"Far from impressed" and "Staggering through" led me to my conclusion. Centre backs forming triangles with the keeper and midfield players is something England have seldom if ever done. Keeping possession and "playing the right way" is further evidence of a vast improvement since the Iceland debacle imo. England have certainly over achieved though and have a lot of improving to do. Players like Hazzard have years on them.
Much better second half from England. When was the last time an England side could complete more passes against a team like Belgium?
We look a bit better for the subs, bit still too ponderous. Dyer suddenlly comes to life but his finish just too soft.
Have to agree with Stortford. Imo England are limited going forward, mainly because the lack of creativity from midfield. When playing with wingbacks you have to have good skills one v one, being able to beat your man. Both Trippier and Young don't have that. Trippier compensating with a sensational crossing ability, even from a deep position. On a very positive note though, both Stones and Maguire are at the very top level and with age on their side have a great future. Sterling and Kane also top notch. It's been an honest England, led by a very dignified Southgate. Lots of experience gained, both for coaches and players. The Euro's will be interesting. England have not been entertaining to watch, sorry. But I respect how they've made the nation feel, and from an Englishmans perspective I understand they've looked positive. There is no hiding the fact England are overly reliant on set pieces, and if that had been an Italian, Portugese or German side winning in that manner I'm sure none of you would have said they were entertaining to watch.
Just worked out why neither of these teams made the final. Too many Spurs players, serial second besters at best.
Terrific save Pickford. Had a brilliant tournament. Really like the look of him, and still so young for a keeper. Will be great watching his development.
Just can't agree. England compared to two years ago are a massive improvement imo. Belgium put the game to bed after being out played for most of this half - that's the difference.
“Jones might have done better”, says Hoddle of Belgium’s second and decisive goal. Yes, Glenda, he could have not passed to Hazard.
The England of two years ago would have gone just as far, maybe even reached the final with the set up of opponents England have been faced with in this tournament.
FFS - all we'll hear now, especially from the bitter, jealous Scots, Welsh and Irish is that we've lost to every decent side we've played. Whilst true, there have been massive improvements made. I'm off to watch the tennis!
Maybe. But it's a massive oppurtunity lost imo. Even though France might have been a bridge to far if England had made the final, we will never find out unfortunately. I'm just gutted I did not get my dream final of England v France. But we live in hope, one time in my lifetime to see England make the WC final.
I think England played really well, out did all our expectations...They lacked a little composure, and game management and a killer attacking midfielder. But they did exceptionally well....and really you can only beat the teams infront of you...In the world cup no teams are easy Col. well done England...Proud of what you acheived...4th we would have taken that a month ago (we would have taken not losing to Tunisia a month ago!) You wont get that comment from me..well done England I do not think you will get it from Tramore either (I am not sure who is Scottish on this board...so cannot speak for them)
