FIFA World Cup 2026: England Tournament Thread [R]

Argentina are very short in midfield and defence. They've only got 5 players over 6 foot. Corners should be a huge advantage to us

 

I agree. You can query why he's ended up with seven squad members who have basically become passengers, and why we're still not playing with any real cohesion or rhythm, bar one half of football against Croatia. But Tuchel's in-game management has largely been spot on. You always feel he'll work it out.

 

It all feels like Southgate with better subs and in match changes.

 

That's why he was brought in. For his in game management

 

We need to stretch the play wide tonight. Keep Argentina stretched to create space and make them run. We can do this.

The lads need to display a much better work ethic than I am this morning! Better just check the clock again...

 

Yeah, get your arse in gear Steve

 

It is ok, I'm digging in. I've replied to an email since my last post so productivity is on the up.

 

Hey, steady now.

 

I am calling force majure. Nobody can expect good work ethics in these circumstances

 

Saka needs to start tonight. No more effing about with madueke. We can't afford to waste 45 minutes with madueke giving the ball away against this team. We won't get away with it like we did Norway

 

Disagree. Saka still seems to be struggling to play a full game. I'd rather have him at the business end.

 

That'd be fine normally but madueke has been shocking

 

I'm expecting a big reaction from him.

 

I also hope Saka starts. Madueke played himself out of the starting 11 against Norway, just as Gordon and Rashford has done earlier (with Gordon of course redeeming himself later).

I can see Tuchel wants to save Saka for later in the game, in the case of a PSO and even to take set pieces in case Rice needs to come off. But after Maduekes display, the price of saving Saka is simply to high.

 

Tonight we will have to be very good. Argentina have been pretty poor and outplayed across the KO stages l, however the last 10/15 mins they have come up with goals. It's vital we aren't level going into the end of the game IMO as they have a good knack for a oring late goals

 

I hope so but he just seems to be lacking confidence

 

Think the result of this game hinges on Rice's fitness, and us not playing Madueke. Need a sharp Rice to win the midfield battle, and we require actually productive wingers to get at their fullbacks, the weakness in their shape.

 

If madueke starts he needs to show some balls and attack the fullback. He's taken the easy option too many times by playing to the full back. We can't afford another passenger performance from him

 

Seems to me people are bigging up Argentina more than is necessary. They needed extra time against Cape Verde and Switzerland. The Swiss are good but they're not as good as Norway. Argentina were also lucky to beat an imploding Egypt. An Egypt that only beat one team, New Zealand. Unless you count a penalties victory over Australia.

In my opinion we have had the more impressive journey to this point. Up to the boys to do the business tonight but they're capable.

 

They have won every game but apparently they haven't played anyone In the top 20

 

Argentina aren't great but they're $hithouses who will be trying every con trick in the book. We'll likely be playing against Argentina, the referee, VAR and Infantino/FIFA, so we need to be very good.

 

Yeah, the issue is they probably have the same flaws as us and are likely to look better against a better opponent. They will be really fired up and I'm worried about the reffing for this

 

Question for people who want to start Saka. Let's say the score is tied after 60 minutes and Saka is tired and can't continue, would you be happy with Madueke coming on and finishing the game? If Saka is unable to last a full game, I would much rather him finish the game then start it. Madueke should start - hopefully he can at least earn some corners/free-kicks, maybe get Tagliafico on a yellow and then if he's completely ineffective, get Saka on early in 2nd half.

 

Time is starting to go very slowly now!

 

I want the game to be postponed Till next week