Euros 2020 (21)

[Blackpool Rock]

Now the regular footy is over I thought it worth starting a stand alone thread for last years Euros 

Gareth has announced his team having cut 7 players from the previously announced squad, the headline "Breaking news" is that Trent Alexander-Arnold is included, not sure why it's breaking news though 
Obviously he was left out last time but Gareth often picks players who are in form rather than sticking doggedly to old hands who are part of the furniture and when Trent wasn't playing well he was dropped but was back in form for the end of season 

The full squad and apparently Kane is team captain, anyone think someone left out should be included and XYZ should have been left behind 
Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson are still carrying injuries but Gareth must think they will be OK in a week or so even if they may not last 90 minutes.
I'd like to see Phil Foden and Mason Mount have a good tournament, hopefully some of the young talent will break through and come of age etc

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)

Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

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[Matrix]

Euro 2020 groups
Group A: Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Wales
Group B: Belgium, Russia, Denmark, Finland
Group C: Ukraine, Netherlands, Austria, North Macedonia
Group D: England, Croatia, Czech Republic, Scotland
Group E: Spain, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia
Group F: Germany, France, Portugal, Hungary

[ulstersubbie]

Euro 2020 groups

Group D: England, Croatia, Czech Republic, Scotland

As a Scot I am dreading it. England will hammer us, perhaps a lucky draw against the Czechs and beaten by Croatia. Same old story, I don't know why we bother anymore!   

[Matrix]

As a Scot I am dreading it. England will hammer us, perhaps a lucky draw against the Czechs and beaten by Croatia. Same old story, I don't know why we bother anymore!   

Probably will get humped but at least we're there.  We have a good record against the Croats and not shabby against the Czechs.  Should've Had Griffiths in the squad just for a situation like this...  External Link/Members Only

[Blackpool Rock]

As a Scot I am dreading it. England will hammer us, perhaps a lucky draw against the Czechs and beaten by Croatia. Same old story, I don't know why we bother anymore!   

Thing is it's a banana skin game for England, if we win then everyone says big deal we were expected to win and if we lose or even lose then the plucky Scots have turned us over.

Of course we played in the Euros 25 years ago back in 96, let's just rewind and enjoy the highlights   
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[ratedj]

News had broken a hour or so before the official annoucement that TAA would be included in the squad after reports emerged last night that he was set to miss out. An interesting decision to take four right backs. I would not be surprised to see Southgate utilise TAA in a more advanced role. If he does opt for a wing back system I do think it will be a toss-up between Trippier and and James. Depth-wise, I think the squad is only bettered by France, but that only means so much, and sometimes it means nothing at all. It's also a versatile squad, which will allow for more tactical freedom. 

[lamboman]

As a non football fan can someone explain why England are always talked up when they haven't won anything for 55 years and haven't even looked like doing so.
Football just seems a sport the UK isn't very good at traditionally for some reason.

[Blackpool Rock]

As a non football fan can someone explain why England are always talked up when they haven't won anything for 55 years and haven't even looked like doing so.
Football just seems a sport the UK isn't very good at traditionally for some reason.

I think it's more hope over expectation for me these days, when I was younger I bought into all the hype about how this time we can do it and all we need is for it to click etc but I haven't actually expected us to do anything for over 20 years

We were actually quite good in Euro 96

[mr.bluesky]

As a Scot I am dreading it. England will hammer us, perhaps a lucky draw against the Czechs and beaten by Croatia. Same old story, I don't know why we bother anymore!   

I wouldn't be so sure underestimating Scotlands chances. They are bound to raise their game playing the auld enemy. Last time England crossed paths with Croatia they lost to them in the World Cup semi final. It could all rest on England's game with the Czech Republic. With it almost being a home tournament for England the weight of expectation will weigh heavy and when that happens England usually bottle it. 

[mr.bluesky]

Thing is it's a banana skin game for England, if we win then everyone says big deal we were expected to win and if we lose or even lose then the plucky Scots have turned us over.

Of course we played in the Euros 25 years ago back in 96, let's just rewind and enjoy the highlights   
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As long as history doesn't repeat itself and we loose to Germany on penalties in the semi final 

[The0neAnd0nly]

Agree with the squad choices 95%. The only massive ommission I see is not taking Aaron Wan-Bissaka instead of Kieron Tripper. AWB is England's best defensive fullback and would have been invaluable if we face the heavy hitters (I.e France or Portugal) I feel.

Maybe Watkins who is a stronger linkup player then DCL but again it's close and not too disappointed.

Good luck to the boys can see why we're favourites. If we don't (of course we wont) win it expect Portgual to retain.

[Gordon Bennett]

I can't see England winning a single game. That squad of 26 is full of right-backs, players carrying knocks and players bang out of form. If I were Scotland I'd be rubbing my hands together thinking about 3pts from the game with England. I'd deffo swap Steve Clarke for Southgate..... I detest Southgate with a vengeance: he's a fucking blazer accountant waistcoat wanker twat!

[willie loman]

As a Scot I am dreading it. England will hammer us, perhaps a lucky draw against the Czechs and beaten by Croatia. Same old story, I don't know why we bother anymore!   

i am perfectly relaxed about our losing every game, we are a small country, not specially blessed genetically, with a truly bizarre reluctance to eat healthy food etc, just look at the tartan army, the decision not to take Griffiths to the finals is kind of par for the course, virtual madness, as ive observed before, scotland is always a betting opportunity.

[JontyR]

Think the concentration on four right backs is a bit of red herring as Walker is there to play on the right side of a back three not as a full / wing back. Trippier also can provide cover on the left hand side. I get the impression he'll want to play Trippier for his dead ball delivery. It's a shame we can't send one back to play in Euro 92 when we went without any right backs.

I hope I'm wrong but I'd share a bit of concern over Foden and to a lesser extent Mount in that they haven't had a season with so many high profile games in it before and now there is this tournament at the end of it. It may just be a bit too much too soon.

I like the fact though that we have new fresh faces in the squad. Like the Ashes squad of 2005 this squad hasn't had the constant rounds of tournament failure.

[mr.bluesky]

Think the concentration on four right backs is a bit of red herring as Walker is there to play on the right side of a back three not as a full / wing back. Trippier also can provide cover on the left hand side. I get the impression he'll want to play Trippier for his dead ball delivery. It's a shame we can't send one back to play in Euro 92 when we went without any right backs.

I hope I'm wrong but I'd share a bit of concern over Foden and to a lesser extent Mount in that they haven't had a season with so many high profile games in it before and now there is this tournament at the end of it. It may just be a bit too much too soon.

I like the fact though that we have new fresh faces in the squad. Like the Ashes squad of 2005 this squad hasn't had the constant rounds of tournament failure.

John Stones at the back is the one that always worries me. I don't think he's international class and has been found out on more than one occasion when playing for England.

[mr.bluesky]

Good luck to the boys can see why we're favourites. If we don't (of course we wont) win it expect Portgual to retain.

We are always amongst the favourites for every tournament that comes around yet we always fail to deliver. I think you need look no further than the usual teams to win it. France, Portugal, or Germany

[martini2429]

We are always amongst the favourites for every tournament that comes around yet we always fail to deliver. I think you need look no further than the usual teams to win it. France, Portugal, or Germany

It's possible that one of these won't make it out of the Group Stage, but then again all three could

 

[Blackpool Rock]

It's possible that one of these won't make it out of the Group Stage, but then again all three could

 

Yeah that looks like a really tough group, i'm guessing it's nicknamed the "Group of death" 
Germany have only been a shadow of what they used to be however i'd still expect them to pull it together a bit for a tournament

[The Film Director]

I can't see England winning a single game.

 

Bloody hell .... even I'm not that pessimistic. 

[Romeo Sensini]

I cant understand why anyone gives a toss about the huge embarrassment that is the England football team. Neither can I understand why the players are so keen to be involved. After bitching all season about doing 3 hours work a week, they then clamour to give up their summer break to participate, and then return to their employers in September knackered and broken. Is it just me?

Oh, nearly forgot, why any player wants to be critiqued in public by nearly man Gareth Southgate is also beyond me.

[Markus]

Same old story.  Hugely talented bunch of individuals and play important parts for their respective clubs but can’t put two passes together for the national team.  Too much chopping and changing for international matches.  Spineless manager who looks nervous every time he holds a press conference.  I don’t imagine players who deal with high intensity managers like Klopp and Guardiola are shivering in their boots at the sight of Gareth Southgate.

[martini2429]

Yeah that looks like a really tough group, i'm guessing it's nicknamed the "Group of death" 
Germany have only been a shadow of what they used to be however i'd still expect them to pull it together a bit for a tournament

I am guessing that playing all 3 games at home will give Germany a bit of a boost and playing their first game after Portugal have played theirs, you never know, Hungary could through the proverbial spanner in the works in this Group

 

[Gordon Bennett]

Same old story.  Hugely talented bunch of individuals and play important parts for their respective clubs but can’t put two passes together for the national team.  Too much chopping and changing for international matches.  Spineless manager who looks nervous every time he holds a press conference.  I don’t imagine players who deal with high intensity managers like Klopp and Guardiola are shivering in their boots at the sight of Gareth Southgate.

All spot on. The only weird bit is how England normally steamroller through qualifying, crushing everything in their path. I suppose these qualifying groups are mostly populated with tin-pot nations though. But, it's still staggering how they lose all confidence, zip, energy and belief once shit gets real in an actual tournament.
We should have a sweepstake about how many gilt-edged attacking opportunities England will spew away by players stopping, doing a U-turn and passing ball backwards. I'll say 25 times in opening game.

[Blackpool Rock]

All spot on. The only weird bit is how England normally steamroller through qualifying, crushing everything in their path. I suppose these qualifying groups are mostly populated with tin-pot nations though. But, it's still staggering how they lose all confidence, zip, energy and belief once shit gets real in an actual tournament.
We should have a sweepstake about how many gilt-edged attacking opportunities England will spew away by players stopping, doing a U-turn and passing ball backwards. I'll say 25 times in opening game.

And what about the 2nd half   

[lamboman]

Same old story.  Hugely talented bunch of individuals and play important parts for their respective clubs but can’t put two passes together for the national team.  Too much chopping and changing for international matches.  Spineless manager who looks nervous every time he holds a press conference.  I don’t imagine players who deal with high intensity managers like Klopp and Guardiola are shivering in their boots at the sight of Gareth Southgate.

This is always the England supporters line "it's the managers fault" so every manager for the last 55 years has been shit and England would have won multiple cups if it wasn't for those pesky managers?
Players are just not very skillful.

[willie loman]

This is always the England supporters line "it's the managers fault" so every manager for the last 55 years has been shit and England would have won multiple cups if it wasn't for those pesky managers?
Players are just not very skillful.

once foreigners achieved english fitness and strength the game was up, plus modern referees wont tolerate english
tackling , much celebrated by posters on this forum.

[mr.bluesky]

This is always the England supporters line "it's the managers fault" so every manager for the last 55 years has been shit and England would have won multiple cups if it wasn't for those pesky managers?
Players are just not very skillful.

Look at any team in the Premier league and Championship for that matter and count how many English players there are. All teams are now packed with Johnny foreigner. The England teams of the past always had good goalkeepers to choose from now you are struggling to find one. All the top managers now are foreign and most football fans would rather see a successful club team than a successful national team

[ratedj]

This is always the England supporters line "it's the managers fault" so every manager for the last 55 years has been shit and England would have won multiple cups if it wasn't for those pesky managers?
Players are just not very skillful.

You make an interesting point. I think this current generation of players is technically as close to its European and South American counterparts than any other recent generation. English players are not lacking in the physical and skill department but rather on the mental side. It's the ability, or rather inability, to handle pressure. I personally believe that one of the reasons why England have more often than not underperformed at major tournaments is due to repeatedly suffering 'paralysis from analysis.' The Euro 2016 exit v Iceland was a great example of this.

Why do other nations not suffer from this? Again, just my theory, but you tend to see the major European nations field strong teams for the U21 championships, whilst these same European nations, plus Brazil, Argentina, and even some African nations, pay great attention to the U17 and U20 World Cup tournaments. It's a case of them building up a mental resistance as well as developing an unwavering belief in their ability. There has been a recent change to this trend, with England having acheived success in the U17 and U20 World Cups, and it is the establishment of a winning mentality in the younger age groups that will be crucial to future success at the senior level.

[willie loman]

Look at any team in the Premier league and Championship for that matter and count how many English players there are. All teams are now packed with Johnny foreigner. The England teams of the past always had good goalkeepers to choose from now you are struggling to find one. All the top managers now are foreign and most football fans would rather see a successful club team than a successful national team

with competition from foreigners, those english players who make it are higher quality? more relevant, how many english players are bought by foreign clubs?

[ratedj]

how many english players are bought by foreign clubs?

Isn't a more pertinent question how many English players are willing to move abroad and learn a new culture and language?

[mr.bluesky]

with competition from foreigners, those english players who make it are higher quality? more relevant, how many english players are bought by foreign clubs?

I think that's all down to money. Premier league clubs now pay on average higher wages than La liga or Seria A so now stay in this country.  In the past players like Souness, Platt, Liam Brady, Trevor Francis, Keegan Paul Gascoigne all played abroad because that's where the big money was. Today Sancho plays for Dortmund and Trippier has just won La Liga with Atletico Madrid are one of a few exceptions.

[willie loman]

I think that's all down to money. Premier league clubs now pay on average higher wages than La liga or Seria A so now stay in this country.  In the past players like Souness, Platt, Liam Brady, Trevor Francis, Keegan Paul Gascoigne all played abroad because that's where the big money was. Today Sancho plays for Dortmund and Trippier has just won La Liga with Atletico Madrid are one of a few exceptions.

its true that the premier league has the most money, but spain is the country that has the pick of the top players, it would be hard to argue that any brits have been successful abroad.

[Gordon Bennett]

Look at any team in the Premier league and Championship for that matter and count how many English players there are. All teams are now packed with Johnny foreigner. The England teams of the past always had good goalkeepers to choose from now you are struggling to find one. All the top managers now are foreign and most football fans would rather see a successful club team than a successful national team

Southgate is a prick. Grealish and Eze should have been in his squads at least 18 months ago but due to playing in Championship they don't get a look in. Ivan Toney should be ahead of clapped out misfiring likes of Rashford/Greenwood too - he should be in the squad today due to his stellar season in Championship. I guarantee you Toney will be in next England squad in a few months even though he'll be exactly the same player as he is today. This crappy attitude of ignoring talent under his nose in EFL is causing unnecessary problems.

[Blackpool Rock]

Well last night's game seemed to start OK but then ended up a piss poor performance, not sure why you would include players who aren't in your Euro squad, surely the whole point of a couple of warm up games is to get the squad / team to gel before playing the tournament 

The previous breaking news was that Trent Alexander-Arnold was in the squad and now the breaking news is that he's out (probably) 

[martini2429]

Southgate is a prick. Grealish and Eze should have been in his squads at least 18 months ago but due to playing in Championship they don't get a look in. Ivan Toney should be ahead of clapped out misfiring likes of Rashford/Greenwood too - he should be in the squad today due to his stellar season in Championship. I guarantee you Toney will be in next England squad in a few months even though he'll be exactly the same player as he is today. This crappy attitude of ignoring talent under his nose in EFL is causing unnecessary problems.

Whilst I don't disagree with you about Toney, I doubt he will be picked for the next England Squad, he had a phenomenal couple of seasons with Peterborough in League One which earned him his move to the Championship and 1 great season with Brentford, but he won't have had time to prove himself in the Premier League (only 3 games before next World Cup qualifiers in September), maybe the October Squad

 

[ManOFSteel]

Probably will get humped but at least we're there.  We have a good record against the Croats and not shabby against the Czechs.  Should've Had Griffiths in the squad just for a situation like this...  External Link/Members Only

Your lot had an impressive away draw with Holland last night. Don't write your men off.

[ManOFSteel]

I guarantee you Toney will be in next England squad.

I'm bias and I hope Toney chooses to represent Jamaica. He's 28 years old so his peak is now. Also its impressive that he has come through the lower divisions.

[Matrix]

The Scots unlucky not to beat the Dutch last night.  Thought we'd get pumped.

[Blackpool Rock]

The Scots unlucky not to beat the Dutch last night.  Thought we'd get pumped.

Nah they're saving that for the tournament 

[ratedj]

I'm bias and I hope Toney chooses to represent Jamaica. He's 28 years old so his peak is now. Also its impressive that he has come through the lower divisions.

He's 25.

[ulstersubbie]

Nah they're saving that for the tournament 

Too true BR. I lost interest in Scotland years ago footballing wise, the constant disappointment just isn't worth it now. I remember the world cups in '82,'86,'90,'98 and euro'96, each one a disaster/embarrassment. My fellow Scots might have more patience than me, but I will never part with money again to watch the national team.

[Blackpool Rock]

Too true BR. I lost interest in Scotland years ago footballing wise, the constant disappointment just isn't worth it now. I remember the world cups in '82,'86,'90,'98 and euro'96, each one a disaster/embarrassment. My fellow Scots might have more patience than me, but I will never part with money again to watch the national team.

But the thing is Scotland's population is just under 5.5 Million so realistically how competitive can they expect to be  Counter that with England's population at almost 68 Million and really we should be there or there about, I mean London has more people than Scotland at 9.3 Million

I always thought for Scotland and the ROI it was more of a party and going on tour with the lads just for the crack etc but if they got a result or two it was a bonus

Up until about 20 or so years ago I think Scotland had a better record qualifying for World cups than England and they actually had a load of good players around 40 years ago, as the line in the song for Argentina 78 went -
We're representing Britain; we've got to do or die
For England cannae dae it 'cause they didnae qualify

[WARSZAWA16]

Up until about 20 or so years ago I think Scotland had a better record qualifying for World cups than England and they actually had a load of good players around 40 years ago, as the line in the song for Argentina 78 went -
We're representing Britain; we've got to do or die
For England cannae dae it 'cause they didnae qualify

And then along came Peru and Iran.....

[ratedj]

Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Euros. Scan showed grade 2 quad tear; out for four to six weeks. Massive shame for him.

[The0neAnd0nly]

Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Euros. Scan showed grade 2 quad tear; out for four to six weeks. Massive shame for him.

Real shame, his creativity and set pieces and crosses will be greatly missed. I still reckon Wan-Bissaka should be going but reckon its more likely Messe Lingardiniho will get called up.

Not getting into the Toney debate as plenty of players have excelled in lower leagues and struggled in PL/ national competitions. Guess in part their teams overall lack quality so harder for them to do well.

[The0neAnd0nly]

Actually James Ward-Prowse could be another shout. Not as dynamic as TAA but quality on the ball and free kicks and corners just as good.

Will be interesting to see if GS goes for a direct defender or look further ahead. Apparently he wont decide untill after Sundays game against the Roms (egggstra baaaaybe)

[mr.bluesky]

And then along came Peru and Iran.....

 

[ulstersubbie]

+1

[webpunter]

Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A Laugh Again!

Get it on the ITV iplayer - 9.30pm tonight

External Link/Members Only

Quality programming 

[webpunter]

+1 
Pick back up on the other one when the €uros are finished & the focus reverts back to the leagues

Now the regular footy is over I thought it worth starting a stand alone thread for last years Euros