Spain v Albania

[Omegstrat6]

Judging from another thread, a few watched the Italy/ Croatia game but did any one else chose the Spain/ Albania one instead? Spain, I think will be nailed on finalists unless something drastic happens. Their passing accuracy, comfort on the ball and width when pressing certainly put England to shame.

As for last night's game, Spain dominated the first half but Albania were like a different team in the second and played with fight and spirit, they broke down many of Spain's attacks and created plenty of opportunities themselves which made for an entertaining game in the second 45. Unfortunately, they let themselves down in the final third but if they keep improving like they have done I can see them being regulars in international competitions.

Despite the above and narrow scoreline, somehow I always felt that Spain were in control and they have quality in the options they can bring on. England have a way to go to start beginning to match them. Let's hope that turn around begins tonight!

[regis80]

Judging from another thread, a few watched the Italy/ Croatia game but did any one else chose the Spain/ Albania one instead? Spain, I think will be nailed on finalists unless something drastic happens. Their passing accuracy, comfort on the ball and width when pressing certainly put England to shame.

As for last night's game, Spain dominated the first half but Albania were like a different team in the second and played with fight and spirit, they broke down many of Spain's attacks and created plenty of opportunities themselves which made for an entertaining game in the second 45. Unfortunately, they let themselves down in the final third but if they keep improving like they have done I can see them being regulars in international competitions.

Despite the above and narrow scoreline, somehow I always felt that Spain were in control and they have quality in the options they can bring on. England have a way to go to start beginning to match them. Let's hope that turn around begins tonight!

Totally agree with everything you’ve said above. The problem with us is Southgate and the early tournament damage he keeps doing to impact player’s confidence. In my view, and you could argue he holds the players back by not letting them express themselves in the early stages of a tournament as if he’s trying to hide the talent threats we can pose to teams. This affects players and their need to gel with each other on the pitch and build that composure we need before we play some of the big teams. The other thing is, the teams that could potentially play us capitalise on this and get confidence over us. We should be more threatening going forward to send a clear message to other teams. Just my view.

[mickd1961]

The thing about the Spanish that doesn’t get much mention is the ability of many of their player, especially those in midfield is the gift of being able to receive the ball on the half turn.

I remember Souness berating Declan Rice 18 months ago for his inability to do this.

If you look at him and a few of our other players they receive the ball with their back to the opponent and then start thinking about what they’re going to do next, this usually ends with the ball going backwards or square.

I’ve watched a fair bit of Mainoo in recent weeks, he’s really good in tight spaces and able to accept the ball on the half turn.

Until we make this skill a fundamental part of our coaching in the U.K. we will continue to fail at top level internationally.

We’ve improved technically in our first touch in the past 20 years, we now need to add this to aid game management.

[DaveP67 is back!]

Judging from another thread, a few watched the Italy/ Croatia game but did any one else chose the Spain/ Albania one instead? Spain, I think will be nailed on finalists unless something drastic happens. Their passing accuracy, comfort on the ball and width when pressing certainly put England to shame.

As for last night's game, Spain dominated the first half but Albania were like a different team in the second and played with fight and spirit, they broke down many of Spain's attacks and created plenty of opportunities themselves which made for an entertaining game in the second 45. Unfortunately, they let themselves down in the final third but if they keep improving like they have done I can see them being regulars in international competitions.

Despite the above and narrow scoreline, somehow I always felt that Spain were in control and they have quality in the options they can bring on. England have a way to go to start beginning to match them. Let's hope that turn around begins tonight!

I was at the game Omeg, sat in the Albanian end, wow they know how to make a noise! They have some talent as you say had a great spirit, just that final ball and a bit of luck let them dow , their fans are mad tho, at one point I thought their giant flag was going get set light by the dozen flares lit under it, let’s hope England can do something with that spirit and passion tonight.