England v Croatia Match Thread

Quoted from Ipswin

be nice if he played the second XI after all 3rd or 4th it's all wooden spoon - he won't of course it will be Harry (where's the goal) Kane and his mates yet again.

Quoted from Maringer

We got a round or two past our correct level due to the luck of the draw and fell short when our lack of quality was found out up front and in midfield. Too reliant on Kane, Rashford nowhere near at the moment and Sterling never looks like scoring for England, for all his other qualities. Vardy not suited for international football where he's not going to get the space he usually works in.

Lots of OK players, few anywhere near world class. Alli is pretty much rubbish at international level and he'll have to do one hell of a lot for England to prove otherwise for me (if he's in form which deserves selection).

The way Southgate failed to react and make a positive change when were on the back foot against Colombia and again tonight worries me for the future. I expect we'll qualify for the next Euros but I'd be surprised if we got past the quarters in that with our current approach. I hope one or two good young central midfielders emerge in the next couple of years as we can't rely on Henderson to be more than decent. Worryingly, Maguire and Stones both panicked quite bit tonight but I think they are decent footballers overall so hopefully they'll improve over the next two years. Young not an international full-back so I hope Rose has a good couple of years, Trippier lacking pace and strength. I'd prefer to see Walker at wing-back with another player in the back three if we're going to continue with the current formation. Or perhaps Alexander-Arnold?

Lingard OK, but no more than that. I hope Loftus-Cheek has a good couple of years somewhere (guessing not at Chelsea) as he is one with great potential to emerge this tournament. Also, lots of credit to Pickford who had the odd flap tonight, but can't be criticised with the ongoing panic in front of him because he's been very solid even when having to deal with endless back passes to whack clear.

Quoted from Abdul19

I think the refs have been lenient all tournament. Letting the game flow is one thing, but not punishing cynical pull backs and whatnot is another.

Quoted from Gaffer58

The refs are told by FIFA to be very lenient with yellow/ red cards. This all goes back to the last time it was held in Germany, in 2006 when Ballack got booked in the semi, a second yellow added to one from a previous game, hence missed  the final. Just imagine if the final was Portugal v Argentina and both Ronaldo and Messi were suspended, McDonald's and Kia would be in melt down. Just watch how once the premier starts how players will be getting booked for a lot lesser infringement than one at the World Cup.