I see a lot of people getting down on the England team, making out like our players were just no match for the Croatian players, and I have to disagree. We dominated the first half and had a great chance to go 2-0 up with Harry Kane. If he scores, then we probably win the game.
In the second half Croatia changed tactics and began to take control of the game. We then didn’t respond to that and change tactics ourselves. Had we taken of dele Alli for a defensive midfield player, we would probably have dealt with Croatia much better.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that we shouldn’t act like England got completely annihilated by a vastly superior team. We could and should have won the game in the first half and I think with better tactics in the second half we would have matched Croatia. There’s no need to feel like we hit some kind of wall. We could have won that game for sure. I do think our team is at least as good as Croatia’s team. Yes, perhaps Modric and Rakitic vs Henderson is a mismatch, but Modric and Rakitic vs Henderson and Dier and we have a chance. Similarly, would you not say Kane and Rashford vs Lovren and Vida is also a mismatch?
England could have beaten Croatia
posted on 12/7/18
People are bound to remember the star player's miss more though. Barely anyone remembers Anderton hitting the post st Euro 96 thanks to Gazza's agonising miss.
posted on 12/7/18
Well the Kane chance was better but Lingard should have done better as well.
It think it’s nerves plus lack of experience. I noticed we kept messing up vital passes in the final third. I think that’s all due to the players being too anxious.
posted on 12/7/18
I thought Lingard's big game temperament would be a bonus for us. Turns out it was only useful against the might of Panama.
posted on 12/7/18
comment by England are going to win the World Cup (U1608)
posted 23 minutes ago
I thought Lingard's big game temperament would be a bonus for us. Turns out it was only useful against the might of Panama.
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I was unaware of this phenomenon....I'll ensure I look for this next time I watch him
posted on 12/7/18
England are woefully weak in midfield, Alli & Lingard are clearly not up to standard and we need someone to take control in midfield, Henderson isn't good enough for that.
Wilshire at the top of his game could have been our man in midfield (leaving Henderson to play a supporting role) but had such an awful season and is far too much of a risk injury-wise.
GS did a grand job considering the limited pool of talent available.
posted on 12/7/18
comment by puffinthebushkangaroo (U1950)
posted 8 minutes ago
England are woefully weak in midfield, Alli & Lingard are clearly not up to standard and we need someone to take control in midfield, Henderson isn't good enough for that.
Wilshire at the top of his game could have been our man in midfield (leaving Henderson to play a supporting role) but had such an awful season and is far too much of a risk injury-wise.
GS did a grand job considering the limited pool of talent available.
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When we had class in midfield we couldnt use it effectively...Gerrard lamps Scholes etc
posted on 12/7/18
Problem has always been the same. It's not the individual quality of the players, but the lack of balance.
posted on 12/7/18
comment by Erik (U21750)
posted 2 hours, 20 minutes ago
comment by Baz tard (U19119)
posted 9 minutes ago
Croatia let the ball do the work, we chased a lot, hence tired.
Was a proud World Cup from England, did very well, o Shane going out to a better team. Agree with wahl that this is a team on the up.
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Nah, the Croatian players were running around a lot. And I don’t think the Croatian players were better, I just think the tactics were better.
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They were definately better. Tactically I though we were better to start, but they grew into the game and eventually dominated it.
posted on 12/7/18
The title of your article should read.........
England Should have beaten Croatia.
posted on 12/7/18
comment by Baz tard (U19119)
posted 2 hours, 12 minutes ago
comment by Erik (U21750)
posted 2 hours, 20 minutes ago
comment by Baz tard (U19119)
posted 9 minutes ago
Croatia let the ball do the work, we chased a lot, hence tired.
Was a proud World Cup from England, did very well, o Shane going out to a better team. Agree with wahl that this is a team on the up.
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Nah, the Croatian players were running around a lot. And I don’t think the Croatian players were better, I just think the tactics were better.
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They were definately better. Tactically I though we were better to start, but they grew into the game and eventually dominated it.
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Have to disagree. They are not a better team than England. Tactically they outmanoeuvred us, but a different manager for England would have a solution for their change of tactics in the second half.