Portugal look good.
Southgate's latest excuse of the players aren't physically able to press is absolutely bullshit. He's losing a lot of goodwill with comments like that and the Phillips comment.
Mostly with the fans, but presumably with the players too - imagine hearing your manager say you're not as good as Kalvin Phillips and that you're not fit enough to press.
Well, yup. If he did that, he could just take the shackles off and tell the players to go out and just play their natural game.I almost think the best thing Southgate could do now is come out and say it’s his last tournament. Take the pressure off his last few games and be more haphazard.
I agree but he doesn’t know the right players - may as well put all the balls in a jar pick 11 and go with itWell, yup. If he did that, he could just take the shackles off and tell the players to go out and just play their natural game.
As it stands, I wouldn't be too opposed to Gareth Southgate's balls in a jar.I agree but he doesn’t know the right players - may as well put all the balls in a jar pick 11 and go with it
No idea why they are going for the "whataboutism"... England have been pure and utter crap so far, and currently getting worse, Southgate and the side deserve every bit of criticism. Coventry City make me anxious, England make me angry!What a load of old flannel this is. I could also post this in the "things that annoy you" thread...
France have been poor so why are they judged differently to England?
Didier Deschamps seems to expect his side to improve but Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions have an identical record so farwww.independent.co.uk
Agreed. The writer of this drivel should be horsewhipped without mercy.No idea why they are going for the "whataboutism"... England have been pure and utter crap so far, and currently getting worse, Southgate and the side deserve every bit of criticism. Coventry City make me anxious, England make me angry!
The confusing part is the plan seems to be to play actually decent football from the start, then cling on for dear life after the first goal. Why not simply continue with the style that was effective in the beginning?Agreed. The writer of this drivel should be horsewhipped without mercy.
There is no comparison between England and France to be had! Nearly every team has looked more likely to score than us, the only team worse going forward I can think of is Scotland! At least we can defend...
The confusing part is the plan seems to be to play actually decent football from the start, then cling on for dear life after the first goal. Why not simply continue with the style that was effective in the beginning?
We (City) did similar for years in going ahead then dropping back, but that was after no confidence after years of losing more than we won. Such a thing shouldn't be an issue with England as they've actually done pretty well past few tournaments, so ought to have the confidence to keep going!It’s very strange but I don’t think it’s all down to Southgate. Some of the passing was woeful on Thursday which invited constant pressure. We need to be far better retaining possession which is why I’d be tempted to gamble on sticking Wharton in Tuesday. Not ideal with someone lacking experience at international (even Prem) level but if it works he might knit things together
england have "started slowly" for the last few tournaments, so it seems to be the southgate way. that said, it has been particularly bad this time.
i'm hoping for a significant step up on tuesday. i want to go into the group stages with something to hope for.
No idea, must be either instructions or mentality. So lackluster, it's the lack of any cohesive play at almost any point (even at the start of games where it's more individual moments that get us in behind).The confusing part is the plan seems to be to play actually decent football from the start, then cling on for dear life after the first goal. Why not simply continue with the style that was effective in the beginning?
It is, but so far this has strong 2010 World Cup vibesWe (City) did similar for years in going ahead then dropping back, but that was after no confidence after years of losing more than we won. Such a thing shouldn't be an issue with England as they've actually done pretty well past few tournaments, so ought to have the confidence to keep going!
Still, knockouts is where it all begins properly isn't it.
yes, very true.In previous tournaments you can see the early approach was cautious but generally remaining in control. We’ve arguably lost control in both games so far, that’s the concern for me.
I’m not sure we can fit all the ‘stars’ in one team. I think one at least may need to be dropped to create a more balanced side.We (City) did similar for years in going ahead then dropping back, but that was after no confidence after years of losing more than we won. Such a thing shouldn't be an issue with England as they've actually done pretty well past few tournaments, so ought to have the confidence to keep going!
Still, knockouts is where it all begins properly isn't it.
Agreed, best team over best players.I’m not sure we can fit all the ‘stars’ in one team. I think one at least may need to be dropped to create a more balanced side.
Hungary have mostly just hacked Scotland to pieces instead of attempting to play.
Weirdly this and the last British game have been ignored by the main Italian TV channel.This is dull. British football teams man, meaningless slow possession
Watching Scotland play football is a little bit like urging a special needs kid to do well at a mainstream school's sports day.This is dull. British football teams man, meaningless slow possession
Lukaku's knee is further forward than any part of the body you can play the ball with on the Romanian.How the fuck can that be offside. The defender is slightly ahead. Madness. But rules are rules which what they said. It's bullshit, make the rules up as they go along.
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Weirdly this and the last British game have been ignored by the main Italian TV channel.