The group of death

No revision here as I said Italy right from the start and, given I'm the only person in my company who said it, actually will benefit from a fair amount if they win. Them or England and I'm happy.

Interesting the different styles that have been successful though. Italy have a team vibe but seem capable all over the pitch, albeit vulnerable which is not Italy's style of old. Czechs and Swiss have impressed with their positivity in knock out stages but probably don't have enough to sustain a run through the tourney. Belgium of course look good and have quality throughout their team so I think should be seen as favourites alongside Italy.

I was moaning about our first half performance and we rode our luck second half. So frustrating to see the difference when we attack quickly and with genuine purpose. Southgate is still too fail safe for me but....he has beaten the Germans in tournament football so maybe he knows what he is doing....?

comment by TENƎꓕ (U17162)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 43 seconds ago
I’ve had a feeling about Italy since just before the first game kicked off. Sticking with that. But England really should be favourites for the final now in the other half of the draw.

From the Group of Death, Portugal should be the biggest disappointment really, given that they are a better side on paper than the team that won it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Of course you have, Robb.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Funnily enough, it was on Robb’s prediction thread that I picked Italy, if you’re interested enough to find it.

Let’s not talk about the other predictions I made on there…

Belgium of course look good and have quality throughout their team so I think should be seen as favourites alongside Italy.
————

Massive QF game between those two. Winner goes all the way for me and I’m still saying Italy…

comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 1 hour, 13 minutes ago
Without wanting to sound like a pundit, our fixtures and run in means we, in theory, have had easier games.

That could be telling come a final after a very long 28 months of constant football.

I think Italy play the most attractive football, but you can get in behind their defence. I actually think that would suit us more than Belgium
----------------------------------------------------------------------

So far we’ve had the 2018 World Cup finalists, 2014 World Cup winners, 1996 euro finalists and admittedly little Scotland.

Italy, whom everyone is very impressed with have played an awful Turkey side, a very average Welsh side, a decent Swiss side and a decent Austria side - they’ve had a right touch so far and it’s been much easier than England’s route

I reckon Denmark are destined to win it.

It's coming home

comment by Striketeam7 - #GiveittoSandy (U18109)
posted 7 hours, 23 minutes ago
comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 1 hour, 13 minutes ago
Without wanting to sound like a pundit, our fixtures and run in means we, in theory, have had easier games.

That could be telling come a final after a very long 28 months of constant football.

I think Italy play the most attractive football, but you can get in behind their defence. I actually think that would suit us more than Belgium
----------------------------------------------------------------------

So far we’ve had the 2018 World Cup finalists, 2014 World Cup winners, 1996 euro finalists and admittedly little Scotland.

Italy, whom everyone is very impressed with have played an awful Turkey side, a very average Welsh side, a decent Swiss side and a decent Austria side - they’ve had a right touch so far and it’s been much easier than England’s route
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2014 World Cup is barely relevent, but the 1996 Euros

comment by Kroenke_out (U21076)
posted 10 hours, 33 minutes ago
I reckon Denmark are destined to win it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

England will break the hearts of everyone’s new second team, just as with Cameroon in 1990.

comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 6 hours, 2 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - #GiveittoSandy (U18109)
posted 7 hours, 23 minutes ago
comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 1 hour, 13 minutes ago
Without wanting to sound like a pundit, our fixtures and run in means we, in theory, have had easier games.

That could be telling come a final after a very long 28 months of constant football.

I think Italy play the most attractive football, but you can get in behind their defence. I actually think that would suit us more than Belgium
----------------------------------------------------------------------

So far we’ve had the 2018 World Cup finalists, 2014 World Cup winners, 1996 euro finalists and admittedly little Scotland.

Italy, whom everyone is very impressed with have played an awful Turkey side, a very average Welsh side, a decent Swiss side and a decent Austria side - they’ve had a right touch so far and it’s been much easier than England’s route
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2014 World Cup is barely relevent, but the 1996 Euros
----------------------------------------------------------------------

England have played teams ranked 12 and 14 in the word currently, Italy have played 13 and 16

Aside from a comparatively favourable draw, surely the biggest thing in England's favour to date has been 4 games at Wembley ... that's been a HUGE advantage, whatever way you look at it.

Of all the teams in it, world number 1 ranked Belgium have probably had the toughest/unluckiest potential passage to the final, and have had to travel to Baku as well! To get holders Portugal in the last 16, long unbeaten Italy in the QF, possibly a resurgent Spain in the SF, then likely Eng at Wembley in the Final ... THAT would be winning it the hard way.

Italy have benefitted from games in Rome too. They've looked good, but that's been a big advantage.