F sake! 8 changes tonight. Including Harry dropped. We have a real chance of an Englishman winning the golden boot. And he's dropped. It's the first test for this England team, and was looking forward to seeing what they could do against a decent team. We can't test that either. Southgate is trying to finish second, despite all he said about trying to win every game. You don't see Ronaldo or Messi dropped for the third game. Because they are important and have a chance of reaching personal goals. That's really gutting. No idea what the 11 will look like with 8 changes. I'm guessing players like Jones will be put in, which I'm not looking forward to.
Should have fielded a strong side so as to get Japan next rather than Columbia. Need to play for a draw and avoid any yellow cards......
Bet Kane isn't too happy, would have his eye on the golden boot. But I think Belgium will put out a weak side too, this feels more like a friendly.
Kane will be livid. I accept his view of giving games to the squad. Because he went to a world cup and didn't play a game and it broke his heart. Which is nice and all. But not to the detriment of the team. He has said all the right things then made 8 changes. Which undoes all he has said since the Panama game. Really hope after what Martinez has been saying, they rest 11 players and we don't get totally battered.
I understand the talk about the better draw if we finish second. I think after those 1st two games, winning against fancied Belgium with our strong team would lift confidence to another level. The fans would be behind them like hasn't been seen since '96. And I don't fear any team in this world cup from what I've seen. The big countries have been crap. The best team has probably been Croatia. Senegal looked worrying, and they are out. Mexico the same. I think all the major teams have looked pretty weak. I really thought Southgate would stick to his word, take it seriously and just try to keep building on the good work, and building on the self confidence. Gel that team, to be ready for the Knockout. Kane is going to be really annoyed. How will that effect his mental state. A load of players who are not match fit are coming in, and having to build a "team" against a strong Belgium squad. It's just a bit disappointing. Throwing the first team back in, in the knockout stage, maybe they would click straight away after being broken up today.
I don't know what you're all whinging about. Protecting Kane (easily our most important player) is sensible in a game that the result really doesn't matter. if we can't beat either side we could face in the last 16, we may as well pack our bags now! lose and it's the theoretically easier path, win and you have a happy squad full of players who've mostly got game time. Belgium are doing it too, what's 5he problem? oh boohoo Kane misses a chance for some extra goals toward a golden boot. I think he'd rather be fresh for more important matches. He's said to be a real team player, he'll support his manager and his team mates. Besides both Messi and Ronaldo were needed as both their respective nations were not securely through. Do you honestly think the Portuguese manager wanted to play Ronaldo all three games? RM have had to manage his work load as he's getting on a bit. Good call GS, in my book. Bah!
So our lads are not match fit and having to build a team, but Belgium with more changes are alright because they are a strong squad! Those first teamers are going to benefit from the break, don't we always complain that we fail cause our boys are all knackered? Bah!
I'm hoping anyone who has even a remote chance if replacing Sterling has a good game. It doesn't narrow it down much, the mascots just did more than sterling during the anthems! Bah!
