How y’all doing out there? Hopefully staying safe, not letting the guard down…
It’s been a real plus having the Euros on, especially during lockdown.
I’ve really got into the tournament as it’s progressed and, of course, I’m behind England!
It’s troubling though. I sat through the quarterfinal against Ukraine and was totally bored. Yes, we won 4-0 and are into the semis, but it just wasn’t great to watch.
It’s not that I’m comparing it to some of the brilliant games we’ve witnessed so far, it’s just that England thing…
Score a goal and revert to sideways football. Ok, a bunch of set pieces humiliated the Ukrainians, but with players like Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling, why won’t Gareth Southgate open it up a bit? Does it have to be that “English stiff upper lip” attitude of unwavering, predetermined strategy and game control?
I guess after decades of disappointment, adopting a low-risk style is understandable?
But when you look at the Italians as an example, who have also been exceptional in defence, they’ve managed to blend good-looking, progressive football into the mix.
They look like a good club side, balanced and in-tune, like they’ve been playing together for a couple of seasons.
The reality is though – as mentioned last week – the Three Lions could bring football home. At this stage I think they have as much chance as any of the other semifinalists.
The win against a knackered Ukraine has been lauded as one of England’s best in recent history – professional, solid and lethal in front of goal.
Raheem Sterling’s assist and Harry Kane’s finish for the first was good, but breaking down all the goals, it was clear that it was just poor defending being punished. But, as we all know, playing attractive football isn’t a prerequisite for success.
England remind me of Chelsea under Jose Mourinho’s first term at the Bridge.
Now and again was exciting to watch, but for the most part it was built on a concrete defence.
I think Italy will beat Spain tonight in a tight affair and England will do the Danes tomorrow, setting up Sunday’s final.
If it goes that way it’s a hard one to call. One goal might separate it, but penalties beckon.
Let’s not talk about England and penalty shootouts.
On the Premier League front and Nuno Espirito Santo has signed for Tottenham.
I think we all respect what he achieved at Wolves and the style in which he did it with a largely Championship quality side.
And then there’s Patrick Vieira – one of the best midfielders I’ve ever seen – taking the reins at Crystal Palace! Whatever you think about Roy Hodgson, his decades of experience helped keep the Eagles afloat.
Can the big Frenchman do the same? Can he improve it? I’d say it’s a risky appointment given his limited experience.
And then of course Rafa Benitez to Everton! Man, they really did that?
Wow, did they think no one in Liverpool would notice? The man who branded the ‘Toffees’ a “small cloob” (club). The face of the enemy for six years!
I was engaging with another clueless Liverpool fan on
Twitter (@MorneDenere) he reckons people respect Benitez enough for his move across to the blue half of Merseyside not to have any consequence…
Mate, despite football taming down over the years, I can assure you, people ain’t happy.
On a final word, I got my first jab on Sunday. No pain, no side effects, (just a sudden urge to upgrade to 5G?).
If you have the opportunity, please get it done… this virus is so close to all of us now.
Keep yourself and your families safe. Chat next week… Come on Englaaaaaaand!