I think he’s already done a good job. He’s built a team ethos and an identity and I think he’s getting the best out of a fairly limited group.

Beat Columbia and he has done well.

comment by The Lambeau Leap (U21050)
posted 10 minutes ago
I think he’s already done a good job. He’s built a team ethos and an identity and I think he’s getting the best out of a fairly limited group.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Playing devils advocate though, is there an identity yet really? There was only really half an hour against Tunisia playing in a particular way (who we still needed a last minute goal to beat) and then a game against league two standard at best opposition. I’m not sure anything has happened yet that wasn’t expected anyway?

It’s coming home Melton the gods have already decided.

The weakness is the wing backs, especially LWB where neither Young nor Rose can defend at all. Walker is clearly better at FB than CB. DM is not a creative position for England but that is down to Henderson as an individual and he has no competition for a place as Dier is awful beyond belief. England are making the most of some very average players sadly.

If we don't get to the final though, I'm not sure we are making the most out of them, I don't think the games so far are enough to judge.

This is kind of what I mean though, if we dampen expectations too much, then it can give a false narrative for how well Southgate is doing/has done. Quarter/semi finals in this World Cup is easier than some previous ones have been just to get out of the group.

Putin’s already made sure Russia will win it.

Anything less than a final would be a disappointment with how it's panned out.

In terms of how good a job Southgate will have done. I think minimum required is getting past Colombia to be able to say he's done well overall.

comment by England are going to win the World Cup (U1608)
posted 1 minute ago
Anything less than a final would be a disappointment with how it's panned out.

In terms of how good a job Southgate will have done. I think minimum required is getting past Colombia to be able to say he's done well overall.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think that's pretty fair.

So nervous about tomorrow. I feel if we can win we SHOULD be a shoe in for a semi final

The draw has been really lucky for England, and most of the big names falling by the wayside means there will never be a better chance to win it. There are better teams with more talented players left but seemingly in the other half of the draw. Not underestimating any of the teams left though, Japan proved tonight what motivation can do so the team has to act as one to get through each game.

Who would we get should we beat Columbia ?

comment by Tyler Durden (U21874)
posted 12 seconds ago
Who would we get should we beat Columbia ?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sweden or Switzerland

comment by England are going to win the World Cup (U1608)
posted 3 seconds ago
comment by Tyler Durden (U21874)
posted 12 seconds ago
Who would we get should we beat Columbia ?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sweden or Switzerland
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blimey. We could blag a semi final

And then Russia or Croatia in the semi

Crazy. Beat Columbia, Switzerland and Croatia and your in a world cup final.

We'll have definitely deserved that luck if that's how we do it.

And that's what I mean, it's an opportunity that won't come around again for a long time - to have that as your potential run to the final.

Just hope we get a good start tomorrow.

I just hope the chances don't fall to Sterling.

What would the 'Golden Generation' have done with such a potentially easy run to the final? Probably found a way to get knocked out in the group stages.

comment by bomdia (U13941)
posted 4 minutes ago
What would the 'Golden Generation' have done with such a potentially easy run to the final? Probably found a way to get knocked out in the group stages.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well the Golden Generation played Sweden twice at tournaments and couldn't beat them, so in this World Cup they'd likely just go out to Sweden on pens in the quarters. Probably do the same against Switzerland too to be honest.

I didn't rate Southgate, but then again I didn't rate Fergie in his first three years. I was wrong then and am probably wrong now. He's hardly put a foot wrong imo, so far. Fingers crossed for the future.

I'd say hopefully rather than probably manu, I don't think we know yet and that's part of the challenge with this World Cup in general - given the route, its hard to judge.

I'd judge Southgate on performances and how England responds to setbacks rather than results. So far the positivity and coherence of our football has been a pleasant surprise. If we keep that up but are beaten by an excellent performance or bad luck or an individual error, I would say he's done a very good job. If we return to the disjointed England default, I'll be less impressed, even if we stumble through another round or two.