Quote Originally Posted by MadAmster View Post
I'm puzzled rA. You appear to gagree with Eddy but don't mention my questioning of Eddy's point on a "negative opening selection" considering we opened brightly, had that great move leading to the 2nd minute goal and we were the better side for the opening 25 to 30 minutes.

I'm OK with people disagreeing with me but prefer to understand why they disagree. So far nobody has explained why they think we were defensive for the opening half hour and that includes eddy.

That we should have changed tack 2nd half, as several have opined, is a no brainer. What about the opening half hour though? Defensive to a fault as eddy suggested is not what I saw.
Your right MA, England kept the Italians at bay and largely at the half way line for 30 mins after the goal, but were dropping deeper and deeper before half time. One wonders what Southgate's instructions were at the break, get back to pushing them or trying to hold on for the 1-0?

Overall your right he has certainly fared better than managers with bigger reputations with England, but his overall strategy is very negative and not good to watch.