Round of 16: England v Germany (in London, UK)

[AndyZaltzHair]

England going with 5ATB?

 

[Uppercut]

This year is unusual because the biggest reason I want them knocked out is footballing. Germany are Randle McMurphy and England are Nurse Ratched. Even if I was neutral I wouldn’t be neutral.

 

[thundaboult]

I quite like our lineup there! COME ON ENGLAND
???

 

[speirz]

Yeah you can totally see the logic but ending up with a side that does not include any of Grealish, Mount, and Foden seems pretty depressing. Go through that side now and it just does not look all that good.

Yeah, as good as I think Saka is I don't think he's quite earned that starting spot yet. A lot of pressure on Kane and Sterling as a result as well.

For England's sake I hope Southgate is at least proactive with his bench. Even if things are even at the hour mark then some of that firepower on the bench needs to be given a chance to win it.

 

[thundaboult]

Yeah, as good as I think Saka is I don't think he's quite earned that starting spot yet. A lot of pressure on Kane and Sterling as a result as well.

For England's sake I hope Southgate is at least proactive with his bench. Even if things are even at the hour mark then some of that firepower on the bench needs to be given a chance to win it.

Agreed, left out our most creative players and has gone pace pace pace. He's usually very hesitant with the bench and brings guys on much too late, hopefully it isn't the case today if required.

 

[AndyZaltzHair]

this formation isnt too bad against germany I’d guess as gosens and kimmich seem to find a lot of space left and right all the time. Problem could be Rice/ Phillips together and Mount could play in place of one of them. Grealish surely to come in sooner if things go wrong.

 

[sledger]

Saka is awesome. Anyone who looks at the team put out today and goes "yeah the problem with this is the fact that Saka is playing" needs their head examining.

 

[Tangles]

Agreed, left out our most creative players and has gone pace pace pace. He's usually very hesitant with the bench and brings guys on much too late, hopefully it isn't the case today if required.

I wouldn’t call Kane fast. England will need a set piece goal and a lot of luck I’m thinking.

 

[speirz]

Saka is awesome. Anyone who looks at the team put out today and goes "yeah the problem with this is the fact that Saka is playing" needs their head examining.

I just think Mount or Foden would offer a little bit more in terms of helping England to keep the ball, and more importantly I view them as better in the final third. I don't think he's quite there yet in terms of his play in and around the box, and what he offers over the rest of the pitch isn't as important when the lineup looks to be as defensive as it is.

 

[sledger]

I love how Rio Ferdinand is giving it large about how "it's time for England to show some flair", conveniently ignoring the fact they've sacked their most creative players in order to pick more CBs

 

[sledger]

I just think Mount or Foden would offer a little bit more in terms of helping England to keep the ball, and more importantly I view them as better in the final third. I don't think he's quite there yet in terms of his play in and around the box, and what he offers over the rest of the pitch isn't as important when the lineup looks to be as defensive as it is.

Yeah make no mistake about it this is going to be an almighty slog of a spectacle

 

[speirz]

I wouldn’t call Kane fast. England will need a set piece goal and a lot of luck I’m thinking.

Hummels has certainly slowed down these days, fully expect Kane to find space at some point because he just can't close him down quick enough.

Also expecting Werner to score a really calm, composed goal just to make everyone wonder where that ability was all season.

 

[AndyZaltzHair]

bracing for one of the most ugliest matches ever

 

[sledger]

Not sure there is anything that can turn me off supporting a team more quickly than booing the national anthem of a rival

Booing taking the knee or similar maybe

 

[wpdavid]

bracing for one of the most ugliest matches ever

I'd take a repeat of 2000.

 

[sledger]

England already struggling to get the ball - looking ominous tstl

 

[Spark]

kane continuing his best impression of an actual ghost at this tournament

 

[sledger]

England having their usual 20 min spell of having the ball and running around a lot

 

[AndyZaltzHair]

werner should have done better there

 

[Tangles]

kane continuing his best impression of an actual ghost at this tournament

He looks so slow