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England vs Wales Preview: Tuchel’s Tactics, Squad Surprises & Wembley Predictions
12 Plays4 days ago
With the Premier League on pause for the international break, host Michael Grahamslaw switches gears for a deep dive into England vs Wales at Wembley — the big one this week!
Joining him is Kevin Esther, bringing sharp insight, banter, and bold predictions ahead of Thursday night’s clash.
In this episode:
⚽️ Tuchel’s England squad — who’s in, who’s out, and who deserved a call-up?
🔥 Newcastle players on international duty — Hall, Livramento, Gordon, Barnes, Burn.
📊 England vs Wales preview — tactics, key players, and match predictions.
💬 Big debates: Are friendlies pointless? Should Tuchel rotate? Does England vs Wales still mean something in 2025?
Expect passionate takes, tactical insight, and a bit of Toon pride — all leading up to kickoff at Wembley.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Daily Newcastle Podcast for match previews, post-game reactions, and everything happening across the Toon and beyond.
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction and England vs Wales Match
00:00:00
KEV
Thank
00:00:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Newcastle podcast and with the Premier League taking a break for the internationals we're switching gears to take a look at what might be deemed as a big one this week England versus Wales at Wembley I'm your host Michael Grahamslow and to help me dig into it I've got a man that just loves England Kevin Esther how's he how you doing met
00:00:35
KEV
I'm good, I'm not missing an action today. i was listening to the episode I was supposed to be on, but my God, life can be hectic, as everybody knows.
00:00:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's fine
00:00:42
KEV
However, ah can finally bring back, I love England, me.
00:00:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Exactly. We've missed it
Impact of International Breaks on Fans
00:00:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
so much. And to be honest, with all these international breaks, I feel myself relating to it more.
00:00:53
KEV
It should be illegal, Michael.
00:00:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know it should be terrible, but it's one of those Liverpool who'd have thought at this stage of the season, Liverpool fans would be desperate for a national break and Newcastle fans would be thinking, just want to get back out there.
00:00:55
KEV
It should be illegal.
00:01:03
KEV
Hmm.
00:01:06
KEV
play football. Proper football.
00:01:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly. um But it's great to have you back. International break coming up. take it you're not looking forward to it.
00:01:14
KEV
I just... You know what, right? Actually, you know what? Previously on the Southgate, obviously there was episodes back there. If you want to go back and listen to all of them, you're a lunatic, but find some international ones. And all I say is, love England, mate, because I was so bored of England. But you know what?
00:01:27
KEV
Tuchel's last game gave me a very slight, very, very slight tingle where thought, oh, I might get back into England here. Because they were very impressive and they played in a certain way.
00:01:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh.
00:01:36
KEV
just thought there was a bit of freedom there. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see Grealish in at the minute. I think he's pulling up trees at Everton and I'm thinking, what's he got to do to get in this squad?
00:01:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:44
KEV
Especially with James' is injury. I know he's not a defender, but we'll come to that. But yeah, you know what? Tuchel might get me back into this, mate.
Tuchel's Squad Choices and Player Form
00:01:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've been calling him Boren Boren Tommy Tuchel up until the last game, but I do agree his last game was fantastic.
00:01:54
KEV
don't know. Yeah.
00:01:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we'll get straight into it. Tuchel's named his squad, 24-man group, some interesting headlines. Saka's back in Kwanzaa, who's been excellent for Bayer Leverkusen.
00:02:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Obviously, we play them in the Champions League just before the derby. ah He gets his call up, Rhys James injured, as you said. So Nico O'Reilly steps in from Manchester City and some of familiar names as well.
00:02:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kane, Rice, Rashford, Eze, and of course, Anthony Gordon. um
00:02:28
KEV
yeah
00:02:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But Tuchel said in his press conference, this will be a decisive camp. ah Half the players that are going to start next year aren't even in the squad. and But is there anyone you mentioned, Grealish there, who you think is unlucky to make the squad and might make it in a few, well, maybe in a year's time?
00:02:44
KEV
Yeah, I think Grealish is very unfortunate. I think if you're going to go off current form, he's got to be close.
00:02:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:51
KEV
he's as well Regardless what you think of him or whether you thought he was the hero about four five years ago when everyone was clamoring for him to come on. and Regardless what you think about he's been amazing at Everton. It's been a fantastic move for all parties, I think.
00:03:05
KEV
um Everybody's kind of benefiting from it.
00:03:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:03:07
KEV
Yeah. Yeah, I think Grealish has been very unlucky. what I am really interested in is the Bellingham call because I think Bellingham's a great player. I know he gives a ball away, but at least he tries to go forward.
00:03:18
KEV
I've spoken multiple times on this podcast about Declan Rice not going forward for England.
00:03:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:23
KEV
So yeah, Bellingham was a big kind of call, but I quite like what Tuchel's doing here. There's no Trent. I know Trent's injured, but again, no Phil Foden. ah He's had a year of absolute nothingness, Phil Foden, since the last international tournament.
00:03:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:03:37
KEV
m
00:03:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:38
KEV
hasn't really done much at all. So I quite like what Foden's just not getting picked because of his name.
00:03:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
No nothing.
00:03:43
KEV
And even though I disagree with a Bellingham and Grealish call, I like what he's saying. Look, this group of players didn't do me wrong. I'm sticking with them. I like that. We haven't had an England manager do that for ages.
00:03:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:53
KEV
Selfgate had his favourites. It was always based on who he can trust in a big tournament. But I like the freshness. I like the, like I say, the five-nit against Serbia got me excited because it was players
Fresh Squad Selection Approach
00:04:03
KEV
I'm not used to seeing. and and A weird ah style which we were finally clamoring for under Tuchel and Selfgate because you're absolutely right.
00:04:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:10
KEV
Tuchel was very boring before the last Serbia game. So, I am actually a little bit excited. I agree with what he's doing. I agree with him setting his start out. I agree with him being a little bit harsh. Not Fabio Capello harsh, but harsh enough where Grealish does realise he's got to put together form consistently and not just a good two months.
00:04:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:04:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:04:27
KEV
Bellingham now might think he's not a guaranteed superstar of international team. He's going to have to work his butt off at Madrid. Same to Foden and Trent.
00:04:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:04:35
KEV
It's not just about a good couple of weeks anymore. I'm excited.
00:04:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it it is exciting times because, I mean, what we were saying going into the Serbia game was, oh, it's one of those where we've only played teams that are going to sit back 10 men behind the ball and never try and attack England at all.
00:04:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Serbia, although they played pretty much the same, it was a case of, oh, they did actually try and get out. And it led to England scoring the first goal and end up scoring five. So Wales, I can't imagine, will want to sit back against us.
00:05:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Craig Bellamy, ah certainly as a player, he wasn't that kind of...
00:05:07
KEV
I love Bellamy.
00:05:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really?
00:05:09
KEV
I love Bellamy.
00:05:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
if
00:05:10
KEV
He's one of my favourite toon strikers. He was brilliant for us.
00:05:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
all right, well, i'll I'll skip what I was going
Craig Bellamy's Managerial Success
00:05:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
to say, and I'm just going to say, did you think he was going to be a ah good manager?
00:05:15
KEV
No, no, go, go, go.
00:05:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because when I heard he was going to be a manager, I thought he was going to be terrible.
00:05:19
KEV
Nah. Yeah, I thought the same as you. Bit of a hothead one. He had a bit of bite about him.
00:05:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 100%.
00:05:26
KEV
I thought, he's just going to fall out of the captain and the dressing room is going to turn on. It's not going to work.
00:05:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did.
00:05:30
KEV
But he went with company at Anderlecht as the assistant.
00:05:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
did
00:05:34
KEV
He came to Burnley as the assistant. And we always didn't go to Bayern because he got the Wales job.
00:05:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:05:39
KEV
and But he's actually done... You look at his results for Wales. He's had a pretty good run, to be fair.
00:05:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's incredible.
00:05:45
KEV
He's done very well.
00:05:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:47
KEV
m But yeah, didn't expect him to make a good manager. If you if you told me that when I was... I mean, i was when he was playing, I was about... How old? 10, 11. to me, they were like superstars.
00:05:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fast.
00:05:57
KEV
And I was like, oh, I love Craig Bellamy. He's fast. He scored that goal against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
00:05:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:01
KEV
Yeah.
00:06:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Great job.
00:06:03
KEV
So, yeah, for me, I was like, I love Bellamy. I want him to do well as a manager, but I didn't expect him to at all. I thought he'd be too much of a hothead, but it looks like, he has he matured?
00:06:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:11
KEV
Could he have a role as a Newcastle coach and stuff when he's doing with Wales?
00:06:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:16
KEV
Would we accept him back? I certainly would, but I know lot of fans don't like him.
00:06:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hey, look, it's one of those, if he comes back to the clubs, the best interest is art. I'd happily have them, but I completely agree with you. and I sort of thought it'd be another Roy Keane scenario where he gets the job, does okay, but never really pulls up any trees and then ends up going to really mediocre clubs and fails ultimately.
00:06:29
KEV
Yeah.
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:39
KEV
What mediator clubs are we talking about?
00:06:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:06:42
KEV
ah
00:06:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know. It was the Ipswich. I think he was. I can't think of any of this.
00:06:46
KEV
o
00:06:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah ah But yeah, it's one of those. right ah He's the last person in that squad that we had in 03-04 that I would have anticipated being a manager.
00:06:53
KEV
Yeah.
00:06:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as you say there, maybe he has just really
Absence of Newcastle Players from Wales Squad
00:06:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
matured. But you listen to him talk in press conferences and it's hard to believe it's the same person.
00:06:59
KEV
Hmm.
00:07:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I'm really impressed by him.
00:07:05
KEV
Yeah, I agree.
00:07:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But sort of back to England. Um, cause I don't think we've got anyone in the, the whale squad from Newcastle, Paul Dummett's unfortunately gone. Uh, and he ain't getting in that in any terms soon.
00:07:17
KEV
Darlow? Darlow must have been. i know he's not Newcastle anymore, but Darlow being called up for wheels.
00:07:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh, he might've done actually. Yeah. Uh, he's doing all right Leeds, isn't he?
00:07:24
KEV
He's doing really well.
00:07:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh, which is insane.
00:07:25
KEV
Number one now.
00:07:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Um, but we mentioned there, oh Jack Grealish, one player who we thought might get in. What do you think of Adam Wharton? Because Grealish and his interview after the game with Crystal Palace, Grealish even said Adam Wharton was the best player on
Potential of Adam Wharton in England Squad
00:07:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
the pitch. And for me, ah as much as I like Elliot Anderson, I think the game against Newcastle, you did see the difference in quality between...
00:07:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
England's potential per player in that position in Italy's because Sandro and even Brazil's because Sandro Tonali Bruno Gamares the level above in that game and it's only one game but Adam Wharton I think is the player that's more likely to make that step up and I know that's harsh Elliot Anderson he's a Geordie we all love him but I do think Adam Wharton is that step above him but he hasn't even made the squad what do you think
00:07:53
KEV
ye Yeah.
00:08:15
KEV
I would agree with ah Adam Wharton. um think he is better than Anderson. I think we said it when he was here, like we we were gutted to lose Anderson because he's a Geordie, but I mean, he's he's fourth choice at best at the time when he left. Willock was close to being ahead of him. Longstaff was kind of on par with him. So he has kicked on from him. And of course he has. And he's kind of started to get more of reputation. But yeah, I had him working every time I see him. I'm impressed.
00:08:38
KEV
I thought he was great against Everton.
00:08:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:39
KEV
I watched the game. and But it's not just that game. Almost every time he's in the midfield, he kind of dictates for play. And we don't see that from many English midfielders.
00:08:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:08:47
KEV
It's more of a European thing, isn't it? Like a Pirlo thing. He'll decide when it's a long ball, when it's a short ball. He'll decide when he's dropping deep to help a defence.
00:08:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:08:54
KEV
But actually, Wharton, to me, is more of a European player than a been an English player. um But yeah, I think I would personally rather have Wharton. But again, I think it's a message from Tuchelov.
00:09:05
KEV
Look, if you guys come in and you do the business, you beat teams like... I mean, let's not go get carried away right at Serbia, but we are a decent team.
00:09:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, very good team.
00:09:12
KEV
m But let's Tuchelov, if you come in and do me well, you keep clean sheets, you score lots of goals, I can't drop
Motivation from Tuchel's Strategy
00:09:19
KEV
you. You've got ah got to come in. Obviously, there will be exceptions.
00:09:22
KEV
I think if Grealish goes on to have another 10 gold contributions before Christmas, then it's going to be borderline impossible to say no to him.
00:09:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:09:30
KEV
But it isn't it's a good message.
00:09:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:09:31
KEV
It's a good motivation for Grealish. I think it's brilliant motivation for the Bellinghams and Whartons. um But yeah, I'm with you. I'd rather have Wharton over Anderson personally.
00:09:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, great.
00:09:41
KEV
and But I guess that's you other side of the coin, it? I was kind of going to ask you. You might be about to ask me. But... Should he just take the team he knows he's going to play the World Cup to get them prepared to play together? Or do you think he doesn't know? He must know.
00:09:52
KEV
Do you think?
00:09:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think I think he's got his 11 probably etched out on paper. and But I think there's probably six or seven places in that squad up for grabs still. ah I'm still in awe that he's picking Dan Byrne for almost every game because it's one of those.
00:10:07
KEV
Yeah, same.
00:10:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
he it feels like he's a guaranteed starter right now um for me. And yeah, I think he's got maybe 16, 17 positions um nailed down. Obviously, the likes of Cole Palmer, Foden, Bellingham, ah Trent, all not in the squad this time around.
00:10:25
KEV
Yeah.
00:10:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think there's a few names in the squad this time around where he's gone. Let me test you out. Let me see how you do. um i was actually surprised... to to a degree, not to see Lewis Hall um because he was fit originally.
00:10:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then he was called.
00:10:41
KEV
Yeah.
00:10:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I thought, oh, he's in. He's just, he's picked up another injury, surely. And then he was called up for the under 21. So I don't know if it's Carsley's gone, right? He's not ready for that. Let's get him back into action for the under
00:10:52
KEV
Yeah.
Newcastle Players' World Cup Prospects
00:10:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
21.
00:10:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think there's still some spots up for grabs and that is going to bode very nicely into what i'm going to start with in part two.
00:10:58
KEV
Thank you.
00:11:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for now, it's Bionique.
00:11:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Beautiful stuff. so We talked about the World Cup. Who could potentially go? I mentioned Dan Byrne there. Feels like he's cemented. I'm going to list off five Newcastle players to start this section. I want you to tell me if you think there'll be a starter at the World Cup just in the squad or if they're basically going to be sitting on the couch to watch it.
00:12:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So we'll start off with the last... We'll go with the last player I mentioned, Lewis Hall.
00:12:11
KEV
squad I think he'll have a strong I think he'll have a strong um I think once he's back from injury and he trusts his body again and i think I think he'll be straight straight back in the old team maybe Tino comes back to the right but there's plenty of games and he's already been in the squad so I think he's got everything and you look of a left back position I mean Miles Miles is it Miles Kelly Miles Kelly haven't out Lloyd Kelly Lloyd Kelly's better than him a minute um
00:12:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, you think he makes the squad...
00:12:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd agree.
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis Skelly.
00:12:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
He might get in, you never know.
00:12:38
KEV
You might get it, you never know. Miles Scuddy, I think, is everyone was talking about him about a month and a half ago, saying, oh, it's his position for the next... I was like, it's not like... It's not his position for the next 10 years at all. He gets sent off. He's got an awful disciplinary record for such a young player.
00:12:53
KEV
i mean, you've got someone Lewis Hall, who's technically brilliant on the ball, can play in midfield as well.
00:12:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly.
00:12:57
KEV
You can do the inverted full-back thing if that's what you want from him. You can be aggressive down the left.
00:13:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:01
KEV
He's got a good cross on him. I think Hall will be in squad. I think he'll have a good... Once he's back to full fitness, i think it'll be fine.
00:13:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think the the main thing there is him feeling confident in his body again.
00:13:10
KEV
and
00:13:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
eventually came back and Eddie Howe said, oh, he just doesn't feel confident enough in his body. Now he's got that hamstring injury. You're almost thinking, did he but not feel it
00:13:21
KEV
Yeah.
00:13:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it was also one of those where it's been there for a little while, a little tingle, and then against Union St. Gilmore, it's gone properly, um which hopefully it doesn't...
00:13:28
KEV
Good pronunciation, by the way. Well done.
00:13:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I've had a lot of practice. ah ah Thank you, rightly.
00:13:35
KEV
I call him USG.
00:13:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, so Lewis Hall, we've got in the squad. We'll go with the next flank next. Tino Livramento. What do we think?
00:13:47
KEV
Squad. and don't think he'll be starting, but he'll be squad.
00:13:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on. alright I'm going to ask you a for little follow-up to that. Who starts it right back for England at the World Cup? What do you think?
00:13:56
KEV
I think it's really tough. If he's fit, think Rhys James.
00:14:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I agree.
00:14:02
KEV
and But if he's not fit, I think Trent. Trent will have to have it. Trent strikes a ball so well. I mean, defensively, you everybody's right.
00:14:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
does.
00:14:10
KEV
He's not great defensively. He does not even try and make a case for him. defensive but when you've got somebody I mean 4-4-2 could be back in fashion by in the way it's going with long throws and long sleeve shirts and but I'm not sure where it's going we're going back to the 90s so Trent could be a right midfielder I mean you don't know but I think Rhys James and maybe Trent are ahead of Tino at the minute and don't get me wrong Tino could have an unbelievable season and really really make a push for it but I think he'll be in the squad I think he'll get some minutes in the World Cup by the way um I think he'll be mainly around the squad yeah
00:14:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. and sir
00:14:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do agree. Yeah.
00:14:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I think to be honest, Tino might actually have a better chance of playing it left back than he does it right back.
00:14:49
KEV
Good point.
00:14:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um, Just because of the quality on show there, you mentioned Trent. I think it's a perfect little pivot to have of Rhys James starts the game, gets to 60 minutes. If you're playing against a decent side, they've gone 1-0 up maybe.
00:15:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Trent can unlock that defence from deep.
00:15:04
KEV
Yeah.
00:15:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, I think James starting and Trent on the bench, absolutely perfect there.
00:15:05
KEV
Yeah.
00:15:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Number three, I think this will be the quickest one of the the lot, Harvey Barnes.
00:15:14
KEV
Home.
00:15:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
On the couch.
00:15:16
KEV
right couch but oh he's not getting anywhere near it is he he's just east mans I'm not going to be a com he be critical he's had one England cap I don't know something's not something's just not kicking with him but I don't think he'll get another one anytime soon
00:15:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:15:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
he has. It might be his last.
00:15:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. And it's the player that starts ahead of him at the moment, Anthony Gordon.
00:15:36
KEV
oh my goodness does he start um
00:15:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got a plethora of beautiful football players.
00:15:41
KEV
got so many wingers. I mean, Grealish is back in form.
00:15:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:44
KEV
Grealish might take a spot off him if he does get back in. um
00:15:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rashford, Eze, Foden.
00:15:48
KEV
Foden's been playing the wing. Rashford's flying. You've got Madueke, who can play on both, who was doing really well for England and Arsenal when Saka was out.
00:15:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:57
KEV
So we know he can replace Saka.
00:15:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:58
KEV
And then you've got Saka as well. So I'm going to go squad. i think it would take some doing getting on the wing. There's a start in England winger right now.
00:16:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 100%. He doesn't exactly look his best for Newcastle at the minute it anyways.
00:16:09
KEV
He's getting better.
00:16:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
And while we're confident but confident you'll get there,
00:16:11
KEV
Getting better.
00:16:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're confident you'll find his old form, but as you say, ah ah as we both say, the number of players in now those positions who could play, it's so good for England.
00:16:19
KEV
So many winners. Oh, man.
00:16:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
As Bellamy said, there's so much depth for England that it's it's insane.
00:16:24
KEV
um
00:16:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then the final player, Dan Byrne. Does he start or does he just get in the squad? Because he ain't staying at home. Yeah.
00:16:36
KEV
Oh, so Caldwell's out for the season. So Caldwell's not going to make it. Geahy will definitely be in if he's fit.
00:16:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:16:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. And that's Concer, I would say, the other one.
00:16:47
KEV
He's better than Conza. I'm going to go start.
00:16:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:16:50
KEV
He's better than Conza. I think if Caldwell was fit, Caldwell, or Caldwell, Caldwell, Levi, if Levi was fit from Chelsea, I think it would be him and Geahy.
00:16:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Levi Caldwell, yeah.
00:16:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:59
KEV
and I just think Byrne's better than Conte and I can't think of many others who are going to come in and look better than Byrne within the next, what, four, five, six months?
00:17:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
No Harry Maguire? No.
00:17:12
KEV
Stick him up front if you need a goal last minute. That's what my new team will do.
00:17:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but to be honest, he's probably doing better than Watkins at the moment.
00:17:16
KEV
Yeah,
00:17:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, and who's the other options?
00:17:18
KEV
yeah exactly, exactly.
00:17:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wilson, DCL, Ivan, Tony and Saudi.
00:17:22
KEV
Yeah. What about Nick Pope?
00:17:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I love Harry Maguire up top, absolutely. absolutely
00:17:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Too old, any
00:17:29
KEV
He is, but he could be a third choice keeper case was an emergency situation.
00:17:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
isn't he? I think if we're basing on the best players, I think Pope would have been in there three years ago or so and he'd still be in now. But I think it's one of those where At 33, I think he is now.
00:17:46
KEV
Yeah.
00:17:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
He'll be 34 by the time the World Cup comes along.
00:17:49
KEV
Good point, yeah.
00:17:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
think I think it's one of those.
00:17:50
KEV
You've got Henderson henderson and Pickford, I think, will be the two main keepers who will maybe get minutes. um
00:17:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:57
KEV
But we normally take three, and I'm just thinking, who is that third keeper at England? Trafford, but he's not going to play much for City, because Donnarumma's in. Pope will be playing every week.
00:18:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:06
KEV
Ramsdale, if Pope gets injured, could he get back in this team?
00:18:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Potentially. Potentially.
00:18:09
KEV
Tough.
00:18:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do think it'll be Sam Johnson. because he's took over from Jose Sarnow, Wolves.
00:18:12
KEV
Yeah.
00:18:15
KEV
Yeah.
00:18:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
He looks decent. ah If Ramsdale gets in for Newcastle, though, there's no reason why he couldn't, because he's excellent with the ball at his feet.
00:18:21
KEV
He plays with his feet as well, doesn't he?
00:18:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you mentioned Henderson there, and you've just kind of triggered me a little bit, ah because, yeah, i no i love I love Dean Henderson, but Jordan Henderson, back in the England squad, he has looked pretty good for Brentford, but surely he doesn't make the World Cup squad, does he?
00:18:28
KEV
Jordan. Or Dean.
00:18:32
KEV
Yep.
00:18:41
KEV
I think he does. but i think he does.
00:18:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, it's a tough one because you've got Gibbs White in there, obviously Foden, Palmer, all that.
00:18:45
KEV
um
00:18:50
KEV
for Madison yeah Madison won't be bad just think Henderson for Brentford you know what I think I've spoke to you and Ian about this before in the National League about 2018 Henderson finally changed my mind i used to think Henderson was just a safe player backwards sideways I think it was for 2018 in Russia or it was for 2020 Euros or 21 Euros whatever it was with Covid one of them I can't remember which were blended into one um
00:18:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know they're a bit more attacking, but...
00:19:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:13
KEV
But it was Henderson started. He was giving the ball away. He was getting loads of stick. But I was like, God, at least he's trying to go forward in this team. Because again, we had that period where Bellingham wasn't on the scene and we just didn't have anybody to pass the ball forward.
00:19:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:25
KEV
So he changed my mind half there for England. But then ever since he's been back in England with Brentford, I think he's looked excellent. um And I know Tuchel originally spoke about, oh, he's in Murphy's experience as a leader, all this stuff.
00:19:38
KEV
But actually, he's he's actually playing very good football at the minute.
00:19:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:40
KEV
And in a Brentford team, he was in a massive transitional period.
00:19:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:43
KEV
And he's he's holding it all together. So I'm happy he didn't go back to Sunderland because he's actually playing off his head. So I think Henderson does make it.
00:19:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:19:51
KEV
And I quite like him. As a Newcastle man.
00:19:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, it is a weird one.
00:19:53
KEV
Oh, that was weird to say that.
00:19:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And to be honest, me is a stinging a bit hearing it. But when Kobe Maneu is not playing for Man United, Adam Morton's not getting called up at the moment.
00:19:59
KEV
Hmm.
00:20:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You know, Elliot Anderson's in there. Morgan Rodgers, even if they want to play him a bit deeper. ah Madison, all the players we've just mentioned, it sort of feels wrong to have Jordan Henderson in there.
00:20:15
KEV
to
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But all the players I've mentioned, they don't have that experience.
00:20:18
KEV
Inconsistent. Inconsistent.
00:20:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:20:20
KEV
And they can't stay fit.
00:20:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:22
KEV
Gibbs White can't stay fit. ah Madison can't stay fit. Henderson, think, isn't it... and Sorry, Anderson isn't at Henderson's level yet. And I know that sounds stupid because Anderson's had a great couple of... But Henderson's done it for so long.
00:20:34
KEV
And he's back in the Premier League.
00:20:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:20:35
KEV
Everyone thought, 35-year-old Jordan Henderson going to Brentford would flop and fail.
00:20:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:39
KEV
And he's got something like three or four assists.
00:20:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
A hundred percent.
00:20:41
KEV
He's created six major chances and he's been unbelievable defensively and positionally. So...
00:20:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:46
KEV
I don't see how you leave him out if he carries this on, which is, again, it's weird bigging up a Sunderland lad and an excellent player. But I mean, is he almost what we, we would never sign him and he would never come, but is he almost what we would need if we have an injury?
00:20:59
KEV
Someone just calm and slow and just to sit at the back and sit deep and just, he's never going to get in front of our three.
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
To come in.
00:21:05
KEV
But, you know, he's probably not far away from being fourth choice if he was at our club.
00:21:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:21:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, to be honest, you're probably right. it's It's one of those. I didn't know the stats behind it, to be honest. And he has been doing well. ah it's It's annoying to see. But when he went to Saudi and then to Ajax, yeah, Ajax fans hated him at first.
00:21:21
KEV
We thought it was over.
00:21:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then when he left, they were really sad. So it was one of those where it was kind of like, all right, he's playing against Willem and stuff like that, though.
00:21:31
KEV
Yeah.
00:21:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's it's not going to be that good. and But he you're right, he has been fantastic. um So I'm going to wrap, we'll wrap it up in just a little bit. But what going ask is, it's a friendly between Wales.
00:21:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do games like this really need to happen with so many international breaks?
00:21:47
KEV
Nope.
00:21:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Friendlies are just pointless now, aren't they?
00:21:50
KEV
What is the point? I know you've got to get your team ready for international break, but Christ almighty. I mean, why having a friendly? Let us play Premier League football. The players will be more prepared. i know you've got to play together and build up relationships.
00:22:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:02
KEV
Physically, the players will be more prepared if they play Premier League. Scrap this. Keep playing the Prem. Finish the season a month earlier. before the m before the World Cup starts, or even a month and a half earlier, let's say four to five weeks early, finish the season, start these super national breaks, give the players a bit of time off, then get them back in training together, and then maybe play a friendly before the World Cup, like a mini preseason before the World Cup, two different 11s, then play the World Cup.
00:22:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:22:28
KEV
We don't need these breaks. It's just, it's very frustrating. I know you've got to qualify, so I get them ones, and I get when you've got to do qualifiers in one of these games as a qualifier, I think, but...
00:22:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:22:39
KEV
Come on why do we need an international friendly at this point?
00:22:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. Even the the qualifiers, you could condense them so much easier.
00:22:46
KEV
Yeah, 100%.
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't get me wrong, I know teams have got to do their away trips and stuff like that, but ah all of them feel pointless. like Do England need to play Latvia to see if they're going to qualify for a tournament? Probably not.
00:22:59
KEV
no
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
um they are going to change the format i think next season um with the or after the world cup for qualifiers so that might make it a little better but want to finish up england wales very likely to be uh anthony gordon uh and dan burn in the team what do you think the score is going to be they're
00:23:18
KEV
Wales are no mugs. um
00:23:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
not it's particularly not under bellamy
00:23:22
KEV
I just think we've got too much quality for them, which sounds really arrogant. But I think if Bellamy was in charge of England, we'd be putting England to win. So I don't think having Tukor anything really matters.
00:23:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:23:31
KEV
think it's just the genuine strength of the squad.
00:23:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:23:34
KEV
and um I'm going to go. I think i'll be close. think England might win 2-1.
00:23:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, to be honest, I was thinking around about the same, but I'm going to go 2-0. Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon august get a goal. um I think Gordon needs it, really, a because, let's be honest, he hasn't really been getting them, except from penalties Newcastle.
00:23:48
KEV
Yeah.
00:23:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
But ah we'll be back after the game for a reaction episode breakdown. He was impressed, who struggled, and hopefully... another England win. But big thanks to Kev for joining me. It's always a pleasure to have you.
00:24:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we will we will see you next time.
00:24:05
KEV
Same thing.