England - the future....

[YorkshireRoyal99]

Iran will be tougher than what meets the eye, I think. Got some decent players going forward as well. It might not be just as straightforward as, keep plugging away and the goal will come.

[bcubed]

Apparently back four is predicted

With Bellingham now in midfield

Until we go one up then revert to 7 at the back (Rice & Bellingham as holdings but essentially in the back line)

No doubt!

[Brum Royal]

Is our Iranian ex loanee likely to play? Ezatolahi (sp?)

[Winston Biscuit]

hope Foden plays. think Saka & Sterling will be either side of Kane though

[Loafer]

hope Foden plays. think Saka & Sterling will be either side of Kane though

Sterling over Foden

[Hendo]

No great surprises.
A lot of iffy selections of injured or injury prone players and whatever back 3 or 4 is chosen it will be weak but, apart from Guehi and Tomori there aren't too many options open than those selected.

Media pressure and injuries have made Southgate pick Maddison and TAA, neither of whom I expect to play much.
No back-up target man striker such as Toney or Abraham so let's hope that Kane stays fit.

A squad where the better players are forward looking players so we can only hope that the plan is to go on the offensive more than we sometimes do.

I think Maddison has more than earned his right to play considering his contributions to Leicester seeing as he has 6 goals and 4 assists in 12 games this season, rather than any media pressure, but I would tend to agree that he might struggle to get into the XI.

Would imagine the XI to start v Iran would be:

Pickford

Trippier
Stones
Maguire
Shaw

Bellingham
Mount
Rice

Sterling
Kane
Saka

[Royal Rother]

Sterling.

Oh well, when he's shite it'll give me something else to moan about I suppose.

[6ft Kerplunk]

How the chuffing nadgers does Foden not get in the first 11? Still think him being injured and missing out on the Euros final cost us the trophy.

[bcubed]

How the chuffing nadgers does Foden not get in the first 11? Still think him being injured and missing out on the Euros final cost us the trophy.

Agree. He has to be be in any England line up. Here's an explanation though

Depending on the team we play and the set up, Foden is too good for it. Doesn't work. Plays a pass and move and doesn't get the ball back.

Just a thought

[bcubed]

And Maguire without Walker to cover for him is asking for trouble

[Brogue]

no need for England fans to boo their opponents' national anthem today. Iran fans booing their own national anthem. A statement.

[Hendo]

Sterling.

Oh well, when he's shite it'll give me something else to moan about I suppose.

[Brogue]

Sterling.

Oh well, when he's shite it'll give me something else to moan about I suppose.

first stokes now sterling, have ever thought about hanging up your keyboard RR i don't think sport is for you

[South Coast Royal]

Dreadful BBC commentary-I wish Jenas actually spoke English.
A good comfortable start by England in a group where goal difference shouldn't matter so will Southgate give his subs a run out?

[Conservative_dad]

Dreadful BBC commentary-I wish Jenas actually spoke English.
A good comfortable start by England in a group where goal difference shouldn't matter so will Southgate give his subs a run out?

Jenas is a penis

Should defo get subs on now...

[URZZZZ]

Sterling.

Oh well, when he's shite it'll give me something else to moan about I suppose.

Not the hugest Sterling fan but he was our best player in the Euros and perhaps Saka aside, offers something completely different to the team with his pace and movement in behind (good foil for Kane’s range of passing when he drops deep)

Foden is a good player but you can’t be carrying Foden, Mount and Bellingham in the same side. Foden over Mount is another discussion of course but every team needs variety which is why Sterling continues to be a mainstay in the team

[bcubed]

Southgate has stuck with Maguire and Sterling despite club form
And tbf they rarely let England down

[Winston Biscuit]

quite enjoyed that!

ICH

[Royal Rother]

Sterling.

Oh well, when he's shite it'll give me something else to moan about I suppose.

first stokes now sterling, have ever thought about hanging up your keyboard RR i don't think sport is for you

Sterling was prettty poor really wasn't he? Lovely finish though, credit Kane for laying it on a plate but granted, he's quite reliable from 6 yards out, but even Grealish got one of those today.

I keep hoping Joao will do something for RFC, but doesn't seem like my tactics are working on him. I'll keep trying in the New Year, promise.

[fartdad]

quite enjoyed that!

ICH

Bin