It’s a pity that the entertainment value wasn’t matched by decent commentary- the female commentator spent the first 20-25 minutes extolling the virtues of Spain’s tactical nous, instead of commentating on the game. You wouldn’t have known Croatia existed. The outcome might have been different if the Croatian player had put his instep through the ball instead of a weak side foot at close range after they levelled at 3-3. Yet Morata’s goal finally killed off Croatia emotionally and physically. Pity we didn’t see more of Morata standing upright- he spent more time on the floor! What yesterday’s games have shown is that this tournament is really “up for grabs by any nation.” There are no favourites. Teamwork, positivity, and self-belief can carry the day. Take your pick- or will it be box 13?
The winner of tonights game will be favourites to win the tournament with the bookies... I honestly thought France could win this tournament without ever needing to hit top gear. They were the only team that should have really been on a different level to everybody else. The games yesterday were outstanding to watch. Hoping for more of the same today!
Yet aren’t the bookies laughing? Seriously, would you have had England as second favourites at the start of the tournament, given their lack of self-belief and poor management for decades? None of the so-called top teams is as good as people imagine. The Swiss proved that last night. And there may be more surprises to come. As for England V Germany, the Krauts are certainly beatable and field a poorer side than in past championships. Yet, since post 1970, their sides have always shown better teamwork and belief than England. Let’s hope that’s not the case tonight. We’ll see.
I had to mute that woman. Have you noticed that the letter "t" does not exist in the language of many of these pundits, unless it happens to be the first letter of the word (eg opportune i ee)
Yes, a dreadful commentary. Mute button necessary. However, the German guy who did the France/Switzerland game on my replay channel was just hilarious. He got so bloody excited that I thought he might have a heart problem. He 'added' to the game on TV, for sure, what a character! Went absolutely potty when Mbappé missed his penalty, and it was not necessary to re-take it. Oh, how I wish the England players could take penalties like those cool and calm Swiss guys? However, let's hope it does not get to this stage, and we beat zee Germans fair and square.
Absolutely I'm not sure why people keep rating our chances because of our past tournaments and teams. Southgate has been a breath of fresh air bringing through the youngsters and choosing players on form instead of the usual guaranteed places for the big club players. He had us in the semi-final at the World cup. 3rd in the Nations league competition and breezed through the qualifiers. Why wouldn't I feel confident going into the tournament?
That was their problem last night, I feel that they took the Swiss lightly and paid the ultimate cost and exit from the competition...!!
I can understand (sort of) how they can take a team lightly, for the first half an hour, but wouldn't you think it might dawn on them by then that it isn't going to be easy, especially when they went a goal down. They were much better in the second half and in extra time but just weren't good enough once the Swiss had sussed out Mbappé
Ah jaysus lads is that England team for real????? 5 defenders, 2 defensive mids. Wheres the creativity coming from
Another comfortable win and another clean sheet. I'm not sure what some of our fans want? Southgate showing his managerial class in tournaments. He nailed it today with his formation and tactics, again. We are showing to be the strongest side in this tournament, imo. Surely favourites, now.
He already said this would be his last tournament a few months ago so that was his last game. Stayed too long really, they were a disaster at the last World Cup
Post an opinion, sure, but don't insult Southgate with the 'drab personality' business. How the hell do we know? Football isn't everything in life, even for Southgate. If you want a 'Cheerful Charlie Chester' type then go forr Harry Redknapp. He's a laugh a minute and will produce a razzle-dazzle type of team to suit your wishes, and lose. Southgate proved so many of us wrong, had a plan to beat Germany and stuck with it. The crowd, and little old me to be truthful, were yelling for changes, but he stuck with it. Give the guy credit for being right, against the sternest of criticisms. Well done Gareth, you had guts, take a bow!
