2022 World Cup (football)

We'll revisit this when it pans out exactly the same as the last two tournaments. And I'm proved right again.

Too timid. No killer instinct. First thought is to step back.

 

Group stage is all about getting to 4 points or more by hook or crook.

 

After the Lord Mayor's Show, that was turgid.
If Wales play with the same intensity as the Yanks, they'll give us a hard time...Can't believe I've just written that.

 

That's true, can't argue with that.

The problem for me is that conceding two to Iran, playing poorly tonight and the same against Wales would be enough to see us through ...

... but it doesn't create confidence or momentum and doesn't make other teams worried about facing us.

And Kane looks like he'll never score again which is a worry.

 

The games before the WC we struggled to score, that form returned tonight

 

England are an average team. The results they have had thus far (plus the inevitable draw against Wales) are indicative of that. England will lose to the first good team they play - God help them if they make it to the QFs and it's Mbappe v Maguire

 

To be fair McGuire had a decent game, it was the forwards and midfield that were shocking, no movement at all, it wasn't until 80 minutes that I realised Rice was playing...plank.

 

Too be so toothless with that attacking talent, on the pitch and on the bench, is criminal. Whatever happens, we need a new manager after this world cup

 

dispossession I'd say

 

Like off The Exorcist?

 

There were very few players who came out of the game with some credit. Pickford had nothing to do, Maguire did well in the aerial battles, but will always struggle when the ball is played in behind.
Bellingham was good at first, but got sucked into the malaise that was the sideways passing model. Trippier absolutely stunk the place out, he was dreadful. Kane played too deep, Mount couldn't get on the ball and Saka/Sterling might as well have been on the bench.

Poor display, but not the end of the world

 

Pea soup everywhere mate.

 

I would trump that with Sterling. Utter bollocks and has been for far too many games.

 

Wales will raise themselves for their Cup Final, which actually may play into England's hands

 

There's merit in playing players who are in form. Sterling is not in form and hasn't been since the Euros. I understand Southgate staying loyal to players who have performed in the past, but it's time to pick players who are playing regularly for their clubs and playing well.

Sterling is neither.

 

Did you see post #868, on page 44....great stuff that tonight.

 

Or instead of the EPL voting to increase the number of overseas players in the squads, the opposite occurs and more English qualified players have to be in Premier clubs squads.

 

Ian Wright must be awful company, finds himself hilarious.