There was a stat on Talk Sport earlier which said that England have won the ball back in the opposition half more than any other team in the competition. And we have the youngest squad I believe. Bodes well.
It's one of the (many) things I've enjoyed about our performances - closing them down fast, preventing teams from playing their game and forcing them to adapt to ours. For so many years it's been the other way around. 'Useless Sterling' was a prime example yesterday - worked his socks off chasing everthing, picking defenders pockets and generally making the Swedish defenders suffer from repeated bouts of brown terror. It's been a hugely important facet of our success thus far and long may it continue.
The thing about this team - They ate battling. They have character. Recent England sides haven't had that. They are young lads watching each others backs and sticking together. Whilst not being technically amazing they have the ability to open teams up and win. Put all that together and you have a very good side. Big shout to Southgate. Unpopular choice but the job he has done has been fantastic. Understated and kept feet on the ground. Come in to the tournament and he had got the fans and press on his side. Brilliant.
The last two times we played them we beat them 4-1 and 5-1...but I don't expect such a thrashing this time. Maybe just 3-1?
Oh aye, it leaves you feeling a nervous wreck! Looking at the game tomorrow, our lads will think we can win and so will our manager. They will go out aiming to win. Yes, they will be wary of Croatia but this is a great chance of reaching the final.
This is it. The country is behind them. They are united. They are chasing down every ball. Everyone one of the 11 on the field at any given time is giving 100% for the team. It’s funny after game 1 we had quite a few wanting 3 or 4 changes. Lingard, Sterling, Young, Alli, Walker were all getting it. They’ve kept their head down and to a man proved the doubters wrong. Regardless what happens now every single one of them has done the country proud. For that, they and the manager deserve a bit of respect from the fans. Pride has been restored.
This for me - almost regardless of Wednesday's result, they've done themselves proud All I've wanted from an England team for years is the sense that they gave a **** about pulling on the shirt and playing for their country - finally this squad has restored a bit of that faith
Really looking forward to this one. Realised yesterday that the last time we were at this stage of the World Cup I watched the game here in Jakarta while trying to get my 1.5month old son back to sleep after he had woken up for his feed. He is 28 now! Fantastic game that was as well, until the penalties. Hopefully we can win this one in normal time.
I have a feeling Croatia might be a bit much for us, but the boys have already exceeded expectations and made everyone fall back in love with England again. Except the Scots, of course, which is also part of their job. Annoyingly I am going to be on a plane for the first hour of the game. Any tips on how to watch the match (or even just listen?). I’ll cough up for internet, but any thoughts on where I could find a match stream?
