17 Jul 2026 16:48:11
Just read that Tuchel has apparently said that it's in the English players DNA to bottle it.
I think Sally could be right about him losing the dressing room.
18 Jul 2026 09:52:53
Hi Bill, I think the England players themselves have developed the same fearful mentality that seemed to take hold within our own team after so many years without success.
England and Arsenal seem to have been on very similar journeys in recent years, after having spent so many years out of contention. Both teams suddenly found themselves back in the big time, competing at the highest level again, but also consistently coming up short at the business end of the season/tournament. I think the very same loss-aversion mentality that consumed our players, and caused them to automatically defend when they went ahead in games, has consumed the England team too.
I thought the England players themselves automatically sat back after they went ahead on Wednesday, just as they did in the Euro finals under Southgate, and both England managers, as with Arteta himself at times, simply made substitutions that suited the way the players themselves had collectively decided to play anyway.
Hopefully after finally getting over the line last season, our players will have overcome that loss-aversion mentality, and we will see them play without that heavy burden of fear next season. ? As for England, well, they still have to find a way of winning something first before they get the opportunity to move forward too.
{Ed025's Note - spot on that for me G62..
18 Jul 2026 15:35:29
Let's hope so, & let's hope we figure out corners can't save us also.