I think our attacking line up is pretty set. Kane, Bellingham and Saka all play. Then Foden likely does too. Even though our problem at the moment will be down the left side which will be blunt as an attacking force with the lack of width/pace.

 

Reckon he will use the friendly games to try out whether we play Trent in midfield, try out Wharton and Jones too. He might also move Bellingham further back in midfield too.

yeah, would love to see us try Bellingham deeper for one of the friendlies/group stage games, freeing up space for Gordon/Palmer/Eze to be given an opportunity alongside Foden and Saka. as you say, though, the lack of a natural left winger with prior international experience makes it more difficult for this to happen..

 

EDIT - also would like to see Wharton play in one of the friendlies (maybe with Eze also starting? think they would bounce off each other for obvious reasons). I highly rate the guy, think he'd be a capable impact sub/second choice for CDM/CM

Edited May 30, 20241 yr by hinterland

Trent in CM worries me as he simply never plays there. I'd prefer even Wharton. I've never been impressed by Gordon but he has great stats so he has to be in consideration but can you see Southgate taking off Foden for Gordon? I can't. I think those 4 are so good they're just not going to be substituted off if the game is in the balance unless fatigue or something

 

Trent is not a midfielder, but he can play there. The problem is against a team we will struggle to dominate possession, we might struggle. But no matter who the personnel is, we struggle to dominate the midfield often for long periods, which is a tactical thing imo. Wharton plays as a 6, I think he definitely goes if he performs in the friendlies.

 

As for the attackers, I can see all of them coming off with the exception of Kane in the big games, maybe Bellingham too. Foden and Saka regularly get substituted and in these tournaments, unsung heroes often come in to play. At the moment we have a really good squad of players, but we can't just shoe-horn players in because they are big names. Outside of Pickford, Walker, Bellingham, Rice and Kane (which is essentially the current core spine) I think everyone's places are up for grabs.

Wonder who will replace Walker after this tournament?

 

Love how Wharton is the main man now when no one knew who he was 6 months ago 😅

Wonder who will replace Walker after this tournament?

 

Love how Wharton is the main man now when no one knew who he was 6 months ago 😅

 

I think Walker will keep on going to the World Cup at least. A different manager would play Trent at right back too. Is funny though when we could have had a team of right backs 2 years ago.

 

Well with Wharton, it's very similair to Mainoo :lol: Probably just shows the dearth of midfielder options we have.