Southgate probably thinks Saka provides more of a two-way presence that the out and out offence of Sancho. He’s probably right but I’m surprised they changed anything.
Euro 2020: Semi-Charmed Life
- Thread starter dirtynine
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This sounds right, Southgate probably wants Saka to help track the Danish wingback on that side. Starting Saka is a little more defensible here since Southgate isn't playing the back 3 he played against Germany. But I still would have started Sancho.
Pet peeve: the media referring to England's record at "Wembley" and including statistics from the old Wembley. It's not the same stadium! You can't just port the records over.
Big 5? I thought there was just Big 3
La Liga is obviously 4
5 is the Dutch league or Ligue 1? Aren't they like 1, maybe 2, deep?
Can you imagine how horrifically Pickford would show up his teammates if they gave the ball up like that?
Pickford's deficiencies in distribution show up there. England get pressed, they pass it back to PIckford, and he boots it way into touch.
England a little short of ideas in possession right now. When they have the ball at the back. they don't seem to have a plan for how to work the ball forward through midfield, which has been a recurring issue throughout the tournament.
Denmark also pressing well, which they may not be able to sustain for 90 minutes.
Denmark also pressing well, which they may not be able to sustain for 90 minutes.
Denmark have done well to get back into the game after a nervy start. Agree with Corey that they don't seem to have many ideas to create chances from the midfield. I think the team has been the most dangerous when they can get Luke Shaw with the ball out wide.
5 is Ligue 1, based mostly on PSG. They have two of the top 10 players in the world.
If you're going to have the first direct kick goal of the whole tournament in the semis, it might as well be something like that. Holy smokes.
2 players don't make a league
I mean if the Yankees left MLB and took the Twins and the A's with them, we wouldn't really call that the 2nd Major Leagues.
Ligue 1 has always been a haven for good players and have tons of talent up and down the league.
A classic Viking raid on English territory.
The problem with playing conservative tactics designed not to concede is what happens when you concede anyway. Do England have a Plan B? Will Denmark keep up the pressing or sit back more with the lead?
The problem with playing conservative tactics designed not to concede is what happens when you concede anyway. Do England have a Plan B? Will Denmark keep up the pressing or sit back more with the lead?
Pickford was exactly where he belonged. His wall was well set. You have the wall block half of the goal and you stand on the opposite side (usually the side that denies the strongest taker a curler). The theory is the keeper is available to fully deny half of the goal and it takes a great shot to beat the wall side.
It was a great shot and Pickford did nothing wrong.
Really? I know I said “nobody” but, rationally, the only ones I might be able to name are Neuer, and Courtois. Anyone else?