Match Day Thread Euros - let’s have it !

Didn’t we? Or maybe Southgate manatees the game perfectly to stop Germany playing the way the did against Portugal? They weren’t “unlucky”. Our keeper and defence were superb. That’s not bad luck.

 

In my opinion (And that’s all it is), I think a new manager could destroy what Southgate has created. I’ve never, in my 40 odd years on the planet, seen an England squad so together. Best teams we’ve had. Think it’s the worst thing we could do to get rid of him

 

We played 120 minutes and I can’t recall any one, other than Shaw, have a decent attempt on goal. By an hour everyone knew what was coming. Mason Mount was awful from the start and managed to still be playing in extra time. Not once did we threaten the oldest pairing of centre halves with any pace whatsoever, then adding the “penalty subs” who didn’t even get a kick of the ball before the spot kicks. It was poor from Southgate
Of course I’m disappointed but I think the best team on the night won, I just think with better tactics, England are a lot better than that. I said earlier on in the tournament that I would begrudge France, Belgium, anyone winning a tournament the way England play.

 

Still raging. We handed that to them.

Southgate needs to face some very difficult questions about his approach to games and our tendency to surrender the initiative.

 

And by the way, taking Declan Rice off was also a poor choice. A tired Rice was still better than Phillips and Mount

 

My concern, before the game, was that the players would freeze, I didn't expect Southgate to ...

... but it was a real 'Jack Ross' performance.

As Mancini calmly worked things out, made changes and took the initiative Southgate stood staring into space as the game slipped away. When it came to penalties he threw away a golden chance despite Pickford saving two. I'd guarantee Pickford would've taken a better penalty than three of ours.

 

I can’t see how the Italian goalkeeper got player of the tournament, Pickford had at least 4 top saves, 5 clean sheets whilst winning the golden glove and made the best saves in the shoot out. He was a far better goalkeeper than the Italian goalie

 

Southgate has a one dimensional approach to tactics. You could see what was coming, they had dragged us all over the place from mid way in the first half. Every single man was doing his job, but in a tournament playing games so close together, you were going to tire. Yet it was Italy who had made about 4 changes before our second one. Let’s not forget either, the Italians also had 24 hours more rest, so better use of our subs was called for. We hardly saw the ball, I think the graphic came up just before they scored, they had 69% possession in the second half. When we did have it the hapless Mount gave it away. It needed someone to hold onto the ball and give the defence a break and run at the ageing defence, before they scored, because you knew what was going to happen. Play like England and you have to be lucky, gutsy, determined and well drilled for 90 minutes, the opposition only need to be that way once.

 

Southgate is lucky that our defeat will focus on the penalties but, as the dust clears, the selection and tactics will be looked at more ...

... Kane isn't a captain and Sterling hid again. They were playing against defenders who we were told would tire but it was a stroll for them. When Chiellini was booked we should've run at him but he just stood back grinning and even went upfield with attacks while we sat back.

There was an opportunity, when we went ahead, to go at them while they were in disarray but we threw it away.

 

First 20 mins was ours after that we were never in the game, i a septuagenarian could see changes were needed even before they equalised. Southgate you got it wrong on more than one count.

 

Same with bunnucci (sp) he got a yellow before his equaliser, it was like we stopped playing when they got the cards. Should’ve been targeting that defence

 

Can anyone tell me what sort of advantage a player gets by taking a penalty run up like Rashford did? You look like an utter cock when you miss!

 

The whole stop start ****ing stuttering just winds me up. Sancho did it to a lesser extent and Saka was just a poor penalty. Still gutted.

 

Slept on it and still gutted.
Manager got his tactics all wrong, early goal press home our advantage but after 20 minutes we handed the match to Italy.
Both their centre halves on yellows, no one ran at them to commit them into fouling again and to bring those young kids on without giving them time to get into the game and then expected to take penalties was bizarre.
I wanted the Dutch Ref but he was poor, let the Italians get away with a lot and the foul on Grealish was a straight red and it was right in front of him.
Called Southgate Mr Dull prior to the tournament and whilst I praised him for getting to the final he resorted to type when he need to be bold.
Shy Bairns get nowt as Southgate found out last night.
I'm sure the FA will stick with him which I think is about right but hope to god he's learned a big lesson last night.
My young grandson was in bits last night at the end so thanks for that Gareth.

 

Agreed. Probably the same format they use to make Belgium rank 1st in the world standings,mate.

 

Tell you what though, I bet having to face that goalkeeper in a penalty shoot out was intimidating.

 

IF Saka had to take a penalty then I would have had him take the 2nd or 3rd one.

I can understand the thinking behind the stuttering in the run up, try and get the keeper to commit before you kick. However the perfect penalty is always pace into a corner - meaning the keeper doesn't have the time to get to it. Both Harry's showed how it should be done.

I can't wait to hear Southgate being properly grilled about England's penalty coaching and preparation.

 

Disappointing but not surprising. For all the talk of the "ageing" Italian defenders and our young, pacy strikers we didn't get in behind them once

Well done Italy - the best team won

Heart-breaking for England but we just weren't good enough on the day

Roll on Qatar

 

Just before the game kicks off the scousers try to take centre stage with their victimhood

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Howard has let himself down there

Not all England fans