World Cup 2018

[Deleted member 16999]

From a neutral perspective -
Youthful? - they're 26 average age not 19. Mbappe is youthful, only Rashford is youthful for England.
Kane is a superstar. Any Man City or Man Utd and arguably Liverpool players are by rights superstars also. Paid £100k a week plus.
They wilted noticably after the equaliser and didn't win the actual game, they drew after 120mins then got through on a 50/50 chance. They also lost to Belguim so they're not 'winning' as such. They are progressing though.
Every game is an away game for all but Russia. Colombia is miles further way from western Russia than England and they're a much poorer country, so why is more support not out there from England?
If England fans want to criticise then they can, it's not disloyal, it's just expectations aren't quite being met since the Panama game. Cuff Sweden 3-0 and it'll all be right!

Youngest and most inexperienced squad at the World Cup.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/969681/World-Cup-2018-squad-average-age-sportgalleries/amp

The only expectations 99% have is for the team to put effort in and try their best.

Don’t think wilted is quite correct, think it was more deflated after the late equaliser.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

From a neutral perspective -
Youthful? - they're 26 average age not 19. Mbappe is youthful, only Rashford is youthful for England.
Kane is a superstar. Any Man City or Man Utd and arguably Liverpool players are by rights superstars also. Paid £100k a week plus.
They wilted noticably after the equaliser and didn't win the actual game, they drew after 120mins then got through on a 50/50 chance. They also lost to Belguim so they're not 'winning' as such. They are progressing though.
Every game is an away game for all but Russia. Colombia is miles further way from western Russia than England and they're a much poorer country, so why is more support not out there from England?
If England fans want to criticise then they can, it's not disloyal, it's just expectations aren't quite being met since the Panama game. Cuff Sweden 3-0 and it'll all be right!

The squad has a lot of players who are playing in their first tournament , the GK hasn’t even had double figure caps , I think Henderson must be the most expirenced out there and he isn’t exact a veteran

The squad went out there as stepping stone for future comps with expectations a little lower and the media and fans just a touch calmer but you’re right it escalated quickly after The Panama game hence all the “It’s coming home” from everywhere and now the expectations have gone through the roof with talk of winning etc etc so I hope it’s not gone back to Golden Generation time - this group are actually likable and seem grounded but it seems the fan base still have club loyalties and scapegoats will continue to be slated - the players deserve more.

Some of the stuff being said about Henderson on social media is disgusting, as with Sterling - I guess it’s not all together after all

As for on the pitch - they got through because Colombia were poor and didn’t decide to start playing until extra time - England didn’t really create anything of note beyond set pieces , it’s very hard to see The creativity from the middle. Defensively they were stronger especially Stones and Maguire but Walker again looks very suspect. Trippier is a very good player and tried to provide the width but again having a right footer at left wing back is doing more harm than good

But Southgate is going to stick with the same team against Sweden and hope for a vast improvement from a lot of players

 

[Tashyboy]

Though defensively we look better and better, once more a dead ball situation cost us and Sweeden will do there best to expose that.
Alli is not playing at 70%. Cannot understand why he never bought on Loftus cheek.
Dier, oh dear, he scored the winning penalty but everything goes back. There is no fluidity when he is on. When Sterling,Young and Alli went off creativity went off with it. The subs coming on when they are the wrong subs worry me.
Think Pickford and Maguire have come on leaps and bounds. Had a close look at Maguire in the first game when he played alongside Walker and Stones thinking that could be City's back three. I was impressed. I am even more impressed the more they have played.
Trippier, would be easy to say he is one that got away from City, but he was never gonna get in City's first eleven ahead of Zabaleta. He went away to play regular football and not for the money. It was the right decision for him and now England. I think that right hand side looks solid with him and walker there.
overall I think the England team is the most down to earth set of lads I have seen for decades. Not living on the back of media superstar reputations and for once letting there football do the talking.

 

[Tashyboy]

The squad has a lot of players who are playing in their first tournament , the GK hasn’t even had double figure caps , I think Henderson must be the most expirenced out there and he isn’t exact a veteran

The squad went out there as stepping stone for future comps with expectations a little lower and the media and fans just a touch calmer but you’re right it escalated quickly after The Panama game hence all the “It’s coming home” from everywhere and now the expectations have gone through the roof with talk of winning etc etc so I hope it’s not gone back to Golden Generation time - this group are actually likable and seem grounded but it seems the fan base still have club loyalties and scapegoats will continue to be slated - the players deserve more.

Some of the stuff being said about Henderson on social media is disgusting, as with Sterling - I guess it’s not all together after all

Good post Phillip 👍

Going back to Pickford and the GKs, how much flak did Southgate take by not taking Joe Hart. Oh how it seems like the right decision now. Thought some of Pickfords distribution last night was excellent.
The comments on fans not looking past there own club players is 100% spot on.

 

[Papas1982]

The squad has a lot of players who are playing in their first tournament , the GK hasn’t even had double figure caps , I think Henderson must be the most expirenced out there and he isn’t exact a veteran

The squad went out there as stepping stone for future comps with expectations a little lower and the media and fans just a touch calmer but you’re right it escalated quickly after The Panama game hence all the “It’s coming home” from everywhere and now the expectations have gone through the roof with talk of winning etc etc so I hope it’s not gone back to Golden Generation time - this group are actually likable and seem grounded but it seems the fan base still have club loyalties and scapegoats will continue to be slated - the players deserve more.

Some of the stuff being said about Henderson on social media is disgusting, as with Sterling - I guess it’s not all together after all

Phil, who would you rather win.
England or Liverpool?

It’s not a pop at you, it’s just that like you (I’m guessing here) lots of fans care more about club than country (Liverpool being one off the more vocal on that). The people digging at Henderson are the exact type of people that would have done so if it had been a Utd player that missed.

They use use the national team as a way to continue their rivalry. This lot of players see, different, but previous generations have admitted the england camp was split with club loyalties taking priority.

That said our fans aren’t alone, Sanchez got death threats after his red card in the group stages, so maybe we aren’t so bad after all.....

 

[PJ87]

I recall someone on here having a right pop at me after the first game when I said that Maguire was England's best player.
He is a superb find, probably England's first 'World Class' player for quite a while.

Whilst I think he’s great our best for me is tripper

Been saying for years he will be light years ahead of walker because he can actually defend. Constant running. Nerves of steel for that pen and his delivery from all set pieces have been spot on

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Phil, who would you rather win.
England or Liverpool?

It’s not a pop at you, it’s just that like you (I’m guessing here) lots of fans care more about club than country (Liverpool being one off the more vocal on that). The people digging at Henderson are the exact type of people that would have done so if it had been a Utd player that missed.

They use use the national team as a way to continue their rivalry. This lot of players see, different, but previous generations have admitted the england camp was split with club loyalties taking priority.

That said our fans aren’t alone, Sanchez got death threats after his red card in the group stages, so maybe we aren’t so bad after all.....

Mate, he posted a picture of Ramos crying when Spain went out and stated Karma.
What’s the CL Final got to do with the WC :rofl:

 

[Orikoru]

I'll summarise my thoughts as briefly as possible...

Colombia were b*****ds, just like Tunisia and Panama were. I guess it's a compliment, in that teams are worried about us so seek to ruin the game and break it down. I have no idea how they finished the game with 11 men on the field though. The headbutt to Henderson's chin should have been red, without question.

I wouldn't have started Dele Ali. I think Loftus-Cheek played well enough in the side that he didn't need to be dropped as soon as Alli looked mostly fit - he can only have been 90%. Consequently I don't think he gave us a lot in the game.

That was never a penalty on Lingard. Not enough contact there at all, if any. It looks like he just bottled taking on the shot as he thought a challenge would come, and then it didn't really.

It was so demoralising watching extra time when we thought we'd won it. They had the momentum as well then, so we did well to hold on. And then to actually win a bloody shootout! Everyone knew Henderson would miss, I have no idea why Vardy didn't take that one. Dier should have scored at the end of extra time, so it was nice for him to make amends scoring the winning penalty. Amazing save from Pickford too.

3 Spurs players scoring in the shootout - you're welcome, lads.

It's coming home!

 

[Cherry13]

Think we did well to progress, and fantastic that we won a shootout. Hopefully a big confidence boost.

I’d make a few changes for the next game. Alli doesn’t seem fit so I’d drop him for Loftus Cheek. I’d also look at rose coming in for young, but I’ve wanted that the whole tournament, just think it’s a bit more balanced. The only worry is how exposed that leaves Henderson as young seems to be slightly tucked in at times to offer quick relief inside.

I’d also love to see rashford for sterling, not because sterling has been particularly poor but because you can tell rashford is chomping at the bit to get his chance and we should unleash that. But I do think 3 changes might be too many.

 

[Orikoru]

Think we did well to progress, and fantastic that we won a shootout. Hopefully a big confidence boost.

I’d make a few changes for the next game. Alli doesn’t seem fit so I’d drop him for Loftus Cheek. I’d also look at rose coming in for young, but I’ve wanted that the whole tournament, just think it’s a bit more balanced. The only worry is how exposed that leaves Henderson as young seems to be slightly tucked in at times to offer quick relief inside.

I’d also love to see rashford for sterling, not because sterling has been particularly poor but because you can tell rashford is chomping at the bit to get his chance and we should unleash that. But I do think 3 changes might be too many.

I agree with your logic on all three, but I think once you get to the advanced stages there's no sense in changing a winning team. As I said above, I wouldn't have rushed Alli back in for RLC, but he has now, so Alli will stay if he's fit. I don't think he'll be in any hurry to change Young or Sterling.

 

[Dan2501]

Great night. Thought we'd bottled it there for a while, and was sure we'd lose when it got to Pens but my man Pickford saved the day, what a hero he is. Couldn't believe the slagging he was getting before the game, he's going to be a world class keeper. He's an incredible shot-stopper (as proven by the long-range effort from Uribe and the pens), his distribution is superb with both feet and his anticipation and reading of a game is so good for a 24 year old - the way he sweeps up balls with such confidence is so impressive. He should be our #1 for a long time.

Trippier was excellent, has been consistently our best player throughout the competition so far, been so impressed with him. Maguire was brilliant as well, thought he was a little dodgy before the tournament but he's proven me wrong and done very very well. MOTM for me was Kane though, what a performance. He was everywhere, constantly pressing the Colombian defenders, winning smart fouls, keeping the younger lads calm in the face of a despicable defensive performance from Colombia and he buried two pens, he's class.

The Colombians were a disgrace, worse than anything I've seen in the tournament to date. Constantly fouling, badgering the ref, scuffing up the penalty spot, they were a terrible example of international football and should face some sort of punishment for it. How Barrios, Sanchez and Falcao didn't all get sent off I don't know, and the headbutt was the worst, why the ref didn't go and have a look at it on VAR is a mystery, there's no way it was only a yellow and the TV ref shouldn't have given his opinion he should have advised the ref to take a look.

Onto Sweden now, arguably an easier test than Colombia and a team we should beat. Will have to keep an eye on Forsberg, he's the real dangerman but outside of that there's not too much to be worried about. If we perform as well as we can we should win.

 

[pbrown7582]

Lingard was waiting for the defender to get near him and hit the defenders foot. He should’ve got a shot away at least.

:thup:

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Glad we won, but thought we reverted to type too easily.
Too slow, too static, too Sterling.
We are too ponderous with the ball, stand around too much ( how often do we stand foot on ball looking around, which no one else does) and the ball just bounces off Sterling and no end product from him.
I would also advocate making your substitutions sooner.

 

[pbrown7582]

To be fair to the referee, he had his hands full trying to get the Colombian players out of the box and stop protesting and issued yellow cards. He probably wouldn't have seen the antics with the penalty spot, would have been on the centre spot with his assistants and again wouldn't have seen the incident. Nothing to stop FIFA taking retrospective action (which they won't). This isn't the first penalty that's taken ages to be taken due to players moaning and deliberately holding the kick up. It's another bight (like holding at set pieces)

Why has he got his hands full instead of saying 4 5 6 times out of the box or you get sent off just get the card out.......yellow or red theyll soon learn!

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I know they divide opinion, but our best football in the tournament has been played when Sterling, Lingaard and Young have been on the pitch.

I firmly believe Southgate is happy with his strongest 11, I don’t believe anyone is letting him down.

Good test last night and again Southgate will of learnt a lot.

Majority of people wanted/expected England to at least reach the QF, we’ve done it, now to sit back and enjoy the ride, who knows, we could just reach the SF or beyond.

 

[pokerjoke]

Good post Phillip 👍

Going back to Pickford and the GKs, how much flak did Southgate take by not taking Joe Hart. Oh how it seems like the right decision now. Thought some of Pickfords distribution last night was excellent.
The comments on fans not looking past there own club players is 100% spot on.

What are you on about Tash you need to go back over the thread and count the number of times he has called Utd players and ex players names,nicknames etc.

If anyone really wants England to win they should be supporting the whole team not just there club players.

And the Sterling bashing is laughable,yes i agree atm he has not finished with a goal but his speed and movement is very good and it opens up so much space for others.
As with Lingard yes not his best game last night but once again covered every blade of grass.

Some of these players will come out of this tournament with so much credit,and Southgate and his team.

 

[Dan2501]

Sterling did really well yesterday, was one of the very few England players that was making runs in behind, running at the Colombia defenders and trying to get shots off. Has to stay in the team for me. Only player I'd look at replacing is Dele Alli who just doesn't look fit. It's a shame though as when he's on form and sharp he's so dangerous but hasn't looked remotely close to his best so far, so would be very tempted to get Loftus-Cheek into the side.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Sweden Croatia England Russia...….one of them will be in the final.
Who would have thunk that two weeks ago.

England played some beautiful football half way into the second half, repeat that and anything is possible.


Experts say it is quite easy to win the world cup when you are the home nation, just might be Russia then.

 

[Kellfire]

Ok so here's a new slant on Pickford's performance.

The shot from Uribe wasn't going in - you can see that from the camera inside the goal Pickford actually touches the ball when it's already outside the width of the goal.

If he doesn't make the unnecessary "save" there's no corner and probably no equaliser...

BOO PICKFORD BOO.


But I'm being facetious. If there's any doubt, you make the save and worry about the consequences afterwards but he did shorten the life of many England fans last night.

 

[pokerjoke]

That’s a game that had it all

Goals - couple of stunners
A bit physical at times

What a howler from De Gea :rofl:

Shame that Spain couldn’t hold on but stunning freekick.

The game is set up for someone like Sane , still can’t understand why he isn’t there

But the worst thing about the game is Phil Neville - my god he must be the worst out there. It’s nearly as bad as Giggs story about Quiros

For me Rose should be starting - he is a better left back than Young but has suffered with injuries so I would expect Ashley “Tom Daley” Young to start which narrows the pitch up.

In other news - Seen all the nonsense about Evra and Aluko , I suspect he was actually being complimentary but because it’s him the suspicion will always be there. But also as a pundit he is always - there is a tweet going round about him talking for about 2 mins and no idea what the hell he is going on about - him alongside Giggs is awful

Well the result was the right one but they made hard work of it - Kane to the rescue from set pieces

No doubt that Sterling will get the critics but both Alli and Lingard were shocking, Alli maybe more down to being injured. Walker as CB is poor , Young just cuts in narrowing the field all day - poor decisions from the ref

The system/formation needs to change - the 3 at the back just doesn’t seem to work

4-3-3 would work better with Loftus Cheek with Henderson and Another - then Sterling Kane and Rashford up front

England just miss something out there and how the guys in the studio can call that exceptional I’m amazed

And your Man Utd bias is clear

Lingard “potent” ?! He was shocking , worse than Sterling , wasted 3 maybe four golden chances , lost possession countless times and ended up running around like a headless chicken - Alli , Sterling and Lingard offered very little - Lingard tbe worse of the bunch.

All missed by Lingard weren’t they ?

So the team are creating lots of chances , dominating the match so again why demand the changes that’s been rumoured - can understand Alli who be injured but then to want someone who has spent the whole season missing chances and struggling ?

Do you think BBC and ITV did rock paper scissors on which Neville they get and BBC lost

Really ? Damn imagine that


Anyway I wonder if Evra is incapable of sitting up properly - he lounges there just oozing that French awful arrogance. Odious man

The squad has a lot of players who are playing in their first tournament , the GK hasn’t even had double figure caps , I think Henderson must be the most expirenced out there and he isn’t exact a veteran

The squad went out there as stepping stone for future comps with expectations a little lower and the media and fans just a touch calmer but you’re right it escalated quickly after The Panama game hence all the “It’s coming home” from everywhere and now the expectations have gone through the roof with talk of winning etc etc so I hope it’s not gone back to Golden Generation time - this group are actually likable and seem grounded but it seems the fan base still have club loyalties and scapegoats will continue to be slated - the players deserve more.

Some of the stuff being said about Henderson on social media is disgusting, as with Sterling - I guess it’s not all together after all

As for on the pitch - they got through because Colombia were poor and didn’t decide to start playing until extra time - England didn’t really create anything of note beyond set pieces , it’s very hard to see The creativity from the middle. Defensively they were stronger especially Stones and Maguire but Walker again looks very suspect. Trippier is a very good player and tried to provide the width but again having a right footer at left wing back is doing more harm than good

But Southgate is going to stick with the same team against Sweden and hope for a vast improvement from a lot of players

This from a person who is calling out others about club bias.
From existing players to ex players no-one is safe.