I only knew because it was on BBC Sport's news/gossip page this morning. Must mean that a year Saturday is when Wales went through to the semi finals...
Better team won overall, England started strongly but didn't take chances. At 2-1 we genuinely could have gone on to win as we looked much better than them. Then they scored and we tired badly, running on fumes from 65 minute onwards and didn't offer anything.
Said to my pal before it started I could see him missing At least the young'uns are emulating the first team On a more serious note though, it's disappointing but they are a much better side than us and our lads have done well in the tournament. One of my biggest complaints about our set up is how poor we are at bringing players through the age groups... there's a few lads in that team who I feel are good enough to progress to senior level, we need to make that happen. Though I still stand by our problems run so much deeper and much younger than this level, and we won't achieve anything until there is a complete overhaul.* That said, still plenty of promising signs from this tournament, never seen an England side at any level to be so comfortable on the ball. Really starting to think that Prowsey can be a success at senior level, as a non flashy but does his job well type of player. In summary, disappointing to go out in that fashion, but they did very well to get this stage and we've gone out to a nation who are light years ahead of us both in every department and at every level. *No need to join me on my soapbox regarding this fats ( ) , I know how much we agree on that particular subject, but 1) we'll be here all night ... and 2) doesn't feel the right time to get into that debate
Gutted for Nathan and yes JWP should be taking our penalties. I have no idea why he doesn't seeing as no one else seems to be able to score them! Bloody penalties and Germany.
I don't believe in rushing youngsters through to the senior squad except in rare circumstances....we need them to come through the age groups together and taste success.
http://www.thefa.com/news/2017/jun/27/james-ward-prowse-germany-reaction-270617 JWP says losing the shootout wasn't from lack of practice. I think there is a psychological thing to overcome here...easy for lack of confidence to make a player overthink a penalty. Put it into the right spot and few keepers will save it....but don't try to be too clever and don't change your mind. The Germans believe in themselves because of their past history...that's all the difference it takes.
This is the tweet that Nathan has pinned at the top of his twitter feed....JWP has just retweeted it as an encouraging message. Nathan will feel like crap, but although he will feel it was all down to him...it wasn't. It's a team game....you win and lose together. All 4 of our U21s will now be off on their holidays I presume, so will arrive back late for preseason. Time to get in a positive frame of mind.
Remember the disparaging remarks when "JWP future England Captain" was first touted. Who's laughing now? Bases himself on Beckham, but brings to mind one of my favourite quotes from Jackie Charlton. Charlton had managed David Armstrong at Middlesborough before he came to us. He'd been awarded his first cap, and Charlton was asked to comment. Described as a player who isn't flash and doesn't fanny about. Just puts in a shift every time. These are the sort of players that knowledgeable fans and other players love. JWP is developing into a bloody good player. He is also very bright and articulate, clearly supports his team mates and would make a great poster boy for English football.
I am Fran, I hope Nathan will be. You have to be tough to be a professional player at this level, and he'll be fine. But note to Mauricio - please don't make him the penalty taker. I think Nathan could be a huge player for us next season. At Anfield in the second leg of the cup, we'll all remember Long's goal, Sims run and all that. But in the first half in particular I loved the way that Nathan terrified their defence. He's not yet the finished article but few defences will want to see him on the pitch. Then there's JWP (see above) and a season to see other young players stepping up. Positivity is the call. New manager. Get behind him and let's watch us hit the ground running. Cue 3-0 home defeat to Swansea and subsequent meltdown!
Almost the exact same words Mrs S said to me this morning. I told her she should have at least waited till I'd finished
