England v Croatia positive vibes thread

[Nardendee]

If Kane takes that gift in the 1st half it’s game over right there 2-0. They were on the ropes. Second half different story. It was nailed on they were going to equalise. There was no one to hold the ball up front.

We had no one in midfield to hold the ball. When we attacked we quickly lost possession and they controlled the middle.

We looked cream crackered after 60 minutes and following Sterling getting subbed they had no width whatsoever.

We had one real chance in extra time at 1-1 when they cleared it off the line but after that there was a certain inevitability about the result and so it proved.

Yes we did well to get to the semis but when the players look back on this night they will feel that they have missed a great opportunity. Croatia were not a good side and it should have been 3-0 at half time and, unfortunately when Kane had the opportunity to elevate himself into the hero’s category, he didn’t bring his shooting boots, and unfortunately him and a good number of players looked as though the tournament had caught up with them.

Like someone said earlier I think France will win at a canter.

Well done England for getting so far but this really was a missed opportunity for immortality along with the boys of 66 who I had the privilege to watch them win the World Cup all those years ago.

Cudda wudda shudda and if only’s.
That is how very thin the line is between good and great.

Best since 1990 though and far better than nearly everyone thought at the start of the tournament.

[rolymiller]

Still say that our downfall is down to us not playing anybody decent until now. The croatians were the only reasonably decent side we have played competitively for years. Its like Rotherham thrashing a set of pub teams in their pre season friendlies this season and then thinking they can do the same in the championship.

The only consolation is that if we had got to the final we would have had heartbreak because there is no way we would have beaten France and nor will Croatia. They are a class above everyone in the tournament this year. its been an entertaining world cup but class wise it has been poor. The so called big stars of the world have been piss poor and well past their sell by date.

[Grist_To_The_Mill]

Another positive note, as ambassadors for England the squad did well.

None of that “dentist’s chair” crap and embarrassing WAGs stories.

Well done boys, fly the flag with pride

[CAMiller]

Positive note for me, game ends and straight off the TV and back to Judge Judy et al. Don't have to endure the endless analysis and wailing. Won't see or hear anything about it until I watch the losers game on Saturday if I can be bothered to get up at 6am

[Grist_To_The_Mill]

Another good point is that England going this far has stopped the BBC swamping us with Wimbledon tennis.

[ragingpup]

Still say that our downfall is down to us not playing anybody decent until now. The croatians were the only reasonably decent side we have played competitively for years. Its like Rotherham thrashing a set of pub teams in their pre season friendlies this season and then thinking they can do the same in the championship.

The only consolation is that if we had got to the final we would have had heartbreak because there is no way we would have beaten France and nor will Croatia. They are a class above everyone in the tournament this year. its been an entertaining world cup but class wise it has been poor. The so called big stars of the world have been piss poor and well past their sell by date.

Bit harsh Roly. I don't think Sweden were anymore pushovers than the other 16 teams in the later stages. We had raw ability to set ourselves into a fantastic position to put it to bed but lacked the class and cutting edge to do so, and in the end their class players with that extra experience made the difference.

Proud that we fit this far but more importantly we have started to play in the right way that we can now build on, passing through the team and pressing up top. Promising signs of we build on it, no reason why we can't compete with the best. But we need to build up the experience and keep that team focus, not superstar individuals.

Well done England. Something to build on.

[rolymiller]

Agree we will benefit from this set back and should get better Pup. Not so sure about Sweden. Ok sweden better than a "pub team" but have always been also rans ln my opinion. I still think us beeing seeded as a top team doesnt help our cause.

[sawmiller]

Did Sweden not beat Italy to get to Russia? If so, no pushovers whatsoever

[rolymiller]

Fair enough about Sweden gents but what Im trying to say is we need to test ourselves against several good teams as regularly as we can in my opinion. We need to learn to cope when under the cosh. Its summat the millers need to learn to do next season if we are to do better. At least we will have 46 games to try to learn how to do it against tough opposition.

[sawmiller]

roly - fair point fella - we need to keep testing our squad, but not to throw them in the deep end too much, otherwise that can demoralise young players. Next Euros will be a test as well