Euro 2024

[Taffy on the wing]

Southgate's comments show that he's delusional as well as clueless.
Sack him now!.......mid-tournament.

[willsclarets]

I think it's time to reduce the underperforming ego's and go for broke. Particularly I think Kane played like he's been in the Bavarian Brauhauses a bit too much. Bellingham is strangely lethargic and doesn't suit being shunted to the left to accommodate Foden in the middle as was tried time and time again last night. Finally I don't think Rice offered much in a game which was screaming for someone to break from midfield.

The back four look fairly secure and steady albeit the fullbacks continue to offer no forward threat, particularly in Trippier's case.

Arguably the best move involved 3 of the 4 subs used (albeit in the last moments) with a move involving Gordon, Mainoo and Palmer.

For me we go for it with the following:

Pickford.

Walker Stones Guehi Shaw* *Walker at LB and TAA at RB if Shaw still not fit

Mainoo Wharton

Saka Foden Gordon

Watkins

Dropping Rice, Bellingham and Kane, not playing Palmer and putting Shaw in is nuts. Even if hes fit ges not kicked a ball in anger for 3 months. All opinions but he's never going to do that nor should he.

For what it's worth I think Kane was a bit better last night especially towards the end when he had players pushing with him. His ball into Bellingham was immense, and I think there's a good chance he scores before getting pulled down. Bellingham looked lost, the idea of swapping him and foden in and out of the 10 position did not work. For me he drops to an 8, its where he'll play at Madrid next year and he'll be great at it. That allows foden at 10 and Gordon left.

[Darthlaw]

Dropping Rice, Bellingham and Kane, not playing Palmer and putting Shaw in is nuts. Even if hes fit ges not kicked a ball in anger for 3 months. All opinions but he's never going to do that nor should he.

For what it's worth I think Kane was a bit better last night especially towards the end when he had players pushing with him. His ball into Bellingham was immense, and I think there's a good chance he scores before getting pulled down. Bellingham looked lost, the idea of swapping him and foden in and out of the 10 position did not work. For me he drops to an 8, its where he'll play at Madrid next year and he'll be great at it. That allows foden at 10 and Gordon left.

I did forget Palmer, who I'd have in place of Saka. As has already been suggested Saka at LB might be an option.

Still Bellingham and Kane need a shot across the bow to show they are not undroppable, particularly whilst they seem to be playing like they are.

By all means bring them on but give the form players the spotlight (as per last night) and see if they can continue the improvement of the team.

[Murger]

I’d drop both Foden and Saka. It’s time to have players who are actually going to run at players.

[willsclarets]

I'd drop saka for Palmer, put walker at LB and TAA at rightback where he's comfortable.

In midfield I just don't think you drop Foden or Bellingham. They're unbelievable footballers. But if I had to drop one of the two for the next game it would be Bellingham, his performance last night was way below Foden. If we want Gordon in as well as Palmer one of Mainoo, Bellingham, Rice or Foden doesn't start. I think he'll probably play Palmer though and not Gordon, so the left will still be a problem imo. No chance he moves Saka to LB

I think Gareth will go

Pickford
TAA
Stones
Guehi
Walker
Mainoo
Rice
Bellingham
Foden
Palmer
Kane

[gandhisflipflop]

Who can we play in the next round and what are the permutations

[ecc]

The Netherlands are one and that would be the worst option.

They've only worked out how to separate Slovenia and Denmark on bookings. Believe they're awaiting VAR confirmation though.

[HahaYeah]

England play Netherlands or teams from groups E and F.

[gandhisflipflop]

England play Netherlands or teams from groups E and F.

How is that decided though? It’s farcical that 3 teams go through.

[HahaYeah]

We know after tonights games, one of Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, or Belgium I think.

Or Netherlands.

[ecc]

Here we are: (source: The Independent)

"To try and simplify things as much as possible – England will only avoid playing the Netherlands if the third-placed teams in Group E and Group F finish above Hungary (3 pts, -3 GD) in the third-placed standings. This is very likely in Group E, while in Group F it will require either Georgia beating Portugal by any margin or Czech Republic beating Turkey by fewer than three goals. If those Group E and Group F third-placed teams do finish above Hungary, then England would play the team who come third in Group E (Belgium/Ukraine/Slovakia/Romania)."

I think, but stand to be corrected, that the countries from Pot 1, the highest seeds, get to play the countries with the worst tournament performance.

TBH you need a PhD in Uefaology to be really sure.

[superdimitri]

There are few people in the box to aim for. Kane is usually out wide so we're relying on a midfielder to get in there, and most of them don't.

Southgate is far too fond of the idea that if you keep possession, the goals will come. In general you actually have to work for your goals, not sit back and wait for them.

True but this is really why Bellingham has to play further forward centrally. He has the stature and strength to make things happen in the box and he plays the same way for Real Madrid. Foden is just lightweight by comparison but his nimbleness and left foot is better suited on the right wing. I do not understand why Bellingham hugs the left touchline, it makes no sense at all. I can't work out if he's doing it because he's been told to, or if he's doing it because he's unfamiliar the role he should be playing.

I just don't think Kane warrants his place, currently. Bellingham, goal in the opening game aside, has faded badly too. I think the only way Bellingham should be playing is CM, in place of Rice, with Mainoo at the side of him.

Kane is a bit like Wood was for us. He can be a passenger at times but he needs to be in the team because of his ability to score goals. To be fair to him you could see him react to the adversity in the last game. He gave everything, tracking back, dropping back, pressing harder. I think the issue is with his service right now.

I worry that Southgate just doesn't have the discipline to coach these players. Instead of it seeming like some players have the freedom and creativity to unlock defenses it comes accross more like the players just have no system or discipline at all and some can turn up and play how they like with no repercussion.

Lets see how they do against better teams. We tend to play better when teams attack us rather than sit back. Watching the Slovenia game as a Slovenia fan wasn't really too different to Burnley in the good Dyche years. The other team having so much possession and doing nothing with it is no coincidence.

Likewise our team last year, like England were guilty of keeping possession and not doing anything with it.

[South West Claret.]

We know after tonights games, one of Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, or Belgium I think.

Or Netherlands.

Yes I’m looking forward to see Romania progress tonight in a very tight group, all on 3 points.

[South West Claret.]

An interesting table of the managers wages in the Euro’s:

Below is a list of managers participating in Euro 2024 and their annual wages:

Gareth Southgate (England) - €5.8 million (£4.9 million)

Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) - €4.8 million (£4 million)

Roberto Martínez (Portugal) - €4 million (£3.4 million)

Didier Deschamps (France) - €3.8 million (£3.2 million)

Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) - €3 million (£2.5 million)

Luciano Spalletti (Italy) - €3 million (£2.5 million)

Vicenzo Montella (Turkey) - €1.8 million (£1.5 million)

Murat Yakin (Switzerland) - €1.6 million (£1.4 million)

Ralf Rangnick (Austria) - €1.5 million (£1.3 million)

Domenico Tedesco (Belgium) - €1.5 million (£1.3 million)

Zlatko Dalić (Croatia) - €1.5 million (£1.3 million)

Dragan Stojković (Serbia) - €1.4 million (£1.2 million)

Luis de la Fuente (Spain) - €1.25 million (£1 million)

Serhiy Rebrov (Ukraine) - €1.25 million (£1 million)

Kasper Hjulmand (Denmark) - €1.15 million (£970,000)

Sylvinho (Albania) - €750,000 (£632,000)

Michal Probierz (Poland) - €560,000 (£472,000)

Steve Clarke (Scotland) - €550,000 (£464,000)

Francesco Calzona (Slovakia) - €540,000 (£455,000)

Marco Rossi (Hungary) - €300,000 (£253,000)

Matjaž Kek (Slovenia) - €300,000 (£253,000)

Ivan Hašek (Czech Republic) - €250,000 (£210,000)

Edward Iordănescu (Romania) - €240,000 (£202,000)

Willy Sagnol (Georgia) - €200,000 (£168,000)

[HahaYeah]

I wonder what sort of tune Ralf Rangnick would get out of this England squad.

[gandhisflipflop]

We could more than afford sylvinho

[GetIntoEm]

Fodens gone home

[Casper2]

Fodens gone home

At least something is coming home

[equinox]

Group games over - Topped the table without looking at all convincing, no injuries or bookings??

Stones, Walker, Guéhi look really solid.

We've learnt that TAA or Gallagher aren't the answer in that midfield berth and hopefully that Trippier isn't a left back.

We're still very much in this and you could argue We're in a much better position now than we were two weeks ago.

[South West Claret.]

Trippier was booked last night.

[Casper2]

Trippier was booked last night.

Gallagher was booked against Denmark, Foden was booked last night also

[Swizzlestick]

Foden and Guehi were too.

[equinox]

Well forget that bit then, also you can't fault the commitment, just you watch them when that next goal goes in, it will be massive eruption of passion and relief, just watch.

[Dyched]

Group games over - Topped the table without looking at all convincing, no injuries or bookings??

Stones, Walker, Guéhi look really solid.

We've learnt that TAA or Gallagher aren't the answer in that midfield berth and hopefully that Trippier isn't a left back.

We're still very much in this and you could argue We're in a much better position now than we were two weeks ago.

I’d agree with that.


I’d like to hear the English fans/pundits thoughts on France. I’d wager the majority will still fancy them even without yet scoring a goal from open play.

[equinox]

It's very, very difficult when teams only want to defend and play on the counter, yes, yes we should be able to break them down but it wasn't absolutely imperative that we did, was it?

One goal conceded and that was an absolute screamer, in off the post.

[expoultryboy]

We must all stop complaining about the way the players are playing and how they're being set up . As long as they're all still having fun everyone should be happy . Nob

[Dyched]

[equinox]

We must all stop complaining about the way the players are playing and how they're being set up . As long as they're all still having fun everyone should be happy . Nob

Ah, good old sarcasm with and insult tossed in at the death.

[expoultryboy]

Listen to the managers interview

[equinox]

Listen to the managers interview

I have done, and as always, Gareth conducts himself impeccably, have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe the missing ingredient that would get us over the line was the backing of the whole nation, you know like in '66?

Probably not.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

Got to say Maignan has a point. The penalty taker can do what they want to distract to GK but the GK isn't allowed to react. Daft rule.

BBC News - Euro 2024: France goalkeeper Mike Maignan mocks penalty rules after retaken Robert Lewandowski kick - BBC Sport
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/ar ... ee5j9k7wxo

[Elizabeth]

I have done, and as always, Gareth conducts himself impeccably, have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe the missing ingredient that would get us over the line was the backing of the whole nation, you know like in '66?

Probably not.

I’m guessing you didn’t live through the 66 World Cup win otherwise you would have known that Ramsay didn’t get an easy ride after the O-O draw against Uruguay in the first game.
What do you want fans to do? Sit in front of tele 3 games on the row watching rubbish English performances waving little Union Jacks with smiles on our faces like you’d expect in some countries.
You might do , but most don’t want a PR man, is it too much to ask for a manager of England who knows what he is doing?

[Vegas Claret]

Belgium were dreadful

[South West Claret.]

Romania v Slovakia both going for it with both keepers kicking the ball forwards as opposed to this silly ticky tacky stuff 1-1 both teams going through.

[ecc]

I’m guessing you didn’t live through the 66 World Cup win otherwise you would have known that Ramsay didn’t get an easy ride after the O-O draw against Uruguay in the first game.
What do you want fans to do? Sit in front of tele 3 games on the row watching rubbish English performances waving little Union Jacks with smiles on our faces like you’d expect in some countries.


You might do , but most don’t want a PR man, is it too much to ask for a manager of England who knows what he is doing?

Apparently so.

[equinox]

I’m guessing you didn’t live through the 66 World Cup win otherwise you would have known that Ramsay didn’t get an easy ride after the O-O draw against Uruguay in the first game.
What do you want fans to do? Sit in front of tele 3 games on the row watching rubbish English performances waving little Union Jacks with smiles on our faces like you’d expect in some countries.
You might do , but most don’t want a PR man, is it too much to ask for a manager of England who knows what he is doing?

They've just won their group ffs, you patronising idiot, surely the time to judge is at the end of the damn tournament?

[Darnhill Claret]

Romania and Slovakia getting the point they both required to get through.

[Belgianclaret]

Belgium were dreadful

Indeed. For those who thought England were bad yesterday (and they were), this was an even more dreadful performance. Holding out for a draw against Ukraine knowing this puts you in the worst half of the draw and against France beggars belief 🫣

[Elizabeth]

They've just won their group ffs, you patronising idiot, surely the time to judge is at the end of the damn tournament?

No need for that is there ? However I find being called patronising a complement as you obviously feel below me

[Boss Hogg]

We could have the Romanian manager and save ourselves £5.5 million a year. Silly wages for Southgate.

[Vegas Claret]

it's looking very much like it will be England v Holland in Sunday
https://www.sportbible.com/football/eng ... 3-20240626

[Elizabeth]

I don’t think it really matters who we play on Sunday. A massive improvement is needed otherwise we are out. Be that Holland, Slovakia or otherwise

[HahaYeah]

Great composure.

Georgia 1 Portugal 0

[ElectroClaret]

Georgia 1 Portugal 0

[Vegas Claret]

Great composure.

Georgia 1 Portugal 0

took it well

[South West Claret.]

I do like the look of that Georgian centre forward is he in our price range?

[boatshed bill]

I have done, and as always, Gareth conducts himself impeccably, have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe the missing ingredient that would get us over the line was the backing of the whole nation, you know like in '66?

Probably not.

Yes.
and the same could be said about our attempt in the PL.

[Vegas Claret]

I do like the look of that Georgian centre forward is he in our price range?

we were after one of them when VK was here, the lad who scored is way above our price range

[HahaYeah]

Ronaldo's not a happy bunny.

Georgia frustrating Portugal.

[bumba]

I don’t think it really matters who we play on Sunday. A massive improvement is needed otherwise we are out. Be that Holland, Slovakia or otherwise

As it currently stands I think we play Slovakia, Southgate doesn't half land on his feet at major tournaments