Let's face it.
Its coming home.

It is written.

Just watched on Spanish TV. 3-3 penalties switch to adverts. Return to football. Croatians cuddling! You don't know what you have until you have something as a comparison!

IanMcL wrote:Just watched on Spanish TV. 3-3 penalties switch to adverts. Return to football. Croatians cuddling! You don't know what you have until you have something as a comparison!

wot?

Luka Modrić is a fantastic talent and will need to be nullified. Played well tonight.

Spijed wrote:Luka Modrić is a fantastic talent and will need to be nullified. Played well tonight.

See his sprint late in extra time to prevent the ball going out for a goal kick to Russia? Incredible energy.

Spijed wrote:Luka Modrić is a fantastic talent and will need to be nullified. Played well tonight.

He will make the difference as England don't have a player who can run the midfield. There is one but Southgate opted not to take him. It's bye bye England time.

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Ivan Rakitić is another class player that will need to be watched as well. You don't play that many games for Barca by being rubbish.

We’ll take em

dermotdermot wrote:He will make the difference as England don't have a player who can run the midfield. There is one but Southgate opted not to take him. It's bye bye England time.

If you’re on about that semen stain Wiltshire you’ve had more to drink then I’ve had.

Wiltshire is a county in England that has, of late, been somewhat tainted by the Novichok virus. You sound as if you've had more than enough to drink. I haven't had a dram all day.

dermotdermot wrote:He will make the difference as England don't have a player who can run the midfield. There is one but Southgate opted not to take him. It's bye bye England time.

Another one for the (fully occupied) prick list.

dermotdermot wrote:He will make the difference as England don't have a player who can run the midfield. There is one but Southgate opted not to take him. It's bye bye England time.

Yes, Southgate will pay for not picking Jack Cork.

It'll be really tough,they have quality players to worry us, but so do we them.

In over 240 minutes of football they’ve failed to beat Denmark and Russia but are class!! We comfortably put away Sweden but we’ve made the semis because we’ve been lucky with the draw. Its tuther way round we are the class side they’ve been lucky

It’s the first time we will have faced a team with a high quality midfield pair. I think Colombia would have beaten us had they had James fit.

That said Croatia must be feeling fatigued at least a little bit, and if they play as poorly as they did v Denmark we can beat them.

It’s set to be very tight but I feel more confident than in the build-up to Colombia. We’re still waiting for a compete performance from England, be great to get it now. There’s no worse time to lose than a semi-final.

Revenge against Belgium in the final!

If they defend corners like they did last night Maguire and co will be celebrating again.They improved as the match progressed but still needed penalties to eliminate an average Russian team.I can see Trippier getting joy down the right as Fernandes showed,Croatia are solid but certainly not unbeatable.

Modric has yet to come to life really in the tournament which is a worry, but I don't fear Croatia.

Hopefully they will be a bit more drained than us. Also I don't think they have a decent striker in the whole squad. Mandzukic has been absolute dog all tournament.

Croatia have really struggled against 2 sides that have sat very deep against them, been incredibly disciplined and obdurate and challenged Croatia to break them down. Those 2 haven't really engaged Croatia high up the pitch and they've focused on denying Croatia space to exploit between the midfield and defence.

So far, England have played an entirely different style - pressing high, looking to win the ball in the opposition half, and risking leaving a bit of space in front of the back 3 in the process. It will be interesting to see if England play the same way (I expect they will) and if so, whether Croatia find that easier or harder to play against. On paper, you'd expect Modric and Rakitić to be good enough to beat the press, so England could be in danger of playing into Croatia's hands a bit.

On the other hand, the way England have dominated opponents at set plays/in the air (a penny for Allardyce's thoughts as his successor takes England to relative success via this route), together with the way Croatia have looked a bit shaky in this department defensively, gives a real reason for optimism.

For those heading to big screens the FA have announced England in all white.
Croatia officially the home side but as their red and white checks clash with both our strips they will be in blue/black checks.

Croatia pose as much a threat as Colombia. Probably more given James was missing for Colombia.

A centre midfield pairing of Rakitic and Modric is better than any combination we could put together and probably better than any anyone else could. Spain, Germany and even France and Belgium included.

Mandzukic has been poor but shouldnt be underestimated. Hes a very experienced and talented striker and again better than anything we have faced yet. Falcao included.

Perisic is a fantastic winger. Very quick, direct and an eye for goal.

Defensively theyre pretty resillient too with a similar threat from set pieces as us.


Throw Vrsalko, Brozovic and Kovecic intonthe mix and theyve a very talented team. Probably not at the level they have been in the past but then on paper nor are we.

One thing croatia always have in abundence is passion and pride in the shirt. Thankfully for the first time in many years so have we.

I think it will be a very close game. Tense. Nervy. And we may even cancel each other out. I expect we will stick Henderson on Modric and its possible we might just see Dier in too to sit on Rakitic. If we can stop them then a big part of our work will be done.

I can see a lineup of

Pickford
Trippier Walker Stones Maguire Rose
Dier Henderson
Lingaard Alli
Kane

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Croatia pose as much a threat as Colombia. Probably more given James was missing for Colombia.

A centre midfield pairing of Rakitic and Modric is better than any combination we could put together and probably better than any anyone else could. Spain, Germany and even France and Belgium included.

Mandzukic has been poor but shouldnt be underestimated. Hes a very experienced and talented striker and again better than anything we have faced yet. Falcao included.

Perisic is a fantastic winger. Very quick, direct and an eye for goal.

Defensively theyre pretty resillient too with a similar threat from set pieces as us.


Throw Vrsalko, Brozovic and Kovecic intonthe mix and theyve a very talented team. Probably not at the level they have been in the past but then on paper nor are we.

One thing croatia always have in abundence is passion and pride in the shirt. Thankfully for the first time in many years so have we.

I think it will be a very close game. Tense. Nervy. And we may even cancel each other out. I expect we will stick Henderson on Modric and its possible we might just see Dier in too to sit on Rakitic. If we can stop them then a big part of our work will be done.

I can see a lineup of

Pickford
Trippier Walker Stones Maguire Rose
Dier Henderson
Lingaard Alli
Kane

Sterling will not be dropped.. Just leave it alone!

Im in a minority who probably wouldnt drop him anyway. But would prefer to see him wider. Through the middle is helping the team to a certain extent but its not his strongest position.

Theres a reason he plays such a key role for Man City and its the same reason he should still start for England. Hes a very good player. And walker and Rose aside our only truly explosive player.

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Im in a minority who probably wouldnt drop him anyway. But would prefer to see him wider. Through the middle is helping the team to a certain extent but its not his strongest position.

Theres a reason he plays such a key role for Man City and its the same reason he should still start for England. Hes a very good player. And walker and Rose aside our only truly explosive player.

Young will start too.

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Croatia pose as much a threat as Colombia. Probably more given James was missing for Colombia.

A centre midfield pairing of Rakitic and Modric is better than any combination we could put together and probably better than any anyone else could. Spain, Germany and even France and Belgium included.

Mandzukic has been poor but shouldnt be underestimated. Hes a very experienced and talented striker and again better than anything we have faced yet. Falcao included.

Perisic is a fantastic winger. Very quick, direct and an eye for goal.

Defensively theyre pretty resillient too with a similar threat from set pieces as us.


Throw Vrsalko, Brozovic and Kovecic intonthe mix and theyve a very talented team. Probably not at the level they have been in the past but then on paper nor are we.

One thing croatia always have in abundence is passion and pride in the shirt. Thankfully for the first time in many years so have we.

I think it will be a very close game. Tense. Nervy. And we may even cancel each other out. I expect we will stick Henderson on Modric and its possible we might just see Dier in too to sit on Rakitic. If we can stop them then a big part of our work will be done.

I can see a lineup of

Pickford
Trippier Walker Stones Maguire Rose
Dier Henderson
Lingaard Alli
Kane

Croatia arguably haven't clicked yet but are in the last 4,then again you could say the same of England,can't see Gareth changing a winning team,Dier and Henderson in the centre is too defensive,i'd play Henderson and try and negate Modric,but England have too impose themselves on Croatia,they aren't a team of supermen and scrambled through both knockout rounds,yes we should respect them but not fear them,i feel it is going to be a long night,England will squeeze through after E/T 2-1.As it happens i think the winners will come from the other semi-final but either of these sides are a threat whoever makes the final.

NHS in crisis, Syrian children torn apart , mental health care non existent, job losses continue, Putin orchestrating colossal cover up.

But, hey, pringles and budweiser and ladbrokes. and tub of lard alan brazil, and sick in the head chris kamara and his betting company deals will all contribute to a massive drunken, bulldoggy faux celebration as facebook tells us all how to celebrate a goal, then shove it on social media. massively overpaid players, in between premier league seasons, secure lucrative personal deals and the inane public suck it up. its pap.

but we will beat croatia 2-1...

Wile E Coyote wrote:NHS in crisis, Syrian children torn apart , mental health care non existent, job losses continue, Putin orchestrating colossal cover up.

But, hey, pringles and budweiser and ladbrokes. and tub of lard alan brazil, and sick in the head chris kamara and his betting company deals will all contribute to a massive drunken, bulldoggy faux celebration as facebook tells us all how to celebrate a goal, then shove it on social media. massively overpaid players, in between premier league seasons, secure lucrative personal deals and the inane public suck it up. its pap.

Anti depressents are available. Book an appointment with your GP..

Wilf Mbanga wrote:If you’re on about that semen stain Wiltshire you’ve had more to drink then I’ve had.

Wilshere, not Wiltshire.

Wile E Coyote wrote:NHS in crisis, Syrian children torn apart , mental health care non existent, job losses continue, Putin orchestrating colossal cover up.

But, hey, pringles and budweiser and ladbrokes. and tub of lard alan brazil, and sick in the head chris kamara and his betting company deals will all contribute to a massive drunken, bulldoggy faux celebration as facebook tells us all how to celebrate a goal, then shove it on social media. massively overpaid players, in between premier league seasons, secure lucrative personal deals and the inane public suck it up. its pap.

Your posts are getting stranger and stranger. I advise you to seek help

Wilshere couldn't run a 5k, never mind a midfield in a World Cup Semi Final

tiger76 wrote:Croatia arguably haven't clicked yet but are in the last 4,then again you could say the same of England,can't see Gareth changing a winning team,Dier and Henderson in the centre is too defensive,i'd play Henderson and try and negate Modric,but England have too impose themselves on Croatia,they aren't a team of supermen and scrambled through both knockout rounds,yes we should respect them but not fear them,i feel it is going to be a long night,England will squeeze through after E/T 2-1.As it happens i think the winners will come from the other semi-final but either of these sides are a threat whoever makes the final.

I tend to agree. The lineup i suggested isnt the one i would pick. but the one i could see.

Surely if we play Rose it negates any attacking threat down the left as Young is far more dangerous.

Will he play his second string to avoid France and Belguim? Oh hang on.....

You have a great chance. Croatia spanked Argentina but apart from that haven't been amazing. They have more quality than you have faced so far, but are beatable.

27..WEC

This is a football forum, your post suggests that it’s not the place for you.

Have you thought of baling out, and signing up elsewhere for something more suitable?

I read a stat the other week in that every time an England player does a press conference under Southgate, they start the next game. Eric Dier has just done one.

I am confident Dier will start and we will start the side i put above.

If it's a tight game we should have the advantage in

A world class CF in Kane
Looking dangerous from every set piece
And a goal keeper who has gained lots of confidence as the tournament has progressed.

All the things you need in a tight game.

Pickford must be on cloud 9. Three friendly caps before the tournament. And now playing as he is in a world cup at such a young age. Fantastic.

All bodes well regardless of tomorrows game.

Pickford
Maguire
Stones
Alexander Arnold
Dier
Lingaard
Sterling
Alli
Loftus Cheek
Kane
Rashford

Will all be in their 20s at the next world cup - and one or two the one after in USA / Mexico / Canada!!! Thats frightening.

Things are starting to look good regardless of tomorrows outcome. Well done Gareth Southgate.

cricketfieldclarets wrote:I am confident Dier will start and we will start the side i put above.

Really ? Would you like a cheeky bet on that ?
Sterling was instrumental in the Sweden game - he ran their defence ragged and never stopped running. Croatia defence now likely to have a 38 year old Corluka playing.

Dier has looked pretty awful every time he has stepped on the pitch this tournament.
Southgate has said he will not change his attacking style and Walker said in yesterday’s press conference why change something that isn’t broken ?

Nothing at all to suggest Dier will play. You aren’t Southgate’s waistcoat supplier are you ?

Fair enough. I may be wrong. I expect us to try and nulify Modric and Rakitic. Without them they will struggle massively. Even with the excellent perisic.

Personally I would start Sterling.

The only thing that concerns be is that Henderson for the last 30mins vs Columbia went missing. Leaving huge holes in midfield. If it’s level going into the last 30mins vs Croatia this can not happen. We can’t let Modric/Rakitic have time and space.

But we can’t fear them.

We have the best center forward in the world and Harry Maguire.

IT’S COMING HOME

cricketfieldclarets wrote: Pickford
Maguire
Stones
Alexander Arnold
Dier
Lingaard
Sterling
Alli
Loftus Cheek
Kane
Rashford

Will all be in their 20s at the next world cup.- and one or two the one after in USA / Mexico / Canada!!! Thats frightening.

I hope Southgate stays on for at least the Euros and next World Cup, even if we do lose tomorrow. As pointed out above, just look at all those players we will have for the Euros and next World Cup, and that's not counting other players who will no doubt come through and push for their place, who were in the England Under 20s World Cup winning squad.

Dyched wrote:The only thing that concerns be is that Henderson for the last 30mins vs Columbia went missing. Leaving huge holes in midfield. If it’s level going into the last 30mins vs Croatia this can not happen.

It was more like the final 20 minutes which was due to him having a tight hamstring.

DustyBawls wrote:It was more like the final 20 minutes which was due to him having a tight hamstring.

I couldn’t care less if it was a tight hamstring or a brokern toenail. It happened, and I will not let it happen again.

Boris Johnson, now with more time on his hands, has sought and obtained a "Wild Card" from FIFA and has volunteered to drive England to the hallowed land of victory. GS pondering on how best to use his commitment as shown by taking out that kid on the rugger ptch.

Dyched wrote:The only thing that concerns be is that Henderson for the last 30mins vs Columbia went missing. Leaving huge holes in midfield. If it’s level going into the last 30mins vs Croatia this can not happen. We can’t let Modric/Rakitic have time and space.

I think in part this was due to Dier coming on and neither Dier nor Henderson being quite sure where they were playing (which is why I will be surprised to see them both start tomorrow).

Dyched wrote:and I will not let it happen again.

Sorry Gareth.