SydneyBillsFan

England blew it open with that furious 15 minute spell after half time. It's not clear to me why Croatia started the second half so slowly and ultimately it cost them dearly, you could see England's confidence grow instantly after Bellingham's goal. I expect both teams to get better as the tournament progresses, with England's explosiveness bound to trouble even the best sides. Croatia need to address their defensive lapses otherwise they will not go far. It's certainly looking like a tournament for the top class strikers....Haaland, Messi, Kane and Mbappe all look switched on - and that is bad news for defences.

As I said - the first game between two elite heavyweights. This England team is very good - but the Croatians are not the least bit intimidated. Should be an interesting second half.

Hahaha.....yeah the game between two "soccer" nations should be interesting. On a serious note, always thought the expectations of Southgate were a bit unfair. He did all but win a trophy in four consecutive tournaments. If you're going to be a little upset at Gareth about a tournament, Euro 96 might be the one IMO. A massive England win is unlikely as the teams have just been announced and Croatia are semi-parking the bus with three centre halves and two wing backs focused primarily on defence. The longer the game remains 0-0 the harder it will be to get the win.

Arguably the first true battle of elite heavyweights at this World Cup is coming up in a few hours: England (finalists at the last two European Championships) v Croatia (finalists and 3rd place at the last two World Cups). The poms have one of the world's greatest strikers in Bayern's Harry Kane, who will be looking to the likes of Bellingham, Saka, Gordon and Rice to provide the sort of opportunities he usually puts away with the ease of pressing a toilet flush button. It's startling to think that the likes of Foden and Maguire didn't make the squad - such is the depth of the English squad. It would, however, be utterly foolish of the English to completely dismiss the ability of the Croats (although they have done it before of course), however under Tuchel that is unlikely. Croatia have a very formidable back four of Gvardiol, Sutalo, Stanisic and the new 19-year old wunderkind from Spurs (via a loan spell to Hamburg) Vuskovic, so it will take some explosive and inventive play from England to break them down. And then of course there is the ageless Luka Modric - who is scheduled to make his 199th start in the red and white chequered shirt. Putting my punters cap on for a minute - I am (reluctantly) predicting a 2-1 victory for the three lions of England. .

This French team is technically on par with the 98 team of Zidane, Henry, Djorkaeff, Thuram, Blanc etc. The difference is that the current lot are machines - explosive speed coupled with high level endurance. They will be hard to stop. Spain and England probably best equipped to handle them. .

The England squad visited a children's home near their Kansas City training camp today. "It's deeply moving and inspiring to see these youngsters showing such optimism and spirit, struggling to achieve their dreams in the face of impossible odds and smiling despite having almost no hope", said Elijah, aged 8.

This was Sweden in qualifying They got backdoor entry to the playoffs through winning UEFA Nations League group C Now they have just pumped Tunisia 5-1. How on earth did they finish last in their Euro qualification group?

Turkey Tiki-Taka all for nought, sucker punched by the Australian counter attack. USA the best performance so far - who'd have thunk it.

You're playing the mighty Croats first 💪🇭🇷 Hence you'll be 'going home' 👋😁

When Peterman went to the Raiders, Jon Gruden dropped a great one liner at practice which was not complimentary - but for the life of me I cannot remember what he said. Anyone know what he said?

That's not how you spell Justin Jefferson

Apparently Indiana does a much better job at managing the state finances:

The follow up piece:

This might be as complimentary as Chris has ever been to Josh - and that is really saying something.

Taro Nimbus - meet Cumulo Nimbus: