I've watched the England games as a (bored) neutral. I know most of the players because they play in the EPL, but mostly they play for teams I don't like. I can't bring myself to root for the likes of Saka and Foden. And of course, I'm not English (I have my own, much shittier national team). I've been watching much more of the tournaments than I ordinarily would. I had minor surgery on my leg that's kept me somewhat immobilized, so having all the footie to watch has been a godsend.
If you ever saw me kick a ball, you would understand the name. France v Belgium did not live up to expectations today, from an entertainment standpoint.
Was doing very well, until a hesitation vs. Gakpo let him in for the assist on the second goal. Bergwijn played for the Dutch. Just Mickey left from our squad now.
Groundhog Day watching England. Walking football. It took going behind at 75' for Southgate to make any changes. A nothing burger of extra time, then a high quality set of penalties to get through. Kane deservedly subbed in extra time, he contributed nothing all game.
I was always optimistic. We drew with a team which was playing very well and was expected by many quarters to beat us. Now Gareth.......PLEASE drop Kane. We will get on better without him.
Better, but still toothless. Two things stand out. England and France came in to the tournament as co-favorites and both have been rubbish. England were going to have to win games 4-3 because the defense was poor. Turns out the defense is ok, but the offense of Bellingham, Kane, Saka and Foden have been dire.
A mate of mine in Sheffield (Doncaster, actually) said before the tournament started that England would limp through to the semis - looking so shit you'd wonder how they made it - and then put in a heroic performance, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion. It was a prediction based not upon form, talent, tactics, or anything other than a lifetime of supporting England. I'm not saying I expect it ... but it resonated when he said it and it's sure not hard to envision now. He definitely got the first part right.
I'm not sure what to expect for the next match. Our recent record against The Dutch isn't that good and overall they've won one more match against us since we first met so I half expect another very close encounter going either way but an improved performance without you know who. I expect them to bully us because they do seem to be a bit of a physical team. As usual I just hope we take the lead because it can't last forever that we wake up and play good football when we fall behind.
Everyone except Spain and Germany has been a pretty tough watch. I'm beginning to think that all the players are knackered as they play too much football.
Spain are different gravy. Managed the game really well in the second half preserving the lead. I thought well, Deschamps will bring on Griezmann and start to control the game. But his subs made little impact. If Mbappe is not up for it, they are in danger of looking quite ordinary. Incidentally, you think Pedro Porro was at the Spurs training center thinking, Jesus Navas at RB? Really?
Just got to a telly after leaving work at around the 83rd minute. Didn't see much of it, but certainly enjoyed what I did. ... Ingerlund, Ingerlund, Ingerluuuuund!!
Your friend was wrong pooks but I thought that when the effort was disallowed I thought he just might be right and they'd score.
That does rather ignore Kane drew and scored the penalty that had the game tied 1-1 in the 90th minute.
Put another record on, will you? You're obsessed. Kane has played badly all tournament really. I'd be fine if he never wore the England shirt again. But he's not the reason they were not winning. It's a team sport.
Yeah, while at work, I'd bring up the matchtracker every 15 minutes, or so, on my phone. At one point, with the score 1-1, the stats seemed to favor England, and I got a text from a pal saying that England was looking much better than earlier in the tournament ... and I, too, thought about that prediction. Still, quite pleased he was wrong, as he, himself, will undoubtedly be. I was off yesterday, though, and saw all of France v Spain ... and it's tough to see them getting the better of Spain. That's why you play 'em, though. Fingers crossed. ... if they win it, though ... Southgate. There'd be something damn funny about that.
Won 14, drawn 3, lost 10 so why can't we get the better of them? You were pessimistic about the quarter final pooks and now you're pessimistic again. Spain fell away a bit against France even though they won. If we can exploit their weaknesses I don't see why we can't beat them. This evening we played well in the first half but fell away in the second half perhaps because we went to 4 at the back. Now, I wouldn't change a winning formation but if we're not doing it then we make substitutions very early on in the second half. Because of his presence and experience I'd maybe start Kane but if he's not performing then sub him at half time. I'm certain that the others are freed up in his absence.
Who do you think deserves to play more in the final, Kane or Watkins? And I think he is the main reason.