Gary, Alan & Micah Pick Their England XI's | EP 129 

20:48 for the lineups :)

What’s good about this squad is that we have so many good penalty takers in the team. The abuse after the missed penalties the last time was disgusting. They’re not fans, they’re scumbags

Earlier Southgate said "Foden can't play centrally because he doesn't play there for City". He's just won footballer of the year mainly playing centrally. Southgate is the reason we don't win tournaments.

here we go lads, been waiting for the euros content to start!

I'd play Gomez over Tripp anyday at LB, Gomez was rocksolid for Liverpool at LB this season when Robbo was injured and I'd play TAA next to Rice and Bellingham further forward, you can't under estimate TAA passing ability.

Trent has the number 8 shirt. Don't be surprised to see him next to Rice.

Joe Gomez should 100% be contention for starting at left back. Not saying hes guaranteed a start but its worth considering. He's had a pretty solid season playing every position across the back 4 for Liverpool this season. Tripper would prob still be my choice but worth thinking about.

Half expected Kevin bloody Bacon to pipe up at one point.

I don’t understand this fascination with Walker, where was his pace and defensive brain when he left Mainoo free to tap home in a FINAL? He was also nowhere to be seen for Icelands goal and he offered nothing going forward either, if that was TAA he’d be crucified!

I love the chemistry between Lineker, Shearer & Richards despite playing for England at 3 diff eras... I was itching for Gary to hold Micah accountable to his funny pronunciation of 'Guehi's name just Micah did him earlier on the name of a German city's name😂😂❤❤

Foden on the left in Qatar... Scored his first major tournament goal vs Wales. Assisted Saka and Kane as well playing in the LEFT vs Senegal.

Gary is a fine spokesman for England and the game in general.

I haven't noticed a lasting effect of those guys missing the pens compared to that of Southgate and Waddle having their misses following them to this day, I think the sport moves on much quicker and fans forget

If you play Foden in the middle, you displace Trent, unless you go with some version of a back 3. You need Trent on the field. He was the brightest player on the field against Iceland (and he only played 15 minutes), and he scored that ridiculous volley against Bosnia & Herzegovina. He's a free kick and corner specialist. He has an amazing passing range and the ability to score from distance. What else is he supposed to do to prove himself? He basically scores or assists every time he puts on an England shirt. To ignore that because Manchester city, Madrid and Arsenal had great seasons is unfair. For god sake, his Euro qualifying numbers this year (4 games, 1 goal, 1 assist) are better than Bellingham (4 games, 0 goals, 1 assist) and Foden's (7 games, 0 goals, 0 assists) combined! are. What's the kid have to do to get a shot?

Skipped the first 8 minutes or so. Do not want to relive or hear about that Euros final. Still hurts

Starting XI 4-2-3-1 - Pickford, Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Walker; Rice, Trent; Bellingham(CAM) Foden(LW) Kane(ST) Saka(RW) That front 4 need a supplier so Trent has to start imo

Konsa goes in this team all day long. Been unreal this season and criminally underrated.

The Iceland game dampened expectations

@8:08 I ve said ever since that final , that Southgate put those players in the game far too late . If he’d put Rashford and Sancho on at the beginning of extra time instead of the last minute of extra time they would have scored imo. They didn’t get to touch the ball in the game and then expected to take one of the biggest penalties in English football history cold Turkey when they weren’t warmed up at all and not touch the ball!

Football is all about the moment, a moment of greatness, a moment of despair. Luck plays such a huge part in football. England, like any other team can bottle it at the wrong time, you can prepare all you like, a slip up or a great goal, it all comes down to luck.

About 3 minutes of ads before it begins on Spotify - sort it out lads

The system isn't working and the injuries mean a major change is needed. Back to 3-4-3 Pickford Konza-or-Walker/Stones/Gomes-or-Guehi Trent/Rice/Bellingham/Saka Palmer/Foden Kane Yep, Saka at left wing back but with Gomez or Guehi taking on most left defensive duties. Bring on Gallagher or Mainoo and push Bellingham forward if losing control. Bring on Eze or Bowen up front for a change, or Watkin alongside Kane if chasing the game, or Toney if Kane is injured.

Let's have it right. They found 98% of the online hate came from foreign accounts. They weren't from English fans. Watch your misinformation, boys.

Having lived all over the world it's refreshing to come back to the UK, in terms of race, culture etc. We as a nation are certainly in the top five nations who are the most tolerant and multi-cultural. In terms of racism in football, again, by comparioson it's a relatively low thing that gets highlighted by the media because it sells advertising revune based on the clicks it gets. The problem in the west, which I often see in this country, is that it is hard for many white people in this country to imagine being racially abused while in another country, such as South Africa or Turkey for example. Things are even worse in some cultures such as India/Pakistan or Japan where there are distinct cultural divides. If you've travelled the world then you will know just how lucky you are to live in the UK, if you haven't then you will still be shocked by the occasion racism from a backward minority.

Excellent video! Many thanks. (And thats the formation and team i would pick too, not that I know much about football).

30:12 Micah doing a great job advertising the EE logo with that picture quality. 😂

After the Iceland game I haven't got my hopes up!!!

This channel sometimes has me questioning my sanity in thinking I'm in a Groundhog Day moment. I've lost count the amount of times Lineker has told the penalty prep story exactly the same way

Should have taken Colwill as cover at CB or LB. Walker and Stones are solid but the rest of the defence don't inspire confidence.

Defensively the team isn't strong enough... A lot of pressure on the top half of the pitch to score a lot of goals.

Germany in Germany with a good team are not a joke

19:28 if you want to skip all the waffle at the start

Pickford Trent Walker Stones Guehi Foden Rice Bellingham Saka Kane Gordon

I don't think England have the best squad purely because of the defence. Pickford is a decent keeper but definitely not the best at the Euros. The back four looks weak, especially at left-back. Apart from Stones (who is a fitness concern), we have inexperienced centre-backs. Not his biggest fan but Maguire is a miss. England's best form of defence has to be attack, especially in the group stages.

Love the pod and while I (grudgingly) accept the inevitable ad creep, this episode seemed to take it a step further. The entire first segment seemed to be a subtle advert for EE. While we can all say it's an honourable cause, if you want to have a real conversation about racism in football then how about including initiatives from charities/ non-profits that aren't sponsoring the pod? If not, it's just an extended corporate ad...

I'm surprised many people forgot how brilliant bellingham is defensively and how he played in the last world cup for england. He can 100% play the 8 role at full capacity. As gary said he was sort of an emeergency 10 at real madrid this season.

The Dutch look good. That defence Ake, Virgil, De Ligt, Van de Ven 😵‍💫

I love falling asleep to these blends

I think maybe a supportive viral campaign to support our penalty takers no matter score or not. I'm suggesting #kindpenalties or #stopspotkickhate or something. There will be missed penalties and we should show support no matter what

It was a terrible misjudgement to get Saka et al to come on and kick a penalty more or less off the bench in the Euro 2020 final.

Get in lads. Bring on the positive vibes!

Gary was right with his pronunciation of Gelsenkirchen

A safer, friendly environment is really important. I want my kids to have fun at the match

Konsa is so so criminally underrated

Sick of people saying "southgate out" or that he's been carried by the quality of the players. Please talk about why he's still a good fit for the job!!!

I agree with the team selection the lads have made. I’m really concerned with the back line - I would prefer that Shaw was fit enough to start it he isn’t so Trippier is the next best option. I don’t like England being regarded as the favorites - clearly everything points to France as the favorites. The first priority for England is to win the group. If they can manage that then we should make the final four . After that, all bets are off - we have to overcome our demons especially if we get caught up in a penalty shootout.

This must have been filmed before the Iceland game...

with our back four, there is no way it's coming home.

I wouldn't start Palmer wide as he's a bit of a maverick and doesn't hold his position and we lose our width and shape. I'd use him as an impact sub in the 10 role

‘best squad’ ‘worst manager’ he’s been so lucky with draws. I hope to god he’s in the old Trafford dugout next year!!!

I think players waiting to take penalties on the half way line is good because it keeps them from affecting penalties by speaking/shouting etc to/at the player about to shoot and even the keepers too.

Much more football insight in the Gary Neville show with Kean and Carragher and Wrighty

For Micah regarding "Woke" Although "Woke" originally was about being aware of racial injustice and evolved into social injustice, it's evolved further into slang for meaning Neo-Marxism. Being a Neo-Marxist is valid if that's the person's belief system, however, it's a fairly niche belief system, and within the last 5 to 10 years it's become more pervasive within mainstream society. At a surface level, we have investment companies using Neo-Marxist ideology for PR reasons because these organizations believe it makes them look socially responsible. This flows downstream to companies who want the investment, so adopt Neo-Marxist values and prioritise their ESG (Environmental and social governance) score. The better their ESG score the more likely they'll receive the investment. Of course, none of these companies is truly Neo-Marxist because they prioritise profit above all else and practice hierarchical governance within their own structure. It's not as though the cleaners are being paid a similar wage to their CEOs. Despite the imbalance of power being pretty obvious to most people, there is a vocal minority who like the messaging because at a surface level it aligns with their own beliefs. Hence, this is how "woke" has become a negative term. It's about hypocrisy, virtue signalling and manipulation. Personally, I think many "woke" voices are important in society, along with voices from alternative perspectives, even if I don't agree with them. but more so, I don't like large corporations hijacking "woke" sentiment for financial gain, or as a tool to manipulate everyday people. If you want me to clarify anything, please let me know.

Imagine a football show that manages to just talk about football. Oh yeah, there is one. It's called Stick To Football. Maybe Gary should just try that.

Shearers got his head on upside down. Seriously though, defensively I'm a bit nervous. Hope TAA starts in midfield to give us a bit more width and defensive cover. Come on England, believe in our attacking players and go for it.

Pick Trent. Walker. Stones. Tripp Rice. Jude. Palmer. Foden. Gordon. Kane.

With the amount of depth in the squad, it would be a shame if England couldn't at least make it to the final.

3-4-3: Pickford; Gomez (or Guehi), Stones, Walker; Gordon (or Trippier to form a back-5), Rice, Bellingham, TAA (RM in a MF-4, or RB in a B-5); Foden, Kane (false 9, 100%), Saka (with options for wide players and additional CF). Help me out, folks.

When Rashford stepped up to take his penalty, I had absolute belief that he was going to score (more so than even Kane) and I wonder if the players after him would have scored if he had. I cannot understand why he is not in our squad as I feel he always gives his best.

People keep saying we are weaker with trips at left back but forget he started left back for the first game against Croatia in the last euros, Shaw again came in for the second game. Also Maguire didn't come back until the third game against the Czech. We had similar defensive issues but we were completely fine. Grealish played as a number 10 and Mount was a regular starter only two years ago. We are far better and have nothing to worry about. Iceland game meant nothing. Guehi will play and TAA will play as number 8 alongside Rice and Bellingham against Serbia

The premise is the problem. The major trophies have "been home" for over 60 years.

Pickford Walker Stones Gomez Shaw Rice Trent AA Foden Saka Bellingham Watkins

We're going out at the QF stages mark my words

Roy Keane's book in the book shelf in Richard's room 🤣

I’ve said all along who I’d play in the midfield 3 and front 3. Watching this.. Shearer, Lineker and Micah (changing it just to be different tho) all going for the same. We’ve got to play to our strengths and Gareth being negative will go like Lineker feels and with two holding midfielders which one of them isn’t a holding midfielder but an attacking RB. Who can’t defend anyway. Our team will only win the competition if we play attacking football and “Score more than the oppo” This team would’ve been great to watch under Keegan, Robson or El Tel

I've got a feeling this first game is gonna be difficult, Serbia is a big physical team and aside John Stones in see no aerial threats in the back 4.

Gary spends all his time going on about how exceptional TAA is, how he's one of the best passers of the ball England have ever had with great vision & England's most creative player but doesn't put him in his team? Kane and TAA are England's most important players, both must be on the pitch as much as possible. Absolutely love Foden but never seen him play that well for England. For me Bellingham, Rice TAA midfield all day!! ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

Who we having as manager after GS goes after the Euros?.

I think our lack of quality defensive options is gonna let us down unfortunately

I found it interesting, the strange difference in tone of criticism (from some quarters, anyway) when Sancho, Saka and Rashford missed their shots against Italy in the Euro finals compared to when Harry Kane missed his in the World Cup semi-final. There are several teams, including England, who could win the Euros this time around. Whatever happens though, let's all stick together. As England fans, we are much stronger together than we are divided. Come on England! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚽

powerful episode, i stand with this. (not the pro england men's football team stuff (i'm irish))

I do not understand how a squad with no recognised LB and 1 CB that will be nowhere near world class...can be considered to be the best squad in the tournament??? We don't even have a settled XI that has played together for a couple of games.

Is it because Trent plays for Liverpool that you won’t play him

The point is how Southgate can arrange the team to get the best out of those players. The other thing Declan Rice has been good at Arsenal when there is a deep laying defensive midfielder.

I'd start Watkins tbh, run them ragged a bit before Kane comes on - but what do I know

Under the extreme pressure of a penalty shootout most right footers will go to the left and opposite for a left footer ,its the natural thing to do under that pressure

Yesssss - Bellingham, Rice and Foden midfield - Gordon, Kane and Saka - same as Rooney picked...and me too...🤣they all have the speed and skill to track back and support the defense...

Saka should play LB for this team, i know hes a star player but this is international competition, cos if hes LB, fodrn is RW and Jude is number 10, problem solved, Saka played LB when he was young should play there for this team

Beaten by Iceland. At home. Revving up for the full tournament. Playing the full squad. No excuses. Beaten by Iceland.

4-2-3-1 Thoughts? Pickford (GK) Kyle Walker (RB) Joe Gomez (LB) John Stones (CB) Guehi (CB) Rice (LCM) Trent (RCM) Bellingham (CAM) Saka (RM) Gordon (LM) Kane (ST)

Important to acknowledge that the hate doesn’t just come from fans. It also used to come from tabloid newspapers driving hatred towards players and encouraging it. From the stuff around Beckham and Rooney when sent off to the disgusting campaign against Raheem Sterling. These publications have responsibility not to drive such divisive narratives

They probably would’ve picked Trent in midfield after the squad announcement and Iceland performance

does anyone else wish they just had Alan, Micah and Gary in their corner?

My Opinion at centre back, whether Stones plays or not, the partner has to be Konsa aka Mr calmto be in the starting 11. Just his experience and the fact he has played all season at Villa, whereas Dunk hasnt, Guehi hasnt and Konsa is another that can play right back if Kyle Walker shoud get injured.

I’ve having France finishing third in their group as my mad prediction

So refreshing to see your discussing sensitive subjects like racism in football!

All 3 of you have Belling ham in DM - he's played up front pretty much all season!

Thing is, England always had Great Players… for whatever reason we can’t play together, and MSM British media hype it up too much almost for when we fail.. we need the hype but right amount and in right way. Our Media I think Gary, Shearer n Meeks. That don’t help and ridicule players and build so much expectation. It’s harsh and getting bored of our media. Great squad just need to use it in right way. This year, we have a young and inexperienced squad.. not a lot of senior favourites which is good. BUT.. it’s the defensive side I’m worried about and we are weaker than usual. What do you guys think. Great Pod.

Love Big Meeks making fun of Gaz pronunciation when he doesn't have a clue himself 😂

I wonder if any of your selections will change in light of the limp performance vs. Iceland?

How abour a back three. Walker, Stones and Guehi. Then could have Trent as RB. Gives Stomes and Trent chances to drift into midfield , and provides more cover and experience at back. in front Rice and Bellingham, then Foden, Kane and Saka.

I'm addicted to these guys. I need to visit my therapist!!

Stones has had 3 or more injuries this season, has barely played. Shaw has been injured for ages. Maguire can't even make the squad because of injury. Our defence is a shambles.

There’s an alpha team here with each position having a replacement more than capable of standing in if and when required. That team should have played each of the friendlies and then start the tournament by thrashing each team we meet! I want to see energy, determination and supremacy, I’ve waited long enough for it. Venables inspired our players, streetwise artful dodger. Come on England !

With Maguire and Shaw I believe we win it all but those 2 are such HUGE losses idk if we have the quality to replace them well enough. Trips will be exposed

Use to be an avid listener on Spotify. However the constant sponsor promotions/adverts is ridiculous. 4mins to take the podcast to even fucking start.

Yeah I mainly agree with you guys. Foden on the left makes no sense. Gordon and Saka as wingers and Bellingham as a Hybrid 8/10, with Stones coming into midfield if Bellingham pushes forward creating a box midfield leaving a back 3 whilst attacking. If Stones does do that I think I would prefer Konsa or Gomez at Left back.Alternatively for some games Trent could play instead of Walker and invert again creating the box midfield. Though Trippier is a decent fullback I see no reason why Konsa or Gomez shouldn't play there instead. Arsenal, Manchester and Liverpool often play with a central defender in the left back position. This would also add height and strength at set pieces, which will as always important.

Regardless of Southgate and negative tactics these players can win. This time we have winners in our side and they will get us over the line. Get behind them don't let the press undermine them. 🦁🦁🦁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚽️

Pickford Walker Guehi Stones Shaw/Trippier if Shaw isn’t fit Rice Mainoo Bellingham Saka RW Foden LW Kane

That Iceland game though 😬