Wasnt sure about Southgate tactics, but couldnt argue after first half. Southgate barfed the 2nd half though. Watching Italy press so high with Chiellini practically camped in our half was criminal with our bench. The subs and timing of subs all wrong for me. Plus the goal was clearly coming and changes were needed prior. The pens and subs were baffling. Feel for those guys who missed after no game time (Sancho / Rash). Giving the key final pen to a 19 year old was a big ask. Feel even more for Sako. Congrats Italy - well deserved and best team through the competition.
It's actually worrisome what rags like The DM, Sun or Mirror, just to name those will come up with tomorrow. Very much so when we consider their track record in similar situations.
Also, as was the case in Gdansk, seeing the difference a good coach/manager can make. Mancini clearly outclassed Southgate today, wasn't even close. Made all the right adjustments after going behind, his subs were well timed and efficient. Southgate got taken to school today. If Mancini hadn't coached City, he's actually someone I wouldn't have minded for the United job once we're ready to move on from Ole. He's obviously grown in that role and was very impressed with how far he's taken Italy. Great, great job on his part with the talent he has on hand (someone who actually makes use of it, unlike Southgate, Deschamps or Santos).
They would, if they were to find the right man. That's twice they've fallen so close under Southgate. And like Ole, he's done some good things for the group considering where they came from. But he probably won't be the guy to take them over the line. There is tons of talent on that team (young, up and coming ones too). With the right guy at the helm, they could go very far in the next 5yrs all the way to 2026. Someone in Mancini's ilk would be an excellent choice for instance...
Will they ever have two so favourable draws though? 2018 they really had a pass all the way through to the Semis against Croatia. This time they had Germany added in, but avoided alot of teams.
I'm aware he won't be: just like France won't replace Deschamps. Don't know the sitch with Portugal: perhaps they will replace him, given his age and the fact he's been in place for so long now...
I agree with that, but the overarching point is that they have more than enough talent that if things even out in that dept, they could make deep runs again in the coming tournaments. But that will probably not happen with someone like Southgate at the helm. This England team is loaded and would be fearsome under someone more courageous and forward thinking.
Why would he anyway ? You will see many johnny ounidits with "proud" of England BS .. too much vanity
Gigi in esteemed company. What a pickup by PSG (on a free transfer too). Only two goalkeepers have been named Player of the Tournament at the European Championship by UEFA:🇩🇰 Peter Schmeichel (1992)🇮🇹 Gianluigi Donnarumma (2020)GIANTS. pic.twitter.com/duLQkfLvFN— Squawka (@Squawka) July 11, 2021
England hasn't peaked yet. They will be in with a final 4 shout again in the next WC. Southgate is a problem, I agree. But in his defense, he's also moved them forward on the mental side of the game. This team clearly believe in themselves.
yup, at least france has a succession plan in place with zidane taking over after the world cup (or before if deschamps wants to save face).
When Rashford was taking his kick I kept saying "What are you doing?. He never kicks pens like that and chooses to do that now. It was close but damn
It appears that Southgate is the one who decided who took the pens, based on what he saw in training. Bad choice. How a player performs in training certainly gives a baseline, but a shootout under those circumstances is all about nerves/who can take the pressure and being confident in one self . And it really should be volunteers stepping up: if no one does or there aren't enough, that's when the coach should step in imo.
That didn't take long... Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford being racially abused on social media. And this is why #ENG players will continue to take a knee. Also, Twitter and Instagram have to be quicker and stronger to stop these hate crimes on their platforms.— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 11, 2021 Just fear it's only the beginning too.
All iffs and buts …. For me; Kane dropping deep with only Mount and Sterling to run in behind was a waste. Second half had to be Trippier off for a speed merchant player to run in behind like Sancho or Rashford to push their defence back rather than Saka (who was fairly ineffective). Graelish for Mount a lot earlier to use the space generated, especially as felt Mount had an ineffective game also. The subs were wrong and way too late from Southgate.
England lost on penalties and the emphasis will go there. However, in 134 minutes they only hit the target twice with one of them coming in the second minute. That's 132 minutes with just a single shot on target.THAT was the real issue.— UtdArena (@UtdArena) July 11, 2021
Must be frustrating always having to look forward to the good times and never getting to enjoy them. Only thing you can say, I guess, after this kind of defeat again and again.