Michael Cox

The 2024 version of The Mixer is out now. The most comprehensive account of the Premier League’s on-pitch development over its first 32 years. Amazon link ⬇️ amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/000870…

@thegreatlemondo If you mean Eze, well he didn’t have to bring him on!

@Zonal_Marking I dunno, how else could he avoid playing the substitute midfielder in his natural position?

Tuchel's double half-time substitution really didn't work and he spent the rest of the game making further changes to fix things. The crucial boost was the sheer energy of Rogers and Spence. Anderson's role changed three times! ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/74396…

@BenDJ91 @OliverKay This isn’t true. Rice could have continued but Tuchel wanted to change system. And then because of illness decided Rice was obviously the one to make way rather than Anderson as he wouldn’t have lasted 90/120. But he could have continued.

@Zonal_Marking @OliverKay Eze was poor but Rice was simply not fit enough to play in the game and had to come off. Makes you wonder why he took Mainoo ahead of Wharton though

@ReeceLSport @lukeaaronmoore Nigel Pearson

@Zonal_Marking @lukeaaronmoore I would read a piece in which you just slate things in football that you think are “very rugby”

Hot take: I don't think you should be able to reserve a table in a pub, and certainly not for a big game. Do your doggies and respect the tradition - get there early or defer to the proper pub types and stand near the bogs, as befitting your fair weather pub status

@TungstenAl I think he *can* be that player. I'm not sure it's really his best role really. I think naturally he's at his best when pushing forward more, to be honest.

@Zonal_Marking Michael would you say that Anderson is the player England have needed for 20+ years in order to get over the line? It would have been interesting to see him in Southgate’s teams once Kalvin Phillips lost his place

@rob_fletcher_ @JackPittBrooke In his press conference he was a bit more honest about that. Surprisingly he said that Rice wasn't done, he just wanted to change the system and so had to take off one of the deeper players and given his condition it made sense to go for Rice rather than Anderson.

@Zonal_Marking @JackPittBrooke It was an absolute disaster and I was surprised that he didn’t mention it when he said we made it harder for ourselves. Maybe he meant himself in that but it sounded like it was towards the players. It was incredibly disjointed.

@Cheellective Yeah he really was the best player in extra time, particularly in an attacking sense, which was surprising.

@Zonal_Marking Spence was so useful in those weather conditions especially, his amount of pace and pressing was really useful in the latter periods. Using him in an impact sub in this way might be something Tuchel does from now on. Justifies his selection in the squad.

@EternSosa oh you are right in terms of both error and cause. thank you!

@Zonal_Marking Interesting piece. Just one note, it has the Spain - Belgium match scoreline wrong, but let that be the largest issue during a sleep deprivation causing WC tbf.

@davedwh Yeah, he basically said afterwards that this wasn't really Rogers' normal role at all and he struggled to play it a bit. Agree that's not much of an endorsement of Mainoo.

@Zonal_Marking Tuchel seems 'very reluctant' to play Mainoo at any time - those changes yesterday (mainly playing James in midfield) is a bit of a slap in the face. Prob the best England player at keeping the ball, rotating possession etc which would have been vital in the hot conditions.

Morocco didn't put up much of a fight but France played the game perfectly - maintained four attacking players, let Hakimi wander forward and then attacked into his space. Also some good counter-pressing which has been a feature of this World Cup. ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/74352…

@FirefoxCatcher I agree, he's had a very good oturnament so far

@Zonal_Marking Athletic, physically imposing backline with 2 strong, defensively oriented midfielders in front. Rabiot seems like a weak link on paper but he’s been very solid with several different midfield partners

France have barely conceded a proper chance in this knockout stage so far. Sweden only created a couple of half-chances in the first half, but that's more than Paraguay and Morocco have managed between them since. xGA: 0.7, 0.2, 0.1.

@j_macgeever I'd be sad if I couldn't create even a half-chance!

@Zonal_Marking Opposition has been sad

@jtutker16 agree

@Zonal_Marking The only weaknesses I see in their defence so far is Digne in space or when Upamecano gets bored, scary team

@horsequant spot on! AI is getting good!

The 2031 Rugby World Cup in the US is a massive chance 🏉! Technical skill gaps are tough, but the US can leverage physicality and global talent pipelines 🎯. Hosting could spark grassroots growth and cultural shift in rugby. Big opportunity to build a deeper player base and compete strongly 💪.

I think *a* Men's World Cup is winnable for the US. Excelling at football technically is very hard, so in England we have a pathway for guys who are physical but lack skill. The 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup is hosted by the US and it's a huge opportunity. x.com/nytimes/status…

@raymond_sports off the top rope indeed - a sport they excel at which is pretty similar to rugby union!

@Zonal_Marking Was wondering where that was going, should've known... Cox flying into rugby off the top rope again!!