St1pe

Ewww you’re right.

I totally get it’s a prick perspective and can’t even put my finger on why. I think it’s a gripe with social media narratives and modern day casual fans rather than the man himself mind but that doesn’t paint me in any better of a picture… because you’re right - it would be fitting. Still Allez le bleu!! ??

Team France here. I’m already a bit sick of the Messi love in and it’ll be insufferable if Argentina win. I’m aware of how much of a horrid, cynical view that is. I genuinely like this French side though. Giroud’s career arc and how he’s finally getting recognition, Griezmann has probably been the most under rated performer of the tournament and Tchouameni has bossed parts of their games. All without their apparent superstars like Pogba and Benzema.

It’s the first time I’ve properly watched Tchouameni in this World Cup and I can see why the hype and big move landed for him, he’s really impressive.

I’m not as far a long as you but I’m not seeing that price tag either. I thought he was a good defensive midfielder in the tournament but for that price tag there’s got to be more than that. There was a good thread on twitter that I can’t find now about how he takes up poor positions to receive the ball and that’s pretty key for that role in my opinion. I don’t think he advances the ball particularly well either.

I don’t think it would be possible given the wages but I think Howe would get the best out of him.

It might just be me but I find Messi equally as dislikable as Ronaldo in terms of arrogant/egotistical behaviour. That interview where he’s being a prick to Weghost and the “dance now” clip from the penalties of the Copa America is just two of many examples. Two absolute peak performers. Two people who’s egos are out of control.

I knew players got stick after poor results but wasn’t aware of the volume of it. It’s mostly from his own club fans too. It’s insane.

I think it’s pretty clear why. The press are dying to get their shot of him crying and that camera guy followed him down the tunnel to catch it. Mentioned this earlier in the thread but the pile on him has been weird. He’s one of the two best players to ever play the game and it’s seemingly all forgotten as his form has dropped since he hit 38. I’ve always found his ego too much and that wide stance free kick people used to cream over that hit the target one in a thousand times was built up to be this set piece specialist annoyed me. Yet people talk about him like he’s always been shit. Baffles me.

I’m struggling to see how Southgate was “found out” last night when we were largely the better side, had the better chances and controlled most of the game. We lost to some very fine margins and not being clinical enough. I don’t think you can point to any of his selections and say someone could have done a better job than the players he put out there.

In my opinion I think that’s been part of the success he’s has since taking over. He builds teams rather than changing players in and out depending on poor runs with their club side unless they’ve been really out of the loop. I came into the tournament on his back with some of the selections and he’s been proven right again for the most part. Pickford and Maguire being two who’ve represented us at international level well again despite being utterly shite in the league. I’m not sure there’s anyone out there that’ll be jumping at the chance for the England job that could do better with this group of players.

Played well. Better team for the most part. We didn’t limp out or hide right up until the end. I’m sure they’ll be a lot of people saying everyone is shite and Southgate needs to go but we can be proud of that effort in my opinion.

Unlucky

Pass it ???

This ref is the worst

This ref has lost it

That is definitely a pen

Fuuuck

Saaaaave

Ohhhh should score there

We’ve got to keep pressing now

Kane v Lloris is an interesting one

Don’t see where he plays in this system

Don’t get the criticism I think we’ve played well since going behind. I don’t think we’ve got anyone sat on the bench that you could bank on changing the game. Saka needs to be braver. He seems to play it safe to often when he’s got a full back isolated.

Playing well here despite being behind