The Aussies were undone by a little bit of magic and a couple of slips of concentration which is a pity because their shape when defending was excellent as was their work rate.
As a team I think we look better than France. They have one player however that can destroy us. Mbappe will either have to have an off day or be looked after by 2 England players.
It might simply be a case of we need to outscore them in a Keegan’esque style.
Listening to Lee Dixon is like listening to the overstrained fan in my old laptop, painful but you hope at some point it will stop & never restart.
On a brighter note England really didn't have to work too hard after they got the first goal, overall a really decent performance. Of course France will be much tougher but I feel their defence is slightly more prone to errors than England's is, so there is every likely hood England can outscore them, having said that it will demand complete ruthlessness in front of goal as thier front 4 are probably better than England's.
Anyway let's enjoy the other 4 games, not that I expect any shocks.
I'd go 3atb v France to better protect those half-spaces where Mbappe and Dembele can absolutely kill you. Problem is the 3 behind Giroud are all huge dangers in their own right - and Giroud himself is a serious handful, if not one of the very best as top-class CFs go (a great nonetheless striker, don't get me wrong). I think we could nullify them quite effectively, but we have enough in attack to do some damage. I'm predicting 2-2 then pens.
Really worrying & shitty news about the break-in by armed intruders at Sterling's home especially as his partner & kids were in at the time. Totally understand why he has gone home, hope his family is ok.
Comments
That is actually exactly what they are planning to do
FIFA, Key principle to allow fair play. Erm. It could happen that these things are introduced at some point I suppose.
Media reporting that Pele is near the end. If he dies soon Brazil are nailed on to win this.
Australia playing really well against a side with so much more talent but they will need to keep their concentration and shape for the full game.
Good effort but as it is now at 2-0 I can't see the Socceroos doing anything in this one. Well done though.
They got it to 2-1 and had one massive chance that only a stretching challenge blocked.
Very decent effort but if Messi hadn't "arrived" at a World Cup before it's fair to say he has now
The Aussies were undone by a little bit of magic and a couple of slips of concentration which is a pity because their shape when defending was excellent as was their work rate.
They had their luck too, their goal was deflected so far it could have scored in a different city and Argentina missed a load of decent chances.
Scored a pen, missed a pen and a nice goal and run v Australia. Needs to build on that to become a long time memory.
Our Rashy, is on 3 goals and looked in absolute cheat mode in the last game. Which makes it odd he's rumoured to be benched today!
He's had a great career and had a great game against unexpectedly difficult opponents, nobody is handing out golden boots yet.
One of the greatest careers yes. But is it the start of an all time memorable world cup. That's the big challenge.
He ran the show last night. Unplayable.
Everyone is Poland right now surely ?
Poland played well in the first half but overall France were just too good
Pleased for Giroud to have become France's highest scorer
Bellingham almost on a par with Mehmeti
I must say, Bellingham has been outstanding
What does Lee Dixon add to the matchday experience?
Good win although Senegal seemed to fade after the first goal.
France however will be a different proposition.
Different certainly but not insuperable. Walker v MBappe will be interesting!
Was just saying this to a mate. It's so boring.
As a team I think we look better than France. They have one player however that can destroy us. Mbappe will either have to have an off day or be looked after by 2 England players.
It might simply be a case of we need to outscore them in a Keegan’esque style.
Listening to Lee Dixon is like listening to the overstrained fan in my old laptop, painful but you hope at some point it will stop & never restart.
On a brighter note England really didn't have to work too hard after they got the first goal, overall a really decent performance. Of course France will be much tougher but I feel their defence is slightly more prone to errors than England's is, so there is every likely hood England can outscore them, having said that it will demand complete ruthlessness in front of goal as thier front 4 are probably better than England's.
Anyway let's enjoy the other 4 games, not that I expect any shocks.
Lee Dixon absolutely hates football
I'd go 3atb v France to better protect those half-spaces where Mbappe and Dembele can absolutely kill you. Problem is the 3 behind Giroud are all huge dangers in their own right - and Giroud himself is a serious handful, if not one of the very best as top-class CFs go (a great nonetheless striker, don't get me wrong). I think we could nullify them quite effectively, but we have enough in attack to do some damage. I'm predicting 2-2 then pens.
Really worrying & shitty news about the break-in by armed intruders at Sterling's home especially as his partner & kids were in at the time. Totally understand why he has gone home, hope his family is ok.
Well I like him.
What Roy Keane said post match is one of the first times I've agreed with him.
It may just be that Mbappe is unstoppable - you just have to play to your strengths, go out there and win a football match.
He's Mark Lawrenson minus the 'NOT'
?