Oops at me falling asleep x

Good start from England, I've always wanted to see how they would perform in the tournament when being coached by a non-British.

Hydration breaks won't make their way in permantely, I think you'll rightly see way too much of a backlash. I think the premise is a good intention, but 3 minutes ks way too long and yes, TV companies have started using them to sell adverts. I'm sure ITV would do if given the chance too. I think the reaction to them has been universally pretty negative and they quite clearly disrupt the flow of the game too.

As for the game itself, I do think some of the criticism levelled at Southgate is harsh. He was an excellent man manager, but a basic tactician whereas Tuchel is probably the opposite. But even though we got to the final of the Euros in 2024 it was clear something was not right and the fact in the camp.

Southgate ultimately fell in to the trap of being too loyal to players or wanting to fit all our best players on the pitch of squad. Or play two right footed players on the left hand side and completely shut down our attacking threat. And it's like people crying out for Maguire, which would be an absolute car crash in this set up Tuchel has got.

Croatia give up goals for fun and it is right we looked defensively fairly vulnerable at times. Personally, I felt the whole team were nervous for a large part of the first half. I called Kane missing the penalty, he justn didn't look right. Think there is mixture of the stadium itself and waiting so long to play your first game.. can't remember us kicking off almost a week after the first game ever.

1 hour ago, ElectroBoy said:

Natasha from Atomic Kitten is at Essex Pride on Saturday, I’ll let everyone know if she does any new football related songs 🤣

We need royalties if any of the above get a performance! 🤣

The first time England have won 4-2 at an World Cup match since the 1966 World Cup Final.

8 hours ago, Spiceboy said:

I think that's unfair, Southgate made England the best team they have been in decades. Anything they achieve in this world cup is in part due to the hard work he put in helping them to be a proper team.

My comment was not about the success and achievements Southgate reached with the team - there is no doubt that doubt Southgate built a great team spirit. It was just about how England played with these great players. Scoring one goal and then parking the bus was so boring to watch, particularly at the last European Cup. Now it seems England plays much more spectacular, especially Harry Kane.

7 hours ago, Mack. said:

The first time England have won 4-2 at an World Cup match since the 1966 World Cup Final.

To early to say it’s an omen?

Yeah under Southgate we'd have gone 1-0 up then parked the bus, plane and every other conceivable object for the rest of the match until Croatia got their inevitable 89th minute equaliser. The fact we were constantly trying to chase for more goals is much more encouraging. If we can outscore the opposition the odd defensive error hopefully won't be too costly.

Of course greater challenges lie ahead but can only beat what's in front of you. Real chance of now getting 3 wins from 3 now although Ghana will no doubt be tricky.