Saudi politics aside, former Liverpool captain is not the right man to combine best with Rice and Bellingham
There was more fraternal vagueness from Joe Cole on Channel 4’s coverage. Absurdly Cole also began by talking, with a knowing shrug, about Saudi trade before pivoting weirdly straight into “I’m not educated on geo-politics” . Jill Scott was much braver, restricting herself to a single incontestable point. Scott has always admired Henderson. But as a woman she’s now not allowed to go and watch him play. Perhaps this is something we should simply respect.But this isn’t about all that.
Perhaps the worst part of Southgate’s set-up was that it involved shifting Bellingham out to the left. He did OK out there, because he’s a very good player. But this isn’t the role that shows the best of him. And perhaps, who knows, Real Madrid’s outstanding attacking midfielder deserves a little better than this, better than making do to accommodate a 33 year-old managerial favourite from the Saudi Pro League.
There is information to be decoded from this performance. Perhaps Scotland in Glasgow will see a little more enterprise, a little more in the way of playing to those central strengths. Loyalty and consistency are admirable qualities, but Southgate also has a duty to the talent in his care.
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