World Cup 2022

[TyphooToffee]

I doubt it will end in a pumping, but the thought of Mbappe vs England’s defence isn’t that encouraging.

Fair to say, they’re gonna have to raise their game a notch or three to get through.

I worry about Maguire but, if Henderson and Bellingham can play as they did against Senegal, and our wide players get enough space, then I think we may surprise a few people. (Me included because I think France will be too good for us)

 

[Drico]

Good assessment.

I honestly think this is the match of the tournament. Brazil ought to make their way to the final, and I think the winner of France / England is favourite to join them.

Struggling to see beyond it being France, but you make a good argument for where England might nick it.

I think some of the fresher English players are talented enough, young enough, and, therefore, ignorant enough to play with the kind of oblivious freedom that will make them very dangerous. The loss of Raheem - horrible as it is - would, in my view, be a blessing in disguise. I am not convinced he quite cuts it at the very top level. Kane will always be a threat and Pickford a potential match-winner. And never underestimate the arrogance or complacency of the French being a factor. They absolutely blew a 3-1 lead against a game Switzerland at the last European Championship, and the English lads will be game too, if nothing else.

I have France as favourites - Mbappe in full flight makes any team favourites - but England definitely have a shot. Historically, I'm not sure England fear the French in quite the same way they would a top level Germany or Italy side. Yes, Zidane at Euro 2004 worked the oracle, but only in the last minute. I recall 1982 as a great English win over a very good, albeit flawed, French side. Euro 2012 was a draw. Ditto Euro 92. England did beat France in 1966, so, you know, there is historical precedent.

The bigger point for me is can England win three epic encounters to win the World Cup. I would say that is a really tall order for any side - and even the French may fail to do that even if they win on Saturday - but you can only play one game at a time. The pressure in this one will be on the champions. Sure, they also have the experience and the comfort of knowing they are winners. England don't really know that - at least yet. But this is not an insurmountable task for England. France are favourites, but not by much.

 

[Billy Dean]

Good assessment.

I honestly think this is the match of the tournament. Brazil ought to make their way to the final, and I think the winner of France / England is favourite to join them.

Struggling to see beyond it being France, but you make a good argument for where England might nick it.

Portugal and Spain might still have a say TBF

 

[Billy Dean]

I worry about Maguire but, if Henderson and Bellingham can play as they did against Senegal, and our wide players get enough space, then I think we may surprise a few people. (Me included because I think France will be too good for us)

Not sure what was reported on TV in the UK, but here in Germany the pundits during the FRA-POL game highlighted acres of space on the lefthand side of France's defence, caused by Mbappe not tracking back. Poland did a poor job of exploiting it. I reckon probably England could get more joy there. But on the other hand there are loads of weaknesses in the England defence fro France to exploit.

I would predict a high scoring game with a French win, something like 4-2

 

[allen]

Portugal and Spain might still have a say TBF

Sure, on reputation - but I've not been impressed with either this tournament (except in the Costa Rica match).

 

[Pootsy]

I heard early on that any team that gets themselves to the Quarter Finals can win the World Cup. I still believe this is true. At the Quarter Final stage its too late late to be experimenting with your squad, you must try to play your strongest team for your system and hope they can put in Big performances as its now 3 huge matches before the trophy is won.

Simply, there are no longer any easy matches and each team could be knocked out if they aren't playing their best on the day whether it be England, France, Argentina, Netherlands etc etc.

Yet there are still some people on here being critical and belittling a side reaching the Quarter Finals as the tournaments highest goal scorers? Not supporting a Home Country team because Liverpool players are playing for them. There is a time to be a WUM and another time when you have to re-read the room.

 

[TyphooToffee]

Portugal and Spain might still have a say TBF

I fancy Spain to get to the final

 

[DanEFC92]

 

[evilwebby]

Blimey.
Had another look at the draw. There is no way England are going to beat France, then probably Spain, then whoever comes out the other side of the draw. Just ain't gonna happen..

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

 

[davek]

Good to see that all the human rights problems in Qatar have been sorted since England's win over Senegal.

 

[Drico]

He's naked and aroused behind that, isn't he?

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

He's naked and aroused behind that, isn't he?

Naturally. He is English.

 

[Goat]

Good to see that all the human rights problems in Qatar have been sorted since England's win over Senegal.

When?