30 years ago, Terry Venables could leave out Ian Wright for Euro 96 because he had Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham, Les Ferdinand and Robbie Fowler at centre-forward. Elite options at No 9 now? Basically, Harry Kane.
Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck are below Kane’s level. Liam Delap needs to get the upward trajectory of his career back on track again. A “minor issue” benching/resting Kane will always be a major problem for England.
FA coaches at St George’s Park debate why there are so few 9s emerging. Focus on 10s and wide attackers in academies, more teams playing only one centre-forward in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 and cage styles leading to “ballers” not poachers are all reasons discussed.
Line-leading skills, back-to-goal expertise, finishing prowess need re-developing. Because Kane is 32 and succession planning is required. #ENG
Nothing specific on Djed Spence, but in general terms you will never convince me that a full-back should play with the opposing dominant foot to side their on. A left-back should be left footed, a right-back should be right footed.
Still can’t believe that England are going to the World Cup without arguably their best passer. Watching fringe candidates labour at Wembley highlights even more the nonsense of Alexander-Arnold’s omission. He’s a game-changing option from the bench. If you have pace out wide in Gordon/Rashford and Saka/Madueke/Bowen and want to launch a quick counter, TAA can deliver. If England are in a shoutout, he can deliver. Risk/reward. #ENG
After finishing my job with @eBay_UK & @soccerspeaker today the guys in the engineering firm over the road let me park my car in their bay .. when I came to grab it they had me all set up .. fair play and happy to oblige boys 🙌❤️🏴
Reform UK’s biggest donor, Christopher Harborne, gave £2.3m while his companies were accused of dodging £80m in UK fuel duty.
Entitlement isn’t a mayor getting a Lords seat. It’s a party bankrolled by tax avoiders telling the rest of us how to behave.
Energy companies made £30 BILLION in profit in a single year — while working people struggle to pay their bills - £500 from every household straight into corporate profits.
The system is working exactly as designed, just not for ordinary people.
So, as a doctor I can’t accept a plastic pen from a pharmaceutical company because it might influence my prescribing decisions, but MPs can accept thousands in cash from those who want to privatise the NHS and it won’t affect their decision-making??? CTFO
thenational.scot/news/25967768.…
❤️ This ref is called Harry. He was reffing this game when the U7 keeper lost a bit of confidence after conceding and didn't want to carry on playing. Harry went and spoke to the keeper not once, but twice, sat down talked with him and gave him the encouragement needed to get back up and enjoy his football again.
Moments like this, whenever they happen, just remind you you’re doing something right as a parent.
That’s what grassroots is all about. Proper class, son
#GrassrootsFootball#RespectTheRef#NoRefNoGame#FootballFamily
Ben White's return to the England fold after his lengthy self-imposed exile borders on the insulting to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to be overlooked by Thomas Tuchel at right-back.
Reece James injured, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier retired internationally and now the withdrawal of Jarell Quansah (seen as right-back cover by Tuchel). And Alexander-Arnold still not called. Real Madrid's right-back in the Champions League. A player whose passing can change games. A tournament shootout penalty-taker.
White drafted into squad because of injury to Quansah. Be interesting to see the reaction of England fans - let alone Alexander-Arnold. White has to explain why he turned his back on England for three and a half years. Expect some skilled FA video content.
Gareth Southgate said in March 2024 that White had indicated to him that he didn't want to be considered for England. There's always been speculation about a fall-out between White and Southgate's assistant Steve Holland (Southgate denied this).
Tuchel clearly doesn't rate Alexander-Arnold, a situation that gets ever stranger. White obviously a more defensive full-back; can get forward but lacks Alexander-Arnold's impact. He did well when coming on for Dani Carvajal against Atletico last night. Made Vinicius Junior's second goal.
Harvey Barnes, who has one cap, comes in for the injured Eberechi Eze for the squad to face Uruguay on Friday and Japan on March 31. #ENG