atypical_boro
Well-known member
I think on reflection my only expectation is that we win the group, don't get knocked out by a lesser nation, and don't disgrace ourselves if we go out to a 'big team'. I won't set a target for exactly what round.
That weather weirdly did seem to help and lift the mood.I'm starting to think it all depends how hot our summer is. I'm 99% convinced our good run in 2018 was a result of a beautiful summer over here and all the beer-throwing crowds singing Three Lions.
Second phase is our norm, I think it could be this year too, if we do well in the group stage.
I can't understand what Southgate has been playing at in the warm up games. His first XI should have been out there getting used to each others game. To play that line up yesterday in the final warm up is poor. I hope he proves me wrong.
I forgot until looking recently how bad the group performances were too. 1-1 against Russia, 2-1 with a last minute winner against Wales and then 0-0 with Slovakia.As a one-off match definitely, but we at least got through an (admittedly very easy) group.
I forgot until looking recently how bad the group performances were too. 1-1 against Russia, 2-1 with a last minute winner against Wales and then 0-0 with Slovakia.
The Iceland match is so bad you forget how bad the 3 previous performances were too.
Yeah, fair to say 2014 and 2016 were both absolutely grim.I forgot until looking recently how bad the group performances were too. 1-1 against Russia, 2-1 with a last minute winner against Wales and then 0-0 with Slovakia.
The Iceland match is so bad you forget how bad the 3 previous performances were too.
My thoughts precisely.Yep, people get carried away by our attacking options (which is fair enough) but it's hard to win any tournament, let alone an international one, without a good defence.
Attackers might get the headlines, but most world cup winners have 2 or more top drawer defenders in their ranks. We don't really have any.
Yep, people get carried away by our attacking options (which is fair enough) but it's hard to win any tournament, let alone an international one, without a good defence.
Attackers might get the headlines, but most world cup winners have 2 or more top drawer defenders in their ranks. We don't really have any.
I agree, an embarrassment of riches at right back, CL winning and EL runner up LB’s and John Stones who is as good as anyone if he’s on form.Playing devils advocate a little bit here because I do agree there are issues in defence but in the Champions League Final which is accepted as the worlds toughest club competition there were 4 English defenders playing. Also the UEFA cup final would have had 2 defenders who are in the England squad if Maguire had been fully fit, surely you dont reach European finals if your defenders aren't top
Well, it’s not the World Cup. Greece didn’t have any top drawer players full stop when they won this thing…..Yep, people get carried away by our attacking options (which is fair enough) but it's hard to win any tournament, let alone an international one, without a good defence.
Attackers might get the headlines, but most world cup winners have 2 or more top drawer defenders in their ranks. We don't really have any.