Morning chaps! For the third time in the past four major tournaments, Gareth Southgate's England team have made the semi-final stages. We may complain about his style of play, but Southgate is far and away the most successful England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey. What separates the Three Lions from a final against Spain, who defeated France this afternoon, is an appointment this evening with The Netherlands. Let's hope the boys can keep their nerves and book their spot for Sunday's big climax. Come on, England!
England v. Holland. One of my favorite footballing memories is the 4-1 England win over the Netherlands at Wembley during Euro 96 and especially coming away from the stadium with fans chanting "You can stick your total football up your arse!"
ReplyDeleteThe teams are out:
ReplyDeleteEngland (3-4-2-1) Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham; Kane.
Substitutes: Shaw, Alexander-Arnold, Ramsdale, Konsa, Dunk, Gallagher, Toney, Gordon, Watkins, Bowen, Eze, Gomez, Henderson, Palmer, Wharton.
Netherlands (4-2-3-1) Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay.
Substitutes: Geertruida, de Ligt, Wijnaldum, Weghorst, Frimpong, Bijlow, Van de Ven, Veerman, Blind, Brobbey, Maatsen, Zirkzee, Flekken, Bergwijn, Gravenberch.
Come on, England!
ReplyDeleteBugger! The Dutch strike early through Simons. I think that Pickers should be saving that one. 0-1 Netherlands.
ReplyDeleteGood response from England - a drive from Kane that the Dutch keeper Verbruggen had to palm away.
ReplyDeleteYes! England have a chance to level it from the penalty spot after Kane is impeding while shooting.
ReplyDeleteYes, Harry slots home with aplomb and we're level. 1-1!
Oh - Foden with a lovely curler off the angle!
ReplyDeleteIt's noticeable that both teams are looking much better today than they have throughout the tournament. The difference is that they're playing teams that are actually trying to play a little rather than just trying to nullify.
ReplyDeleteJust started watching the match here in Caen, France. After last night’s disaster hardly anyone is paying attention.
ReplyDeleteThis is Bivalve88, BTW.
DeleteHalf-time: Well, that was exhilarating stuff. My favorite match of the tournament so far. Both teams are finally showing the quality that they have. More of the same please, lads!
ReplyDeleteMuch more cautious this half.
ReplyDeleteHi there, Bivalve - great to hera from you. I've been enjoying your photos on FB. Looks to be a great trip!
ReplyDeleteHeading to Old Blighty early tomorrow morning.
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