Having watched Greece vs. England last night, it was hard not to conclude that Lee Carsley’s B-team performed somewhat better than the A-listers. Of course, the Greeks are not the greatest team in the world, but they were group leaders, boast an excellent home record, and beat the Three Lions at Wembley as recently as October.
Therefore, all things considered, England’s 3-0 Nations League victory may have been their most important. But it does beg the question: is Carsley—and eventually Thomas Tuchel—better off dropping a few stars?
England’s midfield was so good that former West Ham captain Declan Rice might struggle to get back into the team. Conor Gallagher was the epitome of perpetual motion, Curtis Jones impressed and scored, while Jude Bellingham looked better without Harry Kane dropping deep and getting in his way.
Carsley didn’t feel forced to shoehorn Phil Foden into the team, which allowed him to play proper wingers like Gordon, Madueke, and, of course, the Hammers’ own Jarrod Bowen.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored and worked tirelessly, while Lewis Hall and Rico Lewis looked far better than the senior players who would usually be chosen.
Selecting superstars rather than round pegs in round holes has been an age-old problem that stems back even further than trying to cram Scholes, Gerrard, and Lampard into the same side. But if England can build a team rather than a team of individuals, it might be the best thing Tuchel can do
Declan Rice is still first name on the England team sheet and will be Tuchel’s new Captain.
100%
Just because we are a selling club and Rice went to Arsenal, it doesn’t mean we should be sucking on lemons.
I think the lot of the players who dropped out are disgrace.
They all think they are better than they are.
Prima Donna’s all
Madueke is serious competition now to Saka.
The left looked balanced with Gordon and Hall.
Hall and Lewis can move ahead of Trippier now.
I like Foden, but for me he’s not an automatic pick now and may struggle to get back in the side.
Watkins is more mobile than Kane.
So time for some of the old guard to be replaced.
Greece cut through as far too many times in the 2nd half.
Rice is still the best defensive midfielder in the country and he walks in to that team. Tuchel wanted to buy him for Chelsea and so he will the first name on the team sheet when he takes charge.
I agree Matt . I do wonder about the @@@@wrote on this site , not sure who’s worse this or West Ham zone