England v Croatia semi final

This. He breaks down our attack still far too much. That's ok against an average Sweden side but those opportunities will be few and far between if we get to a final and we simply can't have him breaking down those attacks.

 

Only reason he was better is because he ran into the channels more. His distribution is terrible, don't get me started on his finishing!

For a positive angle.... least he's getting into the positions to miss them.

 

Thing is with Lovren is it's always extremes, he's not a defender who will make one mistake but otherwise have a solid game.

He'll either play brilliantly or give away about 4 scoring opportunities.

 

Spot on. He can play well for a while, maybe a dozen games, but then have a absolute shocker.

 

I remember it well mate, it often comes out of nowhere too when leading 2-0 or something

He has poor temperament too which we should definitely look to exploit.

 

I've seen him play unbelievably good. The problem is I've also seen him play unbelievably bad.

There's certainly a very good defender in there though.

 

Been thinking about this and I see the importance of Sterling in the first team. He brings a menace that disrupts other teams and it seems to be working.

 

Concentration and temperament is what let's him down.

 

He should take up smoking bongs.

 

I'd agree if the two alternatives didn't carry the same threat but can also finish.

Rashford and Vardy both have pace, both get into those very same positions yet can control a ball and finish.

We can't just wait for Sterling to 'come good'.

 

Top wumming, Windy!

 

I was one of many calling for Rashford to come in for him after Panama but he's really stepped it up in the ko gamws and been one of our best attacking players in those matches imo.

Been running the channels stretching the defence, seems to be one of the few willing to run at the opposition and be more direct when we get a bit sideways. His hold up play has been surprisingly good too.

Think he provides a nice balance to the team, it's not always about the best eleven players.

Unchanged for me on Wednesday

 

Do you think they would do it for the whole 90?

Sterling runs himself to the ground until he's taken off. I think the way City play and with him being the least skilful I wouldn't be surprised if his main job is to find spaces and drag people out of position for the likes of Aguero and KDB to get into goal side space. Thing with City is they make so many chances that even Sterling can score after a dozen missed attempts..however his skills in dragging people out have been honed. Not sure the other 2 are quite as good at it.

They are definately better at taking their chances though

 

I don't think Vardy has the same skill set as Sterling tbh.

 

Or crack.

 

Do they need to do it for the full 90?

I don't think so, an hour will suffice and then freshen up, either Sterling first, then Rashford, or vice versa. Throw pace at the opposition.

Bringing Rashford on with 45 seconds to go serves zero purpose.

 

No, but he can finish.

A genuine alternative to Sterling's running about.

 

True

 

This. We have viable and better alternatives.