Goonersworld

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2018 6:32 pm**

10 July 2018
21:00 MSK (UTC+3)
FRA 1 - 0 BEL

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

11 July 2018
21:00 MSK (UTC+3)
ENG 1 - 2 CRO

Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 8:59 pm**

France v Belgium
England v Croatia

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 8:59 pm**

France vs England final it is.

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:01 pm**

Hope subasic injury is real, then we have a chance, he’s a good keeper.

Also look like mandzukic was dead/injured. Croatia will be tough but probably better for us to play against a more open team

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:05 pm**

Igot us slight faves now they had two very hard games mentally and physically, also if they defend set pieces like they did at the end we will have a field day.

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:11 pm**

Played them 7 times

Lost twice, both with McLaren in charge

So technically we haven't lost to them

Ripped them apart twice in 2010 WC qualifying

That Theo hat trick still lives long in the memory of every England fan and how he isn't here and Sterling is....dear god

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:16 pm**

Can't believe i am going to say it but i wouldn't mind welbeck starting, even he surely can't do worse

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:37 pm**

Marsbar100 wrote:Can't believe i am going to say it but i wouldn't mind welbeck starting, even he surely can't do worse

Damn

That's the biggest criticism of Sterling yet

In fact I don't think it can get any worse than that

To want one of the worst players of all time to replace him just shows how bad Sterling has been

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:43 pm**

Sterling hasn't been that bad. He gives opposing defenses something to think about similar to how Theo did and he knackers them out having to chase him constantly.

He's been poor in front of goal but then again, he's been similar to giroud in that he's enabling others to play.

It's telling that these two are slated by some, but somehow their teams have had a relatively comfortable route to the semis, even though they are both apparently carrying non contributing deadweights in sterling and giroud.

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:48 pm**

Sterling is piss poor, tired with BBC and co defending him. He cannot score and his passing and crosses or woeful. If we get one chance in the next game and it falls to him he misses. He was lucky today we got the 2nd and we kept a clean sheet

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:50 pm**

Zedie wrote:Sterling hasn't been that bad. He gives opposing defenses something to think about similar to how Theo did and he knackers them out having to chase him constantly.

He's been poor in front of goal but then again, he's been similar to giroud in that he's enabling others to play.

It's telling that these two are slated by some, but somehow their teams have had a relatively comfortable route to the semis, even though they are both apparently carrying non contributing deadweights in sterling and giroud.

Imagine how good both teams would be if they played better players rather than carrying players

Rashford for Sterling is a no brainer

Deschamps is a fool and they don't have anyone to replace Giroud

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:20 pm**

England on ITV ffs

The other semi is BBC

Posted: **Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:41 pm**

Ach wrote:
Zedie wrote:Sterling hasn't been that bad. He gives opposing defenses something to think about similar to how Theo did and he knackers them out having to chase him constantly.

He's been poor in front of goal but then again, he's been similar to giroud in that he's enabling others to play.

It's telling that these two are slated by some, but somehow their teams have had a relatively comfortable route to the semis, even though they are both apparently carrying non contributing deadweights in sterling and giroud.

Imagine how good both teams would be if they played better players rather than carrying players

Rashford for Sterling is a no brainer

Deschamps is a fool and they don't have anyone to replace Giroud

Fair point, I just feel Rashford played at AM wouldn't be great either if im honest. He's a great driver etc but I can't really see him pulling off better passes or link up play. He's best off the shoulder or in the channels where he can use his pace. Actually he's quite similar to sterling but with better finishing (although not this tourney).

Giroud does for France what Kane does for England, but he's not the set piece taker so hasn't got loads of pens to buff his tally up like Kane.

To me, that role is needed more for France if anything because they don't have as much aerial presence as England in mid and attack.

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:30 am**

Not sure what people are watching but sterlings been very good. He allows Kane to drop off and plays off the shoulder of the defense always trying to break the offside trap. He’s not prolific but excellent in getting behind the defense. Southgate has used him smartly.

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:28 am**

France: have looked good with a galaxy of stars performing. However, the likes of Mbappe and Pogba are a bit inexperienced and may buckle under pressure.

Belgium: my favorites for their quality and experience. Lukaku, KdB are genuine game changers and their defense has an abundance of composure and maturity. Will need an upset to stop them.

England: fixtures have flattered them. The defense in particular will need to up its game. The midfields of the other three teams will also expose the technical limitations of England’s midfield. More difficult tests await.

Croatia: good side but forward line needs to be more clinical. Will need to put England under pressure early and defend their way out.

Goonersworld

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