I love youNot really much point in these two playing when we know it's coming home regardless.
But if they must play, I'll go 3-2 Belgium.
France. Not because I think they're the weaker side (I actually do think they will win tonight) but because they're more of a traditional rival of England, so to the game would have an added edge. Neither are weak sides and we would be obvious underdogs against both, so might as well go for the side with a bit more of a blockbuster factor.Question: If England did get to the final, who would you rather play?
France, because I got France in the office sweepstake and the missus got England, so either way we win.Question: If England did get to the final, who would you rather play?
Good point. We know Deschamps definitely has not.I think Martinez has overthought this one.
I'd probably rather it be Belgium. Nothing against the French really but because of history I'd take a possible loss against Belgium as it would soften the blow. In addition Belgium have never won anything and I think this French team would more than likely be favorites in 2026.France. Not because I think they're the weaker side (I actually do think they will win tonight) but because they're more of a traditional rival of England, so to the game would have an added edge. Neither are weak sides and we would be obvious underdogs against both, so might as well go for the side with a bit more of a blockbuster factor.
How do you figure? Lukaku is Belgium's top scorer at this tournament and in the history of the national team. Based on facts he is the top scorer for his team.Belgium’s team looks very unbalanced, then you have Chadli, Fellaini and Witsel amongst them.. not exactly top quality. France should be favorites based on them having a balanced line-up, Griezmann going to be very important. Neither central strikers are top goalscorers for these teams, I think it’s going to be between Hazard and Griezmann to win this game
Both semi finals were listed by both BBC and ITV until Saturday when the fixtures were finalised. ITV have first pick of the semi's so obviously chose the England match.BBC and ITV seem to be very inter-changeable with their broadcasts. The TV guide had it listed to be on ITV?
This could be a danger. He's a very tactical manager, and I think after Brazil he said something about how he's never lost a game on the tactics board but that getting the players to perform as he imagines it is an entirely different thing. They obviously did against Brazil, but if he's tried to do too much and the players aren't perfectly able to perform their roles it could go badly wrong. Especially if France got a goal early and the players (in roles they're not entirely comfortable in) start to panic, then everything that was on the tactics board gets thrown out of the window.I think Martinez has overthought this one.
Just wait until he subs off Courtois if it goes to penalties.Martinez is being weird here. Imagine choosing a World Cup Semi-Final to start meddling with Football Manager-style joke tactics! I know Muenier’s absence is hampering Belgium a little, but Martinez has gone full-scale van Gaal here.
Those are fair reasons, I do think it's probably also because I have a couple of French friends and due to my parents owning a property there I've spent plenty of time in the country. For me it would just be a really exciting match up, but then equally would be harder to take if we lost .. so maybe Belgium is the safer option.I'd probably rather it be Belgium. Nothing against the French really but because of history I'd take a possible loss against Belgium as it would soften the blow. In addition Belgium have never won anything and I think this French team would more than likely be favorites in 2026.
As far as who'd be a more challenging rival? Really, they are both as hard as each other. There's no preference there. Both have class all over the pitch.
I wonder if Pogba and Fellaini will still get along after today. That's just a physical blowup waiting to happen you d figure.I think the Belgian midfield will get totally overwhelmed by the French one. Fellaini and Witsel are no match for Kante and Pogba.
I’d suggest Chadli RWB an Dembele LWB possibly.I can't work out that Belgium team.
De Bruyne at wing back?
I'm guessing that yes. Probably one of the other midfielders pulling into the right back spot (or dropping centrally) when on the defensive and then KDB pressing on from wide areas when they have the ball.I can't work out that Belgium team.
De Bruyne at wing back?
It's really weird.This could be a danger. He's a very tactical manager, and I think after Brazil he said something about how he's never lost a game on the tactics board but that getting the players to perform as he imagines it is an entirely different thing. They obviously did against Brazil, but if he's tried to do too much and the players aren't perfectly able to perform their roles it could go badly wrong. Especially if France got a goal early and the players (in roles they're not entirely comfortable in) start to panic, then everything that was on the tactics board gets thrown out of the window.
That's the problem .. the difference between being a tactical genius and a fool is often as simple as that early set piece Belgium scored, or a bit of luck anyway. Such fine lines in football, or any sport for that matter. Delighted Dembele is getting a chance from the start though, he's a player who has had his troubles with injuries this season but when he's been fit and his usual self he gives us an entirely different dynamic. We may see him move on from Spurs but either way I wish him all the best, he doesn't score or assist much but I can safely say he's our most entertaining player to watch, combines power and technique beautifully.
Only one of those things will happen.Fellaini is going to go straight through Pogba and injure him, taking his place at United and winning us the league in the coming season.
Wumminater thread incoming after that BBC stat.