Other Games - 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Edition (+ warm-up matches): Villa-watch

[Dogtanian]

https://xcancel.com/bbcmotd/status/2076112814003892247?s=46

That’s massively disrespectful from Bellingham. The conditions were the same for both teams. The manager said the didn’t do enough in equal playing conditions. Nothing controversial and a fair assessment.

He should use his brain.

[Mister E]

When we have a problem with either Anderson or Rice, there's no obvious alternative - I've thought all along that Wharton and Scott should have been there as cover. Also, the lack of minutes for Rogers is poor.
Last night, Kane playing 120 minutes is admirable but why did Watkins not come on to run the channels?! - seems like madness to me.

[Richard E]

This is the first time I have really seen much of Tuchel, and I really like the guy. Always honest and articulate in interviews, and actually tries to react in games when things aren’t working .

[brontebilly]

Kenny Cunningham has been talking bollocks all tournament on RTE, but now proving he's a wrong 'un by saying he doesn't like black pudding.

He's painful

[Monty]

I was happiest for Dan Burn, who with that towering headed clearance at the end that left the Norwegian lad supine and limp as surströmming on the turf avenged the sack of Lindisfarne and restored honour to Northumbria's one true ruler, St. Cuthbert.

[Dogtanian]

I was happiest for Dan Burn, who with that towering headed clearance at the end that left the Norwegian lad supine and limp as surströmming on the turf avenged the sack of Lindisfarne and restored honour to Northumbria's one true ruler, St. Cuthbert.

You know what? That’s exactly what went through my head at the time!

[LeeB]

I was happiest for Dan Burn, who with that towering headed clearance at the end that left the Norwegian lad supine and limp as surströmming on the turf avenged the sack of Lindisfarne and restored honour to Northumbria's one true ruler, St. Cuthbert.

I'm fully down with the Dan Burn situation, he's carrying out his specific role with aplomb, and he's very much not Harry Maguire. It's great.

[SteveN]

When we have a problem with either Anderson or Rice, there's no obvious alternative - I've thought all along that Wharton and Scott should have been there as cover. Also, the lack of minutes for Rogers is poor.
Last night, Kane playing 120 minutes is admirable but why did Watkins not come on to run the channels?! - seems like madness to me.

What was the point of taking Mainoo over Scott or Wharton?  If he wasn’t going to come on and replace Rice like for like there doesn’t appear to be any reason to have taken him.

[ChicagoLion]

I was happiest for Dan Burn, who with that towering headed clearance at the end that left the Norwegian lad supine and limp as surströmming on the turf avenged the sack of Lindisfarne and restored honour to Northumbria's one true ruler, St. Cuthbert.

And we should all walk St Cuthbert's way in homage.

[Ian.]

ITV doing their utmost to spin a narrative that all is not well in camp. Why can’t they just enjoy the win and look forward to us beating Argentina?

[Monty]

ITV doing their utmost to spin a narrative that all is not well in camp. Why can’t they just enjoy the win and look forward to us beating Argentina?

It would rather help if Bellingham (and Tuchel, to be honest) would do the same! I appreciate Richard saying he likes how Tuchel speaks his mind, but I'm mindful of how Unai virtually never criticises the players in public, even after one of those strange days where the players look like they've never met. And Bellingham, for sure, should not respond publicly either. None of it looks big or clever.

[Sexual Ealing]

I quite like that bit of needle between them (caveat: I have no interest in England doing well). I don't think it's a portent of doom.

[Ian.]

ITV doing their utmost to spin a narrative that all is not well in camp. Why can’t they just enjoy the win and look forward to us beating Argentina?

It would rather help if Bellingham (and Tuchel, to be honest) would do the same! I appreciate Richard saying he likes how Tuchel speaks his mind, but I'm mindful of how Unai virtually never criticises the players in public, even after one of those strange days where the players look like they've never met. And Bellingham, for sure, should not respond publicly either. None of it looks big or clever.

Well there’s only one Emery.

I’d rather the reporter question the manager (who I do like) about his first two substitutions, which were completely wrong and really messed up our shape. I’m sure that was the main reason we played so poorly for large parts. Trying to twist a narrative is strange and typical out from our own press.

He did however he managed to tweak it towards the end with Spence completely changing the dynamics of that left hand side.

[brontebilly]

ITV doing their utmost to spin a narrative that all is not well in camp. Why can’t they just enjoy the win and look forward to us beating Argentina?

It would rather help if Bellingham (and Tuchel, to be honest) would do the same! I appreciate Richard saying he likes how Tuchel speaks his mind, but I'm mindful of how Unai virtually never criticises the players in public, even after one of those strange days where the players look like they've never met. And Bellingham, for sure, should not respond publicly either. None of it looks big or clever.

Well there’s only one Emery.

I’d rather the reporter question the manager (who I do like) about his first two substitutions, which were completely wrong and really messed up our shape. I’m sure that was the main reason we played so poorly for large parts. Trying to twist a narrative is strange and typical out from our own press.

He did however he managed to tweak it towards the end with Spence completely changing the dynamics of that left hand side.

That's exactly it. Reporter was a cheerleader, when Tuchel was going on about the lack of cohesion and quality, it was the ideal time to hit him with why then did he move Bellingham out of a position in which he was thriving to one that surrendered all control in midfield. James into midfield, then James to right back. It was a complete mess. As you say one of his most controversial squad picks did have a big impact at left back.

Bellingham came across a twat too but he scored twice and bailed out Tuchel so...

[Chris Smith]

When we have a problem with either Anderson or Rice, there's no obvious alternative - I've thought all along that Wharton and Scott should have been there as cover. Also, the lack of minutes for Rogers is poor.
Last night, Kane playing 120 minutes is admirable but why did Watkins not come on to run the channels?! - seems like madness to me.

I’m sure Kane was kept on due to the strong possibility of it going to penalties.