fritter
UTC Legend
After an hour it was like watching AFCB, sitting back waiting for Italy to score, and they did. It had become stale and something was needed. Mancini did just that just before the hour. The two subs galvanised them. The only question was when they would equalise.
Not hindsight, it was clear at the time.
We never recovered and looked lost as Italy zipped the ball around us facilitated by their movement. We had nothing in response.
Maybe Grealish and Foden or Rashford on the hour would have changed things.
Southgate has instilled a terrific spirit and belief in the players but his safety first/ cautious approach was never going to work against Italy.
As for two subs to take penalties right at the end? It was obvious what he was doing and this was a huge risk. Two cold players, not in the rhythm of the game. Seems Southgate worked out the penalty takers before hand. I think that’s wrong, should go with the 5 who put themselves forward at the end of the game.
As a football team Italy are light years ahead of us.
Not hindsight, it was clear at the time.
We never recovered and looked lost as Italy zipped the ball around us facilitated by their movement. We had nothing in response.
Maybe Grealish and Foden or Rashford on the hour would have changed things.
Southgate has instilled a terrific spirit and belief in the players but his safety first/ cautious approach was never going to work against Italy.
As for two subs to take penalties right at the end? It was obvious what he was doing and this was a huge risk. Two cold players, not in the rhythm of the game. Seems Southgate worked out the penalty takers before hand. I think that’s wrong, should go with the 5 who put themselves forward at the end of the game.
As a football team Italy are light years ahead of us.