[Blue Baggie]

Well it QF day for us.
All I ask is we try and try hard.
Schoolboy basics is required pass and move. Give the holding player an option to pass it FORWARD. or run at the opposite side. If we can't do that, resort to the Wimbledon system boot it over the top and chase it.
Obviously all this requires players to run.

[talkSAFT]

I enjoyed watching Ronaldo's tears last night. 

(Pity, though, his tears weren't an apology to his team-mates, but self-sympathy. I bet Messi was laughing his head off.  )

That (above) was re Tuesday's match.
Didn't see Ronaldo weeping last night, but that was because his penalty went in. He puts his own performance above his country's (although he was anonymous last night).
About time he retired, 'cos I think he pays 1/2 his Saudi salary to the Portugal Coach to pick him.

(Can you tell I don't like the egotist? )

[drewks]

Well, we (England) did it!!
At last, a performance that did the players some justice.
Look, Mr Southgate, at what a bit of INTENT, a bit more SPEED on passing the ball, a bit more ENERGY on and off the ball, can do.
We even looked like we could defend too - trying to actually get the ball from the other team!
Let's hope that's not the end of the improvement

[Stairs]

I applaud their steel but pray that, even if we go on to win this, that Southgate steps down and is replaced with a more attack (and entertainment) minded manager.

[Blue Baggie]

Well we're through to the semi's
Southgate has been very lucky IMO.
But In Football you make your own luck. Could we ask Gareth to get some basics right. Pass and move, give the holding player an option to pass forward. Our movement is shocking. Kane should never come into our half, let the midfield do that.
Why can't we run about even if players are marked they can drag players out of position and create spaces for others.
Imagine we played a little better then we have been we could win this.

[Salopbaggie]

Well we're through to the semi's
Southgate has been very lucky IMO.
But In Football you make your own luck. Could we ask Gareth to get some basics right. Pass and move, give the holding player an option to pass forward. Our movement is shocking. Kane should never come into our half, let the midfield do that.
Why can't we run about even if players are marked they can drag players out of position and create spaces for others.
Imagine we played a little better then we have been we could win this.

I know and fully get what you are saying, watching paint dry is far more entertaining than this side to side we have seen so much of, both nationally and at the shrine at times. However, prior to Southgate's time 4 major tournaments 1 quarter final, Southgate's last 4 major tournaments, 4 quarter finals I guess it comes down to, do we want entertaining or do we want effective, it would be wonderful if we could have both and in all honesty I think there is enough talent in the England squad to have both and I would love to see Southgate let some of our creative players off the lead, but as long as what he is doing is effective its hard to criticise to much.

[talkSAFT]

Fair enough, Salop, but I do think we could be going through more easily, and we've only shown any thrust when we go a goal down and look like losing - and we can't hope it's going to be the same against Holland.
I'd play Kane as a centre-forward (!) and Foden or Bellingham further up to give our wingbacks something to aim at. We're very good at finishing, but hardly create anything at all. Grealish would have opened defences up, so why leave him at home?
I've yet to hear a pundit agree with our possession tactics, so I don't think I'm that naive and out of touch.

[4evaabaggie]

I agree with you both, it is boring but it is effective. To be honest, I think it just mirrors the continental tactics that have become common place in the greed league, don’t lose at all costs, play backwards, sideways, backwards, sideways, involve the keeper, pass sideways, pass forward, pass backwards, pass sideways. Bore the opposition to death until you pull them a little out of shape and then maybe get a runner. It gives teams time to get back and reorganise, shut down gaps and force you to go backwards and sideways again. That has been the story of our campaign so far.

Question? Do you want entertaining or do you want trophies/success.

Me …. I want both. I want the Albion of old, entertain and win.

It appears the modern game does not allow you to have both. Internationally or domestically.

Come on England!

[talkSAFT]

Pretty average last night. I rate Bellingham, but I just think he's been misused in Euros. Mind you, so has Kane. And Saka's lack of a right foot didn't work against Cucaburro (!)
Who's next in line for the Manager job? Southgate's done well, but only because we've got better players than we had when he took over.

[talkSAFT]

........Southgate has now RESIGNED!!

(but WHO's next???)