Exactly this. We've cruised through a potentially tricky group in 3rd gear, conceding no goals at all. I would have absolutely taken this before the tournament started. And yet... It's just hard to feel proud watching a team that you know everyone else in the world finds mind-numbingly dull. But then, these tournaments are all about the knockout stages aren't they? The group is just about finding your feet etc. For the best teams the groups really should be 3rd gear stuff. Right? Agh, f*ck it, come on England!
Czech Republic had the better chances first half. Southgate has taken a talented group and strangled the life out of them. If luck had not gone out way we would be dropping out. I like the results but this style of football is beyond boring. I literally hate it. But I reserve the right as an an Englishman to keep watching and tying my hopes to them. I watch Saints for the abject mediocrity of it. I want to see some style and pizazz with England.
Pacing ourselves. It's all about the timing and being ****ing mint in the knockouts. That's definitely what's happening. Love it.
Good first half If we want to control a game when we’re in the lead the we need to master the art of seeing an opportunity to actually attempt to score a second goal and potentially losing the bal rather than pissing about with it and losing the ball near our own goal from an attacking position I mean, results wise this is fine but do they actually want anyone to watch them? We may have attacking riches but we sure do try to hide it well We may actually win this while the country quietly snoozes in the settee ZZZZZZZZ COME ON England
Don't think they had the better chances. A couple of scrambles from corners, that's it. We literally scored a goal, hit the post, and Kane should have buried his big chance. We've hit the post in the first 10 minutes in all three games so far. Maybe if one of them had gone in, we'd have enjoyed a more exciting goal-fest at some point (though I doubt it).
Do wish we wouldn't send so many long balls over the top though. Giving away possession so carelessly will be punished against better oppo.
I agree with you that it was a dour second half. However the solución will only be resolved with the emergence of a midfield general a la Johnny Giles, Alan Ball, Xavi. Whether any of the highly skilled protegees in the England squad can play this role remains to be seen. It is a pity Gilmour is Scottish.as he is the perfect.fit.
Yes but when you are playing two defensive midfielders it is hard to get any fluency. When we have the ball at the back you would expect our midfield to provide easy options, but they don't we get trapped at the back - passing it very slowly - and eventually play it to the gk and he humps it upfield. If we had one DM and then put someone like Grealish and Mount in midfield together surely we would have the cohesion which is missing. I wouldn't mind the double Dms against a top team, even against Croatia, but when teams want to defend against us it leads to this turgid, slow football. Yes the Czechs are okay but they are a mile away from anyone half decent. I am not saying we are bad. We might win against Portugal or Germans (neither are great) but ffs this is boring to watch.
We created 3 clear chances first half too to be fair. Not sure they had better chances. On your last two sentences I'm the complete opposite which probably explains our difference in opinion! I want entertainment from Saints as I actually invest time and money into them. I only care about results when it comes to England, especially at tournaments.
Indeed, Italy have been winning 1-0 and trophies for years, four more 1-0 victories or even win on pens suit me fine.
Nah I want Germany. Doesn't get much bigger than Germany at Wembley for a tournament ko game in my book. In terms of our chances I'd probably say about: Portugal - 35% (50 If Ronaldo got covid/injured) Germany - 20-25% France - A generous 5%
I think Portugal is 50/50 - if i had to bet on it I'd go for England. They were crap against Germany and the 3-0 vs Hungary was extremely flattering, all 3 scored in the final 5 mins + stoppage time after Hungary just collapsed. The other 2 I'd put our chances at sub 10 for both. The French because they are incredible and the Germans because, because it's the bloody Germans!
I'd agree with Portugal but Ronaldo, even at 36, tips it in their favour imo. I don't think we'll get a better chance to beat the Germans at a major tournament tbh. Despite them still being brilliant and their mentality giving them a huge edge, it's still some way off a top German side imo. Throw in a buzzing 40k at Wembley and who knows? By the time we can next play them they'll be on their next cycle and probs be on their way to their 6th world cup
Yep, let's hope it's the German side that lost to North Macedonia in March that turns up, and not the side that absolutely schooled Portugal.
Exactly how I feel mate! Just think about it for a minute. This time next week we could be celebrating our best tournament result since 1966... #westillbelieve
