England v Belgium a real test for southgates England

[Jedi boro]

We have had a relatively easy ride of late at international level but today that all changes as we face a real team with some truly world class talent.

So it will be a proper test of just how good this young England side really is.

 

[Doom_On_Horseback]

Looking forward to this one. De Bruyne and Hazard is a different proposition altogether than what they've been faced with lately.

 

[parnabyscrosses]

Quite looking forward to watching this one, it’s good to see them up against a decent team for once.

 

[Nero]

I suspect Belgium will give a bit of a lesson to England.

 

[Abel Tasman]

Belgium have a few key players missing it seems including Hazard, Courtois and Mertens.

 

[Borobuddah]

Not a full england team though?

 

[TeaCider]

Kane apparently injured, which is a big blow.

 

[Jedi boro]

Interesting line Ups

 

[Nero]

Looks like the World Cup formation again. It's strange how England have loads of options at right back, yet only two for left back.

 

[Lottowyn]

Kane was carrying an injury after the last league game and is on the bench otherwise it is a first team as G Southgate sees it.

 

[Michael_Vronsky]

Belgian team looks tasty there!

 

[Priv]

Disappointed that he didn’t keep Grealish in he’s a lot better than mount. Also the 3cbs look very weak. Trippier struggles on the left as well.

 

[NYboro]

I thought he'd have kept Grealish in as well.

 

[Michael_Vronsky]

I thought he'd have kept Grealish in as well.

Yeah, me too. Looks a very 'safe' selection. Is he looking to contain again?!

 

[Lottowyn]

It sounds like Southgate wasn't too chuffed about Grealish being compared with Gazza and says "I don't want to be dampening the enthusiasm for Jack, but when you are talking about Gascoigne there is not a player in English history at that level in my opinion ".

 

[parmoboy]

Disappointed with that team to be honest. Kyle Walker and Dier at CB ahead of Coady, Mings and Gomez? Trippier LWB? Can't understand why he hasn't kept Grealish in the side either after his performance midweek.

Still, Come on England!

 

[NYboro]

It sounds like Southgate wasn't too chuffed about Grealish being compared with Gazza and says "I don't want to be dampening the enthusiasm for Jack, but when you are talking about Gascoigne there is not a player in English history at that level in my opinion ".

Not just his opinion. We've had a number of ex-players join our Zoom meetings since lockdown and any who played with Gazza, have said how unbelievably talented he was.

 

[Michael_Vronsky]

It's true that Gazza was special, but it's a strange way of treating your current players. Why on earth would you denigrate one of your players?

Southgate was no Bobby Moore but you wouldn't use that against him. Strange management.

 

[NYboro]

It's true that Gazza was special, but it's a strange way of treating your current players. Why on earth would you denigrate one of your players?

Southgate was no Bobby Moore but you wouldn't use that against him. Strange management.

Keeping Grealish's feet om the ground, maybe. He's good but not that good.

 

[Michael_Vronsky]

Keeping Grealish's feet om the ground, maybe. He's good but not that good.

I know but it sounded really churlish. It's like telling a Dutch player he's no Cruyff! If it works, all good but I question talking about players like this who you need on your side and need to perform.