England had something like 200 passes completed in the first 10 - 15 minutes. No better example of pointless possession. The back 4 and Rice had more touches on the ball than any of the other players in that period and it remained that way for most of the game.
Maddison had some good opportunities to drive into the box but his first touch was shit on each occasion. And he was playing in the left of a front 3, which was weird. Kane hardly had a sniff but still was the difference maker with that assist for Walker. Saka was kept in check by the defender for the most part. Playing Henderson was pointless, especially in this game. And if this was the first time you were seeing Bellingham, you’d not come away very impressed. And I guess that’s what Southgate’s style and tactics do.
I watched the game yesterday and it was the first time I thought Southgate was not at it. I really have a lot of regard for how he got England performing when other managers have been unable to cut through the noise that surrounds the squad and the pressure that’s crippled the players over the years.
But he’s gone down the “Club England” route, there’s no excuse for a couple of those selections yesterday, especially Maguire. It’s gotten stale.
Selecting Eddie was pure deflection for the continued selections of Maguire and Henderson
He had him out in the press conference like it really mattered, didn’t make the bench for the first game and doesn’t play a single minute in tonights game