WORLD CUP THREAD

[Nero]

The French will delighted by this - extra time and a day fewer to recover, whoever wins.

Thats what we thought about Croatia

[Mince n Tatties]

It was coming that goal...Aaargh

[grandad]

This is not the game to put in our poorest performance. Poor defending for their goals. Sterling dreadful again. Kane marked out of the game. Croatia were far stronger than us & more creative.
Never mind we got further than most expected. My England players of the tournament are Trippier, Pickford & Maguire.
Ryan Sessegnon will win it for us in 4yearstime.

[Mince n Tatties]

We never in last few games make the chances from open play,we've relied too much  on set piece goals.

[Barrett487]

Our attacking spark was extinguished when Sterling was substituted. Rashford offered nothing and his co trol was rubbish, Lingard disappeared, Kane was ineffective.

All you Sterling haters got your way.

[grandad]

Will there be a 3rd & 4th playoff game?

[Neil D]

We never in last few games make the chances from open play,we've relied too much  on set piece goals.

Indeed.  What was needed was a bit of creativity in midfield and that was missing.  An English Modric.  I hope they give France a good beating.

[Tabby]

Will there be a 3rd & 4th playoff game?

Yep, on saturday.

[Lighthouse]

Will there be a 3rd & 4th playoff game?

Yes there will be.

We looked a young and at times naive side that never  looked like scoring after we scored. But that is what we are and to get this far in the World Cup we should be content.

[Mince n Tatties]

I didn't get carried away by earlier results,Tunisia, Panama,Sweden.
I feared as soon as we met a decent side we would come up short.

[filham]

Will there be a 3rd & 4th playoff game?

Regretably yes.

[Russianrob]

3rd and 4th play off on Saturday in St.Petersburg where I live.However the greatest match this year has already been played at Wembley and we won it.Even if I was given a free ticket for the 3rd and 4th play off not sure that I could be bothered to go!!!

[YankeeJim]

England did well, overall. No one expected them getting this far. Good on them.

I didn't realize that Kane lacked pace that badly. He was totally marked out of this match and most of the last one. Walker was a fault on the first goal and out of position o the second. Stones covered for him a lot.

[Bokonon]

Looking at the stats, Croatia pulled a Fulham on England. 57% poss, 22 shots, 80% pass acc., 590 passes.

Definitely a familiar line...

[filham]

We were not really as good as we thought we were.
That first half when we had the edge , so many long , high, hopeful , balls up to Sterling because we knew he could outpace there defenders. The balls of course were no where good enough to bother their defenders.

[fulhamben]

No complaints from me, the better team won, Southgates negative tactics were only ever going to take us so far. Sad thing is we had a real chance but once again the fa let us down. And even more worryingly, just like they did with hodgson, thet will probably give Southgate another tournament

[Tabby]

On a positive note, all the main performers will still be in their prime come next WC. Only player in danger of being too old starting is Young, and I don't understand why he was starting on left back.

[Mince n Tatties]

Had to laugh at the end when the commentator said they will return home as National Treasures...😁

[Ordar]

Southgate should stay. This team was not about this tournament, like Brazil and Germany, you have to build

[Carborundum]

England did well, overall. No one expected them getting this far. Good on them.

I didn't realize that Kane lacked pace that badly. He was totally marked out of this match and most of the last one. Walker was a fault on the first goal and out of position o the second. Stones covered for him a lot.

They did do well and I salute them.

I'd be a bit kinder towards Walker.  The trouble with three at the back is that no-one's ever completely sure what their position needs to be.  After half time Croatia were excellent and pressure ground us down.