Hmm so who do we want, given that a tie against the Netherlands will see us avoid France in the Quarters?
(Our record against the Dutch is shite)
You have to try and win the game and top the group IMO.
France in a potential QF is scary but it's knockout football. Every chance it could be a team out of Group C that beats them. Equally, a possibility that the QF is France v Senegal.
Its not the point of the off side law though is it. It should be if there isn't any of the defender goal side of the attacker, not that there should not be any of the attacker in front of the defender.
No lines person in the world can give that, with any certainty. Therefor isn't off side.
We have the players to play well and win and beat Senegal, but do we this year have the psychological edge when we meet France ?🫰 I daydream about us shutting out Mbappe and carving their defense open but it would be very tight and ultimately it would probably be decided on penalties. Then I go weak remembering 90, 96 et al. Help!
OK. Not sure if this will help much, but anyway: from what I've seen in qualification and in the tournament so far, this is the best England team I've seen. Ever. Yes, they had an off-day against the US, and if they have another of those that'll be the end of the tournament for them, but from my perspective as a neutral (well, not neutral tonight, but the less said about that the better) what I see is a group of very talented individuals who play well as a team and don't rely on a single prima donna.
There's a natural tendency to just assume that Wales, the US and Iran are all poor teams, despite all being in the world top 20. At some point, you all need to consider that maybe there's a reason why so many of England's opponents seem to be bad teams.
Harry Kane is a wonderful passes; ask Heung-min Son.
Harry Kane game continues to evolve and he is a goal maker as well as a goal scorer.
If he can stay fit with the 16 man game he can contribute for England over the next 4 year cycle as a number 10 and as a 9 which he has already been doing as he goes deeper and wide to find space.
I have watched only intermittently given my general lack of interest in this tournament (football in general at the moment). From what I have seen, a few (just about) impartial observations:
I had no expectations in advance about what I considered to be a poor/past it Welsh team. Even so they have disappointed. Absolutely woeful. How on earth they got past a useful Ukraine side can only be down to the understandable distractions of the latter. Home with their tails firmly between their legs (a metaphor there for those who want to find it).
England are either managing their way brilliantly or Southgate is a jammy git. Probably an element of both. Nevertheless, despite boring the pants of us for long periods while scoring 9 goals (I know, I know….), they are looking menacing. A wealth of talent with the stand ins looking good and in some cases better than the first picks. The much maligned central defenders have performed creditably against limited opposition so far. Questions remain about what the best side should be and whether the defence will stand up to concerted higher quality opposition. This tournament isn’t there for that taking like the last two but, perversely, this might be Englands best chance.
From the bits and pieces I have seen (big caveat) there isn’t an outstanding side. Brazil are good but lack the gold dust (real or imagined) of the samba gods of yore. France and Spain are also impressive in spurts but are an injury/suspension away from being neutered. Neither have England’s depth of squad. It’s an open tournament.
The draw is ok. It’s not the “take a deep breath we’re gonna win this thing guys and gals” draw of 2018. But it is doable. Senegal will be tricky. A banana skin if ever there was one but their talisman is out. France will be very tough but it’s a 50-50 match if England turn up and have a go. The real tournament begins now. Things will be clearer after the round of 16.
Comments
22:00 (10) -> 19:00 (7)
I promise I can tell the time usually....
Unlucky Iran, they've done well apart from the game against us - Was never a penalty in the dying minutes despite their pleading
England v Senegal, Sunday 7pm kick off
Tunisia v France
Denmark v Australia
Tomorrow, 7pm kick offs:
Poland v Argentina
Saudi Arabia v Mexico
Australia vs Denmark should be good too.
Who's playing?
No lines person in the world can give that, with any certainty. Therefor isn't off side.
I daydream about us shutting out Mbappe and carving their defense open but it would be very tight and ultimately it would probably be decided on penalties. Then I go weak remembering 90, 96 et al. Help!
Still pinching myself that this actually happened……
There's a natural tendency to just assume that Wales, the US and Iran are all poor teams, despite all being in the world top 20. At some point, you all need to consider that maybe there's a reason why so many of England's opponents seem to be bad teams.
Harry Kane game continues to evolve and he is a goal maker as well as a goal scorer.
If he can stay fit with the 16 man game he can contribute for England over the next 4 year cycle as a number 10 and as a 9 which he has already been doing as he goes deeper and wide to find space.
I had no expectations in advance about what I considered to be a poor/past it Welsh team. Even so they have disappointed. Absolutely woeful. How on earth they got past a useful Ukraine side can only be down to the understandable distractions of the latter. Home with their tails firmly between their legs (a metaphor there for those who want to find it).