England v Croatia

[TheOriginalLongsider]

Let’s give this line up a chance before slagging the manager eh?

[taio]

Debating and giving opinions about the line-up is a totally appropriate use of this message board. And concerns about playing a natural right back, who has rarely played at left back, when we have very good alternatives, are absolutely legitimate. I’m sure those who believe that will be delighted to be proven wrong and want Trippier to have a great game.

[DCWat]

Southgate may not be the best manager out there and the last tournament ended in disappointment, when it should have been better.

What he and the team did do though was get the nation back on side with the England team. Hopefully they can do that again. I’ve a lot of time for Southgate - he seems like a genuinely decent bloke.

[Jimmymaccer]

Come on England…….come on Tripps!!!!!!!!!!

[Elizabeth]

If this is the best England team we can put out in the opening game of a big tournament then it is disappointing

[Cirrus_Minor]

I think a few will drop out as the tournament goes on. Like many on here, Trippier at left back, Sterling’s form and Mings. Just hope we are in it long enough to see it.

But, come on England!!!

[Elizabeth]

Of course, come on England. Whatever England team plays you always want a winning feeling .
This Croatian team may have already peaked.

[chekhov]

Debating and giving opinions about the line-up is a totally appropriate use of this message board. And concerns about playing a natural right back, who has rarely played at left back, when we have very good alternatives, are absolutely legitimate. I’m sure those who believe that will be delighted to be proven wrong and want Trippier to have a great game.

You are right taio. However it’s also legitimate to suggest we wait and see what he result before slagging off the manager.
Different points of view. All valid!

[taio]

COME ON England. Euro 96 was my best ever summer. Let’s better it.

[ClaretTony]

I’ve a lot of time for Southgate - he seems like a genuinely decent bloke.

I’ve friends who I have a lot of time for, who are decent blokes, but I wouldn’t want them managing England.

[Elizabeth]

I’m going to think positive now. In Kane, Sterling , Foden and Mount we have potential match winners

[taio]

You are right taio. However it’s also legitimate to suggest we wait and see what he result before slagging off the manager.
Different points of view. All valid!

Yes of course that’s legitimate too. Don’t think anyone has said it isn’t. If we waited to see how things play out before offering a view on the team selection I suspect there would be comments about judging from a position of hindsight. Anyhow the game is about to start - COME ON England

[tiger76]

It's coming home, or is it, well we'll find out in about 4 weeks, but for now despite all my misgivings, COME ON England let's kick off in style.

[expoultryboy]

Agree with Jedi , i thought we'd of gone with a back 5 : james - walker - coady ( playing sweeper) - stones - shaw and just one holding midfielder. Mings is the one that worries me , he's got a mistake in him that's just waiting to happen . A draws not to bad as long as we smash the sweaties . Come on England

[ElectroClaret]

Bit o booing at the taking of the knee...
...but applause as well.

[box_of_frogs]

Let’s give this line up a chance before slagging the manager eh?

B0ll0cks to that. He deserves a slagging off for the cack style of play he forces on the team.

[timshorts]

Have I missed something or is the choice at cb stones + one of mings, walker or coady?

[HahaYeah]

Not a fan of this dual mono strip carry on, all whites v all blacks in this case.

[ElectroClaret]

Foden hits the post!

[Zlatan]

Walker is a liability sometimes

[taio]

Very positive start this

[superdimitri]

What a throw from Trippier. Great pass from him after too. Can you imagine Burnley taking a throw like that?

[ksrclaret]

We’ve started really well. Foden looks every inch an international class footballer. Be great if we could get an early goal.

[Zlatan]

Phillips strike was fantastic - no fear to try - good stuff

[tiger76]

As expected we look a real threat going forward, but not too secure at the back, Foden looking the business and he was unlucky with that effort that came off the inside of the post.

Good 1st 10 minutes from England, but we could do with making this early pressure tell with a goal.

[BurnleyFC]

Started very well.

[ElectroClaret]

Got to take advantage of this good start....they won't keep this pace up for too long.

[tiger76]

What a throw from Trippier. Great pass from him after too. Can you imagine Burnley taking a throw like that?

Yea we'd need to resign Tripps.

[tiger76]

Got to take advantage of this good start....they won't keep this pace up for too long.

Not in this heat they won't. so yes we could do with scoring soon.

[superdimitri]

I wish Kane would stay in the box more.

[Mrpotatohead]

Has Sterling tied his boots together?

[DCWat]

I’ve friends who I have a lot of time for, who are decent blokes, but I wouldn’t want them managing England.

That’s somewhat different to someone who has had a career in football. He wouldn’t be my choice mind!!

[tiger76]

I wish Kane would stay in the box more.

Yes that's a major bugbear of mine also, he doesn't need to keep dropping back into midfield when we have so many bodies in that area.

Stay in the bloody box man.

[superdimitri]

Letting Modric pull some strings. We'll probably fade over time with the weather. Need to use subs well. Come on England.

[tiger76]

Is it asking too much for Kyle Walker to pass to an England shirt?

[Spijed]

Letting Modric pull some strings. We'll probably fade over time with the weather. Need to use subs well. Come on England.

He would be a good backup to Westwood and Cork

[Cirrus_Minor]

Walker!!??

[Vegas Claret]

is it me or is the atmosphere pretty lackluster ?

[Conroysleftfoot]

Is it asking too much for Kyle Walker to pass to an England shirt?

Unfortunately, yes.

[Claretitus]

Mings looks like he’s gonna fall over every time he gets the ball.

[expoultryboy]

Walker looks more Croatian than the croatians !!

[RammyClaret61]

This is quite boring.

[HitchinClaret]

Walker and Sterling having stinkers so far, let’s hope they pick up a bit.

[box_of_frogs]

Walker is a liability sometimes

Sometimes or most of the time?

[ElectroClaret]

This is quite boring.

It is.

[superdimitri]

We've reverted to the boring pass around the back style again. Can only assume we're already knackered.

[Conroysleftfoot]

Walker and Sterling having stinkers so far, let’s hope they pick up a bit.

Sterling is doing okay.

[Vegas Claret]

perfect game for Grealish

[superdimitri]

Lmao Sterling. If in doubt throw yourself into the defender. Come on Trippier.

[Zlatan]

Been impressed with Mount, Foden and Phillips - definitely garlic bread those lads