From Martin:
Like we thought a strange game with way too many performing auditions to varying success, to ever be a cohesive unit for both sides and Belgium edged it, though you were thinking all along they were wishing they had not
Do not think anyone learnt anything about chances to progress just confirmation there is some readily interchangeable players for the starters, such as Danny Rose and Rashford and that one or two are not ready such as Trent Alexander, who misdirected pretty much every corner and free kick had responsibility for.
There will be gritty performers in the last 16 and last 8 , so nothing will be easy. It is now knock-out cup football and it’s as much about luck and momentum than being the most talented side.
Watched the Colombia game and they were outpaced, hassled and completely off stride long before James Rodriguez went off and for much of game after, it was just doggedness and lack of guile from Senegal that saw Colombia through. They had to really put a shift in.
On Tuesday England’s returning front line should be fresh and really test Colombian legs as well as maybe having physical edge if goes into extra-time.
Cuadrado will not be wanting to chase Ashley Young all day long down the left or Danny Rose in say extra time
Ospina as we know has a mistake or two in him particularly from set pieces his main attributes is shot stopping
Sanchez vs Kane is interesting asKane knows his tendencies and weaknesses and might have the physiological edge on him.
If England play at same tempo of first two games and get a lead you can see them running out relatively comfortable winners.
Play at a pace that suits Colombia and you bring Falcao into the game.
Will turn my attention to last 8 if and when. Because, as Southgate rightly stated, England not earned the right to look beyond anyone until they actually win a knockout game in a major tournament.
Myles says:
Thanks, Martin.
England have a lot of speed and energy.
But we’ve done nothing yet.
Dele Alli is an explosive power player who can win matches for us. But he’s not everyone’s cup of tea. And that’s OK.
We CAN outpace Colombia to win an untidy game.
Davinson Sanchez was playing left centreback, not his best role.
Yerry Mina (Barcelona) headed their first goal against Poland in a 3-0 victory. And his header in the 74th minute was the winner against unlucky Senegal.
In the world of Spanish & Portuguese-speaking football, Barca like to move early to recruit the finest talent. But it’s far too soon to say whether Mina will be a top defender for them.