Holmes_and_Watson

If Southgate was a club manager, it would be like sacking a manager who got a decent place in a top league and who had also got to a final. So, no one is going to...oh... 🙂 The tournaments of my youth seemed more exciting. But I watched lots of highlights while back, and England struggled quite often. Arguably when gaps between nations were larger. No doubt a lot of us see the attacking talent England have, and want to see that on the pitch. It might even work and we blitz a couple of teams. But it would be found out soon enough and England would get countered and knocked out, if they even got there. Southgate has a track record at major tournaments. It can be cagey and risk based possession. Sometimes it's hard to transition from that into something more dynamic. But it's a solid foundation that can be used to bring in the flair at key times. He deserves a lot of credit for patiently fielding hacks questions demanding a line of attacking players call make the side. It was a near thing tonight, and I'd like to see how the squad evolves under him for the next tournament.

"This Mr Jones bloke is fantastic. I'm glad the whole team are raring to go. And those new attacking signings we're about to announce, are stars."

Nope. Worked his socks off, drops deep to start attacks, physical enough to hold off challenges all the time, scored a penalty... not quite prepared when faced with another. I'd have kept Saka on, to see if Kane would get a third chance. Grealish will be trying for that too.

Fine margins, if it stays like this. After going behind, being cagey, England have posed threats, while they have nullified nearly everyone other than Giroud really well. To go out on a missed penalty shouldn't detract from all the positives we've seen. Disappointing, and that's against the holders, but not disastrous for the team's future.

I was wondering if the shirts could be reversible for the final. FIFA threatened unspecified/ unlimited sanctions for wearing rainbow armbands. As winners, England can tell them where to go with their sanctions.

Just along the lines of what I was thinking. Go up to get the trophy, put on rainbow shirts just as they get there, walk past all the complicit dignitaries on the podium, optional rude gesture to Infantino, and then go off to unfurl their support for women, migrant, LGBTQ+ rights banners and celebrate with the fans, possible fake world cup raising moments with them. Football comes home, but with extra dignity. 🙂

Off to get @ale_1003 on the back of a shirt to be ahead of the crowd. Not sure if that's a first or last name though...

The shadow of Le Tissier is long and his penalty record intimidating. 🙂

Smith

In a library, or in publishing? I did try not to post it. Really, I did. I moved onto other posts, but I just couldn't let it go.🙂 I'd rather be in the Premier League, even as things are. There's always the hope, and sometimes the reality, of being better in it. While the promotion years were great, it was with the goal of getting where we are. Our next attempt might not go so well, so I'd be happy hanging on in this league for a while yet. Even as some clubs play with a different level of resources, others as big as Man U and Liverpool are looking for owners/investors. Hopefully as some prosper, others will be forced down a level, meeting us as we improve.

Boat

Just strap a 1.21 gigawatt generating nuclear reactor to the team bus, get some really improbably hot cups of tea from the canteen, to stir really quickly while travelling in it, and it's on! 🙂

One way of looking at it, is that posters stay up till the early hours, hanging on every word that you post. 🙂

Southampton

Motorcycle

Oven

Crack

Chief

One way or another. 🙂

Excellent stop by Pickford. Commentary on radio earlier wishing England could have a world class Mbappe talent. Bellingham looking like a good bet for that tag in his position(s). Top marks to Kane's selflessness in bringing the others in. Henderson offering that mobility, and out ball option following the first half vs USA. While we still offer width as well. Well done Southgate.

I missed the first half of the Coventry game. But do remember a couple of posts saying that although a bit of a torrid time, it did get better. Watched him in the preseasons. Raw, probably overly keen to do well, but no reason why it can't happen. We've a lot of players for that spot, that could blunt his pathway here. Hopefully a good loan move in the second half of the season, will give him lots of minutes, take off a few of the edges and settle him in on his return.

I'm sure we'll all be happy when England get their first touchdown this evening. 🙂

If we're going to pick up the trophy after winning the final, then it's on! 🙂

Justice

Nice of her not to include the trips to and from the shops, walking to the kitchen, taking it out of the shopping bag, pressing buttons on the microwave, putting it in and taking it out the microwave. And what if it's put in the fridge first? More time spent sorting that out. All while that Mac and Cheese just sits there with it's taunting claims of readiness!