I was a bit disapointed with Spain against Switzerland. A game which told me they were beatable and Germany are one of the teams that can beat them if all their ducks align. But they will need a lot of luck and it is still hard to look beyond Spain as winners. I think it is equally hard to look past England as finalists although Italy have made great strides over the last couple of years.
I don't think England need to change their tactics against Italy but they will need to do so against Spain being a little more risk averse at the back and more direct. But I think that is unlikely.
I think Spain were playing within themselves really, they're capable of going up a few more gears for sure. And let's not forget they still comfortably won 2-0 whilst missing 2 penalties.
I think European football fans are used to late finishes. I'm not sure when start times for international matches were fixed, but 7:45 starts for us are 8:45 in most European countries, so they must be used to games finishing after 10:40 even without extra time and penalties.
I think European football fans are used to late finishes. I'm not sure when start times for international matches were fixed, but 7:45 starts for us are 8:45 in most European countries, so they must be used to games finishing after 10:40 even without extra time and penalties.
It's quite common for league games in Portugal and Spain to kick off at 9-10pm.
I think European football fans are used to late finishes. I'm not sure when start times for international matches were fixed, but 7:45 starts for us are 8:45 in most European countries, so they must be used to games finishing after 10:40 even without extra time and penalties.
It's quite common for league games in Portugal and Spain to kick off at 9-10pm.
Because there are almost no away fans to consider.
Think England need to deal with teams pressuring our defence from the beginning and forcing mistakes. Cost us against France and Sweden. Whether that means dropping clCarter for someone more mobile or just clearing the bloody thing rather than trying to pass it round the back I don't know, but we've been fully figured out
Yes they do and what has been noticeable is when teams do that it has a negative affect on England's passing even when a press isn't happening. It knocks us out of our stride. Not sure how effectively Italy can do this - we will find out tonight.
It seems churlish to criticise Lucy Bronze after her powerhouse display against Sweden but she flies forward which is a big strength of her's a tad early on occasions as was demonstrated in the French match and if the England move breaks down while the ball is still in our half we are vulnerable in transition. Having said that when we were chasing the game against Sweden at 2-0 down the header she made from super sub Kelly's sublime cross was excellent.
Carter has been found out at international level against pace and Morgan despite a poor first pass when she came on wasn't out paced by Blackstenius unlike Jess Carter who was a good club player for Chelsea before playing in the USA.
If Williamson is fit which I didn't expect then Greenwood may be the CB partner with Charles at LB.
Italy are the surprise team in these Euros and it sure gives a big boost to Italian women's football.
Germany with their injuries and Suspensions may struggle with the number of out field players available on their bench against Spain but the mentality and fitness to play with 10 players for 117 minutes in the Q Final was outstanding.
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Having said that when we were chasing the game against Sweden at 2-0 down the header she made from super sub Kelly's sublime cross was excellent.
Carter has been found out at international level against pace and Morgan despite a poor first pass when she came on wasn't out paced by Blackstenius unlike Jess Carter who was a good club player for Chelsea before playing in the USA.
If Williamson is fit which I didn't expect then Greenwood may be the CB partner with Charles at LB.
Italy are the surprise team in these Euros and it sure gives a big boost to Italian women's football.
Germany with their injuries and Suspensions may struggle with the number of out field players available on their bench against Spain but the mentality and fitness to play with 10 players for 117 minutes in the Q Final was outstanding.
Right decision to drop Carter tonight.
Fingers crossed for a good performance and result.
One change for England. Esme Morgan replaces Jess Carter in defence after her horror show the other night.
England XI: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood, Walsh, Stanway, Toone, James, Russo, Hemp.
There's no clash, should be white against blue.
She's missed some really good chances this tournament.
James needs to get more involved, on her day she can run a game, just those days don't come often.