Euro 2024

[BurnleyFC]

Spain have a perfectly balanced team, round pegs in round holes. On paper it’s inferior to England’s best 11.

They’d destroy England on today’s showings.

[Stayingup]

Doesn't matter until the final

True but who will Spain play in the final? Germany next. Fortuntely for us we have so far avoided the higher ranked better teams.

[claretskeith]

They are definitely playing a lot better than us and look a far better team. In terms of talent on the pitch/in the squad I think we are stronger.

Then I agree with you.

[ecc]

We were putting them under pressure and scored through a piece of brilliance, that’s not luck. We deserved the (90 minute) draw but should be doing a lot better against a team like Slovakia.

Second time today I think you've described it rightly, martin_p, and I often agree with you.

[claretskeith]

True but who will Spain play in the final? Germany next. Fortuntely for us we have so far avoided the higher ranked better teams.

Most teams have avoided the higher ranked teams. That's how the Euros and the World Cups generally work in the earlier rounds and group stages.

[Foshiznik]

Spain is how I expected us to play. Not expecting perfection but do expect some of the club form of our stars to bleed into their England performances.

If Southgate could find the tactics to allow that we would dominate most teams. Unfortunately he’s more scared of the opposition than he is making us scary to the opposition. Small club mentality with a big club squad.

[claretskeith]

Unfortunately he’s more scared of the opposition than he is making us scary to the opposition.

Yep.

[Bin Ont Turf]

I cannot believe how shite we are.

We all know that Southgate is a f***ing melt, but that tonight has got to be the last straw.

F***ing useless.

[IPAclaret]

Its pretty obvious even to the average bloke in the street who has limited football knowledge that Southgate is tacticly inept.

Unable to tweek things, unwilling to make changes, reverting to type and sitting back defensively whenever we have a lead.

The side is unbalanced, ponderous, there's little movement or inventive exciting play which is so predictable.

You wouldn't take a Formula one racing car to the local back street mechanic to get repaired but it feels a bit like that with Southgate managing this squad of players.

Let's see if he makes the blaringly obvious changes he should make for the next game on Saturday. I'm not holding my breath in anticipation....

[bumba]

They’d destroy England on today’s showings.

Switzerland will destroy us if he doesn't make the required personnel and tactical changes which I think he's not clever or brave enough to do

[Vegas Claret]

Its pretty obvious even to the average bloke in the street who has limited football knowledge that Southgate is tacticly inept.

Unable to tweek things, unwilling to make changes, reverting to type and sitting back defensively whenever we have a lead.

The side is unbalanced, ponderous, there's little movement or inventive exciting play which is so predictable.

You wouldn't take a Formula one racing car to the local back street mechanic to get repaired but it feels a bit like that with Southgate managing this squad of players.

Let's see if he makes the blaringly obvious changes he should make for the next game on Saturday. I'm not holding my breath in anticipation....

Southgate manages like he's scared and we are seeing a group of players who look petrified because of it

[kentonclaret]

Switzerland will destroy us if he doesn't make the required personnel and tactical changes which I think he's not clever or brave enough to do

Not according to our High Street bookies.

Just checked out the 90 minutes match betting and you can back Switzerland at almost 3//1 with England at 17/14.

Historically Switzerland have yet to record a victory over England.

[Swizzlestick]

Switzerland will destroy us if he doesn't make the required personnel and tactical changes which I think he's not clever or brave enough to do

While I appreciate we’ve played pretty rubbish, and Switzerland could well beat us, they will not “destroy” us - they drew against bloody Scotland in the group stages.

[bumba]

While I appreciate we’ve played pretty rubbish, and Switzerland could well beat us, they will not “destroy” us - they drew against bloody Scotland in the group stages.

They was superb against Italy, they play as a team.
Pretty rubbish? We've been utter garbage, clueless and out of ideas.
The Swiss will be well up for it, a performance like yesterday which is more likely than unlikely and we'd get beat by 3/4

[bumba]

Not according to our High Street bookies.

Just checked out the 90 minutes match betting and you can back Switzerland at almost 3//1 with England at 17/14.

Historically Switzerland have yet to record a victory over England.

I'll be backing Switzerland at those odds

[bobinho]

Well, we pulled that iron from the fire there didnt we?

Only once we’d abandoned the original game plan and started to move forward with the ball and deliver it into the box early instead of sidewards and backwards did we look anything like getting something from the game. Then, with the final 15 to go, GS gets a chance to speak to them and bugger me if we don’t revert to type and go back to trying to defend the lead.

There’s no way he’s going to send them out to play. No chance. He’s petrified of conceding a goal, and it shows in our play. We got away with that last nite, but it was Slovakia…. A better team hangs on. Sadly, he’ll receive plaudits today like he’s managed us out of a sticky situation, but the situation was entirely of his own making.

[Swizzlestick]

They was superb against Italy, they play as a team.
Pretty rubbish? We've been utter garbage, clueless and out of ideas.
The Swiss will be well up for it, a performance like yesterday which is more likely than unlikely and we'd get beat by 3/4

Stick a wedge on then - I have a feeling you’ll be disappointed.

[bumba]

Stick a wedge on then - I have a feeling you’ll be disappointed.

Once I've seen the line ups if it's the same system and players don't you worry I'll be backing Switzerland, he's played it for four games and we've been garbage for four games he doesn't see the issues.
If he makes the correct changes we wipe the floor with the Swiss but I don't think he dares.

[South West Claret.]

Not according to our High Street bookies.

Just checked out the 90 minutes match betting and you can back Switzerland at almost 3//1 with England at 17/14.

Historically Switzerland have yet to record a victory over England.

“Historically Switzerland have yet to record a victory over England”

There’s always a first time, 3/1 looking quite attractive from here.

[warksclaret]

Thought Toney made a difference last night-I believe an assist for both goals. Imagine starting next game with both Toney & Kane , and letting the opposition worry about us for a change. There was a moment last night when Kane came deep into our half when we were breaking-in their half were 4 defenders and no other English player close to their half. Southgate a very lucky man after 4 dreadful performances

[Rileybobs]

Funny reading this back and seeing how angry some people are that England won.

[bumba]

Thought Toney made a difference last night-I believe an assist for both goals. Imagine starting next game with both Toney & Kane , and letting the opposition worry about us for a change. There was a moment last night when Kane came deep into our half when we were breaking-in their half were 4 defenders and no other English player close to their half. Southgate a very lucky man after 4 dreadful performances

He did more in stoppage time than Kane in 90 mins. We definitely need to start with two strikers now to get the best out of Kane, personally I'd go Watkins though his runs in behind would create space for Kane

[Murger]

As soon as we took the lead, we reverted back to having everyone behind the ball. Southgate just never learns.

[taio]

Funny reading this back and seeing how angry some people are that England won.

I think some people are annoyed that we were on the brink of exiting the tournament because of baffling tactics but are glad we got lucky and progressed. Onwards and upwards hopefully.

[Rileybobs]

I think some people are annoyed that we were on the brink of exiting the tournament because of baffling tactics but are glad we got lucky and progressed. Onwards and upwards hopefully.

Yes some people are, but I've just read back the comments from whilst the game was on, and the aftermath, and some are obviously angry that England won.

[GetIntoEm]

we will get past the swiss.

a lot of you seem to be stuck in a negative vortex, fine the performances havent been top notch, but we are through, we didnt lose in the groups, we've not conceded many.

just keep a bit of faith.

must be a miserable place to be always moaning

[dsr]

Thought Toney made a difference last night-I believe an assist for both goals. Imagine starting next game with both Toney & Kane , and letting the opposition worry about us for a change. There was a moment last night when Kane came deep into our half when we were breaking-in their half were 4 defenders and no other English player close to their half. Southgate a very lucky man after 4 dreadful performances

Agreed (though the first assist was Guehi). Maybe I'm looking at tactics a bit too simplistically, but surely it is connected that (a) we have been struggling to score goals, and (b ) we are playing with only one centre forward and he is spending most of his time outside the box.

[Dyched]

They’d destroy England on today’s showings.

I would be so sure. England have played against teams with men behind the ball. Spain were far, far too open at the back.

[summitclaret]

It's results that count. That said, for the 5th game in a row against inferior, but motivated, opposition we were absolutely crap.

If people can't see the following they really don't know much about football.

We are so slow, predictable and easy to play against. The last 5 opponents have all set up identically. We are a new cure for insomnia.

No left-footed defender in the team is a major impediment, especially no left back. None fit in the squad is criminally insane. Going down the left is a cul-de-sec.

The players generally are not being motivated by Southgate and some look like their wags have told them to get home quick so they can fly away for their holidays. Walker in particular.

Bellingham, Saka and Foden can't all play in the same front 4. A choice between Saka and Foden is needed.

Palmer and Gordon should obviously be playing much more time out wide. Both will run at the opposition and get dangerous crosses in. That would make things happen.

Our defence looks shaky and will struggle against top sides.

We are desperate for a proper midfield general, such as Gerrard, Hoddle or Gaza. Rice is a good defensive cm, but will never grab a game.

I think we will bore Europe to the final and then get smashed by France, Portugal, Germany or Spain.

[Roosterbooster]

This is Southgate's record as England manager in major finals (excluding 3rd place playoffs)

Teams we have beaten in 90 minutes:
Serbia
Senegal
Wales
Iran
Ukraine
Germany
Czechia
Croatia
Sweden
Panama
Tunisia

Drawing after 90 minutes:
Slovakia
Slovenia
Denmark x2
USA
Italy
Scotland
Croatia
Columbia

Lost in 90 minutes:
France
Belgium

You can look at it anyway you want. We lost to France in Qatar, but really deserved more. We lost on penalties to Italy in Euro 2020. The loss to Belgium was only a group game. And we've managed to beat Germany and Croatia. But I am amazed at the level of team we have failed repeatedly to beat in 90 minutes

[Devils_Advocate]

I think Gareth Southgate proved his last remaining doubters wrong last night and showed he can turn a game on it's head with good substitutions and real inspirational leadership.

After Germany and Spain I think Switzerland are probably the 3rd best team in the tournament so I think we've been unlucky with the draw but regardless of what happens in the semis and final if Southgate manages to get his team to win the next match I think the tournament has been a huge success and he can stand down with pride and a pending knighthood.

Big game on Saturday but I think we are all now starting to believe

[SalouClaret]

Your fishing used to be much better.

C+ for effort though

[Devils_Advocate]

Just providing an alternative and more rational view amongst the rampant unpatriotic negativity we get on here.

Think the silent majority will agree more with me than some of the blowhards on this forum

[Guller Bull]

There used to be an element of "hmm is he actually joking or not" I think C + is overly generous.

[Blyclaret]

Starting to believe …. What. That England are the worst team left in Euros.

[Guller Bull]

Just providing an alternative and more rational view amongst the rampant unpatriotic negativity we get on here.

Think the silent majority will agree more with me than some of the blowhards on this forum

In all seriousness , as we know he is relatively successful results wise but Gareth appears to have the ability to turn diamonds back into coal.

[Devils_Advocate]

Starting to believe …. What. That England are the worst team left in Euros.

4th best behind Germany, Spain and Switzerland but I think we can beat the Swiss

[ksrclaret]

It’s always very clear when it’s time to put someone out to pasture, and despite some nice moments, we’re probably there now. It’s becoming unkind to prolong it now.

Gareth Southgate’s time as England manager is a similar story too.

[martin_p]

The constant negativity is getting a bit boring, christ what would it have been like if we’d actually lost a match!

[Pearcey]

I’ve always liked him as a person and he has got the players feeling proud to play for England again but he’s just so negative. We should’ve beaten Italy in the last final but they chose to shut up shop rather than have a go when they were 1up.

I was so angry last night after his lack of action when we were so poor. I’m not sure what he sees! We were incredibly lucky! Even listening to Harry Kane’s interview saying how great they are at digging in etc. It’s Slovakia FFS! We have a losers mentality.

Breathe, Pearcey, breathe!

[Blyclaret]

U are totally delusional ….. absolutely poxed to beat Slovakia. Bellingham swung his boot with last kick game.

[bumba]

I’ve always liked him as a person and he has got the players feeling proud to play for England again but he’s just so negative. We should’ve beaten Italy in the last final but they chose to shut up shop rather than have a go when they were 1up.

I was so angry last night after his lack of action when we were so poor. I’m not sure what he sees! We were incredibly lucky! Even listening to Harry Kane’s interview saying how great they are at digging in etc. It’s Slovakia FFS! We have a losers mentality.

Breathe, Pearcey, breathe!

I found Kanes comment about how they work so hard all week on so many little details hilarious REALLY??

[bumba]

The constant negativity is getting a bit boring, christ what would it have been like if we’d actually lost a match!

Even more negative and rightly so with the four opponents we've played so far. We've drawn three games in 90 minutes against Denmark, Slovenia and Slovakia and hung on for dear life against Serbia.

[martin_p]

Even more negative and rightly so with the four opponents we've played so far. We've drawn three games in 90 minutes against Denmark, Slovenia and Slovakia and hung on for dear life against Serbia.

You missed a bit…. and are in the quarter finals of the Euros.

[GetIntoEm]

great post.

its the new trendy thing to slag Gareth and the england team off. we're going into a quarter final, we are progressing in the tournament. have some positive thoughts for a change, wont kill you.

[ClaretOfMancunia]

Gareth Southgate wears a condom to kiss his wife

[ClaretOfMancunia]

Gareth Southgate wears shin pads to play FIFA

[atlantalad]

great post.

its the new trendy thing to slag Gareth and the england team off. we're going into a quarter final, we are progressing in the tournament. have some positive thoughts for a change, wont kill you.

Problem is I know my own positive thoughts will be more than subsumed by Gareth's transparent negative game plan.

[mikeS]

When did the winger/ overlapping full back taking on the opposing full back and crossing the ball go out of fashion?
The midfield general bossing the middle of the pitch and dictating the flow of the game?
Two or three forward players all moving forward togethet to receive the ball ?
The uninspiring playing out the ball from the keeper to full back to midfielder then back across the middle and oh wait here comes an attacker, better give it back to the keeper. And repeat. And repeat.
These individual roles gave the game excitement that drew fans to watch the sport. From Englands recent performances, basically since they qualified for the competition these elements have been lacking. We have highly talented players but no real plan or direction at the moment other than boring fans to death.

[dsr]

I found Kanes comment about how they work so hard all week on so many little details hilarious REALLY??

Perhaps that's the problem. They spend so much time working on little details that that becomes all they can think about. Perhaps a bit more time is needed on other aspects of the game, such as putting the ball in the net.