I've had a change of mind about the 'smaller teams' in the competition. I initially felt sorry when they 'failed to hang on' and were knocked out in the last few minutes or whatever. But now I think they're approaching things in the wrong way entirely. Serbia put up a brave attempt but only scored one goal in three games. They're not going to win the competition, playing that way, so why not stop playing keep ball and entertain their supporters. Scotland's only ambition seemed to be getting out of the group just so they could be knocked out in the next game. I think they'd have been happy with three boring 0-0 draws just to say they'd done it. Even England supporters, interviewed over there, seem to go along with that concept. I wonder if we're all starting to believe the TV hype that games are 'intriguing' when they're really just tight cagey affairs with both teams 'feeling each other out' for 80 minutes before they actually go out to win it. Football is supposed to be a great spectacle and fabulous entertainment ... ... so far the supporters have been more entertaining than the football.
To rule out England by, who crossed the halfway line the most. I have not been impressed with the games so far, teams have worked out how to stop teams with 5 or something 6 across the penalty box with 3 or 4 players just in front of them. Tippy tappy football rarely makes opening. Teams have to be much more inventive. Please don't ask me how, coaches over to you.
It's been same ****e chat from England fans for 40years. After every tournament, everyone goes looking for a scapegoat and 'if we'd done this or played him we would have won the thing' maybe the players aren't as good as you think or squad isn't equipped to win. I'm not particularly a fan of Southgate but he's done no worse than every other. And don't give me the best squad ever chat as there was the golden generation whose football was even worse and achieved less
I am in the midst of moving jobs. Have a load of hols to use up. Could genuinely stay out to the final with no probs, other than from my good lady, although even she says I should go with the flow.
Danny Murphy criticising the Swiss, after 5 minutes, for going at the Italian throat ... ... 'err yeah they won't be able to keep this up for ninety minutes' As I said yesterday I'm sick of seeing two teams 'feeling each other out' for 80 minutes. I hope the Swiss go through and win the Euros based on this ... ... more intent than England have shown in three entire games.
Well deserved, that. Another team playing modern, attacking international football versus one who think keep ball wins games.
My Dad said it perfectly the other day. We have probably the most exciting set of players that England have ever had. Until they play for Gareth!!
I really hope other teams realise that you have to go out to try to win a knockout game ... ... not hold out for a mistake or penalties. Southgate has been practicing penalties all week apparently
If that’s true then what is the point?? Why not train to attack teams and win a game. And then have a dozen penalties at the end? Disgraceful
If we setup the same way with the same players tomorrow we will get knocked out, which is a travesty considering the squad we have.
The issue is so many teams have won tournaments playing safe, turgid football. It encourages others to give it a go. To win football in an attacking major takes guts, you take a gamble that you could be shafted down the other end on the counter. Id rather take the odd beating than bore myself to death.
I seem a lot of people hoping Swiss beat Italy so that we get an easier path but I can see the Swiss troubling us quite a bit, tidy team
