2015

I must admit that the narrative has gone from 'Dont underestimate Senegal' to 'Its only Senegal' in such quick fashion is amusing

Actually felt comfortable even when Senegal had their 15 minute spell in the 1st half. Thought we were in control even when under pressure. Really good performance especially by Bellingham, Henderson, Kane and Rice.

Vicki Sparkes, Robyn Cowens, Jonathan Pearce, Sam Matterface all absolutely dreadful. The only good co commentator on BBC and ITV is Ally McCoist, the rest are dreadful. All about quotas though mostly.

France are an effective team who have had too much quality for Poland. If England go through tonight I think we can beat the French. They haven't really been challenged yet

Kind of think the best outcome is for Uruguay to go through as they are more likely to give Brazil a tough game than what Ghana and South Korea could

Anyone else think that the Round of 16 should be drawn out of a hat, a bit like how it's done in Champions League and Europa League? It prevents teams from throwing games to get favourable 'paths' and makes things a lot less predictable

Have a feeling there might be more upsets in RO16. I can see USA being tough for Netherlands who haven't particularly impressed and in the last Euros they lost to Czech Republic in RO16 when they were the favourites. Japan vs Croatia will be a very evenly matched game and I can see Morocco giving Spain serious issues. Spain's issue is they have one way of playing and cannot adjust as the players suit a fluid passing system, this makes it easier for opponents to counteract the way they play. They should have won their Group.

I wonder if he was that angry about Lampard's disallowed goal in 2010 against Germany? Because I really doubt it.

VAR up to its old silly tricks again

It has been a strange Group Stage to this World Cup and as @spudskihas mentioned previously European Nations have become so passive and predictable. Seems a lot less focus on individualism and more a focus on effective team ethics in recent International tournaments which takes an element of excitement and flair away from the game. Another factor is the game's greats from this Era (Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez, Lewandowski, Bale, Neymar, Benzema, Cavani, Hazard) are all nearing the end of their stellar careers and are no longer at their peak that they once were in 2014 and 2018. I'm not sure that we are seeing the same level of individual talent (Mbappe and Haaland aside). I also think the level of quality from Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Uruguay, Mexico and Denmark is lower than what we've seen from previous recent tournaments. I must admit I was bored last week but recently the games have got better, but it has been a strange Group stage and not to take it away from Australia but i'm very surprised they got through to the RO16 with the quality of their side, fair play to them.

Fair play to Rashford he's been brilliant all season for Man United too

It's poor but the Southgate lovers will be smug at us finishing top of the Group currently.

If we win the group I think Senegal will be the easier team to play. Gueye is suspended and Ecuador made things very tough for the Netherlands.

Now you've said it ?

I was wrong about it being embarassing, but it's certainly not a great record and neither is the trophy tally. What is true is that major tournaments are usually won by those who have a solid defence first, but i'm just correlating the fact in most major tournaments we have a very average 0-0 game in us which isn't exactly the most confidence boosting for the team. I just want to see England do well and not be let down time after time with drab performances like Friday's was and how the Nations League was.

Since 1980 when Group stages were introduced at European Championships England have had 15 0-0 draws in 81 games. Below is the comparable record for the other 'top' European Nations. Portugal - 65 games, 6 0-0 draws. Italy - 89 games, 10 0-0 draws. Germany - 113 games. 7 0-0 draws. Netherlands - 73 games. 10 0-0 draws. Belgium - 61 games, 2 0-0 draws. Spain - 89 Matches, 9 0-0 draws. France - 89 Matches, 11 0-0 draws. All bar one of those Nations have won major tournaments in that time. England are and have been too defensive and have had a negative approach in many many major tournament matches. It feels like every tournament we will have a dull 0-0 draw. USA 2022, Scotland 2020, Slovakia 2016, Algeria 2010, Nigeria 2002. It aint good enough

It was clear that he was talking about their Football culture and not about the Country itself. People looking for something to be upset at. Italians are known for defending, Brazilians known for flair, England known for bottling tournaments and hooligans. It's stereotyping, but not offensive, they're good at gamesmanship and being difficult opponents is probably what he meant.

We have had 15 tournament 0-0s since 1982. I think that's a truly embarassing record to have for a so called 'top' Nation.

Weirdly I thought similar. All the creativity going forward but decided to pass it square across the backline for the majority of the game. No real quality going forward, but they left those who had the quality to unlock Costa Rica on the bench. Reminded me of an LJ team who had no ideas how to unlock a stubborn back line

Except Qatar are not trying to enforce their views on the rest of the World by using military intimidation and force.

They basically didn't play 4 of their best players for today's game. Shocking decision and has now have those bloody Germans a chance

Germans likely to go through now in my opinion, regardless of what happens tonight. They will hammer Costa Rica.

Japan only have themselves to blame by not starting Minamino, Asano and Tomiyasu. Very pragmatic approach from their manager which has cost them. Pragmatism doesn't always work see

There are quite a few to be honest

Very defensive which is unlike them. Wont get out of the Group now I don't think