Toney's no-look penalty was incredible. The kind of unique skill in a moment of pressure that had it been done in the 70s we'd probably be calling it "doing a Toney" for decades to come, like we do with the Panenka or the Cruyff turn. I love the idea that people around Europe will have been watching thinking England will lose on penalties again, they always do, and then been stunned to see five perfect penalties, without Kane, including that show of absolute supreme confidence and execution by our backup striker.
I had the same issue. They had closed my account, as I was "not a profitable customer long-term" for them.
Watched the penalty shootout back a few times now - something I'm not inclined to do as we usually lose them and I'm sulking - and what an excellent set of penalties they were. Four times the keeper was sent the wrong way, every one hit with precision, nothing rushed, no relying on brute power over accuracy, nerves of steel, professionalism and determination, psychological dominance. I hate penalties and didn't enjoy watching them live last night but this morning they're a thing of beauty. Oh, and a massive shout-out for Bukayo Saka - the Stuart Pierce for the Tiktok generation.
Funnily enough as soon as it went to penalties the pundits on Swedish TV immediately said "England are terrible at penalties so will be out now". That's the most confident I think I've ever felt watching England in a penalty shoot out.
The whole weekend feels like some sort of defining landsliding penalty shoot outing Southgating Starmering Zeitgeisty moment thingy.
Am I still in the minority of 1? I only realised Kane was on the pitch, when he was no longer on it, being helped to his feet by Southgate.
I meant he was like Ronaldo who was just ambling around on the edge of things. Though Ronaldo did do one long run to give them an opportunity to give them someone to pass to. Kane was strolling up to the half way line when Bellingham broke away and was brought down Kane should have been taken off far earlier.
Kane was terrible, again. Nobody seems to have realised they brought his Madame Tussauds figure by mistake. I can understand the argument that you put up with his lack of movement, poor pressing, and inability to keep the ball because he's the player you want when that one chance drops to someone. Trouble is there were about three occasions when excellent balls were played across the six yard box and Kane was miles away. I don't think Southgate is brave enough to drop him for Toney though
When you put your worst pen taker first, that helps....When Akjani was walking there, I felt he's going to balls this up and he did....From then on they were on the back foot. Surely Kane has got to feign an injury before Wednesday to bring in Watkins to partner Foden up top.
Southgate’s got some thinking to do that’s for sure but I don’t see him dropping captain Kane. Harry is definitely playing deeper in this tournament for some reason but apparently his work rate off the ball is still excellent. The fact he’s had one clear chance so far is partly down to the boring ****e England have played in the early games and of him being starved of chances mainly due to the inconsistent form of players around him. Last night was the first time our left side started crossing the ball properly and we look better when changes were made. The Dutch are beatable..England have to take that mentality into the game.
No, no, no. Kane has not challenged for one aerial ball all tournament. He is not just, not fit. He is ****ed. Why is it always "the inconsistent form of other players", when he is quite probably the root cause? Southgate has decided Kane is first player on the team sheet, then build a team around that carved in stone trueism. It is not working.
Kane has been an ever present figure in the squad for some time and it's never been necessary in the past to question his input.That's changed in this tournament because,as you say,he has been 'miles away'. It's difficult to put your finger on why,but he's looked out of sorts in every game thus far?Is he carrying a knock,have his legs gone,has he lost that crucial yard in pace that singled him out as the first name on the teamsheet? I suspect you're right about Southgate not dropping him,he considers him a talisman,a leader and a Captain...Fair enough,but he must surely be starting to question exactly what his value is in terms of attacking threat and what his contribution has been in terms of work rate? Personally,I'd rest him,I'd give Toney his starting place against the Dutch.If it doesn't work(not that I think it wouldn't) he can bring him on at half-time and let him prove him wrong... No scapegoating in this department,I don't have any issue with the lad but it's not working. Edit...As B&S fan club rightly points out,we've got Watkins as well.
I don't know what the big fuss is about Toney not looking at the ball, over the years we've had scores of players expertly doing that. The views expressed in my posts are not necessarily mine.
He’s got on ongoing issue with an injury to his back apparently. He’s clearly not lost his ability to score, he scored 36 goals in 32 games in the Bundesliga last season.
His ability to score for ENGLAND would be greatly enhanced by making himself an ever present in the area when the ball is coming in from the wings? He's looked a mile off the pace,don't you think so?
