Mount, Grealish, Sancho and Foden are all better than him though (and so are Rashford and Sterling on form). Surely you're only starting 2 or 3 players from that pool every game, so the subs should be better than a Lingard imo.
19-20 year olds Martial and Coman were the only alternatives France had in the '16 final. Not starting those two was a logical decision. England's attacking depth is far stronger than France had that year. For the sake of argument let's assume France (based on the '18 final) would have dropped one of Mount/Foden/Grealish for Henderson. You get more defensive cover but that's still an XI with proper intent.
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Gareth pretty much covered this by saying that, under normal circumstances, Henderson wouldn’t have been picked but with such a young squad and the 26 man squad meant that he could afford to bring him.
The salt. You’d only take one recognised striker in Kane?Spain are a not analagous to England, their ability to dominate the ball in midfield is fairly unique in world football. They have a harmonised ethos from grassroots up on how to play the game. England do not.
Bringing a player for “experience around the camp” doesn’t cut it for me. I think there are better options - Another attacker for example.
Agent Lingard
There’s also the fact that when he is fit, he’s out best midfielder. It’s not like Gareth has bought Rooney out of retirement ffs.
Probably. Can’t see him ever subbing DCL on for Kane, tactical changes will be made to change the top line and a like for like for one of the best strikers around wouldn’t make sense. The only issue would be if Kane got injured but I think it’s a risk worth taking given the variety we’d have in forward minded players having brought Lingard and Greenwood if not injured.
Like the squad hasn't got enough attackers. Like it or not, teams need leaders, players who have been there done it, Henderson is one of them. That experience is required in and around the dressing room.
There is no way he will play those 3 if Maguire is injured. One of Mings or Coady will play with one of the RBs.
Respect your view but a player who has not played since months is a liability.
I do agree, it seems there is more sentiment to it than footballing reasons. I do also feel that the shortage of CM options made the choice easier for him, same as the Maguire situation too. There is no clear candidate to play there.
I think it’s a really easy desk ion to make, taking Henderson and Maguire given the 26 man squad. If it was 23, then it would be far more difficult, and Henderson in particular I don’t think would be going. With Maguire, i don’t think anyone actually knows the extent of his injury.
Precisely. The match day squad is still 23 players, so three players will not be on the bench, regardless. Maguire will likely be one of those names and possibly Henderson too if he's not deemed match fit by then too, so potentially only one fit player (possibly Johnstone) will also be in the stands.
Nah, it's not even about Watkins specifically. If you're going to take only 2 strikers, I'd rather have Ings there but he isn't fully fit. Failing that, a quick striker that's very good at pressing from the front like Watkins or Abraham.
Oh look he's injured. That will do his young confidence a world of good. Hindsight? No, its foresight. Knew it. Just fecking knew it.
I agree, really like Bellingham. With Henderson not fully fit, this is a perfect opportunity to play him.
Chris Wilder would love this idea!
Agree. I like Phillips and his style is made for International football....I just dont think he is quite international standard. Bellingham is already a very good player and would start for me too. Though I am not a big fan, I would have started Henderson if it wasnt for the injuries though
Yup he stepped up against man city's midfield and looked class.
Ah be reasonable, surely you need to look at Wan-Bissaka, Cash, Lamptey, Aarons and Waker-Peters first?
Jlingz
I’d bring Godfrey. Maguire’s injury is a bastard, to be honest. The thought of Coady and Mings at the back for us at this level is horrifying, so a better option to play in a back three in the event he’s injured wouldn’t go amiss.
It really does depend on Henderson - we are thinnest in midfield. Henderson has been injured, Phillips coming back from injury, and Bellingham is 17. JWP is the sensible option
I don't think Lingard would get many if any minutes. There are loads of good attacking midfielders/wingers and he'd be bottom of the pecking order.
given he didn’t make the squad, that is sensible - but I just have a feeling he would.
