Even better get there Tuesday afternoon, straight to a bar to see the French in action. Unless it’s Uruguay v Belgium. When I’ll still be in a bar. Nice bit of sightseeing on the Weds pm then.
Here's all the quarter final games ... Uruguay v France 3pm Friday Brazil v Belgium 7pm Friday Sweden v England 3pm Saturday Russia v Croatia 7pm Saturday The final is on Sunday July 15th 4pm
The only problem is Goldie that all 4 teams will be thinking that they have an easier route to the final, and will all be well up for it on that account. In 120 minutes we managed one penalty against Colombia, whereas Sweden have a much harder defence than them.
I have a sneaky feeling about this one, Köln, although it could well be just wind. The Scandos all play a slightly British way, or so it seems to be at least, which I think the style Southgate is engendering is better suited to counter that Colombia. I don’t think it will be anything but a tight and nervy game, but I think we’ll shade it.
Do we have better players than the Swedes? Apart from 1 Man Utd bit part player, and a bloke who plays for RB Leipzig, they are all from unfashionable clubs and tier two teams. There’s a reason for that. They are very well drilled, superbly organised, and obviously have a passion for their country. But this one is ours to lose - if we play to close to our potential, should be done. Of course we are more than capable of ballsing it up, we always are. I think Colombia and Croatia (who both have some seriously good players) and Russia (who have a nation behind them) are/were different prospects.
Not sure I agree with that. Taking all their ****ish antics to one side, I thought the Columbians defended very well against us, especially their centre backs at set pieces. I thought Southgate made an error changing our shape when Dier came on, as 3-4-3 left too many gaps in midfield. Of course Dier scored the winning penalty so it's a good job he was brought on. I thought Sterling caused a lot of problems with his pace and movement. He needs a goal to boost his confidence. Dier was poor when he came on and I don't think he's good enough for this level. Delle was awful, continually losing possession and I don't think he's good enough for this level either. Everything slows down when he gets the ball. Trippier was excellent again until his brain fart on the line which really seemed to knock his confidence. Maguire has been very good too. I'd start Loftus Cheek instead of Delle and Rose instead of Young, but that's the only changes I'd make. Sweden will be a tough nut to crack but our pace and movement should cause them problems. Right, back to house moving!!
I was calling for Alli and Young to come off last night to be replaced by Loftus-Cheek and Rose before 30 minutes, I kept saying it to the point my husband told me to shut the **** up Southgate cannot hear me no matter how loud I shout! I agree start with them in Saturday and well we might be able to penetrate what everyone says is a strong Swedish defence.
Well, that was rather stupid of me! I could have sworn it was Monday & Tuesday. Mind you, I was also telling people the Sweden match was a 7.00 kick off! I better cancel playing Bridge next Wednesday then!
Wouldn't do that quite yet Terry. In the wise words of someone who sits next to you. Too Early...too early. Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk
I wasn't borrowing Simon's optimism Beth! I will want to see the semi final irrespective of the outcome on Saturday. At least, I think i will! Normally, I prefer World Cups & Euro's after England have been knocked out (far more relaxed), but I've enjoyed this year so much that won't be the case.
I had forgotten that the 1998 version of "Three Lions" actually starts with Southgate missing the penalty kick I wonder if it is an omen... If it is an omen and what of.. The song still brings tears to my eye. It is now 52 years!
