A few thoughts about the defense and midfield.
1: In the World Cup we can only affford to leak maximum one goal a game as our attack is unlikely to be able to put two in the net at that level. 1-0 games, 0-0 and 1-1 games is where we will get results.
2: We will likely be playing just as speedy and dynamic forwards in the World Cup and players at a much higher level so we need a game plan and structure to combat that. There was a hugh gap beteeen midfield and defense in the centre of the park, which needs to be filled quickly as you can’t afford for players to run at pace and have space in that area of the park.
3: injuries permitting we need to get our best defenders and midfielders starting on the park. That is Libby, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Marko, Bell, Thomas and Singh.
That is a total of 8 players.
2 up front (Wood and likely Just) and the keeper.
4: How that happens is based upon the structure. It may be three at the back, with Libby and Thomas playing wing back. I think Thomas has both the pace and engine for that role. If he can only maintain it for 60 that’s fine, we just sub. I would also like to see Garbett as back up in that role as once again I think he has the skill set for it.
It may be a back four with Bindon at right back, but all these players need to get on the park and the structure developed very quickly. There is still plenty of time and games to bed it in.
1: In the World Cup we can only affford to leak maximum one goal a game as our attack is unlikely to be able to put two in the net at that level. 1-0 games, 0-0 and 1-1 games is where we will get results.
2: We will likely be playing just as speedy and dynamic forwards in the World Cup and players at a much higher level so we need a game plan and structure to combat that. There was a hugh gap beteeen midfield and defense in the centre of the park, which needs to be filled quickly as you can’t afford for players to run at pace and have space in that area of the park.
3: injuries permitting we need to get our best defenders and midfielders starting on the park. That is Libby, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Marko, Bell, Thomas and Singh.
That is a total of 8 players.
2 up front (Wood and likely Just) and the keeper.
4: How that happens is based upon the structure. It may be three at the back, with Libby and Thomas playing wing back. I think Thomas has both the pace and engine for that role. If he can only maintain it for 60 that’s fine, we just sub. I would also like to see Garbett as back up in that role as once again I think he has the skill set for it.
It may be a back four with Bindon at right back, but all these players need to get on the park and the structure developed very quickly. There is still plenty of time and games to bed it in.