England - the future....

[Franchise FC]

There is nothing more boring than an England home friendly.

Particularly when the reserves are playing
It’s like the Johnsons Paint Trophy version of an international

[URZZZZ]

Phillips is there as cover for Rice in the defensive midfield role, can JWP do that cos not getting a start in front of Bellingham and Maddison is ahead of him as backup there and can also take a decent set piece. I like JWP and think he's just unlucky that he's a midfielder when the strongest part of our team and also has the most strength in depth.

Would personally say Rice should be the starter with one of Henderson/Phillips (in that order) as the backup. I think it’s hard to justify taking all three given the restrictions on squad places.

[WestYorksRoyal]

I'm finding Southgate and Henderson's defence on the Saudi move very hypocritical.

In 2021, Gareth wrote his "Dear England" open letter explaining why his players shouldn't be told to "stick to football" and have every right to stand up for social issues, which I agreed with. Now they're asking fans and journalists to ignore the issues of the Saudi move and stick to football.

It's even more ridiculous as, on purely footballing terms, he should not be in the squad.

[Sanguine]

As before, I'm a big fan of Southgate, but he's being very combative on stuff at the moment, unnecessarily in my view.

In this case, Henderson's 79 caps are irrelevant. I want to know why Southgate thinks that, right now, he is a better pick than someone like JWP.

[Orion1871]

Watching the Beckham documentary on Netflix, it was interesting seeing Capello interviewed and saying that he told Beckham to go and play in a competitive league or he wouldn't be picked for the national team.

Obviously, one of the big reasons Southgate is there is because he's not a hardliner like Capello was, so I couldn't really see him standing up to Henderson in that way.

[bcubed]

Watching the Beckham documentary in Netflix, it was interesting seeing Capello interviewed and saying that he told Beckham to go and play in a competitive league or he wouldn't be picked for the national team.

Obviously, one of the big reasons Southgate is there is because he's not a hardliner like Capello was, so I couldn't really see him standing up to Henderson in that way.

Indeed

That Netflix documentary confirmed to me what a bunch of arseholes we've had as England managers. Notably Capello and Hoddle

[WestYorksRoyal]

Watching the Beckham documentary in Netflix, it was interesting seeing Capello interviewed and saying that he told Beckham to go and play in a competitive league or he wouldn't be picked for the national team.

Obviously, one of the big reasons Southgate is there is because he's not a hardliner like Capello was, so I couldn't really see him standing up to Henderson in that way.

Indeed

That Netflix documentary confirmed to me what a bunch of arseholes we've had as England managers. Notably Capello and Hoddle

I don't disagree, but it's fair to say that if you go and play in a Sunday league it will hurt your England chances. Henderson should not be in the squad.

Hoddle throwing him under the bus was the part of the documentary that angered me - in fairness Gareth would never do that.

[WestYorksRoyal]

Maguire over Guehi and Dunk

I do wonder how this affects Southgate's legacy; I think the answer is not much. If we win next summer he's our 2nd greatest ever, and if he doesn't he's a good manager who ultimately fell short, and that holds whoever he picks. But the short term reaction will be much more visceral if Maguire, Henderson and Phillips play a big role in an unsuccessful tournament.

[South Coast Royal]

As before, I'm a big fan of Southgate, but he's being very combative on stuff at the moment, unnecessarily in my view.

In this case, Henderson's 79 caps are irrelevant. I want to know why Southgate thinks that, right now, he is a better pick than someone like JWP.

Agree that for footballing reasons Henderson should not now be a starter.

I do however think it is a bit OTT from the fans to boo the player because in going to Saudi he supposedly is making a statement that previous support for LGBT was insincere.
I can't say that I have heard from the rest of the squad who wore rainbow laces etc shouting from the rooftops that they believe heart and soul in supporting LGBT.

What about Trippier and Wilson having their salaries paid by PIF money, shouldn't they be held to account in the same way?

[NathStPaul]

Get Kalvin Phillips off! Utter liability who shouldn't be anywhere near the squad.

[Winston Biscuit]

forgot we wre playing. just turned it on.

Feels like a lifetime ago that El Shaarawy was the new big thing in Italian football with his stupid hair

[BRO_BOT]

Not sure why Rashford is starting...been utter gash for utd so far this season.

Actually glad Maguire is playing, good for United

[bcubed]

Not sure why Rashford is starting...been utter gash for utd so far this season.

Actually glad Maguire is playing, good for United

Not really watching it intently but thought Rashford has looked pretty good tbh. Very lively and positive.

[BRO_BOT]

Not sure why Rashford is starting...been utter gash for utd so far this season.

Actually glad Maguire is playing, good for United

Not really watching it intently but thought Rashford has looked pretty good tbh. Very lively and positive.

I also have it on in the background...obvs want him to do well but prolly wouldn't have him in the team.

Even last year he might have done very little in the game but score the winner and get an assist

[BRO_BOT]

Dion Dublin is a terrible commentator but he was really good value on a 'Quickly Kevin' interview he did

[NathStPaul]

The entire Channel 4 coverage is awful tbh.

[bcubed]

Not sure why Rashford is starting...been utter gash for utd so far this season.

Actually glad Maguire is playing, good for United

Not really watching it intently but thought Rashford has looked pretty good tbh. Very lively and positive.

I also have it on in the background...obvs want him to do well but prolly wouldn't have him in the team.

Even last year he might have done very little in the game but score the winner and get an assist

A bit like that!!

Brilliant finish

[NathStPaul]

Bellingham is outrageously good. Reckon he will end up being the best player this country has ever produced.

[BRO_BOT]

Not really watching it intently but thought Rashford has looked pretty good tbh. Very lively and positive.

I also have it on in the background...obvs want him to do well but prolly wouldn't have him in the team.

Even last year he might have done very little in the game but score the winner and get an assist

A bit like that!!

Brilliant finish

xackley

[Snowflake Royal]

Bellingham is a bit of a pcunt isn’t he.

Pretty good though.