England v Serbia

Supposed starting line-up for tonight’s game below.

That’s a genuinely world class front four - the best in the tournament on paper. Rice too is probably pushing close to  the “world class” label, but I’m not a massive fan of putting square pegs in round holes as we apparently have with Alexander-Arnold in midfield, likewise Trippier at left-back (though I concede our options are limited there).

Serbia are ranked 33 in the world; unlike some I don’t see us failing to win this, but it would help settle a few nerves if we can dispatch them in a comfortable and not too turgid fashion.

[img]https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-7a8f532c-2d40-4bc6-8922-f5adef33e203.jpeg[/img]

England will win easily. 4/5 nil

TAA plays mostly in midfield for Liverpool really especially against weaker opposition. He’s got the passing range to be an asset there and Walker is quick so will be a good outlet for him. Trippier at left back is a needs must thing but the worry with him is fitness. I have to say I think this is probably the hardest group game we’ll face. We know Denmark are good but there’s a lot of pressure on this one tonight.

TAA can create a goal with one pass.  Eg, for Saka in a recent game.  He is the best passer in the squad.  Particularly, long accurate passing.

Rice attacks for Arsenal as they do not have a centre forward.
Crucially, he has defensive cover at Arsenal.

Rice moved forward against Iceland and it did not work.

He will need to be disciplined and cover the back 4 tonight. Something he is not used to doing for most games this season.

A recent stat was shocking though.  Trent had the most dribbles going past him for any defender in the top 5 leagues!

In summary, TAA is an asset with a rare, incisive talent and a defensive liability - that must be covered by other players.

I think we'll struggle with that line up and fall into the same trap that we did against Iceland (admittedly only a friendly, but we were tactically poor): a complete lack of width. Both Saka and Foden will cut inside, Tripper doesn't have a left foot so will overlap and then cut inside, and Walker spends most of his time in centre mid and generally doesn't look comfortable on the occasions that he does foray forward nowadays. I honestly think our whole tournament hinges of Shaw as without him there's no balance and I imagine Serbia's will try to pack the centre of the pitch.

Having TAA in centre mid is pointless unless we have players stretching the width of the pitch for him to spray it to, which is essentially how Kroos and Germany dismantled Scotland.

The only other solution is playing TAA at right back and playing a more defensive midfielder alongside Rice to provide more cover, but that obviously won't happen.

Hope my pessimism is misplaced.

Quoted from Poojah

Supposed starting line-up for tonight’s game below.

That’s a genuinely world class front four - the best in the tournament on paper. Rice too is probably pushing close to  the “world class” label, but I’m not a massive fan of putting square pegs in round holes as we apparently have with Alexander-Arnold in midfield, likewise Trippier at left-back (though I concede our options are limited there).

Serbia are ranked 33 in the world; unlike some I don’t see us failing to win this, but it would help settle a few nerves if we can dispatch them in a comfortable and not too turgid fashion.

[img]https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-7a8f532c-2d40-4bc6-8922-f5adef33e203.jpeg[/img]

TAA seems to be a square peg in a round hole. And I appreciate what you say about Declan Rice, but in 12 months time he might be struggling to get into the England XI with Mainoo & Wharton both sensational prospects.

If Adam Wharton forces himself into the team ahead of TAA (or should that be if Southgate has the guts to risk picking him) at this tournament then there's no way he'll still be at Crystal Palace on 2nd September, He's that good.

We won’t be doing anything if they play like they did against Iceland. I think our midfield is a concern with especially with TAA not one for defending is he.

All the big nations so far have started with wins, one usually falters in the opening game - hopefully it won’t be us, unlike many I think Gareth has done a decent job but it might have run its course after the last World Cup.

3-1 win to settle us all down..

No trouble getting out the group stage just worried about if we have a game that goes to pens later in tournament .

If I was the opposition manager I would be delighted with that selection. You know there is nothing coming down the channels you pack the centre of the pitch sit back and say play through us then.