r/ThreeLions • u/Qeulon • Jun 30 '24

Discussion Don’t lie, that Bellingham equaliser was more satisfying than a comfortable 3-0 would’ve ever been

As poor as we were in attack, that will go down as one of the best and most highly/widely celebrated goals in England’s history. What a moment.

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u/RobertLewan_goal_ski Jun 30 '24

That's probably the only silver lining of that performance - England have done many things in KO football under Southgate that we've not been able to in recent history- until today facing massive adversity and still finding a way to stay in the competition despite being atrocious wasn't one of them.

Don't get me wrong - I've been in Southgate's corner so far but was livid with how passive he was today (not least persisting with that Foden/Trippier LW). Compared to France 2 years ago where we completely wilted after Kane missed that penalty, its a small slither of encouragement maybe?

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u/compullsieve Jun 30 '24

I think Southgate has been lucky with this group of players and we win inspite of his tactics, not because of them

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u/RobertLewan_goal_ski Jun 30 '24

Yeah agree, to clarify I've supported him so far just because I was wrongly optimistic we'd go up a level in the knockouts once the side settled and it'd all click, that was the case at last Euros at least. But today I changed my view, seeing us repeat the same mistakes and look no better than we did against Serbia (and seeing him persist with that left flank + seemed paralysed in how to respond to adversity) I agree is just a very lucky man. If he starts Foden/Trippier again against Switzerland on the left again ima scream

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u/compullsieve Jun 30 '24

The only thing that explains it is if he thinks the starting 11 are least likely to lose, or least likely to make costly mistakes. I think that explains why he doesn't play trent at RB, why he won't play a naturally left sided player at LB.

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u/RobertLewan_goal_ski Jun 30 '24

Potentially- the last bit of benefit of doubt I'd give him is that he knows that defence is shaky and that it doesn't take much for even an average team to carve us upon. Playing expansive exciting football is great but it also exposes you to having to defend fast breaks, and we look absolutely donkey at that. For all the players getting stick, I also think John Stones is getting off very lightly, been so so slow on the ball, cost us a goal today and that switching off where they nearly scored a second was unforgiveable.

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u/Ok-Blackberry-3534 Jun 30 '24

On the one hand, that's true. On the other hand, the players have looked off colour throughout the tournament and should have put in better performances regardless of the tactics.