Equalling their highest ever position, so Southgate must be doing something right.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58581144

Not that the rankings mean very much, Italy aren't even in the top 4 despite their record unbeaten run, and winning the Euro's in the process.

While Belgium remain at the top in spite of exiting the Euro's in the last 8.

Cue the, "But we are s**t", comments

But we're s**t.

gawthorpe_view wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 4:55 pm

But we're s**t.

True but not as s**t as France.

Not as S**t as Italy either...

Hang on didn't we play them recently in a final

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:30 pm

Equalling their highest ever position, so Southgate must be doing something right.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58581144

Not that the rankings mean very much, Italy aren't even in the top 4 despite their record unbeaten run, and winning the Euro's in the process.

While Belgium remain at the top in spite of exiting the Euro's in the last 8.

For all the abuse he gets,Southgate still keeps moving forward,all power to him,can see him winning the World Cup next.

Steve1956 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:37 pm

For all the abuse he gets,Southgate still keeps moving forward,all power to him,can see him winning the World Cup next.

I'm not sure any of the European nations will fare particularly well in Qatar TBH, the climate won't be conducive to a high pressing game, which most European countries favour, I'd say Italy or Spain have the best hope if any European nation is going to mount a challenge.

Regarding England if we're going to stand a chance we'll need to retain possession much more than we currently do against the top sides, this lack of composure and game management has cost us in key matches.

But I do agree progress is being made, and Euro 2024 might just come as the current crop are hitting their peak, I'd say that's England best shot at finally winning a major tournament again.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:49 pm

I'm not sure any of the European nations will fare particularly well in Qatar TBH, the climate won't be conducive to a high pressing game, which most European countries favour, I'd say Italy or Spain have the best hope if any European nation is going to mount a challenge.

Regarding England if we're going to stand a chance we'll need to retain possession much more than we currently do against the top sides, this lack of composure and game management has cost us in key matches.

But I do agree progress is being made, and Euro 2024 might just come as the current crop are hitting their peak, I'd say that's England best shot at finally winning a major tournament again.

No he might not win in Qatar,I was thinking more of the World Cup after that one,no one else for the job,specially English.

Steve1956 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:52 pm

No he might not win in Qatar,I was thinking more of the World Cup after that one,no one else for the job,specially English.

Yes England should still be competitive come 2026, and that's what's so encouraging with the present cohort, most of them are still young enough to improve, and play 2/3/4 major tournaments.

You can readily compare Dyche and Southgate, both have their vocal critics, however you can't deny they both get results, which in football is the be all and end all.

And neither Burnley or England have enjoyed such sustained levels of success for decades, so they must both be doing something right in their management.

You are 6th in the elo rankings which are generally more realistic.
They were last ranked number 1 in 1988.

Southgate has done what is asked of him but the players have just come up short.

This is arguably the best England set up and squad possibly of all time and if they get the final bit right they could become the dominant force for the foreseeable future. It's all down to fine margins as SD would say.

JohnMac wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 17, 2021 3:04 pm

Southgate has done what is asked of him but the players have just come up short.

This is arguably the best England set up and squad possibly of all time and if they get the final bit right they could become the dominant force for the foreseeable future. It's all down to fine margins as SD would say.

My first tournament watching England was Italia 90, and for me, this is the best squad I've seen.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:30 pm

Equalling their highest ever position, so Southgate must be doing something right.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58581144

Not that the rankings mean very much, Italy aren't even in the top 4 despite their record unbeaten run, and winning the Euro's in the process.

While Belgium remain at the top in spite of exiting the Euro's in the last 8.

Maybe on paper
But we arent in the top 5 teams in the world

The FIFA world rankings are akin to the Darts world rankings when Rod Harrington was world number 1 ahead of Phil Taylor.

Absolute nonsense.

Southgate is gash

I have a nasty recurring nightmare whereby Sir Sean Dyche leaves us 4 years time, just as Southgate departs the FA gravy train.

Froobs wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 17, 2021 3:18 pm

Maybe on paper
But we arent in the top 5 teams in the world

Well results in the last 2 major tournaments would suggest otherwise.

4th in Russia 2018.

2nd at Euro 2020.

And although it might not be considered a major competition.

3rd in the Nations League 2019.

So if what you claim is true, then Gareth Southgate is overachieving with this squad.

Hes is definitely overachieving. Fair play to the guy