England talk

[philpvfc]

Difference is Costa Rica will step it up in the tournament and England will play their normal nervous cautious style of play.

[Paul6754]

Marcus Rashford has to start, his goal was the perfect example how to circumvent a defensive unit of two banks of 4 or 5.

 

It's too late now for Southgate to change his tactics but I feel he's chosen how he wants to play and shoe horned players into a role they're unfamiliar with eg Sterling, whereas choosing the best players and then choosing the shape and tactics to fit them would lead to a more fluid team.

[For Us All]

Good news for England is that Harry Kane has signed a new six-year contract at Spurs worth £15m a year.He's got to be happy with that going into a World Cup?

[TheSage]

I see England as a bit like a top half Premiership team - an Everton or a Leicester - capable occasionally of beating the best but generally a cut below the top six, like Germany, France, Brazil, Spain, etc.

 

But it looks like our expectations are more realistic this time and we do have a few younger, fast players who might play with a bit more freedom than usual. So let's go for it, enjoy the occasion and give it our best shot.

[Trampilot]

For the first time since about 1998 I actually feel positive about the national team. I know some feel we should have stuffed Tunisia but teams that behave like that and offer nothing but fouls deserve to lose in the last minute.

 

Trippier was outstanding. Unflappable and always available. Really impressive.

 

Loved the freedom the centre halves had. Just worry they'll get caught out.

 

As for the squad in general I'm very happy the older players have gone. Too much ego weighing down the team. They look more relaxed although Sterling needs either a goal or dropping. Seems to lost any ball control.

 

I even ended the game thinking how well Jordan Henderson played.

 

Things must be on the up.