England Discussion | Finish 4th

[0161_UNITED]

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.

The word you’re looking for is xenophobia, not racism. But seriously, I agree with some of your points and wish this would just stop.

No sane English supporter thinks that just because someone supports United, they have any sort of obligation to support England.

“It’s coming home” is most definitely tongue in cheek, ironic, and a brilliantly funny way for us to be cautiously optimistic.

Dislike for England by the other home countries and the ROI is most certainly understandable...

But I will say this, I was in Greece and watched and watched Wales - Belgium with a group from Wales. Brilliant time and cheered on Wales! I was in the states and watched many ROI matches with United and non-United Irish and have a standout memory of being outraged and gutted when Thierry Henry cheated. And have had proper, well intentioned banter with many an Irishman or Scotsman over the years because of the football. That’s the joy of football, and the friendships and acquaintances I’ve made because of football transcend everything, the game has made my life richer.

I appreciate the banter, but if you really hate England (the country), the people and the fans, that’s a shame. Likewise, if you’re English and carrying a lot of hate on your shoulders it’s equally a pity.

That said, it’s coming home! Fecking get In Lads!!!

 

[arnie_ni]

Not sure if its been dicussed here, but the fa had to make a decision regarding an open top bus parade if England got BEAT by Croatia.

What sort of bollocks is that? How was that even a discussion! Im not even English but would be embarrassed for them if they had parade for finishing 3rd or 4th

 

[Judas]

It's only bloody Cuneyt Cakir reffing on wednesday. My confidence and hope is now gone.

 

[Djemba-Djemba]

It's only bloody Cuneyt Cakir reffing on wednesday. My confidence and hope is now gone.

Oh for feck sake. That cnut?

The Turkish Mike Dean? fecking hell

 

[El Zoido]

It's only bloody Cuneyt Cakir reffing on wednesday. My confidence and hope is now gone.

Well at least we have VAR for some sort of cover.

 

[klsv]

Can only speak for myself but getting fed up with anti-England vitriol dressed up as objective analysis.

There's that but then there's also actual analysis, which is might be subjective and might not favor England, but it's still just that. I hope we can have a honest match day thread discussion without sinking into hatred towards England but also not calling anyone not favoring England a racist who's hating England for the sake of it. Right now, I'd personally rather stay quiet than say anything about the match as I will probably be jumped on. And I'm saying this as non-English who has a soft spot for England.

 

[Djemba-Djemba]

Well at least we have VAR for some sort of cover.

He strikes me as arrogant enough to just ignore VAR

 

[0161_UNITED]

It's only bloody Cuneyt Cakir reffing on wednesday. My confidence and hope is now gone.

This news is like a dagger in my heart. Please let this be wrong.

 

[LInkash]

This news is like a dagger in my heart. Please let this be wrong.

Maybe he favours the bigger team...

 

[0161_UNITED]

Maybe he favours the bigger team...

Personally, I think he favours evil.

 

[InspiRED]

The word you’re looking for is xenophobia, not racism.

Xenophobia is a better word, racism is over the top tbf

There's that but then there's also actual analysis, which is might be subjective and might not favor England, but it's still just that. I hope we can have a honest match day thread discussion without sinking into hatred towards England but also not calling anyone not favoring England a racist who's hating England for the sake of it. Right now, I'd personally rather stay quiet than say anything about the match as I will probably be jumped on. And I'm saying this as non-English who has a soft spot for England.

Analysis is fine. Don't think there's any denying there's clearly some who are either on a wind-up or with some outright bitterness. I'm not fussed anymore, a bit of light hearted WUMmery never hurt anyone. It's certainly not gonna stop football from coming the feck home.

 

[0161_UNITED]

It's only bloody Cuneyt Cakir reffing on wednesday. My confidence and hope is now gone.

@crappycraperson must start the match day thread. We must fight fire with fire! Agreed lads?

 

[Eboue]

Can only speak for myself but getting fed up with anti-England vitriol dressed up as objective analysis.

heres some objective analysis for you: england will probably beat croatia because theyve had more rest because their path has been objectively and analytically easier

 

[InspiRED]

heres some objective analysis for you: england will probably beat croatia because theyve had more rest because their path has been objectively and analytically easier

So we agree it's coming home then?

 

[crappycraperson]

@crappycraperson must start the match day thread. We must fight fire with fire! Agreed lads?

 

[MoskvaRed]

heres some objective analysis for you: england will probably beat croatia because theyve had more rest because their path has been objectively and analytically easier

They got more rest in the QFs because they were more efficient than Croatia in disposing of limited opponents.

 

[Eboue]

So we agree it's coming home then?

sure why not

 

[Redlambs]

So are the Croatian media and fans not talking about winning it then?

Loser talk.

 

[0161_UNITED]

I was always under the impression that matchday threads started by the crappycraperson pseudonym denoted good luck. Perhaps I’m sorely mistaken, if so, apologies, however I’m feeling superstitious. Please, create the matchday thread for England - Croatia, mate. At the very least, we can test my theory.

 

[fd212]

I think England have a better defense than Croatia. The midfield would favour Croatia based on paper and stats. England must be very disciplined and efficient. The one thing about Croatia is they look like they play down to their opposition but they can be beaten if played with the right tactics and physicality. Honestly, it's a game that can go either way but if the players play above their weight they can go to the finals. England's game seems to be more towards crosses, headers and set pieces and if they can exploit that they can reach the finals. Denmark and Russia did not play that great (did Croatia play down to their opposition?) and took them to the overtime.

I hope England win, 2-1 in normal time with an unpredictable Alli/Sterling winning goal.

*One thing about England is they play too many crosses and headers. Their game is not on the pitch as some more traditional teams so they need to be more ruthless there if they are to have a higher chance of reaching the finals. Too many high balls.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

This will be surprisingly easy for England. This Croatia team have had back-to-back 120mins plus the nerve-shattering effects of two shootouts in a row. They aren't going to be in good nick, shall we say. Plus, theye looked reasonably rubbish in those two games as well. England will cruise to a comfortable win, but I dont see them winning the final.

 

[SquishyMcSquish]

This will be surprisingly easy for England. This Croatia team have had back-to-back 120mins plus the nerve-shattering effects of two shootouts in a row. They aren't going to be in good nick, shall we say. Plus, theye looked reasonably rubbish in those two games as well. England will cruise to a comfortable win, but I dont see them winning the final.

Think this is an exaggeration. They've had a decent amount of rest from the Russia game till now, and winning two shootouts if anything will have given them a morale boost, it's a huge joy to win a game by tight margins. It will also give them belief and shows they have grit, to have gone the distance two times and emerged the victors.

Fatigue might prove an issue, particularly if it goes in to extra time again, but I don't expect Croatia to be dead on their feet. It's a world cup semi-final, these players will find energy from somewhere. They were able to rotate for their final group game like England were, and England also played extra time against Colombia. These are professional athletes used to playing long seasons, four days may not be enough to fully recover but I'm certainly not expecting 11 zombies on the field.

Agree they have been disappointing, but a few Croatian posters here have said that they think we will see a better performance against a more open England side, and since they watch their team regularly I imagine they're right. England have hardly looked sparkling either, certainly a huge improvement on previous sides but it's not like we have been tearing up trees. We have been effective and dangerous on set pieces, but nowhere near good enough to the point where you would say a strong Croatia side would be an easy ride.

 

[Ban]

This will be surprisingly easy for England.

Love this.

 

[Ban]

So are the Croatian media and fans not talking about winning it then?

Loser talk.

Yeah, but we're not giddy and not talking like we're going to win it easily and England has nothing on us.

 

[sh4d]

So are the Croatian media and fans not talking about winning it then?

Loser talk.

We are mostly worried about not having enough energy to face France on Sunday. 8-)

 

[SquishyMcSquish]

Love this.

Just want to emphasise that this is not how the majority of England/the press feel about the game. Most of us know this is an extremely tough, even matchup against a Croatian side who have shown some serious character in winning two games on penalty shootouts, and played some excellent football in the groups. You also possess some absolutely top level players, and for my money the best central midfielder the world currently has to offer. I'd be absolutely shocked if we won this by more than a goal, and not at all surprised to be knocked out.

 

[Solius]

Just seen Cakir is the ref.

 

[Ban]

Just want to emphasise that this is not how the majority of England/the press feel about the game. Most of us know this is an extremely tough, even matchup against a Croatian side who have shown some serious character in winning two games on penalty shootouts, and played some excellent football in the groups. You also possess some absolutely top level players, and for my money the best central midfielder the world currently has to offer. I'd be absolutely shocked if we won this by more than a goal, and not at all surprised to be knocked out.

Nice post and the one before that too.
It will surely be a close game. As you said its the WC semfinal, we wont be dead beat, and if the opponent is a big one which England absolutely is you can bet we'll have a good game, better than one vs Russia.
Of course maybe England will tonk us but tbh I doubt it.

 

[SquishyMcSquish]

Nice post and the one before that too.
It will surely be a close game. As you said its the WC semfinal, we wont be dead beat, and if the opponent is a big one which England absolutely is you can bet we'll have a good game, better than one vs Russia.
Of course maybe England will tonk us but tbh I doubt it.

Both teams will be well up for it, these are the kind of games in which adrenaline can compensate for fatigue, it's potentially a once in a lifetime game for all 22 players on the field, in particular for some of the older ones on both sides. Expect it to be cagey and extremely tight.

To be honest I don't think much can be judged from the Russia game. They've been far from deadbeats in the tournament having knocked out a favourite in Spain, and the home team always has a significant boost. Think you looked nervous for the opening period, probably unsettled by the fans which is understandable. England too looked very nervous in the opening stages vs Sweden, and that's without the playing the home team factor. Croatia were very impressive in the shootout with some lovely takes, Rakitic did brilliantly to step up so calmly for a decisive penalty in front of the Russian fans. If anything it frightens me more knowing that your team can go and play nowhere near to their potential, give away a goal from a set piece, yet still come away and win the game, despite all the pressures on them.

 

[Redlambs]

Yeah, but we're not giddy and not talking like we're going to win it easily and England has nothing on us.

So yeah loser talk.

We are mostly worried about not having enough energy to face France on Sunday.

That's the spirit!

Careful or the bitters will call you arrogant though...

 

[99withaflake]

For sure, and if it wasn't clear I'm just talking absolute shite for the fun of it. The fact is, easy run or no easy run, you can only beat what's in front of you and I've been impressed with England and the way Southgate has coached this team. I think even if they didn't win this world cup, they are now viewed differently for future tournaments. It's a big change from how England was perceived the last decade or so by outside fans and English fans themselves.

I thought you were having a bit of a giggle when you used the emoji England may enter Euro 2020 with some expectations, and we all know how that ends!

 

[Moby]

So are the Croatian media and fans not talking about winning it then?

Loser talk.

They'd rather do the talking on the pitch than in the media, something completely opposite to what England have done historically.

 

[whatwha]

Well at least we have VAR for some sort of cover.

You'd hope so, but they can't force Cnut Cakir to actually change his mind after viewing the video. The final decision is in his dirty hands.

 

[Ban]

So yeah loser talk.



That's the spirit!

Careful or the bitters will call you arrogant though...

Cheeky.




And arrogant.

 

[nutmegrush]

Whats the history with this ref then?

 

[99withaflake]

Fans of both teams, are you feeling more or less confident the closer the match gets?

Hope this doesn't come across as arrogant, but I'm feeling more confident (as an England fan) than I was on Sunday.

I was 50/50 a couple of days ago. I'm closer to 55/45 at the moment, but will be back to 50/50 by the time it kicks off

 

[Judas]

They'd rather do the talking on the pitch than in the media, something completely opposite to what England have done historically.

So are the English media lying when they said when we got to the knockout stages Croatian media were all expecting them to get very far, and saying they should be making the final?

 

[Ban]

So are the English media lying when they said when we got to the knockout stages Croatian media were all expecting them to get very far, and saying they should be making the final?

What?

 

[MoskvaRed]

It’s amazing how many posters on here have both the time and the foreign language capabilities to run comparative tests on the level of hype surrounding the relevant national team in English media relative to the non-English media.

 

[harshad]

I was always under the impression that matchday threads started by the crappycraperson pseudonym denoted good luck. Perhaps I’m sorely mistaken, if so, apologies, however I’m feeling superstitious. Please, create the matchday thread for England - Croatia, mate. At the very least, we can test my theory.

You are thinking of LuckyMcLuckerson or something similar