DJ Barry Hammond

That’s because he’s never been employed as a wingback. But add into this - Fatawu was played on the side of the inverted wingback - the side that requires more defensive discipline. There’s a reason why Mav never ended up on that side and it wasn’t purely down to Enzo’s stubbornness.

She can’t catch a break can she - her big Sunday newspaper splash and it’s immediately overshadowed by events elsewhere.

For those suggesting Klopp as next manager - I have no doubt it would be fun and I get why many would want him. BUT - I question whether he could get his high energy gengenpress to work at an end of season tournament - especially given the deficit in coaching time he’d have compared to club football. Additionally… I’m not certain the FA would go for him anyway.

They certainly did. And when we did play high, we looked a lot better.

If you watch it back, our defensive line was too deep. It allowed one pass into the midfield with no pressure, time to turn - further one a little further up - then one more into the striker. Walker, already tucked in, comes in further, to be done by the ball out wide. Early cross and good finish - and yes, good play all round by Spain, but a deep defensive line allowed Spain too much space.

It didn’t excuse not noticing that Croatia had changed shape and were killing you down the flanks due to your own shape.

Maybe - but mean, look how class many left-footed players we have now. So many that we don’t bother putting any of them on the left of midfield 😂

You say that (about the Italy game) but I was furious with the Croatia game because Southgate just sat there and watched them run allover us for 25 minutes!

Sven didn’t really have anyone for the left hand side - and of course we had to pay 4-4-2!

He did what Enzo was doing with us - making single changes with his first two subs, thus making the third and final change trickier - because you can make 3 subs but only all at once. That managers can actively put themselves in a difficult position is something I find bizarre.

I really don’t get that decision - Spain had retreated and were there for the taking. Just chance it for 5-10 minutes when you had the momentum… if you then want to close out until extra time via changes, fine… but don’t switch to a poor, passive 4-4-2.

The thing with Kane was he was putting in zero high intensity sprints - he never moved out of a jog and that’s criminal.

Southgate out

Not sure why they switched approach - Spain were there for the taking and you have three 10’s on the pitch!

The only issue I have with that change is Southgate’s left himself with 3 possible subs from 1 change… that probably should have been a double change.

Might we see 442 soon? That might be what we need to go to. Toney alongside Ollie…

Ok, let’s put some quality in from here shall we?

Spain’s dropped really deep all of a sudden. Just need to build some pressure now.

Twice at the start of second half - just go and win it!

Why the hell did they stand off him!

Classic final approach - make sure you don’t lose it in the first half. Will be interesting to see if Southgate tweaks at halftime - he can go to 3 at the back with these players - but I’d rather see Gordon on the left, someone to provide an attacking combination to Spain’s right flank… with Bellingham and Mainoo playing as 8’s.

I’m hoping Southgate’s thinking Gordon for Foden at the moment (move Bellingham central). Not now obviously… just has it in mind.

Old superstitions and all that…

Tell that to Farage, Tommy R and all that lot… although they’re also fuming at ITV for Gary Neville interviewing Starmer

Let’s not forget Foden’s been hinting at a match winning performance. And Kobi has that star quality that tends to come up with something in big moments.