Sweden manager Janne Andersson: "Yes, I definitely believe England are good enough to win it. They are forceful, well-organised. I'd like to pay tribute to the team and coach. "They are a good footballing side. I think they would be perfectly able to go all the way"
Got to say mate, you are incredibly negative. Sterling has just had his best game of the world cup, finishing aside, and you said he shouldn't be on the pitch. Do you not see the amount of movement he does, pulling the opposition out of position and linking the play? Now, no one has said England are world beaters yet, although many of us have pointed out their potential. They are young and raw and yes, Croatia will almost certainly be too good for them, but let's give this young side and their very impressive coach some ****ing credit here eh? After a terrible first 20 minutes where nerves definitely inhibited England, we played some good football at times and we're watching an England team keeping possession and trying to play the right way. Also, Pickford is looking like one of the best shot stoppers at the tournament. Stones, Maguire and to a lesser extenct Walker are looking good and Trippier has looked superb. Henderson is playing well and Kane is the tournament's top scorer. What do they need to do to get some credit from you?
I don't disagree with any of that but even if we getting carried away we are bloody well entitled to do so. We have waited 28 years for this and I for one intend to enjoy every last minute of it.
Nice twisting of words there mate. You know what I meant, but I get your point though. Of course there are no guarantees, what would be the point in watching football if there was? I was not trying to put any unfair pressure on you, just stating what a fantastic oppurtunity England have. Yes Russia can do a Greece and scrape through every hurdle. If they are to win tonight and even in the semi I can't see them doing it in normal time. They will fight and use their home advantage to the fullest, at best I see them winning on penalties. But the chance of them upsetting the odds in round after round are very slim. I think Croatia' game against Denmark was one of the poorest matches in the tournament. They are no world beaters either. For me England edge it, yes they have Modric and Rakitic but in every other position England are stronger. And, IF, England goes through to the final lets hope France and Belgium have gone hammer and tongs against each other leaving the winner knackered before the final Agree it's ****ing brilliant!
I have just discovered that my son has ‘lost’ (ie ruined somehow) the now vintage England shirt I wore to the semi final in Turin, 28 years ago. As we lost that one, in the most emotional football match I have ever attended (as everyone knows I couldn’t go to the play off v Derby), I’m interpreting it as a good omen. That’s right, Mr Rational is clutching at any straws he can find for this to turn out the way we want it.
You know that I am running on emotion now mate! And, to be accurate, the odds on Russia winning the cup, or getting to the semis, when the tournament started would have been incredibly high. The odds on them winning a single match, which is what they need to do tonight, are much much lower. I expect them to play exactly the same as they did against Spain, because it worked. And I expect Croatia to win.
Sterling was better today, but I think he owed it. Still, he made clear runs today so more of the same on Weds
Let's see who wins tonight, and then we'll find out if Southgate can put together a plan for England to execute and win. I fear Croatia more than Russia, but I fear my own hopes and dreams far more...
Some people actively enjoy finding the negatives, the problems, analysing everything to the death and finding reasons to be unhappy with things. That is their right. Thankfully some of us old geezers who have lived through years of real disappointment still are not totally cynical and can enjoy what they are seeing for what it is - a pretty unexpected marvel, already beyond my wildest dreams, not only in getting this far but the way we have played. Proper ****ing football at last! On to Moscow!
It’s difficult to look for any criticism in that performance. Semi-finals? Who’d of thunk that before the tournament? We still had another two gears to move up to if needed I feel. Sweden are a good side and we made them look ordinary. Relax and enjoy the ride, whatever will be from here on in. This team has already over achieved. Where others have failed, it’s been because they haven’t been a team. England are. We’ve made it to the final four in the world’s biggest sporting occasion. I think they should name a London tube station after the England manager.
Thought he did alright when he was brought on to defend a 2-0 lead. Fresh legs and got stuck in, spoiling as much as he could. Always look on the bright side of life....
Exactly. Not the best group of players that England has had but Southgate has them playing as a team. I agree too that they can improve as their confidence is growing.
Do not care what you say. That was a team. Every one doing their bit ... Sterling running at people. Loved it. So drunk..so happy Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk
