(02-07-2018, 19:00)St Charles Owl Wrote: Dev, if we had beaten Belgium and therefore about to play Japan, all everyone would be talking about was how the result didn't matter because it was only against their reserves anyway, so thats no different. Also the mdedia and fans would now be talking about our exit in the quarter finals to a Brazilian team who would beat us, again forgetting about the small matter of beating Japan first. One positive of the Colombian tie is that few of us are under any illusion that it won't be a tough game, one we could lose easily if we do not show up and they do. There will be no complacency tomorrow, we know we have a tough game on our hands and that in itself will focus the team. Us fans can play fantasy football and look beyond this game, but the team cannot.
Precisely, but your last line is EXACTLY what England did do. They looked ahead, beyond Belgium all the way to the Quarters.
My OPINION is that Japan's high-octane style would have suited us down to the ground, much more than it did the Belgians, who in truth, had they played in a different style, would have won easily too. The very-South-American Colombians are a very different challenge is all I'll say, but it's one we're not used to.
In terms of individuals there aren't many of the Colombians who would seriously challenge for a place in the England team. I'd choose Ospina's experience over Pickford, but Pope's ability might lead me to plump for him! The two Colombians centre backs would certainly make our squad and I'd love the option of Rodriguez in midfield and Falcao on our bench ......... but they wouldn't have many starters in the Colenglian team.
Even if we win 6-0 you'll have a lot of trouble convincing me changing 8 players in a team is a good idea. Look how many Premiership teams can't beat teams from two or three divisions lower when they field the out-of-favour members of the squad who have spent months in training with the usual eleven. You learn nada from the experience.