English Football and diving: the days of moral superiority are over

[Reiver]

In fairness they probably have been for a while. But it's out there for all to see now: into the European Championship final after a soft at best penalty involving Raheem Sterling. Captain Harry Kane also leads by example, he's the modern equivalent of Emile Heskey, arguably playing for a worse club side.
Either way, England can no longer claim any moral superiority when it comes to going down easily. They now play that side of the game as well as anyone else and fully embrace it. It's not meant as a criticism, it's just the way it is and the way it has to be at the top end of the game.

 

[DixieDean]

England have been diving since lineker in the WC '90

 

[Ronaldo's ego]

About time we got with the programme.

 

[Ayush_reddevil]

Some of the threads recently have been a joke

 

[Arran_Devil]

Brilliant to watch last nights ref beckon Kane to his feet time after time. At long last he’s been found out , winning fouls expert now shown up as a cheat. Even Maguire was at it last night. At some point I’d love VAR to be used to cut this out, more yellows should quickly make a difference.

 

[Cultured left ankle]

It was interesting that the Italians were clearly revelling in the freedom the ref allowed for physicality. You'd think in the past, English players would have been up for the battle, but the English attack and midfield (Rice aside) were completely out-fought by a snarling and aggressive Italian pack.

And it worked: Kane's had no influence after half time (and arguably even before then), Sterling and Mount might were barely allowed a touch.

Even England's defence was often a bit meek (apart from Walker injuring Chiesa); Shaw only went barrelling through players once or twice, Maguire seemed a bit overwhelmed. Maybe I forgot some other examples, but it seems this might be a squad that needs a bit of bite from time to time. Perhaps this reflects Southgate's soft-spoken and calm manner?