DJ Barry Hammond

In theory, it’s a sensible signing - experienced pro, in his prime years, in a key focal point position in the team. But I do wonder if he’ll end up being side lined by someone from our academy (which may not be a bad thing either).

I think VAR got both of the key decisions correct. The Haaland push is so blatant that it can’t be ignored - and this was an area that FIFA highlighted before the tournament that was going to be looked at more closely… so Norway shouldn’t really have any complaints there. And then the Spence penalty claim - if he plants his foot to protect the ball in a more natural fashion, it’s a stonewaller. But he doesn’t - he essentially initiates the contact, at which point I can’t agree with the original decision and it’s only correct that VAR instigates a review. As for the ‘ball hits wire’ business… I’ve yet to see clear and irrefutable evidence to show that happened, therefore ‘play on!’

I thought his changes / selections were poor last night. Madueke was a questionable selection to start… and went on to show why with a distinct lack of quality / football intelligence despite given ample opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Rice was clearly under the weather, so a halftime switch was understandable… but choosing to bring in Eze and drop Bellingham back alongside Anderson (who was excellent last night be the way) was another bizarre choice. Not only did it hinder your star player and take away from his growing and formidable partnership with your star striker, it also helped Odegaard to become a growing influence in the game, to the point Norway were looking the more likely. He at least acknowledged his error later on, with the decision to bring James in for Gordon and shove Eze to the left flank (Gordon can count himself a little unlucky in that Tuchel couldn’t exactly take Eze off in order to correct England’s midfield balance issue). But quite why you would bring James on in centre midfield when you have Rogers / Mainoo sitting on the bench I don’t know - with Roger’s cameo in extra time highlighting to me that he probably should have been the original change for Rice. I even found the Dan Burn change questionable - at this point Norway had taken Haaland off, England looked reasonably comfortable with a more dominant and energetic midfield and I didn’t see the need to give up that and inevitably invite some late pressure.

Could be as much to do with the Beeb’s financial squeeze and cut backs within local radio.

Looking at the 11 (and wider squad) for today, it’s becoming clearer this is no easy job for Martin.

I can’t imagine even Martin can mess up the first part of the rebuild. It’s a gift of a job for him, so let’s see if he can make good of it.

Worked out ok last time we were in League One.

Harry Kane by the way.

Andrew Impy obviously. And then how can anyone not class Sir Barry Hales as World Class!

They didn’t really want him in the first place! They’re not going to give it to him long term now.

Not a chance.

I don’t think he does - and I would suggest the feelings mutual from the board. He was reportedly pissed off at Maresca being at the Norwich game and can imagine he may have simply went through the motions ever since.

If we’d had that, we wouldn’t be in this mess - it was the most obvious part of the squad that was lacking.

You think Top knows who Harry Souttar is?

I’m suprised Ruskin hasn’t suggested to Top to move him sideways to focus on King Power racing more. Now, maybe Rudkin isn’t into the horses as much as the footie - but there’s an obvious out for him sitting right there which seems strange that he hasn’t taken it. Maybe the mooted ‘promotion’ in the restructure is actually more of a sideways push?