England v Slovakia on Sunday. Despite how poor the play has been, I still think that firstly, England's defence is excellent (it seems a long time ago that it was deemed the issue going into the tournament!) and that as a result, England are not going to be easy to knock out, however sterile the play has been.
I also think the favourable draw means England will play themselves into a bit of form at some point, and I still expect England to make the final as a result.
I am no fan of Southgate's style, but I am going to give up on the criticism as much as possible, as objects being thrown at him (even a couple of "harmless" plastic cups) is beyond the pale for me. I think criticism should always pertain to the subject matter itself, and making it that personal just feels ugly.
Well if the criticism had just stuck to the football itself I think it is fair game, but it just feels like a line has been crossed that is not where I want to be. It really is only a game, and Southgate seems like a good bloke - my criticism of his style has nothing to do with how I feel about him as a person, but evidently that is not the case universally. I always feel that in debate or criticism it should be "play the ball, not the man".
Thumbs up from me - whether for irony or directness, depending on the intent! (Also with the assumption you are talking about me rather than Southgate).
Switzerland absolutely dominating Italy so far. It feels a long time since Italy were formidable (even in winning the last Euros they felt mortal). They are still in this because of their defence and goalkeeper, but it is strange to see them under the cosh against the Swiss.
Yes - they almost beat Germany, after all! The script has really flipped over the last few years, as Switzerland feel like the top tier nation and Italy the second tier plucky upstarts, and it is still difficult to get used to based on decades of muscle memory around the brilliant Italians!
Weirdly, the Swiss could still be a better matchup for England as they are more open. I could imagine a dour 0-0 with Italy and the peril of pens.
I expected Switzerland to win this. Italy barely touched the ball against Spain while the Swiss were minutes away from beating Germany. That spoke volumes about the gap!
It will be a great QF, but I think Slovakia will give the Swiss everything they can handle. (kidding, kidding).
England defence that cough up possession against the press vs Switzerland who are an excellent pressing side, who play square pegs in square holes and play positive attacking football; if we manage to get through the Slovaks we will certainly have a game on our hands.
Comments
Hear hear.
Hopefully our owner will be expecting this from us.
Every single Georgian player was magnificent
England v Slovakia on Sunday. Despite how poor the play has been, I still think that firstly, England's defence is excellent (it seems a long time ago that it was deemed the issue going into the tournament!) and that as a result, England are not going to be easy to knock out, however sterile the play has been.
I also think the favourable draw means England will play themselves into a bit of form at some point, and I still expect England to make the final as a result.
I am no fan of Southgate's style, but I am going to give up on the criticism as much as possible, as objects being thrown at him (even a couple of "harmless" plastic cups) is beyond the pale for me. I think criticism should always pertain to the subject matter itself, and making it that personal just feels ugly.
welcome to the good side Shev
Well if the criticism had just stuck to the football itself I think it is fair game, but it just feels like a line has been crossed that is not where I want to be. It really is only a game, and Southgate seems like a good bloke - my criticism of his style has nothing to do with how I feel about him as a person, but evidently that is not the case universally. I always feel that in debate or criticism it should be "play the ball, not the man".
Pompous twat
Thumbs up from me - whether for irony or directness, depending on the intent! (Also with the assumption you are talking about me rather than Southgate).
Irony indeed Shev. Good spot May I say for an American….
just to confirm I have never thought you were pompous……
Well I'm only half American, so there is always hope in these situations (born and raised in England too)!
Had me fooled.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naG8MZKmoy8Gareth Southgate ahead of Slovakia game
Not really.
Could one or two of the Georgians come to play for Wycombe? Or are they already playing at too high a level elsewhere?
If we could sign up Khatia Buniatishvilli for the half-time entertainment, that would be all the Georgian I need, but I doubt we could afford her.
Switzerland absolutely dominating Italy so far. It feels a long time since Italy were formidable (even in winning the last Euros they felt mortal). They are still in this because of their defence and goalkeeper, but it is strange to see them under the cosh against the Swiss.
The Swiss are a real strong outfit and I would be surprised if they don’t win this game.
Yes - they almost beat Germany, after all! The script has really flipped over the last few years, as Switzerland feel like the top tier nation and Italy the second tier plucky upstarts, and it is still difficult to get used to based on decades of muscle memory around the brilliant Italians!
Weirdly, the Swiss could still be a better matchup for England as they are more open. I could imagine a dour 0-0 with Italy and the peril of pens.
Wow what a goal.
Kicking off and still finding a way to concede inside 50 seconds really takes some doing.
It’s a bit like watching Crawley.
They don't seem to have had a top class attacker since the days of Vieri which was yonks back.
None of the top ten Serie A scorers this season were Italian.
Can’t wait for the ‘Southgate got lucky that Italy got outplayed by Switzerland’ takes.
When we lose 3-0 to Portugal in the final @Shev will be all over our "easy" ride to the final 😋
Haha - well anyone who thinks avoiding France, Germany, Spain and Portugal is unlucky may need to reassess.
But both Switzerland and Austria will be difficult outs, and to my mind have basically played better than anyone but Spain.
Although at one stage we thought, oh no, we might play Italy. And they've been pure garbo.
Southgate got lucky that Italy got outplayed by Switzerland
Thumbs up is for the profile photo.
I expected Switzerland to win this. Italy barely touched the ball against Spain while the Swiss were minutes away from beating Germany. That spoke volumes about the gap!
It will be a great QF, but I think Slovakia will give the Swiss everything they can handle. (kidding, kidding).
England defence that cough up possession against the press vs Switzerland who are an excellent pressing side, who play square pegs in square holes and play positive attacking football; if we manage to get through the Slovaks we will certainly have a game on our hands.