England’s World Cup campaign could hardly have started better: four goals, a statement win over Croatia and a wave of optimism around Thomas Tuchel’s team. But with the emotions settling, Ali and George put the performance under the microscope.
How worried should England fans be about the two goals conceded? Did the defensive unit show genuine vulnerabilities? Is Jordan Pickford’s performance a concern?
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On The England Pod we’ll talk about The England Men’s Seniors, Our U21s, The Lionesses, Other Young Lions, Thomas Tuchel, Lee Carsley, Sarina Wiegman, Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, John Stones, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, the World Cup, European Championships, Nations League and much more.
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The big question. Lets say England play really well, but still knocked out QF. Is that really progress? Are we all happy to say "its ok as we played with identity"? Many are saying that, but im not sure its gonna fly.
I totally support Tuchels approach, but progress is on results only.
Playing pretty and losing? Sorry guys, but nah.
I get the idea of taking pressure off players "if we lose, lose in our way".
But overall, losing pretty aint good. Euro 96, we lost pretty. Felt awful, same as 98.
We have to adapt game by game. Cant always go front foot all game against France, may need periods of slowing things down.
But in Southgates defence he still had a plan, but it was just a different plan that was more ugly!
But it worked to a very large extent.
Time will tell if Tuchels play pretty plan will advance us deeper in tournaments
I was not impressed. Mediocre opposition, loads of missed chances, terrible defending, weak in possession of the ball. We cannot dictate the pace of a game and in the blistering heat, that ability is vital.
Could do a top 10 power ranking
It’s about small moments. It should be about pragmatically getting to the semis, with a rotated rested squad. Then in the big moments against the best teams managing the games better.
Every team in the World Cup has strengths and weaknesses just try and enjoy till we get knocked out
Absolutely love the pod, proper in depth discussions really enjoyable
Rice did give the ball away a couple of times before he came off..
Too many social charlys about🤣
Konsa and Guehi was the pairing for much of qualifying, including the 5-0 win over Serbia.
Tuchel is trying to be too clever here.
The defence wasn't the problem in the first half. It was lack of protection. That improved massively second half
Anyone who doesn't like Kane dropping deep hasn't been watching Bayern
My problem with the CB partnership was in our build up, Stones looked so clunky playing on the left side with a very dominant right foot. As soon as Guehi came on he looked so much more comfortable progressing the ball with his left foot down the line amd out wide. It felt like Stones was having to position his body away from the ball to ping every pass on his stronger foot. I am aware Stones is an excellent player and there's probably a more nuanced tactical reason for this style than I am able to understand. I was sat watching it thinking I'd rather see Big Dan Burn there using his left foot 🤣 either way, its coming home.
By far the most detailed and enjoyable England pod.
IMO it went unnoticed but O'reilly made a lot of small errors in buildup and Stones Konsa and RJ really didn't make many notable progressions of the ball. This has made me worried for a good pressing side.
Rice is almost untouchable? I dont agree. Ho often goes missing in midfield against better teams.
Pickford's distribution is shockingly bad and a much bigger issue than his saving ability. His long balls never connect with an England player and he looks panicked when playing it short.
To Traitors Gate with the both of you! No, not really! I think that you guys get it bang on. First, luxuriate in, celebrate and enjoy the win, joy, positives and improvements; rather than being like those miserable buggers that are never happy or appreciative of anything England. Then, the next day, look, soberly!, at where we can improve. Simples.
Whereas Kane is unleashed by Tuchel, are Stones and Pickford struggling with the new impetus for quick progression? I personally think they are both worth keeping as when the midfielders and full backs figure out what they’re doing, Stones and Pickford will be fine.
George haha I didn't realise there was only 46 either but could you do it visually again or put it in writing somewhere? Hard to ingest when 46(8) teams are read out loud
Great analysis, insightful and entertaining as always. These discussions are important because no matter how well we perform, there's always room for improvement.
All discussions of centre backs seem to ignore Dan Burn. If we need the physical old school centre back, has he not been picked for that? As well as cover at left back.
Not saying he is the solution. But he wasn't mentioned at that point in the discussion.
I have England as favourites to go all the way. However, I have an issue with the manager leaving Harry Maguire and Lewis Hall behind. Issues aerially and weakness in the left back position when Hall is at home is worrying
Will have a listen mates **
National Team Champions in Europe in the current squad: Quansah, Anderson, Trafford, Gordon, Madueke – miss anyone?
Tuchel watched in 2025, not sure if in 2023.
Guardiola kepy picking Guehi over Stones at the backend of last season, despite Stones being available. O'Reilly looked fine next to him almost every match (even though he's clearly not an elite defender). The Premier is a much higher level than the World Cup, so why on Earth would we play the inferior player (Stones) ahead of his superior club-mate? Not only that, why muck up the cohesion of a duo who play next to each other, week in, week out? Absolutely bizarre. And I say this as a Tuchel fan.
Simple rule for Kane that Tuchel should firmly impose: drop into the middle third as much as you like, NEVER drop into the defensive third (except for corners).
I like this format of discussion. You guys are great – and you always put so-called pro journalists to shame with your excellent press conference questions.