Thread to discuss the football itself.
This is not a thread to discuss the hosting of the competition in Quatar.
You can discuss the hosting in the relevant thread.
As bad a pen as you are likely to see.
Lucky to get a second go.
Hand out a mile see why given but a bit harsh
Good, deserved result for France. Mbappe the big difference maker. Still some concerns about the defence for when they face the better sides. Poland improved from the Argentina game but you can't let those chances go begging, particularly the one in the first half.
Followed the script to the letter that game, down to the identities of the three goalscorers. Hopefully England-Senegal throws up something vaguely leftfield, even if a shock result is too much to ask...
Lineker is looking past Senegal:
France got a softer one in the 2018 final - they can't complain.
What a s**t way to take a penalty too - twice!!
Brits just can't resist tempting fate
This quote is priceless "I don’t want to sound arrogant and that we are taking Senegal for granted, but why risk Walker?"
This is why they are disliked some much.
Someone else did that stupid skip for their penalty only recently. The name of that player escapes me.
But, does anyone remember all the crap about how Aldridge took his penalties all those years ago and it was considered a stop as he ran. Why are these skipping penalties not falling foul of the same rules?
In fairness, I expect it to be a straightforward win. Senegal are fairly average and very naive in their play at times. I'd be looking ahead as well.
Are RTE talking like England have already played and beaten Senegal?
Jayus you would swear England beat Senegal already the way the lads on Rte were talking! Then TO’D said it to them.
Southgate already making excuses
'' we are play a team that are champions of Africa, amazing team, unbeatable, masters of the universe, the kings of kings, but we have a chance''
Real uphill battle for Senegal alright though, Idrissa Gana Gueye is a huge loss when already missing Mane. and it sounds like Kouyate will be missing too, one of the more likely possible replacements.
So, “I don’t want to sound arrogant” but, I’m going to say something arrogant ! In fairness, they should be favourites, but it would be hilarious if they got done. Pity Mane isn’t playing.
Hadn’t seen that before 😀😀. Brilliant.
Sterling 'not available' this evening for personal reasons. I'm not sure if he'll be back for the France game 😉
Just to clarify, although it couldn't really have been anyone else, that it was 'the big boy up front' who scored the goal. In a way it's kind of amazing that McCLaren didn't spot him out of the corner of his eye, especially when stumbling over his name, and stop himself before he said anything inauspicious. But then this guy has a rare talent for putting his foot in it.
Love what these African teams bring to tournaments, especially in terms of atmosphere - not sure they should be going for the white face though
Didn't realise Idrissa Gueye was suspended. That's a shame. I'll say an England win by two goals.
Pretty harsh of Southgate to drop Rashford after his last performance
He expects to keep it tight until the second half and then 'unleash' him - Saka defends better I think.
Is tonight the night when Maguire or Pickford mess up for a goal?
You get the feeling it's only a matter of time.
Not really, he was lucky to be included in the squad due to poor club form for at least 18 months, a few goals against a poor Welsh side shouldn't carry much weight.
Maguire was already a disaster for Iran's first goal, awful attempt to mark Taremi, who just easily slipped round him to win the ball and score.
There are mistakes in both goalkeepers here.
I suppose I mean a goal that matters, that could put them out. I can see Maguire giving away a pen.
Routine win for Senegal coming up barring a shock result.
C'mon Senegal!
Can't see Senegal holding out here.
