Footaball again? The Euro 2024 edition

Getting this criticism could be what a good manager would use to build team spirit & get everyone firing on all cylinders.

You would think they’d use it as motivation rather than bleating like lambs and sulking. If they were merely under-performing they wouldn’t get the level of crap they’ve had but they’ve been truly woeful since the 30mins mark of the first game.

Southgate has either got a job lined up or he’s lost it given the comments of recent days. Part of his job is to take some pressure off the team in public but he’s just doing a poor job of it.

FWIW, if they smash Slovenia 4-0 the media will flip180 degrees and they’ll be under different pressure.

David Moyes for next Scotland manager?

It’s not fair people expect me to do my job and perform to a high level

That’s not what I said though, is it?  When something goes wrong, being laid into by everyone doesn’t really help.  It probably makes matters even worse.

David Moyes for next Scotland manage

Anyone else think David Moyes looks like Mo from the Simpsons?

Italy Croatia game is quite good. I’m not sure where these teams have been hiding thus far

This is a cracking game! Some good saves at both ends.

Are we watching the same game? Italy Croatia is a proper bore. 2 old teams way past their best. 2nd half will be right mad affair now I said that.

Bonkers finish!

Some good saves at both ends

Of all the things! The goalkeeping has been exceptional at this tournament (so far) and has had a big impact on score lines and results.

England have got a relatively easy run into the quarters. **** me do we need it! As soon as we play any of the decent teams we are out.

Oi!!

Less of the negativity

You’re sounding like my dad in 86

You’re sounding like my dad in 86

You’re sounding like my dad

Sounding like my dad

Sounding like my dad in 86

Luke, I might be your Dad

Are Austria the new Greece?

Lewandowski’s first penalty there was absolutely horrific, i’m amazed they let it be retaken, he stopped part way through that first one, i thought that wasn’t allowed?!

Austria are everything England aren’t. Southgate would do worse than to make the England players watch it in detail.

Lewandowski’s first penalty there was absolutely horrific, i’m amazed they let it be retaken, he stopped part way through that first one, i thought that wasn’t allowed?!

Second was even worse. If that’s actually allowed, then there’s no point having penalties – just save us all time and award a goal.

If France are second in their group, does that make them potential opponents for England in the next round (assuming we top our group)?

No, I think England will get one of the third place teams, possibly from this group

Edit: looks like winning tonight is now quite important

Are Austria the new Greece?

Greece played really dull defensive football when they won the euros, Austria seem to play much more on the front foot, but probably a bit soon to be giving them the trophy.

Greece won by boring everyone to death, whereas Austria actually look really good.

I’ve had a punt on Italy as I reckon they’re looking like they could do this time exactly what they did last time.

We’re getting Holland or Belgium, aren’t we?

How is it that is there is a woman’s game, there is nearly always a male pundit. Men’s game and ITV put 5 men in the studio…! Seriously?! (Yes, there are two woman pitch side but they have had about 2 mins air time!). Visible representation matters, at all levels.

Sorry, thread hijack but it’s upset my evening of football.

Back to the sport.

RE: Greece were boring but less about the football more that they are the proverbial dark horses.

Austria are everything England aren’t

Let’s face it on current form I wouldn’t fancy them to beat Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic or Switzerland. I think Turkey could give us trouble, never mind the top teams.

If they **** this up (seems unlikely) and place 2nd they face Germany it’s game over. If 3rd it could be Portugal or one of teams all on 3 points. At least I think that’s how it goes!

Anyway we need to win the group for the best draw.

What are we going for here then? A spirit-crushingly tedious 0-0 draw conducted at walking pace?

Wow! Only one change, Gallagher for TAA, what a surprise. Southgate’s conclusion after last Thursday was that we weren’t defensive enough and didn’t need any pace on the wings or up front. Palmer and Gordon might as well get themselves away on holiday instead of hanging  round in a setup which clearly doesn’t like them.

Gallagher will run about a bit I guess. None of the ‘big’ teams have really impressed. Spain or Portugal perhaps about the best, France have only scored twice. Germany had an easy group and looked ordinary against Hungary and the Swiss.

Ten quid on Southgate’s first sub being TAA for Gallagher. 😂

Is there footy on ITV or just a load of adverts? 🤣🤣

I think Daz has just perfectly summarised my thoughts

Can we add Luke Shaw to the list of people who might as well be on holiday? If he’s fit, then play him, if he’s not fit, then why is he even there?

Apologies Austria, I am sorry for picking you in our office sweepstake. It was a good run. Chapeau.

This is like watching paint dry.

The Repair Shop is on BBC, repairing a ‘very special sporran’. Bit late I feel.

Well the first 15 minutes show little evidence of Southgate’s supposed improvements.

I suppose we should be grateful they haven’t started brightly and got a goal, that always leads to problems.

Well the first 15 minutes

Make that 30 mins.

Slovenia set up as these banks of fours and we need to either get some quick balls around and between the lines as for the disallowed goal, which looked like we could walk it in when we felt like it, or I’d like to see some of these tricky players like Saka or Foden just going on a run and committing a defender or two that way.

Couple of times the pitch has seemed a bit slow and sticky, with a couple of times when the ball looked on only to not reach the player or get there after the chance has gone. Trippier first time to Foden for example

Bit more life about us these last few minutes, for me – that Foden lad’s half decent when he goes on a wander.

Slovenia are zipping it around ok though…and look a lot more dangerous.

Edit

Ref didn’t want another minute of that, did he?

Ref didn’t want another minute of that, did he?

He wasn’t alone there. My 0-0 bet is looking pretty safe