No its not. Weve got a better defence and maybe more creativity up front, but they are good at set pieces and have a stronger central midfield. What's wrong with what I've said?
I think the stats showed yesterday (could've been half time during the game?) that we've scored the most goals from set pieces in the WC so far Steve, and admittedly, pushing this one, the lowest in open play. I think Alli's was only the third this WC. They've only won their last 2 knock out games on penalties, we've done the one. You're right about their midfield mind. Southgate will need to find a way to counter their strongest weapon. At the same time, they're carrying injured players and look vulnerable to set pieces, our strongest play this WC. We've been relatively lucky on the injury front so far. Let's hope for no bad news today on that front after yesterday's game. Whilst we still have some defensive concerns, we still look more of a unit than I can remember for a long time, and we have lots of pace. Sterling started off with his usual crap yesterday, but there's no doubt that his pace scared the crap out of Sweden. His decision making is still a concern. If he'd squared to Kane yesterday it would almost certainly have been 2-0 at half time. Alli's goal should restore some confidence, and Lingard, though relatively quiet yesterday, is still a threat. We have confidence and momentum mate, and much to be positive about. I also think that Croatia (my dark horses for this WC) will be more worried about us than we are of them.
If Croatia have to go to their backup keeper that’s massive. He looked in big trouble credit to him for ploughing on but he was badly hurt you could see every jump and turn he made.
They've looked really average the last couple of games and last night looked like it buckled them stamina wise. You have to fancy us to get past them.
Agreed mate. They are a quality side with 3-4 genuinely world class players. One of those is a prime example, Rakitic. He was almost out on his feet takin his penalty, there were lads down left right and centre with cramp, and the emotional kick in of a 117 minute equaliser as well. Doesn’t make us favourites, but all of this absolutely is in our favour given we cantered our game and are fresh. If we get through, whoever we get is a game and a half. Do we fancy playing France or Belgium? Naa. But we have to. Do they fancy playing a buoyant and fearless England? Do they ****. I’ve never been detached from the England team like some but I have been a bit passive, what’s amazing is having that love back. If we don’t win this then **** me we have a chance in 2 years.
The Croatia game is a tight game to call, but if we continue to improve on the impressive last game we should shade it, they will score but we will score more. The time has come for Sterling and Lindgard to do their party pieces.
Nothing fella! Was a touch of sarcasm from me as you kind of said a lot of what I think tb!! No offence meant
It is. Can we wait until we have the chance to gloat like **** though? Hope we do it, but dinnit jinx us man!
Why not just take the picture for what it is, a little harmless bit of humour. It's hardly gloating, he's been superb these last two games. Smile, we are in the semi-final of the world cup.
Good win, good draw. Final is a realistic expectation. Can't grumble in the slightest with the position we find ourselves in.
