Euro 2024 Thread

[Bluemike]

Same as the headline "Bellingham the hero" I mean wtf, ok he played well but hero ? Jesus christ do me a favour, it's absurd the way we big up these players these days.

[ITFC2024]

For me, Kane was largely shackled for 90 mins, Foden went AWOL ( that's not Southgate’s fault is it). Foden is a number 10, but is he better than Bellingham? I’d say no, by a country mile JB is the better player.

Foden always plays better for Man City when Haaland isn't in the line up. I think Foden is more comfortable cutting inside the penalty box and taking shots, rather than setting up other forwards. Southgate should know that and figure out a way of creating those opportunities for Foden.

Kane scored 44 goals in all competitions for Bayern last season almost eclipsing Lewandowski's league goal record. Southgate should know how to get Kane the ball in scoring positions which for Kane shouldn't be too hard to do.

Yes, Bellingham is a great player. I won't argue with that.

[hallamblue]

All good debate guys re England.

FWIW, Southgate’s record since he became manager is probably the best of recent managers. I know we’ve just missed out in recent major comps, but he’s got us further than his predecessors I think?

Sometimes fantastically good players playing for their clubs can’t replicate that at international level, or in an international side. It’s frustrating and we all scratch our heads and ask “why”? Shearer himself last night said I think, international football is different , and the approach ( like it or not) is different. The game appears more and more like a a game of chess these days. Ver6 tactical, and less spontaneous. That’s almost been coached out of the game at all levels I feel. Which is probably why McKenna is ahead of the curve at club level. The ( his) PL test will be an interesting one.

[hallamblue]

Just caught the latter parts of the Romanian vs Ukraine game and blimey, Town would do well to take a look at some of these Romanian defenders. So athletic, big, strong and aggressive in their defending. Quite spectacular at times.

[hallamblue]

I don’t think Kane or Foden are in this game….

And Fabregas is right now agreeing with you 100% , Hallam.

lol, he obviously received my text then

[ITFC2024]

More on Foden which I mostly agree with, but Southgate needs to instill this upon him:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/arti ... ggyp574ndo

[AzzurroMark]

Well Group E has been turned on its head! The 2 lowest ranked sides overcoming superior ranked opponents! Not the sort of start you'd have wanted BlueMike with Belgium!

[hallamblue]

rub it why don’t you PMSL!!

[ITFC2024]

I can’t wait until Southgate is gone. We should have gone on attack after the early goal against Italia in the last one. We have the most talented team in decades, but Southgate’s tactics strangles the abilities of players like Kane & Foden. Hope we fail so Southgate gets fired.

I’ll let you have that one.

[Frosty]

Well my Frenchies were about as convincing as I was in the latter stages of our Prediction League.

.......... and my star player looks like he is out with a botched nose job for the next match.

[ITFC2024]

Well my Frenchies were about as convincing as I was in the latter stages of our Prediction League.

.......... and my star player looks like he is out with a botched nose job for the next match.

France will win the Euros 2024!

[Bluemike]

Well Group E has been turned on its head! The 2 lowest ranked sides overcoming superior ranked opponents! Not the sort of start you'd have wanted BlueMike with Belgium!

Yeah, even in this competition bloody VAR is pissing me off lol. Belgium will be ok.

[Bluemike]

Today's Games

Group F

Turkey V Georgia

Portugal V Czech Republic

[marko69]

I can’t wait until Southgate is gone. We should have gone on attack after the early goal against Italia in the last one. We have the most talented team in decades, but Southgate’s tactics strangles the abilities of players like Kane & Foden. Hope we fail so Southgate gets fired.

I’ll let you have that one.

[arana peligrosa]

Southgate appears at times tactically inept. For all the good he's done there's a clear void somewhere which is holding you back but it's your issue to address.

Whenever possible to catch game highlights, when time permits it, just been dismayed and irritated by often VAR intervention and the problems and confusion that invariably develops from it. You get a questionable decision, half the players and staff leave the field while viewers are left waiting about for some resolvement. Does more harm than good and completely cuts up and fragments play, all you're left with is frustration and finding more questions than answers. It's bullshit.

Scots start off second game sometime soon and against a nation that saw a last win in the competition but you got to trail back to 1996 for it. There's an opportunity there to redeem the Germany loss and put three points into the group but guess it's how much the players want it or the will to progress. Another defeat would appear to end it so put that thought aside, get the victory and take it to the last game. They need to realize the opportunity is there to go further. Germany look good and will win the group but guess that's to be expected, they sure don't want to disappoint in front of their own fans and collectives.

[Charnwood]

A much better performance from Scotland tonight with a 1-1 draw v Switzerland. At least they go into the final game still alive and with a chance of qualifying. If The Swiss lose against Germany and Scotland win comfortably against Hungary they should still qualify as one of the best teams finishing third.

Come on Scotland . you’re still in this.

[valleyroad]

A much better performance from Scotland tonight with a 1-1 draw v Switzerland. At least they go into the final game still alive and with a chance of qualifying. If The Swiss lose against Germany and Scotland win comfortably against Hungary they should still qualify as one of the best teams finishing third.

Come on Scotland . you’re still in this.

Just didn't turn up against Germany.
We are competitive against teams like the Swiss and Hungary.
Could have went either way last night but felt overall Scotland were the better side.
Onwards to Hungary who looked decent against Germany !
Be great to qualify but its Scotland so expect glorious failure !

[marko69]

A much better performance from Scotland tonight with a 1-1 draw v Switzerland. At least they go into the final game still alive and with a chance of qualifying. If The Swiss lose against Germany and Scotland win comfortably against Hungary they should still qualify as one of the best teams finishing third.

Come on Scotland . you’re still in this.

Just didn't turn up against Germany.
We are competitive against teams like the Swiss and Hungary.
Could have went either way last night but felt overall Scotland were the better side.
Onwards to Hungary who looked decent against Germany !
Be great to qualify but its Scotland so expect glorious failure !

A massive understatement. Anticipation is always in abundance, ……. But……. Yep, failure is definitely expected.
FTR……. I, and many others, thought Scotland were utter shyte last night. Not difficult to be an improvement on the Germany game but it really was headless chicken stuff for large moments in the game. Especially after watching Albania or the Czech Republic……… do SOMETHING that resembles a good side, Scotland.

Lets be “England” about our expectations:

Scotland 4 Hungary 0

[arana peligrosa]

Won't get this time back but last night seemed a real improvement from the German game. By all report they had enthusiasm and desire and really gave it a go. If only the same effort had been prevalent in the first fixture they'd find themselves in a much more promising position but what can you do.

At times a Bannockburn type of spirit were evident where they fought as one and gave everything for the cause but guess that doesn't include a full 90 minutes. Suppose there's a chance they could actually progress for a first time ever but they require a win and other scores to go their way. Would be real pleasing to some to see an appearance at second round stage. Bueno suerte.

[hallamblue]

England looking decidedly dodgy in defence . Not surprised Denmark equalised….

[marko69]

England looking decidedly dodgy in defence . Not surprised Denmark equalised….

Like Shaqiri’s Goal last night……., no keeper was saving that Dane equaliser.

[Bluemike]

Pickford is no Hladky when playing out from the back.

[marko69]

Tell you something…….. Maybe England have got all the issues that the pundits say, but Rio & Micah are not a “positive” for England. Get those two the fk off the telly. The wider fanbase are bandwagoners ……. You’ll have the entire country on Southgates case for the final game.
Shearer as well.

Go APPLY for the job you fkn tw@ts.

[hallamblue]

Tbh and crudely maybe, England can’t pass p*ss atm… it’s SO slow from us and we’re not running at them, why not?

[marko69]

Think what a lot of people forget is no opposition is a walkover, (except Scotland usually) …… Denmark are a very good side. They’re well up for this. Foden hits the post, 3 inches to the left and its 2-1……. Southgate has no control in that or indeed a lot of what goes on.

Would LOVE to see Shearer in Southgate’s job.

[Blue Wilf]

England are so slow! Ball headed away from a free kick and they all amble out and it cones straight back at them! Sorry Marko but Southgate is crap and needs to have the pressure. He is more interested in taking the knee than attacking!

[Blue Wilf]

Ipswich last season pass it about better than these jokers! Premier league? You're having a laugh!

[marko69]

England are so slow! Ball headed away from a free kick and they all amble out and it cones straight back at them! Sorry Marko but Southgate is crap and needs to have the pressure. He is more interested in taking the knee than attacking!

Yep…….. Part of me agrees. But NO England fan should expect success when the manager is being berated DURING the tournament.

[Blue Wilf]

Ah - well I don't expect success - not with southgate at the helm! I so wish he would go to man utd - 6 points nailed on for us!

[marko69]

Ipswich last season pass it about better than these jokers! Premier league? You're having a laugh!

And yep……. Good that you mention Ipswich……. Remember the “chats” ?

“Be Lucky to finish in the play-offs, never mind the autos.”

“Knew McKenna was a novice”

Etc etc etc

Damaging, but thankfully McKenna really IS a guru.

A lot of us up here sometimes have sympathy for England bosses over the years. Its a fkn thankless task……. Mainly due to guys like Rio. Sitting on a couch spewing BIG controversial opinions……… go do the job.