bluetonium
Well-Known Member
Can't argue that Italy didn't deserve it, but hugely disappointed that England were so defensive almost all game. Yes in part the Italians were to thank for that, but for a team of such supposed talent and togetherness there was a lack of ideas going forward.
England also made some very questionable decisions, which I'm afraid Southgate has to cop for.
Mount has been anonymous all tournament and didn't seem to have a role tonight. Left wing? Centre mid? If Foden had only a minor knock then you have to ask, if we need a goal with ten minutes to go then who can I bring on for one magic moment? It's certainly not Saka, Henderson ok maybe if rice was out of gas but still not good enough, whilst he keeps Raz on despite him not being able to run but doesn't need him to take a penalty...
As Pep would say, we didn't show out character, we didn't play our game. We froze.
And as for being told all week that England were regularly practicing penalties... I guess Rashford and Sancho missed those sessions, and letting Saka take one was just misguided shithousery from the rest of the team. Rashford I still maintain was only there because of his knighthood, if we'd have been bringing on Calvert lewin and even Ings to take those then maybe we'd have done better.
Still, it's done now. I for one actually welcome the break from football. Southgate got Germany right, but hid for the final thinking the Italians couldn't break down the same formation, and showed he can't change a game like Bobby Manc can. Ah well.
England also made some very questionable decisions, which I'm afraid Southgate has to cop for.
Mount has been anonymous all tournament and didn't seem to have a role tonight. Left wing? Centre mid? If Foden had only a minor knock then you have to ask, if we need a goal with ten minutes to go then who can I bring on for one magic moment? It's certainly not Saka, Henderson ok maybe if rice was out of gas but still not good enough, whilst he keeps Raz on despite him not being able to run but doesn't need him to take a penalty...
As Pep would say, we didn't show out character, we didn't play our game. We froze.
And as for being told all week that England were regularly practicing penalties... I guess Rashford and Sancho missed those sessions, and letting Saka take one was just misguided shithousery from the rest of the team. Rashford I still maintain was only there because of his knighthood, if we'd have been bringing on Calvert lewin and even Ings to take those then maybe we'd have done better.
Still, it's done now. I for one actually welcome the break from football. Southgate got Germany right, but hid for the final thinking the Italians couldn't break down the same formation, and showed he can't change a game like Bobby Manc can. Ah well.