Trapper John wrote:Vicks wrote:Trapper John wrote:Vicks wrote:A capacity crowd turned up at Elland Road last night to see England best Costa Rica 2-0
Gareth Southgate made ten changes from the team that beat Nigeria on Saturday.
Marcus Rashford was England's star man last night and despite a disappointing season at Man Utd, he put in a fine display and scored a fine goal.
However did he do enough to book his place on the flight to Russia?
Rashford didn't get much of a chance to play at Man Utd last season but he showed last night he's well up for this and with the withwithall to pop in a goal like that one last night, he should certainly be going to Russia.
I thought we played ok last night, again it was the first half performance that stood out and although it was against a jet lagged Costa Rica I was most impressed by the pressing when we didn't have the ball and the enthusiasm to go forward, so much different from previous sides slow patient build ups which usually resulted in nothing.
There does seem to be a better and more confident attitude between this group of players and I have to say Southgate is a lot less cautious than I thought he would be. Lets see though how they fare against a side with a bit more reputation, that will be the real test.
England have a tricky opening game against Tunisia followed by Panama, who you should beat and the toughest test will come in the final game against Belgium.
England might get to the knockout stages but I don't see you reaching the semi-finals.
Most people can't see by Germany.
I've said a couple of times on here I can't see past Germany, though they need to up their game from the little I've seen.
If England get to the quarter finals they will most likely face either Germany or Brazil always supposing those two get that far but it's gonna be tough whatever.
I think all England fans expect is that the side do their best and go out in a blaze of glory rather than like damp squibs which they have in previous WC and Euro's.
Aye i hope there's no repeat of what happened with Iceland at the Euros.
I'll off, have a nice day.