After the duo of matches yesterday which had more drama and goals than anyone could have hoped for, six (Denmark, Italy, Czech Rep., Italy, Spain, and Switzerland) of the last 8 have emerged and they don't include some favorites and contenders. These last 2 games will then conclude the R-16: England v Germany, which I see a toss up: I will root for the Germans but won't feel much of a loss if it is England who advance instead; and Sweden v Ukraine, which will likely be the only R-16 match I'll skip. While Sweden is a good side,and the side likely to advance tonight, neither Sweden nor Ukraine are sides which interest me much. But who knows: I might end up watching this match as well
No chance. Even if Germany were to beat England they would screw it up against Sweden or Denmark in the later rounds. Germany are just not consistent.
I'll give my prediction for England - Germany only when I see the line ups but I strongly lean England.
Hence If England win today my Final would be Belgium - England If Germany win today I revert back to my pre-tournament Final pick. Belgium - Denmark
The rumur out of the England camp is that Southgate is going to basically start 8 defensive players in a 3-4-3, then Saka, Kane and Sterling. Which is a remarkably stupid way to go about losing this game and your job.
Terrible, I am disgusted. It is one thing to fell out, another thing is fell out with our best talent on the bench. People still not realising that you dont only take a risk when you do something, you also take when you do not do something..
Rooting for Germany because I don't like the fact England will potentially play every match in London other than the QF. This was supposed to be a multi-venue Euro, and England should have had to go to different venues to prove their worth, like all the other sides.
I also have this feeling. Germany seems to play their best when no one is expecting them to do anything. I hope Italy wins it all though.
If England somehow manage to bore their way through today, I'd rate them to go to the final and lose to Belgium. If Germany win, I'm tipping Denmark to the final to win.
The good thing is that England or Germany is going out today. Hopefully the winner then loses against Denmark.
They have won it before, would prefer a new winner like Belgium. Though would be perfectly ok with Denmark winning it, of the teams that have won it.
England getting crushed in this "let's only play two experienced attackers including one who's had a poor tournament" lineup. Plus, only one change so they're more likely to be tired. It's like Southgate wants to have lots of attacking options in minute 110.
It's always a dumb decision to match up with an opponent as opposed to trying to take the initiative and make them worry about you. Especially when you consider Kane has been complete trash all tournament. Like, right now their front three is completely isolated and isn't seeing the ball. Who out there is going to connect defense and attack?
What has to be frustrating for an England fan is that you can see how close they are to having a really well balanced team. Grealish OR Foden for Rice OR Phillips and you are in much better shape. They have a Harry Kane-shaped problem. He's a net negative-not fast enough to play on the shoulder and not quick enough to play between the lines. What's the point of him right now?
England now starting to take control of the game now, well that is what it sounds like on the radio. Should be home for the 2nd half
It's pretty sterile control unfortunately. Between the 18's England are comfortable enough but there's zero cutting edge in the final third. The wingbacks are having some joy but Kane is absent.
Sorry to harp on it, but even an average-form Kane finishes that instead of doing...whatever that was.
I think Kane has value. The problem is that he's still nursing his ankles. Hard for him to contribute to his best. One of Grealish, Foden, or Saka will have to step in his stead. I'm not sure how much more Sterling is capable of doing. Good player Sterling, but when England need a rabbit out of the hat, I would have to think it's going to be at least one of those other three who have to produce. Sterling is a little too limited by the quality of the football played around him. Grealish, Saka and Foden are capable of making things happen out of nothing, regardless of the supporting cast. In a game like this, that is what's probably needed because Germany are arguably equal or better than England player for player. Germany could in theory win the better of the battles on the field in almost every area of the pitch. That's where someone with some special class can tip the scales back in England's favor.