27 Jun 2026 23:54:10
Don't understand why Mainoo didn't get minutes today and Henderson did. Mainoo is the future. Why Madwueki is played defeats me too. He has no end product. Again and again wasteful with the final ball. Rashford looked lively but also wasteful at times. Defensively England were vv poor. Am convinced we would not give so many chances away if Shaw and Maguire were in the team.
28 Jun 2026 11:10:23
Henderson broke an England record of playing in 7 major tournaments.
Doesn't matter much to me, or I assume many fans, but he seems a well respected member of the squad, so fair enough.
On Mainoo, I think he's quality, but watching Anderson and Rice, he looks a clear level below them, which is fine.
My worry for the coming season is that Mainoo is going to be our number 1 midfielder. I don't know if he's up to that.
28 Jun 2026 11:53:36
Honestly, I think Mainoo is a better footballer than both Anderson and Rice. He doesn't have the physical attributes to break up play, but in possession I think he is way ahead of both. I don't know a better English cm who is confident and capable of receiving the ball in tight areas, and has the ability to dribble out and keep possession.
That's why I think he should have been put on v Ghana for either Rice or Anderson. Rice played further forward in the 2nd half, nearer Bellingham, but Mainoo would have been better, imo, to do that and cause Ghana problems. That's why I think he would complement either of those two in cm, and why we need to sign that type of cm to partner Mainoo next season.
28 Jun 2026 12:13:38
Anderson was very good yesterday in the first half. His anticipation and ability to read danger and break up play are high level and were on full display. Bellingham next to Anderson makes a lot of sense, as does getting another attacker on.
Mainoo will only get a chance if someone is injured, I think.
If he had played, I don't think we would have been any worse off. We are pretty stacked in cm, and it just comes down to manager choice. Can't really say it isn't working. 2 wins and a draw, and top of the group.
28 Jun 2026 12:49:11
Mainoo in the 10 might not be a bad shout. Bellingham and Anderson played well together. If Rice is out again, I can see Bellingham and Anderson in midfield. I only watched the 1st half, but Rogers looked lost and Saka was selfish.
28 Jun 2026 13:06:19
Rashford may have been wasteful at times, but he looked far more of a danger than Gordon, both in terms of shooting and crossing. He's generally not good at taking on a defender from a standing position. However, I did see him at least fulfill some defensive duties last night.
I think Henderson got to come on late, rather than Mainoo, because of his maturity, experience, and understanding of what Tuchel wants, rather than any likelihood of him contributing to the team's ability to score.
28 Jun 2026 18:31:20
Ports, I agree 100 percent. I believe Kobbie is much more dangerous in that position than both Rice and Anderson, but I don't think he suits Tuchel, and I think had he come on in any of the group games he would have made a difference. That wouldn't be good for Tuchel's justification of picking Rice and Anderson.
28 Jun 2026 20:30:23
I'd say, with Angel, it appears that he is not Tuchel's go-to for whatever reason. It's surprising that he took him, if that's the case.
It was the same with Amorim; he just didn't fit what he wanted.
I think it's very unusual that a player like Mainoo is so divisive, where a manager either goes all in or all out on him.
Hopefully, he gets a chance to do some of his good stuff.
29 Jun 2026 07:00:22
I think the entire England squad is unusual. Almost like they've tried to be too clever and use data analysis too much to dictate the make up of the squad. But they've ignored clear and obvious deficiencies at both full back positions and centre back, and left all creative flair at home.
29 Jun 2026 13:51:52
Ken, I think the back end of the season justified his position in the squad, but I don't think Tuchel had any real intention of playing him.
I think it's the workhorse kind of player certain coaches prefer, whereas other coaches like a player that can make a difference.
I think he's ideal for this England set up, but maybe he's waiting till the Knockout stages.
Will find out.