2019 UEFA European Under 19 Championship

Hard one to fathom really. Not in a bad way but it’s 6 defenders, 2 midfielders, 2 strikers...

If I guessing, I’d suspect they’re still playing some form of 4-3-3 / 4-5-1 given the edict from above.

Maybe shifting Kavanagh out wide and O’Connor, Hodge and maybe James in midfield.

Think it speaks of a lack of faith in the wide players in the squad: Festy and Everett both did well at 17s but Ebosele’s cameo appearances for the 19s in March understandably were a little less encouraging while Wright did fine but wasn’t a standout from that squad

Could also throw Lyons or another fullback out wide maybe (about to board a flight from abroad, so missing what’s going on)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olé Olé

Only thing is, didn't Kenny say that the underage teams have to play a variation on 4-3-3?

If that's the case then I can't make head nor tail of the team. It does look like there are only two forwards. Although didn't Lee O'Connor play as a wide forward before? Could be him or Kavanagh up there on the left. But then I don't know who plays midfield with Hodge and O'Connor/Kavanagh. I'm lost here.

There's definitely a lot of height at centre back if it's McGuinness and McEntee there.

---

Yes hard to know. Wright suspended and ebosele and brennan out sick. The sickness thing is worrying for the rest of the squad . Q

That would explain a lot regarding Wright and Ebosele...

On the Norwegian side, Eddie Tagseth is a player. Had some bad injuries over the past 18 months but if truly healthy he’s a future star...

A goal down on eight minutes (for those with no access to TV)

it's on the RTE Player

Frustrating first half. Norway are nothing special but we look really underpowered in midfield. Everything feels a bit flat from an Irish point of view. Don't want to be too critical in the circumstances but our left back looks lost out there. A real shame after the great qualifying campaign.

Very limited options wide with ebosele and Wright not available today. Maybe grant off bench to let ledwidge go left full instead of James ledwidge really a fish out of water left side of a three front line

Some strike from Hodge.

A draw was an OK result given we were behind for most of the game, but Norway were poor and had we had a full deck we would probably have beaten them comfortably.

If we had even managed to get a couple more of our better midfielders into the squad, say Knight and Bolger, it would have made a huge difference to our prospects in this tournament.

I know Reghba didn't feature much for Bohs this season so I wasn't sure what to expect. Looks a player.

Please oh please, Joe Hodge, stay with us.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Eirambler

A draw was an OK result given we were behind for most of the game, but Norway were poor and had we had a full deck we would probably have beaten them comfortably.

If we had even managed to get a couple more of our better midfielders into the squad, say Knight and Bolger, it would have made a huge difference to our prospects in this tournament.

---

Norway didn't have 4 players that went to the 20s world cup so certainly not their best side either.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olé Olé

I know Reghba didn't feature much for Bohs this season so I wasn't sure what to expect. Looks a player.

Please oh please, Joe Hodge, stay with us.

---

Hodge was outstanding. Hopefully he is promoted to 21s this season

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by liamoo11

Hodge was outstanding. Hopefully he is promoted to 21s this season

---

I would be surprised if he wasn't, on the basis of this showing and on the basis of Kenny's comments on Dunphy's podcast. He will be 17 in September and Kenny called Parrott up at that age.

We're probably going to have a real battle on our hands to keep Hodge. Standing out at under 19 level as a 16 year old is some going. Hard to know if calling him up to the 21s makes him more likely to stick with us or just advertises the rate of his progression to the English.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Eirambler

We're probably going to have a real battle on our hands to keep Hodge. Standing out at under 19 level as a 16 year old is some going. Hard to know if calling him up to the 21s makes him more likely to stick with us or just advertises the rate of his progression to the English.

---

They'll have heard about or seen this performance. I think we may as well keep moving him up until things reach a head. We played the long game with Rice and Grealish and England were always aware of the latter.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olé Olé

They'll have heard about or seen this performance. I think we may as well keep moving him up until things reach a head. We played the long game with Rice and Grealish and England were always aware of the latter.

---

He has been part of their set up for 3 years and plays for man city he is not under the radar. The first time he had to make a decision on his allegiance was less than 4 months ago when he could have played in englands qualifiers for the 17s euros and committed to them but didn't despite been first choice in all their pre Christmas teams and squads. Where is the logic to say he would want to switch?

France beat the Czech Republic 3-0 to underline their credentials as favourites. We face them on Thursday evening, while Norway play the Czechs

Saw bits and pieces of the first half and saw the second half there. Plenty of positives overall.

Hodge was excellent. Clearly good enough and great experience for him.

Afolabi imposed himself physically on some big and strong opponents. Really think he’s ready for men’s football now. Reghba also was excellent. Their willingness to drive at players at take people on can’t be underestimated.

I think you’ve got a back four that will work in Lyons McGuinness McEntee Ledwidge. There were a few mistakes but considering it’s a 4 that haven’t played together before, that’s understandable.

Lee O’Connor is clearly not playing in his best position but you couldn’t fault his performance. Shame that Conor Coventry isn’t there, considering he didn’t make the West Ham tour. Shame that Lampard left Derby as he was prepared to let Knight play. Shame that Bolger’s move went through before the tournament and shame that Connell signed for Celtic before the tournament rather than after. You feel it’s the one area where we’re really piecing things together.

Jack James really struggled. Until we made the chance there was really nothing going forward with him and Ledwidge and they were vulnerable defensively too.

Kavanagh didn’t do himself justice. We’ve all had games where you’re trying that right thing at it doesn’t come off time and time again, but ireland will need his performance to improve from here on out.

Very minor but despite having a good game, Maher’s distribution was uncharacteristically poor. Could have been nerves.

Everett did pretty well. Give his current physical condition, I still think he’s better suited to coming off the bench when defenders are tired but he equipped himself as well as anyone could have hoped.

If I was Mohan, I’d probably bring Wright in for James and otherwise leave it all unchanged. Although given it’s France, I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes a more defensive decision

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by liamoo11

Why is that Charles? England were in it last year and they ended up with lots of lads not been available

---

Sorry, obviously a few days late, but the FAI control Irish clubs. You can't stop a player travelling unless the FAI/the manager decides you need them.

Is this France game available to watch online?

Should be on the RTE Player

Thank you

Armenia beaten 4-0 by Italy and are already out of the running for the semi finals. 1-1 between Spain and Portugal.

Starting XI announced

Norway - Czech Republic finished 0-0, with the report saying Norway were the better team.
Pichal picked up his second booking in two games, so is suspended for the game against Ireland on Sunday.

O'Connor, Afolabi and Hodge are carrying yellows from the first game

From what I'm seeing of Afolabi so far, I think he will have a long career for us as a number 9. Excellent control and varied movement short, deep, narrow and wide. Turn of pace and willing to take men on.

1-0 France, goal was coming and deserved

Would expect France to play a weakened team vs Norway, giving Norway a good chance to win and go through, regardless of Ireland beating Czech Rep or not

Felt the five subs rule done us there, the French had plenty of quality to bring in off the bench, we didn't with all the missing players. You could see our defence tiring a bit in the 10 minutes leading up to the goal. Need to try and beat the Czechs now and hope for the best. A draw might even do if France beat Norway by a couple. Worry is France can rest a few now after the two wins.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Olé Olé

From what I'm seeing of Afolabi so far, I think he will have a long career for us as a number 9. Excellent control and varied movement short, deep, narrow and wide. Turn of pace and willing to take men on.

---

Agree, he has been the main positive from this tournament. He should be able to take his pick of a number of clubs for next season. He looks ready for first team football, hopefully he will get the chance. Hodge was good first game, average today. Kind of player who could disappear once he’s up against men, unless he increases his physical stature. Reminds me of Willo Flood, but different type of player. I wouldn’t be overly excited by him at this stage, let’s see where he is in 2 years time

https://youtu.be/nKPciAEoxOE
Interview with Joe Hodge. He seems happy he's with us. Skip to 3:20.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tommy_c12000

Agree, he has been the main positive from this tournament. He should be able to take his pick of a number of clubs for next season. He looks ready for first team football, hopefully he will get the chance. Hodge was good first game, average today. Kind of player who could disappear once he’s up against men, unless he increases his physical stature. Reminds me of Willo Flood, but different type of player. I wouldn’t be overly excited by him at this stage, let’s see where he is in 2 years time

---

Willo flood was a bag of energy and bustle but his technique never seemed top level. Hodge reminds me Stephen Ireland when he was breaking through with that ability to take the ball under pressure or on the half turn and find a pass.

Hopefully city move him out to holland next summer to progress him along. He could do with a bit of a late growth spurt alright but that engine and burst of acceleration combined with that technique and game awareness is a lovely combination.

One thing I find amazing watching him is when we lose the ball he manages to change into a defensive stance and move into a defensive position earlier than anyone. He seems to see where we are over-loaded, split that and then squat into a position.

Have heard plenty of negativity around about these lads. But overall, you’d be pretty encouraged I feel. We’re playing against the best teams in Europe and I can’t imagine anyone has as many withdrawals as we’ve had. The fact that probably 18 of our preferred 20 ply their trade outside Ireland leaves us at a unique disadvantage when a tournament is played outside a FIFA window. Clubs are far more receptive to requests from their home FAs and if those lads were being called up for England, I’d say half of them would be allowed to play. The fact Conor Coventry wasn’t released by West Ham is a disgrace considering he didn’t make their preseason squad. In the tournament, there are 5 2002 born players, 4 of them are playing for Ireland. And when 2000 and 2001 are exceptional years for young Irish players, it speaks volumes. Using just lads who weren’t involved in the tournament for whatever reason, you could create a side like this:


Bazunu


Gaston, Collins, Sobawele, Connell


Bolger Coventry


Obafemi Parrott Connolly


Idah


And that’s leaving out the likes of Knight, Smallbone, Okoflex, Johansson, Doherty, Ferry, Kilkenny.


As for the lads who are there: Afolabi has looked fantastic. For guys playing two age levels up, Hodge and Everett have done very well. McEntee has looked commanding. Lyons never seems to get beaten. Reghba is also a handful. He was up against a very good fullback and held his own. Maher made some great saves and clearly has potential. Lee O’Connor is doing an admirable job playing out of position.


None of these players are the finished product and at 16-19, you wouldn’t expect them to be. But across the board, there’s potential there. A win against the Czechs and they’re most likely through. Considering the circumstances, that’s a very respectable position to be in.

Afolabi can take his pick of clubs after this tournament. So impressive. Lovely goal to put ireland 1-0 up vs Czech. Still 0-0 in other game

Brilliant Afolabi, brilliant. Honestly not sure what he's missing. As I said for France game, the man can come short or long. Has beautiful control. Is very strong and fast. And can finish.

I think a great outcome from this tournament would be if he signed up with a good German side.

Goal for Czechs. 1-1. We still go through once we don't lose and Norway don't win. Our goal difference is superior to both of these.

Hopefully it won't go to that. 2-1 to us. Barry Coffey. We are now 2 points ahead of Norway.

O'Connor and Afolabi out of next round with yellows anyway I think. Makes life very, very difficult.