do but what he did have to deal with he did it 9/10, he won't take the headlines but MOTM for me, glad he is overlooked but i do wonder how far off the scene can our armando be, biased as ever but how albania could have done with a few dobra moments

[Westbars Spireite]

We can qualify without a manager. What matters is whether Tuchel can get us a win in a couple of games against similar/better sides where Southgate failed. We will find out next year.

This post has been edited by Westbars Spireite: 21 March 2025 - 11:13 PM

[jack bauer]

Westbars Spireite, on 21 March 2025 - 11:13 PM, said:

We can qualify without a manager. What matters is whether Tuchel can get us a win in a couple of games against similar/better sides where Southgate failed. We will find out next year.

1st half i was impressed, i thought we played with a purpose and looked confident across the 11, it wasn't passing for passing sake, it was just tough to get through, i think you add saka to that team and it gives an added dimension so obviously missing tonight, to win a tournament is such a long shot in reality, let's see how it all unfolds over the next 18 months.

[Goku]

What Tuchel needs to learn ASAP is that Foden isn’t the answer. Shouldn’t even make the squad, he’s such a Pep system-baby.

[sophocles]

Westbars Spireite, on 21 March 2025 - 11:13 PM, said:

We can qualify without a manager. What matters is whether Tuchel can get us a win in a couple of games against similar/better sides where Southgate failed. We will find out next year.

Absolutely correct. What we saw tonight was exactly what we would have seen under GS - an attritional battle against a side determined to sit deep and block everything. As usual, England got through due to touches of class from their most skilful players, a world-class through ball from Bellingham, and a world-class finish from Kane. In other words, pretty much the same as before, which comes as absolutely no surprise since most of the players are the same. It will be really interesting to see what happens against a team that has the confidence to actually attack England.

This post has been edited by sophocles: 21 March 2025 - 11:26 PM

[jack bauer]

interesting thought hit tonight when watching that, so many teams play with inverted wingers, low block oppostion love this it seems, so why are coaches so reluctant to switch wingers over just to mess with opposition plans? a full back who has spent 70 mins showing a player the line when tired suddenly having to adjust to showing them inside... is that too simple a plan b?

[Lincs Spireite]

Goku, on 21 March 2025 - 11:22 PM, said:

What Tuchel needs to learn ASAP is that Foden isn’t the answer. Shouldn’t even make the squad, he’s such a Pep system-baby.

Was about to say Foden was the biggest disappointment but then again he was well marked out of the match

[dtp]

Lincs Spireite, on 22 March 2025 - 06:30 AM, said:

Was about to say Foden was the biggest disappointment but then again he was well marked out of the match

What did he do to shake off his marker? Nothing, as he cannot go past his man by using either trickery or pace.

What did he do when he received the ball? Nothing, just played the simplest of passes and did not try to create anything of danger.

Saka should walk back into the team when fit again. Perhaps everything he does does not come off but he is different gravy.

[Misnomer]

Goku, on 21 March 2025 - 11:22 PM, said:

What Tuchel needs to learn ASAP is that Foden isn’t the answer. Shouldn’t even make the squad, he’s such a Pep system-baby.

I called that out WAY back and you closely followed suit. I think it's taken folk a while to realise just how poor he is for England. And, you are absolutely right; he suits PG's system, that's it.

As someone already said, nowts changed; had Southgate's DNA all over it. Tbf, it's going to be a while until we actually get tested by decent opposition - Serbia being the 'toughest' test.

[spireitetoo]

Goku, on 21 March 2025 - 11:22 PM, said:

What Tuchel needs to learn ASAP is that Foden isn’t the answer. Shouldn’t even make the squad, he’s such a Pep system-baby.

Left footer playing a wide right role, not likely to try going outside, or take his defender on... poor decision to play him there, he's a 10. Not a winger.. he just needs a free role, then hopefully we will see the best of him..

Trouble is Bellingham is just too good to move from that role

[Johnnyspireite7]

Lincs Spireite, on 22 March 2025 - 06:30 AM, said:

Was about to say Foden was the biggest disappointment but then again he was well marked out of the match

He's been rotten all season, stellar season last season but flat as a fart this.