June 28, 20187 yr But why would England deliberately play not play its best players to deliberately come second in the group to play Colombia who most people agree are considerably better than Japan, a Japan that played poorly today, losing to an already relegated side. It doesn't really make sense :unsure: Because there is an easier route to the final on this side of the draw. Most of the better teams are on the other side! Look at the draw, there's some huge matches for the Round 16 on that side compared to England's side! The tactic has presumably been rest all of our key players to sure up our chances against Columbia and Sweden / Switzerland if we get through that. On paper we stand a better chance with a rested team against them than the likely Brazil match up on the other side.
June 28, 20187 yr But why would England deliberately play not play its best players to deliberately come second in the group to play Colombia who most people agree are considerably better than Japan, a Japan that played poorly today, losing to an already relegated side. It doesn't really make sense :unsure: They assumed that Japan would win Group H because they were top before today's matches took place which would have meant that England would play Japan. The whole World will laugh at England next week if they get knocked out, it's gonna be even worse than when they lost to Iceland at Euro 2016.
June 28, 20187 yr You can try and work it out, on paper finishing 2nd is an easier path to the semi-finals compared to finishing 1st BUT it also presents a harder opponent in the last 16. The reality is getting to the quarter finals would be a fantastic achievement as it is. Anyway about the game, it was a game of little significance felt in terms of atmosphere and the team. Anyway for me the game just highlighted why Sterling is better than Rashford. I can't think of a more overrated player in an England shirt, he just lacks a brain. Even more gobsmacked he got MOTM despite missing two one on ones. Think the game also showed how important Henderson is to England too.
June 28, 20187 yr Pretty much agree with Rooney, better than playing Brazil in the quarters, if they get there. Coming second is the easiest route, I think we could beat Colombia , my famous last words :D Anyhow we did play crap, it felt like that was the easiest option for Gareth Southgate, and resting the key players for the Colombia match.
June 28, 20187 yr I get £50 in the work sweepstake if Colombia win, so I have a vested interest in that happening.
June 28, 20187 yr England and Belgium both followed the same logic. Any players on the pitch are at risk of getting injured or being booked or sent off. Therefore, the best way of making sure your best players are not injured or banned is to keep them off the pitch.
June 29, 20187 yr Sheer arrogance from England really assuming we'll beat Colombia then either of Serbia or Switzerland. Reality is we can only beat the fodder & bottled our chance to send out a statement last night!
June 29, 20187 yr To me, the easy route is a load of old shite. The only easy game we could've got ourselves was Japan, who are easily the worst team in the last 16 and are there because of a red card/pen in the 3rd minute. All to avoid the mighty Brazil, instead of a QF with them we'd instead play the team that deservedly drew 1-1 with Brazil, or the one which finished above Holland in qualifying, beat Italy in the play-off, shouldn't have lost to Germany and beat Mexico 3-0. Easy. I feel Southgate has made a huge error last night, he's certainly increased the pressure on him. Going for the easy route to the semi, well anything less than that is a failure now.
June 29, 20187 yr To me, the easy route is a load of old shite. The only easy game we could've got ourselves was Japan, who are easily the worst team in the last 16 and are there because of a red card/pen in the 3rd minute. All to avoid the mighty Brazil, instead of a QF with them we'd instead play the team that deservedly drew 1-1 with Brazil, or the one which finished above Holland in qualifying, beat Italy in the play-off, shouldn't have lost to Germany and beat Mexico 3-0. Easy. I feel Southgate has made a huge error last night, he's certainly increased the pressure on him. Going for the easy route to the semi, well anything less than that is a failure now. Yes, and pressure on the England team doesn't usually translate to success. Tuesday night's game is going to be a really interesting - I can see an upset on the cards definitely, and let's face it Colombia are still a very strong team! Not to be underestimated at all.
June 29, 20187 yr By upset do you mean Columbia will win!? Personally I think an 'upset' would be England winning! England are the underdogs against Colombia I think. Edited June 29, 20187 yr by The Snake
June 29, 20187 yr That's what I was thinking. They've won 6 of their last 8 World Cup games and were semi finalist in 2014!
June 30, 20187 yr That's what I was thinking. They've won 6 of their last 8 World Cup games and were semi finalist in 2014! Semi finalist? Neither Colombia and England were the semi-finalists in 2014 World Cup.
June 30, 20187 yr Author Colombia reached the quarterfinals of the last World Cup where they lost to Brazil.
June 30, 20187 yr I think now, looking at both sides of the draw, that it'll be a Brazil - England final. They can't meet before then. England will easily turn over Colombia and then their next opponents as Sweden and Swizerland are weak.
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