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Post by gazz on Jul 7, 2018 19:53:36 GMT
Trippier and Pickford the stand out performers for me at this Tournament. Excellent post, Lennie, but don't forget Harry Maguire - he's been an absolute rock! |
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Post by bringbacklenwhite on Jul 7, 2018 20:15:30 GMT
Agreed Gaz. Only 10 international caps as well. Top man. Hard as nails.
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Post by hermannsays on Jul 7, 2018 20:22:31 GMT
We've had too many years of seeing 'names' turn out with the promise of a 'moment of brilliance' from a 'star' player when, more often, it'll be well planned and executed team play that wins a game. Funnily enough - and you'd never guess listening to some commentaries which are inanely focused on the individuals - football is about being a team... on and off the pitch.
Previously, there were far too many occasions when it felt like someone in the national side was not only out of form but in a position not suited to them. Alternatively, their unwarranted presence forced someone else into a unfavourable position.
So, not only has Southgate removed the noise (the 'legends' and the associated circus) but he's focused on finding the most suitable players for his 3-3-2-2 system. Whatever its strengths and weaknesses as a system, at least THAT makes sense. Hallelujah!
While I don't think we've looked that good overall in open play, especially when teams (Tunisia/Colombia) altered shape (though thankfully the later reverted to the weaker shape for no known reason!), our set pieces have been planned and executed to the highest level. Today we saw another one. Maguire didn't just 'lose his man' - it was a group of players simultaneously carrying out a plan to provide a free header for him.
Planning and practice > individuals. Team identity > individuals. Coaching staff > just me, the manager.
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Post by gazz on Jul 7, 2018 22:38:24 GMT
We've had too many years of seeing 'names' turn out with the promise of a 'moment of brilliance' from a 'star' player when, more often, it'll be well planned and executed team play that wins a game. Funnily enough - and you'd never guess listening to some commentaries which are inanely focused on the individuals - football is about being a team... on and off the pitch. Previously, there were far too many occasions when it felt like someone in the national side was not only out of form but in a position not suited to them. Alternatively, their unwarranted presence forced someone else into a unfavourable position. So, not only has Southgate removed the noise (the 'legends' and the associated circus) but he's focused on finding the most suitable players for his 3-3-2-2 system. Whatever its strengths and weaknesses as a system, at least THAT makes sense. Hallelujah! While I don't think we've looked that good overall in open play, especially when teams (Tunisia/Colombia) altered shape (though thankfully the later reverted to the weaker shape for no known reason!), our set pieces have been planned and executed to the highest level. Today we saw another one. Maguire didn't just 'lose his man' - it was a group of players simultaneously carrying out a plan to provide a free header for him. Planning and practice > individuals. Team identity > individuals. Coaching staff > just me, the manager. Excellent post, H. |
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Post by another_ruined_saturday on Jul 8, 2018 12:27:42 GMT
It very much has a feel of 2015-16 Leicester City, a ridiculed manager, a group of players who would give their all for their teammates and everything just coming together perfectly! i'll take them downing tools like a bunch of primadonna w**kers and getting the manager sacked if we've got the world cup in our back pocket! |
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Post by another_ruined_saturday on Jul 8, 2018 12:37:13 GMT
my dad still grumbled throughout. i'd occasionally reply...'err...it's 2-0'. two wins away... i still think we probably won't do it - we've had a relative gift of a run through to the final, the quality of opposition is increasing in the semi-final and will take another spike should we reach the final. this year though, i just wanted them to be 'alright'. something i could get behind a bit. except that in a week, we could, could, be world champions.
country behind the team done
country and media behind the manager done. no vegetables here.
penalty curse done
fifty two years of hurt?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2018 13:31:33 GMT
Come on England! Do us proud again tonight boys!
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Post by gazz on Jul 11, 2018 14:20:07 GMT
My guts are going like a tumble dryer here!
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Post by dudleyhatter on Jul 11, 2018 15:18:55 GMT
On Saturday I was confident from first thing in the morning, today I’m not so sure. I think we will win but there will be many squeaky bum occurrences...
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Post by gazz on Jul 11, 2018 20:25:39 GMT
Bag of sh*te.
We got what we asked for with that failure to score a second - sitting on the lead and trying to catch them on the break with the only man with pace unable to hit a cow's arse with a shovel. They were there for the taking as Wrighty said at half-time, but as always we f*** it up.
Saw this coming in the first half.
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Post by gazz on Jul 11, 2018 20:32:48 GMT
Sterling should never play for England again - he offers nothing.
We need to get shut of the likes of Vardy & Welbeck with the latter in particular not being called upon once - our lack of squad depth was exposed against Belgium, so that needs addressing before the qualifying begins for Euro 2020 as our subs have been predictable tonight.
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Post by gazz on Jul 11, 2018 21:01:35 GMT
As for open top bus - pffft! As Eric Bristow once said to an emerging Phil Taylor over the phone after Phil called him to tell him he reached his first final in the USA and lost - "CALL ME BACK WHEN YOU'VE WON ONE!", than slammed the phone down on him.
22 minutes from the final and throwing it away- what's heroic about that?
Anyone calling me harsh can do so, but it won't alter my view - that was f***ing bobbins tonight.
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Post by Epworth Hatter on Jul 11, 2018 21:10:16 GMT
Reaching the semi final exceeded expectations, but to lose to a rubbish Croatia team is hard to take.
Still, let’s raise a glass to the unsung heroes who got us to this position of a first WC semi final since 1990.
The undercover Telegraph reporters who took Sam Allardyce out for lunch.
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Post by gazz on Jul 11, 2018 21:13:56 GMT
The undercover Telegraph reporters who took Sam Allardyce out for lunch.  |
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Post by hermannsays on Jul 11, 2018 21:46:05 GMT
We were found out tactically and technically tonight but thank goodness we've seen a young-ish manager (no 'big character or name) bringing together (mostly) young players that he felt could play his system best and give 100% effort. It's restored a bit of pride.
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