When you commented on "two balls on the field" I wanted to say, dude that was like forty minutes ago, when the ref whistled a play dead for the ball boy throwing a second ball on the field before a throw-in.
I didn't even see that ball just sitting there. That is totally random.
What favourable call did Argentina get?
They didn't need any against those plumbers and bricklayers they played against, tbh.
I doubt it, tbh.
Right forward seems to be the only wild card for Southgate at this point.
You brought the uterine goods sister... whaaa they are hiding Eriksen's Vaccine .
You are so full of crap.
I flat out dont like the Southgate mentality with his team: when England was dominating and up 2-1. You got guys wide open in areas to run and the players feel more comfortable passing the ball back to Pickford (who imo is extraordinarily inconsistent with his kicks out of the back, even if he can use both feet) who just gives the ball back?
that is absolutely ty frightened play. Italy is the best team England will have faced. We saw that Spain could indeed open them up with Morata running great channels but he could not put the ball in the net consistently. Kane would have had a possibly 3 goals in that game. To open up Italy will then require Grealish at some point as well. Shaw, Grealish, Maguire, Sterling are all key players in making that deadly pass to get things started and the second pass to for the dunk goal. Mount can also provide that but he does not seem to be in the plans. I think Saka and Sterling are the penetrators required to get Italy out of position. Saka may be in over his head against Italy, they are clever and he is young. But the speed and change of direction are there for this guy along with Sterling. They get people moving uncomfortably backward.
It should be noted Grealish was a sub and was subbed for against Denmark? Either he was cooked tired, or Southgate does not trust him. I hope its the former.
No, Grealish is slow, England will use pace against the old Italian defensive guard
Yea, Eriksen / Denmark likely covered up a (assumed) crime against humanity.
What's your point? That you need to cry about it?
Grealish had ten dribbles in thirty-six minutes last game. He seems to be a catalyst and a guy who can open up the field.
But it's clear to me that Southgate prefers a different style and doesn't like him being a centerpiece of the offense (in this tournament).
I understand what Southgate is doing. He is taking a more constrictive approach rather than to outgun teams. In the past, a more liberal offense has cost teams he has been a part of. But I think that England's centerbacks are so good that a more hybrid approach would've been better. But I don't see them radically changing for the final.
If Grealish starts, then it will confirm that Southgate was holding something in reserve. But I think Southgate has a more stylistic aversion to him at this point; and I think he'll be a super sub once again.
I like England in a one goal game. I think they'll control the tempo if so. But like you say, Italy is the toughest team they'll have played and maybe they'll somehow have more ball possession. But I think Italy is comparable to a Croatia, whom England were somewhat on the front foot against.
It's an irregular move; but I think the media is playing it up. Grealish was put into a tie game to get a score.
That was accomplished, and Grealish was no longer needed.
I thought swapping him for Trippier was peculiar though. Yea, he plays further back on the pitch, but he's not a noted strong defender.
One pundit put forth that perhaps it is because he is a good penalty taker. I would think Grealish is good in his own right though.
The game opened up. England could've been more aggressive and got that third goal; but again I think that's a reflection of Southgate's constrictive game plan.
They put a lot of faith in their back numbers to shut down counters. And they aren't Spain; but they are wearing teams down with possession.
Pickford's ball control not bothering me. And the long kicks aren't bothering me. I believe their philosophy is to avoid turnovers on their side of the pitch.
Pickford had a couple shaky underhand passes though. And frankly, he probably should've been better positioned and blocked that direct free kick.
It's unfortunate because that ruined their chance to go through an entire tournament with clean sheets. Don't think that's been done before.
You long ago covered up your brain 9-11 girl, thats my point.
Go play with your voodoo dolls.
The crime against humanity was you birth.
This is true.
Grealish does lack speed but he gets his time on the ball and pushes opponents off of him because he is very good in tight spots and has quickness over small distances. Very good with his body in covering the ball as well, which is why he gets fouled so much, especially on the run where he is slow. He can still keep defenders off because the ball is always close to him.
I think the Italian defenders are good enough to take the ball of off Saka. The strength is his problem, he is just a kid. Should be an interesting game. I am hoping for an early goal for England to open up the game a bit. I think England are much more shaky than Italy in defense and if Southgate stops insisting England go forward a goal up, the Italians will score. Continually giving the ball to Pickford in the back to heave out the ball off the field or down the field, when they could go forward easily, just gives the ball up and will create constant pressure. Pressure can be taken off by having the ball in the opponents half and third. Southgate does not like the bolder approach, he wants England to win without any thought of dominating in a win. Or at least thats what the players appear to take from him. This England team has more capable midfielders and guys in front than they have had for a very long time. Shaw, Maguire, Stones, Walker... with Walker the weakest with the ball (but an absolute sprinter on recovery) is also good back row. Bold approach, they have the team to do it.
I expect Italy to put pressure on Declan Rice playing in front of the back. See if he breaks. I would also put pressure on Walkers side of the field when in Englands third and not breaking away. He is not quick, can get beaten from a quick start guy. Walker is however, very strong, so it takes some guile. I think Italy has that.
ay
If any change is made, I think Henderson may start. He is clearly the team leader. He is giving the speeches and pointing to spots when he has played.
Now I wish for a thorough discussion of Argentina v. Brazil besides the past results. Players change, results can change. Thank you and I will read as I have not been able to watch as many of the recordings at night of this tourney. Somebody take it in the other thread.
Oh. I almost forgot. It will be fun watching C ini try to beat up Kane. He has done it before with Juve.
Last edited by pgardn; 07-09-2021 at 10:44 AM.
Put a sock in it.
I see England as the slight favorites.
But if Italy has one of those games that their finishing is clinical, England could be in trouble.
England will strange itself trying to keep Italy off the board cause they ain't scoring multiple goals against the Italians
England will get their scoring chances. No need to buy into the hype about Italy's defense.
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