Two things we know, that neither England nor Scotland will be lifting it. Scotland, because they are out (good riddance) and England, because they are shit. Southgate is all over the place, saying in one interview that the team is experimental because they haven't solved the midfield issue with Kalvin Phillips, even though he had Phillips at the World Cup and didn't use him once. How long does it take to solve a problem? The media are demanding Mainoo or Wharton be given a chance but Southgate is very conservative and looks like a bunny in the headlights. One thing is for sure, that is England were woeful against Denmark, worse than the second half against Serbia.
After a decade with these players Southgate still has no clear way of playing, no personality and no identity. The first "decent" team they play will kill them.
While the home nations won't lift the trophy, Germany and France don't look certs for it either. Les Bleus have been crap and Germany struggled for a draw with Switzerland. You can't write the French or the hosts out just yet, I just don't think they are the certs that some people think. Talking of Switzerland, they have been mightily impressive and a possible outside bet.
Spain and Portugal have also looked very good. Spain don't have the strength in depth of the glory years, but Portugal do. During the last game they had the Joãos Felix, Palhinha and Neves, City's Nunes, Liverpool's Jota and Wolves' Ruben Neves on the bench. They would start for most countries. Their starting eleven was littered with big hitters mostly plying their trade in the English Premier League, plus CR7. They are quickly moving to be my favourites. We'll see how they fair against Georgia, but they are odds on to top their group.
That leaves Belgium and The Netherlands. The Netherlands have been playing well and top their group, while Belgium have dominated both their games without really shining but you must consider that Lukaku has had 3 goals chalked off by VAR. The latest was an absolute peach from an exquisit through ball from KdB which was judged off-side by the invisible referee. On review it was incredibly harsh as they looked level. The semi-automated off-side VAR system is definitely much quicker but until they sort out the "gaining an advantage", and the handball rules, it will continue to suck the love out of the game. If Lukaku's non-goals had been allowed then Belguim would be in a great position. As it stands they are in the tightest group and could yet go home.
My prediction is that England will stumble past Slovenia and top the group, giving them an "easy" (on paper) game in the round of 16, which they will also stumble through and then get chinned in the quarters.
The semis will include Spain, Portugal, Germany plus one other, hopefully Belgium or Switzerland. It has been an engaging tournament thus far and there are plenty of shocks and drama ahead for sure.
After a decade with these players Southgate still has no clear way of playing, no personality and no identity. The first "decent" team they play will kill them.
While the home nations won't lift the trophy, Germany and France don't look certs for it either. Les Bleus have been crap and Germany struggled for a draw with Switzerland. You can't write the French or the hosts out just yet, I just don't think they are the certs that some people think. Talking of Switzerland, they have been mightily impressive and a possible outside bet.
Spain and Portugal have also looked very good. Spain don't have the strength in depth of the glory years, but Portugal do. During the last game they had the Joãos Felix, Palhinha and Neves, City's Nunes, Liverpool's Jota and Wolves' Ruben Neves on the bench. They would start for most countries. Their starting eleven was littered with big hitters mostly plying their trade in the English Premier League, plus CR7. They are quickly moving to be my favourites. We'll see how they fair against Georgia, but they are odds on to top their group.
That leaves Belgium and The Netherlands. The Netherlands have been playing well and top their group, while Belgium have dominated both their games without really shining but you must consider that Lukaku has had 3 goals chalked off by VAR. The latest was an absolute peach from an exquisit through ball from KdB which was judged off-side by the invisible referee. On review it was incredibly harsh as they looked level. The semi-automated off-side VAR system is definitely much quicker but until they sort out the "gaining an advantage", and the handball rules, it will continue to suck the love out of the game. If Lukaku's non-goals had been allowed then Belguim would be in a great position. As it stands they are in the tightest group and could yet go home.
My prediction is that England will stumble past Slovenia and top the group, giving them an "easy" (on paper) game in the round of 16, which they will also stumble through and then get chinned in the quarters.
The semis will include Spain, Portugal, Germany plus one other, hopefully Belgium or Switzerland. It has been an engaging tournament thus far and there are plenty of shocks and drama ahead for sure.
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports |
The whole tournament has been underwhelming.
ReplyDeleteSteve - I have enjoyed it and am pleased to see teams like Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia progress with some solid performances: the paupers are putting it up to the princes.
DeleteI always find the quality of football at the Euros better than at the World Cup.
In that sense I suppose you're right Anthony, just feel a bit jibbed by any stellar performance from the big teams or even a big player. Reminds me of the tournaments Denmark and Greece won. I've a slight sense of concern that England may suddenly flip into a contender.
DeleteToo horrid to countenance.
And France have gone missing.
Steve - The Champions League has spoiled us. International football used to be the zenith of world footy, that is no longer the case. That being said, there have been some great games in this edition of the Euros.
DeleteSteve - I thought England played better last night than they had in the previous two games. They stayed the course and were still pressing at the end. Slovenia have not yet been beaten but I know they are not the strongest opposition. However, the pundits have been hammering them. I always like the Didi H take on games and he made a very credible point: despite France being awful, a good team will still find it hard to beat them but a good team will not find it hard to beat England. As he says it is pointless picking your best players if you can't make a team out of them. More important to pick the best team which might mean leaving some of the best players out.
DeletePeter - for anticipation and excitement I think none of the other competitions hold a candle to the World Cup. To me it is the global premier sporting event.
DeleteNah Mackers, those days have gone. The last 2 in Russia and Qatar lacked the old magic. For me the greatest thing was to see the best European teams going up against Argentina and Brazil. Maradona's Argentina, Zico's Brazil, (Young) Messi's Argentina, Romario's Brazil in the knock-out phases against The Netherlands, France, Spain, England. That was pure magic, I was beside myself with excitement. Richarlison's Brazil, not so much.
DeleteI thought the Qatar final was the best. I didn't watch a lot of the competition. I love the World Cup - always have.
DeletePete,
DeleteProbably right regarding the CL. Just can't get my juices up over this tournament. Hopefully last 16 is better.
AM,
Some World Cup's are hit and miss too, like the dire South Africa one. Maybe I'm just getting fussy lol
English clubs performed abysmally in Europe last season , no surprise the national team is so dire . Southgate will be lucky to get a job @ Stockport ! Hopefully L F C players will return injured . Couldn't care less who wins .
ReplyDeleteTypo . Should read " uninjured " .
ReplyDelete