Fair comment and the point about two games in such a short turnaround is justified. However do you think Southgate knows his best starting line up? I think he's probably pretty close it yeah. The balance in midfield will be the main area for contention, and perhaps the best pairing at centre half. ...

I should also add, when we won in Spain our midfield was Dier, Winks, Barkley. Doesn't that just sound more naturally balanced to everybody? I know we withstood a lot of pressure in the 2nd half, but the first half was as accomplished an England performance as I can remember.

You maybe right about Rice. I don't watch West Ham much and a player in his role doesn't grab the highlights reel on MOTD. But whenever I see him for England, I simply don't understand the fuss. I haven't seen him use his supposed intelligence and positioning to break up attacks. I don't see him mak...

Not watched it but from the BBC report “England lacking in ideas”. It’s like saying water is wet when we play against any sort of decent team (and that’s a stretch for Czech Republic) It’s an absolute disgrace that the top scorer in the Premier League cannot play. It’s exactly why I do not watch En...

Not watched it but from the BBC report “England lacking in ideas”. It’s like saying water is wet when we play against any sort of decent team (and that’s a stretch for Czech Republic) It’s an absolute disgrace that the top scorer in the Premier League cannot play. It’s exactly why I do not watch En...

The Enfield Royal71 Our defence is a serious problem.

Picking our best options may help. TAA and Chilwell. I know Gomez is out of form, but surely we can do better than Keane?

In the last international break I ranted about choosing Rice and Henderson as a combo over Winks. We're now being dominated by the Czech Republic, let alone Belgium or France. Why does Southgate not see the obvious need for Winks? Every fan and pundit can. Are we all wrong?

With Bowen at the helm its 100% going to be Mark Hughes lol I heard on the radio this morning that Mark Bowen may take the role himself.... which would be interesting if he's the one in charge of finding a new manager I've scoured the market, considered relative strengths and weaknesses and conclud...

Comparing Bowen to Pardew and McDermott is misplaced. Those 2 had been at the club for a long time and understood it well. I'll give him a chance. He's been involved in football a long time so maybe it will work out well. It's a risk though. Funny really, the people suggested initially were either e...

Apparently Bowen is favourite with the bookies. What the actual oxf*rd oxf*rd?

Be careful what you wish for with Ainsworth. He's done a good job at Wycombe and they play exciting football. But we're a step up in terms of size and level. He could work out very well, but it's a gamble. Paul Hurst to Ipswich after doing a great job at Shrewsbury is an example. On the other side, ...

Im genuinely confused why an experienced manager with a half decent record over a long period of time seems to be stirring up such poor feeling I know he is a bit of a cock. Don't think anyone can deny that. But otherwise not really sure why the hatred He's a dick, as you say. Other than that, I ag...

No to Rowett. This club needs stability, and history shows that when he does well he jumps at the first chance when he gets a marginally better offer.

Given our last 3 appointments have been men with little to no experience of managing at our level (or at all) - I think we can safely assume they are going to go with someone with extensive experience of the English game at this level or above. We won't be taking a "gamble" on someone lik...

Interesting how this thread started 40% in / 60% out. Over the past few days it has swung to 55% in / 40% out, which is quite a swing. Seems people are beginning to feel sorry for him lately as it dawns on them he might actually be going? Polls created within an hour of a loss also get stronger emo...

Whether you agree with Hughes or not, it's encouraging we appear to have a replacement plan. Those 4 weeks or so after Clement last year were shambolic.

Also, :lol: at those who bemoaned structure, organized and naivety with Gomes who are now disappointed with the prospect of Hughes. Look at Blackburn, Charlton and, to an extent, Stoke. I can see the appeal of a younger manager from lower down the pyramid like Ainsworth, but if Hughes is true I expe...

Been told that Jose Gomes and his staff's authority in the dressing room had severely deteriorated in the last few weeks. Also told several first-team players had nicknamed him a 'Car Salesman' because he 'talked a good game' - Make of that what you will. Bloody hell. These same players have not ex...

Zonal marking usually means defenders are competing for a header from a standing position whereas the attacker is coming from a moving position so they have the momentum. What’s wrong with just picking up a man and following them. It’s a much simpler concept What if your man runs out wide and an on...

Let's look at extremes: If every outfield player marks every outfield player very tightly, it will be very hard for them to score. If every outfield player picks one separate area of the pitch (let's say covering their own half only to make things easier) then youonly need literally two players to ...