birdman

Fortunate result for Southgate but pleased for the team nonethess. Belgium were poor however their second goa was not offside, De Bruyne picking up an injury and they looked way off being best team in the world. We did play better second half but far from convincing for me. We capitalised but wont always get away playing like that. Sure Jack and Tyrone will be dissapointed and rightly so however their extra rest is good for Villa.

Jack's deflected goal against Liverpool was better

At least Jack carries the ball forward. At the moment our passing is sluggish with no movement.

This is going well then should be 2 nil down! Perhaps we'll see Jack and Mings at half time lol

I was being generous, albeit in theory only I think Jack will be on the bench tomorrow (if that knock he had bandaged up isn't an issue) but I won't mind that at all as he could come on, ideally make an impact and then we can watch Southgate squirm again!

Ive said similar before. I don't think Southgate liked the hype around Jack and that everyone was clamouring for him to be picked. Gareth thinks he's overrated, certainly for the system he plays. When Jack put in a very good showing on his debut I think Southgate was trying to downplay it for whatever reason. Maybe his pride took a little dent who knows. The reason for Villa fans raised eyebrows is because of the warmer comments he reserved for others. We shouldn't get hung up on it but theres clearly some mind games going on. Perhaps Southgate is actually trying to help Jack improve and push him even more because he can see the talent and potential. Perhaps other player personalities require more fluffy treatment?

Think we'd have to have a cracking season in order to keep him. European football? Same with Jack I suppose

I think you are bang on. Jack makes him nervous because he's unique and a small part of Southgates mind doesnt like the fact everyone hyped him, demanded he be in the squad and then went and put in a MOTM performance. I think possibly his pride took a little hit given his previous comments/silly criteria for Jack being picked for England. IF he genuinely has a personal issue with Jack I hope he is the bigger man and clears the air ASAP. He must realise what an amazing weapon he has to use when England inevitably struggle to break down better teams with his safe way of playing.

Of course he should be in the squad. I think every man and his dog now realise what he offers. As for Southgates end, your right. Seems to be acting like a plank and I dont find it particularly professional that he didnt praise Jack like he did the others.

Can only think it was something Jack did when playing U21 under Southgate? Whatever it was has caused a rather large chip on Gary's shoulder! He doesnt talk about him in the warm manner he does other players. A debut like that and most managers would be slightly more encouraging. May well be reading into it too much and should just be glad he was picked tonight I suppose.

My thoughts are that the people seem get wound up by him because he doesnt cover himself in tattoos like most players yet has this confident swagger about him. So they have to pick on silly little things to justify their hate when in fact they are secretly aroused To me he just seems clean cut, down to earth, quite old school in style and obviously a tremendous naturally gifted footballer.

I think Doug quietly went about his job very well. Probably didn't stand out as much as he was doing the unglamorous work of breaking up play which allowed Ross and Jack to push forward.

Yes, Matt was excellent tonight. Looked fully focused the whole game which is something I've criticised him for. Put a huge shift in so very well done.

Outstanding debut. That's everything we hoped and more. Strong box to box player and on the same wavelength as Jack from the off. Having that extra strength and legs in midfield will unleash Jack and means he won't have to drop too deep. Gives the team that balance we badly lacked.

He was definitely one of the better players however his decision making is woeful. We just needed one or two players to be really on it tonight and hungry to make a difference and basically no one stepped up to take that opportunity to impress. Very disappointing.

Wow mini meltdown happening here . He probably isnt match sharp yet but think the main problem is that he was dragged down a bit by the way we played. He's someone who wants to pass and move and there wasn't an awful lot going for him tonight. Not saying he was great but I wouldn't judge him based on this turgid affair!

I have slaughtered Southgate in the past, he really winds me up but I will cut him some slack now lol. I would hope Jack is in purely on merit however I'm sure Southgate knew he would get crucified if he dropped him given how poor England are creatively. Jack came on and provided more entertainment in 5 minutes than the rest of the games put together! It's what people want to see. Up until now England haven't a player who is comfortable to carry the ball. Hopefully he'll start one of the games.

I would love to see Carragher having to talk about a defeat to Villa They totally ignored our win last night! Sunday will be no joke though. I do like the fact we have given the top teams decent games of late only to concede stupid goals. We seem to be addressing that now though

Yes that's the Super John we know and love! He's back! It was just a case of fitness/match sharpness and confidence. Last night will do him good, showing the tenacity of old!

Thought Targett had a decent enough game last night however he still makes me very nervous. He looks nervous himself! The worst thing is his ball watching and he seems to struggle with concentration. I hope it's something the coaching staff are helping him with.

All this Jack went missing stuff is just nonsense really. It was a tough game all round and unfortunately he didnt see much of the ball as we were passing sideways or backwards when we did have the ball. We also missed Reinas distribution massively although I did agree with Nyland starting. Should have gone for the jugular but easier said then done to play without fear!

If Jack played for City he would have an absolute field day... we're talking Ferris Buellers Day Off levels of fun lol. But yeah Foden was decent yesterday.

Frustrating thing is his ball watching. Has happened many times this season and doesn't seem to learn. Maybe I'm being too simplistic but you track your man and get in his face, forget where the ball is. He's really good at going forward and passing or shooting but didn't see any of that yesterday.

He wasn't bad, just not great either. Seems to struggle to make an impact which is what the expectation is. To be fair the whole team were on the back foot most of the game playing with a bit too much fear at times.

Gary Neville wet himself over Guilbert pushing the ball into Sterlings chest lol Horrible listening to those two today!