World Cup 2018 | 11th July | SF: Croatia vs England Match Thread, KO 19:00 (BST)

[kippaxchris]

I think people are going a bit over the top. We have made a bit of progress, sure, but we are a long way from being a top-class international side, for all the press talk of "heroes" and "lions". We were a hair's breadth (or a post's breadth) from going out v Colombia, and what would have been said then? Two wins in a poor group?
I see it quoted today that in Gareth's last 13 games, England have scored 4 - yes, 4 - goals from inside the area in open play.
We can't rely on Kane's penalties for ever, or defenders' headers from set pieces.
Let's keep a sense of proportion.A decent run, given very favourable opposition.
And not "heroes". Look at the Thai cave rescue, for heroes, including the lads as well.

How are we not a top class international side? We are coming 3rd or 4th in the world cup & went further than Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Uraguay & Spain. Yes we played teams who are not regarded as great away from Belgium & Croatia but we did away with the other teams like other nations couldn't. Big teams struggled against the likes of Australia, Iran & Morrocco. Also you mentioned how close we were to going out Vs Colombia but in previous tournemants we would have went out instead & don't forget we was a goal line clearance away from beating Croatia & playing in the final. This talk of a decent run & favourable opposition is nonsense btw. I'm sure Southgate said we haven't beaten Sweden for 20 years, we did Panama by more then Belgium did & away from us & the Swiss who are ranked above us name me another team that has demolished Panama. Then there's Tunisia the highest ranked African side in the competition I think they qualified without losing a game. Even Colombia & Croatia look at the creative players they have compared to England. You are saying it's not what people have made out but it's certainly more then a decent run as you put it. If people think they are heroes then they are heroes to those people regardless of what you personally don't or do consider a hero. The team done us proud.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

How are we not a top class international side? We are coming 3rd or 4th in the world cup & went further than Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Uraguay & Spain. Yes we played teams who are not regarded as great away from Belgium & Croatia but we did away with the other teams like other nations couldn't. Big teams struggled against the likes of Australia, Iran & Morrocco. Also you mentioned how close we were to going out Vs Colombia but in previous tournemants we would have went out instead & don't forget we was a goal line clearance away from beating Croatia & playing in the final. This talk of a decent run & favourable opposition is nonsense btw. I'm sure Southgate said we haven't beaten Sweden for 20 years, we did Panama by more then Belgium did & away from us & the Swiss who are ranked above us name me another team that has demolished Panama. Then there's Tunisia the highest ranked African side in the competition I think they qualified without losing a game. Even Colombia & Croatia look at the creative players they have compared to England. You are saying it's not what people have made out but it's certainly more then a decent run as you put it. If people think they are heroes then they are heroes to those people regardless of what you personally don't or do consider a hero. The team done us proud.

People also forget the inexperience of our side, at this level. We did a lot better than I thought and we know we ain't world beaters.
There is a long way to go, but you have to start somewhere and the future is looking brighter than it was 1/2 years ago.

 

[SpiritofBurnden]

Poor game management cost us.

There were 16 minutes left, including added time, after Croatia scored their second goal.

The ball was in play for just 6 minutes.

Croatia definitely used their experience to kill the game.

 

[Big Swifty]

Yes, as i said, we did OK, ie better than expected.

The team did well, but I was querying the hysterical reaction, not our players, so it's pointless keep saying "we nearly...", or "if only", or "Tunisia & Sweden are top-class".

We did better than expected. Simple as.