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25% => UEFA EURO 2021 => Topic started by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 08:10:32



Title: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 08:10:32
No games until 8pm this evening, which is an absolute pain. But then it's England and Scotland, both affected by a few self isolations (somehow England more than Scotland, despite the Scotland player being positive - not sure how that works).

Tough ask for Scotland to beat Croatia, but not out of the question.

England probably need a good performance more than the result against the Czechs. Bellingham might start with Mount out, which should be fun.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 08:31:25
Nice that there's no real pressure, and in some ways not finishing top could be an 'easier' route anyway.

But you can't really play to the next round draw.

Like you say, let's hope it's a good performance


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 08:49:12
I’m not even bothered about a ‘good’ performance. Just something to show we have other ideas.

We’ve created one decent chance in two games. Luckily we scored that and Croatia offered nothing. If we were still playing Scotland now we wouldn’t have scored.

I’d like to see the entire front 4 changed tonight.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 08:55:24
I’m not even bothered about a ‘good’ performance. Just something to show we have other ideas.

We’ve created one decent chance in two games. Luckily we scored that and Croatia offered nothing. If we were still playing Scotland now we wouldn’t have scored.

I’d like to see the entire front 4 changed tonight.

I'm not convinced we have any other ideas to be honest, but I agree with you. Tonight is a free hit so will be interesting to see what we do. I'm probably going to watch the Scotland game live anyway as something hinges on that.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 09:05:47
I would change it around tonight, probably a good game to give Henderson 60 minutes as well

Keep the fullbacks the same but let them get forward tonight. I think despite being poor the other night i would still play sterling as he has earnt keeping his pace to be fair


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Berniman on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 09:07:58
I’m not even bothered about a ‘good’ performance. Just something to show we have other ideas.

We’ve created one decent chance in two games. Luckily we scored that and Croatia offered nothing. If we were still playing Scotland now we wouldn’t have scored.

I’d like to see the entire front 4 changed tonight.

He has already said that Kane will play, but I could easily see Grealish, Rashford and Sancho coming in for Mount, Foden, Sterling.  I think he will give a run out for Henderson over Rice/Philips and I think he will give Maguire a run out over Mings (even though that seems harsh).


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 09:08:28
I’d go 3 at the back and bin off the full backs completely.

Pickford

Stones
Maguire
Mings

Phillips
Bellingham

Sancho
Grealish
Saka

Rashford
DCL


Something completely different.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 09:10:59
I definitely want Maguire and Henderson playing in this game - don't want either returning from injury in a knockout game if we can at all avoid it.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 09:28:04
Put Maguire up front  :)


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 09:29:13
Waste of time unless we get crosses into the box😀


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 09:56:55
He has already said that Kane will play, but I could easily see Grealish, Rashford and Sancho coming in for Mount, Foden, Sterling.  I think he will give a run out for Henderson over Rice/Philips and I think he will give Maguire a run out over Mings (even though that seems harsh).

Isn't Mount isolating anyway so assume he won't be playing.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 10:04:07
Isn't Mount isolating anyway so assume he won't be playing.

No one has actually decided yet - it's farcical.

He's "isolating" as a precaution, not because PHE have told him to. The players who actually shared a changing room, bus, hotel room etc aren't. Figure that out.

Anyway. Move to a 433. Rice, Mount, Grealish. Sancho, Kane, Foden.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 10:10:36
No one has actually decided yet - it's farcical.

He's "isolating" as a precaution, not because PHE have told him to. The players who actually shared a changing room, bus, hotel room etc aren't. Figure that out.

Anyway. Move to a 433. Rice, Mount, Grealish. Sancho, Kane, Foden.
I would agree with that just switch Henderson for Rice for me


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 10:21:06
https://twitter.com/JacobSteinberg/status/1407281865610911744

Mount and Chilwell doing a full 10 day isolation until next Monday, out for today and highly unlikely for Round 2 as well.

Simply don't understand how it's just those two and not any of the Scots.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 10:32:41
I would agree with that just switch Henderson for Rice for me

If he's fit, for sure.

https://twitter.com/JacobSteinberg/status/1407281865610911744

Mount and Chilwell doing a full 10 day isolation until next Monday, out for today and highly unlikely for Round 2 as well.

Simply don't understand how it's just those two and not any of the Scots.

What the hell is the point in testing etc? Give them a PCR test, move on. Absolutely ridiculous.

How were they any closer than any other player on either side.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: reeves4england on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:31:42
Agree with the thoughts on getting Maguire and Henderson some game time. Neither are going to transform our fortunes single handedly but it's important to have them as up to speed as possible for the knockout stages.

I'd like to see Grealish, Sancho and Rashford get game time but think it's important to improve the use of Kane and Sterling tonight so we can't accommodate them all from the start.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:32:49
If he's fit, for sure.

What the hell is the point in testing etc? Give them a PCR test, move on. Absolutely ridiculous.

How were they any closer than any other player on either side.

The Scottish health lady that does a lot of these Q&As basically said that general contact in elite sport may not be enough to transfer the virus, however face to face/head to head contact could be. I think that it was possibly down to the after match head nuzzling between these players rather than any tackles etc that has caused the transfer of the virus.

At least I think that was what was implied.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:37:09
England could do with drawing tonight and coming 2nd in the group.

Winning the Group will see us playing whoever comes 2nd out of France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary!


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Berniman on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:40:19
The Scottish health lady that does a lot of these Q&As basically said that general contact in elite sport may not be enough to transfer the virus, however face to face/head to head contact could be. I think that it was possibly down to the after match head nuzzling between these players rather than any tackles etc that has caused the transfer of the virus.

At least I think that was what was implied.

So the nice big cuddle that Steve Clarke gave him after the game means that Clarke is isolating too?  of course not..  it's farcical.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Berniman on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:41:34
England could do with drawing tonight and coming 2nd in the group.

Winning the Group will see us playing whoever comes 2nd out of France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary!

Agreed, however I still think we will likely play one of those in the Q if we get through the next game - i predicted Germany.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:43:27
England could do with drawing tonight and coming 2nd in the group.

Winning the Group will see us playing whoever comes 2nd out of France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary!

Except that with Sweden looking fairly likely to win Group E, second place will play Spain as the (likely) second place team in that group.

Draw looks very difficult for first or second in our group. Best third place team it is!


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: swindonmaniac on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:44:15
England could do with drawing tonight and coming 2nd in the group.

Winning the Group will see us playing whoever comes 2nd out of France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary!
Can see this being pretty much the game plan.  Already taken 13/5 on the draw, expecting a dull game but finishing first in the group could be suicide for us.   :suicide: :suicide:


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:50:45
It's bloody hard to work out the draw but I think:

First in our group:

Round of 16: Probably Germany, maybe Portugal or France
Quarter Final: Probably Sweden (!) as likely winners of Group E, maybe Spain
Semi Final: Probably Netherlands


Second in the group:

Round of 16: Probably Spain, if Sweden win Group E. If not, Sweden or Slovakia
Quarter Final: Probably France if they win their group
Semi Final: Probably Italy


So from that I think we want to win the group. Possibly mildly tougher RO16 but gets us on the other side of the draw to Italy, Belgium and France.

Disclaimer: I may not be able to read my own wallchart.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:56:05
What if we come third?


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 11:57:26
What if we come third?

I think the correct term is "fuck knows". Way too many permutations for me to work out, but fairly sure it'd mean hitting Italy very early on.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:01:18
 :girlgiggle:


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Costanza on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:02:23
I'd rather England beat Czech Republic. This recent phenomena of 'deliberately' dropping points to avoid certain nations isn't for me.

Avoiding our fate (good or bad) against whoever in Group F is nothing more than sporting cowardice.

HURRAH! HURRAH!


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:20:33
So the nice big cuddle that Steve Clarke gave him after the game means that Clarke is isolating too?  of course not..  it's farcical.
He is in his bubble. This has all came about because they spent 25 minutes in the tunnel after the game talking to eachother and as they are out of eachothers bubbles the decision has been made


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:28:29
What a bizarre and farcical state of affairs. They've been tested! Absolute joke, in a long line of absolute jokes.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:43:43
Rumour is Saka and Grealish start tonight. Interesting stuff, I like Saka, but surprised to see him ahead of Sancho.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:48:20
What a bizarre and farcical state of affairs. They've been tested! Absolute joke, in a long line of absolute jokes.

You can still become infectious after the test though.

Its the total nonsensical inconsistencies between what players isolate and those that don't...


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Wobbly Bob on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:48:52

I'm thinking that Nemo must have had shoddy service from a Polish plumber at some stage.  :hmmm:


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:51:45
I'm thinking that Nemo must have had shoddy service from a Polish plumber at some stage.  :hmmm:

For thinking Sweden will beat them? Just based on results so far really, managing to lose to Slovakia isn't a great show of strength. Seriously helps Spain if they do though.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 12:54:49
Rumour is Saka and Grealish start tonight. Interesting stuff, I like Saka, but surprised to see him ahead of Sancho.
May be at left back if he is playing the back 3


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 13:10:18
So the nice big cuddle that Steve Clarke gave him after the game means that Clarke is isolating too?  of course not..  it's farcical.

Clarke had drunk half a bottle of whisky during the game and so it worked as a shield against Covid.

Agreed, farcical.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 13:10:25
If we win the group we play the next round at Wembley, rather than (I think) Copenhagen if we finish second (and Rotterdam or anywhere or Rome if we finish third)

Whether that’s actually helpful or not I’m not too sure, but it’s another factor worth considering. I’m in the ‘try and win all your games and stop being such a wet wipe’ camp anyway


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Wobbly Bob on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 13:12:52
For thinking Sweden will beat them? Just based on results so far really, managing to lose to Slovakia isn't a great show of strength. Seriously helps Spain if they do though.

True. Group looks wide open.
Both had good draws against Spain who look to be labouring a bit.
Anyway, that's for tomorrow.

Southgate needs to get the waistcoat on. He looked a bit dishevelled against the Scots.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Costanza on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 13:29:07
(and Rotterdam or anywhere or Rome if we finish third)

(https://media1.tenor.com/images/77088ea96883f146348253cf83a0f7a4/tenor.gif?itemid=4892302)


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 13:58:05
If we win the group we play the next round at Wembley, rather than (I think) Copenhagen if we finish second (and Rotterdam or anywhere or Rome if we finish third)

Whether that’s actually helpful or not I’m not too sure, but it’s another factor worth considering. I’m in the ‘try and win all your games and stop being such a wet wipe’ camp anyway
Listening to Southgate last night i am starting to think he sees Wembley as a hinderence


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 14:54:15
Listening to Southgate last night i am starting to think he sees Wembley as a hinderence

Wouldn’t blame him, there’s lots of negative energy from the stands. We’re Russia boo’d off after getting dicked by Belgium, or Spain after their insipid performances?? Genuine question, as I have no idea, but I’d instinctually say the reaction there wasn’t as bad as Wembley on Friday.

We had a nice few tournaments with little expectations. Now we’ve overhyped ourselves and if they don’t meet it they get shouted at. It’s like the late noughties again


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 15:05:28
We’re Russia boo’d off after getting dicked by Belgium, or Spain after their insipid performances?? Genuine question, as I have no idea, but I’d instinctually say the reaction there wasn’t as bad as Wembley on Friday.


Don't know about those, but Germany weren't boo'ed off after losing to France in Munich.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 15:07:03
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/77088ea96883f146348253cf83a0f7a4/tenor.gif?itemid=4892302)

😎😎😎


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 15:09:06
And I doubt England would be booed off if they lost to France at Wembley - provided they put in a good performance.

Not that I necessarily agree with booing, but the context matters.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 15:28:49
Performance wasn’t any worse than the Croatia game, which was generally lorded

Only difference being we took our chances is one and didn’t in the other


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 15:32:22
I thought the Croatia game was a lot better, albeit a tad negative. And there were certainly some very good individual performances.

Against Scotland we were negative and a bit crap.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: chalkies shorts on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 16:21:35
Play to win and let the draw take care of itself. I'm going for a 3 1 win. Kane, sterling and a Ming's bullet header. The wine will start soon.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 17:22:16
Annoyingly I’ve just clocked that if we finish first or second then our next game will be a 5 o clock kick off.

Going to have to be creative with work


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 17:57:06
Such a ‘yawn’ team selection.
Hopefully someone will be quoting this later followed by sarcastically saying ‘this has aged well’



Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 18:02:34
I understand dropping Foden i suppose as he is on a yellow


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 18:05:43
Such a ‘yawn’ team selection.
Hopefully someone will be quoting this later followed by sarcastically saying ‘this has aged well’



Think that's a bit unfair perhaps? Grealish got the start people have called out for, Saka is anything but a boring selection even if I'd have preferred to see Sancho. I get why the Rice-Phillips partnership continues, maybe it could have been Bellingham but think Phillips earned a run against Croatia.

Maybe could give Kane the game off but maybe he needs to be get back into form more than the rest. If we're going to get far in the tournament, it would be much easier with an in form Harry Kane.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 18:17:31
Think that's a bit unfair perhaps? Grealish got the start people have called out for, Saka is anything but a boring selection even if I'd have preferred to see Sancho. I get why the Rice-Phillips partnership continues, maybe it could have been Bellingham but think Phillips earned a run against Croatia.

Maybe could give Kane the game off but maybe he needs to be get back into form more than the rest. If we're going to get far in the tournament, it would be much easier with an in form Harry Kane.

I like the inclusion of Saka and Grealish (the latter totally forced)

Just would have liked to have seen Kane & Sterling dropped. I get the thinking behind Kane needs to hit some form but what’s the point in taking other strikers & what does it do for their confidence knowing Kane is undroppable.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 18:35:46
Jack Grealish is a lot of things, but a compelling interviewee isn't one of them.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Ginginho on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 18:41:40
https://twitter.com/TyBracey/status/1405498761908981760


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 18:44:26
https://twitter.com/TyBracey/status/1405498761908981760

Wonderful.

Most of my work colleagues are Villa and worship the ground he walks on. Going to be devastated when he moves to City.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:09:16
Great running by Saka there.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:09:58
Beautiful from Saka. Slow slow fast works beautifully. Sadly we only managed two out of three the other day..

Fair play to anyone who had Sterling header on their betslip.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:11:21
GTFI


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:15:37
Oh dear, Croatia have scored  :)


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Cowley38 on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:16:31
Great news Scotland are 1 down!!


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:22:46
What a ball that was from Maguire.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:37:39
Wish the ref would get out the way.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:39:36
Jocks level


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:40:33
Sam Matterface there shocked Raheem Sterling knows he's two feet offside.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:43:08
Better


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:44:41
Okay half time. Much better, more fluid attacking performance. Defence not looking comfortable though, could easily be level.

Shaw having a bit of a stormer down the left and linking well with Grealish. Saka looks very bright on the right with much less full back support. Attacking trio behind Kane playing with a lot of fluidity. Decent effort, bit tighter in defence would be good.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:48:30
Maguire, Sako and Grealish all doing well. Good half. Would like to see another goal for us.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 19:59:37
Henderson coming on for Rice. Good, don't want to see an injury return in the knockouts and our central midfield hasn't looked great. Good to see Southgate making the call to change it earlier.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 20:25:05
How long has Ron Perlman managed the Czech Republic?


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 20:32:40
Interestingly considering Italy are now a thrill seeking bunch of funsters, England seem to have turned into an old school Italian score one and then kill the game side. Binary football.

I realise posting this before full time is firmly tempting fate.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Posh Red on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 20:34:10
Is it time for the “EBS” T-shirts now? :)


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 20:36:25
Interestingly considering Italy are now a thrill seeking bunch of funsters, England seem to have turned into an old school Italian score one and then kill the game side. Binary football.

I realise posting this before full time is firmly tempting fate.

We bought Henderson on to kill the game.
He killed it


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Matchworn Shirts on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 20:36:49
Funnily enough, I was just about to post similar. People seems to be whining that the football is dull, just as (probably the same) people whined about some of the football Italy and Germany had in the past.
Sure it is nice to win and play watchable football, but I'd rather play boringly and win things


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 20:41:05
Funnily enough, I was just about to post similar. People seems to be whining that the football is dull, just as (probably the same) people whined about some of the football Italy and Germany had in the past.
Sure it is nice to win and play watchable football, but I'd rather play boringly and win things

I have no issues with seeing the game out in boring fashion.
We did it against Croatia and we’ve done it again tonight.

The problem was we did exactly the same thing against Scotland at 0-0.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 20:47:26
Pretty much the ideal performance and if John Stones didn't hit the post against Scotland from 6 yards, the perfect group stage.

Stones, Walker, Saka and Sterling outstanding. Kane the only real concern at the moment. Would be tempted to go Sterling false 9 and just play more exciting young attackers - we've got enough of them.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 21:26:11
That’ll do.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: adje on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 21:33:44
Hope this puts an end to all the anti-Sterling bollocks on soc med


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Ginginho on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 21:35:58
Three games, 7 points, 3 clean sheets and a more positive performance.
It could've been so much worse and any team we face will be wary i'd imagine.

Knockout games here we come, bring it on.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 21:53:00
I have no issues with seeing the game out in boring fashion.
We did it against Croatia and we’ve done it again tonight.

The problem was we did exactly the same thing against Scotland at 0-0.
I think that's the thing - I almost don't mind us winning boringly against a good team, but I would like us to bury the poorer teams to make a statement.

I thought tonight's game was dull.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bennett on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 05:50:56
We bought Henderson on to kill the game.
He killed it
I was trying to work out if the Czech's worked out how to get close to Grealish, whether Grealish ran out of steam or Henderson failed to offer any angles from goalkicks and slow everything down.


Title: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 06:43:20
nearly perfect results. not perfect performances.  but job done.

now we need to up it


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 06:50:08
I was trying to work out if the Czech's worked out how to get close to Grealish, whether Grealish ran out of steam or Henderson failed to offer any angles from goalkicks and slow everything down.
He changed the formation slightly and had Philips holding the whole second half , i thought it worked well and can't remember them worrying us. I still think Rice is the weak link in that midfield


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 07:58:47
A much better performance but they need to start quicker and cut out constantly passing the ball backwwrds


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bob's Orange on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:15:44
I chose to watch the Scotland v Croatia game as it had something riding on it. I'm sure it's probably because of the way England were setup against Croatia nullifying them but the Croats were technically excellent last night pulling Scotland all over the place. And what a goal by Modric! I don't think he was allowed to pull the strings against us and that made all the difference.

I flicked onto our game a little in the second half but it appeared to be like a pre-season friendly played out. Winning a group with 2 decent sides (Scotland are much improved on previous years) and the World Cup semi-finalists is nothing to be sniffed at. Next Tuesday is going to be a huge ask, however given how we've played so far, that could work to our advantage.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Nemo on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:25:28
I chose to watch the Scotland v Croatia game as it had something riding on it. I'm sure it's probably because of the way England were setup against Croatia nullifying them but the Croats were technically excellent last night pulling Scotland all over the place. And what a goal by Modric! I don't think he was allowed to pull the strings against us and that made all the difference.

I flicked onto our game a little in the second half but it appeared to be like a pre-season friendly played out. Winning a group with 2 decent sides (Scotland are much improved on previous years) and the World Cup semi-finalists is nothing to be sniffed at. Next Tuesday is going to be a huge ask, however given how we've played so far, that could work to our advantage.

The first half was a competitive fixture, the second half was indeed a lot more like a friendly. Worth catching a few first half highlights probably.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:27:58
Another competent performance, as they always say, you can only beat what's in front of you.

Still suspect we might fold when we come up against a decent team playing well.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bennett on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:38:29
He changed the formation slightly and had Philips holding the whole second half , i thought it worked well and can't remember them worrying us. I still think Rice is the weak link in that midfield
Yeah that's fair. I would say I quite liked how Rice would offer himself on an angle when we did short goal kicks, whilst we seemed to get a bit bogged down once the ball was inevitably passed back to the centrebacks through lack of further options, he provided an option I didn't see Henderson give.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:44:40
Another competent performance, as they always say, you can only beat what's in front of you.

Still suspect we might fold when we come up against a decent team playing well.

Not potent enough, not creating enough chances, negative football sideways & backwards and a much better team will open us up


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Matchworn Shirts on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:46:50
Hope this puts an end to all the anti-Sterling bollocks on soc med

I think the only way to stop bollocks on social media is to turn their servers off


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bob's Orange on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:47:01
I do worry (well I don't really worry, it doesn't actually bother me too much) about just how negative we are now. The small bit I saw in the second half, we had a corner which was cleared out to Walker about 35 yards from goal and his first instinct was to knock it all the way back to Pickford.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:56:23
That’s game management. You do what you need to do to win the game and don’t try and risk doing too much more because in such a short tournament the margins are fine and if the risk backfires the effects are magnified

Taking that example from yesterday. You’re 1-0 up, winning the group. Why cross the ball into the box (a pretty low percentage play) and risk giving it away and opening yourself up to the counter??

It’s really difficult to understand how this is hasn’t been understood by so many. Name one team which has swashbuckled their way to winning a tournament??

Spain 2010 - bored their way 1-0 to win it
Spain 2012 - see 2010 (until playing a knackered Italy in the final)
Germany 2014 - semi final aside won every knockout game by a one goal margin, including squeaking past Algeria in round two
Portugal 2016 - only won two games all tournament!
France 2018 - best attacking lineup on the planet. Scored three goals in the group stage. Turned it on when they had to against Argentina but otherwise cautious and collected throughout



Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Panda Paws on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 08:57:31
That’s game management. You do what you need to do to win the game and don’t try and risk doing too much more because in such a short tournament the margins are fine and if the risk backfires the effects are magnified

Taking that example from yesterday. You’re 1-0 up, winning the group. Why cross the ball into the box (a pretty low percentage play) and risk giving it away and opening yourself up to the counter??

It’s really difficult to understand how this is hasn’t been understood by so many. Name one team which has swashbuckled their way to winning a tournament??

Spain 2010 - bored their way 1-0 to win it
Spain 2012 - see 2010 (until playing a knackered Italy in the final)
Germany 2014 - semi final aside won every knockout game by a one goal margin, including squeaking past Algeria in round two
Portugal 2016 - only won two games all tournament!
France 2018 - best attacking lineup on the planet. Scored three goals in the group stage. Turned it on when they had to against Argentina but otherwise cautious and collected throughout



Stop talking sense. We demand glorious failure.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: 4D on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 09:03:54
We are yet to see what happens when we concede a goal. We may be set up defensively but our midfield is a little bit airy.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 09:12:24
We created plenty in the first half yesterday and in the first half of the Croatia game (Scotland being the anomaly which you can reasonably explain away given the nature of the Derby etc)

We had another gear to go to if needed, we just didn’t need it


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 09:13:54
You also have to remember we've only played poor teams


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Bogus Dave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 09:13:54
Everyone has also forgotten that our defence isn’t very good, and so you have to play a more composed/cautious style to compensate for that. No point trying to score three if you’ve conceded four


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 09:16:16
No point messi around at the back either when you have the chance to move forwards


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 09:16:40
No point messi around at the back either when you have the chance to move forwards and clear the ball.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Panda Paws on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 09:22:16
We are yet to see what happens when we concede a goal.

Exactly - we haven't conceded a goal. That's a good thing!



Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: donkey on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 10:41:38
That’s game management. You do what you need to do to win the game and don’t try and risk doing too much more because in such a short tournament the margins are fine and if the risk backfires the effects are magnified

Taking that example from yesterday. You’re 1-0 up, winning the group. Why cross the ball into the box (a pretty low percentage play) and risk giving it away and opening yourself up to the counter??

It’s really difficult to understand how this is hasn’t been understood by so many. Name one team which has swashbuckled their way to winning a tournament??

Spain 2010 - bored their way 1-0 to win it
Spain 2012 - see 2010 (until playing a knackered Italy in the final)
Germany 2014 - semi final aside won every knockout game by a one goal margin, including squeaking past Algeria in round two
Portugal 2016 - only won two games all tournament!
France 2018 - best attacking lineup on the planet. Scored three goals in the group stage. Turned it on when they had to against Argentina but otherwise cautious and collected throughout



Good post, sir!


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Flashheart on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 10:46:17
I get the 'negative' tactics.

Croatia was a 'negative' performance, but a good performance. Czech was a 'negative' performance, but a good performance.

The Scotland performance was negative and shite. Even if we scraped a goal it would still have been a shite performance.

But that doesn't matter anymore anyway. What matters is how we do against whoever we're up again next.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Matchworn Shirts on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 10:49:06

It’s really difficult to understand how this is hasn’t been understood by so many. Name one team which has swashbuckled their way to winning a tournament??


Going back in time, even the much lauded 'Total Football' :girlgiggle: of the 1970s' Dutch national team won fuck all


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Peter Venkman on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 10:49:33
What matters is how we do against whoever we're up again next.
The bottom line.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: flammableBen on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 11:43:04
GET IT FORWARD


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 11:44:22
GET IT FORWARD

 :clap: :clap: :clap:


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Berniman on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 12:02:38
You also have to remember we've only played poor teams

We've only played one poor team.  Croatia were World Cup finalist 3 years ago, and I wouldn't call Czech poor.  Not in the same bracket as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal maybe, but not poor.


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: normy on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 14:28:31
What a delight to see Saka, Grealish, and Sterling, attacking and going past defenders instead of passing sideways or back.  I can't remember an England team with three of this type playing in the past, but I do have a bad memory! Comments to prove me wrong are welcome!


Title: Re: Day 12: Croatia v Scotland, England v Czechia
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 22:04:14
Gascoigne, Waddle & Beardsley v Germany 1990 World Cup semi final