England Discussion | Finish 4th

[InspiRED]

I worry that it's only a matter of time before they click into gear and if they do then we're in big trouble.

But like you said, they haven't so far, maybe they just won't.

Ive been waiting for the Croatian midfield to snap into action as well, but I think the pressure is actually getting to this Croatia team. Their whole nation expects them to make it to the final (with the quality they've got) at least now and has done since the draw opened up. They have struggled badly against Denmark and Russia, that expectation is weighing heavy on them.

There will be more space vs England, but I do fancy us in a tight game because we've already exceeded all expectations. Even were we to get beat 4-0, the tournament would still go down as a resounding success for the country. This along with two 120 minute marathons for a significantly older Croatian team.

I'm optimistic.

 

[Ban]

Ive been waiting for the Croatian midfield to snap into action as well, but I think the pressure is actually getting to this Croatia team. Their whole nation expects them to make it to the final (with the quality they've got) at least now and has done since the draw opened up. They have struggled badly against Denmark and Russia, that expectation is weighing heavy on them.

There will be more space vs England, but I do fancy us in a tight game because we've already exceeded all expectations. Even were we to get beat 4-0, the tournament would still go down as a resounding success for the country. This along with two 120 minute marathons for a significantly older Croatian team.

I'm optimistic.

If you think theres a huge pressure on our lads I think pressure is even bigger now on England. in majority people think whatever happens happens, this is a huge result already.

 

[RW2]

Ive been waiting for the Croatian midfield to snap into action as well, but I think the pressure is actually getting to this Croatia team. Their whole nation expects them to make it to the final (with the quality they've got) at least now and has done since the draw opened up. They have struggled badly against Denmark and Russia, that expectation is weighing heavy on them.

There will be more space vs England, but I do fancy us in a tight game because we've already exceeded all expectations. Even were we to get beat 4-0, the tournament would still go down as a resounding success for the country. This along with two 120 minute marathons for a significantly older Croatian team.

I'm optimistic.

Croatia did not "struggle badly" against either Denmark or Russia.

They were denied certain victory against Denmark with a professional foul, and they dominated the host nation in a very partisan atmosphere for long periods. They won their three group games relatively comfortably and showed their bottle in penalty shoot outs.

 

[AltiUn]

I don't expect England will be that defensive.

I think we'll play against Croatia a bit like we did against Sweden, cautious while remaining confident initially whilst gauging the game then as we get a read on it we'll be either be more adventurous or conservative. Overconfidence nearly cost us against Colombia so I'd be surprised if we came out flying.

 

[InspiRED]

Croatia did not "struggle badly" against either Denmark or Russia.

They were denied certain victory against Denmark with a professional foul, and they dominated the host nation in a very partisan atmosphere for long periods. They won their three group games relatively comfortably and showed their bottle in penalty shoot outs.

Haha they didn't struggle to beat them yet had to play 120 mins in each game and go through on penalties?

Ok then...

 

[InspiRED]

Also don't get me wrong, I love this Croatian team. They were my dark horses for the tournament.

But if you think their level hasn't dropped in the K.O rounds then sorry but you are blind mate!

 

[RW2]

Haha they didn't struggle to beat them yet had to play 120 mins in each game and go through on penalties?

Ok then...

This is the World Cup and penalties in knock out games are quite normal.

You have a different definition to me as to what "struggling badly" means but bear in mind that not everyone got to play Tunisia, Panama & a Sweden that were just awful.

Perhaps England "struggled badly" to beat Colombia. . . meaning they were lucky to be in the QF in the first place?

 

[InspiRED]

This is the World Cup and penalties in knock out games are quite normal.

You have a different definition to me as to what "struggling badly" means but bear in mind that not everyone got to play Tunisia, Panama & a Sweden that were just awful.

Perhaps England "struggled badly" to beat Colombia. . . meaning they were lucky to be in the QF in the first place?

Yes they clearly did struggle to beat Colombia. Although they were the dominant team they couldn't finish them off and it very nearly cost us.

But from your posts about easy route to the final etc I am detecting strong English hating vibes and I can't be bothered arguing with that sort of thing its a waste of time.

 

[evil_geko]

If Croatia plays like they played all of their K.O. rounds, this will be an easy England win, comfortably easy.

 

[Random Task]

If you think theres a huge pressure on our lads I think pressure is even bigger now on England. in majority people think whatever happens happens, this is a huge result already.

Very few England fans expected to reach the semi-finals of the world cup. They have both surprised and impressed in equal measure.

I'm proud of our lads regardless of whether they win or lose against Croatia.

 

[RW2]

Yes they clearly did struggle to beat Colombia. Although they were the dominant team they couldn't finish them off and it very nearly cost us.

But from your posts about easy route to the final etc I am detecting strong English hating vibes and I can't be bothered arguing with that sort of thing its a waste of time.

England were no dominant team against Colombia and were nearly eliminated. It was an awful match.

England have had an easier route, only a fool would deny that. They can only beat what is placed in front of them in the knock outs, which they have done. They now have to beat quality teams in Croatia and Belgium or France.

As regard your "English hating vibes". . . grow up FFS.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

If Croatia plays like they played all of their K.O. rounds, this will be an easy England win, comfortably easy.

I expect it will be cagey. Both Sweden and Columbia decided to sit back and let England have the ball. I don't see Croatia doing that. They pressed Russia quite well initially.

Croatia looked knackered with quite a few players having slight knocks. Fitness may be key. Both defences are prone to brainfarts. Need the England team to play at full capacity to win in 90 mins.

 

[RedSky]

England were no dominant team against Colombia and were nearly eliminated. It was an awful match.

England have had an easier route, only a fool would deny that. They can only beat what is placed in front of them in the knock outs, which they have done. They now have to beat quality teams in Croatia and Belgium or France.

As regard your "English hating vibes". . . grow up FFS.

Colombia had one chance in the 90mins against England which was the Mina header in the last minute. We were dominant and comfortable against t them just switched off at the very end. Sorry, but you're being biased as you obviously don't like England much.

 

[InspiRED]

England were no dominant team against Colombia and were nearly eliminated. It was an awful match.

As regard your "English hating vibes". . . grow up FFS.

@ your obvious anti englishness

 

[endless_wheelies]

I don't expect England will be that defensive.

If our central midfield goes toe to toe in a battle of possession against yours then you can claim the game now. Not sure Southgate is that delusional though.

 

[RW2]

Colombia had one chance in the 90mins against England which was the Mina header in the last minute. We were dominant and comfortable against t them just switched off at the very end. Sorry, but you're being biased as you obviously don't like England much.

I never said Colombia were dominant but remind me again of the plethora of chances England created against Colombia, because I don't remember them.

Judging from the last ten minutes (when Colombia had to score) it was clear that Colombia paid England too much respect initially, but was delighted to see Colombia lose as their attitude was awful.

I'm being biased because I won't jump on the "It's coming home" bullshit bandwagon and just want to discuss what I've seen?

 

[RW2]

@ your obvious anti englishness

England were nearly eliminated by Colombia. That's a fact.

 

[InspiRED]

I'm being biased because I won't jump on the "It's coming home" bullshit bandwagon and just want to discuss what I've seen?

Please don't stop now my England hate bingo scorecard is nearly complete

 

[RedSky]

I never said Colombia were dominant but remind me again of the plethora of chances England created against Colombia, because I don't remember them.

Judging from the last ten minutes (when Colombia had to score) it was clear that Colombia paid England too much respect initially, but was delighted to see Colombia lose as their attitude was awful.

I'm being biased because I won't jump on the "It's coming home" bullshit bandwagon and just want to discuss what I've seen?

You're anti English, clear as day. All I had to do was check your posts from today and every one is negative about England. That's fine, but don't pretend that you aren't, you just make yourself look like a bit of a tit. For example...

You posted that on Tuesday:

They don't really....Croatia and Sweden are better teams than England

They got a lucky draw, fixed a loss against Belgium...
They're not much of a team

Then you posted this today:

Sweden have been shite. . . No more than they deserve.

Sweden are just shite, losing and won't leave their own half.

Here's another gem... posted this during the Colombia game:

Colombia deserve to lose but England have been just awful.

They're easily the worst team remaining in the tournament

Obviously not anti England though... right? In fact your posts through the Colombia game are entertaining to say the least. You obviously took Germany getting humiliated in the group stages badly judging by your posts in the Germany NT Thread. It's ok, we've had decades of terrible performances, just let the salt out, you'll feel better.

 

[RW2]

Please don't stop now my England hate bingo scorecard is nearly complete

You're anti English, clear as day. All I had to do was check your posts from today and every one is negative about England. That's fine, but don't pretend that you aren't, you just make yourself look like a bit of a tit. For example...

You posted that on Tuesday:



Then you posted this today:





Here's another gem... posted this during the Colombia game:



Obviously not anti England though... right? In fact your posts through the Colombia game are entertaining to say the least. You obviously took Germany getting humiliated in the group stages badly judging by your posts in the Germany NT Thread. It's ok, we've had decades of terrible performances, just let the salt out, you'll feel better.

Since you're a bit of a creep . . . . I'll answer some of your queries.

I stand by what I stated about Sweden. They are a well organised team who have knocked out a former recent world champion (Italy), who beat France in the qualifiers, knocked out Switzerland (6th in the world, won 9 of their 10 qualifiers), and were within 10 seconds of knocking out Germany in this tournament.

Forgive me, but that's a better record than wearing a waistcoat and beating Panama and Tunisia.

Sweden didn't turn up today. It happens. That's football.

England were awful against Colombia. No decent chances created, diving in the penalty area despite VAR (Maguire) and very nearly got knocked out. Calling me anti-English when I state that I was glad Colombia got knocked out is slightly bizarre.

 

[Cheesy]

You're shite. And also might win the World Cup. But you're also shite.

 

[POF]

England has a great chance in the semis. It's a tournament dominated by set pieces and England are the best set piece team in the tournament.

Somehow Croatia don't quite seem to be as good as you would expect them to be. They have very good technical midfield players but are still really disjointed in their play. They also had players dropping left right and centre by the end, so may not be at full strength.

England have had a favourable draw but now have momentum on their side and have a genuine chance of winning it. They remind me of Liverpool winning the Champions League under Rafa. It seems like the team's glory years are in the future but they are riding a wave of emotion and this might be their best chance to win it.

On the "arrogance" thing, I don't think anyone truly believes that of the general public but it is definitely true of the English media. Martin Tyler in commentary last night repeatedly said "England haven't been tested yet in this tournament". Not even in the games they lost, drew or won in the last minute?

For the England fans who are mortally wounded by fans from other countries not wanting them to win . . . why do you care? But if it was Germany in England's position would you be genuinely delighted for them and showering them with praise?

 

[meamth]

Sterling needs to be dropped really, I don't see him getting back his finishing form in this tournament.

Every time he got a chance, he fluffed it. Frustrating!

 

[J-Stander]

Been so surprised with England in general. Didn’t think the back 3 would work but even though Walker is a liability, Maguire and Stones do enough and Walker’s pace is a massive bonus. We definitely haven’t seen the best of Alli and Sterling but we’re still winning games and creating chances. I’ve slagged Lingard off a million times but the space he opens is pivotal to that.

So basically it’s coming home.

 

[Red Dreams]

Sweden were Made too look poor by a dominant English team.

Souhgate willplay the same players....and why not. The players know he believs in them. Many of us wanted Ali dropped. He scored the goal that killed off the match. And he played well.

Henderson was superb in midfield. Breaking up play and just taking charge.

I have every confidence in Southgate and the team to keep winning.

 

[Judas]

More confident of beating Croatia than I was Sweden honestly. Croatia look a bit like we normally do, in terms of you can tell they're playing with a lot of expectation on them, and their country believes they should be winning the world cup, or at the very least making the final.

Southgate will have a very cunning plan.

 

[TheReligion]

For the England fans who are mortally wounded by fans from other countries not wanting them to win . . . why do you care? But if it was Germany in England's position would you be genuinely delighted for them and showering them with praise?

No one is saying that though are they?

They are simply pointing out how the anti England hate is so dismally pathetic. Especially when you have posters bringing the Crusades and the Troubles into it.

 

[Ban]

If our central midfield goes toe to toe in a battle of possession against yours then you can claim the game now. Not sure Southgate is that delusional though.

It will be interesting to see how will England approach the game. Lots of playing on the flanks and long balls maybe to unsettle us.

 

[Ban]

More confident of beating Croatia than I was Sweden honestly. Croatia look a bit like we normally do, in terms of you can tell they're playing with a lot of expectation on them, and their country believes they should be winning the world cup, or at the very least making the final.

Southgate will have a very cunning plan.

Unlike English fans?

 

[Ban]

If Croatia plays like they played all of their K.O. rounds, this will be an easy England win, comfortably easy.

You make it sound like we were terrible while England has set world on fire none of which has happened. Easily?

Hm we will see. Even better if they underrate us.


We pinned back Russia in the 2nd half and completely dominated the game.

 

[Judas]

I think Southgate's proved, we're not underrating anyone. Why would we underrate Croatia who most consider to be the best team in this half of the draw? Everyone knows the threats Croatia have.

 

[sh4d]

I really hope more people embrace this "England is the favourite" sentiment. We have a very long history of showing up when labeled underdogs, going against renown opponents. These two games were a nightmare for our mentality - very well organized defensive teams we are supposed to walk over on paper.

 

[Paul778]

Sterling needs to be dropped really, I don't see him getting back his finishing form in this tournament.

Every time he got a chance, he fluffed it. Frustrating!

I’m in no way a fan of Sterling but he has to stay in the starting line up for the next game. On a similar note Big Sam has been on talksport all week giving his opinions about how to change things for each match and he sounds like a crazy micromanager. (Changing from 3 at the back for Sweden..? Wtf?). I’m glad Gareth is his own man and just sticks to his first 11 - it’s refreshing.

Southgate has got a system and he is clearly working with a first 11 and a second 11 maintaining broadly the same system. He has faith in Sterling’s ability to operate between the lines. If he was replaced we don’t have a like for like player who can do that (I’m a fan of Rashford but he is not this). This role provides instability in a set defence creating space for others. The team must be considered as a whole.

In addition to this the team has a wonderful spirit right now and a lot of that is Southgate believing in the team. Why would you change that?

I would love to see Rashford get more time but barring injuries his role seems to be from the bench. I’m dreaming of an injury time winner like Ole in 99 from him.

 

[Yellow Black & Red]

If we get passed Croatia, then I'll be most worried about the prospect of facing Belgium in the final. France can be outfought and other than against Argentina haven't looked like they've really gelled yet, while Belgium could match us for physicality and danger from set pieces.

The stars seem aligned for a "Westminster vs Brussels, against a backdrop of Russian interference, Brexit negotiations mirroring" final, with us being put back in our place by a devastating last minute Fellaini winner.

 

[P-Nut]

More confident of beating Croatia than I was Sweden honestly. Croatia look a bit like we normally do, in terms of you can tell they're playing with a lot of expectation on them, and their country believes they should be winning the world cup, or at the very least making the final.

Southgate will have a very cunning plan.

I was saying the same earlier. Both sides are quite similar in terms of stature, it just seems like we're past the point of expecting to win against most sides.

 

[Jev]

Croatia did not "struggle badly" against either Denmark or Russia.

They were denied certain victory against Denmark with a professional foul, and they dominated the host nation in a very partisan atmosphere for long periods. They won their three group games relatively comfortably and showed their bottle in penalty shoot outs.

They were terrible against us (Denmark). Despite them almost grabbing the win at the end, we were the better side for most of the match. Take away the Argentina game and Croatia haven't impressed at all. And they looked knackered yesterday.

England will win.

Any chance of RLC starting or should I sub him off my fantasy team?

 

[Classical Mechanic]

They were terrible against us (Denmark). Despite them almost grabbing the win at the end, we were the better side for most of the match. Take away the Argentina game and Croatia haven't impressed at all. And they looked knackered yesterday.

England will win.

Any chance of RLC starting or should I sub him off my fantasy team?

No chance of RLC starting barring an injury.

 

[alsabi]

Last time England were in a World Cup semi-final:

Sacrifice/Healing Hands by Elton John was top of the charts, just ahead of Pavarotti's Nessun Dorma. Margaret Thatcher was in Downing Street. Liverpool (!) were the reigning champions of England and 19-year old Gareth Southgate had yet to make a senior appearance for Crystal Palace.

 

[Dante]

The England team is impressivley balanced. Arguably the most balanced and cohesive unit in the whole tournament.

Whilst France/Belgium/Croatia have better individuals, England have the ability to play to a high level in numerous different styles. And they always play as a team, which is an underrated quality at World Cups.

Southgate has had England playing possession football so far, but I think we'd be equally dangerous playing on the counter. Probably, more so.

 

[InspiRED]

For the England fans who are mortally wounded by fans from other countries not wanting them to win . . . why do you care? But if it was Germany in England's position would you be genuinely delighted for them and showering them with praise?

Can only speak for myself but getting fed up with anti-England vitriol dressed up as objective analysis. Anyone we beat is automatically shit, yet before the game they will apparently be our undoing.

We're boring to watch, got no talent, useless English players with no technical ability like Lingard etc etc etc. "It's coming home" = disgusting arrogance from Brexiter little Englanders. The national anthem.

At best it's complete revisionism and at worst just comes across as nothing more than a bit of petty racism. It's definitely not 'objective neutral analysis'.

A lot of us fans have witnessed the most heinous of international tournament campaigns, we have stunk out tournaments with dire football and negativity.

This campaign is clearly different. The team has been impressive and is in the semi-finals now, on the back of some very good performances, albeit with a favourable draw. If it was Germany, no i wouldn't want them to win, but credit where it's due I'm not gonna start going on their domestic club's fan forums and start trolling them, basically insinuating that they're shit after they keep winning.

If someone does that, then in my opinion, they're basically a complete and utter cnut.