Rousseau

If that was the case, I'd expect a new signing. Bassey then might become the first-choice, but Middleton at LB just doesn't seem an option to me.

10 minutes played, and we've not scored yet. Gerrard out.

It suggests to me that Middleton is surplus to requirements. There's no way he's going to be a LB option, with Barisic and Bassey around. And, if he can't get his normal position (off the striker) in a friendly, he's not going to get it in a proper match. He'll be on his way, I think. Maybe another loan?

Middleton at LB? McGregor Tavernier - Goldson - Simpson - Middleton Davis - Lundstram Wright - Hagi - Roofe Defoe

That's an exciting game to look forward to. One of the greatest sides in the history of football... against Real Madrid. Superb.

It was never a penalty. England deserved to win, but I was gutted to see Denmark lose it to that dive.

Italy 2 - 1 England

Italy - England There was a 3rd place play-off for the last Euros, but there doesn't seem to be one for this tournament.

I've got a shot at the title. It's slim, but I've got a shot.

£30M, Rafa, mate.

I thought that was a superb game! Worthy of a final, to be honest.

Oof! No one had a draw, except Ted, who got the Correct score.

Oops! I missed that video piece... I agree, but they don't have to be built like Herman Munster, just be well proportioned. The Spain first team has Ferran Torres (21) and Pedri (18) at the moment, who are not big at all, but they are quite strong and able to compete physically. OK--The Spanish U21 side will run rings around us through their superior technical ability, but they are still appear to be more developed physically, even if they are smaller. (Of course, sample size will come into that too. ) If it is diet -- or at least, a large part of it is -- then I'd like to see our Academy being more stringent and hands-on with dietary requirements with our youngsters, from a young age.

I recall reading somewhere--though I forget where--that Scott Wright was put on a special training regime or diet when he signed to beef him up. Of course, there's natural body type, whereby individuals develop at different rates. However, the difference seems too common. Compare the English U21s to the Scottish U21s. The difference is staggering.

Are we all jumping on my Stephen Kelly bandwagon now? He is a good metronome, I think; good passer, controls the tempo, and is quite lively. He could be a really good player. He needs to get some porridge in him, though! On a serious note, why are our youngsters so small and slight? Compared to English youngsters, of the same age-range, our lads are tiny! Someone like Billy Gilmour compared to someone like Reece James is scary, or even Bukayo Saka, who looks like he's bulked up this summer. I'll always prefer technical over physicality, but they need to be able to cope at the higher level of the game.

That's a good signing. We are short in that area, even before a potential Kamara departure. He's a versatile, solid, box-to-box midfielder.

F*ck me, that was quick!

John Lundstram rumours resurfacing. I'd be delighted: versatile, box-to-box, tough, experienced--yet not old (27)--midfielder on a bosman.

Italy 2 - 1 Spain England 2 - 1 Denmark

Semi-Finals! Italy - Spain England - Denmark

The BEL-ITA game was superb! I'm gutted for Spinazzola -- he's been one of the most entertaining and effective players in the tournament.