FoxesWalk

Ecuador last? They’ll qualify for the next round I expect. Very solid at the back, should beat Curacao easily, will give Germany problems too. Pretty unlucky to come away with nothing from CIV game, had multiple good chances (did they hit the woodwork a few times?). I’d have DRC top 15 probably, we’re better side vs Portugal. Scotland were poor and lucky to come away with 3pts vs a poor Haiti side. They could easily fail to qualify on goal difference now only winning that 1-0.

Teams playing 433 with wide forwards are going to cause us a lot of trouble

Lost control a bit since rice came off

How have we not scored in that sequence

There you go, that is what happens when you go a bit more direct

It literally has, both teams have 2 shots on target. Croatia 2 goals from 0.43 xG…

Madueke has won a pen and put in a cross that we really should have scored from, he’s been fine. He’s only in to manage Saka minutes anyway.

Yeah I take back my criticism of the defending for the second I think, was brilliant quick thinking by Perisic

Awful defending that

What a hit that is, fair play

It’s a sound strategy. I expect us to play a physical style as per the prem, and be dominant from set plays. It’s not like we don’t also have the player quality in open play also. The midfield trio is what actually gives me confidence though, been crying out for a player like Anderson for a long time.

I read somewhere we are the tallest expected starting XI in the tournament at 6ft2 ish, then you have minnows like Burn to come off the bench. We are going to bully teams both physically, and by keeping the ball away from them (hopefully). We should be one of the best set play teams in the competition in theory.

Not a bad thing imo

Apparently Guehi has picked up a minor injury, was wearing a wrist brace in some pics

Of course, I’m just amused by the image of Wazza rolling about up front for us now. Just shows how well Modric has looked after his body.

Reminder that Modric is older than Rooney

He offers width. Palmer was auditioned for the role on the right in friendlies and was really poor.

Very lucky to avoid a red there for the clothesline on Wissa stopping a dangerous looking attack. Arm to the neck to stop a guy at full speed is surely dangerous play…

These “hydration breaks” starting to piss me off

I mean he’s obviously top class and it’s close, but for me is tainted by the fact he was also a cheat in his actions on the pitch, famously above, and also was caught taking performance enhancing drugs, it wasn’t just coke. Messi has exceptional longevity and his entire career more or less he has been the best player in the world, he has unrivalled consistency. Has nearly double the caps and triple the goals for Argentina than Maradonna does, and in an era where he is up against far superior athletes to those in the 80s/90s.

I hope he elbows someone again so fifa have to try and justify again why they don’t have to ban him for World Cup games

I mean he’s obviously the best player ever, but he should have been sent off for that high studs up challenge from behind, nowhere near the ball. If an Algerian had made that challenge on him it’s a nailed on red, VAR didn’t even check it…

Senegal very unlucky to not be ahead there

Should be a great game this. Still think one of France’s biggest weakness is the size of the ego of certain players. If they can keep their dressing room harmonious, their depth and quality is nuts, and they should win it all really.

There is clearly a trend towards backup players being versatile and physically strong/tall. Chalobah can also play RB. I wouldn’t even take Trent if Chalobah were unavailable tbh, probably would go Lewis Hall. Picking a squad of giants in a knockout competition where set pieces will be key is not a silly strategy imo.