World Cup: Southgate sees Everton’s snowmen melt at Burnley
If the Icelandic National Coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson was watching, he’d have really enjoyed the roles that both Gudmundsson and Sigurdsson played in the game, especially the latter.
Sigurdsson was central to Everton’s goal, turning defence into attack with a good tackle before playing a neat one-two with Walcott who delivered the cross for the Everton goal.
His substitution in the second half was probably the straw that broke the camel’s back of the Everton fans’ patience with Southgate’s predecessor, Sam Allardyce, who squirmed awkwardly in the post-match interview when questioned why he took off Everton’s best player and biggest goal threat.
Iceland have a difficult task in their group at the World Cup, with Argentina and Croatia in their group, whilst England have perhaps a chance to get some of those more inexperienced call ups like Jordan Pickford some tournament experience in a group which includes Panama and Tunisia.
Next: 100 things to see at the World Cup
@Popey1992 England manager Gareth Southgate set to select Nick Pope for friendlies next month, I hope Southgate makes the right decision as you fully deserve an England call up and World Cup selections excellent season https://t.co/a9rSnVBb6t pic.twitter.com/rZUFFSRG5t
— Chadwick Media (@GaryChadwick3) February 28, 2018
Next: Matchday 29 Saturday roundup
Pope could be Southgate’s Saving Grace
This game will have given Gareth Southgate a headache. After Butland’s costly error for Stoke, he’d have wanted to come here and watch Pickford give a match-winning performance. Instead, he presented errors of his own.
Southgate wanted one of them to show they could cruise into the team like a luxury yacht… instead he has to choose between a boat with holes in it or one with no engine.
Pope is the obvious alternative for me, but I think that Southgate will play it safe and go for experience. I hope he proves me wrong.