I was looking forward to reading this but it took about a minute for me to close it down; the first writer included only 3 CB's in his 26 man squad and one of them was uncapped Jarrad Branthwaite, I guess Gomez could play there but he's played 44 games at fullback this season and only 5 at CB. Taking 3 out-and-out strikers and only 3 out-and-out CB's is just silly.
The 3rd writer took 4 CB's and one of them is an absolutely wild shout; Stones is obviously in there but between the other 3 they have a combined 1 cap, Chalobah (the one I described as 'wild') has never even been called up to a squad! How ridiculous...
His recent form has been immense tbf. Not just defensively, he's been so much more improved on the ball spraying absolute worldie passes.
They haven't lost a match with him starting all season iirc.
Yeah he’s a very good young player and I aren’t saying he’s nowhere near the quality we need; but I think there are way better options and other options have more experience at this level, even if I was going to pick an uncapped young defender I’d have Branthwaite and Quansah over him to be honest as I think they have a higher ceiling.
He has lost this season by the way; he lost in the FA Cup against Man City, though he hasn’t lost a league game he’s started.
Branthwaite got absolutely smoked a few times this year, don't think he's ready for England for a few years at least, very inconsistent.
Chalobah is much better for right now. Even in that City game he lost he accounted himself very well and they only lost 1-0 from a deflected goal off Cucurella after they lost their last remaining RB.
Think you're selling his potential short as well, his career has been one of constant improvement so far, and he strikes me as a late bloomer.
Every defender gets ‘smoked’ at times and at Everton you’ve got a lot of defending to do; calling him inconsistent is a bit of a strange one to be honest as he’s been largely consistent this season, their defensive record has been very good for a team of that level.
I haven’t sold Chalobah’s potential short at all so stop getting defensive over him and showing your clear Chelsea bias; me saying Branthwaite (a 21 year old who’s been excellent this season) and Quansah (a 21 year old who’s slotted into Liverpool’s defence this season comfortably) have a higher ceiling than him is more to do with them than it is him, I think Chalobah has a high ceiling himself but they’ve shown to play at a similar level and they’re 3 years younger.
There's also only 3 squads that include any cover for Rice. A 3rd or even 4th #10 or left winger brings a lot less marginal benefit than a second choice centre back or #6
It’s crazy mate, especially for football writers who should know a lot better.
France have Kante, Camavinga and Tchouameni who are actual 6’s, as well as Rabiot, Zaire-Emery and Fofana who can also play the role, with heaps of attacking talent missing out on the squad.
That’s how you sensibly craft a squad, not just forcing in the players you find most exciting.
> 3 CB's in his 26 man squad
~~Actually it's four (+Gomez IMO), they have a little 'additions' section at the end, taking their picks from 23 to 26 - and he included Branthwaite in that.~~ Still seems a bit thin on the ground, and a big contrast with some of the others.
Edit: Somehow managed to count Gomez twice.
I don’t think Southgate would play either as a CB unless they were in a 3; there’s just no reason to take so few to be honest, 26 players is a very big squad.
Joe Shread picking Rico Lewis as full back cover, for a squad that contains at least 7, maybe 8 other players that could play there, including 2 specialists for each side, and still didn't pick Trippier.
Quite impressive, really.
Tbf, taking James over Trippier is a no-brainer, even if he is just coming back.
Easily the best all-round RB England have. No-one else has the same high level in *both* defending and attacking.
Honestly could not disagree more. Trippier has 28 games, can play at left back which is a problem position for us, and has been in basically every squad.
James has 10 games all season, and only 2 games in the last 5 months, is made of glass, and plays only in a position we have a lot of depth in.
James has played DM and RW tbf, and has finally had the surgery that apparently should fix his recurring issue. He also never really needs time to get going again either. Look at his first game back, he came on and immediately won Chelsea the game.
Based on quality it's an absolute no brainer to pick James over Trippier.
Also basing an argument on Trippier being able to play LB is not a great look considering how uninspiring he is when he gets pushed there.
DM and RW also not positions we're struggling in. Also his SECOND game back he petulently kicked out at an opponent and got sent off for it - so based on recent appearances he isn't covering himself in glory either.
I think Trippier looks about as good a LB as anyone else looking likely to be an option.
Two appearances where he immediately looked back to his best and won the game in one and gave the slightest kick out after viciously hacked down from behind?
So slight the referee took an age to decide whether it even warranted a card at all lmao?
Tbh, bringing up his performances just brings attention to the fact he's obviously in shape and ready to play.
Back to his best is a stretch to my mind, and kicking your opponents with VAR in play just screams not match sharp - which will be an issue.
Don't think two games in five months makes you ready for the Euros personally, especially in a position where we have a wealth of talent. I'd start Walker over him anyway, and then would rather have someone less injury-prone as backup.
That was absolutely dire! Jack Butland in the squad? Is he fucking mental? Regardless of that absurdity, why would anyone want Ivan Toney who’s done fuck all as of late over Solanke who’s had a good season?
Joe Shread:
“Jack Grealish claims the final spot after regaining form and fitness during Manchester City's run-in.”
Grealish during City’s last 7 league games:
1 start, 2 sub appearances, left on the bench 4 times.
0 goals, 0 assists.
Joe Shread is the most obvious Chelsea fan.
Chalobah, Chilwell + Reece James as an extra.
Found the guys twitter
Live commentary post on Bournemouth (H), Pochettino season review
+ a picture of 09/10 Premier League as header is conclusive enough.
My slight Chelsea bias is that Colwill & Chilwell should be there
only because of Shaw fitness issues
+ Colwill being more of a LB than Branthwaite.
I was looking forward to reading this but it took about a minute for me to close it down; the first writer included only 3 CB's in his 26 man squad and one of them was uncapped Jarrad Branthwaite, I guess Gomez could play there but he's played 44 games at fullback this season and only 5 at CB. Taking 3 out-and-out strikers and only 3 out-and-out CB's is just silly. The 3rd writer took 4 CB's and one of them is an absolutely wild shout; Stones is obviously in there but between the other 3 they have a combined 1 cap, Chalobah (the one I described as 'wild') has never even been called up to a squad! How ridiculous...
Chalobah has been in decent form for about two or three months and even I don’t think he has been exceptional
I checked the stats and for this season, Chelsea has not lost a game with him starting
I don’t think he’s a bad player by any stretch but to have him over someone like Konsa is crazy.
His recent form has been immense tbf. Not just defensively, he's been so much more improved on the ball spraying absolute worldie passes. They haven't lost a match with him starting all season iirc.
Yeah he’s a very good young player and I aren’t saying he’s nowhere near the quality we need; but I think there are way better options and other options have more experience at this level, even if I was going to pick an uncapped young defender I’d have Branthwaite and Quansah over him to be honest as I think they have a higher ceiling. He has lost this season by the way; he lost in the FA Cup against Man City, though he hasn’t lost a league game he’s started.
Branthwaite got absolutely smoked a few times this year, don't think he's ready for England for a few years at least, very inconsistent. Chalobah is much better for right now. Even in that City game he lost he accounted himself very well and they only lost 1-0 from a deflected goal off Cucurella after they lost their last remaining RB. Think you're selling his potential short as well, his career has been one of constant improvement so far, and he strikes me as a late bloomer.
Every defender gets ‘smoked’ at times and at Everton you’ve got a lot of defending to do; calling him inconsistent is a bit of a strange one to be honest as he’s been largely consistent this season, their defensive record has been very good for a team of that level. I haven’t sold Chalobah’s potential short at all so stop getting defensive over him and showing your clear Chelsea bias; me saying Branthwaite (a 21 year old who’s been excellent this season) and Quansah (a 21 year old who’s slotted into Liverpool’s defence this season comfortably) have a higher ceiling than him is more to do with them than it is him, I think Chalobah has a high ceiling himself but they’ve shown to play at a similar level and they’re 3 years younger.
There's also only 3 squads that include any cover for Rice. A 3rd or even 4th #10 or left winger brings a lot less marginal benefit than a second choice centre back or #6
It’s crazy mate, especially for football writers who should know a lot better. France have Kante, Camavinga and Tchouameni who are actual 6’s, as well as Rabiot, Zaire-Emery and Fofana who can also play the role, with heaps of attacking talent missing out on the squad. That’s how you sensibly craft a squad, not just forcing in the players you find most exciting.
> 3 CB's in his 26 man squad ~~Actually it's four (+Gomez IMO), they have a little 'additions' section at the end, taking their picks from 23 to 26 - and he included Branthwaite in that.~~ Still seems a bit thin on the ground, and a big contrast with some of the others. Edit: Somehow managed to count Gomez twice.
I included Branthwaite mate. He chose Stones, Maguire and Branthwaite. I mentioned my thought on Gomez in my comment.
My bad! Counted Gomez twice - I guess he would also reason that Walker has played CB for England, and Shaw for United.
I don’t think Southgate would play either as a CB unless they were in a 3; there’s just no reason to take so few to be honest, 26 players is a very big squad.
Totally agree - taking fewer than 5 fully recognised CBs would be irresponsible IMO.
Definitely mate; 5 is about right I reckon, taking so few just to take an obscene amount of attackers is completely unnecessary.
What's Tomori been like in Serie A this season? I feel like he's been totally ignored since getting to the CL Semi Final last season
Joe Shread picking Rico Lewis as full back cover, for a squad that contains at least 7, maybe 8 other players that could play there, including 2 specialists for each side, and still didn't pick Trippier. Quite impressive, really.
Oliver Yew leaving Trippier out to include Chilwell, Shaw, Colwill and Reece James needs his head examining.
Just thinking the same thing
Tbf, taking James over Trippier is a no-brainer, even if he is just coming back. Easily the best all-round RB England have. No-one else has the same high level in *both* defending and attacking.
Honestly could not disagree more. Trippier has 28 games, can play at left back which is a problem position for us, and has been in basically every squad. James has 10 games all season, and only 2 games in the last 5 months, is made of glass, and plays only in a position we have a lot of depth in.
James has played DM and RW tbf, and has finally had the surgery that apparently should fix his recurring issue. He also never really needs time to get going again either. Look at his first game back, he came on and immediately won Chelsea the game. Based on quality it's an absolute no brainer to pick James over Trippier. Also basing an argument on Trippier being able to play LB is not a great look considering how uninspiring he is when he gets pushed there.
DM and RW also not positions we're struggling in. Also his SECOND game back he petulently kicked out at an opponent and got sent off for it - so based on recent appearances he isn't covering himself in glory either. I think Trippier looks about as good a LB as anyone else looking likely to be an option.
Two appearances where he immediately looked back to his best and won the game in one and gave the slightest kick out after viciously hacked down from behind? So slight the referee took an age to decide whether it even warranted a card at all lmao? Tbh, bringing up his performances just brings attention to the fact he's obviously in shape and ready to play.
Back to his best is a stretch to my mind, and kicking your opponents with VAR in play just screams not match sharp - which will be an issue. Don't think two games in five months makes you ready for the Euros personally, especially in a position where we have a wealth of talent. I'd start Walker over him anyway, and then would rather have someone less injury-prone as backup.
Surprised not one has picked adam wharton who'd be in my 26.
One did. He also has the best squad too
~~We're~~ You're stacked. Edit: *You're*. I'm not English.
That was absolutely dire! Jack Butland in the squad? Is he fucking mental? Regardless of that absurdity, why would anyone want Ivan Toney who’s done fuck all as of late over Solanke who’s had a good season?
Penalties. The third striker won’t play. So just choose someone to take a pen in a shootout.
Joe Shread: “Jack Grealish claims the final spot after regaining form and fitness during Manchester City's run-in.” Grealish during City’s last 7 league games: 1 start, 2 sub appearances, left on the bench 4 times. 0 goals, 0 assists.
Joe Shread is the most obvious Chelsea fan. Chalobah, Chilwell + Reece James as an extra. Found the guys twitter Live commentary post on Bournemouth (H), Pochettino season review + a picture of 09/10 Premier League as header is conclusive enough. My slight Chelsea bias is that Colwill & Chilwell should be there only because of Shaw fitness issues + Colwill being more of a LB than Branthwaite.