Due to time differences I haven't watched as many England games as I wanted to. I watched the replay of the Denmark game last night just to have a clearer idea of how good the team was. I always supported England in tournaments but putting my bias aside, I think the game could've gone either way if not for the penalty (which I don't think should be given sorry )
But! This is without a doubt the best England team I've seen for years. I like young players because they're hungrier and have more energy. The fitness level of this team is incredible and I always think that's one of the most important factors in football.
And a massive extra reason for wanting England to win is Sir Chris Powell who is one of the coaches!
Respect to @Stu_of_Kunming for flying over a thousand miles to watch the game on TV. I probably will wake up around 3am even without the alarm clock like I often do before a midnight/early morning game I care for.
The average age of the England squad is 25 and this is the youngest and I believe the happiest squad because of the success of Gareth Southgate in creating a club environment and St George's being a good venue with so many facilities at the Burton site.
I hope Foden is fit because his first touch is magic with that wand of a left foot. If not then we still have options. Definitely 50/50.
Feeling more confident than I was the other day. Italy have the better midfield trio hands down but I fancy Kane, Sterling and Saka against that back line all day long while I am also very impressed by Southgate’s tactics when we’re out of possession.
Chiesa and Insigne can be scary on their day but are generally hit and miss, while Immobile has had a disappointing tournament up until this point.
If I was Mancini I would be sorely tempted to drop Immobile, play Berardi as a false nine and have Chiesa and Insigne bombing on past him.
If England have a tough time dealing with Verratti-Jorginho-Barella, it’d be ten times worse with Berardi dropping in to link the play too.
Great quote by Andrea Barzagli the former Italian and Juventus defender who played alongside Chiellini and Bonucci.
"Training with Chiellini is like being put in a cage with a gorilla and you have to steal his food'
Kane and Sterling need to forage against the 36 year old Chiellini and 34 year old Bonucci.
I like Chiellini but all this media talk of him being like a roman warrior is getting a bit boring. If Kane was playing for Spain the other night, Italy would of been knocked out.
That's why I preferred this quote about him being a gorilla by an ex team mate not the Roman warrior.
Plus is this just kidology or are the Italians fearful of This England side ? They never have been before.
Quote from the Italian captain: "England's bench could have made it to the final as they have extraordinary players"
The average age of the England squad is 25 and this is the youngest and I believe the happiest squad because of the success of Gareth Southgate in creating a club environment and St George's being a good venue with so many facilities at the Burton site.
I hope Foden is fit because his first touch is magic with that wand of a left foot. If not then we still have options. Definitely 50/50.
Play deep,dont give Chellini and Bonucci anything to mark in open play,try and get to run at them,they will not follow you up field,and for all their obvious brilliance over many years,they are at an age when speed is not their greatest asset.Got to confess apart from today,Chellini is my favourite non English player of this tournament.
Great quote by Andrea Barzagli the former Italian and Juventus defender who played alongside Chiellini and Bonucci.
"Training with Chiellini is like being put in a cage with a gorilla and you have to steal his food'
Kane and Sterling need to forage against the 36 year old Chiellini and 34 year old Bonucci.
I like Chiellini but all this media talk of him being like a roman warrior is getting a bit boring. If Kane was playing for Spain the other night, Italy would of been knocked out.
That's why I preferred this quote about him being a gorilla by an ex team mate not the Roman warrior.
Plus is this just kidology or are the Italians fearful of This England side ? They never have been before.
Quote from the Italian captain: "England's bench could have made it to the final as they have extraordinary players"
Seems like an OTT statement but...
Does he honestly think England could win the Euros with a centre back partnership of Coady and Mings and Ramsdale in goal? Absolute nonsense from him. Play the game instead of mind games. I wonder how long it will take for him to roll around the floor after Kane brush’s him aside?
Sunday night in Nz I am sedating myself with some craft beers. My dad put $200 on Italy to win as a fairly obvious bit of reverse psychology - you do what you can….
Great quote by Andrea Barzagli the former Italian and Juventus defender who played alongside Chiellini and Bonucci.
"Training with Chiellini is like being put in a cage with a gorilla and you have to steal his food'
Kane and Sterling need to forage against the 36 year old Chiellini and 34 year old Bonucci.
I like Chiellini but all this media talk of him being like a roman warrior is getting a bit boring. If Kane was playing for Spain the other night, Italy would of been knocked out.
That's why I preferred this quote about him being a gorilla by an ex team mate not the Roman warrior.
Plus is this just kidology or are the Italians fearful of This England side ? They never have been before.
Quote from the Italian captain: "England's bench could have made it to the final as they have extraordinary players"
Seems like an OTT statement but...
Does he honestly think England could win the Euros with a centre back partnership of Coady and Mings and Ramsdale in goal? Absolute nonsense from him. Play the game instead of mind games. I wonder how long it will take for him to roll around the floor after Kane brush’s him aside?
An excellent player but a bit of an attention seeking prick at times. Thought the whole Alba thing was a bit muggy, I’d love to see him try that with Kane.
I'm one of the relative few on here that saw and remember the 1966 World Cup Final. I watched it on a small black and white telly in my aunt's place in Hither Green. I was two days short of my 11th birthday. I knew the World Cup was big but I had no real understanding of just how big, or of England's place then in the international football pecking order. I'd already chalked up 5 years as a Charlton supporter, going with my Dad, and I knew that the England team were Gods, way above the humble level of my beloved reds. But I had no idea we could win the World Cup, or what it really meant. Nor, when it happened, did I ever think it would be the last time England would win a major tournament for at least 55 years, maybe never again in my lifetime. I remember very clearly going into the Mexico World Cup in 1970 in the clear expectation that we would win it again, and the numb disbelief when West Germany recovered from a 0-2 deficit to beat us 3-2 in the quarter final.
Now, less than a month off my 66th birthday, here we are (nearly - it's the Euros this time) again. Instead of being at my aunt's place I'll be at home but my wife has invited her sister round to watch it with us*. Instead of the little black and white telly I'll be watching it on a big, 4k, LED telly. I understand how big this is - for the whole nation. And I understand that England, the perennial under-performers, are a team of huge potential but not yet proven top level winners. I understand that this MAY be the last time I ever see MY England win a major tournament.
So it's fair to say this final matters is something of an understatement. It's not "only a game". I can't quite buy in to the late, great Bill Shankly's view that "some people think football is a matter of life and death........ I can assure them it is much more serious than that" - but today it comes bloody close.
Come on England. For the nation. For all those fans who never got to see us win something again (or ever). For that little 10 year old boy.
* By the way, I have established 4 absolute rules for the aforementioned wife and sister in law:
1. No jibber jabber. 2. No asking silly questions like "how many points is it now?" 3. Don't talk to me unless i speak to you first 4. All restrictions on swearing suspended for the day.
The Dutchman is 48 years old and has the title of the riches referee in Europe as he is a multi millionaire as the owner of supermarkets. When it comes to giving penalties it may be a case of "buy one and get one free" but we hope he isn't off his trolley. He is a favourite of UEFA as he has reffed seven finals including a Champions League final.
Kuipers was going to get the final of the World cup in Brazil but the Netherlands reaching the semi final put pay to that ambition.
I apologise for repeating my personal facts below but I have added one (todays date)....but surely it must mean something??? (or I'm clutching at straws again!!)
55 - Year I was born
66 - The year England last won a major football trophy
Comments
But! This is without a doubt the best England team I've seen for years. I like young players because they're hungrier and have more energy. The fitness level of this team is incredible and I always think that's one of the most important factors in football.
And a massive extra reason for wanting England to win is Sir Chris Powell who is one of the coaches!
Respect to @Stu_of_Kunming for flying over a thousand miles to watch the game on TV. I probably will wake up around 3am even without the alarm clock like I often do before a midnight/early morning game I care for.
COME ON ENGLAND!!! Fingers crossed....
Chiesa and Insigne can be scary on their day but are generally hit and miss, while Immobile has had a disappointing tournament up until this point.
If I was Mancini I would be sorely tempted to drop Immobile, play Berardi as a false nine and have Chiesa and Insigne bombing on past him.
That's why I preferred this quote about him being a gorilla by an ex team mate not the Roman warrior.
Plus is this just kidology or are the Italians fearful of This England side ? They never have been before.
Quote from the Italian captain:
"England's bench could have made it to the final as they have extraordinary players"
Seems like an OTT statement but...
Only after penalties Mr Walker !
Going to to do a 10k run, and spend the day cleaning the house to take my mind off of what’s happening tonight.
Now, less than a month off my 66th birthday, here we are (nearly - it's the Euros this time) again. Instead of being at my aunt's place I'll be at home but my wife has invited her sister round to watch it with us*. Instead of the little black and white telly I'll be watching it on a big, 4k, LED telly. I understand how big this is - for the whole nation. And I understand that England, the perennial under-performers, are a team of huge potential but not yet proven top level winners. I understand that this MAY be the last time I ever see MY England win a major tournament.
So it's fair to say this final matters is something of an understatement. It's not "only a game". I can't quite buy in to the late, great Bill Shankly's view that "some people think football is a matter of life and death........ I can assure them it is much more serious than that" - but today it comes bloody close.
Come on England. For the nation. For all those fans who never got to see us win something again (or ever). For that little 10 year old boy.
* By the way, I have established 4 absolute rules for the aforementioned wife and sister in law:
1. No jibber jabber.
2. No asking silly questions like "how many points is it now?"
3. Don't talk to me unless i speak to you first
4. All restrictions on swearing suspended for the day.
The Dutchman is 48 years old and has the title of the riches referee in Europe as he is a multi millionaire as the owner of supermarkets. When it comes to giving penalties it may be a case of "buy one and get one free" but we hope he isn't off his trolley.
He is a favourite of UEFA as he has reffed seven finals including a Champions League final.
Kuipers was going to get the final of the World cup in Brazil but the Netherlands reaching the semi final put pay to that ambition.
IT'S COMING HOME!!
Build the team around him.