The difference between us and other countries is that the current Kane isn't obviously better than Watkins or Toney.
In our system, with 2 quality no 10s, we need a striker to stay high and occupy the opposition centre backs, not one who wants to be a no 10 as well. Indeed if we didn't have Bellingham and Foden, you might play Kane as a 10 behind Watkins.
When Watkins turned and shot I was ready to slag him off for being selfish and shooting from a silly angle instead of trying to lay it off to a runner. No rights at all to be scoring from there. What a moment for the lad, though. Could conceivably be his only contribution from the tournament (save a brief cameo in the groups) but boy will he have earnt his medal, whatever colour it is.
Quite enjoying reading how we've spunked our way to a semi final and the rest of europe is sick of watching us. Brings me joy and long may it continue.
This is how I feel too, the lack of exciting anticipation is also refreshing seeing as everyone has seen us absolutely stink an already bang average tournament out putting out 2 game and decent sides in the process. France have arguably been worse than us given their tournament pedigree but the lack of optimistic expectation has settled me as a hardened charlton fan and I have a weird feeling of calm where if we play how I suspect we can against a team I suspect will not sit back and might actually try and play
****I wrote the above at 3.47 and somehow didn't hit post comment. I am elated at the ghosts this England team is exorcising, mainly the big fat Ronald Koeman fouling David Platt in 93 one this time via way of a very generous penalty
Up until this game, England, and Southgate in particular, have absolutely infuriated me. Credit where it’s due tonight: despite putting out the same team as in previous dreadful games, we actually looked pretty decent in the first half. Shaw for Trippier was the correct call at half time too, but Southgate showed his Achilles heel which is an absolute inability (or maybe refusal?) to adapt when your opponents change their set up. The Dutch strangled the life out of us and we again looked toothless, ponderous and vulnerable.
Then came the last ten minutes. As has been said by many, it felt like the subs were too late. It turned out that they weren’t and Palmer played in Watkins and that was that.
I said after Switzerland that even if we went all the way I’d still dislike Southgate. I’m still of the opinion that our success is down to the players rather than Southgate, and that he’s been fortunate that his excessively late subs have repeatedly paid dividends almost immediately (you can’t tell me that’s strategic genius!) but the first half tonight has at least softened my view of him.
At the end of the day, I’m delighted we’ve made it to the final. COME ON ENGLAND!! 😎
FFS.
Why not say the same about any successful manager? Deschamps ? Guardiola? They're just lucky to have great players.
Well I thought overall we played a lot better. Especially first half. Dutch were next to useless but still they were in it. Think the Spain game might actually surprise a few. England will win this tournament. Knighthoods all round I guess.
The difference between us and other countries is that the current Kane isn't obviously better than Watkins or Toney.
In our system, with 2 quality no 10s, we need a striker to stay high and occupy the opposition centre backs, not one who wants to be a no 10 as well. Indeed if we didn't have Bellingham and Foden, you might play Kane as a 10 behind Watkins.
Comments
In our system, with 2 quality no 10s, we need a striker to stay high and occupy the opposition centre backs, not one who wants to be a no 10 as well. Indeed if we didn't have Bellingham and Foden, you might play Kane as a 10 behind Watkins.
It's coming home.
****I wrote the above at 3.47 and somehow didn't hit post comment. I am elated at the ghosts this England team is exorcising, mainly the big fat Ronald Koeman fouling David Platt in 93 one this time via way of a very generous penalty
Why not say the same about any successful manager?
Deschamps ?
Guardiola?
They're just lucky to have great players.
IF Kane starts in the final, we lose.
Think the Spain game might actually surprise a few. England will win this tournament. Knighthoods all round I guess.
I certainly won't be - nor the BBC
😂