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England 3–0 Wales: Rogers’ Rise, Pickford’s Record, and Tuchel’s Tactical Statement
12 Plays6 days ago
Michael Grahamslaw and Iain dissect England’s commanding 3–0 victory over Wales in the Alzheimer’s Society International. They break down Thomas Tuchel’s strong team selection, the early blitz that sealed the result, and Morgan Rogers’ growing influence in attack.
The discussion also covers Ollie Watkins’ performance in Kane’s absence, Jordan Pickford’s record-breaking clean sheet run, and Tuchel’s pointed comments about Wembley’s atmosphere.
What does this win tell us about England’s direction ahead of Latvia — and where does it leave Wales under Craig Bellamy?
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Transcript
00:00:00
Iain
Thank you.
00:00:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
Introduction and Game Overview
00:00:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everybody and welcome back to the show. The typical daily Newcastle has turned into the daily England for its, well, the two weeks in the October period. I'm Michael Graveslow and joining me today is Ian Mackay as we break down England's 3-0 victory over Wales in the Alzheimer's Society International.
00:00:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ian, it's good to have you back with us. How you doing?
00:00:35
Iain
doing
Dedication to Alzheimer's Society
00:00:36
Iain
great and I was really pleased that the whole game was dedicated to the Alzheimer's cause because I'm feeling actually at the age that I've got to that I might be tapping into some of their resources very soon
00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:00:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, let's hope not. And if they do, hopefully with friendlies like that, there's a lot of money in reserve for you. um
00:00:57
Iain
absolutely
England vs Wales: Strong Team Selection
00:00:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But let's let's set the scene of the game.
00:01:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was a game where England didn't just win. They absolutely flattened Wales, particularly in that first 20 minutes. Job done. um Three goals. But before we get into the game itself, let's talk selection.
00:01:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Thomas Tuchel went pretty strong once again. Were you surprised about the the strength of the team, given a the fact it's a friendly?
00:01:21
Iain
um Well, I mean, he didn't put any bad players into the squad, though, did he? So and ah i think we're always going to have a good team when it's but you look at it on paper lined up against Wales.
00:01:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:01:32
Iain
No disrespect to Wales. um I was quite surprised Wales went as strong as they did because they got a really, really big match on Monday
Wales' Strategy Against England
00:01:40
Iain
or Tuesday at Belgium.
00:01:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah.
00:01:42
Iain
To be fair, when this friendly was organised, I'm sure it sounded like a good idea at the time, but I'm not sure it was a match that Bellamy wanted. to get ready for Belgium.
00:01:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely not.
00:01:53
Iain
Particularly not the way that their boys were running around in the first half an hour anyway.
00:01:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think when you're considering they went 3-0 down in similar time to Belgium last time out to do it in the game before that game, it's going to be quite concerning for Bellamy indeed. I will go on to to Bellamy a bit ah later in the episode because the line-up, as you say, it was a bit surprising. and In fact, let's just do it now.
00:02:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Wales were miles off it, weren't they? you said As you said, Bellamy went strong with no reward, really. Do you think the the approach he had was wrong? It's a friendly. Why you playing your best players?
00:02:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
And most importantly, why are you trying to match a team like England when you can do what Rob Page did and just put an extra player behind the ball and keep it quiet for the first 20 minutes? Do you think Bellamy got it wrong?
Analysis of England's Play and Key Performers
00:02:45
Iain
I don't know if he got it wrong. He might have been it might have been experimenting because i know Bellamy, obviously, we know him as a as a ah forward at Newcastle for a brief moment and six or seven other Premier League teams.
00:02:58
Iain
but he always wants to be on the front foot. He said beforehand he wouldn't he wouldn't park the bus. He wanted to get onto the front foot. And I think if you're going to try that against Belgium in your important game, um then you might want to try it against England in a friendly just to see how effective it is.
00:03:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:16
Iain
and The answer to which is not very if you're going to be three down after 20 minutes.
00:03:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:03:21
Iain
um
00:03:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, not correct at all.
00:03:22
Iain
But that was the problem. Their press wasn't hard enough to stop us from just passing it between them. I thought we were quite good playing out from the back, actually.
00:03:33
Iain
Accurate passing, good close control, ball out to Saka and Gordon, who both seemed up for it very, very quickly.
00:03:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Excellent. Yeah.
00:03:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:42
Iain
ah I thought as well, i if we're going to get on to individual performances, I thought Jed Spence played a lot better than I was expecting him to. He seemed to really click with Gordon in that first half, um which is interesting if we're in the market fullback come summer.
00:03:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 100%.
00:03:56
Iain
um But yeah, I don't know if it was a mistake by Bellamy or maybe he was testing the water to see if it's an approach that he could legitimately take against Belgium in a game that they would love to win.
00:04:09
Iain
um And as I say, if it was, then I don't think he'd be trying the same tactics against Belgium. I think he'd be playing the double pivot at the back and and keeping it tight and playing
Left-back Position and Player Performance
00:04:21
Iain
on the counter, which is what they should have done.
00:04:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, i think I think he's got to against Belgium. And obviously this isn't a Wales podcast. It's not even an England podcast technically, but it's one of those where you were looking at Wales thinking, for them, this is a real concern because they just seem to have nothing up front. Every time they would get it out of the back four,
00:04:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
There was nobody in midfield, nobody on the wings really making themselves available. And then England would just win it back so quickly. um You mentioned there Jed Spence as well.
00:04:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
um We'll go into the line-up now and yeah ah we'll start at left-back unconventionally. um And he's unconventional playing there, really, because he was originally a winger, moved back to right back, and now he's playing left back for Spurs in England. So I'm still a bit unconvinced by him, as as you mentioned earlier. Not really the kind of player you would expect to see for England in that position.
00:05:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But as you say, he had a great link up with Gordon in that first half. And when England's left back position... is as it is right now. mean, the only other available option was Myles Lewis-Skelly, who's, let's be honest, not really set the world alight and isn't playing for Arsenal this season. So,
Midfield Dynamics and Player Synergy
00:05:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jed Spence, would you say he's done enough to earn a spot against, well, let's not say against Latvia, because there will be rotation, but in November, do you think he's maybe put himself in two-shall thoughts of he can start in those two big games?
00:05:46
Iain
Well, I think he's, so he said, I was quite impressed with him in the first half. He didn't really get put under any pressure to see what he was like defensively, which you probably do need to test at a left back because Lewis Hall can look really, really good going forward.
00:05:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agreed?
00:05:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. True.
00:06:01
Iain
But then he's got, he's got it going back the other way. Same as Tino. So, you know, they're both good in both directions.
00:06:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:08
Iain
And Jed Spence X winger is obviously going to be good coming forward. I did like the link up play with Gordon. Um,
00:06:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. theyre Very good.
00:06:15
Iain
and What is the alternative, though? Because if the alternative is trying to put Dan Byrne in at left back, then I'd rather have Jed Spence, if I'm honest.
00:06:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:06:23
Iain
Sorry, Dan. You've got to be set to half or nowhere.
00:06:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, particularly in England. I think the five left-backs people are thinking of for England is obviously Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jed Spence, and then there was another one, oh Luke Shaw, if he comes back and is you know playing properly for Manchester United.
00:06:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's also Tyreek Mitchell of Crystal Palace, but he doesn't seem to be getting much of a look in. So I think when you look at that England team, as good as I think Tino Liveramento is, Lewis Hall is, it is the weakest position on the pitch by a country mile. And think any one of those players with a good season this year could play at the World Cup in that position.
00:07:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But do you think after that game there, do you think Jed Spence has maybe put himself in in with a shout?
00:07:05
Iain
Yeah.
00:07:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
As you mentioned, we need to see how he is defensively. I don't think you're really going to see that against Serbia and Albania either.
00:07:14
Iain
Absolutely.
00:07:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he had a really good game, didn't he?
00:07:21
Iain
I don't think he did himself any harm at all. And you can only do as well as the opposition that are in front of you. Wales are quite good opposition.
00:07:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:30
Iain
I think we were that good in the first half. And a lot of it was because of the link-up play coming out of defence, which he was key to.
00:07:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, excellent.
00:07:39
Iain
and
00:07:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:39
Iain
But didn't sort of lose his head once he crossed over the halfway line, which um which we saw Kieran Trippier do when he was playing left-back.
00:07:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:49
Iain
I thought he was good. I think you're right. I think it's wide open. I'm hoping Lewis Hall comes back because I think, you know, three or four months of Lewis Hall, as he was in the first part of last season, that would cement his position at the left-back role.
00:08:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have a great show.
00:08:04
Iain
But but he's not he's not doing it yet.
00:08:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you'd have a great chance.
00:08:07
Iain
So we've just got to see, haven't we?
00:08:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:08:09
Iain
In the interim period, you need somebody who is a safe pair of hands.
00:08:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have a
00:08:13
Iain
And Jed Spence did no nothing to harm his chances last night. And as I say,
00:08:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
great chance.
00:08:18
Iain
I'd far rather it was him being good attacking than trying to get Dan Byrne to do left back down there because, well, I never feel safe with Dan Byrne at left back at Newcastle, let alone going another level up.
00:08:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely not. i mean Thankfully for England, Dan Burn is often used at centre-back instead of left-back. um But Thomas Tuchel and Eddie Howe must be reading from different home sheets because he has been all right there for us this season. But he normally plays at centre-back. But yesterday, it was Mark Gay and John Stones who played there for for many.
00:08:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think I'm with them, to be honest. They are England's best centre-back pairing, particularly in games like this where they're playing out from the back. Would they be your two picks for the World Cup if they're both fit Or would you say Concer and Dan Berner in there?
00:09:10
Iain
I would say that um I would say that I like Konza as much as I like Gehi and Stones is kind of made of glass so I think Konza needs plenty of experience because I think Konza is a fantastic I mean he played right back last night two nights ago with last night was it last night god don't know what day it is he played right back last night and I thought he did really well there as well
00:09:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is.
00:09:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:09:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
no ah
00:09:37
Iain
But he said I think he's an excellent centre-half.
00:09:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. 100%. Let's hope not.
00:09:42
Iain
um And I think if you play six, seven games in the space of
Record-breaking Goalkeeper Performance
00:09:47
Iain
three or four weeks, then you need some rotation, don't you? and
00:09:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
hundred
00:09:52
Iain
dumb ben Dan is a safe head. was going to say pair of hands, but they wouldn't make a play and goal.
00:09:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah let's hope i
00:10:01
Iain
If Dan Byrne is is building and the the defensive wall to to defend... then again, he's a very good stand-in for either of those guys. But ah but not not coming forward, not if we're playing out from the back.
00:10:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
100%. Yeah.
00:10:14
Iain
Bless him, Dan Burns' distribution is limited.
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:10:20
Iain
ah But yeah.
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's ah it's a weak part of his game. But defending, obviously, if you're playing someone like a Belgium, who are going to try and hoof it in that, let's say, in Norway with their three attackers, Haaland, Strand, Larsson and Soloff, all big guys, you're going to need a Dan Byrne in there.
00:10:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
But against Wales, I know it was Kiefer Moore up front, but it wasn't really needed for Dan Byrne. But... the The last question i'm going to ask you in this part is about Rice and former Jordy Elliot Anderson. Obviously, Eddie Howe has been saying in the the press the last few days that if it was up to him, Anderson would still be at Newcastle and he didn't want to sell him, but we had to.
00:10:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anderson's still a bit of a wild card in that midfield, but from what you've seen in the last three games... Is Anderson the central midfielder that compliments Declan Rice the most and therefore makes them England's best pairing in central midfield?
00:11:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm starting to believe that, but what do you think?
00:11:16
Iain
ah think I think that he compliments Declan Rice to allow Declan Rice to get forward a little bit more. Maybe that's because it was against Wales.
00:11:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:11:27
Iain
But if they were lining up as a double pivot as defensive midfielders, they had enough freedom last night to both get forward pretty well.
00:11:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:11:37
Iain
ab Anderson is fabulous. Good first touch. um Apart from when Bruno's sneaking up behind him and he gives a penalty away, of course. But I do like Anderson.
00:11:50
Iain
There are so many midfielders, though, that aren't in this team that you that that that I feel you you have to try to accommodate without looking like a complete fool if it all goes wrong for not having, for example, a Cole Palmer in there or Jude Bellingham in there.
00:11:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:08
Iain
that but yeah I'm not sure that he would end at first choice.
00:12:13
Iain
But so far... He did really well against Wales. He was man of the match in the previous two internationals. I'm delighted for him.
00:12:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:12:21
Iain
if he's starting to If he's starting to be a name in a 25-man squad for every tournament, then he he probably deserves it.
00:12:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah, 100%. And I think what he allows Rice to do is he allows Rice to get forward a bit more. We saw it against Serbia. It felt like Declan Rice could have scored four or five if he was striker, but he's positioning. He was basically playing in what the role that Rodgers was playing against Wales, and he was absolutely fantastic.
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But as you mentioned, the likes of Bellingham, Palmer, Foden, all not even in the squad, they've all got a year as well.
00:12:53
Iain
and And Adam Wharton, if you want to look to the future, is fantastic midfielder.
00:12:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brilliant player, yeah.
00:13:00
Iain
I remember, was it it was it the weekend when Jack Grealish got the Man of the Match award against Palace?
00:13:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:13:06
Iain
And he said, actually, this should have gone to Adam Wharton, not me.
00:13:10
Iain
Because even he was that he was impressed with how Wharton bossed that midfield, certainly for the first hour.
00:13:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:16
Iain
um I think he's a great player.
00:13:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Incredible player.
00:13:18
Iain
um But can't even get in the squad yet? And that's with Bellingham and Palmer and Foden injured. And he can't even make 23.
00:13:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:27
Iain
ah twenty three We've got an abundance of riches in midfield, which is great. If we can find five or six that interchange without the quality drop-in, that's that's World Cup winning organisation.
00:13:42
Iain
But and i hope I hope Anderson's one of them.
00:13:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:13:45
Iain
But time will tell, won't it?
00:13:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agree. Yeah, 100%. Any one of them can make a difference. And if you're looking to make a difference, you should check out our next advert, which is by Anique.
00:13:55
Iain
Perfect again.
00:14:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know what the thing is? I knew that was going to do that there because I looked at my monitor and and it was highlighted and I couldn't stop it from being highlighted without clicking it again and interrupting it.
00:14:35
Iain
and but
00:14:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I was prepared for it that time. I don't know why that happens so much.
00:14:45
Iain
but
00:14:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's so annoying. But it's...
00:14:47
Iain
It's not that little in infinity button that's clicked on.
00:14:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, no, that's that's always... um That's always as it should be.
00:14:53
Iain
um I don't know.
00:14:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So I never know. ah But yes, back to England versus Wales and welcome back. Let's talk through the goals. We spoke a bit on the lineup. There's a few players we didn't cover, one of which, Morgan Rodgers.
00:15:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Two goals. Good games for England in a row now. He was very good against Serbia. Now he's done the same against Wales. He hasn't really done it in a Villa shirt this season. But do you think doing it on the the the big stage for England, well, not really the big stage, but doing it for England, do you think this is like a sort of Harry Maguire situation where it elevates his status in the squad um and really gives them a chance of of making that World Cup squad despite the talent we have in that number 10 position?
00:15:37
Iain
I think he's got to be included. He's different, isn't he? He's different.
00:15:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Very different.
00:15:41
Iain
Took his goal really well.
00:15:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:42
Iain
Although, to be fair, I think he should have gone and bought Mark Gaye's
00:15:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good.
00:15:50
Iain
a beer afterwards for that assist because Gay was the only one who thought, I can keep it i and keep this in.
00:15:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's brilliant.
00:15:56
Iain
And he did.
00:15:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:56
Iain
And he played an excellent ball. He took it well. that That's exactly the same pullback that Gordon managed to air shoot against Barcelona and not even touch the ball with. So Rodgers took it well. um I think he's a really good player.
00:16:11
Iain
I do. And and maybe maybe he's happier because Conce was behind him and um Watkins was up front.
00:16:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he's excellent.
00:16:19
Iain
I don't know.
00:16:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:20
Iain
But ah there were three. Last night was the first time in I don't know how many years they did say on the telly that there wasn't a first teamer from Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool.
00:16:31
Iain
Was it Man City or Liverpool?
00:16:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:16:32
Iain
ah
00:16:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Man United or Liverpool?
00:16:34
Iain
I think it was Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea.
00:16:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea.
00:16:38
Iain
Yes. None of them playing. So, you know, Newcastle and Villa well represented.
00:16:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:16:44
Iain
It looks good.
00:16:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. i Villa had three representatives, which it seems to be on you that be unheard of a few years back. ah Excellent they've done to to get those players in. And it's not new signings, really.
00:16:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's players that Unai Emery has built up, such as Morgan Rodgers and the man I'm going to go on to next, Oli Watkins.
Forwards' Chemistry and Impact
00:17:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's the one that gets a second goal. It is the easiest finish you will ever see in your life.
00:17:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
A great work again from Morgan Rodgers, though. And you mentioned the chemistry there between Rodgers and Watkins.
00:17:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Having those two in the squad.
00:17:17
Iain
He knows he's on the back post, doesn't he?
00:17:19
Iain
He knows he's on the back post.
00:17:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, there those two coming in off the bench for a game in, let's say, the World Cup. Those two know each other so well that you're almost thinking... that' That could be your first substitute first and second substitution at the World Cup, couldn't it?
00:17:33
Iain
Yeah.
00:17:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rodgers and Watkins coming on. Do you think they've both cemented their place in that squad, possibly?
00:17:39
Iain
Well, think Watkins... I'm struggling to think of anybody who fits in between Kane and Watkins.
00:17:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, think Rashford is probably the closest.
00:17:45
Iain
That's English. There are good strikers out there, but they're not... Rashford is as close, but Rashford came on to play left wing, and then when Watkins went off injured, it was Gordon that moved over to centre-forward, and Rashford stuck to the left.
00:18:01
Iain
So I'm not sure Rashford likes playing centre-forward, or Tuchel thinks he's as good playing centre-forward.
00:18:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:18:07
Iain
So yeah, I think Watkins, yes. Morgan Rodgers is in a very congested, talented pool of Watkins. 15 or 18 midfield players that he's going to have to pick six or seven from.
00:18:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:21
Iain
So he just has to keep going. He just has to keep going. Did you notice on that second goal, Mark Gahey's fabulous dummy where it looked to everybody as though he was going to head it in from two yards, but it didn't get his head to it.
00:18:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah I didn't know. But to be honest, given the game that he had, again, he was excellent. He could do anything and I'd believe that he did it on purpose. He had an absolutely excellent game at the back.
00:18:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And to be honest, you can see why he's been linked with an 80 odd million pound move to Newcastle last year, then a ah move to to Liverpool this year and Palace have really got a diamond on their hands.
00:18:46
Iain
He is good.
00:18:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
um It'd be a real shame if they ended up losing them for free.
Key Players and Their Contributions
00:19:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But The third goal, Bakayo Saka gets his 13th goal for England. um Where do you place him among England's elite? Is he one of the first names on the team sheet for you?
00:19:15
Iain
I don't think we've anybody else to play on the right wing. He's the first name as a right winger. That position's his, I would say.
00:19:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:19:22
Iain
Precisely because he could do what he did last night, and which was fantastic.
00:19:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:27
Iain
I think I read today, correct me if I'm wrong, by scoring 13 goals for England, he's the top Arsenal goal scorer in the Premier League era to play for England.
00:19:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's correct.
00:19:42
Iain
13 goals. That's ridiculous, isn't it?
00:19:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think when you you think about Arsenal, the brilliant players for England have all been sort of at the back. You're Tony Adams and stuff like that.
00:19:51
Iain
Yeah.
00:19:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So and they'll they've had a couple of decent attacking players, but Arsenal have always been the heart of the defence. So it's really good to see Bakayo Seca coming in and doing so well.
00:20:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You mentioned there a real lack of talent on the wings and and ah when he's not available, obviously. And to be honest, I think you're absolutely right. the only um You could put Jarrod Bowen in there, but he's rarely trusted to start for England.
00:20:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Eze could potentially play across the three, but it was Maduike who's been in there recently
00:20:23
Iain
yeah you
00:20:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah when Saka's not been around. And he's basically, Saka's understudy at club level now as well. So, and yeah I don't think he scores enough goals. I think he's got the one for England now.
00:20:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I'm not sure how many he's got in his entire career, but I would hazard it's under 30, which, you know, he's 23 or something. So that' that sounds worse than what it is, but there's not really enough goals in that attacking three and I think you're completely right with that where England probably needs Saka to play on that right wing and then on the left wing well I don't know who do you put there do you keep Gordon there you maybe go for Rashford because he does score
00:21:02
Iain
I think first half, I thought Gordon, that was the best i've seen Gordon play. And I've seen nearly all the matches he's played for Newcastle this year.
00:21:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah he was excellent
00:21:12
Iain
That was his best performance of the season. He was very good. um Rashford's going to have to do it for a bit longer, and i particularly at Barcelona, for me to be convinced again.
00:21:25
Iain
A year or two ago, wouldn't have thought there was even a contest.
00:21:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:29
Iain
Rashford was fantastic. Everything he touched turned to goals. But I've just seen him be disappointing for so long. He needs to kind of reprove himself. and
00:21:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:21:39
Iain
Other than that, I think Gordon's got the left. Eze could come in, but I think Eze's another one that fits into the number 10 role, really, to use him properly. um
00:21:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. hundred
00:21:51
Iain
ah yeah It's not a not as mad as putting Cole Palmer on the left wing, which I think Gareth Southgate was quite keen to do. But
00:21:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:21:59
Iain
These are central midfielders and we've got so many of them. it's not It's not a bad thing. It just means that you might start the game with Bellingham, Palmer and Foden sitting on the bench.
00:22:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:22:12
Iain
What a fantastic second half we would have there.
00:22:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's ah it's a ah luxury of riches, isn't it? um As Bellamy said before the game.
00:22:18
Iain
Absolutely.
00:22:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah We'll go into a few additional things that happened after the game um in a couple of moments. But for now, could you give me the second advert of the evening?
00:22:32
Iain
I am ready and waiting and willing.
00:22:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's go.
00:22:36
Iain
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencastr came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:22:55
Iain
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely beautiful, my darling. ah fun Fantastic.
00:23:04
Iain
Thank you.
00:23:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
One thing worth highlighting, and he is a Mackham, so we hate to do it on the the Daily Newcastle podcast, but Jordan Pickford now holds the record for most consecutive clean sheets by an England goalkeeper, and that includes Gordon Banks.
00:23:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think Pickford's now getting to the point where he is maybe one of England's best goalkeepers ever, or do you think the stats flatter him?
00:23:32
Iain
um I think this run has been a useful run of games with Andorra shoved in there twice. Latvia. But that's not fair to say that because there have also been some clean sheets against some half-decent teams.
00:23:47
Iain
Pickford, despite him coming from Sunderland, is ah fantastic goalkeeper. I don't think there's anybody English in the Premier League to get anywhere near him.
00:23:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
is
00:23:57
Iain
And the stats flatter him because he's been good that many times.
00:23:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
no.
00:24:02
Iain
You know, if you compare him to other great England goalkeepers like David Seaman, Peter Shelton, Ray Clements, it's Pickford that's been in goal when we've got through to finals of Euros and World Cups and things.
00:24:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great.
00:24:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:16
Iain
Or semi-finals. um So, yeah, he's a mackham. His arms are too short.
00:24:24
Iain
But he is probably but he's probably getting on for greatness. If he can be in goal next year and we win the World Cup, then
00:24:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh,
00:24:32
Iain
Yeah. He'll end up with his face on a stamp.
00:24:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd have to... Yeah, we'll have to bring that dinosaur and all over that people have in the crowd because it's going to be one of them. He's going to have his name etched in England history and arguably going to be some one of Sunderland's greatest ever players, which is a real shame, but he is an incredible talent.
00:24:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, let's have bring him up the mat.
00:24:53
Iain
So you can't begrudge him.
00:24:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:55
Iain
i've I've enjoyed him playing so many times for England now. I now don't begrudge him playing well for Everton. Do you know what I mean? Like Jordan Henderson.
00:25:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:03
Iain
We hated Jordan Henderson when he went to Liverpool and started winning everything. But now he's had a was a little bit of torrid time and he's still doing it at Brentford at 35.
00:25:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:25:14
Iain
I think, you know, I just got to admire these guys, even though they come from Sunderland.
00:25:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:25:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you're 100% right, actually. When playing for Liverpool, you're sitting there going, he's had another good game. What an absolute prick. And then he goes to he goes to Saudi and you're like, wait, well, we're right.
00:25:28
Iain
LAUGHTER
00:25:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then he goes to Ajax, doesn't really get on there, but wins the fans. And you're like that's quite nice. Then comes to Brentford and you're like, oh, he's doing so well. Well, how good for him? And then you're sitting there going, hang on he's mackham.
00:25:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can't be doing that.
00:25:42
Iain
Oh, yeah.
00:25:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, it's it is one of those.
00:25:44
Iain
Well, you know.
00:25:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
people We don't like success unless it's for us. um But there was something after the game. um Thomas Tuchel in his press conference made a bit of a dig at the fans. And to be honest, I completely agree.
00:25:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
He said Wembley was too silent. He criticised the atmosphere. I mean, it took the game hadn't even started and Wales dominated the atmosphere with the booing of the national anthem.
00:26:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you agree with the mean or do you think it's that's a friendly all over? You're not really going to get an atmosphere and a friendly when you've had finals recently.
00:26:17
Iain
i i sat recently I sat recently and watched Newcastle put four past Bradford City in the first our first round of the Carabao Cup.
00:26:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think?
00:26:26
Iain
Bradford out-sang Newcastle by a factor of 10 from start to finish because it's a big, big game for them.
00:26:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:26:34
Iain
We just sat and watched, admired the football, counted the goals, but but there wasn't anything, there was no jeopardy. And I think that might have been, with it being a friendly
00:26:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:47
Iain
And with us starting, so we scored after two minutes and then after 10 and then after 20.
00:26:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:26:53
Iain
I mean, you nobody was, you know, I admit it to you, didn't I i loved the first half. But because of my lots of driving this week and a long day at work, by the time they'd finished all of their chat at halftime, I'd already gone to sleep and I slept through the second half, which apparently was something I should have organized to do anyway, because there wasn't much happened.
00:27:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it was pretty poor.
00:27:13
Iain
So, yeah, you know, I think i think if that is a World Cup quarterfinal in America and there's 10,000 England fans, you will hear a much bigger noise.
00:27:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thankfully.
00:27:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, completely agree. But for friendlies and World Cup qualifiers... How do you think we improve the atmosphere? Do we think maybe we need to send more games up north to maybe one St. James' Park?
00:27:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think? Should England games be held and more than just Wembley?
00:27:46
Iain
I think, well, yeah, Wembley is... I don't know if Wales would have played a friendly without coming to Wembley, though. Certainly that was the first time Carl Darlow's ever played at Wembley and probably the last because he's with Leeds now, isn't he?
00:27:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe not.
00:27:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, forget that.
00:28:00
Iain
Sorry, Carl. Well, he was injured when Newcastle got there and he was injured when whoever it was he was there before with got there.
00:28:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Leeds?
00:28:10
Iain
Forrest?
00:28:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah think it was i think I think it was Leeds. I think it was Leeds in playoffs.
00:28:13
Iain
Did he miss a play-off final? Missed play-off final, yeah.
00:28:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:15
Iain
So, anyway...
00:28:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:17
Iain
Yeah, I bet 20 minutes in he was thinking, I'm glad I've never played here before. and
00:28:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't like this.
00:28:22
Iain
You might be right.
00:28:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:23
Iain
You might be right. A smaller ground with a with a full house of 45,000, 50,000, much closer environment was bound to improve the yeah the the atmosphere.
00:28:39
Iain
and i still don't know if a friendly against Wales would get everybody really worked up. in In the old days, they'd play, or in the under-21s, they'd play a friendly at, let's say, at St.
00:28:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:28:50
Iain
James' Park. And that would be the match that Jacob Murphy would make his debut for England. They'd put one or two of the home players in when it's a friendly to guarantee that the crowd was was filled up and and the local local people wanted to come and cheer somebody on.
00:28:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just to get the atmosphere.
00:29:08
Iain
So I don't know if they can can do that.
00:29:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:29:10
Iain
But to be fair, this international break, what a... It's unnecessary, isn't it? I mean, take him to say St George's Park and train for a fortnight.
00:29:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, most of them are.
00:29:21
Iain
Don't bother playing a friendly against Wales and then...
00:29:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:25
Iain
can't believe the Premier League is suspended for a fortnight so that we can get ready to tackle Latvia. I think I said it it ah in a previous podcast.
00:29:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:35
Iain
Gather up all of those players that are not making the first team for anybody. Put them on a plane to go and play at Latvia. They'll still come back with 3 or 4-0
00:29:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you'd think so, wouldn't you? mean, Jacob Murphy, you'd definitely get his first England goalie. Be up there. You know, but the quiz questions in a few years' time.
00:29:50
Iain
Bobby Bones.
00:29:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who are the players with one cap, one goal? You'd be going David Nugent, Jacob Murphy. Absolutely fantastic. um But yeah, for England, Harvey Barnes, yes.
00:30:00
Iain
Don't
00:30:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Absolutely fantastic. So that's all for today's episode. Big thank you, Ian, for joining me. England dominate Wales.
00:30:10
Iain
worry.
00:30:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Cruise to another win. The unbeaten run continues. The only team we've conceded against under Tuchel was Senegal, and we're not going to talk about how that went. Next up is Latvia. We'll have a preview for that game as well.
00:30:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for now, we'll see you later.
00:30:23
Iain
Thank you.