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I have a number of issues with how Southgate handled the game on Sunday, but he is catching a lot of crap over his comment that he had selected the order before the game. I am hearing a lot of commentary that this is the wrong way to do it, that you have to look at the players who seem ready for the moment, etc..
While it may be true, I think it is just as likely that Southgate is taking the blame on himself rather than do a "so and so didn't step up" or other issues that may have influenced the takers or the order. Clearly the 2 120 minute subs were there to take pens, but otherwise I am not going to simply take Southgate's words at face value. Part of a coach's job, IMO, is taking that sort of blame rather than throwing players under the bus.
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