Euro 2016 Discussion

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sat May 07, 2016 12:32 pm

First topic message reminder :

With so many different nations it'll take so many different threads to put all the news on the site. So, here's this thread.

Kompany to miss Euro 2016

by dyrewolfe Sun Jun 12, 2016 1:45 am

owen10ozzy wrote:
dyrewolfe wrote:
owen10ozzy wrote:People need to learn as well that Roy is out of his depth at International level...he got the gig because of his experience with Switzerland etc but that was a million years ago. He's bloody useless in this day and age!

Played Russia off the park? Lol!! You can't be serious...talk about stretching the truth. We played well in first half and created few scoring opportunities (Russia threatened with a header too by the way). Came out in the 2nd half and were flat but for a 5 minute period around the 55/60 minute mark. Russia slowed play down and kept ball and England weren't sure what to do. We got a goal and then sat happy to see it out which of course didn't go to plan...as it won't when you sit and allow a team to come on too a team with a poor defence who don't know how to defend set pieces.

You can't be serious either. 0/10 for trolling.

You obviously don't rate Hodgson, so who would you have got instead, from the managers who were available at the time (not that theres any guarantee they would have done any better)?

Russia were chasing shadows most of the first half...and for a lot of the second too. As has already been said, England's only failing was in not testing the keeper more...who to be fair pulled off some damn good saves, including that double save from Rooney and Sterling.

This is the best I've seen an England team play in actual competitive tournament football in a long time. Can they do better? I hope so - they need to. But they were miles better than anything I've seen in over a decade.

Why is that trolling? Because I have said played them off the park is stretching it....well I am sorry but it is. I haven't said we were complete crap..I said we played well in the 1st half...we did...but the 2nd half showed that Russia being so poor highlighted our good play (how much of it was because we were good and them so poor will differ in everyones opinion). I didn't think Kane brought much to the team yet he was still standing at the end...that in itself was a poor decision from Roy. Dolph is right regards Sterling..his end product was nothing but he gave the Russian full back and wide midfielder something to think about. Soon as Milner came on you can see Russia start to push on more without much thought about protecting the left side of the pitch.

If we go back to the very basics of football...the aim is to score more than your opponent...in that we failed. It doesn't matter that we created more chances, we didn't take them and Russia took there only major chance. Would be like saying Cavs didn't deserve to beat Warriors in an NBA final because the latter took 200 shots whilst the former took only 80.

I see your point about the optimism in comparison to the last decade, and I agree completely that it was better than what we have seen in an age but given how dissapointing we have been in the past and the fact that we played better yet still only came away with a draw against a very mediocre Russian side doesn't fill me with as much confidence or reason to be joyous as it does others. Which is fine, its there perogative to feel how they want.

Well your initial comments came across as trollish...but now you've elaborated I can see some merit in them.

I wouldn't say Russia were that poor. As an attacking threat, yes, but they were very well organised defensively...despite all that talk about their two ageing centre-backs. We gave them the run-around, most of the game, yet they were still able to snuff out most of our threats.

On top of that, they did manage the odd good counter-attack that caused us trouble. In short, they played like an average team missing 2-3 of their first-choice players. They knew they were in for a tough game and set up accordingly. I'd say that was fairly smart tbh.

I think against most other teams we would have scored 3-4, but they defended resolutely and on top of that their keeper played a blinder, pulling off at least 2-3 excellent saves.

Back to your comments about Hodgson, I still think they were harsh, given he has put together an exciting, young attack-minded team...something we've been crying out for, for god knows how long. My only criticism of his game plan last night was not giving Vardy the last 10-15 minutes, to try and grab a second and put the game to bed. Apart from that he freshened up the midfield with Wilshere and Milner which should have helped us keep control, while maintaining an attacking threat.

by dyrewolfe Sun Jun 12, 2016 1:51 am

Been reading the reports about the violence and it seems it was indeed started by the Russian fans.

Also seems French security has a lot to answer for, by not preventing them smuggling fireworks into the stadium, failing to adequately segregate the fans and having only stewards inside the stadium.

Considering what has happened in the country fairly recently, you would think they would be totally on top of stuff like that.

by NickisBHAFC Sun Jun 12, 2016 1:58 am

Marky wrote:To be honest it was a very good performance from the players overall, badly let down by inept management.

Indeed.

by Guest Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:04 am

vs Wales? What are people's thoughts, I've dropped Sterling & Lallana because we simply need a goal threat

----Rooney---Dier----Alli------
Rashford-----Kane-----Sturridge

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:08 am

LiamB wrote:vs Wales? What are people's thoughts, I've dropped Sterling & Lallana because we simply need a goal threat

----Rooney---Dier----Alli------
Rashford-----Kane-----Sturridge

-------------Dier------
Henderson----------Rooney
-------------Alli------------
------Kane------Sturridge-----

Vardy to come off the bench around 60 mins

by Guest Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:15 am

I'd agree with, Olly. Diamond formation only failed, because Rooney was at the point & Alli wasted in a deep role. Switch them & see how it unfolds. The game vs Wales will also be a fiery encounter, so Henderson's physical attributes, should see him get the nod over Wilshere. Vardy off the bench, when we are possibly leading & Wales coming onto us, will be a good option, something we which should of seen happening last night, instead of the Milner introduction.

by westisbest Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:19 am

Still fancy England to win next 2 games.
7 points, top the group.

Will try and catch NI v Poland, should be a good game.
Be interesting to see how NI do in the tournament.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:26 am

Same team. We were at our best getting width into the game and people want to go narrow, against a Wales team that plays 3 CBs and 3 CMs deep?

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:27 am

LiamB wrote:vs Wales? What are people's thoughts, I've dropped Sterling & Lallana because we simply need a goal threat

----Rooney---Dier----Alli------
Rashford-----Kane-----Sturridge

Sounds ****ing awful.

by Duty281 Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:30 am

westisbest wrote:Still fancy England to win next 2 games.
7 points, top the group.

Will try and catch NI v Poland, should be a good game.
Be interesting to see how NI do in the tournament.

Fancy a draw against Wales with Hodgson terrified of the threat of Gareth Bale. But England should be game to beat Slovakia, at the very least, which would presumably see them through with five points.

I'm thinking, not wanting, that Alli will be dropped for either Henderson, Wilshere or Milner to give England a greater anchor in the centre of midfield.

by Guest Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:48 am

GSC, if you stick with the same team, we will be on holiday, by next Tuesday. You do realise, you need to score goals to advance through a group. Your bright idea is to stick with the same side, that couldn't even turn over a depleted Russian side, who looked worse than what Albania could offer. Great stuff Rolling Eyes

by Duty281 Sun Jun 12, 2016 2:59 am

Sky News Newsdesk ‏@SkyNewsBreak 6m6 minutes ago
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against #Russia for crowd disturbances and racist behaviour following violence at #Marseille

by westisbest Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:05 am

Locals threw bottles at NI fans as they were enjoying themselves mixing with Polish fans.

Pathetic stuff.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:07 am

Why keep Vardy on the bench then. He can play DM so we have added goal threat.

Or maybe keep faith for more than 1 game before we go back to shoehorning players into positions that don't fit. Because that worked fantastically against a 10 man Portugal team. When we also scored 1 goal from a set piece.

by Hammersmith harrier Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:21 am

I don't see how playing Rashford and Sturridge out of position wide is the way forward, they're goal threats centrally, makes no sense.

by NickisBHAFC Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:22 am

For Wales

Same back 5. Thought Walker and Rose were outstanding yesterday.

Dier

Rooney Wilshere

Ali

Vardy Kane

by NickisBHAFC Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:23 am

Maybe Lallana instead of Ali.

by Guest Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:24 am

No need to be flippent, GSC, in regards to Vardy's positioning. We are not shoehorning anybody into positions they aren't comfortable with, looking at Olly's diamond formation. The reason the diamond did not function against Portugal, was because Rooney & Alli were in the wrong positions & because Vardy can't play in a two & isn't effective against sides that sit deep, hence why Kane & Sturridge looks a better fit. Nobody in Olly's formation, looks out of place.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:31 am

Hammersmith harrier wrote:I don't see how playing Rashford and Sturridge out of position wide is the way forward, they're goal threats centrally, makes no sense.

Precisely.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:32 am

Against Wales we're going to need width. They're extremely compact in the middle, will be very difficult if we go narrow.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sun Jun 12, 2016 3:36 am

I'd be dropping Kane for Sturridge. Thats it. Davies isnt a centre back and none of their lot will want Sturridge's quick feet against them.

Sterling will perform much better if he has a striker with movement to play off.

by Guest Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:17 am

GSC wrote:Against Wales we're going to need width. They're extremely compact in the middle, will be very difficult if we go narrow.

It's called our attacking full backs producing the width, the same FB's who were probably our best players last night. We won't need four at the back, dealing with an isolated Bale

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:27 am

Those same attacking full backs that are much more effective when they have wingers to overlap?

by Guest Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:46 am

Hammersmith harrier wrote:I don't see how playing Rashford and Sturridge out of position wide is the way forward, they're goal threats centrally, makes no sense.

Agree, but why on earth do we have four strikers, for one position, if those other three can't play slightly wider & at least give us the option? On that logic, Rashford won't get one minute this tournament, as he's clearly fourth choice. The squad is not not balanced right, taking one genuine winger was puzzling, if we persevere with a 4-3-3 & are ditching the diamond.

Must say, I'm pretty deflated with what I saw last night, irrespective of these 'positives'. Playing that eleven, given it's limited goal threat, is basically 'hope you win 1-0', which is classic Woy

by catchweight Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:55 am

England drew to a championship level side last night. I would fancy Crystal Palace or Newcastle to have beaten that Russian team. Ordinary performance, worse result.

The eleven on the pitch plus the subs should have been able to beat that crap Russian team but what is new eh? Pages of discussions on what the coach should have or shouldnt have done or should have picked and should not have picked.

by Hammersmith harrier Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:25 am

Croatia could make quite an impact on this tournament, one of the most technically proficient midfields with Mandzukic up front.

by Duty281 Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:32 am

Turkey such an ugly, horrible side.

Croatia aren't sinking to their level, though, so their technical superiority should come to something.

by Duty281 Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:43 am

Belter from Modric. Beautiful in slow-motion.

by Hammersmith harrier Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:43 am

Great technique but keeper should be saving that comfortably.

by Holymiky Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:44 am

Modric..what a player!

by westisbest Sun Jun 12, 2016 6:44 am

Great hit, but more poor goal keeping.
Should be doing better.

by Duty281 Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:04 am

Can't say the security at these stadiums is inspiring me with any confidence.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:27 am

In fairness to Turkey, all their best players play for Germany

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:30 am

England and Russia have both been warned they face disqualification if there is further violence

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:35 am

Ref should force Corluka off if he needs bandaging again.

by Holymiky Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:37 am

This Croatia team have looked impressive to be honest.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:39 am

Aye, they'll probably need an extra gear later in this tournament but managing this game nicely

by Lowlandbrit Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:47 am

GSC wrote:In fairness to Turkey, all their best players play for Germany

Bit of an interesting philosophical discussion who's taking from who, since about a third of this Turkish squad was born outside Turkey.

by **owen10ozzy** Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:51 am

GSC wrote:England and Russia have both been warned they face disqualification if there is further violence

It would a sad state if we started expelling teams from tournaments because of crowd trouble. It's something I can condone when your talking about club games where the teams are in charge of who comes and goes in the ground...but this is an international tournament hosted by France...the onus is on them to ensure the right policing, stewarding and crowd control measures are in place to ensure this type of thing doesn't happen. If they are incapable of doing that then they shouldn't be hosting a major tournament simple as that. UEFA are also to blame for poor foresight in setting the fixtures at stupid times...9pm..Saturday night between two teams know for hooliganism.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:51 am

Modric is a class player.

Been impressed by Gokhan Gonul at right back for Turkey, and think Srna has shown the benefits of his experience too.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:52 am

Sorry, I get Turkeys frustration. 4th time Corlukas had to be rebandaged in this game, should be forced to sub him.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:53 am

Would sympathise more if one of their players hadnt bust that head open with his elbow

by Duty281 Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:54 am

Scrappy, far from a classic, but Croatia will be happy enough.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:56 am

owen10ozzy wrote:
GSC wrote:England and Russia have both been warned they face disqualification if there is further violence

It would a sad state if we started expelling teams from tournaments because of crowd trouble. It's something I can condone when your talking about club games where the teams are in charge of who comes and goes in the ground...but this is an international tournament hosted by France...the onus is on them to ensure the right policing, stewarding and crowd control measures are in place to ensure this type of thing doesn't happen. If they are incapable of doing that then they shouldn't be hosting a major tournament simple as that. UEFA are also to blame for poor foresight in setting the fixtures at stupid times...9pm..Saturday night between two teams know for hooliganism.

UEFA do acknowledge some of their own failures to be fair, the practice of slotting games into stadiums before groups are drawn will die I assume.

For me, some England fans have behaved appallingly, and I'm guessing we all know the type. But Russian fans have turned organised and armed for a fight. That for me is on another level to drunken hooliganism. And they will host a world cup in 2 years time.

by Ent Sun Jun 12, 2016 8:00 am

I find it highly disturbing that in a time of supposed heightened security 200 Russians can gather in an alley and put on balaclavas/scarves then attack people.

Even worse is them being able to sneak smoke bombs and flares into the ground.

I'd be thinking about coming home if I was out there.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 8:00 am

Accomplished performance for Croatia. Will need to raise it for bigger games but more than enough to see off Turkey.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 8:19 am

Suspect Poland will have too much for an overmatched Northern Ireland

by Duty281 Sun Jun 12, 2016 8:21 am

Fancy a draw myself. The first 0-0 of the Euros.

by Holymiky Sun Jun 12, 2016 8:22 am

Can see Lewandowski getting at least 1 goal.

by GSC Sun Jun 12, 2016 8:24 am

Think it'll be tight, but Poland will pull away in the second half and win 2-0

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