The Azzrentice 2019 - Task 4 - Magic 8 Ball Says...Outlook Good

The England men's national football team has reached new heights in the last 18 months, finishing fourth at the 2018 World Cup and reaching the Nations League finals this summer. Manager Gareth Southgate has ushered in a golden era for the team and its fans, introducing young players to his squad and casting aside old trusty favourites of previous regimes.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar promises to be one of the most difficult tournaments in the history of world football. Soaring temperatures, an expected lack of 'home' support, and challenging preparations will make the tournament the most demanding four weeks of the team's life. There is one element that can be controlled however - the squad that Southgate selects.

For this task, I want you to submit your 23-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Assume that the manager and coaching staff remain the same, and provide me with 5 reserve players to callup in case of injury.

I am looking for a finely balanced squad, one that can take into account the environment in which the team will be playing, as well as any tactical surprises you may wish to include. I expect to see reasons for inclusion, including why they have been selected over other potential callups.

There is one caveat however: I expect that at least six of the players you select were in the 2018 squad. The team requires consistency and leadership, which those players will surely provide.

Now, to teams:

Team Sterling: Trebs + Bam Bam
Team Unicorn: Nando + Dolph

Neither team will have a captain - you are both responsible for your submission, which I expect to be sent in by 1159 on Thursday 11 July 2019.

The losing team will see both players fired, and the winning team face each other in the Azzrentice 2019 Final. In that Final, you will be joined by former rivals in the process who will assist your bid to become my Azzrentice.

Cheers Azzy.
Bam - I've made a bit of a start on this and I'll PM you at lunchtime.

Please see Team Sterling's submission for task 4.

In line with the requirements set out, the players carried over from the 2018 squad are as follows:

Jordan Pickford
Nick Pope
John Stones
Harry Maguire
Jordan Henderson
Jesse Lingard
Dele Alli
Ruben Loftus Cheek
Harry Kane
Raheem Sterling
Marcus Rashford

11 players in total have been retained. We think this indicates an evolution of the squad, rather than a complete revolution. We've tried to focus on the areas we thought the team most lacked in 2018, and how to address that moving forwards.

We hope you enjoy reading and we look forward to hearing your comments.

Goalkeepers - 3:

Defenders - 7:

Midfielders - 7:

Forwards - 6:

reserve players:

THE LINEUP:

Ours shall be in before the 11.59 deadline assuming it's PM otherwise we are facked

That would be 23.59 

The clock's don't go to 23 Bam do they it goes to 12

See you in the final Bam

I can only blame Lord Azzy for his incompetence of setting an accurate deadline if we are deemed to be late.

As a business man he should know how to format time.

Team Unicorn's submission is 62 minutes late now. One would have to question the competency of a team that believes 1159 to be 2359, as for the deadline to be 2359 it would have to be written with 'pm' after it.

It doesn't have an AM or PM (your fault) and it is a 12 hour clock not 24. So we have several hours remaining factually.

If any of you live by a 24 hour clock you are absolute n0nce.

Factually, you are incorrect. There are 24 hours in a day, and my explicit instruction was to have your submissions handed in by 11 hours and 59 minutes of those 24 hours.

Task 1 deadline = 1200
Task 2 deadline = 1159
Task 3 deadline = 1159
Task 4 deadline = 1159

You managed to meet the deadline 12 hours early in each of the three previous tasks? Wonder if Trebs and Bammers are thinking, like me, that you've simply not started the task yet?

Azzy wrote:Factually, you are incorrect. There are 24 hours in a day, and my explicit instruction was to have your submissions handed in by 11 hours and 59 minutes of those 24 hours.

Task 1 deadline = 1200
Task 2 deadline = 1159
Task 3 deadline = 1159
Task 4 deadline = 1159

You managed to meet the deadline 12 hours early in each of the three previous tasks? Wonder if Trebs and Bammers are thinking, like me, that you've simply not started the task yet?

1) So why do we live with an 12 hour clock Azzy why not a 24 hour clock
2) I never posted our task summons on time mainly i didn't do it or cos none of my team did nothing so i copy and pasted it and didn't see the point of utilising the 12 hours
3) It's actually ready to post and has been since 11.59pm last night but i wanted to check with my TM that it was up to his grammar standards but being in Australia like the n0nce he is he's a pain to get ahold of 
4) if someone asks you the time in the afternoon id guarantee you'd say quarter to 4 not 15.45

Here's our Squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

We have gone for a side full of youth as we believe in the heat of Qatar that fitness will be a major impact on players and have players capable of playing a multitude of roles which is needed to cover potential injuries.

We feel that Gareth is aiming to bring this England team forward from its impressive performance in the 2018 World Cup.

It is also clear that this side wants to play on the ball, notably from the back, and the manager has been clear that players need to be comfortable and brave with the ball.

Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford - Everton - Age 28
Our no.1 since before the World Cup in 2018 and with excellent performances we see no reason to replace him as he's excellent with the ball at his feet and can save penalties.

Dean Henderson - Sheff Utd/Man Utd - 25
Currently no.1 at Sheff United and has been incredible for them with most clean sheets for the club and with David De Gea's future at United uncertain he'll be in the mix to replace him as a long term no.1

Angus Gunn - Southampton - 26
Has recently joined them on a permanent deal from Manchester City and is currently no.1 at Southampton and looks to be improving weekly under Ralph.

Right Backs

Trent Alexander Arnold - Liverpool - 23
Currently the best offensive RB in the PL known for incredible deliveries into the box from wide and set pieces.

Aaron Wan Bissaka - Man Utd - 24
He shall be a more defensive RB for when we come up against stronger teams as he is excellent at that side of the game but not as threatening as TAA going forwards

Left Backs

Ben Chilwell - Leicester - 25
He shall be our long term 1st choice LB after impressive performances with Leicester getting up and down the pitch being solid at both ends.

Ryan Sessegnon - Fulham - 22
Capable of playing LWB/LW positions will be back up to Chilwell expect to see him progress well with a few season at LB under his belt

Centre Backs

John Stones - Manchester City - 28
England's best ball playing defender and a 1st choice at Man City

Harry Maguire - Leicester - 29
Been a 1st choice defender since the World Cup comfortable on the ball and a vital aerial threat up the other end

Joe Gomez - Liverpool - 25
We need a pacey CB to be able to play in our 3-5-2 and he fits this role perfectly can also play RB/LB

Ben Godfrey - Norwich - 24
The newer choice, will have moved on to bigger things and is another playing in a team where comfort of the ball at the back is a must.

Midfielders

Jordan Henderson - Liverpool - 31
Bringing experience and a steady composure to the side we expect him to carry on his role of keeping the play moving in the side the same as he does at Liverpool

Declan Rice - West Ham - 23
Shall play as a defensive midfielder looking to intercept passes and protect the defense or pressure their attackers. Can play CB if need be.

Harry Winks - Spurs - 26
Will play a similar role as Henderson looking to keep play ticking over but with the ability to get forward more.

Dele Alli - Spurs - 26
Whilst not having his best season at Spurs we believe he'll find his form as usual with young players which he has showed previously

Phil Foden - Man City - 22
Pep Guardiola says if they can't bring him through Man City might aswell close their academy, He's an incredible talent at present and expect him to break into the Man City team when David Silva leaves at the end of this season to fulfil the creative role.

James Maddison - Leicester - 26
Currently flourishing at Leicester in the AM role creating the most chances in the PL and being a renown FK specialist.

Ruben Loftus Cheek - Chelsea - 26
We need a physical presence in the midfield which we believe suits Ruben down the ground as he is a strong guy and capable of creating magic on the ball, We expect him to improve a lot with game time under Lampard at Chelsea.

Forwards

Raheem Sterling - Man City - 28
One of the best wingers in the world and under Pep Guardiola has gained an incredible amount of confidence and goalscoring ability and is capable of playing through the centre if need be.

Jadon Sancho - Dortmund - 22
Currently established in the Dortmund side after a breakout season and will improve the more he plays, He is currently one of the 1st names of the team sheet for England and expect it to continue

Callum Hudson Odoi - Chelsea - 22
One of the brightest talents in England we shall look to bring him for the tournament experience as a 2nd choice winger which can play either side. He shall get a lot more game time at Chelsea so improve ten fold.

Marcus Rashford - Manchester United - 24
Currently 1st choice striker under OGS and we expect him to get more clinical as the seasons goes by the standard youth inconsistency disappears. He's pace with be a major threat to get in behind defenses

Harry Kane - Spurs - 29
One of the World's most clinical forwards has suffered with injuries in recent seasons and in the Qatar heat is a potential risk but one well worth taking

Reserves
GK - Jack Butland
Def - James Tarkowski & Kyle Walker - Both can cover multiple roles
Mid - Mason Mount
Striker - Che Adams


Line Up Options

Currently we play a 4-3-3

---------------Pickford
TAA --- Stones --- Maguire --- Chilwell
----------------Rice
---------Foden --- Maddison or Alli
---Sterling ---------------------Sancho/Hudson Odoi
----------------Rashford/Kane

We used a 3-5-2 at the World Cup 2018 which will be effective vs smaller sides that are harder to break down which means we can play a more offensive talent like Foden at CM

--------------------Pickford
-----Gomez ---Stones -- Maguire --
TAA -----Rice --- Foden --------Chiwell/Sessegnon
------------Maddison/Alli
--------Rashford -----Kane


We would say thank you for your time in reading this but you can't actually tell the time

Fernando wrote:

Azzy wrote:Factually, you are incorrect. There are 24 hours in a day, and my explicit instruction was to have your submissions handed in by 11 hours and 59 minutes of those 24 hours.

Task 1 deadline = 1200
Task 2 deadline = 1159
Task 3 deadline = 1159
Task 4 deadline = 1159

You managed to meet the deadline 12 hours early in each of the three previous tasks? Wonder if Trebs and Bammers are thinking, like me, that you've simply not started the task yet?

1) So why do we live with an 12 hour clock Azzy why not a 24 hour clock
2) I never posted our task summons on time mainly i didn't do it or cos none of my team did nothing so i copy and pasted it and didn't see the point of utilising the 12 hours
3) It's actually ready to post and has been since 11.59pm last night but i wanted to check with my TM that it was up to his grammar standards  
4) if someone asks you the time in the afternoon id guarantee you'd say quarter to 4 not 15.45

1) I don't have any 12 hour clocks in my house, all my clocks are digital, as is your mobile phone, PC and tablet device.
2) ...
3) Send it in, grammar be damned
4) You would say that, but you'd write 1545 down. Which is how I communicate the deadline to you internet heathens, as you're all too far away for us to meet up in my Boardroom.

Azzy wrote:

Fernando wrote:

Azzy wrote:Factually, you are incorrect. There are 24 hours in a day, and my explicit instruction was to have your submissions handed in by 11 hours and 59 minutes of those 24 hours.

Task 1 deadline = 1200
Task 2 deadline = 1159
Task 3 deadline = 1159
Task 4 deadline = 1159

You managed to meet the deadline 12 hours early in each of the three previous tasks? Wonder if Trebs and Bammers are thinking, like me, that you've simply not started the task yet?

1) So why do we live with an 12 hour clock Azzy why not a 24 hour clock
2) I never posted our task summons on time mainly i didn't do it or cos none of my team did nothing so i copy and pasted it and didn't see the point of utilising the 12 hours
3) It's actually ready to post and has been since 11.59pm last night but i wanted to check with my TM that it was up to his grammar standards  
4) if someone asks you the time in the afternoon id guarantee you'd say quarter to 4 not 15.45

1) I don't have any 12 hour clocks in my house, all my clocks are digital, as is your mobile phone, PC and tablet device.
2) ...
3) Send it in, grammar be damned
4) You would say that, but you'd write 1545 down. Which is how I communicate the deadline to you internet heathens, as you're all too far away for us to meet up in my Boardroom.

1) You should be embarrassed to admit that
2) Yeah that's what i thought
3) done
4) if someone asks me im saying quarter to 4 mate then carry on walking cos im wholesome but not wanting to be mugged

Excellent, Nando. I’ve just done a write up too, working to a day being 24 hours long.

Also i would like to point out that team Trebs/Bam cannot count ages as the WC is in November/December not June as usual so quite a few are incorrect.

So, there is very little between the two squads.

On balance, I prefer Team Unicorn's squad. They've gone slightly bolder with the selections of Henderson, Sessegnon, Winks and Godfrey.

But, Team Sterling was the only team to submit on time.

And I preferred Team Sterling's tactical plan and starting lineup.

But Team Unicorn's reserves list was stronger.

Both teams included at least six players from the last World Cup squad.

But only Team Sterling included reasons for not including other potential inclusions.

Sadly, neither team appeared to consider the challenges of playing in Qatar.

But on balance, the team that wins and will face each other in the Azzrentice 2019 Final, is...

Azzy wrote:Sadly, neither team appeared to consider the challenges of playing in Qatar.

"We have gone for a side full of youth as we believe in the heat of Qatar that fitness will be a major impact on players and have players capable of playing a multitude of roles which is needed to cover potential injuries."

But we did consider the challenges

Fernando wrote:

Azzy wrote:Sadly, neither team appeared to consider the challenges of playing in Qatar.

"We have gone for a side full of youth as we believe in the heat of Qatar that fitness will be a major impact on players and have players capable of playing a multitude of roles which is needed to cover potential injuries."

But we did consider the challenges

Just because players are young, doesn't mean they're automatically more suited to playing in heat. Otherwise you'd have 6 year olds winning the Marathon Des Sables.

Team Sterling - you are the winners of this task.

Trebs vs Bam Bam is the final of the Azzrentice 2019.

This was a close task, and both Nando and Dolph can be proud of having made it this far.

Azzy wrote:

Fernando wrote:

Azzy wrote:Sadly, neither team appeared to consider the challenges of playing in Qatar.

"We have gone for a side full of youth as we believe in the heat of Qatar that fitness will be a major impact on players and have players capable of playing a multitude of roles which is needed to cover potential injuries."

But we did consider the challenges

Just because players are young, doesn't mean they're automatically more suited to playing in heat. Otherwise you'd have 6 year olds winning the Marathon Des Sables.

Younger means better fitness and abilities to cope with the heat.

So we had a better squad & reserve list (Which was the task)
They turned up "On time" - We both did
They had better tactics - It's not our job to be manager just a rough guide of how they'd fit his system
They mentioned irrelevant people
Also quite clearly acknowledged the heat & Qatar conditions even if you disagreed with it   contrary to what you said.

Jesus Azzy if you're gunna take bribes like fifa atleast make it less obvious

The final task will begin next week and will be titled "Protecting our children from overseas predators".

If anyone would like to make themselves available to assist Trebs or Bam Bam on the final task, please say so now so we can play 'who's getting picked last' when it comes to selecting help

Fernando wrote:Younger means better fitness and abilities to cope with the heat.

So we had a better squad & reserve list (Which was the task)
They turned up "On time" - We both did
They had better tactics - It's not our job to be manager
They mentioned irrelevant people

Jesus Azzy if you're gunna take bribes like fifa atleast make it less obvious

For this task, I want you to submit your 23-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Assume that the manager and coaching staff remain the same, and provide me with 5 reserve players to callup in case of injury.

I am looking for a finely balanced squad, one that can take into account the environment in which the team will be playing, as well as any tactical surprises you may wish to include. I expect to see reasons for inclusion, including why they have been selected over other potential callups.

There is one caveat however: I expect that at least six of the players you select were in the 2018 squad. The team requires consistency and leadership, which those players will surely provide.

---------
They submitted on time, provided a squad nearly as good, had better tactical surprises, better reasons for inclusion, and included why they were selected over others. Fine margins when you get to this level.

Azzy wrote:

Fernando wrote:Younger means better fitness and abilities to cope with the heat.

So we had a better squad & reserve list (Which was the task)
They turned up "On time" - We both did
They had better tactics - It's not our job to be manager
They mentioned irrelevant people

Jesus Azzy if you're gunna take bribes like fifa atleast make it less obvious

For this task, I want you to submit your 23-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Assume that the manager and coaching staff remain the same, and provide me with 5 reserve players to callup in case of injury.

I am looking for a finely balanced squad, one that can take into account the environment in which the team will be playing, as well as any tactical surprises you may wish to include. I expect to see reasons for inclusion, including why they have been selected over other potential callups.

There is one caveat however: I expect that at least six of the players you select were in the 2018 squad. The team requires consistency and leadership, which those players will surely provide.

---------
They submitted on time, provided a squad nearly as good, had better tactical surprises, better reasons for inclusion, and included why they were selected over others. Fine margins when you get to this level.

We both submitted on time due to your mistake of not putting AM or PM on a 12 hour clock. We had a better squad, Literally zero tactical surprises apart from obvious adaptions and ignored our history of using 3-5-2. Also apparently can't do maths and work out peoples ages or when the World Cup actually which is pretty facking amateur

Absolute Shambles this. I hope you choke on Trebs & Bam's tiny d1ck's Azzy.

Thanks Azzy. I'm looking forward to seeing what the final holds. Best of luck Bam.

Just out of interest, the challenges of playing in Qatar. What sort of things were you looking for? Because it did come into consideration but other than Eric Dier, the whole squad has pretty much always lived in England.

Come on Nando, it's a game and Azzy has picked what he believes what was the best submission.

I'm sure you remember from the Nandorentice that it's not an easy task to run this.

Trebs wrote:Come on Nando, it's a game and Azzy has picked what he believes what was the best submission.

I'm sure you remember from the Nandorentice that it's not an easy task to run this.

It didn't finish but i was always fair and impartial with my outcomes unlike this. He didn't like i called him on his deadline blunder and he's used it to get an unfair verdict im very disappointed in you Azzy

PS. I will take part in the final out of principle rather then leave and suffer this injustice

This is a joke

There is literally no area where their submission is better, but I was waiting for Azzy to go favourites about this. Apparently, knowing the time incorrectly means you’re a businessman.

Nick Pope?! Third choice Burnley keeper and Mason Greenwood. It’s the submission of a fool, a fool I tell ya!!

They’re not even playing Rice. I’m tempted to ban you all

Tactical surprises?!

Next season of the Apprentice, I hope someone brings back Betamax. Be a surprise, eh

I might be a little drunk

Mason Greenwood and Nick Pope is this some form of banter

Almost as unrealistic as Godfrey

BamBam wrote:Almost as unrealistic as Godfrey

Yikes delete

Declan Rice has done nothing to warrant a starting place in the England team, and he's not likely to improve at West Ham. I wouldn't hang your hats on him being the DM we all want.

I can't see why you'd want Godfrey in the squad anyway, there's four potential centre backs in the squad with rice there. Surely the sensible thing to do is to be bold and pick Greenwood.

I get bringing a young goalkeeper to a world cup. But two? You want one with experience as backup, whether that's Pope, Butland, whoever.

People don't like Jesse Lingard but Southgate trusts him, made him a first teamer in the last world cup. I can't see how he can not be included.

Sessengnon I personally think is overrated. Swings and roundabouts with Luke Shaw really. I think he'll end up being a winger rather than a full back though.

Sorry, both of you are speaking nonsense.

First, Rice has learned a lot and improved immensely, to the point of starting in games for England. Statistically, he is everything England have needed and it is your usual bull**** about us on clear display. Let alone that Henderson doesn't play there and his manager has actively apologised for playing him there.

I know ages have been an issue. Gunn will be, what, 26? Henderson 25? Pope was out till January, didn't get a sniff.

Lingard is a good player, I like him, but he's beaten out by better players. Greenwood is funny, just funny.

Not even gonna get into the dismissal of Nando showing him we'd mentioned Qatar and conditions. Choices were clearly made by 8:30 (standard military time applies at all times, as we all know) the day of the task being set.