birdman

Nobody puts baby in the corner

Was watching Hoddle videos the other day and thought his style was similar to Jack's. It's a shame Jack doesn't take more free kicks though as I'm sure he's capable. Perhaps there is a policy that if you're the one who gets fouled someone else takes the kick. Maybe he just prefers not too.

While I respect your opinion I think Hoddle has more in common with Jack than Hourihane!

My brothers both Gooners and they were not happy about his departure at all! I think they liked that he came to Villa... maybe not now though

What with all the comparisons to Gazza - which seems to butthurt many people - anyone else think he's also quite similar to Hoddle in style?

It will have to do I suppose.

We gave Luiz time therefore Wesley should be given a chance too as most of the team around him were woeful too. I remember Luiz was absolute gash for a number of game, not winning tackles and giving the ball away. Took him until after lockdown to come good. If he can't make a go of it them fair enough but shouldn't write the guy off just yet.

Let's face it, Southgate has made himself look like a right cockwomble with Grealish and is now only just starting to redeem himself. Whether that is forced or not who knows but hes been found out that's for sure. I hope he learns and improves as much as he expects the players to!

I do agree with this. When you put yourself in his shoes you have to grasp the opportunity no matter what. He want to score for England and you never know what's around the corner so live for the now!

Sorry didnt realise it had been confirmed! Eeek Oh god please don't get injured. That said if he puts in another MOTM performance will be an incredible start to his England career. Will have to watch from behind the sofa though

Firstly, the game is tomorrow and secondly, you don't know the starting line up yet! Hopefully Dean has been on the blower to find out what Southgates intentions are and to make sure hes not going to play 90 min!

FFS!

I think Tyrone had been solid for England. The jumping criticism is a bit silly as we dont know what their tactic or instruction were. In any case how many free kicks are actually headed away?! Walker stood out for me as being below par, normally very good but he struggled to pass last night. The whole team were laboured and sluggish but that's more down to how Southgate set them up. That's the biggest issue here.

Yes I do agree pace isn't the only issue. I was frustrated with "the dithering" as you put it and kept on shouting at the telly for them to move the ball quicker... and forwards preferably!

Such is Jack's ability and style its never really mattered the level of opponent he's up against. What is making a difference now is he's so much stronger and quicker and has the opposition scared before he's kicked a ball. That reputation is now growing exponentially. The next level for him is honing these skills and trying to be a bit more deadly in and around the box. Obviously he's not a striker so that's easier said than done but ramping up the goals really would put him into the highest echelons of football.

Belgium were solid and organised but nothing more. We should have got something from that. Jack aside, our transition play was too slow for my liking. As Carragher kept droning on about... we do need a bit more pace in the side.

Really makes many of these England players look very ordinary. Shame he's not manage an assist or a goal but not for lack of trying. Funny how people have taken the piss out of Villa with the "just give it to Jack" comments and now thata what the England players are doing!

I personally doubt there is a release clause. Its the kind of thing you need when your relationship with a club is very much different to the one Jack has with Villa. If the situation arises where his departure is fair for both club and player then the deal will be thrashed out. Let's hope that situation doesn't materialise any time soon or indeed ever!

Twitter rumours saying Sterling could be an injury doubt

Solid from Jack. I would say 6.5 out of 10 and still got MOTM. You can see how disciplined he was trying to stick to Southgates plan and for that reason I think he was limited compared to what we are used to. Very much sacrificed a bit of flair for the team game but as he becomes more confident with his England role he'll get even better. Linked up really well with Mount and Saka. Only played 60 minutes and there wasnt much intensity so good news for Villa. Guess he's going to play a part against Belgium though!

Positive COVID test for Brazil player Gabriel Menino. Doug might have to isolate as he's trained with him!

Southgates handling of Jack has been curious at best but generally quite petulant. Behind the scenes in camp I suspect they all get on and have a laugh about it all but he definitely has a chip on his shoulder with Villa which has emerged in various interviews. As a England manager he shouldn't allow himself to be dragged down to meme level and although I appreciate him trying to have a bit of banter, it seems tainted with a little bitterness. Just my take on it anyway. In a more positive note I think it has finally dawned on him that Jack can massively improve this England team. I just hope he's braver with future team selections. It would be shame to waste all the talent he has at his disposal!

I'm paraphrasing from The Telegraph article here but Southgate continues... "we're not blind to a good player" in Grealish and for this friendly he has found a solution. They will both play with Mount asked to fulfil "a slightly different role" in the centre of midfield where England remain short of options.

According to the article Jack and Mason will both start tonight. Unless I've interpreted it wrong!

It's actually a good article and states he's going to play Mount and Grealish together tomorrow night. Looking forward to it but please no injuries