The Debrief: De Zerbi joins Spurs & Japan beat England
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Manager appointment
Roberto De Zerbi has been appointed as head coach at Tottenham on a five-year deal, and the most pertinent piece of information is that there isn't a relegation release clause.
I think it's a good appointment for Tottenham. He's a manager who doesn't care what people think. He's his own man. He's always delivered under pressure.
Controversy/Fan reaction
My issue with Roberto De Zerbi is that he has shown his character very clearly over the years, but specifically with his treatment of Mason Greenwood. I don't want him anywhere near my football club.
International football
The first Asian side to beat England, a deserved win too. They carried the greater threat. England struggled to break them down.
Player form/Squad selection
It's not only Harry Kane who's missing, but of course Harry Kane is missing. The question is, what is Tottenham without Harry Kane? What is Bayern Munich without Harry Kane? It's just reality.
Tactical analysis
If there is a manager that could take football to the next level, that's De Zerbi. It's just that he has to have the right context, the right environment, and the right people that understand what he's trying to do.
World Cup 2026 preparation
It's not a send-off, come on. There are like 100 matches to be played now. It's March, it's not a send-off, but of course we're disappointed.
We know how good we are. We know how good we can be. We believe we can challenge any team in the world. This game isn't going to define us.
England squad
I wouldn't say I'm a natural captain. I'd say I think others maybe see that in me more than I see that in myself, but I'd happily take the responsibility.
Scotland international form
The goal comes from us just being in a new system, committing too many bodies in the box, we get caught away with a counter-attack, which can't really happen.
