They had their upset by drawing vs a not exactly great US team
Day 15: France vs Poland | England vs Senegal (Last 16 3&4)
- Thread starter Samid
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Senegal were more than a match for the Netherlands in their opener. It was a Mendy blunder that cost them.
England have scored goals but other than Iran, they have not truly sparkled at this tournament.
Senegal have a chance.
England have scored goals but other than Iran, they have not truly sparkled at this tournament.
Senegal have a chance.
Brazil, France and Portugal all had qualified and were almost guaranteed first when they had their upset with greatly rotated teams though.
England had theirs, lost 0-0 to USA.
Out of interest in an England France QF scenario, who will be the underdog?
We (England) should win but I can see it going to extra time.
An early goal would probably make it a relatively comfortable evening as we usually play well on the break.
An early goal would probably make it a relatively comfortable evening as we usually play well on the break.
Mbappe and Dembele should tear the English defence to shreds. At the same time, they are also secure at the back so Southgate's rat tactics may not be very effective against them. But what would I know, I've lost most of my bets this World Cup since the 3rd round of group matches.
Mount and Sterling shouldn't start. Foden has to. Maguire has had it comfortable so far. He might struggle with the pace of the Senegal attack.
England v the current world champions with the most dangerous player in world football. Hmm I wonder.
European runner up vs a team with no (?) fit fullbacks
Come on, lets not pretend England are favourites against France. Mbappe and Dembele against Englands defence could be a blood bath.
They weren't exactly scintillating against a very poor Denmark. Of course they'd be favourites in my book as well, but don't see it as clear cut.
Biggest obstacle for me is Southgate's record vs big teams, not sure England has beaten anyone of note apart from Germany at the Euros
Yep, agree with all of that.
I would say it is a 60% France - 40% England. We are really strong against possession teams like Spain, Argentina and Brazil as we rely on counter attack (mostly). England can tactically give us real problems.
What line up for England we thinking? I saw something about Saka and Foden both starting.
At a guess I think he goes:
Pickford
Walker
Stones
Maguire
Shaw
Henderson
Rice
Bellingham
Saka
Kane
Foden
Is my best guess, would love to see Rashford down the left with Shaw though.
At a guess I think he goes:
Pickford
Walker
Stones
Maguire
Shaw
Henderson
Rice
Bellingham
Saka
Kane
Foden
Is my best guess, would love to see Rashford down the left with Shaw though.
Be stupid not to start rashford after getting 2 goals last game. I also think there’s no need for Henderson and rice together against Senegal. Should be going for rice with Bellingham and either Maddison/mount.
Disappointing USA is out, now go England!
Yeah you are absolutely bang on there
Second paragraph is exactly the issue
England of course.
France are world champions and despite injuries have incredible depth.
Unless England goes completely conservative I can't see Senegal winning. I do hope we have two good competitive games though.
Hardly gonna happen. Poland are trash. Got absolutely dominated against Argentina. Was lucky to score 2 against Saudi. Can see it being 1 way traffic in both games.
African nations have lost eight of nine World Cup knockout games against European sides with the exception being Senegal's win over Sweden in the last 16 in 2002; England haven't lost against an African side in their history
I'm supporting Poland and England for today's games.
I don't think Poland and Senegal will make it through but I would rather face the English in the finals if we indeed go all that way than the French.
Not because I think France has an invincible squad as most seem to think but because we have a poor record against them in WC. 86, 98, and 06 are all tough memories.
I don't think Poland and Senegal will make it through but I would rather face the English in the finals if we indeed go all that way than the French.
Not because I think France has an invincible squad as most seem to think but because we have a poor record against them in WC. 86, 98, and 06 are all tough memories.
That corrupted fatty managing Poland needs a good beating, so they can sack him and start something better, indeed.
Isn't his contract already extended? Or at least promised that by PZPN?
France can't win the WC. They got too many farmer league's players in their starting 11. Not one single PL player in their midfield or attack. Not even one PL fullback.
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Not even worth watching France/Poland. It's been a tournament of surprises but Poland are too atrocious to give France any problems. 3 or 4 nil.
England/Senegal could be good. England should have too much for them on paper but if they get the jitters, big chance of an upset.
England/Senegal could be good. England should have too much for them on paper but if they get the jitters, big chance of an upset.
Anyone else going to wince every time Varane gets tackled? 
Man’s a diamond for us next to Licha.
Man’s a diamond for us next to Licha.Honestly, at this point shouldn't matter in light of his ties to most corrupted element who reversed Polish football progress for literal years.
PZPN should be executed for appointing him in the first place, but I'm not even remotely surprised by the outcome of handling him just another contract...
all that talk of Mount having to play because there's no replacement for him at 10, and in the end he's lost his place to Henderson
This France vs Poland is going to feel like a training game. One team attacks and the other just defends.
Polish team: Szczesny - Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski - Kaminski, Zielinski, Krychowiak, Szymanski, Frankowski - Lewandowski
No Milik, that's a pretty good counter attacking team, as they are expected to play.
No Milik, that's a pretty good counter attacking team, as they are expected to play.
Really nervous about Kounde RB in a knock-out game He needs to have a good game today to build some confidence because if there is a next round he will definitely get targeted by England.
He needs to have a good game today to build some confidence because if there is a next round he will definitely get targeted by England.That's why I'm hoping for an early French goal to open up the game. If the Poles score first it's going to be played entirely around the Polish pass in a series of futile passes.
It’s a strong tactical move for me, Henderson gives you a lot more control in the middle and lets Bellingham take on that creative role. We saw against the USA how much you can struggle to get a handle on the game with Mount offering nothing.
Also he’s another actual leader to make up for Harry Kane
They will need to get players forward if they want to counter attack. The games I’ve seen of them so far have been tragic with Lewandowski on his own with the nearest teammate 40 meters away.
Matty Cash reminds me of Jamie Oliver when he talks.
Also fully expecting him to get a red card today.
Also fully expecting him to get a red card today.