England v Netherlands

We've had most of the possession in the games so far. That's likely to change against the Netherlands. Not expecting many changes unless Shaw is deemed fit enough to start but I'd like to see us use our other forwards more, Kane picks himself in Southgate's plan so he's guaranteed to start. Poor Watkins has not featured at all, and Toney has been a late sub. Can't see the other strikers coming on earlier though unless we have to chase the game, and they weren't against Slovakia when that was the case.

Quoted from GrimRob

We've had most of the possession in the games so far. That's likely to change against the Netherlands. Not expecting many changes unless Shaw is deemed fit enough to start but I'd like to see us use our other forwards more, Kane picks himself in Southgate's plan so he's guaranteed to start. Poor Watkins has not featured at all, and Toney has been a late sub. Can't see the other strikers coming on earlier though unless we have to chase the game, and they weren't against Slovakia when that was the case.

Watkins came on against Denmark.

Quoted from Heisenberg

Watkins came on against Denmark.

Thanks. I had forgotten. He'll probably remember for the rest of his life though.

I thought the Dutch were quite physical in the second half and that helped them really get on top after being unable to get any sort of grip in the first. That said the Turks opened them up quite easily right at the end and blew a couple of decent chances. If we can match them physically they look vulnerable to quick counters.

I think it will another game of low number of chances, so it will be the team that takes one will win.

let's hope it's us!

At least we know it’s an all European final

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I thought the Dutch were quite physical in the second half and that helped them really get on top after being unable to get any sort of grip in the first. That said the Turks opened them up quite easily right at the end and blew a couple of decent chances. If we can match them physically they look vulnerable to quick counters.

You have to pass the ball forwards to counter attack.

I doubt they’ll be too many changes. Personally I’d start Shaw. Gareth seemed to be talking up what Phil Foden did in Saturday’s game, I’m no expert but i couldn’t see that he did anything special so I’d like to see Gordon started in front of Shaw, but Foden will no doubt get the nod.

Quoted from GrimRob

We've had most of the possession in the games so far. That's likely to change against the Netherlands. Not expecting many changes unless Shaw is deemed fit enough to start but I'd like to see us use our other forwards more, Kane picks himself in Southgate's plan so he's guaranteed to start. Poor Watkins has not featured at all, and Toney has been a late sub. Can't see the other strikers coming on earlier though unless we have to chase the game, and they weren't against Slovakia when that was the case.

Keeping possession for possessions sake is so old hat these days. The best teams keep possession whilst simultaneously attacking at pace but we plod along passing to and frow with 5 yard ultra safe passes eventually getting over the half way  line.

BUT, winning is the most important thing and if we win the competition playing this type of football then fair enough. If we don't win it though expect the sky to fall in on Southgate!

One really noticeable aspect of our play is even when there is a more attacking pass available, we seem programmed to pass it to the nearest available player. Keeping possession obviously means the opposition can't hurt you which is perhaps the plan.

I agree with the poster who said it doesn't have the quality of previous tournaments; some players seem subdued and weary.

So is it the Netherlands or Holland ?