Euros 2024

[pharvey]

I'm stunned by today's odds after England's performances thus far....
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[Dannie Boy]

They must be assuming that England can’t get any worse so are now on an upward trajectory until BB can proclaim “I told you so, it’s coming home”!!


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[Big Boy]

I'm stunned by today's odds after England's performances thus far....

But that has been my point throughout, the other 5 in that betting table haven't exactly been setting the world on fire. Even Germany could only manage 5 against Scotland. I am not surprised at all.

The real tournament will start on Saturday. It has only been a kick about until now.

[pharvey]

I'm stunned by today's odds after England's performances thus far....

But that has been my point throughout, the other 5 in that betting table haven't exactly been setting the world on fire. Even Germany could only manage 5 against Scotland. I am not surprised at all.

The real tournament will start on Saturday. It has only been a kick about until now.

I think Spain have been somewhat better - even going with a virtual 2nd team for one match. Germany still have "home advantage" (and a few more goals than the Kittens), but admittedly, I'm no expert on the game... Though neither is Southgate by all accounts!

[Big Boy]

.Though neither is Southgate by all accounts!

Digressing a little..... I used to think Southgate was OK. Nothing special, but OK. Then halfway through last season Plymouth Argyle took on his protégé, Ian Foster as head coach. The guy didn't have a clue. Thankfully he was given the boot before he did too much damage. He tried to run Plymouth Argyle the way Southgate runs England - it was a disaster.

Yes, teams like Germany have scored a few, but they were not playing against 11 man defences. Teams like Scotland, although they are crap, they will at least try to play football. Germany punished them for trying to be entertaining.

[pharvey]

Yes, teams like Germany have scored a few, but they were not playing against 11 man defences. Teams like Scotland, although they are crap, they will at least try to play football. Germany punished them for trying to be entertaining.

Hopefully, as you mentioned, things will change come Saturday when matches truly are "Must Win". Let's be fair, England's record on penalties certainly isn't good!!

Personally, I'd be truly pi$$ed off as a supporter spending a fair deal of money to watch this cr@p. Of course as a Welshman, I enjoy the banter (against England) but would honestly like to see England win - just not with displays like this. Personally, I turned off before Half-Time - the earlier match between the Netherlands and Austria was quite something for the neutral/novice.. It was on in the background so-to-speak, but I did see all five goals - far, far more exciting than any of England's displays.

As for Southgate IMHWO (The 'W' for Welsh! ), I can only go back to a team sport that I follow, i.e. Rugby. As an "International Manager/Coach", your responsibility is to bring together your top players (available to you) who may not play together week-in week-out, and along with your coaching team formulate a game plan to make them "Gel".... Southgate is the Manager, but how large and inadequate is his coaching/tactical team? All fingers point to Southgate, but how many staff and players should those fingers also point to?

[Big Boy]

The other key factor is the perceived ability of these lesser teams. Being honest, England were crap, but how many times was Pickford challenged? These teams park the bus and hope for a breakaway. A very difficult tactic to play against. This is why I don't have much respect for preliminary rounds. IMHO they are there to make money. The standard of football is rarely good.

I am banking on everything getting better from Saturday onwards.

[Lost]

Belgium could've gone out tonight. Like BB says, a lot of the favourites aren't showing anything spectacular either. Spain and Portugal the best of the bunch I guess, and we don't meet one of them till the final.

[Lost]

Spain and Portugal the best of the bunch I guess, and we don't meet one of them till the final.

Georgia 2 - 0 Portugal

[Lost]

Slovakia up next for us in the last 16

[Dannie Boy]

Slovakia up next for us in the last 16

They beat Belgium but lost to Ukraine - difficult to take any steer from that, so simply have to play better than we have so far!!

[Big Boy]

Slovakia up next for us in the last 16

Another team that will park the bus rather than play entertaining football.

[caller]

Slovakia up next for us in the last 16

Another team that will park the bus rather than play entertaining football.

And thats why you need players that have the ability to overcome that, by taking players on and going past them, and we have plenty - Foden, Bellingham, Gordon, Palmer, Saka & Eze. But they have to be allowed to express themselves, loosen the shackles and play their natural games.

But I suspect we'll get more of the same.

[Big Boy]

That is exactly what I thought when I saw Slovakia - more of the same.

[Dannie Boy]

Another view on why England are struggling - may not be totally accurate but definitely some valid points made!!

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/ga ... 69175.html