Shall we have ALL talk re Euro 2024 on this one thread rater than clogging up the boards with thread after thread for all the different games. Okay, maybe a seperate thread for England games but all other Euro 2024 talk on this one thread?
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Looking forward too it, Fly out there in less than 2 weeks into Frankfurt
Are you going to any games while you’re out there mate? Or is it just a coincidental trip to Germany?
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
Shall we have ALL talk re Euro 2024 on this one thread rater than clogging up the boards with thread after thread for all the different games. Okay, maybe a seperate thread for England games but all other Euro 2024 talk on this one thread?
Is this your first time on the forum, Les?
Nailed on that this thread will turn into chaos that'll involve Nigel Farage, requests for a move to non-football, name based puns, the best type of vinegar to have on your chips, slagging Paul Hurst off, scotch eggs are too woke for football... to name a few.
Then talk about the non-England games will weave into threads about the new CEO (Polly and Poland sound similar so that's tenuous enough), the summer transfer thread (insert a much repeated joke about Artell and Hutchinson scouting the Hungarian who scores 5 in one game to win the Golden Boot, that'll then turn into a Danilo Orsi related bash at Hurst) plus an, as of yet, unidentified third thread, perhaps one about the Main Stand restructure work.
Each England game will have 3 different threads, all descending into similar arguments that Grealish should have gone, Southgate is too negative and Brexit.
Are you going to any games while you’re out there mate? Or is it just a coincidental trip to Germany?
Yes got ......Romania Slovakia in Frankfurt haha ( not a classic but it's all for the experience and Have my town flag ready ) , Will see the England game in the fanzone on the Tuesday night and then by pure luck, World Cup of Darts starts on the Thursday night in Frankfurt and at 20 Euro a ticket I couldnt say no
Yes got ......Romania Slovakia in Frankfurt haha ( not a classic but it's all for the experience and Have my town flag ready ) , Will see the England game in the fanzone on the Tuesday night and then by pure luck, World Cup of Darts starts on the Thursday night in Frankfurt and at 20 Euro a ticket I couldnt say no
That’s brilliant mate, doesn’t matter the game the atmosphere will be fantastic, and Germany is a great country for a beer or 2. I was lucky enough to see Italy v Romania in Zurich during Euro 2008, terrible game if I remember right, finished 1-1, but it was a great couple of days. Enjoy it!
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
I was lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks in Portugal back in 2002. Managed to get to 6 games while we were there (including buying 3 tickets on the street!) and it was great fun. We also went to Germany a couple of years later but only managed to get tickets to one game that I can recall (might have been two - it was a long time ago).
I know it's all more commercialised these days, but it's still really great to go to a tournament and mix with folk from all over Europe/the world. I'm envious of people heading to this tournament as I reckon it will be great fun.
Nailed on that this thread will turn into chaos that'll involve Nigel Farage, requests for a move to non-football, name based puns, the best type of vinegar to have on your chips, slagging Paul Hurst off, scotch eggs are too woke for football... to name a few.
Then talk about the non-England games will weave into threads about the new CEO (Polly and Poland sound similar so that's tenuous enough), the summer transfer thread (insert a much repeated joke about Artell and Hutchinson scouting the Hungarian who scores 5 in one game to win the Golden Boot, that'll then turn into a Danilo Orsi related bash at Hurst) plus an, as of yet, unidentified third thread, perhaps one about the Main Stand restructure work.
Each England game will have 3 different threads, all descending into similar arguments that Grealish should have gone, Southgate is too negative and Brexit.
You need to give us more credit than that........
Firstly the food discussion will be about bratwurst, not that Nigel Farage would partake as he is dedicated to Cumberland and Lincolnshire sausages obviously so think you need to apologise for that prediction.
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A grounding night for Scotland but also for me. Kroos being treated like an old relic that we should enjoy while we can. He’s two weeks younger than I am!
Croatia's defence has looked poor, however. Croatia look very good at keeping possession as their stats show, but they are very one-paced and don't have a lot of quality up front.
Not sure how good Spain actually are from this game. Good penalty save there, however.
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Spain don't look anything special Croatia have done what Scotland did in the first half and were way of the pace, probably wanting to keep it 0-0 at HT.
4 games in and apart from Italy v Albania they've been very entertaining games from start to finish. Italy just suck any fun out of a game of football once they're in the lead.
Must say that VAR seems to be a lot quicker, I assume it’s this semi automatic system they are using, so out of interest is it going to be introduced into the premiership next season?
Must say that VAR seems to be a lot quicker, I assume it’s this semi automatic system they are using, so out of interest is it going to be introduced into the premiership next season?
Must say that VAR seems to be a lot quicker, I assume it’s this semi automatic system they are using, so out of interest is it going to be introduced into the premiership next season?
That would be a good move, provided it was proved to be reliable and accurate. Players would no longer have to worry about long fingernails and fans would not be subjected to endless delays
For the second goal, the Belgian guy definitely benefited from the inadvertent brush of his fingers so, regardless of what the current laws say, I'm comfortable with it being disallowed. No doubt about the first disallowed goal - you could seem him stood unmarked in the middle of the area.
Credit to Slovakia, they tried to pass it around when they got the chance as well. When they were still trying to pass it around in midfield in stoppage time, I couldn't help but think that we'd have been launching it towards the corner flag in a similar position and probably would have been doing so for the previous ten minutes!
Watched the game. Slovakia fought and defended for their lives.
Doku gave the ball away for the only goal.
First goal VAR rightly disallowed. Second goal disallowed by VAR in the build up was probably harsh. Technically correct.
Lukaku misses enough chances without losing 2 to VAR
Technically correct? It has to be deliberate handball, it was on the halfway line and picked up on the ‘snickometer’ borrowed from cricket ! It feathered his hand 50 yds out and made no difference to the ball at all. It was VAR balderdash at it’s worst
This might be one of the worst refs i've ever watched
Shocking all night.
It’s Maignan’s decision to slide in with hands / head and Baumgartner got there first. If anything, it was a penalty as Maignan slid into him. Then he booked Baumgartner.
Technically correct? It has to be deliberate handball, it was on the halfway line and picked up on the ‘snickometer’ borrowed from cricket ! It feathered his hand 50 yds out and made no difference to the ball at all. It was VAR balderdash at it’s worst
Intent isn't necessary any longer. Hasn't been for a few years or so, I seem to think. The ball bounces up and hits your hand and you then score, it's handball whether or not you intended anything.
The Baumgartner decision was ludicrous, but that's apparently how the current interpretation of the laws goes. What if he'd lifted it over the keeper and scored and they then collided? Would it have been disallowed then? If not, what's the difference?
The American referee analyst is flipping irritating, isn't she?
Serves him right for diving, and feigning a head injury, to win the free kick that led to it
Agreed, every time they fall down after a foul they clutch their head even though the slow motion replay shows there was no collision whatsoever with their head.
Intent isn't necessary any longer. Hasn't been for a few years or so, I seem to think. The ball bounces up and hits your hand and you then score, it's handball whether or not you intended anything.
Austria put in a serious shift there and were perhaps a little unlucky not to create more chances. France fluffed a few opportunities, obviously, but never really looked comfortable.
France are going to be a difficult team to beat because they've just got so much pace throughout the team, not just in the forward line. You'll need to really precise with your passing to get through them and any slightly inaccurate pass is likely to get picked up by them. A lot of big and powerful players in their team as well.
I don't think they are brilliant, however. Griezmann a bit past his best these days and I don't know if this might cost them.
It will be interesting to see how the broken nose affects Mbappe for the rest of the tournament.
I watched the second half and there was some really good play on show. The Georgian wide players certainly like a dribble (I had to blink twice to make sure it wasn't Kinkladze playing), but the Turks scored two absolute belters. Other than Scotland, I don't think I've seen a game where a team looked hopeless so far this tournament (I've missed a few, however).
Some dreadful errors by the Czech defence last night. The goalkeeper could easily have caught the ball for the first, and for some reason the defender tried to trap the ball with his gonads for the second. Looked like he was squatting down for a crap. Maybe he was caught short.
Another cracking game between Croatia and Albania just concluded, Albania scoring a stoppage time equaliser to make it 2-2. The somewhat unfancied Balkan nations have all given it a pretty good go so far - fair play to them.
Hardly been a bad game in this tournament thus far.
Another cracking game between Croatia and Albania just concluded, Albania scoring a stoppage time equaliser to make it 2-2. The somewhat unfancied Balkan nations have all given it a pretty good go so far - fair play to them.
Hardly been a bad game in this tournament thus far.
England V Serbia probably the worst.
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Just noticed this whilst watching the sweaties tonight....how many officials does it take to make a sub?
One guy telling one official the numbers to log in.. that official logs numbers and passes the board to another official ... That official holds the board up..... The ref ushers the player off..
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He was nowhere near him, he wasnt interfering, the keeper wasnt getting there
No surprise its useless English officials flipping up. Again
Bang on for me. Jenas called it about right too - he’s not in the goalkeepers line of sight, and he can only impede his dive if he actually dives (which he didn’t). You can’t referee the game on “what ifs”. VAR needs to stop trying so hard to find reasons to disallow goals.
Correct decision for me. The ball actually went on the other side of Dumfries to where the goalkeeper was standing. If standing a yard offside, within touching distance of the keeper in the middle of the 6 yard box and right in his eyeline isn't offside, then what is? The player's fault for getting himself in the wrong position.
Correct decision for me. The ball actually went on the other side of Dumfries to where the goalkeeper was standing. If standing a yard offside, within touching distance of the keeper in the middle of the 6 yard box and right in his eyeline isn't offside, then what is? The player's fault for getting himself in the wrong position.
yeah I can't see a problem with it either, clearly offside/ interfering
He was nowhere near him, he wasnt interfering, the keeper wasnt getting there
No surprise its useless English officials flipping up. Again
It's not rubbish though is it. Whether the keeper was getting there or not is completely irrelevant, it's about whether he hindered the keeper's chances of attempting to which Dumfries clearly did, even if it was only split second hesitation. I can't fathom how a player stood in the centre of the goal a few yards out can not be considered to be interfering with play?
It's not rubbish though is it. Whether the keeper was getting there or not is completely irrelevant, it's about whether he hindered the keeper's chances of attempting to which Dumfries clearly did, even if it was only split second hesitation. I can't fathom how a player stood in the centre of the goal a few yards out can not be considered to be interfering with play?
Not a chance on earth Maignan was ever getting there.
Not a chance on earth Maignan was ever getting there.
As I said, I don't think it matters whether Maignan was getting there or not.
And it's not only about the keeper. If a player is stood in a position in the box like that, it affects the positioning of the defenders too. Like I said, how can a player stood smack bang in the middle of the box a few yards out not be impacting play? Why would he be there if he wasn't?
As I said, I don't think it matters whether Maignan was getting there or not.
And it's not only about the keeper. If a player is stood in a position in the box like that, it affects the positioning of the defenders too. Like I said, how can a player stood smack bang in the middle of the box a few yards out not be impacting play? Why would he be there if he wasn't?
I just don’t buy it. Defenders aren’t going to drop back (and they haven’t) to attempt to deal with a player who’s in a blatantly offside position as:
a) if he’s interfering with play, he’ll be given offside b) if he’s not interfering with play, he’s irrelevant
In my opinion he absolutely falls into column “b”. The officials on the night disagree, as do you. Fair enough - there’s a degree of subjectivity to it; I just feel we should try less hard to disallow goals. It ruins the spectacle.
Regarding the VAR incident, apparently it took 6 minutes to make the decision, but the time added on was only 5 minutes despite all the incidents and substitutions etc.so that's another mistake.
Imagine if the on field ref stopped play for 6 minutes to have a think!
If the ball had gone between the keeper and the player, I'd have said fair enough, that could be a goal. The ball actually went on the other side of the player. He was stood between the keeper and the post and it went that side. It doesn't matter if the keeper dived or not. He might have thought not to bother because the player was so close to him. He would have needed to dive head first into a player who was within touching distance to have a chance of getting near it. How can that not be interfering? It just doesn't make sense. It is the fault of Dumfries that the goal was disallowed. He got himself into the wrong position, so no goal.
If a goal had been awarded against England in that situation, I'd have been incredulous, so it's only fair that I have the same view for the French, even though it would be hilarious if they didn't get out of the group!
I think the point some people are making is that the ball was hit so hard, it was past the keeper in a flash! He was never going to save it whether there was a player stood there or not. How many times have we seen keepers rooted to the spot because they didn't have a chance to save such a well hit shot!
We are talking about split second thinking. I think they got it right, but I think the referee should have been sent to the screen to decide for himself on such a subjective decision.
It's not rubbish though is it. Whether the keeper was getting there or not is completely irrelevant, it's about whether he hindered the keeper's chances of attempting to which Dumfries clearly did, even if it was only split second hesitation. I can't fathom how a player stood in the centre of the goal a few yards out can not be considered to be interfering with play?
It is rubbish, Its finding ways to re-referee the game and disallow goals.
Keeper wasnt getting there, Dumfries hasnt made any attempt to block/intefere in any way
As Bill Shankly or was it Brian Slough said ,if he was not interfering with play, what was he doing on the pitch ?
Now today's games Georgia playing really well went a goal down but disallowed by VAR. Then get a lucky pen when ref asked to have another look and awards Georgia a pen who score and go in at the break 1-0.
Over 37 years living in Suffolk but always a mariner. 69 Years following the Town
As Bill Shankly or was it Brian Slough said ,if he was not interfering with play, what was he doing on the pitch ?
Now today's games Georgia playing really well went a goal down but disallowed by VAR. Then get a lucky pen when ref asked to have another look and awards Georgia a pen who score and go in at the break 1-0.
The draw really looks like it's opening up for England (if we can win Group C). If Romania can get something from Belgium tonight and Belgium don't win Group E it will get even better. And lets be honest, the only way this England team goes deep into this competition is if the other top teams are all in the opposite side of the draw.
How the draw might look...
A1 Germany C2 Denmark Germany Spain B1 SPAIN ADEF3 Austria Spain Portugal D2 France E2 Belgium France Portugal F1 PORTUGAL ABC3 Italy Portugal England C1 England DEF3 Slovakia England Switzerland A2 Switzerland B2 Croatia England Netherlands D1 Netherlands F2 Turkey Netherlands Romania E1 Romania ABCD3 Scotland
Heh. I've just realised that the feckers at the hospital have booked me in for a scan at 7.45pm on Tuesday night! Shouldn't take too long, but I suppose it will at least save me from some misery (unless we do well, in which case I'll have to watch the highlights).
Conveniantly ignoring the fact that France will win the group therefore England wont be avoiding them
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
Also think Belgium ( whilst not being) the team of old, will win their group
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
I would say though that the best 3 teams in the tournament so far have been Portugal, Spain & Germany in that order. All 3 will be in the other half of the draw if England win Group C. So whether France, Belgium and Italy or Netherlands, Slovakia or Croatia are in our half of the draw (or any mix of that) it's still a much easier path than the other half of the draw.
Great game of football this evening . The Polish referee is tge best in the world and contributed to 90 minutes of free flowing high energy football. A million miles from England in energy and entertainment.
In tonight's match VAR ruled out a Lukaku goal for offside by part of his body being literally a millimetre off even though he was 25 yards out and absolutely no advantage was gained by that millimetre.
How on earth have we got to the stage where great goals are ruled out by any part of the body is a fraction ahead of the defender? That is not in the spirit of the laws, is it?
A1 Germany C2 Denmark Germany Spain B1 SPAIN ADEF3 Austria Spain Portugal D2 France E2 Belgium France Portugal F1 PORTUGAL ABC3 Italy Portugal England C1 England DEF3 Romania England Switzerland A2 Switzerland B2 Croatia England Netherlands D1 Netherlands F2 Turkey Netherlands Scotland E1 Slovakia ABCD3 Scotland
In tonight's match VAR ruled out a Lukaku goal for offside by part of his body being literally a millimetre off even though he was 25 yards out and absolutely no advantage was gained by that millimetre.
How on earth have we got to the stage where great goals are ruled out by any part of the body is a fraction ahead of the defender? That is not in the spirit of the laws, is it?
Inevitable as soon as technology was introduced . Black and white nothing in the offside rule about seeking an advantage . Perhaps one day we will AI deciding on more subjective criteria . Hopefully I will be dead by then .
Great game of football this evening . The Polish referee is tge best in the world and contributed to 90 minutes of free flowing high energy football. A million miles from England in energy and entertainment.
I watched France v Netherlands last night with great anticipation. France looked great the few times they moved it quickly, usually involving Kante, but didn't do it enough.
Been out all day today, turned the TV on just in time for kick off and really enjoyed that Belgium v Romania game.
Really enjoying euro 2024 (except England games) adds a bit more fun to it when you're in sweepstakes, fantasy leagues and a prediction league. Touch wood I'm actually doing quite well in the latter 2! (JYNXED!)
I know. Im at the game. But feel the Romanians will win alongside Belgium and H2H takes precedent
I’d expect Slovakia v Romania to be a dreadful game as both teams will know a draw will take them through due to Ukraine’s terrible GD. Neither side will want to risk losing incase Belgium v Ukraine ends as a draw.
But having said all that, I’m going 1-0 to Slovakia with a late goal.
I know it's if's but's and maybe's but if it goes something like that we might scramble our way to another semi final again - we seem to end up with favourable draws a lot of the time .
I know England have been poor but Scotland are absolutely dreadful.
Absolutely toothless.
"The socialism I believe in is everybody working for the same goal and everybody having a share in the rewards. That’s how I see football, that’s how I see life.” Bill Shankly
I know it's if's but's and maybe's but if it goes something like that we might scramble our way to another semi final again - we seem to end up with favourable draws a lot of the time .
Remarkable isn’t it - same with the rugby World Cup.
I think the referee got that penalty decision right. The Scot jumped across in front of the defender (who was running in a straight line) and then dragged him down after they got tangled up. I don't know why he didn't just get a shot away!
So after nearly four decades of giving England fans excrement about an Argentinian doing them over with a moment of controversy Scotland finally get some karma. Ha!
I’m not gonna lie, I’m absolutely delighted the Scot’s have whimpered out of this competition. Kieran Tierney’s not celebrating winning goal kicks now is he?
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
I agree no penalty for Scotland. He fouled the Hungarian by pulling his shirt with some force. Scotland were not robbed.
I am sure some of the pundits will try and get Scotland through on 1 point and a big negative goal difference.
Both teams were poor. Hungary had more quality. But nearly all their long forward passes went astray.
Right near the end there were 3 or 4 Hungarian players who not be bothered to track back. Amazing. Scotland immediately had an overload but could not make it count.
I didn’t think it was a penalty as I thought he was offside when the ball was put through to him. Not seen a replay of that yet, just the foul
Baldrick ! The only impression you can do is that of a man with no talent !! GTFC team 09/10 - Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick.
The Scotland corner before the goal should have been tapped short and messed around with near the corner flag and the player who broke away could easily have been fouled on or before halfway.
As ever first plane home for Scotland.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
The best comment I've seen about him is that he looks like somebody who would serve you a pint in a fancy craft beer bar.
"Oh yeah dude, Justin and I were traders together in Singapore and it just wasn't our vibe you know. We just loooove creating art and beer is art, so we set up our own palace of art here in Shoreditch. Anyway, this little beauty is brewed by a hermit on top of a mountain in Peru and uses mole's foreskin to get a real tang in the aftertaste. That'll be fourteen pounds sixty please..."
Miss Scunthorpe. Not a beauty pageant, just sound advice.
I thought I was going to see two teams with nothing to lose going hammer and tongs last night , it was just as boring as watching England. It makes me wonder if all this possession based , play patter-cake with the keeper football we're being served up these days is results of too much data and FA coaching courses.
I thought I was going to see two teams with nothing to lose going hammer and tongs last night , it was just as boring as watching England. It makes me wonder if all this possession based , play patter-cake with the keeper football we're being served up these days is results of too much data and FA coaching courses.
I'd very much doubt that FA coaching courses had an effect on Hungary v Scotland.
Miss Scunthorpe. Not a beauty pageant, just sound advice.
Id hazard a guess that Clarke got all his FA coaching badges in England
I hadn't thought about that and he spent a lot of time at Chelsea. You are probably right!
I'm still not sure that's a major factor in Scotland's woeful performances - you'll never win a game if you don't get into the final third with any penetration or intent. They were ok defensively (just ok) but looked clueless going forward. Even when they did get into the final third they couldn't get a decent ball to a striker and their strikers looked like they didn't have a clue. I'm not sure I'd be happy if we signed Che Adams - he scores 1 in 4 in the Championship and 1 in 5 for Scotland (ok, he'd probably do well in L2!).
Their final table position says everything about them - bottom of the group, 1 point, 2 losses and 2 goals that weren't scored by Scots. Minus 5 GD. They got what they deserved. You don't get points for your fans or "pashun".
I'm 100% serious that they remind me a lot of us in the first half of last season under Hurst, just couldn't generate any danger in the final third.
Miss Scunthorpe. Not a beauty pageant, just sound advice.
I hadn't thought about that and he spent a lot of time at Chelsea. You are probably right!
I'm still not sure that's a major factor in Scotland's woeful performances - you'll never win a game if you don't get into the final third with any penetration or intent. They were ok defensively (just ok) but looked clueless going forward. Even when they did get into the final third they couldn't get a decent ball to a striker and their strikers looked like they didn't have a clue. I'm not sure I'd be happy if we signed Che Adams - he scores 1 in 4 in the Championship and 1 in 5 for Scotland (ok, he'd probably do well in L2!).
Their final table position says everything about them - bottom of the group, 1 point, 2 losses and 2 goals that weren't scored by Scots. Minus 5 GD. They got what they deserved. You don't get points for your fans or "pashun".
I'm 100% serious that they remind me a lot of us in the first half of last season under Hurst, just couldn't generate any danger in the final third.
Yeah I was getting flashbacks from watching GTFC last season , there's no point having 60% possession if 40% of that is with your keeper
Scotland have a very small pool in which they can get any quality players. A bit like wales where they have great players every 5-10 years but not enough to get them over the line.
Scotland did well to qualify, and apart from a good result against Switzerland, there was a very apparent gap in terms of quality. Cant say they haven’t done well for getting there and it will no doubt have their supporters believing in the team once again.
Findus: if the footballs Sh1t you can always watch the ships
Main stand: if the footballs Sh1t you can always abuse the manager
As has been noted in the past, if Efete can leave an L2 club because he isn't fancied there, but then move to the top level of the Scottish game, that's as clear an indication as you can get of a lack of quality.
What we haven't had for some time is many top-quality Scottish players becoming important members of the big Premier League clubs as was the case in the 70s, 80s and 90s to a degree.
This time, they've had McGinn (who disappointed, I thought), Robertson (past his best) and Tierney who quickly got injured. Gilmour has some ability, but I'd argue he's not a top-level player yet, though he is young and has time to improve. The rest of them wouldn't get near playing for a top 6 PL team.
As has been noted in the past, if Efete can leave an L2 club because he isn't fancied there, but then move to the top level of the Scottish game, that's as clear an indication as you can get of a lack of quality.
What we haven't had for some time is many top-quality Scottish players becoming important members of the big Premier League clubs as was the case in the 70s, 80s and 90s to a degree.
This time, they've had McGinn (who disappointed, I thought), Robertson (past his best) and Tierney who quickly got injured. Gilmour has some ability, but I'd argue he's not a top-level player yet, though he is young and has time to improve. The rest of them wouldn't get near playing for a top 6 PL team.
Missed out Mctominay aswell, Ryan Christie enjoyed a good season with Bournemouth aswell. Patterson and Hickey both injured meaning Ralston had to play, Lewis Ferguson who is probably there best player also did his ACL in a pretty much nothing game for Bologna towards the end of the season.
Scotland have a very small pool in which they can get any quality players. A bit like wales where they have great players every 5-10 years but not enough to get them over the line.
Scotland did well to qualify, and apart from a good result against Switzerland, there was a very apparent gap in terms of quality. Cant say they haven’t done well for getting there and it will no doubt have their supporters believing in the team once again.
Seen a few comments which suggest the games will get lot more exciting once the group stages are out the way and when we get into the knock-out stages teams will let the shackles off more? Sorry unless I am missing something I just can't see that happening? A knock-out game is a one off game so why would teams let the shackles off now and leave gaps at the back? If they come unstuck because of that and lose the game, they don't get a 2nd chance do they, I can't see the games turning out to be any different now we are approaching the knock-out stages
Seen a few comments which suggest the games will get lot more exciting once the group stages are out the way and when we get into the knock-out stages teams will let the shackles off more? Sorry unless I am missing something I just can't see that happening? A knock-out game is a one off game so why would teams let the shackles off now and leave gaps at the back? If they come unstuck because of that and lose the game, they don't get a 2nd chance do they, I can't see the games turning out to be any different now we are approaching the knock-out stages
The tournament starts at the knock out stages. We have spent 2 weeks eliminating 8 teams. The next World Cup is even worse with 48 teams and only 16 eliminated after 3 weeks! Not even worth watching apart from the odd game, until it starts to matter. The tournaments should be 16 and 32 respectively with only the top 2 going through then nearly every game matters.
'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
Poland and Ukraine have both gone out. However, both teams have played well in their last game. Belgium were another big team who were poor. France next for them.
Ukraine had a corner that nearly went in directly. Romania scored with an unstoppable penalty.
Which is located furthest south? Which has the largest population? Which has the most neighboring countries? Which is furthest from the Mediterranean Sea? Which has the smallest land area? Which has the highest FIFA ranking?
'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
Which is located furthest south? Which has the largest population? Which has the most neighboring countries? Which is furthest from the Mediterranean Sea? Which has the smallest land area? Which has the highest FIFA ranking?
Which one of them are genocidal cǔnts would have been my first starter for ten
The fact is Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and France are all in the other side of the draw.
We couldn’t have asked for a better route to potential glory.
I can't see us getting through Italy in the quarters if we make it , they will do a job on us like they always do probably in ET or on pens again and it will be another hard luck story like the last 50 odd years imo.
International football has changed . The ‘ big teams ‘ of the past are no longer dominant . Look at the list of countries in the last 16 and who have been the best to watch probably Austria and Georgia . Numerous other well organised difficult to beat countries playing without that way because they don’t have the burden of expectation . Why is this? Because historically the best leagues were full of home grown players Germany , Spain England so those countries players played at a higher level week in week out. Now these leagues are international melting pots and the reverse is the case it is for home grown players to break into that level. This has been obvious for a long time now so why do the media keep going on about England have a big opportunity because they are in the weaker side of the draw. There is no weaker side if the draw.
I can't see us getting through Italy in the quarters if we make it , they will do a job on us like they always do probably in ET or on pens again and it will be another hard luck story like the last 50 odd years imo.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Swiss knocked the Italians out.
Baldrick ! The only impression you can do is that of a man with no talent !! GTFC team 09/10 - Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick.
If, if, we get to the final, our opponents should be punch-drunk from fighting their way y on get there against very good teams. That is the hope anyway.
We get lucky with good draws. But unlucky in individual matches.
International football has changed . The ‘ big teams ‘ of the past are no longer dominant . Look at the list of countries in the last 16 and who have been the best to watch probably Austria and Georgia
Reading too much into it. The tournament has grown enormously. Euro 92 had 2 groups of 4.With so many rounds of knock out games it has become much more of a lottery. It used to be league based Competition with semis and final but now is almost entirely a Cup tournament. The leagues just exist to spin the tournament out and ensure all the big nations take part which increases audience participation.
'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
Reading too much into it. The tournament has grown enormously. Euro 92 had 2 groups of 4.With so many rounds of knock out games it has become much more of a lottery. It used to be league based Competition with semis and final but now is almost entirely a Cup tournament. The leagues just exist to spin the tournament out and ensure all the big nations take part which increases audience participation.
If we are to persist with a 24 team tournament, which I can see the argument for given that 13+ UEFA members qualify for the World Cup, then I would like to see 4 groups of 6.
You then either progress into a QF with only the top 2 qualifying, or have 4 teams qualify to keep everyone in it going into game 5 with 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd in the R16.
Doing that would probably add an extra week to the tournament, but as the chance of a UEFA member qualifying for the World Cup would be virtually the same as qualifying for the regional competition if it was a 16 team tournament, the 24 team format won't be going anywhere.
England back to clear favourites again with Skybet. Have they been watching the group games?
England 7/2 Spain 4/1 France 11/2 Germany 11/2 Portugal 6/1 Netherlands 12/1 Austria 16/1 Italy 16/1 Belgium 33/1
It's because of our side of the draw, but I see what you are saying lol. Switzerland 33/1 Denmark 66/1 Turkey 66/1 Romania 150/1 Slovakia 200/1 Slovenia 200/1 Georgia 250/1
England back to clear favourites again with Skybet. Have they been watching the group games?
England 7/2 Spain 4/1 France 11/2 Germany 11/2 Portugal 6/1 Netherlands 12/1 Austria 16/1 Italy 16/1 Belgium 33/1 Switzerland 33/1 Denmark 66/1 Turkey 66/1 Romania 150/1 Slovakia 200/1 Slovenia 200/1 Georgia 250/1
Down to the draw. Yes we haven't played well but have an easy passage. Trying to pick a winner from the others is difficult. Italy look value though for the same reason.
'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
Probably punters looking at us being on the easy side of the draw and/or assuming that Southgate has been playing 5D chess and we're going to suddenly play like world-beaters soon.
Italy have been crap for years. Out in the groups in WC2014 (with us), failed to qualify for a couple of tournaments at least since (maybe 3?). We gifted them the one in 2021 with the sit on a lead style were still going with now.
This German team are very similar to the Germany side from the 2006 World Cup. Very entertaining to watch, but very little control of the game. It all so frantic and you feel as soon as they come up against someone really well organised (like Switzerland were earlier today) they will be in real trouble.
Home atmosphere is doing them a lot of favours. One of Spain, France or Portugal knock them out imo.
I think it could be a possibility though they have enough to win it as they seem to have a strong spine through the team great keeper, 2 no none sense CBs. Kroos, Musiala, Sane Gundogan are all class and despite his detractors Havertz is right up there.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
I think Germany look pretty good. Real pace out wide, Havertz has developed into a good forward playing through the middle, huge experience in midfield and a decent-looking defence. The lack of depth might be an issue as they really don't have anybody in the same class as Musiala and Sane to come off the bench, but I suspect they will be a real threat on the counter against teams which have to come on and attack them.
Anybody feeling excited about the game this afternoon? Can't say I am, really! I've pretty much resigned myself to another crummy performance, win, lose or draw.
I think Germany look pretty good. Real pace out wide, Havertz has developed into a good forward playing through the middle, huge experience in midfield and a decent-looking defence. The lack of depth might be an issue as they really don't have anybody in the same class as Musiala and Sane to come off the bench, but I suspect they will be a real threat on the counter against teams which have to come on and attack them.
Anybody feeling excited about the game this afternoon? Can't say I am, really! I've pretty much resigned myself to another crummy performance, win, lose or draw.
It's a bit like supporting town at times isn't it - you hope for a good performance but don't particularly expect one .
Yeah, but in recent years, I've not thought we were clearly capable of doing better because our squad has been, in general, not particularly great. This England squad is lacking depth in one or two areas, but the sheer ability available in others means that we should be doing a heck of a lot better than we are, whether we are real contenders or not. Regardless of what happens this tournament, it will be interesting to see who replaces Southgate in the aftermath. I think the reporting was indicating he wanted to move into club management, so the debacle of this tournament won't have helped!
Was at the Slovakia game Wednesday, they work hard and their front 3 are a nusisance but slow at the back, particularly the right and left back who were targeted particuarly by Hagi for the Romanians
See the team for this afternoon is the usual 10 plus Mainoo for Gallagher in midfield. Cannot say that Southgate isn’t loyal, he must be happy with how they’ve performed to date, although the majority of armchair managers saw the difference when Palmer and Gordon were on.
See the team for this afternoon is the usual 10 plus Mainoo for Gallagher in midfield. Cannot say that Southgate isn’t loyal, he must be happy with how they’ve performed to date, although the majority of armchair managers saw the difference when Palmer and Gordon were on.
Maybe Palmer & Gordon will come on an half time when we’re 4 - 0 up 🙊
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
Get foden and Bellingham off, Gordon and palmer on. That's an absolute minimum.
Certainly a tournament too far for Southgate and I've been a massive supporter of his, but he's been dreadful these euros, absolutely awful management. Even he must surely see changes are needed right now though
Get foden and Bellingham off, Gordon and palmer on. That's an absolute minimum.
Certainly a tournament too far for Southgate and I've been a massive supporter of his, but he's been dreadful these euros, absolutely awful management. Even he must surely see changes are needed right now though
So where's all the Southgate psycophants now then? "Oh, why is everyone moaning? We've done the job and finished top of the table. We'll start playing now when it matters." With 13 minutes to go I've STILL not even seen a smidgen of a hint of anything resembling a good footballing side. We're simply dreadful. Worst England side I've ever witnessed in well over 50 years of watching. Southgate should have been sacked after throwing away the final last time by sitting back when a poor Italian side were there for the taking.
Form temp class is permanent. Bellingham is only Age 20 ( until yesterday) and carried Madrid for the first half of the season. He has been tired for the last few months. And in poor form.
They've looked terrified in every game. I don't know how much money has been ploughed into St Georges Park over the years but whatever they spent on sports psychology was an utter waste. Joyless, turgid and aimless.
Oh well Kane's just scored - all part of a master plan then
At the final whistle they were celebrating like they’d won the final, not just scraping a win against Slovakia, whenever we meet a top ten team then we’ll really be found out.
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin, You're waiting for someone to perform with. And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do, The movement you need is on your shoulder.
When Leeds trainer Les Cocker was once told Norman Hunter had broken a leg, he asked: “Whose is it?”
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin, You're waiting for someone to perform with. And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do, The movement you need is on your shoulder.
Thought Rice had a decent game and was unlucky with the shot that hit the post .
A lot of sidewards and backwards again though - we just seem to play in straight lines , you watch any other team and it's much more fluid playing through the lines etc I don't think we changed tactics until the 94th minute did we - gave us and pizza boy a stay of execution at least .
You would say Switzerland look a better side but you just never know do you as tonight showed .
I just don't see us what our plan is? Switzerland might finally be the team that 'figures us out'. Hopefully not but we have looked absolutely abject in this tournament. I guess.. I'll just sit back and enjoy it.....
Let's just hope we can counter with our Ogleshield!
'I walked in the dressing room. The window was open and I thought that a sea fret had got in. Then I saw smoke billowing from a pipe in the corner of the room...it was my centre-forward. He looked seven stone wet through. He went on to score thirty-odd goals that season.' Lawrie McMenemy on encountering the legend that was Matt Tees.
Still think he needs to drop Foden for the balance of the team. Bellingham is the best in Europe so why try and play both and not get the best out of either. Foden spent too much time coming in off the wing and so allowing the opposition to cope rather than taking people on wide. He could be a great impact sub for Bellingham later on if needed.
To quote - Insanely amazing or amazingly insane. Life as a Town Fan.
Still think he needs to drop Foden for the balance of the team. Bellingham is the best in Europe so why try and play both and not get eh best out of either. Foden spent too much time coming in off the wing and so allowing the opposition to cope rather than taking people on wide. He could be a great impact sub for Bellingham later on if needed.
Totally agreed. A perfect example of the best players not necessarily making the best team. Remember when. We had to squeeze Beckham., lampard, Gerrard and scholes into a 4 4 2. All brilliant players but as a team it never worked at all for years on end
Thought Rice had a decent game and was unlucky with the shot that hit the post .
A lot of sidewards and backwards again though - we just seem to play in straight lines , you watch any other team and it's much more fluid playing through the lines etc I don't think we changed tactics until the 94th minute did we - gave us and pizza boy a stay of execution at least .
You would say Switzerland look a better side but you just never know do you as tonight showed .
Have to disagree on Rice, he's one of our biggest problems and one of the main reasons why we're currently struggling to play out from the back. If you watch him, he actively avoids getting into positions where he can receive the ball from the centre backs and when he does, he only has the ability to play a safe ball backwards - it's why Arsenal had to bring Jorginho into their team and move Rice forward.
We're in desperate need for a holding midfielder in the Rodri mold who is confident receiving the ball in their own half under pressure and playing quick first-time balls, and we potentially have the solution in Wharton but Southgate has shown no tactical nous or bravery so far, so it's one of the many issues he'll continue to overlook.
Have to disagree on Rice, he's one of our biggest problems and one of the main reasons why we're currently struggling to play out from the back. If you watch him, he actively avoids getting into positions where he can receive the ball from the centre backs and when he does, he only has the ability to play a safe ball backwards - it's why Arsenal had to bring Jorginho into their team and move Rice forward.
We're in desperate need for a holding midfielder in the Rodri mold who is confident receiving the ball in their own half under pressure and playing quick first-time balls, and we potentially have the solution in Wharton but Southgate has shown no tactical nous or bravery so far, so it's one of the many issues he'll continue to overlook.
I must confess I'm conflicted with us getting through.
Do I want us to win? Of course I do. Did we deserve to go through? Hell, no. Boring, turgid football. We were incredibly lucky - two shots on target and two goals. Slovakia were robbed.
I'd resigned myself on 80 mins that we were going home and deservedly so. A lot of the time we fail to even do the basics.
I think what it boils down to, for me, is that I have no pride in this England team. They're very hard to like - Bellingham sulking when things don't go his way, Rice behaving like a toddler at the end, the players celebrating like they've won the competition...then there's the football...
I'd rather we went out in the semis, playing swashbuckling football, rather than win the whole tournament with this anti football.
Unfortunately the nearest this England team will get to swashbuckle is a night out in Meggies.
Have to disagree on Rice, he's one of our biggest problems and one of the main reasons why we're currently struggling to play out from the back. If you watch him, he actively avoids getting into positions where he can receive the ball from the centre backs and when he does, he only has the ability to play a safe ball backwards - it's why Arsenal had to bring Jorginho into their team and move Rice forward.
We're in desperate need for a holding midfielder in the Rodri mold who is confident receiving the ball in their own half under pressure and playing quick first-time balls, and we potentially have the solution in Wharton but Southgate has shown no tactical nous or bravery so far, so it's one of the many issues he'll continue to overlook.
We have one sat on the bench in Wharton, we had one in Carrick that got under utilised. A player that's a specialist on the ball and taking it off the back four and playing forward rather than to the other centre half.
Its like they want the fans against them, the whinging in interviews, you've been flipping garbage for 4 games, Bellingham is incredibly talented, but coming across an arrogant helmet.
Its like they want the fans against them, the whinging in interviews, you've been flipping garbage for 4 games, Bellingham is incredibly talented, but coming across an arrogant helmet.
Siege mentality.
The thing is, Southgate has always tactically had his criticism and fairly so as well. But what was never in doubt was that the players would run through brick walls for him and he created a proper team mentality. In almost every way he's the Paul Hurst of the international game.
This tournament though that's looked in doubt. Not so much the willingness to run through walls for him but just looking like a unit. They've looked disjointed as hell for all bar the opening 20 minutes of the first game. I've defended Southgate before because his ability to get the best out of a collection of players and form a unit is a major attribute and I still argue that on the international stage that's probably better than having a tactical genius simply because your window to embed and enforce a style of play is incredibly limited, anyone dreaming that Pep would turn us into a tika-taka machine needs a reality check.
But bloody hell he's really testing his boundaries this summer. I'll accept his tactical flaws but that stubborn refusal to change has long tipped into downright stupidity. The fact that he feels there's only one position (the other midfield role alongside Rice) as the one that is a problem is staggering. Both full-backs have been poor and to be totally honest I think you take your centre-backs and Pickford out the equation and everyone else has looked poor more than they've not. Bellingham got us out of jail with a piece of magic, that justifies his position in the team and staying on the pitch, but he has been as poor as anyone. Foden's got a lot of stick but for me he's looked better, less poor than Bellingham. Difference is the two goals from one and none from the other. Kane the same, his leading of the line has been awful in the four games so far.
Had we gone out he would rightly have lost his job as England manager. That his final action would have been to wait until the 94th minute to make his third substitution and introduce a second striker would have been embarrassing. As it turned out having the ability to introduce 2 subs in Extra Time was to our benefit, but he can't have planned it like that. You get an extra sub in Extra Time (as Slovakia used and we didn't) so it's a mute claim. To spend 65+ minutes chasing the game and only making a single sub before the 84th minute is just baffling, even that change was enforced due to Trippier's injury.
We've played 4 average teams and huffed and puffed our way through. Whilst unbeaten we've failed to beat Denmark, Slovenia and Slovakia over 90 minutes. With the exception of Greece in 2004 you can't win a tournament by boring your way to it. The draw has fallen incredibly favourably for us but we won't get away with that level of performance against the Swiss, nor at any point further on. A Spain or Germany will tear us to shreds should we get that far and not up every aspect of our performances.
It's easy watching from home and say 'do this, change that, bring so and so on'. But at some point Southgate has to take the reigns off and recognise that this set of players should be generation defining for English football. For whatever reason he's got them playing within themselves and we can't rely on luck and 96th minute moments of magic all the time.
I think he's gone beyond the point of having a reason to not start Cole Palmer. He wasn't amazing when he came on but he was different. Foden and Saka have spent the best part of 4 games farting about and getting nowhere, Palmer at least went at sides and carried the ball in possession. Bellingham looked at his best in the first game when he was coming deep and impacting play. What we've seen since is him stay further forward and Kane dropping deeper and deeper to get possession. There's probably a genuine argument to drop every outfield player for the next game, but that won't happen. One, if not two, changes will be enforced at centre-back and then potentially left-back. The first one I would imagine will be Konsa coming in as the most like-for-like for Guéhi. At left-back there's only really Gomez as an option, chucking an unfit Luke Shaw in would be just stupid and makes the decision to go with one recognised left-back and even then an unfit one even dafter. But I half expect he'll almost bottle dropping one of his front four and drop Saka into defence with Palmer coming into the attack.
Personally, I'm not arsed about the left-back position as much as I am the midfield. I'm in complete agreement regards Wharton, he's the only player we've got who can effectively sit and turn play over quickly. I think Rice has been one of our better players but that's not his best position and he's better utilised with a little bit of licence to drive on. Equally so Bellingham, in my opinion, would be more effective if he's influencing play a bit deeper. International football is more about the build up than at club level so he, bit like Foden, is going to be less effective if he's just waiting on something to fall in and around the box. Wharton taking it off the centre-backs, Rice and Bellingham as the midfield dynamo's/No 8's/box-to-box midfielders, don't care what you call them just get them influencing play and stretching sides. If they're doing that you also need your wide players to stretch it even further, not really sold on Gordon as all that but he's the one player we've got who will run on the outside and go at his full-back. When we've used him he's looked effective, yet last night he sat chewing his fingers for the duration.
Feels a long wait until Saturday, which is good for Southgate because he needs as much time as possible to transform the approach. If we're to miss out because of a bit of individual brilliance from an Mbappe type then sometimes you just hold your hands up and say 'ok, fair enough'. But if we flounder out because we've had all this fantastic talent that was under utilised then it's an absolute waste. Somehow we're now in the same position we would be even if we had steamrolled everyone 8-0, but his tenure ends on 100 games without adopting that mentality of going out to do just that (or even just a little bit more towards it!)
The problem with picking Gomez as a left-back is that he's crap at it. A distinctly average right-back and centre-back but well below-average on the left.
I'd normally be happy with Walker moving across to the left as his pace would theoretically be beneficial for a player who isn't naturally left-sided. However, he's been poor this tournament as well and defensively dodgy which really isn't like him. Old Father Time finally catching up, perhaps?
It's a real shame that apparently only one or two of the many left-footed English professional footballers decided to become a full-back. What are the odds, eh?
Personally I think Renaldo basically picks the team, for their third group game they were already through so Martinez made I believe 8/9 changes, but Renaldo still played, he’s 39 so the rest would have been useful,but because Ronaldo wants to break records he played.
Disappointing that the petulant man-baby didn't get knocked out. Great defending from Slovenia. Just goes to show, England would have found it difficult to beat them even if we'd played at all well.
I’ve never had as much schadenfreude as when Ronaldo missed that penalty and cried his eyes out. If I could bottle that feeling I’d be a billionaire.
It was mildly amusing I must admit - what struck me more in that game was the connection with the fans ; both Slovenian and Portuguese , even Ronaldo was apologising to them for missing the penalty kick . It's a stark contrast to us as it seems very much an us V them mentality, towards the fans at least .
It was mildly amusing I must admit - what struck me more in that game was the connection with the fans ; both Slovenian and Portuguese , even Ronaldo was apologising to them for missing the penalty kick . It's a stark contrast to us as it seems very much an us V them mentality, towards the fans at least .
It's an us v them mentality because the fans have booed the players at 3 out of the last 4 games, slagged them off on social media, and thrown cups at the manager. That and the toxic media atmosphere is what will probably stop us from winning the tournament in the end.
I think not playing every slightly well and failing to have an obvious pattern of play is more likely to mean we aren't contenders this tournament than anything the media and fans do. Looks to me as though Bellingham is going to get a ban as well for being a bit of a bell-end when celebrating his goal.
I do wonder if there's an English trait to just have a meltdown at every possibility when it comes to tournament football. After Sunday's performance I felt fairly low about our chances but seeing the subsequent 3 games has almost calmed me a little.
We've not looked good and we definitely need to improve. But I've gotta say I've really not seen anything this tournament that has wowed me. Germany looked good against Scotland, not difficult. They really huffed and puffed against Denmark (the same Denmark we huffed and puffed against), in fact it was only that storm that halted the Danes when they were on top. Yeah, Germany looked strong late on but Denmark were chasing and opened the game up.
Portugal looked equally as meh against Slovenia as we did.
France have looked ok but they were hardly devastating against Belgium. Spain have cruised through but I can't say I'm watching them thinking they're outstanding. A workman like Georgia had them rattled for large periods and it was only when the game opened up that they ran away with the game. Regardless, we'll only meet one of Spain, Germany or France if we get to the final. (If).
I do wonder if there's an English trait to just have a meltdown at every possibility when it comes to tournament football. After Sunday's performance I felt fairly low about our chances but seeing the subsequent 3 games has almost calmed me a little.
We've not looked good and we definitely need to improve. But I've gotta say I've really not seen anything this tournament that has wowed me. Germany looked good against Scotland, not difficult. They really huffed and puffed against Denmark (the same Denmark we huffed and puffed against), in fact it was only that storm that halted the Danes when they were on top. Yeah, Germany looked strong late on but Denmark were chasing and opened the game up.
Portugal looked equally as meh against Slovenia as we did.
France have looked ok but they were hardly devastating against Belgium. Spain have cruised through but I can't say I'm watching them thinking they're outstanding. A workman like Georgia had them rattled for large periods and it was only when the game opened up that they ran away with the game. Regardless, we'll only meet one of Spain, Germany or France if we get to the final. (If).
rattled? Georgia had 1 shot on target, Spain had 33. they were about as rattled as a stone sculpture.
Spain have been the standouts so far, looking a class above in a tournament that the big teams have looked poor in.
Real winners have been the lesser nations, The Georgians ( against Portugal) Romania etc who i have throughly enjoyed watching
Yes, rattled. As in rattled by the fact Georgia were ahead from the 18th to the 39th minute and then even with Spain leading they had a couple of chances to level it. Just before the equaliser the Spanish started to look a little nervous, still in the first half I appreciate but they still looked worried. Last 15 minutes Spain were ready to run riot, but that was only at the point when Georgia abandoned their counter-attack stance and went for it a bit more, right gamble to make but it just opened themselves up.
Don't think it was quite 33 shots on target but Spain had the lions share of the play, no doubting that. But you don't get anything for possession and efforts. England had very similar possession and pass completion stats for their Slovenia game to Spain against Georgia and whilst not as many efforts at goal had almost double the number of crosses. If we're looking at those numbers then both Spain and England dominated their respective games. Again, means nothing compared to the result.
Ultimately it's what you do with the ball where it matters that counts. Spain, late on especially, were very effective and killed off Georgia. But they had to really work to break them down. Would England have broken them down? Going to be honest and say I'm not convinced. It took individual magic to break Slovenia down when the huffing and puffing had failed. Going back to the point about Spain looking nervous when being behind, difference is that they levelled the game early on and then controlled the narrative. England failed to get going soon enough and the longer it went on the less likely we actually looked to be able to pull it back. A very English irony that our equaliser was Route One long throw.
I agree that the better sides to watch have proved to the relative minnows with high energy and an in your face mentality. Austria have impressed me and I think the Swiss will be a huge hurdle for England to face. But Spain haven't looked all that to me. They've got through a poor group and then were rattled (yes, I'll use it again ) by Georgia. For all their dominance and, at times, style they're in the same position as England now. When they've turned it on I'd agree that they've looked the standout, but the bar is so low. At this point anyone who's left and turns it on will win it at a canter. I'm probably more in hope than expectation that it's England who do that.
Another shocking ref decision in the Rumania/Holland game with high boot given when a player taps it pass Dumfries at waist height, Dumfries is 2 yards away, ducks his head then spins round into the Rumanian then to the ground clutching his head. Looks like they were clean through on goal when ref pulled it back. 1 min later Dutch go 2-0 up game over, have switched off as looks like Rumania have given up.
"Jude Bellingham is available for England's Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland after he was given on Friday a suspended one-game ban for his controversial celebration after scoring against Slovakia in the previous round. In a statement, European football's governing body UEFA said that Bellingham would be fined 30,000 euros ($32,477) and suspended "for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct". "Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision," UEFA added."
When Leeds trainer Les Cocker was once told Norman Hunter had broken a leg, he asked: “Whose is it?”
So basically Bellingham is found guilty, but as the sponsors insist on having all the star players playing then the probable ban is suspended. As for Antony Taylor again he didn’t make at least 2 bookings against Germany because once again the star players must be available for later rounds, if it had been a premiership game there would have been at least 3 yellow cards by now and not just the one.
And the turkish fella just did a wolf symbol but got a ban because he's not famous. Mad really when in the Premiership there's literally a team called Wolves! Couldn't make it up.
And the turkish fella just did a wolf symbol but got a ban because he's not famous. Mad really when in the Premiership there's literally a team called Wolves! Couldn't make it up.
He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out and near enough admitting it was a political statement supporting an extremist group that is banned in Austria (who they were playing)
Baldrick ! The only impression you can do is that of a man with no talent !! GTFC team 09/10 - Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick, Baldrick.
So basically Bellingham is found guilty, but as the sponsors insist on having all the star players playing then the probable ban is suspended. As for Antony Taylor again he didn’t make at least 2 bookings against Germany because once again the star players must be available for later rounds, if it had been a premiership game there would have been at least 3 yellow cards by now and not just the one.
It wasn’t an offence that deserved a ban, much ado about nothing
There's nothing wrong with being a goal hanger, but it relies on getting the ball into the box so you can pick up scraps. Ronaldo seems to be mostly strolling around waving his arms. The big baby.
The two games tonight have been really good ,so much ability from all the teams and an enjoyable watch - not scared to lose just playing to win .
This one has penalty kicks written all over it
Thought the Spain Germany game was v good, but Portugal France less so - France a bit boring and disjointed like England really. Also like England they were the ones that made it through tho.
This game seems at a much quicker pace than our game, the Turks are buzzing round the Dutch who are struggling to exert any sort of control. Not sure who we want TBH.
This game seems at a much quicker pace than our game, the Turks are buzzing round the Dutch who are struggling to exert any sort of control. Not sure who we want TBH.
The thing is although we haven't played well we do seem to be good at controlling the tempo of games - whoever we get we will just knock it around backwards and sidewards for ages - none of the teams seem to dare press us with lots of bodies because of the individual quality we have further forward I'm assuming ?
I saw England beat Turkey 8-0 at Wembley when I was a kid. Unlikely that the result of that match will be repeated!
Though they’ve done really well & are doing well as I type this 1 - 0 up in a major semi, I can’t see what England would be worried about unless we bottle it.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
Haven’t seen either goalkeeper hoof the ball long hoping it goes to someone, they always play it out to one of their own players to build from the back, please take note Mr Pickford!!!
Bit of an odd game. Three really good goals in the first half and after that, Spain didn't really try too hard to score any more. France missed a few half-chances and played some decent stuff at times, but I never felt they would get back into it.
I still think Spain will beat whoever they face in the Final, however.
Spain are easily the best team in the tournament and should win it without too much sweat . The other big nations need to up their game massively for the next World Cup
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