My mate yesterday we were having a debate, he kept saying Ukraine are rubbish we should have no problem, i agree the draw is favorable and if we could pick our opponents at this stage they would be high up with who is left. However i was getting stick, basically saying i was patronising as i said it will still be a tough game, even if on paper its easy every game from here will still be tough even if the opposition is preferred.
Is this me being negative? I hope not, i still think we will get to the final (now) just i know what football is like, there is always a shock result round the corner and we should always be on our guard from complacency.
Cant wait for Saturday, at a BBQ from 1ish so might be a bit drunk by the game but be nice to watch it with a few friends and should be a good day.
Suggest you just say 'Iceland 2016' back at him...
Or Greece 2004, tbf at the time it was a bit more heated than it should have been lol we get on well but sometimes i probably do talk too much like i know what im talking about and know more than everyone on football topics. Half my fault
I don’t see it under Southgate. He respects other sides and clearly does his homework. On top, the players were making the right noises yesterday that it’s all about the next game. Their attitude is superb.
Yeh, I'm sure Gareth will keep the players grounded. Half the time the problem is our xenophobic gutter press, stirring up prejudices and reducing everything to the lowest common denominator. Wasn't it Croatia that flung the British papers in front of their players instead of a team talk in 2018 (?)
Frustrating first half, and just before we scored I had already expected extra time.
Great moves for both the goals involving the same players. Grealish was the catalyst; notice how when he received the ball from Kane for the first goal he feinted right forcing the defender to move with him, allowing him to slot the ball through to Shaw, who now had plenty of space for the perfect cross.
Some really immense performances yesterday. Apart from Kane in the first half, I don't think there was any performance other than excellent from all those who made it onto the pitch.
One standout for me is the team ethos that Southgate has instilled; it is truly impressive. They were up for it yesterday and it showed. Those players love each other and that is what appears to motivate them to fight for each other e.g I noticed the delight of Foden and the other substitutes when Kane scored, even though he must have been disappointed not to be involved himself; what was more important to him was that his team-mate and friend had scored and his team was winning. I wonder if having someone like SCP around has helped in this respect; I'd like to think that it has.
Yesterday's game was again hallmarked by attacking moves ending back with the keeper time and again, which frustrated me. However, they were up against a wily team that would punish them for their mistakes so they played it safe and I appreciate how vital that was to the result. We also had a considerable slice of luck, but remember - Napoleon saw this as the single most important trait of any of his Generals....
It will be interesting to see the team selection for the next game. Do we rest key players (our squad is more than strong enough to do so and some of the players that have yet to get a game have the potential to destroy better teams), or would that be arrogance? However, do we really expect to play the same core for all of our matches, especially given the bloodbath that Sweden vs Ukraine turned out to be.
So, same team or rest key players and give others (who must be raring to go given what they have seen happen so far) a chance to get involved and actually utilise the squad depth advantage that we have over most of our rivals, or stick and risk injuries to key players?
It is for some fans especially that we are playing Ukraine who finished 3rd in their group with 3 points and minus 1 and yet still qualified for last 16 !
Sweden had played really well in their Group games but suddenly being Favourite affected them and for Ukraine that was their final.
I hope the media don't tell the players about the losses to USA in the 50's, the Republic of Ireland in the late 80's or the time we couldn't beat Iran etc. We don't win by turning up, we win by the selected 11 and the subs performing to a high standard. France believed they could just turn up and the Swiss would bow down to them. At 3-1 down they didn't give in and were superb in their belief as the World Champions started to unravel.
Now is the only time that matters in sporting contests. We have screwed up and froze too many times before. Southgate has learnt a lot since the defeat to Croatia, and hopefully studied the inept display by England against little old Iceland under Roy of Croydon.
I wanted to play Germany in the last 16 because I believed we could beat them in a tight contest. Ukraine is a dream draw for a Quarter final but only if we perform.
Gareth Southgate knows if he can get to another semi final especially after beating Germany he will be portrayed with a crown on his head not a turnip. Other veg is available.
I agree completely with Ian Wrights comments. Why is it when England fans celebrate its seen as being OTT or against a weak German side, yet people seem to have no problem with Italians or Belgians celebrating. I try to stay off Social Media now but I had a look at the general reaction yesterday on Twitter and FB and people really dislike us.
I agree completely with Ian Wrights comments. Why is it when England fans celebrate its seen as being OTT or against a weak German side, yet people seem to have no problem with Italians or Belgians celebrating. I try to stay off Social Media now but I had a look at the general reaction yesterday on Twitter and FB and people really dislike us.
Feel for all those English men and women who hate their own country. Must be horrible to have to see the national team performing well in a major tournament.
I have to be honest and say I couldn't see that first goal coming. It felt like a 50/50 game, but we are due one of those against them. There is no point criticising Southgate, he isn't going to change but I would argue he got away with it a bit yesterday. Fortunately Germany are not that good, but we can expect to face a team that isn't that good all the way to the final now. I think the fans calling for Grealish to start can point to the fact that we looked far more dangerous when he came on! I do hope Southgate can see it is worth starting him.
I agree completely with Ian Wrights comments. Why is it when England fans celebrate its seen as being OTT or against a weak German side, yet people seem to have no problem with Italians or Belgians celebrating. I try to stay off Social Media now but I had a look at the general reaction yesterday on Twitter and FB and people really dislike us.
Decided to stay off Twitter after seeing Sterling getting pelters for his performance! It's just the absolute pits on there.
The German side was full of winners of domestic titles and Champions League trophies. Individually they had a superb CV but collectively they had weaknesses, and despite a cat and mouse affair in the 1st half, we finally managed to open them up at the back and two really good moves resulted in goals.
The thing that has been popping up in my mind today is just how different the end of that match felt. When we scored things were still tight, and Muller had his chance but when we scored again on 86 minutes I knew that we'd won the game and was completely serene til the final whistle. Contrast that with the two matches before; Spain were two goals ahead on 85 minutes, and I was completely unsurprised when Croatia got their second and then equalised at the death. Switzerland never looked out of the game and France never looked fully comfortable after Pogba's goal and the 81st minute goal meant that equaliser was always coming. Three games, three 2 goal leads going into the last 5/10 minutes, and of the teams you'd look at to do something in the tournament only we stopped the opposition building momentum and saw the game out professionally, and the team we were up against were far more dangerous than the others. I don't really remember Croatia having a chance against us but Spain were lucky not to concede 5. We might not create loads of chances but we look like an incredibly solid team who know how to manage a game, and I think that's worth more.
The first 75 minutes of that game must have been dreadful to watch for the neutrals but who cares - i'd sooner be boring winners than unlucky losers, which is the best we've managed since 66. Fair play to Southgate for holding his nerve on his 'formula' - I can definitely see us reaching the final now. Wouldn't like to call it if an Italy or a Belgium in the final however.
I logged off at about 4 yesterday. I have just read all the comments since, some outstanding mental gymnastics from some, back peddling and admittedly some admitting they were wrong.
Southgate got that spot on, apart from the first 10 minutes England were brilliant. The way we controlled the tempo from the back and only went forward when the Germans over committed. Outstanding.
Not only 4 clean sheets but apart from Muller's I don't think we have conceded a proper chance in 4 games.
I think some people need to get their history books out and look how other teams have won tournaments in the past. Because with one or two standout exceptions it's been by playing like we are. Brazil in 1970 was over 50 years ago and I don't think there has been anything like it since?
Back to 433 in Rome, I would imagine and even after last night Southgate will get pelters for his selection. I fancy he will get it spot on, again.
I don't mind the laughing, but people calling her a C and a slut on twitter is a bit much.
Christ really? Any reaction but sympathy is bizarre - she's not some pissed up opposition fan giving it large beforehand, she's a kid.
Watched the game (at home) with my own daughter who is probably a couple of years younger, and pretty obvious the shoe could have been on the other foot.
I logged off at about 4 yesterday. I have just read all the comments since, some outstanding mental gymnastics from some, back peddling and admittedly some admitting they were wrong.
Southgate got that spot on, apart from the first 10 minutes England were brilliant. The way we controlled the tempo from the back and only went forward when the Germans over committed. Outstanding.
Not only 4 clean sheets but apart from Muller's I don't think we have conceded a proper chance in 4 games.
I think some people need to get their history books out and look how other teams have won tournaments in the past. Because with one or two standout exceptions it's been by playing like we are. Brazil in 1970 was over 50 years ago and I don't think there has been anything like it since?
Back to 433 in Rome, I would imagine and even after last night Southgate will get pelters for his selection. I fancy he will get it spot on, again.
Sorry but that's just not true - Pickford made 2 good saves last night, and one from O'Donnell v Scotland, Reece James cleared one of the line v Scotland, Che Adams had a couple of chances.
We've ridden our luck a bit at the back to keep 4 clean sheets, but the good thing isnthat we're giving one or two chances a game, not several like maybe we have in the past.
I have to be honest and say I couldn't see that first goal coming. It felt like a 50/50 game, but we are due one of those against them. There is no point criticising Southgate, he isn't going to change but I would argue he got away with it a bit yesterday. Fortunately Germany are not that good, but we can expect to face a team that isn't that good all the way to the final now. I think the fans calling for Grealish to start can point to the fact that we looked far more dangerous when he came on! I do hope Southgate can see it is worth starting him.
I think Southgate can rather more justifiably point to the fact that bringing him on when he did was a planned tactical move that changed the game in our favour and probably worth repeating in tight games.
The volley that Pickford turned over was a half chance at best. Yes the technique was excellent, but it was hitting the crossbar if Pickford hadn't got a hand to it, so possibly not even going in. No better a chance than the one Sterling created for himself that definitely was going in until Nuer pushed it round the post.
The other chance looked like a genuine chance right up the last moment when Walker pushed him wide and Pickford closed down the angle. It would have taken an astounding finish from there to score.
Neither of those was as good a chance as Kane had at the end of the first half, and both probably on par with the headed chance Maguire had that he really didn't attack for some reason.
On the balance of play I'd say we created 5 genuine chances to their 3, so a 2 goal winning margin is a fair result.
The volley that Pickford turned over was a half chance at best. Yes the technique was excellent, but it was hitting the crossbar if Pickford hadn't got a hand to it, so possibly not even going in. No better a chance than the one Sterling created for himself that definitely was going in until Nuer pushed it round the post.
The other chance looked like a genuine chance right up the last moment when Walker pushed him wide and Pickford closed down the angle. It would have taken an astounding finish from there to score.
Neither of those was as good a chance as Kane had at the end of the first half, and both probably on par with the headed chance Maguire had that he really didn't attack for some reason.
On the balance of play I'd say we created 5 genuine chances to their 3, so a 2 goal winning margin is a fair result.
Come off it, sterlings tame shot was a better chance than the excellent Pickford save?
Comments
Is this me being negative? I hope not, i still think we will get to the final (now) just i know what football is like, there is always a shock result round the corner and we should always be on our guard from complacency.
Cant wait for Saturday, at a BBQ from 1ish so might be a bit drunk by the game but be nice to watch it with a few friends and should be a good day.
Half the time the problem is our xenophobic gutter press, stirring up prejudices and reducing everything to the lowest common denominator.
Wasn't it Croatia that flung the British papers in front of their players instead of a team talk in 2018 (?)
Frustrating first half, and just before we scored I had already expected extra time.
Great moves for both the goals involving the same players. Grealish was the catalyst; notice how when he received the ball from Kane for the first goal he feinted right forcing the defender to move with him, allowing him to slot the ball through to Shaw, who now had plenty of space for the perfect cross.
Some really immense performances yesterday. Apart from Kane in the first half, I don't think there was any performance other than excellent from all those who made it onto the pitch.
One standout for me is the team ethos that Southgate has instilled; it is truly impressive. They were up for it yesterday and it showed. Those players love each other and that is what appears to motivate them to fight for each other e.g I noticed the delight of Foden and the other substitutes when Kane scored, even though he must have been disappointed not to be involved himself; what was more important to him was that his team-mate and friend had scored and his team was winning. I wonder if having someone like SCP around has helped in this respect; I'd like to think that it has.
Yesterday's game was again hallmarked by attacking moves ending back with the keeper time and again, which frustrated me. However, they were up against a wily team that would punish them for their mistakes so they played it safe and I appreciate how vital that was to the result. We also had a considerable slice of luck, but remember - Napoleon saw this as the single most important trait of any of his Generals....
It will be interesting to see the team selection for the next game. Do we rest key players (our squad is more than strong enough to do so and some of the players that have yet to get a game have the potential to destroy better teams), or would that be arrogance? However, do we really expect to play the same core for all of our matches, especially given the bloodbath that Sweden vs Ukraine turned out to be.
So, same team or rest key players and give others (who must be raring to go given what they have seen happen so far) a chance to get involved and actually utilise the squad depth advantage that we have over most of our rivals, or stick and risk injuries to key players?
Hmm.....
agree, the subs reacted like fans who'd managed to invade the pitch - was great to see
It is for some fans especially that we are playing Ukraine who finished 3rd in their group with 3 points and minus 1 and yet still qualified for last 16 !
Sweden had played really well in their Group games but suddenly being Favourite affected them and for Ukraine that was their final.
I hope the media don't tell the players about the losses to USA in the 50's, the Republic of Ireland in the late 80's or the time we couldn't beat Iran etc. We don't win by turning up, we win by the selected 11 and the subs performing to a high standard.
France believed they could just turn up and the Swiss would bow down to them.
At 3-1 down they didn't give in and were superb in their belief as the World Champions started to unravel.
Now is the only time that matters in sporting contests.
We have screwed up and froze too many times before. Southgate has learnt a lot since the defeat to Croatia, and hopefully studied the inept display by England against little old Iceland under Roy of Croydon.
I wanted to play Germany in the last 16 because I believed we could beat them in a tight contest.
Ukraine is a dream draw for a Quarter final but only if we perform.
Gareth Southgate knows if he can get to another semi final especially after beating Germany he will be portrayed with a crown on his head not a turnip. Other veg is available.
Southgate got that spot on, apart from the first 10 minutes England were brilliant. The way we controlled the tempo from the back and only went forward when the Germans over committed. Outstanding.
Not only 4 clean sheets but apart from Muller's I don't think we have conceded a proper chance in 4 games.
I think some people need to get their history books out and look how other teams have won tournaments in the past. Because with one or two standout exceptions it's been by playing like we are. Brazil in 1970 was over 50 years ago and I don't think there has been anything like it since?
Back to 433 in Rome, I would imagine and even after last night Southgate will get pelters for his selection. I fancy he will get it spot on, again.
Watched the game (at home) with my own daughter who is probably a couple of years younger, and pretty obvious the shoe could have been on the other foot.
We've ridden our luck a bit at the back to keep 4 clean sheets, but the good thing isnthat we're giving one or two chances a game, not several like maybe we have in the past.
The other chance looked like a genuine chance right up the last moment when Walker pushed him wide and Pickford closed down the angle. It would have taken an astounding finish from there to score.
Neither of those was as good a chance as Kane had at the end of the first half, and both probably on par with the headed chance Maguire had that he really didn't attack for some reason.
On the balance of play I'd say we created 5 genuine chances to their 3, so a 2 goal winning margin is a fair result.