Quite a lot of booing and whistling at the start of Hungary v Ireland, as the Republic take the knee, while the hosts point to their Respect badges. Seems like this is going to run for a while.
Which looks sensible to me, unless they get a couple of injuries then it might look silly! But worth the risk IMO.
They have so much strength in depth that unless Mbappe or Kante gets crooked they have almost like for likes in every position. They can afford to do this Lucky sods
Was thinking of posting comment on the Politics thread rather than here, but... It's a really great article and in any balanced environment would be widely supported. Trouble is, Johnson and his cronies have already happily nailed their colours to the racist Neanderthals mast. This will not end quickly or well, I fear.
I think give them a half, then make a load of subs. But England playing a random bunch who have never played together - and never will again- seems crazy, especially when some of those are not even in the squad.
Is Southgate's defence, France have to hit the ground running, while England have a group which is easier, at least on paper. France, Germany, Portugal and Hungary means at least one very big team going out. England, Croatia, Czech Republic and Scotland has the potential for banana skins, but two clear favourites. We'll see if this is an RCL, I guess!
Hungary v Ireland finishes 0-0. Not really sure what the point in that was for the hosts. They'll be playing three teams that are likely to dominate possession and Ireland were never going to do that. Odd.
Hungary are just there for the ride. Three of the four semi finalists from last time and probably the three favourites this time in their group. No chance. Not sure it matters how they prepare.
Now is a different game, but the players would also be different in their playing of the game. Their skills would be still be there.
