This is not a strictly PNE issue, but some NE supporters will endure 4 weeks of international football and some will have travelled to Russia. It would be interesting to read the experiences of such supporters, especially if there is a PNEFC angle. Unfortunately, the Republic of Ireland are not involved, and Bailey Wright is not in the Aussie squad. Pickford seems to be the most likely No1 No1 for England, and we all know how important he was for NE. I hope more than Maclad and myself contribute. It's worth a punt. Me? I am first and foremost a PNE supporter over the national team. If playing for England is such an honour, then those few chosen should do it for the honour nd donate their wages and promotional earnings to the EFL to distribute to struggling teams. 'England for the Many not the Few!'
Not so much of a game more of a test of nerves, England vs Tunisia and VAR/referee. English commentators have been howling at the moon over 1 penalty and 2 not given. It did seem contradictory, just need to hope in the next game there is a better referee and those in the hut iin Moscow understand what VAR is and what it is for. Rugby League use a similar system with good effect. In fact, a far better competition was the 4 nations:England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales rather than this long drawn out cash cow for FIFA.Could make the 4 nations by inviting Eire to join, or for Eire and N.Ireland to merger like in Rugby Union.
So, that is Germany, Portugal, Argentina and Spain out, but still Brazil, Uruguay and tomorrow's opponents to face. Today's match was a bore with an exciting ending. Teams have sussed out Spain's tic-tac style. Would not do in British football.
It has been an extraordinary World Cup in so far as most games have been worth watching. Tonight's match, England vs Columbia, should be a tense one. Sadly, I have a feeling this is as far England will go. The defence of Maguire, Stones and Walker seems to be a leaky one. They are always 1 goal to the loss. Sterling and Ali need to come to the good. The important point is that PNE have an excellent 2018/19 season.
Don't go with the hype that the vast majority are saying it's coming home, the winners will come from the other half of the draw, still have a very well organised Sweden side to play who played 30 minutes less yesterday
Sweden will be a stone wall to get past and are fast on the break. england played well most of the time last night but that Mina was a tower of strength in their defence. I believe he is going to Spurs. I also think England give a goal to opponents and at this stage that may be enough to knock them out. The weak link seems to be Walker who is not a centre half and does not look comfortable. I would bring back Cahill to replace Young and move Walker to his natural position as wing back. Don't think Ali is fit and should be replaced by Rashford who can run at opponents. England lack the midfielder who can dictate play. The Liverpool lad is hard working but a long way from being a Gerrard.
My son said he would sing a song if we beat Columbia and we thought FFS Anyway, he came up with this and we all joined in. Subscribe, like and share and let's see if we can get it to Russia. Live the Dream. Come on England
Were expectations to high? The first half against Croatia seemed to fulfil dreams but the second half was poor. The tactics seemed to be wrong: punching the ball up for Sterling to outpace Louvren and co.It was reminiscent of 'the percentage ball' era, and against a defence quite sophisticated like Croatia's, it was never going to work. I think Sterling is best when running at a defence. Kane seemed out of sorts; intimidated, perhaps? He certain was thwacked a few times. Two positives: Pickford and Trippier.
One Croatian player remarked that we still play long ball, possession is the key it was 70/30 in the second hald and England tired visibly chasing the ball, better team won, still a fair way to go to catch up with the elite
Agreed. Not sure about the 'easier' route to the final that some are saying. Every game is hard, either physically challenging like the first two, or skill challenge like last night. The Croatians certainly showed England a different class, then they one improves only by playing teams better than oneself. The long ball is still a good ploy but the skill in delivering it was not there last night. We missed a Gerrard or Beckham. It became the %ball.
