Football Weekly analyzes England’s uninspiring World Cup qualifier and Daniel Levy’s Spurs departure. The panel questions Tuchel’s England tactics after a labored win against Andorra, discusses Levy’s Tottenham legacy, and reviews other international results and lower league action.
Max Rushden, alongside Barry Glendenning, Dan Bardell, and Ali Maxwell, dissects the latest happenings in the world of football, focusing on England's underwhelming World Cup qualifying performance and the departure of Daniel Levy from Tottenham Hotspur. The panel provides insightful analysis and lively discussion in this week's Football Weekly podcast.
England's recent World Cup qualifier against Andorra saw Thomas Tuchel's side struggle to break down a stubborn low block defense. The familiar pattern of England laboring against defensively organized opponents raises questions about the team's tactical flexibility and attacking creativity. The panel debates whether this has become an unavoidable characteristic of England's play under Tuchel and how long fans should realistically wait for the team to demonstrate significant improvement.
The podcast delves into the specific challenges England faced against Andorra, examining the team's inability to create clear-cut chances and the lack of dynamism in their attacking movements. The discussion explores potential solutions, including tactical adjustments, personnel changes, and the development of a more proactive and adaptable approach to breaking down deep-lying defenses. They ask if Tuchel’s tactics and player selection are really the best way forward for the three lions or is it time for a change.
Beyond England's struggles, the panel examines other World Cup qualifying results, including the Republic of Ireland's impressive comeback victory against Hungary, Northern Ireland's narrow win over Luxembourg and close game to Germany, Wales' triumph in Kazakhstan, and Scotland's commendable draw in Denmark. These results highlight the unpredictable nature of international football and the varying fortunes of different nations as they strive to secure a place in the upcoming World Cup.
A major talking point is Daniel Levy's departure from Tottenham Hotspur, marking the end of an era for the North London club. The panel analyzes the implications of Levy's exit, considering whether it represents a positive or negative development for Spurs. The discussion explores Levy's legacy, his contributions to the club's growth, and the potential impact of new leadership on Tottenham's strategic direction and future success. They question what this means for the future, especially when it comes to Spurs transfer dealings in the future.
In League Two, the podcast spotlights Oldham Athletic's Mellons Sr and Jr, who orchestrated a victory over Cambridge United. This segment provides a glimpse into the lower leagues of English football, showcasing the stories and personalities that often go unnoticed in the shadow of the Premier League. The panel also addresses listener questions, offering their perspectives on a range of football-related topics.
The podcast episode concludes with a reminder about the upcoming Football Weekly LIVE event in September, encouraging listeners to attend and experience the show in person. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to support The Guardian's journalism.
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