Nothing speaks more about the situation Newcastle United are in than the decision to open talks with Andy Carroll over a new contract. This news comes just days after his name was published on the Premier League website as one of the released players.
This suggests that the club did submit his name as a player they wouldn’t be retaining, before a change of heart has led to discussions being open. On social media, fans continue to debate and get excited about the potential takeover led by the PIF, Amanda Staveley and Reuben brothers. There is no doubt that this deal would likely lead to a much more exciting period following the football club. However, the malaise and lack of progress is holding us back.
There was a new spate of reports about the confidence within Mike Ashley’s camp that the ongoing legal cases will bring a positive resolution. It may come to pass that it does. However, the world of law spins slowly. There are hearings, appeals and delays. The Premier League won’t go down lightly, even if it comes to light that they are in the wrong. This means, a positive conclusion is likely to take time.
If the Premier League were going to accept this deal quickly, they would have already.
In the mean-time, the football club continues to drift in a state of paralysis. The rumour of a new deal to Andy Carroll underlines that point. Not even Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United believe the former England international is still capable of performing consistently at Premier League level. If they did, his name would never have been published on the Premier League website as one of the released players.
Since that decision was made, there has clearly been discussions about the level of finance available this summer, or lack of it. Based on this, Steve Bruce may have decided that it will be better to keep Carroll around to ensure he isn’t left short next season.
A decision to keep Carroll wouldn’t even be a bad move due to his own regression. It would also take up one of the precious 25 places in the Premier League squad, which reduces our ability to bring reinforcements in.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have shown ambition in their attempts – albeit unsuccessful – to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo and Aston Villa are cherry picking star players from other bottom half Premier League teams, looking to sign James Ward-Prowse after agreeing a club record deal for Norwich’s Emi Buendia. These are sides looking to push forward, while we are left trying to offer a new contract to a striker who has scored just once in the last two seasons. In the campaign that has just finished, he played just 384 minutes in the Premier League.
It highlights the issue of keeping hold of this takeover. There is uncertainty about the short and long term future of the club. Ashley is even less willing to release funds, as he could be selling in the coming months. Steve Bruce is in charge, despite being a poor Premier League coach and there is no ambition to appoint anybody else who may be able to push the club on.
We have managed to avoid relegation in the last two seasons, but there is no doubt that we are merely staying still. In the Premier League, that is a dangerous thing to do, as eventually more ambitious clubs will pass us by. We have already seen Leeds United and Aston Villa push on beyond us. Brentford are a well run club, who will want to push on in the Premier League. They could be next.
This takeover process post agreement has now been ongoing for well over a year. At some point, Mike Ashley needs to move on. I am not believing that it is a choice between this consortium or Mike Ashley. There will be more interested parties out there.
This legal process and ongoing commitment to the takeover is becoming an issue. There are only so many seasons that we can expect Steve Bruce to keep this side in the Premier League without further investment. We will see what the summer will bring, but the transfer business at Arsenal is already a concern. They are set to sell Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin. Their need to sell Joe Willock is decreasing day on day.
If we don’t bring Willock back, we will already be starting next season in a weaker position than we ended last season in. That doesn’t even bring into focus the need to strengthen the rest of the squad.
It is okay for Ashley to pursue legal proceedings, but he can’t let the team stagnate at the same time. This time next year, he may have lost his legal cases and we may have been relegated.
At this point in time, that seems more likely than PIF owning the club.
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I’m surprised that Van Arnholt is available on a free. I know he’s 30 but still a good player.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Eric – it really doesn’t say much for Spurs mind does it?!.
Gattuso is the latest name mentioned now – which is just puzzling to say the least. The number of managers out of work at the moment and they are scrapping the barrel imo.
Something is putting people off – it’s either a case of no money to spend, or they have already agreed to sell Kane – but you would think Spurs would attract a better manager.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hey Sharpy, all good with me mate. I am lucky to live in a part of the world that has not really been impacted by all this covid madness. I hope all is well with you and yours mate. I can’t have been easy the past 12 months in your neck of the woods.
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie – thanks mate. Fortunately none of my lot have been too badly affected, just adjusting to a new way of living really.
I think our part of the world is ran by a bunch of clowns – that’s been our biggest problem mate but that’s a conversation I really can’t be ar$ed to have again ??♂️?
Sharpy17(Quote)
It appears that most parts of the world are being run by clowns a the moment mate 🙂
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie – who was manager when you first got attracted to the Toon?
georgio(Quote)
KK during his first stint mate. So around 1992 ish roughly. However I enjoyed the Sir Bobby years the best. Legend!
Aussie(Quote)
I needn’t ask what you think of the Ashley years then!
georgio(Quote)
couple of wasted chances by us already
kimtoon(Quote)
jesus what a miss
oh offside anyhow
kimtoon(Quote)
This is fucking *****! We’re just so passive it’s ridiculous. Sterling shouldn’t be playing. Grealish should and we should be pushing Scotland back not letting them dictate ffs
Stuart79(Quote)
Yes crying out for Grealish
kimtoon(Quote)
Rubbish first half. Another believe how we are standing off. Like watching the Toon vs the Scum… I feel the Haggis killers will score.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
*Cannot believe
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Totally agree. Southgate is showing far too much loyalty to Sterling & isn’t being repaid for it.
It desperately needs Grealish – I’d take Rashford over Sterling, but it’s crying to for the Scots to kick lumps out of Grealish.
Anyone know why Kane’s not playing either???!!!! ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kane is playing like Shola at the moment.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I think Southgate has been getting management tips from Cabbage heed
Gilly Toon(Quote)
what the hell is up with Kane, looks like he is running in treacle again .
kimtoon(Quote)
Just effin put jack on Gareth .
kimtoon(Quote)
Awful call by Southgate that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
crock of sh ite
kimtoon(Quote)
Fuc.king shocking game.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Like watching the Toon. That was dreadful. No passion and no commitment. Kane was not even there. Not one stand out player. Just glad I didn’t buy a ticket for Wembley. ???????
Gilly Toon(Quote)
What on earth was Southgate doing with them subs? Foden coming off while Sterling stayed on? Ian weight hit the nail on the head. Sancho who has had 16 goals and 20 assists in the bendesliga can’t even get on when we look shocking attack wise.
Souness is right – our midfield isn’t working. Bellingham is a brilliant player – why isn’t he playing? Sancho? Grealish? What is happening?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – exactly what I feared before we even kicked a ball. Southgate is bottling it. We need a Venables or Redknapp type manager for tournament football.
Southgate give it the big un with his letter to the Nation … how many memories did those players create tonight??? … shower of sh!te!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Don’t understand when we have some of the best young players in yonks we take such a cautious approach like last night. Taking off Foden was just odd and Grealish wasn’t effective where he played. Sterling and Kane just aren’t right at present. Our midfield was static and we looked leggy all over the pitch tbh. You would think they were playing in the mid day sun of last week, not a fresh cool evening with rain.
Scotland were far more at it, just lack that cutting edge in the box. We got very lucky to get a draw, oh and hardly put the fear of god in any would be opponents . 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Oh and Grant Hanley played really well last night for Scotland.
kimtoon(Quote)
Southgate was wrong to defend last night. His comments leave me thinking 1 thing – if he makes changes against the Czechs it won’t be Bellingham & Grealish/Sancho – it’s more likely to be Maguire & Henderson.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think Southgate was wrong to put White in instead of TTA when you look at the midfielders we have – they are all very samey.
I know im starting to sound like his biggest fan boy – im honestly not – but I would have taken Lingard.
I think the way he can run with the ball & looks to get at the opposition quickly – that’s exactly what we are missing in this squad.
Bellingham is the only midfielder that I can see doing that – further forward Grealish.
Rice, Mount & Phillips were outplayed by McTom, Gilmour & McGinn – who I thought was brilliant yesterday.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We’ve been linked with a loan move for Gilmour as well I think – young lad, but I’d take him – not just in last night but he’s always looked decent when playing for Chelsea too.
If we could buy Willock & loan this lad I think that would give good option in midfield.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Those options are too big for our thinking Sharpy! We have as much chance of getting Dortmund to loan us Bellingham.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I don’t think so mate, honestly I don’t. I’ll start with Gilmour – we’ve loaned players from Chelsea, but I think other clubs will be looking at him too. It may come down to players preference. If Palace come in for example, he may favour staying in London. But I certainly think Chelsea would see us as a good club to develop him.
Willock is slightly easier. I think the lad is probably weighing up 2 choices – does he stay at Arsenal? – well that I imagine will depend heavily on how much game time & first team opportunities he will get.
If he leaves, I honestly only see him coming to NUFC. There is a no other club above us I see either wanting him, or that could offer him better opportunities than we could – maybe the same, but he already has a connection with the fans.
The only issue I see would be his fee – which I imagine being around £25m.
If Ashley is handing over £50m (and I stress IF) then I think we get him. If not, I still think another season loan deal could be done.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think some people are missing the fact that the Scotland team is the best in decades. England are better player for player but that doesnt always lead to a win. Southgate is cack though. He might get lucky with the draw. He has in the past at the WC and also in qualifying!!! The question is what happens when he comes up against a good team with a manager who understands tactics? Our players stack up against the best in this competition though so maybe, just maybe, not even Southgate can fck this up.
Remember the semis and final are at Wembley so this is almost a home tournament.
Waiting for the inevitable TRex Mackem howler. He did his impression of a petulant toddler again against the Jocks, although he didnt have a terrible game. His punching is very dodgy and he is too short.
Eric(Quote)
I still dont understand how all of these teams are playing in their home stadiums. Doesnt that give them an advantage? England’s 1st 2 games have been at Wembley. Has anybody explained why it was set up this way?
Eric(Quote)
Does anybody really think Rafa could get Everton top 6 when Ancelloti got them 10th. Their squad is pretty mediocre and James is vastly overrated. They would have to spend 200 million or more. They could overtake West Ham or Leicester but will Arsenal really be that bad again? Spurs have an aging team but they have a few decent players. Depends on what Levy does with the Kane money. If he wont sell I think Harry will be in a huff.
Anything is possible though as Keith Gillespie thinks Bruce could get NUFC top 6 🙂 🙂 🙂
Eric(Quote)
Southgate has said Kane will start Tuesday. I completely agree with that. Whenever he is written off he proves the doubters wrong. Usually if he goes a few games without scoring he is written off as tired, injured, not match fit. And then suddenly he scores a brace and it all clicks again.
It may not happen in this next game but he is just too good of a player to play **** the whole tournament.
That said, if we are up going into the 60th minute I think he should be replaced and saved. We are already through anyway in my opinion and probably dont want to win the group.
Eric(Quote)
This has probably already been asked but I havent seen it. Southgate has had 3 years to prepare for the Euros because of Covid and with qualifiers, Nations League and friendlies must have played about 25 games. Why the FCK do you wait until the week before to bring in Graeme Jones?
Eric(Quote)
Eric – not just that mate, but people are calling on players like Foden & Bellingham – these kids have only really been playing regular first team football at the highest level for a season.
Despite COVID, Southgate has still been able to go and watch games firsthand – but he won’t have seen Henderson or Maguire much coz they’ve been out injured – why take them then???!!.
He won’t have seen Sterling much coz Pep thinks he’s out of form & not played him – but Southgate knows better than Pep.
He’s got Mount, Phillips & Rice – none of them play in a 3 man midfield for club.
Messing about with his full backs. As a former CB himself he should know the importance of a settled back 4 – and has had long enough to know his strongest options – when has he ever played Trippier at LB???.
I understand resting players or experimenting once the points are in the bag & you’ve qualified – but messing about with full backs in the first 2 games is just stupid.
The next game is massive now. Not just the win but the performance has to be good to get fans back on side imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Apart from the Mackem TRex I dont think Southgate’s team selections have been that bad. He couldnt know that kane would be out of form and it is hard to get all 3 of Foden, Mount and Grealish on the field at the same time. People are forgetting that Grealish was out for 3 months so he really should be the sub. He does need to give Sancho some time though.
The problem has been tactics. Mainly playing 2 holding mids and Kane dropping too deep. THese are easy to fix. You dont even need to change the personnel, you just have them push up more.
I would keep an eye on Sterling and have Grealish on for him on 60 minutes. Same with Kane if he continues to be lackluster and have Calvert-Lewin ready and waiting. If we are ahead, I would probably make these changes anyway. He has 5 subs and it is a long tourament so get others some game time.
On Bellingham, I always thought he was there more for the experience with an eye to the WC.
Eric(Quote)
Let’s see if Sterling can play him into form. You dont become a bad player overnight unless you are Joe Hart or to a lesser extent Deli Alli.
I saw some stats. Over the past 3 years these are the players with most goals and assists. The numbers are for involvement in goals:
Sterling 109
Sancho 108
Kane 106
It suggests to me we should not give up on Sterling, but also we need to have Sancho ready as 1st sub. Maybe ahead of Grealish, but those 2 play a different game so they can be on the field together.
Eric(Quote)
Those stats also show those 3 players have an end product. The jury are out on Grealish in this regard because he still does his party trick of running into players and buying a foul. I have been banging on about this on here for 2 years and now finally the pundits recognoze it.
Eric(Quote)
Ryder is at it again with his 200 word articles. This time on the anti-competition lawsuit. He is saying that Ashley is after full 340 mil comp from the PL for the failed takeover. Doesnt he realise this is a negotiating ploy? They may also be trying to scare the PL and that Ashley still has the asset – NUFC. Ryder only ever scratches the surface bacause of his self imposed 200 word limit.
My guess is if Ashley wins he might get 20 mil comp. More importantly, if this happens before arbitration, then the panel cannot fail to notice. Same if he loses, they will notice that.
As usual, this was another rehash of info that is already out there.
What I dont get is why the PL have been allowed the delays to put their case together in these lawsuits. I know it is complicated but there is a timeframe that is set and the PL had to request the delays. Why were their requests accepted? They had plenty of time. It is the same tactics they used to kill the deal in the first place.
BTW: I am so happy that Spurs are struggling to find a new manager and that Kane will either leave or be unhappy. Mainly because of their role in the takeover but also because of the media w@nkfest over their stadium.
Eric(Quote)
Sterling has had 114 goals and 87 assists in 292 appearances for City.
Where is all this negativity coming from? The problem is that Pep likes to rotate and he wants Foden on the pitch as he sees him as a Messi mini-me. Mahrez has been playing well as well.
I am not saying he should be an automatic 1st choice for England, but he is an option along with Grealish and Sancho.
The problem is that fans always clamour for the players that are not picked. You dont know if they will do any better but the fans want to play fantasy football. Southgate is blessed with some extremely talented forwards but he cant play them all. Get off Sterlings back and let the lad play. He may not be at his absolute best but he still scares defenders and he does have a knack of being in the right place at the right time.
Eric(Quote)
ALSO: the Barca President has said that it was Man U and Liverpool who were the ones that instigated talks about the European Super League. Makes sense as they were also leads in Project Big Picture. Snakes. Woodward is steeping down but John Henry just keeps making fake apologies. The ESL one was about the 4th. I remember he did the same when he backed down about raising ticket prices.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – have you watched Sterling in England’s last 2 games mate?. Other than the goal he was awful – I’m not bothered about City stats – I could score goals in that City team.
He’s not that good for England – and neither Kane or him are leaders, yet keep getting the armband
Sharpy17(Quote)
One goal from our first two games does not fill me with confidence for progressing from the group stage.
Kane is angling for a move from Spurs and I wonder if he is playing in this tournament wary of sustaining an injury which could scupper a move.
It is near impossible for Southgate to drop Kane because the media would crucify him if he did.
Sidekick(Quote)
Sharpy: I watched him and he wasnt the worst forward – that was Kane, I would give him one more chance and if he doesnt hit his stride then Sancho or Grealish should be 1st choice for the knockouts. Southgate should be ready to hook Kane and/or Sterling on 60 mins.
BTW – a 100 mil City bid for Kane will not be a distraction 🙂 Might mean we lose or draw against the Czechs to get a 2nd place finish and easier draw.
I think Southgate has the formation wrong.
2 holding midfielders is madness against lesser teams.
He is playing 4 forwards but I am not sure who is playing where and Kane is not playing up front.
Eric(Quote)
Did anybody watch that Amazon Spurs documentary? Levy was at the Spurs training ground every day, having lunch in the lunch room, meeting in Jose’s office. Totally accecible and visable to any of the players. There is just no way of avoiding Kane who will be in a massive huff and make it known if he tries to play too much hardball with City.
They have bid 100 mil. I have no doubt Levy will want more but I doubt in this market he will get more than 120 million. This is not like in the past with Bale. They have this shiny new training ground and Levy likes to be seen there which means he is around Kane evry day.
Kane turns 28 next month so this is his absolute peak value. At that age I think only City would pay 100 mil because they want to buy the CL.
Eric(Quote)
So Dutch Captain Wijnaldum gets a brace at The Euros. He is also a Premier League and Champions League winner and is soon off to Barca. Who did he play for before Liverpool? Ah, that’s right NUFC.
Who else was in that NUFC team? Townsend, Sissoko, Shelvey, Mbemba, Dummett, Mitro, Lascelles, Janmaat, Perez, Adam Armstron, Ivan Toney among others. I think Rafa had like 12 games to keep us up after Steve the Clown was sacked. He failed. And some people still treat him like a god.
Best squad ever to get relegated but Rafa is god and a lot of fans would welcome him back if there is a takeover. Total madness.
Eric(Quote)
The ONLY good thing to come from Covid is that the Bloody England Band are not at Wembley doing The Great Escape theme to death.
Eric(Quote)
Michael Owen Sexts story. Remember he sat out the Villa game that sent us down with some pathetic excuse when really he didnt want to risk injury waiting for his next club:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/married-england-legend-michael-owen-24356692
Eric(Quote)
I’ve just read an article that’s on about a push for 60,000 at Wembley to host the Euro final.
Are we mental???? This delta virus is whipping round the Country and we want to press ahead with fans filling sporting events?!.
I’m coming at this as someone who does not believe England will feature in the final – so that’s 60,000 fans coming into London from Countries who’s vaccine projects are behind ours – and COVID is running rife in the UK again already.
I’m not suggesting no fans – but 10,20 or 30k seems to be working fine.
But he’s a better idea, as England won’t be in the final – hold it in Baku, or Seville or Rome or wherever else wants it ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
The BBC do a daily Euros podcast and I have listened to a few. They have about 9 pundits on each show, mostly ex-players, but also a few journos. What I have noticed is that they all agree and all say basically the same thing. It is like they are in their own little club. No wonder there is almost universal agreement on the job Bruce is doing. They live in this little bubble where they go around in circles never deviating from the narrative.
Bruce really had to F up to have them break ranks like he did when we won like 2 in 22 but they quickly reformed and got back on the band wagon.
Thare are just so many of these people now between the different TV, Radio, Newspapers and Podcasts. BUT THEY ALL SAY THE SAME THING. Unless they just throw something out there to get attention and be controversial.
Money for old rope.
Eric(Quote)
The Chronic are spouting the line again today that Bruce brought in Graeme Jones. How can they be so gullible? Bruce’s face was like a slapped @rse on the sideline whenever Jones was near him for the 1st 3 games. Jones was brought in as a caretaker-in-waiting in case our terrible run of form continued. He was installed above the Steves who Bruce has dragged around with him for 10 years and who the club knew would also go if they sacked Bruce. They would then have nobody to takeover if they sacked Bruce and went on a Manager search. Remember how long it took to appoint Bruce in the first place and how many turned us down? Jones was their contingency plan because otherwise all they would be left with to Manage NUFC is the academy boss.
They also gave Jones assurances that if Bruce was let go that he would not have to leave. These journalists have very short memories and cannot connect any dots. It is not even Ryder this time, it is Keiron Kelly. I think I am adding him to my list of dumb-**** Chronic journos. I think he also does the “5 things I learned”.
This is all PR and reinventing what happened. And the Chronic are swallowing it.
Eric(Quote)
England observations:
Grealish better come through or a lot of people are going to look foolish. Do we have a dead ball specialist for when he runs into someone beginning in the 3rd minute?
Is Foden on a yellow?
I never totally rated Rice and dont see what all the hype is about. He is a good player and that’s about it at the moment. He may push on but he is not worth 70mil in his current guise.
We cannot play 2 holding midfielders. I dont care if he plays Philips as long as he pushes further forward. Let Rice screen the defense.
Saka is a decent player and was probably Arsenal’s best player in the 2nd half of the season which isnt saying much. However, he has been played as a winger and a fullback so he should be able to do some defending if needed.
Czech Republic are ranked 40th in the world and were in our group in the qualifiers. We beat them 5-0 at Wembley but they did win 2-1 in Prague.
I think Sancho should get a run-out for Sterling on 60 mins regardless of how he plays.
Use most or all of your subs Gareth.
Eric(Quote)
I imagine Sterling will play tonight. It doesn’t seem to matter that he’s been out of form for most of the season. Very odd… I also imagine Southgate will drop Foden and use him as a scape goat. 😈
Stuart79(Quote)
So, Boris is letting 2500 Euro Fat Cats in under the elite sports exemption with no quarantine. Good photo op for BJ this final like.
Eric(Quote)
Eric, we should be playing in front of full houses and letting anybody in the country if they’ve been jabbed and can show a negative Covid test.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart: I was just in New Orleans last week and nobody had masks except bartenders. Still required in airports and planes.
I am vaccinated and have the evidence on my phone in case someone accused me of being irresponsible. At this point I am looking after myself. If someone else doesn’t want to be vaccinated that is their choice/risk.
Eric(Quote)
Why doesnt Grealish wear shin pads? He had a shin injury that kept him out for 3 months and part of his game is running into people and have them whack him on the shins/legs so he can fall over.
Eric(Quote)
Did we learn anything?
That the players on the bench that the fans want on are not always better than those on the pitch.
Saka had a good game.
Grealish played OK. Glad Southgate is using him sparingly as he was out for 3 months.
McGuire looks like he is fit. Henderson doesnt.
Kane still a bit off the pace.
I dont really like Luke Shaw, I would drop him if we have someone else.
TRex Mackem had a couple of easy catches that he chose to punch. It had me thinking of Dubs who would have just caught the ball. Even Darlow would have and he is not as assured on high balls.
Eric(Quote)
The problem is that if you are short and have short arms, and your first instinct is to punch the ball you always run the risk that it will come straight back in when you are out of position. This is not to mention that it is easy to mistime a punch.
If you are taller, with normal sized arms, you can catch it and then have your defenders move up field and not be so frenetic.
That is the problem with Pickford. He is frenetic in most things he does from his punching to his toddler on a sugar rush screaming at teammates.
Eric(Quote)
Well it was better, not hugely but at least we won.
kimtoon(Quote)
Tomorrow is actually the big day as there are 4 games including the Group of Death which will decide who England play.
I thought Sterling was still rusty but he scored so you cant really leave him out. Most strikers are happy with like 20% conversion rate and his is probably 100%. I havent checked.
Eric(Quote)
I have just thought about it and the Czechs will be more than happy with a loss. That was the only result that would keep them away from The Group of Death. England had the incentive of playing at Wembley if we won, which is still an advantage. I think the alternative was Copenhagen.
We are still a better team than the Czechs but I dont think they tried that hard. They would have been playing away whatever the result, England were at home with a win.
Eric(Quote)
France currently have 4 pts, Germany & Portugal 3 points each.
I expect Germany to beat Hungary so that’s them on 6 points.
Meaning France only need a draw to get through. But if they finish on 5 points they finish 2nd and play us rather than the Czechs – so I expect France to go all out for the win.
I’m pretty certain we play the Germans – but I know that there is no favourable outcome from this group.
We will be playing one of the tournament favourites in the next round & if Southgate wants this to continue, he’s going to have to get this England team playing better than it has in the last 3 games, that’s for **** sure!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think we will be better against better sides. I think we have players who can excel on the counter and provided we can keep the opposition out we can cause them problems. Obviously we wouldn’t ideally want to play France, Germany or Portugal but I’m pretty sure none of them teams want to play England at Wembley.
We will have to play better and I’m still not sure Southgate has the courage to use our better attacking players to move forward. But let’s hope we’re peaking at the right time.
Stuart79(Quote)
I dont think Southgate can play Foden and Sterling together because they are too similar, especially if he also plays Grealish. I reckon that’s why Sterling saw less playing time because Pep chose Foden. I would actually pick Sterling though because of his experience and also play Saka. We cannot play all kids so I would have Foden on the bench.
Kane and Sterling are the only players to score 20+ goals in a PL season so we really have at least start with them.
And we cannot play 2 holding midfielders. Choose one of them and get someone else in more attack minded. Southgate will probably go with Henderson but I would choose Ward-Prowse. He is the best free-kick and corner taker in the PL. We have Grealish so we need someone to convert his tumbles. Our corners have also been cack and Southgate has admitted it.
The good thing is that Saka is not just a forward, he is also defense minded so he can helpmout Ward-Prowse.
Wont happen 🙂
Eric(Quote)
I know I am going against the grain saying Sterling over Foden but he has had 3 games now to get match fit, has our only 2 goals and is a proven goal scorer. It doent mean Foden wont come on at some point. Pep even started Sterling in the CL final.
Eric(Quote)
This is getting towards NUFC/Steve Bruce levels: the Sevilla chairman has said their manager Julen Lepetegui turned down Spurs. That must be about 6 now.
Eric(Quote)
Ward-Prowse isnt even in the sqauad so that screws up my theory 🙂 Still need someone who can take a corner. Shaw was ****. Grealish? Kane can take a free kick.
Eric(Quote)
Just as an aside, I am looking at that Spain team today and am not scrared at all if we end up facing them. Compared to the Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Puyol, Ramos etc side this is not even a B Team. It would be a C Team.
Eric(Quote)
I am pretty sure Southgate will not pick Saka and will have 3 similar players on the pitch – Foden, Grealish and Sterling. Not sure if it will work but if it does they will terrorize any opposition.
Eric(Quote)
Bloody Hell.
After all I have said about the TRex Mackem, Dubs does that.
Eric(Quote)
Dubs is having a ‘mare. Serves me right for all I said about the Trex Mackem.
Eric(Quote)