Football world cup thread.

Sorry was I mistaken? I was only half watching it but I thought a sub was being brought in with only few seconds left to play..I just thought there was little point to it.

 

In previous matches Southgate brought on subs at a time when they could actually do something, but unless i missed something in this game he only used two and apart from the one in the last few seconds there was only one other still far too late.

 

Southgate made a double substitution straight after France went 2-1 up, he had tried to bring them on before Giroud scored. But taking off Saka for Sterling in my opinion was a mistake, personally I think Saka should of not come off, he had been one of our better players. Why Sterling instead of Rashford, Sterling had left the squad to fly home for personal reasons on the 4th, then to bring Rashford on in the 84 minute was to late.

The ref did not have a good game, but compared to the ref for the Argentina v Holland match it was a vast improvement. Why VAR did not give England a pen in the first half, is also a mystery. Some shocking decisions have been made by the officials during the World Cup but its something we have come accustom to in the premier league, we always end up talking about the inconsistency of match officials instead of the actual game.

 

Agree Saka was one of our best players, always likes to have a go and get by the opposition, which in a game like last night gives you goals or penalties.
I think Grealish is similar and should have been there the whole game.

 

I usually slag England off after another exit due to not turning up for the occasion, but this time I am quite pleased even though we lost , England did play well and were the better team throughout most of the game against a great team and reigning world cup holders. Its just one of them games on another day it could of been 2-1 to England . Don't get me started on the refs performance .

I am not bothered who wins it this year as long as its not Argentina, some about them like Uruguay dirty / cheating / lack class and any respect for apposing team.

Giroud been a great player so underappreciated all time leading goal scorer for france as well , I think he more a less won it all but for a Premier league .

 

Agree, the talk of this world cup has all been about Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe etc etc. Players like Giroud don't get the recognition they rightly deserve. Giroud is now France's all time goal scorer, the vast majority coming from open play, think he has only scored 2 or 3 penalties at international level. When you compare it to Harry Kane where 18 of his international goals have come from the spot, it makes Giroud's international goal tally even more impressive.

 

A bit late but…
I thought we played rather well, better than the ‘usual’. I think our strength is in playing attacking football instead of being fearful of losing. During the Euro final, I noticed that at the start, we were defending and regaining possession much higher up the pitch, which led to our goal. But as the game went on, we dropped back and allowed the Italians to run at us. That was never going to end well. Kane’s penalty… one would have expected him to score but I don’t blame him. It can’t be easy in those high pressure situations, with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. I think Southgate has encouraged players to express themselves, we need more of that, imo. I hope he stays on.

 

Hiya John
I can’t say I remember it, I was 11. I do though think that in the intervening years, we could and should have done better. It’s not that I dislike ‘us’ losing, but rather the manner in which we have suffered losses. At some times, it’s been almost laughable. After 56 years, I think it’s time for a new approach, something Southgate seems to be trying to put right.

 

Southgate has been the best manager I can remember , he should stay IMO but I'm no expert.

 

I don't know about Southgate . He's brought a good team togetherness something I haven't seen in a England team ever. But tactical he is inept and very negative . He wouldn't get anywhere near the top premier league clubs, his last club were Middlesbrough which he got fired from and also relegated them. And he only got the job because Sam alaidice had a nightmare . I'd probably get rid if someone else is available Brendan rogers or Graham Potter maybe or a foreign manger ( I'd prefer them to be English ) but Thomas Tuchel is a top tier Manager and poticheno ( ex spurs / psg manager )