[Archived] European Championship France 2016

[K-Hod]

Me and you K-Hod are watching a different tournament

It would appear so, Gav. I'm not saying we played badly, but 29 shots at goal, 5 on target and ultimately 0 goals isn't acceptable, that's the bottom line.Our wastefulness in front of goals is a cause for concern, when most thought it would be our defence ahead of the tournament. It's a funny old game.

[Gav]

Gav, you are definitely watching a different England team. In your tournament the points are for percentage possession and number of players used.

Question for people:

Kyle Walker and Eric Dier have been the (only) standout players for England do far this tournament IMHO. Who would be folks' third and fourth choices?

I've been scathing of the England team for many years now, mainly because of the John Terry era where they cared more about themselves and money than the national side, hated them, and it meant I couldn't watch the national side with anything but disdain.

But over the past 12 months I've started to take an interest again, this group seem genuinely interested in playing for the national side and thats refreshing for me,

I've seen many many England teams in tournaments over the years, both live and on TV and this is one of the best. The performances have been excellent, we should have topped the group with 9 points and I never thought I'd be saying that after the group stages.

This side has improved so much since the Holland defeat at Wembley, its good to see, but is still struggling to 'pick that lock' and thats my only worry so far.

What I would say is the site suffers from posters being unable to back down, change views and opinions, I'm not putting this at your doorstep necessarily Stuart, but you had a real downer on the national side before the tournament, as did I, maybe thats your position and you're sticking to it, I think we're playing really well and could go all the way with a bit of luck.

It would appear so, Gav. I'm not saying we played badly, but 29 shots at goal, 5 on target and ultimately 0 goals isn't acceptable, that's the bottom line.Our wastefulness in front of goals is a cause for concern, when most thought it would be our defence ahead of the tournament. It's a funny old game.

Defense hasn't really been tested yet, and no manager in the world can allow for wastefulness in front of goal as its across the entire front line, not just one player.

[Stuart]

I've been scathing of the England team for many years now, mainly because of the John Terry era where they cared more about themselves and money than the national side, hated them, and it meant I couldn't watch the national side with anything but disdain.

But over the past 12 months I've started to take an interest again, this group seem genuinely interested in playing for the national side and thats refreshing for me,

I've seen many many England teams in tournaments over the years, both live and on TV and this is one of the best. The performances have been excellent, we should have topped the group with 9 points and I never thought I'd be saying that after the group stages.

This side has improved so much since the Holland defeat at Wembley, its good to see, but is still struggling to 'pick that lock' and thats my only worry so far.

What I would say is the site suffers from posters being unable to back down, change views and opinions, I'm not putting this at your doorstep necessarily Stuart, but you had a real downer on the national side before the tournament, as did I, maybe thats your position and you're sticking to it, I think we're playing really well and could go all the way with a bit of luck.

I wouldn't say that at all. I very much hope to be proven wrong but with Hodgson still not knowing his best side it's a worry that we are going to let ourselves down.

In a harder group is have been glad just to see a young side progress but we haven't won games that we should. Wales have shown us the way - with inferior players.

The fact we have performed well against poor sides against - but failed to beat - two of the poorer sides on the competition is a concern. We cannot keep changing the players around and hope to succeed.

[Husky]

Just watched highlights of Wales v Russia.

Not an exaggeration to say that a 6-1 result would have been a much more accurate reflection of the game (the 6ft 5in Russian centre forward skyed one that should have been a tap in in the 89th minute).

Basically, Wales has a better than average Premier League side who completely believe in each other, an astute experienced manager with an absolute worldy in Gareth Bale in the side and Ramsey immense. If Wales stay in this competition much longer, the football commentariat will start putting Bale into the pantheon of the very best 5 players currently playing. It got to the point that Russian players were so demoralised, they just let Bale accelerate away from them and in the hope the last line or their keeper would save them- the Russian keeper made at least five outstanding saves.

Unlike England, you see passes being played without looking because the players know where each other will be.

Don't want to jinx them but what are the odds on Wales a) reaching the semis, and winning it?

Well If Greece can win it (including beating the home favourites twice then anything can happen). They also lost one of their group games too if memory serves correct (get the defeat in early to balance out stats).

I think Wales gave England far too much respect in the 2nd half of that particular game by going far too defensive protecting the lead (even a bit Bowyer-esque).

[Gav]

I wouldn't say that at all. I very much hope to be proven wrong but with Hodgson still not knowing his best side it's a worry that we are going to let ourselves down.

In a harder group is have been glad just to see a young side progress but we haven't won games that we should. Wales have shown us the way - with inferior players.

The fact we have performed well against poor sides against - but failed to beat - two of the poorer sides on the competition is a concern. We cannot keep changing the players around and hope to succeed.

This is so much better than 2yrs ago in Brazil, you have to put things into context, the world cup was embarrassing.

We got beat by Italy and Uruguay and couldn't even beat Costa Rica! awful performances in all 3 games and we went home with 1 point.

This is 100 times better, and progress is what every England fan should be looking for, not taking each game in isolation.

[BlueMonday]

I think England are still warming up TBH. Not all the pieces of the jigsaw have fallen into place yet.

I firmly believe we will get better as the tournament progresses, which is fine because tournament winners very rarely come out of the traps flying.

I think they need to develop some self belief and be ruthless in front of goal and thats probably down to Roy not being the Inspirational leader type.

The bottom line is, you will need to beat the best to lift the trophy, so we need to get on with it.

[joey_big_nose]

I wouldn't say that at all. I very much hope to be proven wrong but with Hodgson still not knowing his best side it's a worry that we are going to let ourselves down.

I agree with most of your post but I do think Woy knows his best team now. It is

----------------Hart

Walker---Smalling---Cahill--Rose

-----------------------Dier

------------------Alli----Rooney

--------Lallana--------------Sturridge

---------------------Vardy

I would bet my house on starting with that team next game (barring injuries).

One issue is left wing, Sterling on form would be ideal but with him out of sorts we are trying to shoehorn Sturridge in there and he just comes inside all the time. Its a real problem.

Another issue is what to do when the oppo defends on their six yard box as Russia, Wales and Slovakia have all done. They sit there and wait for us to pick our way through, or charge down long shots. If Caroll or Crouch or whoever was on they would be forced to move up or be punished.

[jim mk2]

Lallana has been England's best player for me - rarely gives the ball away and has so much skill he's more like a continental player. I notice he seems to be first pick by Hodgson in every match now.

Wilshere shouldn't be in the team or even in the squad - he's done nothing to merit selection. And what's Barkley, one of the best players in the squad, done wrong ?

[RibbleValleyRover]

Northern Ireland could pose Germany some real problems today. Germany seem to be experiencing a similar problem to England i.e. putting the ball in the net. Gotze has been awful up front on his own, Gomez isn't that great either but at least he can hold the ball up and link play. Wonder if Schweinsteiger might start today.

[joey_big_nose]

I've been scathing of the England team for many years now, mainly because of the John Terry era where they cared more about themselves and money than the national side, hated them, and it meant I couldn't watch the national side with anything but disdain.

But over the past 12 months I've started to take an interest again, this group seem genuinely interested in playing for the national side and thats refreshing for me,

I've seen many many England teams in tournaments over the years, both live and on TV and this is one of the best. The performances have been excellent, we should have topped the group with 9 points and I never thought I'd be saying that after the group stages.

This side has improved so much since the Holland defeat at Wembley, its good to see, but is still struggling to 'pick that lock' and thats my only worry so far.

What I would say is the site suffers from posters being unable to back down, change views and opinions, I'm not putting this at your doorstep necessarily Stuart, but you had a real downer on the national side before the tournament, as did I, maybe thats your position and you're sticking to it, I think we're playing really well and could go all the way with a bit of luck.

Defense hasn't really been tested yet, and no manager in the world can allow for wastefulness in front of goal as its across the entire front line, not just one player.

I agree with all of that. Looking at the team player for player it all seems international class except maybe at centreback. Dier looks fantastic, as do Alli and Rooney in midfield. Full backs are very aggressive. And all the strikers score goals (just not at the minute for some reason...). It is an exciting squad who will push on. But if you can't finish for whatever reason you will eventually get beat.

[K-Hod]

Northern Ireland could pose Germany some real problems today, Germany seem to be experiencing a similar problem to England i.e. putting the ball in the net. Gotze has been awful up front on his own, Gomez isn't that great either but at least he can hold the ball up and link play. Wonder if Schweinsteiger might start today.

I thought they might stick Muller up top, he's a gangly nuisance but he always pops up with important goals. (Top scorer at last WC).

[RibbleValleyRover]

I thought they might stick Muller up top, he's a gangly nuisance but he always pops up with important goals. (Top scorer at last WC).

Yeah it could be an option. Saw a surprising stat for Muller which I believe is true in that he has never scored for Germany in a European Championship. Which is surprising considering he seems to bang in the goals for fun for Germany in qualifiers, world cups and friendlies.

[Audax]

In short, the Quarterfinals would be England vs. Italy if both win in the round of 16.

Going back to the knockout rounds, http://uk.soccerway.com/international/europe/european-championships/2016-france/s7576/final-stages/

Next Monday's games, look at it, England is in Match 8 Match 8 winner plays the Match 7 winner. (The Quarterfinal)

Match 7 is Italy vs. D2 (Croatia most likely or possibly Spain or Czech Republic)

From there, I can start to see what could be the semi-finals.

Although this is not ideal and straight-up, one can see Italy or Croatia as better teams, those would be the two giants in the way of the semi-final. Once a team is in the semi-finals, one faces the best obviously.

England lost to Italy at the 2012 Euro; the 2014 World Cup. While I respect Italy, there really should be a way to beat them.

---------------------------

And the winner of Wales vs their opponent would be on track to play the winner of Switzerland's first match. Well, that would be much easier actually.

[oldjamfan1]

Question for people:

Kyle Walker and Eric Dier have been the (only) standout players for England do far this tournament IMHO. Who would be folks' third and fourth choices?

Both of these players have been excellent, but Wayne Rooney has been a revelation in midfield and I was one of the people criticising Hodgson when I first heard he was playing him there. I also think Rose and Lallana have been decent too.

[Kamy100]

Going back to the knockout rounds, http://uk.soccerway.com/international/europe/european-championships/2016-france/s7576/final-stages/

Next Monday's games, look at it, England is in Match 8 Match 8 winner plays the Match 7 winner. (The Quarterfinal)

Match 7 is Italy vs. D2 (Croatia most likely or possibly Spain or Czech Republic)

From there, I can start to see what could be the semi-finals.

Although this is not ideal and straight-up, one can see Italy or Croatia as better teams, those would be the two giants in the way of the semi-final. Once a team is in the semi-finals, one faces the best obviously.

England lost to Italy at the 2012 Euro; the 2014 World Cup. While I respect Italy, there really should be a way to beat them.

This is incorrect. If we qualified for Quarter Finals then we would not play the winner of Match 7.

According to UEFA website England would face the winner of the match at Lyon (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2016/matches/index.html#md/4) which is France v 3rd Place C/D/E

All hypothetical at present as we have to win our last 16 match which won't be easy whoever we play.

[47er]

Very disappointed. Still, what would any Rovers supporter expect of Woy? Couldn't cut it at the top of English club football and can't cut it at a higher level either.

Enjoyed the first game so much and assumed Woy had learned something for once. Had his best team out for the second half against Wales. Anyone with half a brain would have kept the momentum going by keeping them together.

But no. Too simple for Hodgson. Had to give a few players a game including Wilshire who's played 1 full game in 2 years or some such ridiculous stat. And, boy does he look slow and out of touch. Good understanding developing between our 2 full-backs so drop both of them!

Don't pick your strongest side and finish top, let's have a little tinker. And a week to the next game to get over the "tiredness" as well!

Suits the FA image does Roy, better to fail than employ a chap who's not really one of us.

Big Sam for England!

[oldjamfan1]

The most likely scenario (if we win our second round match) is France in the quarters then Germany in the semis.

[Audax]

This is incorrect. If we qualified for Quarter Finals then we would not play the winner of Match 7.

According to UEFA website England would face the winner of the match at Lyon (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2016/matches/index.html#md/4) which is France v 3rd Place C/D/E

All hypothetical at present as we have to win our last 16 match which won't be easy whoever we play.

Okay, this article explains that. That other website seems to be off or I don't read it correctly.

http://asia.eurosport.com/football/euro-2016/2016/what-s-england-s-path-to-euro-2016-final-and-what-about-wales-france-spain-germany-and-italy_sto5657033/story.shtml

[Hasta]

Gav, you are definitely watching a different England team. In your tournament the points are for percentage possession and number of players used.

Question for people:

Kyle Walker and Eric Dier have been the (only) standout players for England do far this tournament IMHO. Who would be folks' third and fourth choices?

I'd agree with Jim and put Lallana in the top 3. If he could finish he could and should have had 2 goals to his name. However forgetting those misses, he has been a co start threat looking to get beyond the front men into the inside channels in all games. He's been intelligent on the ball and has been the best of the attacking players IMO. Rose would be up there as well.

Sturridge has done ok although I wish he'd stop shooting from anywhere within 30 yards and, aside from the silly chest back, the centre halves have had little to do so can't be criticised. In fact, its funny that our supposedly dodgy defence has been shielded expertly by the ment in front of them allowing us to dictate possession and yet people are saying that we've been poor.

[Gav]

Very disappointed. Still, what would any Rovers supporter expect of Woy? Couldn't cut it at the top of English club football and can't cut it at a higher level either.

Enjoyed the first game so much and assumed Woy had learned something for once. Had his best team out for the second half against Wales. Anyone with half a brain would have kept the momentum going by keeping them together.

But no. Too simple for Hodgson. Had to give a few players a game including Wilshire who's played 1 full game in 2 years or some such ridiculous stat. And, boy does he look slow and out of touch. Good understanding developing between our 2 full-backs so drop both of them!

Don't pick your strongest side and finish top, let's have a little tinker. And a week to the next game to get over the "tiredness" as well!

Suits the FA image does Roy, better to fail than employ a chap who's not really one of us.

Big Sam for England!

So Roy can't cut it at the top of English football but Allardyce can Utter Bunkum.

Roy Hodgson has a managerial record Allardyce could only dream of, but we digress, which I'm sure was your intention

[Husky]

God Save The Queeeeeeennnnn!

I ran through to the lounge - I thought I was missing something

[BlueMonday]

He smells his own balls, he smells his own balls

Joachim Löw is German

And he smells his own balls.

[LewisF]

God Save The Queeeeeeennnnn!

I ran through to the lounge - I thought I was missing something

Germany's national anthem is a good un in my opinion

[Husky]

This is probably the most one-sided Finals game I've ever seen.

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

What a brave performance from Northern Ireland...fantastic vocal support behind them too.