England v Croatia Match Thread

England need to move forward with players like Harry Winks he has fantastic passing ability like Michael Carrick, and hopefully putting his injuries behind him he should be the first name on the team sheet moving forward.

A midfield three with Henderson, Winks and Oxlaide-Chamberlain is a decent midfield moving forward.

Quoted from Gaffer58

It was noticeable that when we were under the cosh prior to their goal we reverted back to the old routine of Stones passing back to Pickford who booted it up for a hopeful head on. Hopefully with a bit more experience and the younger players getting a couple more years older we can play pass and move more.

This was the most disappointing thing. The much-vaunted new approach, confidence and positive attitude dissipated quickly the moment a bit of pressure was put on us. Southgate's 3-5-2(ish) formation relies on the defenders to push up and take the ball into midfield and forward. We bottled it tonight and did pretty much what GTFC do when we've struggled in recent season. Possession for possession's sake across the back is pointless if you end up lumping it forward in hope and invariably give the opposition the ball. You'd be better off chipping it into the corner for a forward to run onto or even for an opposition throw-in deep in their own half.

No complaints from me. Croatia just had more guile and craft in midfield as i feared they would, and if anyone deserved to get the winner it was them. Perisic was immense. Not really quick or tricky, but he powered up and down like a bulldozer all game. It's just that little step up that we can't quite bridge, and again England produce good players, but very rarely world class ones. It was a combination of good set pieces and a favourable draw that got us as far as we did, but both times we played against opposition with better quality players, we lost.

Did well, restored a bit of faith, but ultimately, not quite good enough to get those goals in open play that you need at the right times. Think the French should win it now.

Quoted from scrumble

For getting them to the semi-finals for the first time since 1990

I would say more by luck than judgement.

I'd imagine the odds on a French victory must be rather short. The difference in the way they defended their lead last night in comparison to us is night and day. I think they'll need to get an early red card for the Croats to have a chance.

How many of us are really interested in watching the 3rd place play-off game ....Belgium v England 15:00 on Saturday......bit of an unnecessary urine take if you ask me.

Quoted from promotion plaice

How many of us are really interested in watching the 3rd place play-off game ....Belgium v England 15:00 on Saturday......bit of an unnecessary urine take if you ask me.

The 3rd/4th place game is the most depressing game in football for most folk apart from all 3 people salivating at the prospect of a rematch of England B vs. Belgium B. Let's see them throw beer over each other in fan parks in Croydon for that.

Saying that, I've still got Kane on for the golden boot so I'd appreciate a goal from him or no goals from Lukaku.

Quoted from Maringer

I think they'll need to get an early red card for the Croats to have a chance.

If Mbappe AND Varane go they'll win it!

Quoted from Manchester Mariner

The 3rd/4th place game is the most depressing game in football apart from all 3 people salivating at the prospect of a rematch of England B vs. Belgium B. Let's see them throw beer over each other in fan parks in Croydon for that.

Saying that, I've still got Kane on for the golden boot so I'd appreciate a goal from him or no goals from Lukaku.

Yeah, can't imagine anyone wants to be involved in that. Welbeck and Batsthingy will probably both play ahead of those 2 so I'll watch purely for the comedy finishing.

I've come to the conclusion after tonight that in my lifetime I've got more chance of seeing the Fentydome than the full England team winning anything.