It is clear that Southgate believes this dour style is England's best bet of going far in the competition. He is either right or wrong. It is frustrating for a lot of us as it doesn't feel like we are maximising our strengths, but Southgate will argue that he is minimalizing our weaknesses. The proof of the pudding is always in the eating. We are going to have to see how it goes. He isn't going to change.
England now hold the record for least goals scored while winning a group (two).
If Sweden draw 0-0 tomorrow while Slovakia and Spain play out a draw themselves, Sweden will have won their group while scoring only one goal from the penalty spot. Southgate would be proud.
England also hold the joint record for least goals conceded whilst winning a group.
I would replace definitely with probably. Hungary will need a lot of luck but they played well against France. I might watch the Hungary v Germany game until Germany score. As for the other Group, I will probably watch Slovakia v Spain but will swap if Spain's play become too irritating. I just hate watching that style of play whether it is done well or badly!
All the different group F outcomes on a single plot. England will play the team that comes second.
Result combinations => England opponents
France & Germany win => Germany Portugal & Germany win => Portugal France & Hungary win => Hungary Portugal & Hungary win => Hungary or France dependant on scorelines
France win & draw => Germany Portugal win & draw => France Germany win & draw => France Hungary win & draw => Portugal
If Hungary beat Germany we're basically hoping we can see off a team that beat Germany and held France, not sure that's much better!
Hungary have been aided by playing in Budapest so far so have had a lot of home support - They're in Munich tonight so be surprised if they manage the upset.
Certainly shouldn't regard them as "Its only Hungary" if we do face them like you say though
Some pundits can be really annoying, like the Ashley Coles.
He is dreadful…..get the ball to “The Kane, The Grealish, The Sterling” “The Mount should play next game” “England look better with The Maguire back in the team” STFU The Bellend.
Comments
France to smash Portugal
Hungary to nick a winner late on
And probably Spain in the other group.
Result combinations => England opponents
France & Germany win => Germany
Portugal & Germany win => Portugal
France & Hungary win => Hungary
Portugal & Hungary win => Hungary or France dependant on scorelines
France win & draw => Germany
Portugal win & draw => France
Germany win & draw => France
Hungary win & draw => Portugal
Draw & draw => Germany
Guess ITV will have the Quarter-Finals and BBC the Semi-Finals if we advance
Certainly shouldn't regard them as "Its only Hungary" if we do face them like you say though
Being in the Stadium for an competitive England v Germany match must be one of the highlights of going to see an International game though.