England v. Switzerland Live!
It all starts on ESPN+ at 1:30pm this afternoon. Join me for all the fun, won't you?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 12:09 PM
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
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159 Comments:
Afternoon, boys - lunch has been dispatched and I'm settling in to enjoy this friendly match this afternoon.
The team news out of Wemberley today:
England: Pickford, Coady, Stones, Guehi, Walker-Peters, Gallagher, Henderson, Shaw, Foden, Kane, Mount.
Subs: Pope, Forster, Maguire, White, Mings, Grealish, Rice, Bellingham, Watkins, Sterling, Ward-Prowse, Mitchell.
Switzerland: Omlin, Rodriguez, Akanji, Frei, Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Steffen, Shaqiri, Vargas, Embolo.
Subs: von Ballmoos, Kobel, Mbabu, Elvedi, Okafor, Zuber, Sow, Lotomba, Comert, Gavranovic, Zeqiri, Aebischer.
Referee: Andreas Ekberg (Sweden).
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi and Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters make their senior England debuts. Guehi, who captained the under-21s in November, lines up alongside John Stones and Conor Coady in a back three. His club colleague Conor Gallagher makes his first start.
And of course the Swiss side has some familiar faces, including Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka and former Liverpool sparkplug Xherdan Shaqiri.
Wahay! The coverage has finally started on the Plus. Wembley in good form.
Should Harry Kane knock one in today, he’ll become the joint second all-time England record goalscorer. Two and he’ll have second place all to himself.
53: Wayne Rooney (120 caps)
49: Bobby Charlton (106)
48: Harry Kane (67), Gary Lineker (80)
44: Jimmy Greaves (57)
41: Michael Owen (89)
Teams in the tunnel now - great atmosphere in Wembley. HK leading the boys out.
Anthems now - most of the Swiss players don't seem to know the words.
Hiya Chaps! Stones out, White in!
Welcome, Steve - just in time for kickoff - come on, you England!
Yeah - good to see Ben White in the starting eleven tonight.
Not sure why we're playing in all blue today.
I wonder why they can't give us a 30-minute lead in. I miss that.
Scott Murray on the Guardian thinks that England wearing blue is trolling the Italians, who crashed out of the World Cup to North Macedonia the other night. I had a good old laugh over that one.
Idiotic that the Swiss are all-white. I get excited when a guy in white streaks away only to be reminded that it's the yodelers.
Foden found Kane well there but his approach was ponderous. I hope that he gets the record sorted before the World Cup so that it's not weighing on his mind. Six goals to get - should be doable with all of these friendlies coming up.
Any thoughts about the Mexico-US match from the other night? I was pleased with the point but we missed some mighty big chances to snatch it.
That's just simply rubbish that the World Cup holders get bounced by a zero-win Euros 3 and out merchants. WTF?
I didn't watch it but I have to assume that they took it casually as per the Azzurri way. They can only blame themselves.
Embolo left one on Gallagher there. Might have been a card.
Decent free kick in from Shaw but it's cleared out.
Yeah. I was left thinking that the US is desperately short on attacking and finishing quality. Tah-tah's Mexico is only better than Sven's Mexico and possibly that snake-hipped-cowboy-booted poser. We just needed Gio or Pulisic to be better and for more quality off the bench than More-ish. Lost points IMHO.
England's build up play is just a bit too slow at this point. I'd like to see them really get stuck into the Swiss backfour.
I totally agree - that Mexico side was there for the taking. It was my first chance looking at Pefok, who David told me plays for Grasshoppers. I told him that I thought that he could Pefok-off back to Switzerland. Not impressed.
Sad news about Taylor Hawkins, eh? 50 isn't much of an innings. Wonder what happened?
Whenever I see Conor Gallagher, I'm reminded that we were close to snatching him on loan this season. He would have been a really nice addition.
It's all a bit ponderous so far.
I know Pefok suffered from lack of service. He's a pure finishing forward. Pepi too. Neither of them however did a single bloody. thing. Did either have a shot on goal or even wide of goal. We missed McKennie who would have offered a big of a platform or deep runs into the box. We keep on thinking that there is a winning squad there, but it's maybe 6, 5 or more decent club servants at best, and several more filling out the team sheet that really are flattered by a 90 minute trot in that awful Rorschach test blue and red kit.
It seems that the Swiss are happy to allow England to knock it about in safe areas with the hope of hitting us on the break.
Oh - Pickers with a good save from Xhaka!
And now they have taken the lead!
Embolo allowed to sneak in at the backpost and nod home. Disgraceful.
That's been coming. I'm afraid that was my boy Ben's nab that got beat by Embolo.
VAR check on it now.
Swiss going forward again - Shaqiri unleashes one and it's deflected out for a corner.
Oh - now it's Frei with one off the bar!
England look really unnerved by that goal and the Swiss are going in for the kill.
Oooh. Pickers with a very lucky save that keeps the score at only 1-down.
Ben really should have done better than watching Embolo drift in with a header. Maybe unnerved by the occasion.
Wittmer is done after Foden whacked him on the Achilles. Might have to come off. England fans not pleased by his display.
It can't be easy to be drafted in at the eleventh hour to play.
Foden kicks that #3 to pieces. But he's up now. Foden can be a naughty little scheme-ie
Switzerland stroke it around. At the moment, they’re in control of this. England have achieved nothing since going behind.
Oh - that should have been the equalizer! Nice interplay there between Gallagher and Foden and Walker-Peters struck the post.
Widmer might have to come off after all. Yeah - it's the familiar character of Mbabu who played at Newcastle replacing him.
I didn't realize that Shaqiri was at the Fire. Good pick up for them.
You're right. Widmar can't carry on after that nasty kick in the Achilles and it's Mbubu on.
Deep-dish Shaqiri having too much of his own time for my tastes.
Pickers saved our bacon twice again.
Oh - the corner is allowed to strike the post and then Pickers saves well from Rodriguez. And Embolo misses from the rebound. Phew!
True - if you give Shaqiri space, he's got the touch to kill you.
Walker-Peters had a chance to cross but only found the Swiss keeper.
Ben White isn't enjoying his afternoon tussling with Embolo.
Ben might be suffering in a back 3 that he's unused to playing. He has Gabs next to him in tandem most of the time.
I'm not sure why we need five across the back against a side like Switzerland. Hopefully there will be a reshuffle at half time.
GOAL! From nothing, Gallagher picks a pocket and lays one across for Shaw to run onto and fire home!
1-1!
Shaw belts in the equalizer. What a hit. I thought that when Gallagher misplayed his pass to Mount that it was over, but Shaw steps up to rifle it in. Game on.
Actually it was Walker-Peters with the key pick off and Gallagher squared it. Totally different team talk now.
Well, we're a bit fortunate to be at 1-1 going into the interval.
Nice to hear a bit of the Foos over the PA at half-time. RIP Taylor.
Im here mate
Haven't seen the goals yet
The teams are back out for the second half.
That is his second goal.... the other one in the Final.... KARMA ITALY
Good Afternoon. everyone. Here to join you for the second half which is underway
No further changes from the sides at the interval and we're away again.
Welcome, boys - hope you can bring England some good fortune. We've been second best.
That Shaw was a stroke of good timing.
Thanks, Bob. Will try to bring good fortune for the Three lions
England have a free kick chance now out wide right.
Wonder if this Friendly is friendly . Not always the case nowadays. Was the first half friendly?
Shaw wins England a corner now. Come on!
Connor Gallkgher deserves his call up, IMHO? Any chance of him starting for Chelsea once his loan ends? I'm guessing slim at best
Mbabu Shaw does block a pass for a Three Lions corner
Swiss counter off the corner then Gllagher wins the ball back,.
Late flag....does anyone like that rule except the governing board!!
If Chelsea doesn't want Connor Gallagher I sure wouldn't't mind him at OT
Kane almost in... maybe should have cut it back
Oh - nice ball through from Gallagher but Kane was again uncharacteristically passive in attacking the ball.
I hate that rule . Have yet to meet a person who does
England almost in a the back post
Oh - from the corner, Guehi's header goes wide and Conor Coady nearly got to it.
I feel the same way about Gallagher. We just missed out on getting him on loan.
How's it going with Tom's apartment, Dave?
Declan Rice and Raheem Sterling appear to be warming up.
Just saw Shaw's goal on the ESPN website
Oh - the ball nearly fell to Kane there.
Shaw doesn't do that in United red!
Nice hit, wasn't it?
Wonder if Steve is Happy with Ben White. Bob, you must wish he was still with Leeds
Looks like as many as four England changes to come - Jack Grealish up as well.
I do - he was brilliant for us during our promotion season.
Normal stuff putting things together....always takes forever and harder than it seems
Switzerland bringing a load of players on as well.
Conor Gallagher trotting off - he's been England's best player. Shaw off as well.
What's with all these Crystal Palace players in the side. They're in the lower half!
Kate's response to Jack Grealish coming on - "Ewww." She's not a fan.
It's not the IKEA stuff, is it? That stuff gives me a headache.
Good for her...he's a Citizen
So this will be a totally different match now with all of these changes.
Gareth Southgate has used 100 different players - can you name them all?
Vargas, Steffen and Freuler are replaced by Sow, Zuber and Zeqiri.
Hi David. Very happy with Ben in tandem with Gabs which I think is a better situation for him. He's even good on the right as a fullback. But he doesn't look comfortable in a three here. I think the formation really played a part in Embolo getting free for their goal. I've seen Embolo many times now and never when he looked as comfortable as he looks today. The attention of two center backs would show him up for the second rate threat he poses.
Wish England were more exciting
The crowd seems a little bored
The socks and hair are enough for me on top of the City angle
Hiya Steve!
Haggerty F, Ferris, Noble, Codren, Crapper, Davis, Sullivan, O'Grady, Kembell, Hacker and Davitt,......
Come on England
Come on England
Come on England
First decent look from Kane. Header was straight at the keeper.
Kane with a header.... feet on the ground so he couldn't generate much power
Still my favorite Ripping Yarns episode.
I have no idea why Palace are so well represented. Not a fan.
Ben White has a go from distance - over the top.
Ben White with a shot....just over
Gallagher I can understand because he's transformed them as a side. But Guehi? And now Richards?
Maybe Gareth has the room to play some guys that the red-tops are promoting for the team to shut them up. I saw a flash or two from Gallagher, but Walker-Peters? Not so much.
Yeah, Guehi is basic and should be left alone to concentrate on his domestic career.
Great ball out to White...modern day cross!! DRIVES ME NUTSS
What's the guys name that plays in Italy?
Ben White wins us a corner.
Header at the back post...England want a pen for handball
Ref chatting.... I dont' think so
Tammy Abraham is at Roma. I assume he's a possibility for the squad.
VAR check now for a handball. This would be a cheap one for England but I'd take it.
He's going to the screen...most of the time they change their mind
Oh now - ref is going to have a look at the screen. Usually means he's going to change his mind.
It is given...penalty
And it is a penalty! A chance for Harry Kane to even it with Bobby Charlton now.
I'd be pissed if it were against England!
Kane to take...this will tie him with Sir Bobby Charlton!!
Come on, Harry!
Scores! #49!
Up comes Kane....GOAL.... hello Sir Bobby...room on your step?
Five short of Wazza now - as I was saying earlier, I hope that he'll pass the record before Qatar so it's not weighing on his mind. You know he wants it badly.
I'm sure that Sir Bobby will be gracious about that.
England are very fortunate to be 2-1 up here. But I don't mind.
Hoping that England can add to this now - they really haven't look very convincing.
Agreed. Very soft penalty. But it's in in England's favor so....
Very much so
Wonder why England have a very low total for a top scorer in their history
Ronaldo has like 115!!
In the aftermath of that goal, Jude Bellingham came on for Foden and Embolo and Shaqiri, who were so impressive in the first half, were replaced by Gavronovic and Aebischer.
Since when is Ben White a right winger!!!
I'm surprised by that, too. Kane's got a great strike record but some others don't really. Lineker only bagged 48 goals in 80 appearances. And why didn't he play for England more?
Not sure where Ben White is playing now after all of this reshuffling.
Why don't United buy Bellingham
Do you really rate him that highly? I haven't seen it - he just seems like a water carrier.
Better than Fred and McTom
We've used Ben there when both Cedric and Tomi are crocked. Holding comes in and Ben gets shoved out right.
I think I have WIFI on the computer , but not on the telly. Still 1-1? My phone is charging.
The Swiss had a chance to shoot...trying to be too cute!
Kane is coming off for Watkins
Ollie Watkins comes on for HK.
Oh - Omlin saves well from Watkins' header.
England with a header...saved....weird punch out
Four added minutes
Decent header by Coady but again...Keeper was showing off with punch
Actually it was a Conor Coady header.
Rice is such an upgrade on Henderson. I can't fathom leaving Rice out and starting Hendo any more.
England survive the Swiss' ,hopefully, last attack
England should have been well behind in the first half....gotta start better
They get a late late corner.... hope they take it like United!
The Swiss manager looks pretty pleased with himself. I suppose they've acquitted themselves well.
It is a United corner!!!
Useless delivery... ref blows for a foul and then full time!
England win!!
Totally agree with you about Declan Rice. I suppose that Gareth just wants to use these matches to look at players that are marginal to the squad. Hendo's the kind of player that managers usually include because of their versatility.
I'm off for walkies with Shad
COME ON ON DUKE....the REAL Blue Devils!
Well, England weren't good tonight but winning does become a habit. Maybe Gareth learned some things about the marginal squad players? On to the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
Enjoy the chat, guys - hope to join you for the USA v. Panama match tomorrow evening.
Wahey. England win. And possibly more important, a couple of aspirants chalked off. Worthy of further consideration are Coady, White, and Gallagher. Not enough quality from Guehi, Walker-Peters, Mitchell. On the fence, Watkins, and possibly White.
I won't be around for the USA vs Panama. I'm going to see the Sons of Kemit.
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