Bolton Wanderers Forum The-Wanderer.co.uk

Got exactly what we deserved after the first 35 when we looked assured.
Southgate looks like a one plan man tbh we backed off got casual and far to sloppy.
Ah well never mind the thought was good we will never have a better chance.

Disappointed, of course, but are we any more-so than Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Belgium etc? I doubt we'd have beaten France and I also doubt Croatia will (is the disappointment of losing in the final any worse than in the semi?) Not sure what's happened to football rules or referees interpretation of fouls. Technology? What did having it actually prove? Croatia clogged and fouled their way to victory (they didn't need to, they played good football otherwise) but we looked a shadow of the team that beat Sweden and Colombia. We were bullied and hacked savagely and got nothing in return. We had our chances and didn't take them. Well done for what we achieved, and I'm really sorry for young Pickford being on a losing side. Tremendous display right through by him. The only thing coming home is the team bus...

This is cruel and it's harsh and they get the credit fit getting here but you don't get a better chance to get to a world cup final. They figured us out after 20 mins, play the full backs high and work side to side and we had nothing. Completely out thought tonight. An incredible tournament tempered by what should have been.

Even that, best striker in the world scores his first open play goal and we win. Fine margins and not enough. But week to never get to a world cup final an easier way again.

Prufrock wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 12, 2018 12:04 am

This is cruel and it's harsh and they get the credit fit getting here but you don't get a better chance to get to a world cup final. They figured us out after 20 mins, play the full backs high and work side to side and we had nothing. Completely out thought tonight. An incredible tournament tempered by what should have been.

Even that, best striker in the world scores his first open play goal and we win. Fine margins and not enough. But week to never get to a world cup final an easier way again.

Yes. Southgate was tactically out of his depth if we're honest. After half an hour, Walker should have gone to right back, Sterling on the left to protect Young and Tripper on the right. The 3-5-2 system was exposed and they just stretched us all over the pitch, gradually tiring us out.

Having said that, Croatia have experienced top level European players in their side, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic and Mandzukic all get into England's team. So it is far from a disgrace that a team of European trophy winners beat our young side.

Just frustrating that we were so taken with 3-5-2 and playing from the back that we didn't adapt when needed.