Official European Championship Thread

[salford city]

Denmark might prove tougher opposition

I would hope si its a bloody semu final. Still rather have them than italy or spain

[sheblue]

Denmark might prove tougher opposition

Ukraine dead on their feet. Faroe Islands would prove tougher.

[PrezIke]

Southgate deserve credit for the selections?

Seems he has to.

It's worked brilliantly in almost every match, whether it's been sticking with players who had been questioned (Kane/Sterling) not starting and/or when to rotate others (Grealesh/Foden/Sancho/Shaw/Trippier).

He could have shuffled that deck in anyway and got thr same if not better results so hes getting no credit from me.

can you share how is that clear or makes sense?

So basically England don't need a manager. Just play the "best 11" and all falls into place?

He's also been pragmatic, and resisted the cries to start certain players.

Given England's track record and the pressure/anxiety that goes with England in International football your statement strikes me as rather odd, in all honestly.

I dont even know where to start with this tbh. Of course they need a manager but given what they have been up against even by making wrong decisions he’s unlikely to be punished given the quality he has at his disposal relative to the teams they are playing. He has made several questionable decisions that havent been punished.

A poor german side aside, they havent played anyone decent if anything nothing but poor sides. Id expect any manager to deliver what he has delivered so far, in fact and i have been consistent with this he has made things more difficult than they should have been.

Mate they just won 4-0 against a good side. Germany aren't at their best, and are in disarray, but poor? After they went down England handled the pressure. Isn't that almost ALWAYS the issue with England? They can't beat what is in front of them and blow it EVERY time.

This is an England who has NEVER (I think) won a final 16/knockout stage match in the Euros before that match.

Did you see how Stones and Walker were showing similar behaviour to what we saw in the PSG Semis against Germany (also some of the same players in Chelsea...I was thinking that motivated them)?

Some other managers would have dropped Sterling coming in or Kane. Would have NEVER had the courage to drop Sancho or not start Grealish.

He has the players support and THAT to me is why he can do it. His likability isn't working for the more traditional English fans. I hear this and get it, but England look like the favs with Italy to win it.

Hard to find the real problems here. Yes, there is talent, but that is never enough.

[PrezIke]

Btw, trust me I have been critical of Southgate. But he's doing well now and to say they are winning despite him strikes me as hard to understand based on the evidence.

[Dubciteh]

I believe more than a few outsiders see most England fans as assumed to typically either:

1) Expect "it to come home" leading to critcism as "arrogant" or "naive" when it comes to "reality" or talent assessment outside the PL bubble and British tabloid coverage.

2) Wildy pessimistic, negative, self-loathing, harsh, bitter, and anxiety ridden. This often leads to being over-reactive in moments and then is a chicken and egg like cycle that projects onto the players that impacts their performance in games also in part due to the tabloids

3) or even more perfect in its representation of English fans to outsiders, and links to the well known "dry" English sense of humour so many love and admire globally, is actually fall right in the middle of 1 & 2.

That Southgate has managed to truly MANAGE this situation and build player camaraderie is a testament to his leadership and I think is why he deserves credit.

Can you imagine Big Sam or Roy doing this?

I dont mind england. If it wasnt for southgates negativity id be ok with them winning it. What frustrates me is that despite the quality players they are abs dour to watch. I generally enjoy watching england at big tournaments, for most games i have been looking forward to their games but then i see the teamsheets and it kills my enthusiasm. Anything other than winning the tournament given how it’s played out is an utter failure imo. If you are going to play the way southgate has england playing you need to back it up with the trophy otherwise its a wasted opportunity. Its like mourinho if you are a fan you can stomach it if you take it home if you dont then its a disaster.

[Dubciteh]

Southgate deserve credit for the selections?

Seems he has to.

It's worked brilliantly in almost every match, whether it's been sticking with players who had been questioned (Kane/Sterling) not starting and/or when to rotate others (Grealesh/Foden/Sancho/Shaw/Trippier).

He could have shuffled that deck in anyway and got thr same if not better results so hes getting no credit from me.

can you share how is that clear or makes sense?

So basically England don't need a manager. Just play the "best 11" and all falls into place?

He's also been pragmatic, and resisted the cries to start certain players.

Given England's track record and the pressure/anxiety that goes with England in International football your statement strikes me as rather odd, in all honestly.

I dont even know where to start with this tbh. Of course they need a manager but given what they have been up against even by making wrong decisions he’s unlikely to be punished given the quality he has at his disposal relative to the teams they are playing. He has made several questionable decisions that havent been punished.

A poor german side aside, they havent played anyone decent if anything nothing but poor sides. Id expect any manager to deliver what he has delivered so far, in fact and i have been consistent with this he has made things more difficult than they should have been.

Mate they just won 4-0 against a good side. Germany aren't at their best, and are in disarray, but poor? After they went down England handled the pressure. Isn't that almost ALWAYS the issue with England? They can't beat what is in front of them and blow it EVERY time.

This is an England who has NEVER (I think) won a final 16/knockout stage match in the Euros before that match.

Did you see how Stones and Walker were showing similar behaviour to what we saw in the PSG Semis against Germany (also some of the same players in Chelsea...I was thinking that motivated them)?

Some other managers would have dropped Sterling coming in or Kane. Would have NEVER had the courage to drop Sancho or not start Grealish.

He has the players support and THAT to me is why he can do it. His likability isn't working for the more traditional English fans. I hear this and get it, but England look like the favs with Italy to win it.

Hard to find the real problems here. Yes, there is talent, but that is never enough.

Mate, Ukraine arent a good side. They have just conceded three free header goals in the quarter final and have only beaten north macedonia in 90mins in this competition. They are awful.

Of course england have won a euro knockout game, 96 they got to the semis. Hammered holland 4-0, look it up quality game.

He had very little choice with Kane hes never dropping him and ur kidding yourself if you think otherwise. I dont get ur point on sancho and grealish. Both his decisions on these players throughout the tournament have been odd but thats the thing, there is so much quality there that doing these odd decisions(trippier left back is another one) wont drop the overall team quality enough to cost them games hence my point if he plays grealish foden and whoever tonight he still wins this game comfortably. He shuffles the pack in any of the previous games like sancho for saka etc they would still get same results. Thats my point.

See my previous posts on this if you are interested as i dont want to go over what i have said already esp concerning the germany game.

We will never agree on this so best to agree to disagree and you can go enjoy your team getting to the semi final of the euros.

[Beefymcfc]

I think results decide opinion and not many can question the results in this tournament. We can question the quality of the opposition and it will be the next game that either changes or reinforces minds.

[Nickyboy]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

[City64]

Southgate deserve credit for the selections?

Seems he has to.

It's worked brilliantly in almost every match, whether it's been sticking with players who had been questioned (Kane/Sterling) not starting and/or when to rotate others (Grealesh/Foden/Sancho/Shaw/Trippier).

He could have shuffled that deck in anyway and got thr same if not better results so hes getting no credit from me.

can you share how is that clear or makes sense?

So basically England don't need a manager. Just play the "best 11" and all falls into place?

He's also been pragmatic, and resisted the cries to start certain players.

Given England's track record and the pressure/anxiety that goes with England in International football your statement strikes me as rather odd, in all honestly.

I dont even know where to start with this tbh. Of course they need a manager but given what they have been up against even by making wrong decisions he’s unlikely to be punished given the quality he has at his disposal relative to the teams they are playing. He has made several questionable decisions that havent been punished.

A poor german side aside, they havent played anyone decent if anything nothing but poor sides. Id expect any manager to deliver what he has delivered so far, in fact and i have been consistent with this he has made things more difficult than they should have been.

Mate they just won 4-0 against a good side. Germany aren't at their best, and are in disarray, but poor? After they went down England handled the pressure. Isn't that almost ALWAYS the issue with England? They can't beat what is in front of them and blow it EVERY time.

This is an England who has NEVER (I think) won a final 16/knockout stage match in the Euros before that match.

Did you see how Stones and Walker were showing similar behaviour to what we saw in the PSG Semis against Germany (also some of the same players in Chelsea...I was thinking that motivated them)?

Some other managers would have dropped Sterling coming in or Kane. Would have NEVER had the courage to drop Sancho or not start Grealish.

He has the players support and THAT to me is why he can do it. His likability isn't working for the more traditional English fans. I hear this and get it, but England look like the favs with Italy to win it.

Hard to find the real problems here. Yes, there is talent, but that is never enough.

Ukraine are fucking shit Barnsley would beat them .

[Bear60]

Did anyone notice our ex manager stirring his players up after they had just defeated Belgium or was it just me who saw that . Mr Southgate needs to take note of these little gestures that can inspire a team to win

[Dameerto]

Southgate deserve credit for the selections?

Seems he has to.

It's worked brilliantly in almost every match, whether it's been sticking with players who had been questioned (Kane/Sterling) not starting and/or when to rotate others (Grealish/Foden/Sancho/Shaw/Trippier).

Group matches were fucling dreadful to watch, but maybe just maybe Southgate had a plan all along - grind out the group games and slowly let them off the leash as the rounds progress.

[Dimples]

Southgate deserve credit for the selections?

Seems he has to.

It's worked brilliantly in almost every match, whether it's been sticking with players who had been questioned (Kane/Sterling) not starting and/or when to rotate others (Grealish/Foden/Sancho/Shaw/Trippier).

Group matches were fucling dreadful to watch, but maybe just maybe Southgate had a plan all along - grind out the group games and slowly let them off the leash as the rounds progress.

England were dreadful tonight in the first half.
Southgate is a plank.
Let them of the leash? Your having a laugh.
His system is to play with seven defenders against inferior opposition despite having an abundance of attacking talent. That was the plan so far and the Chec Rep, Scotland and a knackered Ukraine are far removed from Brazil 1970!
So why not play to your strengths? Because the manager is incapable of organizing it. There is no master plan, just an ultra conservative one that any two bob manager could come up with.
Progression in a tournament does not mean the manager is utilizing his resources or doing a brilliant job.
Denmark are very good. What is Southgate going to do about that? What is the master play to utilize his deep and excellent creative and attacking players to beat Denmark?
Let's wait and see. My money says, 7 defenders, give nothing away, nick a goal. If plan is not working then chuck on some attackers in a random, inconsistent manner because the manager is clueless.

[zuricity]

Southgate deserve credit for the selections?

Seems he has to.

It's worked brilliantly in almost every match, whether it's been sticking with players who had been questioned (Kane/Sterling) not starting and/or when to rotate others (Grealish/Foden/Sancho/Shaw/Trippier).

Group matches were fucling dreadful to watch, but maybe just maybe Southgate had a plan all along - grind out the group games and slowly let them off the leash as the rounds progress.

England were dreadful tonight in the first half.
Southgate is a plank.
Let them of the leash? Your having a laugh.
His system is to play with seven defenders against inferior opposition despite having an abundance of attacking talent. That was the plan so far and the Chec Rep, Scotland and a knackered Ukraine are far removed from Brazil 1970!
So why not play to your strengths? Because the manager is incapable of organizing it. There is no master plan, just an ultra conservative one that any two bob manager could come up with.
Progression in a tournament does not mean the manager is utilizing his resources or doing a brilliant job.
Denmark are very good. What is Southgate going to do about that? What is the master play to utilize his deep and excellent creative and attacking players to beat Denmark?
Let's wait and see. My money says, 7 defenders, give nothing away, nick a goal. If plan is not working then chuck on some attackers in a random, inconsistent manner because the manager is clueless.

Southgate is heading for a fall.

[Dubciteh]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

Ah shite my apologies I thought that was quarters. Forgot all about that spain game.

[Nickyboy]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

Ah shite my apologies I thought that was quarters. Forgot all about that spain game.

Yeah was only 16 teams in the whole tournament. A far better format.

[Dubciteh]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

Ah shite my apologies I thought that was quarters. Forgot all about that spain game.

Yeah was only 16 teams in the whole tournament. A far better format.

I only watched it the other day youd think id have paid attention!

I expect england to hammer denmark too even with soutgate making random changes thrown in.

Ireland who are abs awful havent lost against denmark having played them three times in last two years and there missing eriksen whos been there best player in that period. Easy 3-0 win for England.

[Dimples]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

Ah shite my apologies I thought that was quarters. Forgot all about that spain game.

Yeah was only 16 teams in the whole tournament. A far better format.

I only watched it the other day youd think id have paid attention!

I expect england to hammer denmark too even with soutgate making random changes thrown in.

Ireland who are abs awful havent lost against denmark having played them three times in last two years and there missing eriksen whos been there best player in that period. Easy 3-0 win for England.

Denmark look very good to me in this tournament.
Cannot see an easy win for England.
Throw in how predictable Southgate's England are and that England's bench will be an embarrassment of attacking riches because England will play 7 defenders and a Danish win would not surprise me.

[ayrshireblue]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

Ah shite my apologies I thought that was quarters. Forgot all about that spain game.

Yeah was only 16 teams in the whole tournament. A far better format.

The Netherlands result was 4-1 not 4-0. Seaman let in a soft shot that gave Netherlands a goal that knocked Scotland out. I haven't forgotten 25 years on. Haha

[PeterParker]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

Ah shite my apologies I thought that was quarters. Forgot all about that spain game.

Yeah was only 16 teams in the whole tournament. A far better format.

The Netherlands result was 4-1 not 4-0. Seaman let in a soft shot that gave Netherlands a goal that knocked Scotland out. I haven't forgotten 25 years on. Haha

Great Euro that. I remember the czech keeper, Kouba, incredible until the final.

[salford city]

The Netherlands 4-0 was in the group stage btw Dub and the knockouts game they won was a draw with Spain going through on pens.

Ah shite my apologies I thought that was quarters. Forgot all about that spain game.

Yeah was only 16 teams in the whole tournament. A far better format.

I only watched it the other day youd think id have paid attention!

I expect england to hammer denmark too even with soutgate making random changes thrown in.

Ireland who are abs awful havent lost against denmark having played them three times in last two years and there missing eriksen whos been there best player in that period. Easy 3-0 win for England.

Denmark look very good to me in this tournament.
Cannot see an easy win for England.
Throw in how predictable Southgate's England are and that England's bench will be an embarrassment of attacking riches because England will play 7 defenders and a Danish win would not surprise me.

I'm no fan of Southgate. He has had a good run so far with the Tuchel approach. It remains to be seen whether he is able to change the pragmatic approach if it goes awry e.g. if the opposition nick one. I don't expect him to change against Denmark and why would he - his results justify his game plan. The strength of the bench is going to worry anyone at this tournament and rightly so. As i say, the crux for Southgate will be if he can call it right when it comes to it. Denmark are no mugs but I expect us to beat them and then a final would be anyone's guess