World Cup 2022 - Team and Match Discussion

Eden Hazard has retired from international football, was very good for a short period, didn't fulfill his potential for me.

Judging by the tournament, and his non-impact, he could have done this three weeks ago.

Was fantastic at Lille and Chelsea, and boy did the Blues cash in at the right time. He won more trophies at Real Madrid without really contributing.

My abiding memory of him is him kicking the "ball boy" at Swansea. Totally justified !!!

I genuinely think Ronaldo has been psychologically/mentally impacted by the family tragedy earlier in the year.

The change of behaviour, and ill-advised interview, since then has been alarming. The fella needs a break from the spotlight.

Na its just coaches are fed up of pandering to an over the hill ego maniac. You could put up with his diva attitude when he was making your side better but not now.

This is the same guy that claimed it was modern slavery when he tried to go to madrid first.

I think the slavery comment was from Beckham. Few years later he's taking a cheque from the masters.

I'm watching on RTE Player so I'm still on the Japan v Spain match.

I fancy England to beat France.

Agree about Southgate. He's a liability. I think this French team haven't been tested and mentally could fold if England take the lead against them.

Would imagine Southgate will be giving Walker plenty of help, could see Trippier right back, walker right centre back and feck it Saka as auxiliary right wing back

Not a lot of love for Walker here. I think individually he's the best player in that defence, quick and tough as nails, and not as error prone as the others. He has a big challenge ahead of he's matched on Lillian no doubt, but defensively he's the least of England's worries.

I'm really hoping Southgate proves everyone right and goes defensive.

Think he's too cautious to risk going 4-3-3 even though it's probably the formation which gets their best players on the field but would he risk a back four in such a big game.

Saturdays game is screaming out back three with Walker RCB and Trippier at RWB with Rice and Bellingham sitting in front of the defence. Can see this one going to penalties.

The thing is, I wouldn't be giving England a huge chance of winning this however many defenders they have on the pitch, so Southgate is caught between a rock and a hard place.

Play a 4-3-3, attack France a bit more and they might score, but they'll be soundly beaten on the counter attack.

Play 5 at the back, show no ambition in attack and still either lose on penalties or from an individual error.

No matter what Southgate does, he'll be criticised for how he sets up if they lose. There'll be no credit given to him for fielding an attacking lineup if they still end up losing, which to me is very likely.

They had been passing around that piece of paper for what seemed like an age before finally passing it on to the media. Nothing fast in Spain.

But could he not strike a balance? Be disciplined in defence and don't allow Mbappe the freedom of the pitch which goes a long way to keeping them quiet and allow the likes of Kane Saka and Grealish I'd say or Foden to get at the french defence. They are as light in midfield as they have been like for some time.

I think Bellingham will find it tougher going himself by not having the space to operate in that he has thrived in a couple of games but Grealish and Foden should be well used to operating in tighter conditions.

I just don't see a way Southgate really goes for it but if he finds the right balance they have better players in my opinion.