UEFA Euro 2024: Mod Note Added 2/7/24

Playing underdogs in KO Football is never easy, I think we'll see the better side of this England team against the best sides.

I would have thought is self evident. It was Mattaface that said YES not Lee Dixon by the way. For a former player not journalist you would get away with that. But the reason a journalist is paired with a former player IMO is at least to try have some balanced view of the game. And maybe on occasion at least play "Devil's advocate". The journalist is there as a journalist first, and a fan second. They are working.

For a journalist to scream YES.

Shows -

1. Lack of professionalism
2. Lack of class

That is just my opinion, simple really.

Spain showed us how to do it last night. Controlled the game from the start, fell behind to a counter attack (the first goal they conceded in the tournament) but just kept at it. A bit wobbly at 1-0 but stuck to the plan and got the job done comfortably in the end. They didn't sit back once they got ahead, either.

I didn't see anything from England to suggest they've learned anything new; Bellingham and Kane were their get out of jail free cards.

I liked this dose of realism from English comedian Josh Widdicombe after the two games yesterday.

"There was a point during that game where, I genuinely would’ve been more comfortable discussing the French election results. I thought, this isn’t the time for comedy, people are going to be in a very dark place, but it’s all fine now isn’t it? We are going to win the Euros.

I tell you what you don’t want to do, if you want any confidence in England, is watch Spain afterwards."

I know that he missed 4 matches in the PL due to suspensions, and City lost those 4 games.

I saw one of Southgate's post match interviews after the solvakia game. I think he has gone from innately conservative to completely risk adverse.

He is basically terrified to make subs saying in his interview he did not want to change anything in case the "world class" players did something.

I think Southgate's dream scenario would be only to be allowed one sub in case of injury, as it used to be back before Southgate played years ago. Having five subs rather than make Southgate confident of using his squad, it worries him.

It also shows he has absolutely no concept of tactical tweaking, or how different skillsets can bring different things to a game. He's basically confirming every criticism everyone has ever had of him - that he is completely risk averse, is reliant on clogging up the middle, and hoping someone comes up with brilliance, or his team can do something from a set piece. he cannot watch a game and think of how he can affect it.

I have little nephew "across the water" in England. He is not even 8 yet.

But he said to his Dad that he does like like watching England, and prefers watching Spain. I think that sums it up. If small kids can see that, it does not say much.

But he said to his Dad that he does like like watching England, and prefers watching Spain. I think that sums it up. If small kids can see that, it does not say much.

Wait…watching your country is supposed to be enjoyable??? I thought it was supposed to be pain and misery for years and then a fleeting moment of happiness that carries you through a decade of turmoil and misery? Brady (Italy) and Long (Germany) carried me through the rough nights v Luxembourg, Gibraltar, and Azerbaijan.

I'm starting to believe England would be better off go with tonev and kane and go route 1 with crosses and long throws. Don't believe Southgate can manage anything more complex...

I think it's the goals/flair, probably.

jude the arrogant fucker is being investigated for a lewd gesture he made after his goal.

presume that comes with a suspension which might actually help england.

any suspension though IMO will be suspended or deferred till after the comp.

Im of the opinion as they're using that audio testing for handballs, they should also be using it to see if there was a corner or not. It would be pretty quick and routine to see after a player hits the ball was there any other frequency.

First round of group games aside it's been a rubbish tournament to watch. Another stinker here

Indeed. I switch to the English channel when he's on.

I raise you Stephanie Roche. She has to turn every statement into a question, doesn’t she ? I mean, I don’t mind it the odd time, do I ? but it’s every bloody sentence, isn’t it ? Very annoying, isn’t she ?

Definitely finding Shay and Kenny Cunningham the hardest to watch so far this tournament. They're not just rubbish, they actually make me irrationally angry for some reason! I think it's the blustery arrogance with which they both deliver absolute nonsense.

How good is Kante?

The guy is still one of the best DM around, even at 33

lukaku is a donkey and their manager is a bigger one

The referee should book himself for interfering with play and deliberate handball. 😉

Is own goal the top scorer in this tournament ?