Yeah, especially in a game where the opposition sit deep. Both would look better alongside a more progressive midfielder. Even Henderson when he came on provided some additional creativity and drive. Henderson ffs.
Well Phillips and England looked absolutely miles better for the 10 mins before the Rice sub and the entire time after it. Philips and Rice swapped positions about 10-15 mins before Rice was subbed so that Phillips could get on the ball more and Rice could be fecked off out of the way.
This. Rice would be better suited next to someone else.
Yeah, let’s see if the stubborn guy who took England to their first final in 55 years agrees with you. If not, it’s the sack for him, says I.If he starts the final, the Irish and Jocks will be a lot happier than they are tonight. Lad got embarrassed tonight so feck knows what Italy would do to him
Only hope is that stubborn Southgate sees how much more Henderson offered. Even then, it’s an average midfield in comparison to Italy but still, much better.
He’s stubborn.
Danes looked dead on their feet at that point, not sure how much to read into it. A game defending against the Italians should in theory suit the pair of them more, maybe that'll give him a better opportunity to show something.
Replace him with a guy with the sense not to play that awful Rice.
Now you’re just babbling.
Yep, Rice and Henderson for the final.
100% Phillips is out of his depth. Henderson should start.
Nope! Phillips is also bad but offers better passing range while also doing the same thing Rice does. There is no need for a player like rice if the team isn't setup to defend and soak pressure.
Yup I know the exact moment because there was nobody around him. So pathetic that this is what England has as its very best starting midfielder. Having to depend on its Defense to get the ball further up the pitch because the midfielders are incapable of doing so.
You mean his first touch and sometimes balance on the ball. His decision making is very good. Silly of that poster to compare a CB cosplaying as a midfielder to Fred who is actually showing how good he is when surrounded by other midfielders capable of playing the ball also (casimiero).
There is literally nothing Phillips does better than Rice.
Rice is more solid and better defensively, but Phillips does covers far more distance than Rice, more energetic, better going forward, better at winning ariel duels and pressing opponents etc
Ricelips
I know, it’s cool.
Yeah, everything is better Fred, more’s the pity.
I could see Southgate playing Phillips Henderson if England plays 3 CBs. But Phillips would still be asked to play deep. Henderson is quite expansive and brings a bit of life to the midfield but I wouldn’t rely on him in 4231.
That's as far away from the truth as possible - some players go to ground often because that's the kind of footballers they are. Steven Gerrard, Paul Ince, Edgar Davids.....that doesn't make them worse footballers.
It's almost like you've forgotten how poor Rice is on the ball. Philips has played some lovely passes this tournament. Rice looks like he's juggling a hot potato.
