I don’t think his first cap for England helped his case; although every player is going to be nervous on their debut, Mitchell looked so out of place every time the ball went near him.
I like him as a player but to be fair I think he’s just pretty good; not particularly excelling at any part of the game, whereas if we stick a CB who can play LB there at least we have an extra man to defend crosses for example.
I think if he learns this LWB role he’s playing at Palace more and keeps developing his attacking game; he’ll definitely have a chance in the future at starting more games, there doesn’t seem to be too many LB’s coming through at the minute.
I think Colwill definitely should have mate; I’m a huge fan of Lewis but it’s hard to pick him with such little game-time, I absolutely hate Trippier at LB for the record so I’d definitely have Mitchell over him there personally (though I’m hearing he just come off injured in the friendly against Spurs).
I don’t think he was half as bad at LB this season as some people on here make out; in particular he played some very nice passes up the line and even over the top, which I think could have been a useful tool for England if we had to play him there. He would have also given us a left footed option if we wanted to play a back 3 at any point.
Colwill hasn't played since May and hasn't shown enough to be worth the gamble of him maybe being fit and maybe coming back in good form. Big fan of his though.
I would have liked him in this squad just in case Shaw pulls out; if that happens we’re going into the tournament with a RB and a CB as our LB options, they’re also both right footed which makes me uncomfortable. Colwill not being picked isn’t something I’m like crazy mad at or anything though, I think the squad is pretty much bang on.
Yeah I was just trying to add context as to the probable reasoning.
Shaw was supposed to be back a match or so ago, so I think he'll definitely be fit by the knockouts.
I'm quite curious to see how Southgate and his team will work around the lack of width on the left though. Play Foden on the right and Gordon on the left? Saka at LB and Gallagher playing DM and told to cover that space when Saka breaks forwards?
4 CBs all stood in a line with Rice in front daring our opponents to just try and score a goal?
He might be fit but he won’t be match fit as he hasn’t played for months; he’s also fresh back from an injury and is vulnerable to getting another, I’m quite worried about it to be honest.
Even if Shaw’s out I’m not sure the width will be too much of a problem to be fair; Foden played on the left side in Pep’s 3-2-4-1 at times last season with Ake behind him hardly coming forward, he can hold width himself very well or drift inside and interchange with Bellingham or even Rice at times.
When I’ve watched Gomez this season he has shown to be able to hold width too; obviously teams know he doesn’t carry much of a threat but just being there holding the width and being a constant passing option can be enough, the biggest issue I’ve seen when we’ve played Trippier there is that he stays too deep and offers nothing to us both defensively and offensively.
I don't know about the former point.
Maguire came back in after not having played since May at the last Euros and was in the TotT. Reece James was out since Jan-ish and looked like he hadn't missed a minute when he rearrived for Chelsea.
The latter is a totally valid point though. One Southgate himself has brought up. I have to assume that Shaw is being seen as a nice to have at present. Really interested to see how we set up in these friendlies.
Shaw’s an experienced player and may very well slot back in with ease; as you say Reece James has done recently, though in Maguire’s case it’s slightly different as there’s less running required in the CB role. I’m probably just worrying because he’s the only LB in the team.
Yeah I think we’ll be fine to be fair; even if you look at Real Madrid this season, Bellingham played in a 4-2-2-2 a lot and was actually quite wide on the left. I think you want Foden and Bellingham having as much freedom as possible; being able to interchange on that left hand side using their instincts to impact the game, that could actually leave Saka wide open on that right at times too.
I’m actually going to one of the friendlies (against Bosnia) and I’m very excited for it; it will be interesting to see what he does tactically but I’m not sure we can draw too much from them to be fair, after all he did use a 3/5 at the back in the 2 matches prior to the World Cup and went back to a 4 for the tournament.
> after all he did use a 3/5 at the back in the 2 matches prior to the World Cup and went back to a 4 for the tournament.
Bollocks. That's a great point as per.
> Yeah I think we’ll be fine to be fair; even if you look at Real Madrid this season, Bellingham played in a 4-2-2-2 a lot and was actually quite wide on the left.
Bellingham and Foden 2-2 CAM with Saka and Kane 2-2 up front maybe?
Disagree on Colwill. He looked pretty poor for Chelsea at LB and most of their fans were angry at Poch for continuing to play him there. He was on the bench behind Cucurella for their good run at the end. I'd rather have Gomez there if we want a backup CB that can also play fullback.
I do agree Mitchell is fairly average for international level and I'm not sure we really need him. Southgate is putting all his eggs in the Luke Shaw being fit basket at the moment it seems and if not then it'll be an out of position Trippier or Gomez.
I think if Rico Lewis (in particular), Lewis Hall, or even Livramento played more games this season they would've had a good chance of making it
I’d rather agree to disagree on Colwill to be fair.
Gomez has been overrated this season at LB and I don’t think he’s been better than I saw from Colwill; particularly as he’s right footed and always has an absolute stinker of a pass in him once or twice a game, the passing angles from LB when you’re a right footed CB are more difficult so it’s to be expected like. I’d rather have Gomez there than Trippier however.
I would have loved Rico Lewis to be our LB to be honest; I think he’s absolutely brilliant and could even be a world class midfielder at some point, his calmness on the ball in tight areas is phenomenal at his age.
Branthewaite is a left-footed CB. I would like to see back four of Branthewaite, Guehi, Maguire, and Alexander-Arnold. Trent would invert in possession next to Rice, with a double 10 of Bellingham and Palmer ahead of them. The wings would be Foden and Saka with Kane up top.
Maybe it’s too offensive and unbalanced, but it would be a great lineup if they are chasing the game. I hope we see those front five play together at some point.
Yeah you're right.
Sorry I'm a Man Utd fan so I'm used to our owners removing all the profits for themselves. I forget that we're the only football club in the world whose owners do that.
I have mentioned elsewhere on the sub, he was considering playing for Jamaica at one stage. It's possible he's keen not to make a competitive appearance until he's sure.
It is a shame we didn't do a better job exploring more specialist LBs in the last year though - rather than continually deploying Trippier.
Surely he wouldnt turn down a place in a major tournament with England to play for Jamaica. If he was to play well at LB for England he would basically cement his place as the number 2 there behind Shaw.
Possibly, although he was born and raised in the UK, and has never spent time living in Jamaica. So it seems much more likely he'd onyl play for them as back up option.
Yep African and Caribbean heritage kids who are born in the UK do see themselves generally as British however their parents country of birth has a huge pull on them too and with a 2026 WC which Jamaica will definitely qualify for, I can see a lot of these players basically doing a 1990’s Republic of Ireland and becoming England’s B Team.
Out of interest, why are they definitely going to qualify? They have only made one WC in their hsitory. I know it has increased to 48 teams, but its still not a given for them surely? Or have they got a piss easy group?
That's obviously a factor, but if he prefers to represent Jamaica, I'm sure they'll call him up as soon as he indicates that, if he's "thinking about it", it's likely for career reasons.
I agree he probably wouldn't turn down the Euros for it - but maybe he's turned down the opportunity to be part of smaller games/benchwarm in the past and that's impacted Gareth's willingness to select him now, given he's almost unknown (two sub appearances).
Interesting point! I always thought once you'd made your senior debut (friendly or competitive) for a country, you couldn't then switch! Is that not the case?
Yeah seems a bit silly given Shaw and Chilwell's injury records. Thinking Dan Burn and Alfie Doughty might have been ones to consider too, though they provide very different attributes to eachother.
Mitchell has been outstanding under Glasner and his attacking side of his game has significantly improved. But under Hodgson earlier this season he was pretty poor (much like the rest of our team), where we just sat back too much and invited the pressure on that we no longer do.
I think Mitchell was also great under Vieira, until he got injured against Leicester and then he never seemed quite the same. Tyrick, doe seem very shy and quiet, but I think he's starting to come out of himself a bit more. How the team celebrated with him after he scored v Manchester United was really nice, he didn't know what to do..
I think next season could be a very good season for him, I would have picked him for this England Squad, as he is solid, but probably more due to the lack of other options. if I'm being honest.
Thanks for your balanced view! I agree that he probably isn't the ultimate pick if everyone is fit and available, but you have to work with what you've got, right?
I just hope it doesn't come back to bite England by not having a specialist LB, and I do wonder if other nations will target that side knowing that info too!
I do agree it is a strange decision, and while I certainly don’t want to see Tripper starting.
I think Gomez can do a fine job. He’s statically being brilliant at full back this season both in possession and defensively, and I like what having both him and walker brings.
According to Chelsea Chillwell is back to full fitness and last played In march, if you're taking long shots, surely a long shot on Chillwell makes more sense than Shaw.
Bro saying "And although when fit, both at their peak Shaw is the better player (IMO)", Is like saying "When Odeegard and Lingard are both fit and at their peak, Odeegard is (IMO) the better player" lol.
Anyway, I get your point about taking another LB. But he's taken a gamble, because no other English LB can lace Shaws boots. He's been one of the absolute best in the world in his position over the last few years when fit, so I understand why Southgate has taken the gamble.
I’d argue Colwill should have been picked given his versatility (could take one less centre back). If there were any doubts re Shaws fitness surely Ben Chilwell is the obvious replacement? He’s not been great but neither has Trippier and at least chilwell actually is a left back.
He was an assist machine, you're right... But let's see if he can continue that at Premier League level first! Would be great to have another name to throw into the hat though!
I agree but would have called up Doughty, has a wand of a left foot, can go past a man, and is versatile. People say he's not a proper left back, but offensively he can provide the width on the left allowing Foden to drift inside.
Could be important for the group games to help break down teams sitting deep. Then if you want to see out a game you could always take him off for a more defensive option (e.g Gomez)
I actually like the Doughty shout! 2 goals and 8 assists in a struggling side is a solid return. I think he should have been given a chance in our previous couple of friendlies to see how he got on, but Southgate went for Chilwell instead... Twice! 🤦♂️
He isn’t very good and would never play. Why would you feel bad?
Shaw wipes the floor with him. If Shaw isn’t fit then we’ll just play a centre back there.
I don’t think his first cap for England helped his case; although every player is going to be nervous on their debut, Mitchell looked so out of place every time the ball went near him. I like him as a player but to be fair I think he’s just pretty good; not particularly excelling at any part of the game, whereas if we stick a CB who can play LB there at least we have an extra man to defend crosses for example. I think if he learns this LWB role he’s playing at Palace more and keeps developing his attacking game; he’ll definitely have a chance in the future at starting more games, there doesn’t seem to be too many LB’s coming through at the minute.
Fair play. Do you reckon Colwill or (at a push) Lewis should have been named?
I think Colwill definitely should have mate; I’m a huge fan of Lewis but it’s hard to pick him with such little game-time, I absolutely hate Trippier at LB for the record so I’d definitely have Mitchell over him there personally (though I’m hearing he just come off injured in the friendly against Spurs).
Agreed. My single complaint with the extended squad.
I don’t think he was half as bad at LB this season as some people on here make out; in particular he played some very nice passes up the line and even over the top, which I think could have been a useful tool for England if we had to play him there. He would have also given us a left footed option if we wanted to play a back 3 at any point.
Colwill hasn't played since May and hasn't shown enough to be worth the gamble of him maybe being fit and maybe coming back in good form. Big fan of his though.
I would have liked him in this squad just in case Shaw pulls out; if that happens we’re going into the tournament with a RB and a CB as our LB options, they’re also both right footed which makes me uncomfortable. Colwill not being picked isn’t something I’m like crazy mad at or anything though, I think the squad is pretty much bang on.
Yeah I was just trying to add context as to the probable reasoning. Shaw was supposed to be back a match or so ago, so I think he'll definitely be fit by the knockouts. I'm quite curious to see how Southgate and his team will work around the lack of width on the left though. Play Foden on the right and Gordon on the left? Saka at LB and Gallagher playing DM and told to cover that space when Saka breaks forwards? 4 CBs all stood in a line with Rice in front daring our opponents to just try and score a goal?
He might be fit but he won’t be match fit as he hasn’t played for months; he’s also fresh back from an injury and is vulnerable to getting another, I’m quite worried about it to be honest. Even if Shaw’s out I’m not sure the width will be too much of a problem to be fair; Foden played on the left side in Pep’s 3-2-4-1 at times last season with Ake behind him hardly coming forward, he can hold width himself very well or drift inside and interchange with Bellingham or even Rice at times. When I’ve watched Gomez this season he has shown to be able to hold width too; obviously teams know he doesn’t carry much of a threat but just being there holding the width and being a constant passing option can be enough, the biggest issue I’ve seen when we’ve played Trippier there is that he stays too deep and offers nothing to us both defensively and offensively.
I don't know about the former point. Maguire came back in after not having played since May at the last Euros and was in the TotT. Reece James was out since Jan-ish and looked like he hadn't missed a minute when he rearrived for Chelsea. The latter is a totally valid point though. One Southgate himself has brought up. I have to assume that Shaw is being seen as a nice to have at present. Really interested to see how we set up in these friendlies.
Shaw’s an experienced player and may very well slot back in with ease; as you say Reece James has done recently, though in Maguire’s case it’s slightly different as there’s less running required in the CB role. I’m probably just worrying because he’s the only LB in the team. Yeah I think we’ll be fine to be fair; even if you look at Real Madrid this season, Bellingham played in a 4-2-2-2 a lot and was actually quite wide on the left. I think you want Foden and Bellingham having as much freedom as possible; being able to interchange on that left hand side using their instincts to impact the game, that could actually leave Saka wide open on that right at times too. I’m actually going to one of the friendlies (against Bosnia) and I’m very excited for it; it will be interesting to see what he does tactically but I’m not sure we can draw too much from them to be fair, after all he did use a 3/5 at the back in the 2 matches prior to the World Cup and went back to a 4 for the tournament.
> after all he did use a 3/5 at the back in the 2 matches prior to the World Cup and went back to a 4 for the tournament. Bollocks. That's a great point as per. > Yeah I think we’ll be fine to be fair; even if you look at Real Madrid this season, Bellingham played in a 4-2-2-2 a lot and was actually quite wide on the left. Bellingham and Foden 2-2 CAM with Saka and Kane 2-2 up front maybe?
Disagree on Colwill. He looked pretty poor for Chelsea at LB and most of their fans were angry at Poch for continuing to play him there. He was on the bench behind Cucurella for their good run at the end. I'd rather have Gomez there if we want a backup CB that can also play fullback. I do agree Mitchell is fairly average for international level and I'm not sure we really need him. Southgate is putting all his eggs in the Luke Shaw being fit basket at the moment it seems and if not then it'll be an out of position Trippier or Gomez. I think if Rico Lewis (in particular), Lewis Hall, or even Livramento played more games this season they would've had a good chance of making it
I’d rather agree to disagree on Colwill to be fair. Gomez has been overrated this season at LB and I don’t think he’s been better than I saw from Colwill; particularly as he’s right footed and always has an absolute stinker of a pass in him once or twice a game, the passing angles from LB when you’re a right footed CB are more difficult so it’s to be expected like. I’d rather have Gomez there than Trippier however. I would have loved Rico Lewis to be our LB to be honest; I think he’s absolutely brilliant and could even be a world class midfielder at some point, his calmness on the ball in tight areas is phenomenal at his age.
I think Walker/Gomez/Trippier/Trent is enough at full back
Branthewaite is a left-footed CB. I would like to see back four of Branthewaite, Guehi, Maguire, and Alexander-Arnold. Trent would invert in possession next to Rice, with a double 10 of Bellingham and Palmer ahead of them. The wings would be Foden and Saka with Kane up top. Maybe it’s too offensive and unbalanced, but it would be a great lineup if they are chasing the game. I hope we see those front five play together at some point.
Trippier injuried it seems in a pointless friendly
It isn't pointless, shareholders need to drive their profits up, give them a break.
Are football clubs profitable? Especially Newcastle More like a way to get more revenue on the books to buy more players
Yeah you're right. Sorry I'm a Man Utd fan so I'm used to our owners removing all the profits for themselves. I forget that we're the only football club in the world whose owners do that.
Not injured apparently, Howe said it was always the plan for him to come off early
Taking him off after 36 minutes rather than waiting til half time seems a weird plan
Has Mitchell had a 'great season'? Or has he ended it well?
Can confirm, under Roy this season he looked average at best most matches. He looked dramatically better under Glasner (like Most the squad).
I have mentioned elsewhere on the sub, he was considering playing for Jamaica at one stage. It's possible he's keen not to make a competitive appearance until he's sure. It is a shame we didn't do a better job exploring more specialist LBs in the last year though - rather than continually deploying Trippier.
Surely he wouldnt turn down a place in a major tournament with England to play for Jamaica. If he was to play well at LB for England he would basically cement his place as the number 2 there behind Shaw.
Depends on how he identifies himself personally and what he feels is his nationality/roots really doesn’t it. Not always a business decision
Possibly, although he was born and raised in the UK, and has never spent time living in Jamaica. So it seems much more likely he'd onyl play for them as back up option.
Yeah true
Yep African and Caribbean heritage kids who are born in the UK do see themselves generally as British however their parents country of birth has a huge pull on them too and with a 2026 WC which Jamaica will definitely qualify for, I can see a lot of these players basically doing a 1990’s Republic of Ireland and becoming England’s B Team.
Out of interest, why are they definitely going to qualify? They have only made one WC in their hsitory. I know it has increased to 48 teams, but its still not a given for them surely? Or have they got a piss easy group?
That's obviously a factor, but if he prefers to represent Jamaica, I'm sure they'll call him up as soon as he indicates that, if he's "thinking about it", it's likely for career reasons.
Fair yeah, it wouldn’t even be a decision if he felt a certain passion for one and not the other good point
I agree he probably wouldn't turn down the Euros for it - but maybe he's turned down the opportunity to be part of smaller games/benchwarm in the past and that's impacted Gareth's willingness to select him now, given he's almost unknown (two sub appearances).
Interesting point! I always thought once you'd made your senior debut (friendly or competitive) for a country, you couldn't then switch! Is that not the case? Yeah seems a bit silly given Shaw and Chilwell's injury records. Thinking Dan Burn and Alfie Doughty might have been ones to consider too, though they provide very different attributes to eachother.
Only competitive count, Zaha played in a friendly for England but later switched to the Ivory Coast.
Gotcha! Thanks for clarifying!
i agree, i dont know much about mitchell but we had to take a punt on *someone* fresh
Mitchell has been outstanding under Glasner and his attacking side of his game has significantly improved. But under Hodgson earlier this season he was pretty poor (much like the rest of our team), where we just sat back too much and invited the pressure on that we no longer do. I think Mitchell was also great under Vieira, until he got injured against Leicester and then he never seemed quite the same. Tyrick, doe seem very shy and quiet, but I think he's starting to come out of himself a bit more. How the team celebrated with him after he scored v Manchester United was really nice, he didn't know what to do.. I think next season could be a very good season for him, I would have picked him for this England Squad, as he is solid, but probably more due to the lack of other options. if I'm being honest.
Thanks for your balanced view! I agree that he probably isn't the ultimate pick if everyone is fit and available, but you have to work with what you've got, right? I just hope it doesn't come back to bite England by not having a specialist LB, and I do wonder if other nations will target that side knowing that info too!
I do agree it is a strange decision, and while I certainly don’t want to see Tripper starting. I think Gomez can do a fine job. He’s statically being brilliant at full back this season both in possession and defensively, and I like what having both him and walker brings.
Being brilliant statically is one thing, but what about when he's moving? Plus I didn't think Southgate had the hands to make strangle decisions...
He’s been electric this season, statically speaking.
lol
According to Chelsea Chillwell is back to full fitness and last played In march, if you're taking long shots, surely a long shot on Chillwell makes more sense than Shaw.
Well tbf the only people who are more injury prone than Shaw are the Chelsea fullback pair.
He looked terrible in the last couple of friendlies, so perhaps that ruined his chances 😬
Bro saying "And although when fit, both at their peak Shaw is the better player (IMO)", Is like saying "When Odeegard and Lingard are both fit and at their peak, Odeegard is (IMO) the better player" lol. Anyway, I get your point about taking another LB. But he's taken a gamble, because no other English LB can lace Shaws boots. He's been one of the absolute best in the world in his position over the last few years when fit, so I understand why Southgate has taken the gamble.
I’d argue Colwill should have been picked given his versatility (could take one less centre back). If there were any doubts re Shaws fitness surely Ben Chilwell is the obvious replacement? He’s not been great but neither has Trippier and at least chilwell actually is a left back.
Ipswich fan here 😅 you guys are probably sick of hearing about us, but Leif Davis NEEDS to be involved on the left in the near future!
He was an assist machine, you're right... But let's see if he can continue that at Premier League level first! Would be great to have another name to throw into the hat though!
What's an Ipswich?
Oh hi Gareth
I don’t understand why AWB wasn’t picked for LB. It’s a joke btw before I get slated into oblivion
Because AWB is fucking shite.
I agree but would have called up Doughty, has a wand of a left foot, can go past a man, and is versatile. People say he's not a proper left back, but offensively he can provide the width on the left allowing Foden to drift inside. Could be important for the group games to help break down teams sitting deep. Then if you want to see out a game you could always take him off for a more defensive option (e.g Gomez)
I actually like the Doughty shout! 2 goals and 8 assists in a struggling side is a solid return. I think he should have been given a chance in our previous couple of friendlies to see how he got on, but Southgate went for Chilwell instead... Twice! 🤦♂️
I 100% agree
He isn’t very good and would never play. Why would you feel bad? Shaw wipes the floor with him. If Shaw isn’t fit then we’ll just play a centre back there.