I think he would have been able to graft if needed back on defence. We know he can play on the left, because Pulis wasted him out there, so he would’ve been able to hold a side if needed. Plus, his game brings others into it which is the reason he has 7 assists. Very very unlucky.
Jude Bellingham is in
- Thread starter Jedi boro
- Start date
WilliamMunny
Well-known member
Saka is in the squad as an attacking player and would only play left wing back in a dire emergency. He has been Arsenal's most creative player all season playing in midfield or further forward and is in the squad on merit.
atypical_boro
Well-known member
I wouldn't have batted an eyelid with 3 options either side (Trippier covering both) and Saka only to be used in an emergency. I just think we are one too heavy on the right and one light upfront.
WilliamMunny
Well-known member
Well in that case I agree with you and I'd have taken Watkins instead of TAA personally, but then I would be playing 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. It looks to me as though GS wants the option of playing 3 centre backs and has taken 4 proper CBs as well as Walker and James who can play the right side of a 3.
Anyway the point about Saka is that he is an attacking player, not a defensive one and I wouldn't rule him out of contention altogether given that he has been outstanding in a generally poor Arsenal side (I'm not saying you have atypical, but somebody compared him to 16 year old Walcott which is rubbish when you consider he has more than 50 Premier League appearances for Arsenal already).
WilliamMunny
Well-known member
Oh it was you! 
atypical_boro
Well-known member
I didn't compare Saka to Walcott at all, not even remotely implied (although I'm not sure he will actually get in the team at any point).Oh it was you!
I just meant that taking 4 right backs is a bit like when we took Walcott with no intention of playing him, you're almost saying that you don't need the full squad of players because there isn't a cat in hell's chance all 6 of those full backs will get on the pitch. At least one of them, if not more, is coming home with nothing but a sore @rse, like Theo did.
shaun71
Well-known member
Its not simply 4 right backs though. Walker will more than likely play centre half, while Trippier covers both sides, and TAA is more known for his attacking than his defending. Im pleased to see Saka and Bellingham in there personally.
In a squad of 26 theres always going to be some players in ALL squads that wont see much action, probably more like 3 or 4 players. I can see all 4 of the 'RBs' playing a decent role in the competition.
In a squad of 26 theres always going to be some players in ALL squads that wont see much action, probably more like 3 or 4 players. I can see all 4 of the 'RBs' playing a decent role in the competition.
Jonny Ingbar
Well-known member
Given two of the right backs can, and probably will, play as a centre half, I get the selection.
Its a very strong squad, good enough to win it, with a fair wind and a bit of luck.
parmoboy
Well-known member
Midfield is a concern for me. Can't see Henderson being fit. Shame Ward-Prowse hasn't been included. I'd have had him in instead of one of the RBs.
I'd have had Lingard in over Saka also. We've already got enough wingers and Lingard would have been a good option to come off the bench and maybe grab a goal.
I'd have had Lingard in over Saka also. We've already got enough wingers and Lingard would have been a good option to come off the bench and maybe grab a goal.
McBrid
Well-known member
It is a worry, hope we find the right formula and don’t **** about trying to find a role for Kalvin Phillips in the line up
Jedi boro
Well-known member
That’s my worry as I think that’s exactly what will happen.
McBrid
Well-known member
Yeah he needs to be kept away and only brought on when we are comfortably winning games to help see them out. I get his inclusion in the squad but would be gutted if we start the tournament with him in the side
Nero
Well-known member
That's how I see it too. I think against Croatia the formation could be 3-4-3. Two wing-backs and two central midfielders. Bellingham is probably pushing to start, especially if Henderson isn't quite fit.
The problem with 3-4-3 is where do you play Mason Mount?
WilliamMunny
Well-known member
Fair enough atypical
McBrid
Well-known member
I think Southgate would play him and Foden ‘off’ Harry Kane if we were to play 343. Would leave the likes of Grealish, Sterling, Rashford, Sancho on the bench but that’s what I think he would do. Mount plays the role a lot for Chelsea.
Bellingham and Rice being the 2 central midfielders
Nero
Well-known member
That's pretty much the Chelsea formation from the Champions League Final so works well for Mount.
Foden has to start but I think Sancho must be in there too.
parmoboy
Well-known member
If we go with a 3 I reckon it'll be Phillips, Rice and Mount, although it then may become 4231 with Rice and Phillips as the two sitters.
If we go with wing-backs he'll probably again have Phillips and Rice as the two sitters.
I'm hoping he's only planning on having Henderson as an option to bring off the bench.
McBrid
Well-known member
Sancho has looked excellent of late for Dortmund but I’ve been a bit let down by him so far in his England Appearances, shame he is poorly tomorrow would of been a chance to stake his claim. He is a massive goal threat I reckon he will get plenty of game time but would be surprised if he was a starter
Ex Footy Legs
Well-known member
He’s been playing every week for Dortmund so will wet man Southgate have the balls to play him ?
he has been scoring regular too but did get sent off about 6 weeks ago so hopefully the Dortmund management helped him with understanding that and learning from it....at 17 he could be our née Rooney but in midfield
Certainly better than anything else we have in there even at 17
He has to play....the opposition don’t really know him yet so maximum surprise package surely