Euro 2020

[Greatwesternline]

Not an issue, although I'd disagree with 'heavy' - just that tournament football is unpredictable, and tough. We've made one major tournament final in our entire history, and suddenly we 'should' be making a second. One game at a time. If Ukraine beat us I'm sure they'll have earned it.

In the World Cup England only had to beat Colombia, Sweden and Croatia to get to the final. No one at the time was thinking well actually, Croatia are a good team. Croatia scored 1 goal in the group stage, a group that included Australia and Peru.

And still, England didnt make it.

I see Denmark as offering just as much risk to England as Croatia did then.

Do Denmark have a midfield that run the show for some of the best clubs in the world though?

Denmark are a real threat for sure, everyone left is. But do they have players on the level of Modric, Perisic and Raketic of 3 years ago?

All true, i just remember the BBC pundits pointing at the wall chart over and over again once Spain were knocked out saying, looks we're the only good team left in this side of the drawer. And everyone going along with it because it feels right from the reputation perspective. But actually Croatia were comfortably better than england, even if it took them a while to get into their rythm during the semi.

But the Danish team is incredibly motivated because of Eriksen. Though home advantage will be huge for England.

[Snowflake Royal]

Yeah. We've got a great chance. But it's only that. Still no room for errors or complacency.

But that Germany win is huge psychologically.

[Sanguine]

We've got a terrific chance, agreed. I'm just tired (already, after half a day) of reading about how we 'should' win in a tournament already without France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands. In fact last night's match was a match between two teams who, if you believe subsequent analysis, should have beaten each other (England should have beaten Germany because they are crap these days, but Germany should have beaten England because player for player they are simply better, and so on).

Broadly I've been pleasantly surprised at the football played by some of the supposed lesser sides. The Ukraine team I watched last night was about the most mobile and energetic Ukraine side I've ever seen. Our matches with them in the past have been turgid affairs against nine defenders.

[genome]

We've got a terrific chance, agreed. I'm just tired (already, after half a day) of reading about how we 'should' win in a tournament already without France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands. In fact last night's match was a match between two teams who, if you believe subsequent analysis, should have beaten each other (England should have beaten Germany because they are crap these days, but Germany should have beaten England because player for player they are simply better, and so on).

The pundits on 5Live (Waddle, and surprisingly Micah Richards) were staying remarkably cautious about everything and also complaining that England need to improve.

I was like, we've just beaten the Germans in a knockout game, maybe try and fcuking enjoy it?

[WestYorksRoyal]

See Grealish in for Saka and Henderson in for Rice. Rest stays the same imo.

I'd go back to 4-2-3-1, yesterday's formation was with the intention of negating Kimmich and Gosens, which it did very effectively. So I'd bring Grealish back in for Trippier.

Agreed with dropping one of Rice or Phillips; we can cope if one gets a 2nd yellow, but not both.

[WestYorksRoyal]

Said yourself, "reckless". On another day the ref sees a challenge like that and Phillips is off.

Like I say, deserved win for England.

It would have been an exceptionally harsh red card. His foot went over the ball, but he wasn't using too much force and most of the pressure landed on the ankle/foot area. It would have been another injustice to fume over for a decade or so until we played them again.

Welsh player got sent off for the exact same thing. I was surprised it didnt go to VAR.

I don't think they're comparable. If you watch back Ampadu's red, he comes steaming in at pace and barely has any control. Phillips has his standing foot firmly on the ground and is moving at a much slower pace at the point of contact. So Ampadu's was already harsh, but Phillips' would have been harsher still and may well have been overturned by VAR

[Forbury Lion]

We have a good chance to make it to the final, This style of play is winning us matches and the team are playing as a team with no real superstars.

[Westwood52]

See Grealish in for Saka and Henderson in for Rice. Rest stays the same imo.

I'd go back to 4-2-3-1, yesterday's formation was with the intention of negating Kimmich and Gosens, which it did very effectively. So I'd bring Grealish back in for Trippier.

Agreed with dropping one of Rice or Phillips; we can cope if one gets a 2nd yellow, but not both.

Absolutely agree about Grealish for Trippier.Southgate will not leave out either of his CDM s.Last night it struck me how laboured Rice was in his running,and how he and Phillips were out of the game for long periods.The Germans with some astute passes just played through them and took them out of the game.Lets not kid ourselves the Germans were controlling the game up to when we scored .
That said Pickford has kept us in the tournament and the back three were excellent.As was Shaw,Sterling (bar that horror pass) and Saka.TBF I was screaming for Kane to be taken off as he was clearly labouring;but his body adjustment for the header was pure class.It is amazing how deep our talent pool is,when you consider we are not even using Mount,Foden,Sancho and Bellingham.Any Man U fan will tell you Rashford should not even be there,as he is absolutely shot.

[NathStPaul]

See Grealish in for Saka and Henderson in for Rice. Rest stays the same imo.

I'd go back to 4-2-3-1, yesterday's formation was with the intention of negating Kimmich and Gosens, which it did very effectively. So I'd bring Grealish back in for Trippier.

Agreed with dropping one of Rice or Phillips; we can cope if one gets a 2nd yellow, but not both.

Absolutely agree about Grealish for Trippier.Southgate will not leave out either of his CDM s.Last night it struck me how laboured Rice was in his running,and how he and Phillips were out of the game for long periods.The Germans with some astute passes just played through them and took them out of the game.Lets not kid ourselves the Germans were controlling the game up to when we scored .
That said Pickford has kept us in the tournament and the back three were excellent.As was Shaw,Sterling (bar that horror pass) and Saka.TBF I was screaming for Kane to be taken off as he was clearly labouring;but his body adjustment for the header was pure class.It is amazing how deep our talent pool is,when you consider we are not even using Mount,Foden,Sancho and Bellingham.Any Man U fan will tell you Rashford should not even be there,as he is absolutely shot.

I think this might be the worst analysis I have ever seen, well done.

[Zip]

I'd go back to 4-2-3-1, yesterday's formation was with the intention of negating Kimmich and Gosens, which it did very effectively. So I'd bring Grealish back in for Trippier.

Agreed with dropping one of Rice or Phillips; we can cope if one gets a 2nd yellow, but not both.

Absolutely agree about Grealish for Trippier.Southgate will not leave out either of his CDM s.Last night it struck me how laboured Rice was in his running,and how he and Phillips were out of the game for long periods.The Germans with some astute passes just played through them and took them out of the game.Lets not kid ourselves the Germans were controlling the game up to when we scored .
That said Pickford has kept us in the tournament and the back three were excellent.As was Shaw,Sterling (bar that horror pass) and Saka.TBF I was screaming for Kane to be taken off as he was clearly labouring;but his body adjustment for the header was pure class.It is amazing how deep our talent pool is,when you consider we are not even using Mount,Foden,Sancho and Bellingham.Any Man U fan will tell you Rashford should not even be there,as he is absolutely shot.

I think this might be the worst analysis I have ever seen, well done.

It is an odd analysis as just before England scored they were dominating possession in Germany’s half. Whilst chances were not being created it was England in control and it felt like a goal was coming.

[Hendo]

Apart from the first 10/15 mins England were more or less in total control of the game.

I'm utterly convinced that Westwood watches a totally different game to everyone else, happens for Reading game as well.

[paultheroyal]

See Grealish in for Saka and Henderson in for Rice. Rest stays the same imo.

I'd go back to 4-2-3-1, yesterday's formation was with the intention of negating Kimmich and Gosens, which it did very effectively. So I'd bring Grealish back in for Trippier.

Agreed with dropping one of Rice or Phillips; we can cope if one gets a 2nd yellow, but not both.

Absolutely agree about Grealish for Trippier.Southgate will not leave out either of his CDM s.Last night it struck me how laboured Rice was in his running,and how he and Phillips were out of the game for long periods.The Germans with some astute passes just played through them and took them out of the game.Lets not kid ourselves the Germans were controlling the game up to when we scored .
That said Pickford has kept us in the tournament and the back three were excellent.As was Shaw,Sterling (bar that horror pass) and Saka.TBF I was screaming for Kane to be taken off as he was clearly labouring;but his body adjustment for the header was pure class.It is amazing how deep our talent pool is,when you consider we are not even using Mount,Foden,Sancho and Bellingham.Any Man U fan will tell you Rashford should not even be there,as he is absolutely shot.

I am sorry, but i am at a loss with this. Germany were good for the first 20 mins and ever so slowly England got hold of the game. 1 clear cut chance before the goal for the Germans but similar for England. You could argue that England tactically perfected the match. Held them out, made changes, up the tempo. If Sterling did not make that shocking pass it would of been seen as a magical performance in terms of game plan. To say German's played through us and controlled the game is quite frankly laughable.

[Franchise FC]

I'd go back to 4-2-3-1, yesterday's formation was with the intention of negating Kimmich and Gosens, which it did very effectively. So I'd bring Grealish back in for Trippier.

Agreed with dropping one of Rice or Phillips; we can cope if one gets a 2nd yellow, but not both.

Absolutely agree about Grealish for Trippier.Southgate will not leave out either of his CDM s.Last night it struck me how laboured Rice was in his running,and how he and Phillips were out of the game for long periods.The Germans with some astute passes just played through them and took them out of the game.Lets not kid ourselves the Germans were controlling the game up to when we scored .
That said Pickford has kept us in the tournament and the back three were excellent.As was Shaw,Sterling (bar that horror pass) and Saka.TBF I was screaming for Kane to be taken off as he was clearly labouring;but his body adjustment for the header was pure class.It is amazing how deep our talent pool is,when you consider we are not even using Mount,Foden,Sancho and Bellingham.Any Man U fan will tell you Rashford should not even be there,as he is absolutely shot.

I think this might be the worst analysis I have ever seen, well done.

To be fair, I agree with the Rashford bit
Although I don't recall Germany controlling the game at any particular stage. Seemed to me to be 'fairly' even for most of the game - right up to the point where Grealish came on (and I thought the sub was a mistake because Saka had been our best player)

[LUX]

I am delighted about last night, but 50 years or thereabouts of supporting England has led me to keep everything in perspective. Cannot believe the hype/expectancy yet again, which probably does not help the players..

FTR, we certainly should beat Ukraine (it will not be pretty), but after that, it will be very, very tough.

I follow all matches on Belgian tv (most amusing and take themselves the least seriously). They are of course proud of their team, but they correctly worry about their strength in depth. KDB and Hazard are permanently half crocked. That could be their undoing. We have the strength in depth, for sure. But they beat us twice at the last WC (and again recently???).

Italy would be a great final, they are so fcking cunning.

Spain? Scoring goals for fun now.

Come on England

[NathStPaul]

Apart from the first 10/15 mins England were more or less in total control of the game.

I'm utterly convinced that Westwood watches a totally different game to everyone else, happens for Reading game as well.

You reckon he is watching Euro 96?

[Hendo]

Apart from the first 10/15 mins England were more or less in total control of the game.

I'm utterly convinced that Westwood watches a totally different game to everyone else, happens for Reading game as well.

You reckon he is watching Euro 96?

Lol, quite possible

[Winston Biscuit]

I am delighted about last night, but 50 years or thereabouts of supporting England

I believe the unit of measurement for supporting England is 'of hurts'

I am probably somewhere just over 30 YOH's in my England supporting journey

[Hendo]

Remember crying after getting knocked out by Argentina in France '98, first England memory, so 23 YOH for me.

[Uke]

Just coming out the other side of my hangover after last night...

The Tebbit test will be "challenging" for me this weekend...

[Scutterbucketz]

I am delighted about last night, but 50 years or thereabouts of supporting England

I believe the unit of measurement for supporting England is 'of hurts'

This is true, but surely there must have been a honeymoon glory period after winning the World Cup where there was no hurt, only joy and celebration.

Opinion is divided, but 1970 World Cup seems to have been where the hurting began, so by that calculation we are now into the 51st year of hurt, or 51AM (Anno Malum).