England 1-0 Romania - Sunday 6th June, 2021

[Stan]

16 minutes ago, carefreeluke said:

I'd go something like this. I know some of these players haven't played in the friendlies and there are some question marks over their fitness.

However, at least the back three would give us some sort of solidarity and tactical discipline.  We were carved apart by Austria and Romania at times. What would it be like at a major tournament?

Pickford 

Walker   Stones   Maguire 

James         Rice   Bellingham       Chilwell

Foden            Grealish

Kane

Will Maguire even be fit?

Surely Mount should play some part as well. I'd like to see him play anyway. 

Based on the goals and overall play for the formation, Kane would be the first name on the team sheet.

Based on how influential he's been so far in the 2 friendlies, Grealish would be next.

[Cicero]

If it has to be 343 I’d play Kane, Sancho, and one of Foden/Grealish (both too similar. A direct winger is needed). 
 

Probably utilise Mount against the better sides. 

[Danny]

A back four playing well is a pipe dream when it’s Stones and Maguire being managed by Southgate

[Stan]

10 minutes ago, Danny said:

A back four playing well is a pipe dream when it’s Stones and Maguire being managed by Southgate

Better than Mings and anyone else as an option though.

[Danny]

Just now, Stan said:

Better than Mings and anyone else as an option though.

That’s the problem lol

[Stan]

 

 

 

[Ploughendplonker]

I think Maguire must be completely crocked, otherwise why give Godfrey and White 90 minutes? And why put White in the main squad to replace Alexander-Arnold instead of Ward-Prowse, who had a good game yesterday. 

Also surprised that none of the Chelsea/Man City contingent were involved. I'm sure the backroom fitness staff know what they're doing, but considering you would expect at least one or two of Walker, Stones, Mount, Foden, and Sterling to start v Croatia, very odd they haven't been involved in the friendlies. 

I like Calvert-Lewin as he gives us an aerial presence which we don't have in the squad. Whilst he wasn't outstanding yesterday, he did enough for me to justify being included ahead of Watkins, Bamford, and Ings. However, as we don't play with traditional wide midfielders/wingers (i.e. in the Milner mould) its debatable how much service he'll get. 

I think it was a worse performance than the Austria game, it was only a very good save by Johnstone that stopped them from equalising (and to be honest, a better striker in a world-class team puts that away). Most of our good attacking play once again came from Grealish, who has to start v Croatia for me. 

Mind you, you can't really read too much into these pre-tournament friendlies, from memory they've always been rather dull and dreary affairs (other than that Ecuador one before the 2014 WC). 

 

 

 

 

[Michael]

 

6 hours ago, shut up said:

Has Sancho ever had a good game for England? I noticed he has like 20 caps, but I can't remember him ever having a good game?

Sancho played quite well yesterday against Romania and he was unlucky not to score when his swerving shot hit the cross bar. I can think of several games where Sancho played very well for England. The two matches that come to mind are the games against Kosovo where we won 5-3 and the friendly against the Republic of Ireland. He has had some games where he hasn't been great for England, but so have many of our other key players. Overall, when he is on form, he is an excellent player for us in my opinion.