Third Placed Play-Off: Belgium v England, 14th July, 3pm(GMT)

[Abertawe]

Sterling isn't the issue, it's the midfield area. Rashford when coming in for Sterling, in what should be his preferred position has done little.

The back three is more or less a back four seeing as Gareth sees wisdom in playing one of Dier or Henderson in a DM role. Nearly everyone else when playing a back three will have their best ball playing CB step up a little and become the DM. If you do that it frees up what should be a creative player to operate in midfield. Instead Sterling is having to drop and serve as that creative influence.

I don't know if Southgate is just extremely cautious or plain dumb with this using a DM even though you've already got three at the back lark. England have had fewer on shots on target than Japan and have created the least chances from open play except for Iran. I really do think this easy side of the draw has been a massive negative for England. It's glossed over some glaring issues regarding the managements tactical nous. You cannot win playing like this.

 

[Leo]

What a chance missed that is for Kane.

I think because it was a hard hit shot mate and not a cross.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Doesn't get much closer than that.

 

[Leo]

good wee build up and Dierrrrrrr's.............dink just wasn't strong enough....nae luck!

 

[Luke_1884]

Good performance against a strong Belgium side. Again we’re letting ourselves down in front of goal, missed a bucket load.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Creating plenty of those mythical chances from open play this half. Don't seem able to stick em away, doesnt help perhaps that two have fallen to Dier.

 

[Leo]

a fucking great move from Belgium resulting in a great save from Pickford....

 

[Abertawe]

Belgium aren't great in second halfs.

 

[Leo]

2-0 Belgium....wee Hazard.

 

[Luke_1884]

Sucker punched on the counter. That’s the difference in quality tho... one chance one goal. We’ve missed several.

 

[Reaper]

Phil Jones is just a waste of oxygen, worst centre back ever to have wear an England shirt by a long way.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

That's what happens if you don't take chances. One let off thanks to Pickford, but next counter it's finished off.

 

[Predator373]

We’ve actually played well second half tbh we just can’t score and got done on counter. Kane looks awful though since Colombia game. Hazard is pure filth what a player!

 

[Super_horns]

Jones undone by Hazard again .

Gave it more of a go 2nd half at least but generally outclassed .

 

[Nilsson]

Decent game, albeit had the feel of a Community Shield tie. Played well in the 2nd half but couldn't put it in the onion bag.

It would've been interesting if Meunier was available for Belgium against France. He's been one of their best players and gives them a better balance. Him missing out caused Martinez to make too many change against the French.

I guess this result means we're the 4th best side in the whole world. I'll take that.

 

[Carver]

Aw such a shame we lost, oh well never mind it has been a great tournament, but it just wasn't enough to win the world cup.

We will win the next one no problem because we are so great at attacking and scoring from open play and Gareth Southgate is a tactical genius with a plan B who has the balls to change things when they start to go bad.

Yes we are as good as the big boys now.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Hazard v Jones is certainly one heck of a mis-match!

Some of the nicest stuff we've played all tournament in open play came in that game, against probably the best opposition. Probably an element of them letting us play in order to instigate counters mind. So slick and classy on the break.

 

[SALTIRE]

Yes we are as good as the big boys now.

Really? Played three good sides (one twice) and got beaten on all three occasions. Work still to be done me thinks.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Really? Played three good sides (one twice) and got beaten on all three occasions. Work still to be done me thinks.

Wooooosh

 

[Carver]

Really? Played three good sides (one twice) and got beaten on all three occasions. Work still to be done me thinks.

ffs pal.

You need a sarcasm detector. lol

 

[Leo]

Really? Played three good sides (one twice) and got beaten on all three occasions. Work still to be done me thinks.

Salty, I think you'll find if you dig deep enough that there was a hint of sarcasm in Carver's post (I think).....

 

[Carver]

Hazard v Jones is certainly one heck of a mis-match!

Some of the nicest stuff we've played all tournament in open play came in that game, against probably the best opposition. Probably an element of them letting us play in order to instigate counters mind. So slick and classy on the break.

When Hazard did Jones I bet Jones was pulling that stupid face he pulls where his mouth is open wide.

 

[Leo]

Really? Played three good sides (one twice) and got beaten on all three occasions. Work still to be done me thinks.

Wooooosh

ffs pal.

You need a sarcasm detector. lol

Salty, I think you'll find if you dig deep enough that there was a hint of sarcasm in Carver's post (I think).....

Salty....SALTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY ?

 

[Carver]

Are you ok mate?

 

[Bilo]

Tbf England has all the signs of a typical small nation that fluked its way to the semis. Lost to all good sides, got lucky with the draw and turned out to be the easiest match en route to the final for Croatia.

I think winning this one really would've helped change that view.

 

[Nilsson]

Tbf England has all the signs of a typical small nation that fluked its way to the semis. Lost to all good sides, got lucky with the draw and turned out to be the easiest match en route to the final for Croatia.

I think winning this one really would've helped change that view.

The way you were bigging Sweden up prior to England beat them and now they're not even a good side

 

[Benji]

I feel like Belgium are very close to being excellent, but something is just holding them back to being in that second tier of international sides.

 

[Bilo]

The way you were bigging Sweden up prior to England beat them and now they're not even a good side

Yes mate I was being real cocky.

Mate we got the mighty Toivonen, benched for Tolouse, and Al-Ain STAR STRIKER Marcus Berg up front.

Just saying that we've got our own guns is all.

 

[Gassy]

I like how Colombia are now considered shit because we beat them. Yet before they were considered a top team who we’d also lose against.

I agree with the rest, just arguing the point of Colombia

On another note, 2-0 probably looks more comfortable than it was. But from open play we aren’t great. Jones is an utter waste of space and shouldn’t be anywhere near this squad

 

[Bilo]

I like how Colombia are now considered shit because we beat them. Yet before they were considered a top team who we’d also lose against.

I agree with the rest, just arguing the point of Colombia

On another note, 2-0 probably looks more comfortable than it was. But from open play we aren’t great. Jones is an utter waste of space and shouldn’t be anywhere near this squad

I'd agree with you that Colombia is the outlier (furthermore, you didn't want to beat Belgium the first time around). But at the end of the day, they have one genuine world class player and he couldn't play. So while beating them absolutely is an achievement (as is beating us, imo), it doesn't really cover up the fact that you made it further than your performances will usually get you in a world cup.