Gareth Southgate

[IDM]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

[Campsall rover]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

But it will be seen as failure by most if we don’t win the Final.

If we do what we did in the last final v Italy and make the same tactical mistakes then that’s failure imo.
If on the other hand we lose to Spain because they were very good and were just a better team and we gave it everything we could and GS brought the subs on early, then I wouldn’t personally see it as failure.

[Filo]

Spain can be beaten, they play open, which will suit us

[dickos1]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

But it will be seen as failure by most if we don’t win the Final.

If we do what we did in the last final v Italy and make the same tactical mistakes then that’s failure imo.
If on the other hand we lose to Spain because they were very good and were just a better team and we gave it everything we could and GS brought the subs on early, then I wouldn’t personally see it as failure.

It won’t be seen by failure by most, absolute nonsense.
Maybe the ones that aren’t really passionate about the national team.
But unless we get battered the players will be given a standing ovation on Sunday whatever the score

[graingrover]

I went to Dortmund with friends and he joined us in the fanzone .

[Goole Rover]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

But it will be seen as failure by most if we don’t win the Final.

If we do what we did in the last final v Italy and make the same tactical mistakes then that’s failure imo.
If on the other hand we lose to Spain because they were very good and were just a better team and we gave it everything we could and GS brought the subs on early, then I wouldn’t personally see it as failure.

Good grief you don’t want much. Is there a manager on the planet that you admire ?

[Pancho Regan]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

But it will be seen as failure by most if we don’t win the Final.

Campsall, you are becoming the master of the sweeping statement.

Where is your evidence that it will be seen by failure by most if we lose in the final?

And your previous statement that Southgate plays boring football and “99% of people can’t be wrong”!

These are ridiculous claims. Why don’t you just state your own opinions instead of claiming to speak on behalf of “99% of people”?

For the record, please don’t include me in your statistics (which you said are “factual, not fiction”, another wild assertion on your part).

I will not see it as failure if we lose on Sunday, I already see it as a huge success to have made it to the final.

[PDX_Rover]

I think we’ve got a great chance of winning it. Southgate has great options that can change games and I’d argue player vs player the England squad is on par with Spain.

It’s one game… anything can happen. Respect Spain but let’s not fear them.

[Campsall rover]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

But it will be seen as failure by most if we don’t win the Final.

Campsall, you are becoming the master of the sweeping statement.

Where is your evidence that it will be seen by failure by most if we lose in the final?

And your previous statement that Southgate plays boring football and “99% of people can’t be wrong”!

These are ridiculous claims. Why don’t you just state your own opinions instead of claiming to speak on behalf of “99% of people”?

For the record, please don’t include me in your statistics (which you said are “factual, not fiction”, another wild assertion on your part).

I will not see it as failure if we lose on Sunday, I already see it as a huge success to have made it to the final.

Look I am only going by what I think most people will think. Ok the 99% is not factual it’s an opinion.  Ok.

[Campsall rover]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

But it will be seen as failure by most if we don’t win the Final.

If we do what we did in the last final v Italy and make the same tactical mistakes then that’s failure imo.
If on the other hand we lose to Spain because they were very good and were just a better team and we gave it everything we could and GS brought the subs on early, then I wouldn’t personally see it as failure.

Good grief you don’t want much. Is there a manager on the planet that you admire ?

What on earth are you talking about?    that is a bizarre post?
There are dozens of Managers that I admire. We have one at DRFC right now.
I admire Southgate with many of his managerial skills.

[DRFC_AjA]

I do hope those folks who've said they're bored, can't get excited about winning on pens, don't like the negative football etc aren't getting excited about appearing in a major tournament final. After all, that's not what football is about as we've not played every team off the park, not attacked every game. And that matters more, apparently

Plus Southgate only beats small teams. Forgetting the fact we used to lose to small teams and not reach tournament finals at all.

[drfcsteve]

The team with the best squad has got to the final, proving why we were favourites. I hope Southgate can finish the job this time. The first half against Netherlands was the most I’ve enjoyed watching England for a long time.

Re “we used to lose to small teams”, yes we did because ever since the Sven Goron Ericson days our squad has generally been poor. Looking back at old England squads I was genuinely astonished at some of the first teams we put out. A million miles away from the quality Southgate’s had available for the last 6 years.

[DRFC_AjA]

The team with the best squad has got to the final, proving why we were favourites. I hope Southgate can finish the job this time. The first half against Netherlands was the most I’ve enjoyed watching England for a long time.

Re “we used to lose to small teams”, yes we did because ever since the Sven Goron Ericson days our squad has generally been poor. Looking back at old England squads I was genuinely astonished at some of the first teams we put out. A million miles away from the quality Southgate’s had available for the last 6 years.

You're saying that about our old Sven, Capello, Hodgson squads with hindsight. And yes if you look at those squads now they're bang average. But just remember what it was like at the time, every 2 years it was the golden generation, we were going to win. And we performed bang average. Now we're actually getting to finals yet STILL the negativity of some on here or conversations you heard down the pub. Must be an English thing that I just don't get. It's almost like we're only worthy finalists if we've played champagne football which for some weird reason matters more in a tournament

[Goole Rover]

Getting to the final is a huge success and the manager and the squad are to be congratulated.  To come second now would be disappointing on the day, but mitigated if Spain prove to be a better side, similar to the womens World Cup final.

However coming second isn’t a failure.  Being the second best country in the continent - based on results - is miles better than we have ever been.

My issue has been we’ve not been consistently impressive in tempo and attack minded play.  We have been far more consistent in defence which of course is vital.  Playing with more attacking flair puts us closer to Spain.

However they are all only human, maybe Spain will not be at their best on Sunday, much like France weren’t against us at the last World Cup, where we were unlucky to go out IMHO.

But it will be seen as failure by most if we don’t win the Final.

If we do what we did in the last final v Italy and make the same tactical mistakes then that’s failure imo.
If on the other hand we lose to Spain because they were very good and were just a better team and we gave it everything we could and GS brought the subs on early, then I wouldn’t personally see it as failure.

Good grief you don’t want much. Is there a manager on the planet that you admire ?

What on earth are you talking about?    that is a bizarre post?
There are dozens of Managers that I admire. We have one at DRFC right now.
I admire Southgate with many of his managerial skills.

Seem to be coming in for a bit of stick Campsall.

[drfcsteve]

The team with the best squad has got to the final, proving why we were favourites. I hope Southgate can finish the job this time. The first half against Netherlands was the most I’ve enjoyed watching England for a long time.

Re “we used to lose to small teams”, yes we did because ever since the Sven Goron Ericson days our squad has generally been poor. Looking back at old England squads I was genuinely astonished at some of the first teams we put out. A million miles away from the quality Southgate’s had available for the last 6 years.

You're saying that about our old Sven, Capello, Hodgson squads with hindsight. And yes if you look at those squads now they're bang average. But just remember what it was like at the time, every 2 years it was the golden generation, we were going to win. And we performed bang average. Now we're actually getting to finals yet STILL the negativity of some on here or conversations you heard down the pub. Must be an English thing that I just don't get. It's almost like we're only worthy finalists if we've played champagne football which for some weird reason matters more in a tournament

The Sven “Golden generation” squads were quality but we competed with those squads. We were generally knocked out by the better teams, 2002 one of the best ever Brazil teams etc.

Capello and Hodgson squads were bang average with 2 or 3 quality players, which made people think we had a good team. I completely agree the media hype every tournament was ridiculous when there were usually 6 or 7 teams better placed to win it than us.

The talent available to us now, and I think the squad at this tournament is better than the last World Cup and Euros, is the envy of Europe. Any team would love to have half the quality we have now.

[BobG]

Lol! If I were cynical Steve, I'd suggest that in general, supporters said words to the same effect in the tournament squads Capello, Hodgson and Ericsson put together.

I happen to agree with you Steve, but human capacity for self delusion is enormous. It's akin to a form of either mass hysteria or mass groupthink.

BobG

[Red wizard]

The trouble was with svens golden generation was we just put the big name players in. Becks was rushed back. Rooney was once taken when injured. Lampard and Steve g proving to be 2 of the beat mids in the Premier was both played in the same team and neither played like they did for there clubs. We are now seeing the fruits from st George Park what ever it's called. Southgate had managed the under 21 so knew what he had coming through. The other youth teams have seen success and some ate now in the full squad. Imo there is no argument to be had about how good Southgate has been for the national team and win or lose he should take us to the world Cup. Quarter finals was seen as good in years gone by. GS has us in the semis and 2 finals. The monkey on our back regarding pen shoot outs has long left us. Yes some games haven't been great but we have grown into the final just like the great tournament team of old of Germany and Italy. Tomorrow is going g to be tough. Playing teams not sitting back will suit us and we have top top players who can hurt them. Trouble is so do they and they look like they been together a whole season playing week in week out.

[Silkscarf]

My 10-year old says we’re in the top 2 in Europe. Again. We’ve done better than Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium.

He’s spot on. I believe we’re going to be in ‘the top 1’ as Cloughie used to say!

[IDM]

Picking up on a point further above, 2002 Brazil team one of their best ever?  They were very good, yes, but not close to their best ever IMHO.

[dickos1]

The team with the best squad has got to the final, proving why we were favourites. I hope Southgate can finish the job this time. The first half against Netherlands was the most I’ve enjoyed watching England for a long time.

Re “we used to lose to small teams”, yes we did because ever since the Sven Goron Ericson days our squad has generally been poor. Looking back at old England squads I was genuinely astonished at some of the first teams we put out. A million miles away from the quality Southgate’s had available for the last 6 years.

More rubbish!
The squads from 2000 to 2010 were better than the one we have now and we were absolutely garbage, didn’t even qualify in 2008 and performed abysmally in the other tournaments
Now we’ve got to our first ever final in the last tournament and done it again. The argument that our squad is too good to not get to a final is rubbish and lazy as is the argument we’ve always played easy teams under Southgate 

[StocksArmy]

I think Southgate has reached the minimum (again) of what should have been expected of the quality of his squad in a competition given the route we have had to the final. Anybody who denies that would argue that black is blue. In his tenure he has had the easiest route to the final in every competition he’s been involved in. Not saying that any game is easy when you get to a knockout but, if you could choose it yourself you would choose not to meet any of the nations that have won something. Other than beating Germany, we have been beaten every time we have been up against a team who you would consider a tough team to beat. Tactically against Croatia and Italy once going 1-0 up I believe we managed the games p!ss poor and ultimately lost the game on the back of that. In the game against Germany at Wembley I thought despite looking vulnerable to concede, we kept the foot on the peddle and got the win. World Cup against France I thought by a country mile we were the better team. Robbed again by the ref in the first half and Kane missing the penalty we have seen England knocked out that way many times. Tonight I believe we have a group that are better than Spain and I’m confident that if we are brave and take the game to them like we dis against France, we will beat them but, we have to start scoring when we are on top because they will find gaps in us there is no doubt.

[drfcsteve]

You have a habit Dickos of saying anything you don’t agree with is rubbish or nonsense.

The squads from 2000 to 2010 were better than we have now? Jesus Christ. Look at the 2008 squad as you’ve mentioned that one.

Keepers Robinson, Foster, Carson - all worse than we have now.

Defence G Neville, Richards, Ferdinand, Terry, Woodgate, Carragher, A Cole, P Neville. So you’d take Ferdinand Terry and Cole from that, otherwise none better than we have now.

Midfield Gerrard, Hargreaves, Lampard, Lennon, Parker, Carrick, Dyer, Downing, Johnson. So you’d take Gerrard and Lampard, everyone else way off the standard of today.

Strikers Rooney, Defoe, Bent. Obviously only Rooney from them.

So you’ve got maybe 6 players on a par or better than we have now, out of the entire squad.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I'd love to think that we will play to our strengths and knock Spain off their stride. Do what we do best by being unpredictable, cause chaos in their penalty area with some brilliant interplay, wicked crosses into the box etc....alas, even after the semi final win, pyschologically we are too conservative to sustain that through the 90 minutes under Southgate.

The semi gave me a little hope that Southgate will try to win the game in 90, rather than settling for not losing and hoping for the best. This was a sign he may have learned from previous failures and as long as he encourages the players to try to win the game, using the bench well, then we can't ask for anymore.

Be brave and believe.

[graingrover]

The Dortmund riot police officer was almost identical .

[Campsall rover]

I'd love to think that we will play to our strengths and knock Spain off their stride. Do what we do best by being unpredictable, cause chaos in their penalty area with some brilliant interplay, wicked crosses into the box etc....alas, even after the semi final win, pyschologically we are too conservative to sustain that through the 90 minutes under Southgate.

The semi gave me a little hope that Southgate will try to win the game in 90, rather than settling for not losing and hoping for the best. This was a sign he may have learned from previous failures and as long as he encourages the players to try to win the game, using the bench well, then we can't ask for anymore.

Be brave and believe.

Bang on DBR
If we are not brave we will pay the penalty.  Sit back and try and defend a lead and we will lose.

[Padge_DRFC]

Sven's golden generation you'd take the whole back 4, Gerrard, Beckham, Lampard, Rooney. Problem was they weren't as good as they should have been put together.

The only player under Southgate tenure that's underperformed compared to playing for his club is Foden. Bar probably Beckham all the names mentioned above underperformed for England

[tyke1962]

Well here we are and despite my criticism of this tournament performance so far ( not without foundation ) I'm thrilled as anybody to see us in another final .

Making the final is the par score for me given the talent we have and the way the draw opened up for us .

I along with many makes us underdogs which is fine because Spain have played the more impressive football and come from the harder side of the draw .

I think underdog suits us to be honest , just as long as we leave nothing on that pitch tonight then no matter what happens I'll live with it .

My gut tells me we are going to do it , things have happened in this tournament that's never happened before , normally we'd be out by now playing better football .

It could be our time and nothing the Spanish can do will prevent that .

[Avsuptem]

Spain have been playing great and entertaining  football but I disagree that they have players equal to ours. Man for man we are better in nearly every position with just one or 2 exceptions. And our bench is far better. Spain being favorites is ridiculous in my opinion and the likes of Foden, Bellamy, Mainoo, Sara etc will have a field day with Spain's open style of play. A comfortable England victory awaits.

[Campsall rover]

Spain have been playing great and entertaining  football but I disagree that they have players equal to ours. Man for man we are better in nearly every position with just one or 2 exceptions. And our bench is far better. Spain being favorites is ridiculous in my opinion and the likes of Foden, Bellamy, Mainoo, Sara etc will have a field day with Spain's open style of play. A comfortable England victory awaits.

Gosh I hope you’re right.
Comfortable. England rarely do comfortable in big games.
We definitely have a better bench. That’s our big weapon imo but GS needs to use that bench and use it in good time. Don’t leave it till the last 10 mins.

[Filo]

We have to stop Rodri from dictating the game, eveything goes through him