11 Jul 2018 21:01:44
Not withstanding what may happen in extra time but Perisic hasn't been fantastic tonight.
11 Jul 2018 22:25:22
Really? He's a very good player, creates chances.
11 Jul 2018 23:05:32
Thought he was their best player. Very dangerous. Alas englad reverted to type tonight playing long balls and panicking. Shame but a great run and a tournament too soon for us. Maybe next time.
11 Jul 2018 23:34:35
The dream is over!
The quality just wasn't there in both boxes tonight. Kane and Lingard missed massive chances. Croatia looked calamitous in the first half but we didn't show enough composure or quality to finish them off.
In our own box Walker then Stones we're guilty of ball watching. They both just didn't see their men. They didn't even look.
Southgate failed to react. The threat was in the wide areas. Lingard and Ali just couldn't cover quick enough. The equaliser was coming. He should have changed and plugged the holes with two wide men. Easy to say in hindsight but the best mangers sense danger, understand the ebb and flow of the game and react. I think he got transfixed with the three at the back and maybe lacked the foresight or tactical nous to change it when needed.
Overall It's been a good tournament. We've played well in spells, with imagination and fluidity without really showing the quality with the final pass or finish. We've at least tried to play the right way and haven't embarrassed ourselves.
It's bitterly disappointing and so frustrating because Croatia aren't that good. We made them look so average in that first half but when the big chances come, especially in knockout football you have to put them away.
I think France will run out comfortable winners on Sunday. Mbappe will absolutely terrify them.
Dejan Lovren will now play in a Champions League and World Cup final. Just let that sink in! Football, bloody hell!
12 Jul 2018 00:28:07
Firstly let's applaud the fact that England did so well and that the players and manager gave their all. Now taking a long hard dispassionate look at the team I think the biggest thing we miss is a top class midfield. We had no one with the ability and knowledge how to dictate the pace of the game and we also lack a creative midfielder too. Modric and Perisic were excellent from half time onwards. Kane had no service and Dele Ali really has not done himself justice in this competition. Henderson is a real tryer but honestly can anyone say he is world class? At the back Trippier had a fabulous World Cup as did Maguire and Pickford. Walker played ok but I do think Stones showed why he is not first choice even at City by his switching off at key moments.
12 Jul 2018 07:39:35
Gotta say Hendon I think Stones has had a great World Cup. He and Walker both were guilty of ball watching lqst night but Stones has shown this tournament that he can actually defend. Maguire was the one carrying the ball and Stones was leading the defense. Also if 4 penalties, a fluke and a tap in makes you a top level striker, then I've still got a chance. Kane has been poor since the group games.
Gutted. There will never be a better chance. All the planets alligned. Bring on the prem!
12 Jul 2018 08:01:39
Hendonred, what do you class as world clas? Because looking at that england team i don't see 1 world class player, yet you pick out Henderson. He was the natural leader on the pitch and was probably in the top 3 players for England this tournament next to trippier and pickford. I haven't included kane as I don't think his goal tally reflects his performances.
12 Jul 2018 09:05:42
Sorry I mean has been fantastic on my OP.
12 Jul 2018 09:21:27
I think Henderson played well but he will never be a great player. I will reserve judgement about Stones as he is young but at this level it's small margins and he switched off at critical times as did Walker. that's why Pep did not trust him last year. I actually think Trippier has been the best right defender/ wingback of the whole tournament. Kane is clearly World Class but he was not his sharpest and it may be that once again not having a mid season break hindered him. Also imagine having Erickson in our team or a De Bruyne to give him the service he needs. He fed off scraps most of the time.
12 Jul 2018 17:00:25
Madmax, putting United and liverpool rivalaries aside, are you serioysly telling us that Henderson was in top 3 players for England? He, and the rest of our midfield were shown to be exactly what i thought, total rubbish and overrated. Modric and Racitic rang rings around us. And Henderson kept passing the ball back or hoofing it up front with no idea. It was utter crap.