Joe Allen’s hamstring injury was a huge miss for us overall. Ramsey has showed plenty of times that he just can’t defend in a midfield two like this, and Ampadu isn’t a midfielder at all
Re England-USA, I think I want to give Southgate if not credit then maybe a bit more of a pass. I think his reading of the game was he was up against the next best side in the group so, with a win already secured, he main aim was to avoid defeat. I don't think he set out for a draw as much as a low event, risk-avoided game. Even from the off you could see England were taking the safest pass and favouring recycled possession over even the mildest risk from a creative pass
I'm sure Southgate hoped/believed his side would still find goal scoring chances but that was somewhat secondary to not giving up chances. Whilst it remained 0-0 he was never going to feel obliged to change tack. Oh and he is never going to bring Foden on in games like this.
Excellent write up on England!
Joe Allen’s hamstring injury was a huge miss for us overall. Ramsey has showed plenty of times that he just can’t defend in a midfield two like this, and Ampadu isn’t a midfielder at all
Re England-USA, I think I want to give Southgate if not credit then maybe a bit more of a pass. I think his reading of the game was he was up against the next best side in the group so, with a win already secured, he main aim was to avoid defeat. I don't think he set out for a draw as much as a low event, risk-avoided game. Even from the off you could see England were taking the safest pass and favouring recycled possession over even the mildest risk from a creative pass
I'm sure Southgate hoped/believed his side would still find goal scoring chances but that was somewhat secondary to not giving up chances. Whilst it remained 0-0 he was never going to feel obliged to change tack. Oh and he is never going to bring Foden on in games like this.