Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:08 pm  

Seth wrote:

Absolutely can’t fault them I said it though when they came on, to sit down for 100 mins then step up to take a penalty in a final, that’s a poor call from Southgate.

I know what you are saying but its a lottery isnt it? If the players score hes a tactical genius
They didnt and he has to live with the decision. Hes got everything right in this tournament in fairness to him.

Like i say you cant knock any player for being brave enough to take one. I dont think anyone will these days.

Weve players with potential who arent quite there yet but they will be better for the experience.

Where n when is the next World Cup???

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:11 pm  

Brave lads stepping up to take one,but all were pretty poor pens. It was there for the taking

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:16 pm  

These lads are going to be around for 3 or 4 tournaments, so they need to get used to this kind of experience, so no problem with them being brought on.

They'll be back.

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:38 pm  

Have to disagree, biggest game of your life you play 2 minutes (not even time to touch a ball) then here you go take a penalty, no if you’re wanting them to take one give them at least 15 to get into a game psychologically and physically. Pens are a lottery to a degree but you stack the controllables in your favour. Credit the lads for stepping up, credit Southgate for his calls throughout the tournament and the manner and spirit he’s instilled, but on that one he made 2 bad calls.

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:45 pm  

Thought Sterling should have taken that last penalty and Rashfords was a gimmie he just had to hit the target.
Henderson poor again but the best team won on the night just a shame it was decided on penalties.

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:03 pm  

I thought we were in control in the first half and deserved to be in the lead at HT, we came out too deep in the 2nd half and failed to react to the Italian substitutions . But to still lose a penalty shootout after the Italy missed 2 themselves is extra gutting.

This squad have done brilliantly though, and I really hope they don't suffer the kind of criticism previous players have received.

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Mon Jul 12, 2021 5:32 am  

It's disappointing but I'm hoping that it's the equivalent of our 99 Grand Final defeat. Now they know what it takes and there's plenty of years ahead for this group. Take my hat off to all the penalty takers, takes some big balls to step up. Southgate made some mistakes, but he's a young(ish) manager himself and will learn from it. Proud of the way they've evolved in the competition

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:09 am  

Thought Southgate got it wrong last night. The second half was crying out for a tactical change. It was crying out for Grealish and either Rashford or Sancho. We got worse when Saka and Henderson came on. Game looked too big for Saka. He’s a talent but too raw yet. We were far too deep, it needed changing quickly. Italy fully deserved imo. Overall a great tournament and this team will get better for this, youngest England team at a tournament in their history.

Whether it’s Southgate or someone else we need to find a way of unlocking that attacking talent we have. We have the players to scare the pants off teams. The pace we had should have had been stretching the old Italian back line all game.. something to work on.

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:40 am  

Trebor1 wrote:

Thought Southgate got it wrong last night. The second half was crying out for a tactical change. It was crying out for Grealish and either Rashford or Sancho. We got worse when Saka and Henderson came on. Game looked too big for Saka. He’s a talent but too raw yet. We were far too deep, it needed changing quickly. Italy fully deserved imo. Overall a great tournament and this team will get better for this, youngest England team at a tournament in their history.

Whether it’s Southgate or someone else we need to find a way of unlocking that attacking talent we have. We have the players to scare the pants off teams. The pace we had should have had been stretching the old Italian back line all game.. something to work on.

Oh so now theres not enough creativity in our midfield to unlock the attack??? Interesting that you say that cos when I say people claim its a wind up. Its actually the truth and I agree with your point Trebor.

Kane is a top centre forward but hes not been at his best tnrough this tournament in truth but hes not had enough service either. Sterling, despite some on here saying he shouldnt be selected lol, has been electric. Personally, going forward in the future i think Sancho, from what ive seen of him, looks our best option for the other attacker in the 3. But will they get enough chances with the midfielders we have against top opposition. Phillips and Rice are 2 very good defensive midfielders, as ive said all tounament, but neither pass the ball forward enough and neither can create chances. We lack the player to unlock the attack. A Pirlo type midfielder who can provide a killer pass.

Re: The ONLY LUFC Football Thread : Mon Jul 12, 2021 7:09 am  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

Oh so now theres not enough creativity in our midfield to unlock the attack??? Interesting that you say that cos when I say people claim its a wind up. Its actually the truth and I agree with your point Trebor.

Kane is a top centre forward but hes not been at his best tnrough this tournament in truth but hes not had enough service either. Sterling, despite some on here saying he shouldnt be selected lol, has been electric. Personally, going forward in the future i think Sancho, from what ive seen of him, looks our best option for the other attacker in the 3. But will they get enough chances with the midfielders we have against top opposition. Phillips and Rice are 2 very good defensive midfielders, as ive said all tounament, but neither pass the ball forward enough and neither can create chances. We lack the player to unlock the attack. A Pirlo type midfielder who can provide a killer pass.

I think playing the 5 at the back is a problem at times, it worked early doors but Italy soon sussed it out. Rice and Phillips were good last night and did their jobs well but needed someone like Foden or Grealish to unlock that defence and keep the ball in the business end. Mount for me falls a bit short, but he’s also young and will get better.

Southgate or whoever takes us forward needs to get that balance better. 34% possession at home in the final isn’t good enough.