England Discussion | Finish 4th

Mexico would beat England I reckon.

Don't see how people can be certain England would roll over Colombia or Senegal either.

This could be like last Euros. England beat Wales in similar fashion to tonight and then everyone was happy it was "only" Iceland in last 16 as opposed to Portugal.
 
Too many bad finishers in England. They move well going forward but better finishing is needed if they're going to face decent teams.
 
I hope Southgate isn’t afraid to rotate a bit. I think Rashford deserves to start against Panama - especially if we are going for two up front. He would be much better in that second striker role than Sterling I reckon.
 
Walrus said:
I hope Southgate isn’t afraid to rotate a bit. I think Rashford deserves to start against Panama - especially if we are going for two up front. He would be much better in that second striker role than Sterling I reckon.
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Be a big call if he was to swap Sterling for Rashford. Is there a way to play both or would this be suicide?
 
Neo_Mufc said:
Be a big call if he was to swap Sterling for Rashford. Is there a way to play both or would this be suicide?
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Can’t see another way that wouldn’t involve changing the system - which I don’t think anyone would advocate.
 
Walrus said:
Can’t see another way that wouldn’t involve changing the system - which I don’t think anyone would advocate.
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Based on todays performance I'd swap him then.

I think Gareth might stick with him the whole way through the group using Rashford as a key sub during periods like today where we needed something special.

Maybe he will prove me wrong.
 
I would consider dropping Lingard for Rashford. Sterling should have a better game vs Panama and could actually be more effective from deeper.

The only other consideration is whether Alli needs a rest, and if Dier needs minutes ahead of likely coming vs Belgium.
 
Think he’ll stick with the same team for Panama, then bring in Rashford for Belgium after we’ve already qualified. Doesn’t really matter if we finish first or second in the group.
 
FootballHQ said:
Mexico would beat England I reckon.

Don't see how people can be certain England would roll over Colombia or Senegal either.

This could be like last Euros. England beat Wales in similar fashion to tonight and then everyone was happy it was "only" Iceland in last 16 as opposed to Portugal.
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You expect people to be miserable or something? People have such ridiculous expectations of England fans. If you're an England fan, stop being a miserable bastard and enjoy a last minute winner in a world cup. If you're not an England fan, stop being petty.

They won the game, that's all that matters at this point. Getting through the group is the be all and end all for now. You worry about who you play next when that's done. Certainly a few teams better than England have had much worse starts.
 
sincher said:
I would consider dropping Lingard for Rashford. Sterling should have a better game vs Panama.
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Think that's a bit gung-ho.

Rashford for Sterling would be a good shout though.
 
FootballHQ said:
Mexico would beat England I reckon.

Don't see how people can be certain England would roll over Colombia or Senegal either.

This could be like last Euros. England beat Wales in similar fashion to tonight and then everyone was happy it was "only" Iceland in last 16 as opposed to Portugal.
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Odd post. This England side plays nothing like the England side at the Euro's.
 
VP89 said:
Think that's a bit gung-ho.

Rashford for Sterling would be a good shout though.
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Not that gung ho with Henderson and Alli or RLC behind Sterling. Alli or RLC would need to drop back more. Flexible. Keeping it the same would be fine too, but would have no problem with Dier, RLC or Rashford starting. The back 6 (i.e. keeper, 3 defenders and the 2 wing backs) should stay the same I think. I do think Rashford could hurt Panama. He would also maybe deserve a shout at the next free kick.

Lingard worked hard and had a better game than Sterling but I think Sterling could do more in the next game. He just has another level he can play at.
 
El Zoido said:
Think he’ll stick with the same team for Panama, then bring in Rashford for Belgium after we’ve already qualified. Doesn’t really matter if we finish first or second in the group.
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I'm thinking if we win the Belgium game it really sends out a message to the teams out there that we can beat a top team and it gives the team huge confidence.

I really don't want us going into that game thinking 2nd place is good enough(which it obviously is to qualify) but we may as well use it as an opportunity to give it our all.
 
JulesWinnfield said:
You expect people to be miserable or something? People have such ridiculous expectations of England fans. If you're an England fan, stop being a miserable bastard and enjoy a last minute winner in a world cup. If you're not an England fan, stop being petty.

They won the game, that's all that matters at this point. Getting through the group is the be all and end all for now. You worry about who you play next when that's done. Certainly a few teams better than England have had much worse starts.
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Not at all, a bit of context is required though. Saying England have played the best football as plenty have for first 20 minutes is OTT considering what Mexico did to Germany.

It's important to keep a level head as too many get pumped up when England win a game and then go completely the other way in criticism when England lose in the knock outs.
 
Never really liked England NT, mainly cause of the hype surrounding it, without any base. But one thing I love England and English football for is the passion and love you guys have for football. In Croatia we used to be really mental about our NT (now not so much, at least that's my feeling) and England NT is the one team which is similar in that part. Fans, singing, celebrations of goals and wins.. Mental. :)
 
Sure everyone else enjoyed that as much as most here. Pub full of 200-300.

Only slight minor; I have slight reservations about the 10 German bombers song... Minor quibble though! What a night.
 
First thirty was great. We wilted a little in the second half - didn't deal with the penalty well at all. However, I think that winning goal shows character and gives us reason to be quite positive about the upcoming games.

There's no reason to be a miserable bastard about it all. It's the World Cup and we're trying to play a bit of football. Don't shit all over it - at least not yet.
 
Ended up watching this game, thought Trippier had a great game, apart from that Lingard was lively, some of the finishishing however was woeful. Kane was clinical, everyone else, best not to mention, im not convinced by Sterling in the second striker role either. I think I would prefer Vardy or Rashford,and not sold on Young as the left wingback.
 
Is it me or is Raheem Sterling only a slightly better version of Danny Welbeck?
Missies easy chances, falls over with the slightest contact and always seems to get the ball stuck under his feet while dribbling.
Everytime he got the ball, he always seemed to get it stuck under his feet. If he has space he's dangerous.

Was quite impressed with Jordan Henderson tonight in the fact that he was looking for forward passes.
 
Never had the chance to watch Trippier play that much. He's a breath of fresh air - great to watch on the ball.
 
It's just game one, we played well in stages but there are glaring weaknesses, more technically gifted teams will exploit especially down our left side with Maguire and Young.

Perspective is Tunisia's Centre Forward plays for league 1 Sunderland and caused us a few problems, what is without question refreshing is that they are definitely a United Squad without club cliques and have real energy and enthusiasm, we just need to be far more clinical with our finishing in Tournament football.

A Reality Check is probably a last 16 or Quarter Final place with a positive young England team that at least are prepared to have a real go but in all honesty will probably mature and peak sometime between 2020 and 2024.
Southgate's England team is a 100% improvement on Roy Hodgson's shambolic 2014 and 2016 slow, sluggish and inept excuse for a National Football Side!
 
England did well ! they can go far this year in my opinion.
 
I only watched the highlights so I can't comment on the full game, but how does everyone think England played last night? Personally, I thought the team played exciting and good football with runners running off the ball and creating many good chances in the first half. I thought England have been the most exciting team to watch based on the 1st round of games so far. I really hope the team gels well together and gives a good showing in this WC.
 
There's no need to change a winning team. Southgate knows more about football then us put together.

Young players don't need a rest when they are winning they can play 3 or 4 times a week. Let's smash through the group.

only change is Ashley Young's old legs might need a rest.
 
Pleased enough with that last night. Started well and could/should have been out of sight. The pen knocked us and Tunisia sat very deep 2nd half so the onus was on us to break them down which we did at the death. I wouldn't rock the boat too much in terms of changes, maybe Dier to get some more minutes as I presume it will be Dier and Henderson against Belgium and for the knockout games. There is a case to be made for Alli to be replaced next game but I feel Southgate will give him a chance to redeem himself. Good start, should win against Panama then it's the big one. Get the points on the board then we can go from there.
 
RonW said:
I only watched the highlights so I can't comment on the full game, but how does everyone think England played last night? Personally, I thought the team played exciting and good football with runners running off the ball and creating many good chances in the first half. I thought England have been the most exciting team to watch based on the 1st round of games so far. I really hope the team gels well together and gives a good showing in this WC.
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That's the problem with watching just the highlights because they show you just the highlights.
 
RonW said:
I only watched the highlights so I can't comment on the full game, but how does everyone think England played last night? Personally, I thought the team played exciting and good football with runners running off the ball and creating many good chances in the first half. I thought England have been the most exciting team to watch based on the 1st round of games so far. I really hope the team gels well together and gives a good showing in this WC.
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For the most part they shrunk into a shell and would play static passing football - typical england in major competitions. Having said that, there were times where they actually played football - ie picked up the ball, dribbled and ran off the ball, made things happen. Trippier was my man of the match for that exact reason. He looked like a player that if England had 11 of, they would walk the competition. Proper footballer.
Edit: Should add that I was very impressed with Southgate's attempt at making ball playing defenders. It has huge potential.
 
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So the question needs asking:

Do you guys now believe? That football may indeed be coming home to England?
 
HorrorFan07 said:
There's no need to change a winning team. Southgate knows more about football then us put together.

Young players don't need a rest when they are winning they can play 3 or 4 times a week. Let's smash through the group.

only change is Ashley Young's old legs might need a rest.
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Relfy said:
Pleased enough with that last night. Started well and could/should have been out of sight. The pen knocked us and Tunisia sat very deep 2nd half so the onus was on us to break them down which we did at the death. I wouldn't rock the boat too much in terms of changes, maybe Dier to get some more minutes as I presume it will be Dier and Henderson against Belgium and for the knockout games. There is a case to be made for Alli to be replaced next game but I feel Southgate will give him a chance to redeem himself. Good start, should win against Panama then it's the big one. Get the points on the board then we can go from there.
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In a certain sense, it's a relatively lucky win.

If I were an English fan, I would be satisfied with the victory but concerned and ask for change... NOW
 
Kag said:
There's no reason to be a miserable bastard about it all. It's the World Cup and we're trying to play a bit of football. Don't shit all over it - at least not yet.
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Indeed.

Mr_LoL said:
Is it me or is Raheem Sterling only a slightly better version of Danny Welbeck?
Missies easy chances, falls over with the slightest contact and always seems to get the ball stuck under his feet while dribbling.
Everytime he got the ball, he always seemed to get it stuck under his feet. If he has space he's dangerous.

Was quite impressed with Jordan Henderson tonight in the fact that he was looking for forward passes.
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Welbeck can only dream of having a season like Sterling did in the league this season for City. Welbeck has been considerably better for England, however.

WR10 said:
For the most part they shrunk into a shell and would play static passing football - typical england in major competitions. Having said that, there were times where they actually played football - ie picked up the ball, dribbled and ran off the ball, made things happen. Trippier was my man of the match for that exact reason. He looked like a player that if England had 11 of, they would walk the competition. Proper footballer.
Edit: Should add that I was very impressed with Southgate's attempt at making ball playing defenders. It has huge potential.
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They matched us up in the second half and we struggled to break through, the same happened against Nigeria in the recent friendly, although in both games our back line was untroubled when they matched us up (Nigeria scored their only decent chance of the game). The good thing is that this England side is exceptional at set pieces which could be invaluable in tournament football with the tight and cagey games you often get.

@Ecstatic

How was it a lucky win? We dominated the game by every metric outside of the scoreline.
 
It was a half entertaining game but i have to say i am really surprised at the positivity. And i don't mean to come off as negative here either. I just think England didn't seem to know what they were doing tactically really, against a team they should be beating comfortably or at least playing better against. They seemed to have no clue how to position themselves with the way Tunisia set up. England had so many players centrally and while Tunisia weren't good enough to exploit the wide areas offensively that was where they made most of their play, in building. Im not sure Martinez is a man to count on, but if he can exploit that, he has the players to really put this team to the test.

I am not convinced that Southgate is good enough even though he quite clearly is strategic. I still think he tricked himself into the job after talking with the players how they wanted to play, and by pitching the idea of him being capable of mimicking a playing style that has worked for the players in the league. He might know his stuff, but it still is the possibility that he doesn't have the necessary credentials to do this. If that is the case, then it is no longterm plan at all, it is just imitating and copying without the whole puzzle to complete the piece. Which will take England nowhere. But he has his chance now, and i don't blame him. To be fair it was the only way of him getting the job he wanted.
 
Pleasantly surprised with how England played. Maybe Replace Sterling with Rashford and Maguire with Jones for the next one ? I wasn't at all impressed with Maguire's passing from the back really. He gave the ball away in really dangerous areas. Sterling was almost non-existent for the majority of the match.
 
Hernandez - BFA said:
So the question needs asking:

Do you guys now believe? That football may indeed be coming home to England?
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Coming home? Pfft! It never left.

We've just allowed other countries to enjoy our game. We can dominate the football world anytime we want really.

Do you actually think Lingard really missed those chances last night? Of course not, he was being polite.
 
Very pleased. Totally in control and playing good football until the joke of a pen against england. Then tunisia sat back and used every shit tactic in the book to break up play and waste time.

England denied at least one penalty and the ref was the nicest bloke in the world to ignore every attempt at time wasting tunisia employed. Bizarre stuff.

Obviously we aren't going to win it but its a good start. Beating panama in what in theory is our easiest game will put us through unless other results go very wonky. In a week qhere Germany lost and argentina and brazil drew, this is a better result than some people are suggesting.
 
Think we need to replace young with rose, too many times there was an opportunity for a first time cross but Young has no left foot
 
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