I am concerned we are going to suffer a real drop off in player form post World Cup. That’s not based on tonight’s result but it certainly has solidified the thought in my mind.
Alexis Mac will be buzzing but his head won’t be in the domestic game for weeks.
Trossard had a really poor experience at the World Cup both in terms of game time and the team results. We know he drops off for weeks at a time and I worry he will now.
Likewise the Ecuadorians and the high of the tournament versus the low of the first round exit.
I think we will really struggle at Southampton; partly because of the above but partly because they only had two players on international duty and we had 8. I would expect them to be much more energetic and cohesive.
Finally I think tonight does emphasise the squad depth issue. We are definitely one or two short.
Would love to be wrong on all the above.
Alexis Mac will be buzzing but his head won’t be in the domestic game for weeks.
Trossard had a really poor experience at the World Cup both in terms of game time and the team results. We know he drops off for weeks at a time and I worry he will now.
Likewise the Ecuadorians and the high of the tournament versus the low of the first round exit.
I think we will really struggle at Southampton; partly because of the above but partly because they only had two players on international duty and we had 8. I would expect them to be much more energetic and cohesive.
Finally I think tonight does emphasise the squad depth issue. We are definitely one or two short.
Would love to be wrong on all the above.