FIFA World Cup 2018 - Round of 16 [30th June, 1/2/3 July] **spoilers**

Dele Alli not contributing enough to be a starter. Getting very concerned about us not creating anything in front of goal again, had no clear cut opportunities again.

That said, what a feeling that was. Think justice was done after the Colombian's antics, but was a little frustrated that we didn't go on to put the game to bed, and instead made a defensive sub and tried to sit it out. Statistically speaking you win more games/points if you go for it at 1-0 rather than trying to defend the lead.

Hopefully this experience will give the players a boost and that extra bit of nous when it comes to Saturday.
 
Good luck sleeping tonight, no chance. Too hot, adrenalin is still going and on a high after that. How can you not like football!
 
el_dazza said:
He's so calm and composed. I really think he's spot on for this job.
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It would be interesting to see what Southgate could produce with 1-2 more players of the quality of Kane or Trippier we are really missing that one player at the back who stands out especially.
 
toshj said:
Dele Alli not contributing enough to be a starter.
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He looked very poor tonight for me. His place has to be in question, though he might get a pass if his fitness was marginal but improving.

Young keeps his starting spot, though Rose looks good.

Vardy unconvincing.
 
Rroff said:
It would be interesting to see what Southgate could produce with 1-2 more players of the quality of Kane or Trippier we are really missing that one player at the back who stands out especially.
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Defence is certainly our weakest area. I think Young is 4 years past his best but seems to do an alright, if unspectacular job.
 
Sterling has been a bit of a waste of a player every game he’s played in.

I know we’ve got him on as pace to balance out Kane, but Rashford or even Vardy have to surely be given a chance due to how much of a liability Sterling is, constantly losing the ball.

Very pleased with the outcome even if I’ve aged 10 years
 
Participant said:
He looked very poor tonight for me. His place has to be in question, though he might get a pass if his fitness was marginal but improving.
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I get the feeling Alli hasn't recovered from that thigh strain in the first match. It wouldn't surprise me if he starts on the bench on Saturday
 
The one thing a few of us have noticed is that he's really reluctant to make subs tho. Even for players who are injured or dead on their feet.

I can't say I'm a fan of waiting until the 80th minute to make subs.

Esp if the other team are using all theirs and bringing on fresh legs. Games can swing on small margins.
 
Participant said:
He looked very poor tonight for me. His place has to be in question, though he might get a pass if his fitness was marginal but improving.
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His game has changed over the past year or two. Instead of playing with that enthusiasm and energy that he had when he broke into the Spurs team, he now seems to play how he thinks a superstar would play - lots of little flicks and tricks that don't come off. He's not a goal threat in the slightest anymore.
 
Great result bring on sweden. Hope Kane isnt too injured he looked absolutely dead after extra time.
 
Jakstaar2007 said:
Sterling has been a bit of a waste of a player every game he’s played in.

I know we’ve got him on as pace to balance out Kane, but Rashford or even Vardy have to surely be given a chance due to how much of a liability Sterling is, constantly losing the ball.

Very pleased with the outcome even if I’ve aged 10 years
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lol

Agreed about Sterling. He's had enough opportunities, maybe he'd do better coming on as a sub when legs are tired, in any case.

England are also lacking a conductor in midfield, unfortunately. It's been commented that Kane was coming very deep but in doing so, and holding onto the ball very well, he won several freekicks, which helps the wind get in your sails again instead of the opposition's. Others should have read the game better and done that themselves but they didn't, and just kept passing/giving the ball away under the slightest pressure from Colombia, during a phase of the match when Colombia were playing excessively dirty even for their standards, and one or two red cards could have easily been picked up.
 
Trippier has looked immense every game so far, defends well and usually delivers a decent cross/corner/free kick.

Sterling did better seconds half but I would love to see Kane and Rashford next game.

Glad I'm WFH tomorrow as I feel drained, hate to think what the players must feel in a penalty shootout!
 
crazy game, the most sick i remember ever feeling when watching England play. We got complacent and nearly chucked that, having said that over the 120 minutes we were by far the better team even though nobody really had a fantastic game. I'll also never understand why Dier was number 5 Penalty taker nearly gave me a heart attack.
 
Danny75 said:
lol

Agreed about Sterling. He's had enough opportunities, maybe he'd do better coming on as a sub when legs are tired, in any case.

England are also lacking a conductor in midfield, unfortunately. It's been commented that Kane was coming very deep but in doing so, and holding onto the ball very well, he won several freekicks, which helps the wind get in your sails again instead of the opposition's. Others should have read the game better and done that themselves but they didn't, and just kept passing/giving the ball away under the slightest pressure from Colombia, during a phase of the match when Colombia were playing excessively dirty even for their standards, and one or two red cards could have easily been picked up.
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Completely agree! I think that’s where rashford would help. He’s pacey himself but is great at coming back to win the ball. Thad free up Kane to stay up top. And then vice versa.
 
el_dazza said:
Defence is certainly our weakest area. I think Young is 4 years past his best but seems to do an alright, if unspectacular job.
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Can't agree RE weak at the back, we're ok, not great but just ok. The middle of the park is where we're terrible, we literally have nothing there apart from ball chasers.
 
esoteric said:
So back to normal talk. I've been happy with Pickford all tourney thus far and getting us through penalties, great. Young had a good game tonight compared to the rest of the tourney, noteworthy performance. Trippier has been solid all tourney too very happy with him, I give no demerit for that goal that went in tonight, could have been anyone. I do think his hair is stupid though.
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Agree with all of that.

toshj said:
Dele Alli not contributing enough to be a starter. Getting very concerned about us not creating anything in front of goal again, had no clear cut opportunities again.

That said, what a feeling that was. Think justice was done after the Colombian's antics, but was a little frustrated that we didn't go on to put the game to bed, and instead made a defensive sub and tried to sit it out. Statistically speaking you win more games/points if you go for it at 1-0 rather than trying to defend the lead.

Hopefully this experience will give the players a boost and that extra bit of nous when it comes to Saturday.
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And that.

Jakstaar2007 said:
Sterling has been a bit of a waste of a player every game he’s played in.

I know we’ve got him on as pace to balance out Kane, but Rashford or even Vardy have to surely be given a chance due to how much of a liability Sterling is, constantly losing the ball.

Very pleased with the outcome even if I’ve aged 10 years
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And that. The only thing is, Rashford and Vardy were anonymous against Belgium.

You could argue that if they were in the first starting 11, rather than the B Team that played against Belgium, they may get more chances to shine, but it’s a big risk now we’re in the QF.
 
I watched the game on a big screen outside one of the main building at uni. Despite most people going home the crowd was great and it’s safevto safe after penalties I have no voice.

I am now firmly on the “it’s coming home” train now.
 
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