My own takeaways from last night:
1. Pickford is guaranteed pick and England have no real backup in goal.
2. Southgate is adamant playing 3 at the back, certainly v the top teams in the knockout stages.
3. Why does he persist with McGuire?
4. His baffling omission of Trent Arnold.
5. England are suspect defensively whoever he chooses in the back 3 and at wing back. Although I do think Shaw starts at left wing back.
6. Against top teams England don't control
The midfield and will ultimately cost England in the knockout stages (if they get there) v top teams.
6a. Lack of that midfield general to set tempo, which Southgate admits England don't produce that type of player just shows this is long term issue, which PL clubs and grassroots have not addressed. Hence playing only 2 central midfielders will end up England getting overrun there eventually.
7. No surprise England are very good at counterattacking. But have to wait until they are behind or game opens up in second half.
8. I don't envy Southgate. He's on a hiding to nothing in Qatar with certain players, he's loyal to out of form or not getting enough playing time with their clubs.
My prediction for Qatar WC, scrape a narrow nervy win v Iran, draw v US and draw v Wales. Top group B on goal difference, play Senegal in last 16. Scrape through on pens. Face France in QFs and get knocked out either in ET or on Pens. Gareth quits, as he's taken England only so far.
