Euro 2020

[Ian]

So this is it guys. The time has come. Can England bring it home? What are your thoughts and predictions for the match? I think it's going to be a free flowing game with plenty of goals. I'm going for a storming 2-2, England win on pens

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

So this is it guys. The time has come. Can England bring it home? What are your thoughts and predictions for the match? I think it's going to be a free flowing game with plenty of goals. I'm going for a storming 2-2, England win on pens

Too close to call, but I think England are slight favourites because of home advantage and the goals of Kane and Sterling.

I just hope the players don't freeze and are able to express themselves, which they should do given their performances to date.

 

[bigmart]

I can see it going to extra time, think we then win it 2 1

 

[bigmart]

Looks like Trippier for Saka in a back 5, let's hope 1 last time this tournament Southgate has got it right

 

[Keith Hill (Bolton)]

I can see Italy winning 1-0in normal time.
They are very good at game management, and if they score first, they will be difficult to break down.
At no point in the game should we defend so deep that we don't have an out ball.
Don't pass back to the keeper and don't play silly balls at the back.
The last thing is don't get sucked into giving needless fouls away.


If we are going to win we need to get bodies in the box and get the crosses in.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Looks like Trippier for Saka in a back 5, let's hope 1 last time this tournament Southgate has got it right

He is probably right to be more cautious and start with a back five, as in the Germany game.

 

[bigmart]

Trying take mind off game watching golf, Commentator going on about Matthew Fitzpatrick missing out on going the match....

 

[bigmart]

Come on England.

 

[bigmart]

Not in it the second half, got turn it around before it's too late

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Scrappy goal but can’t complain. Needs some cool heads now.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Italy’s cynicism is beginning to grate.

 

[bigmart]

We look out on our feet

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Never seen England play for penalties before.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Feel for the guys who missed. Ironic that the two subs brought on late failed to do their job. If they had, we’d have won.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Feel for the guys who missed. Ironic that the two subs brought on late failed to do their job. If they had, we’d have won.

They should not have been asked to take them, it was daft. A number of senior players should have stepped up for the penalties.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

They should not have been asked to take them, it was daft. A number of senior players should have stepped up for the penalties.

It was perhaps Southgate’s one big mistake. Kane and Maguire, who’d played 120+ minutes, both scored with ease. Rashford, Sancho and Saka hit poor penalties. Had it worked, it would have been a master stroke, but I don’t think he’ll do that again.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

It was perhaps Southgate’s one big mistake. Kane and Maguire, who’d played 120+ minutes, both scored with ease. Rashford, Sancho and Saka hit poor penalties. Had it worked, it would have been a master stroke, but I don’t think he’ll do that again.

Yes, I agree.

I think in general we just sat too deep too early in the second half and turned possession over too quickly.

 

[Ian]

Bloody penalties again! ..

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Bloody penalties again! ..

The most disappointed I have felt after an England defeat. Really thought it was our time. Gutted.

However, we have made progress.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Italy were very good - horribly cynical but good. However, I think England’s luck ran dry. Italy’s scrappy equaliser which Pickford nearly saved. Jorginho was lucky to escape being sent off for the foul on Grealish. Even the penalties. The post saved Italy twice.

I hope I’m not being too negative. Actually, I think if this team can get over it soon, we’ll do well in Qatar.