yeah southgate lost that one. got the tactics and subs all wrong.
wasn't sure what he was trying to accomplish with that 343 when i first saw the lineup, but then it became evident throughout the entire game. despite the early goal italy were in the driver's seat the entire match save for the last few minutes of the 2nd extra period
bringing on rashford and sancho for literally one minute to have them kick PKs? they were going to be cold, it was so obvious they'd be missing. the PKs were literally their first touches of the game
also, did he choose all 5 PK takers? why is saka taking the last pen? why aren't vets like sterling or grealish wrestling the ball away from him?
this is/was a very talented english team and they were in the final. the time is now. they should have won this game. fair play to mancini and the italian team
A couple thoughts, especially in light of what I think is very good analysis;
What Mancini has been able to do, both in rebuilding the confidence and pride in a national team that was thoroughly eviscerated (and rightfully so) for not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, as well as getting a national team to buy in and play with cohesion, is nothing short of remarkable. A tremendous coaching job, (especially relatively speaking when you consider the talent at his disposal as opposed to a Belgium or France) for a guy who's coaching career was considered finished after Zenit. Very happy for the guys like Chiellini and Bonucci who weren't around for 06 and saw their generation (aside from a flukey Euro final in 12 in which they got shitstomped anyway) be marked by historic failure.
As much as I do think there were other teams with more talent though, some tried to paint the Italians as being bereft of any sort of skill which is a load of bullshit when you consider that the country just shits out generational goaltenders. Donnarumma is a stud.
Southgate almost seemed paralyzed by his options, and as you said made subs based on PK's entirely too late when you consider Rashford and Sancho were coming on stone cold.
Having said that, the Three Lions are so set up for success next year, they really do have a squad that has a massive amount of youth and talent with minimal weak links. I was so impressed with Pickford's performance throughout, he played his derriere off.
What a fun appetizer this tournament was for next years (ugh how freaking stupid) winter World Cup.
