Euro 2020 — Quarter-Finals

Ooops. Deflection... goal for Spain. Inside 10 minutes.

Feel bad for the Swiss. Brutal goal, then Embolo injured. Their big moment and everything goes wrong at once.

Shaquiri looks like the poster boy for steroid use. 5'3", solid unnatural muscle build.

Cheese fondue, Jamie. It's a performance enhancer.

Does Shaquiri know the offside rule ? Twice he's played a forward in who was easily 2 yards off.
Maybe “his” hair is getting in his eyes?

That was a hot chocolate chance.

A Swiss Miss.

1-1 game on

Get in!!

Switzerland! What the hell was the Spanish defender DOING???

That's better! Viva Svizzera!

Excellent hair transplant on the shaquiri forehead

Come on you Toblerones

Derrick Rae guilty of the WORST, cheesiest commentary ever:

"...and you can't be neutral about this Switzerland team."

C'mon Mr. Rae, up your game. You're a good announcer, just stop that nonsense.

You have to hand it to these Swiss boys. Spain threatened to blow them away. just as the World champions did.

They simply refuse to go quietly. Loving their passion, pride and fight without their superstar too.

Die Schweiz please Mike!!!

I dunno about that red? He did kind of kick out and slid through the player.

Bit of a scissors chop with studs showing and making contact, coming in at speed from an angle. I think it was a red card.

harsh red that.

Harsh red from Officious Oliver. He does love to decide games, doesn't he?

Michael, in real time it looked that way. On replay, I don't think so. Oliver should have looked at VAR.

Stupid tackle knowing how refs treat such tackles these days.

That what I saw too - a bit "scissors" and the ref just might show red, so frankly a stupid tackle.

If the tackle isn't stupid, the form of the tackle was. He didn't need to scissor and if you do, you put yourself at the mercy of the ref.

A 'marginal" clear and obvious error?

Initially looked bad. Replay and close up not so. But, out of control so red for me.

JOKE. Ironic that a premier league referee has dragged the standard down. Yellow card. Peter Walton continues to be an absolute nonsense. Blindly backing the official every time.......

Imagine the Everton Bayern game being officiated under the same rules. There wouldn't be a man left on the field

Mike Gaynes -

He went clean through the player though you do that plus anything remotely resembling scissoring, surely a red must be considered.

Now, Oliver could have said to himself, "Harsh, but I don't want a card deciding this game." That probably would be a MORE than acceptable and arguably better response.

Mike, I would say that's another issue with VAR. They need to judge it in real-time. Things don't look quite so bad in slo-mo.

But Oliver made his judgement in real time based on what he saw, without the 'benefit' of VAR. I think he got it right, but it's a pity in the context of the way the game was heading.

I'm with Mike Gaynes.

Agreed, Jamie, and it wasn't an intelligent challenge. And Oliver has been clearly the best referee at an often-poorly-officiated tournament. But I still think he should have looked at the VAR, since it's available. I suspect he would have changed his mind.

Red ?

You can see why it was given. He went in with a lot of force...But I think he can consider himself very, very unlucky.

Come on the Swiss. Keep digging

Yep, Michael, I think this game was headed for a beautiful finish, and I wouldn't have bet against a late Swiss winner. Now the best they can hope for is to drag it through to pens.

It was harsh but I can see why it was given. Come on the Schweiz

But Michael, I would add that VAR has been excellently used (for the most part) in this tournament. Danielson's knee-breaker for Sweden being the best example. That initially drew only a yellow because it was deceptive in real-time... but the most richly deserved red I've seen in a long time. The guy he chopped will reportedly be sidelined until next year.

Why do you take Shaquiri off? Put him up top for the break, ahead of two banks of 4. He's dangerous, why would you remove him from the game?

Baffling for me.

Swiss aren't even looking to get forward. This is a long, long time to hold on.

Petkovic looks like he's wondered in from one of those American soap operas from the 80's. Anyone want to meet me on betfair ? I'm going big that he deffo knobbed Joan Collins

As far as I am aware, they don't play the game at slow time so why should VAR be determining key decisions at anything other than natural speed. Good referees are being made to hasten their retirement because of this nonsense.

I won't be posting on Everton matters whilst we are under Red Rule but don't begrudge me two pennath on referees. Please !

Spain piling it on here

Derek, by all means post away. But what support do you have for "Good referees are being made to hasten their retirement because of this nonsense"? What refs do you know of who have been retired by VAR? Seems a strange statement to me.

Darren, that's a pretty safe bet. Based on her memoir, just about everybody did.

Jamie#37, I thought the same, then there's a shot of him strapping up, injured I think.

Swiss win on pens.

Brilliant block Rodriguez

Fantastic anticipation.

Mike, a neighbour of mine has been promoted to AR in Premier League and has turned it down. He tells me he is one of many.

What a waste !

Boooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

Fucken Red Shite.

I have nothing against Spain but how many chances do they want?

Come on Swiss

Didn't think my comment deserved that, Michael. After all it is a game of opinions and my shite is a natural colour !

Wow. They held out. Swiss now totally deserve to win the PKs in my opinion.

Enthralling. Not beautiful but really gripping.

Let's see where this goes

Well done Svizzera!

Hear! Hear! Jamie. The Spaniards will rival the French if they go out on pens!

Sorry, Derek, it was in relation to some Liverpool player in coming on for Spain. But I guess Shaqiri scored for the Swiss, so I shall have to rexamine my allegiances here...

Woohoo, one miss!

Oh miss #1.

Second class post.

Busquets...haha. Always been a wanker

What a shitty penalty by Cher. Misspell intentional

Psych! He pointed one way and dove the other.

Is that a bit naughty? Goalie pointing just before he shoots?

Another Swiss Miss. Did they practice pens this week at all???

And the winner was nerves

Argghhh. Choke.

Sad but a thrilling encounter

Feel awful for the Swiss, but some of their pens were just shit.

Some terrible as many as there were good penalties there.

Alrighty Bobby Brown Shoes, knock out the Italians!

Some poor penalty taking there / cant criticize as all the years I played never had the nerve to take a penalty when win or loose meant nothing

I hate twats that twat about with penalties

Shifting into Belgium mode now. COME ON ROBERTO!

Tough call this next one, Italy for me, they've got the know how😉

And how come only our anthem is 10 seconds behind itself?

Is it me, or do all these Italian guys make me think I'm going to get whacked at any moment?

Rom to net a hat trick. Bobby and Belgium to win the Euros.

Or England. Either would be great to see.

De Bruyne is in. Yeah baby.

How many cortisone shots are presently residing inside DeBruyne's ankle?

About 10-12 I'd say.

Italy should be wearing blue, ridiculous this away kit bollox.

Nah, Jamie, just Tylenol.

Jeff - isn't the away team required to wear white?

Aye, Jeff - & what's with everybody having to wear all one colour? Are UEFA watching in black & white?

Don't know Jamie, don't see why teams can't wear their National strip when there's no clash.

Its a international tournament, wear your colours FFS.

Really interesting game here

Painful for the Swiss. They battled to the end against superior opposition...Fair play.

This tournament has made the EPL loo like a drizzly afternoon at the bowling green...In Southport or somewhere

It's so funny watching Rom. He's developed into a great striker, and God I wish we still had him.

But watching him walk around is hilarious. Doesn't bother me at all watching him do it for Belgium. He's conserving his energy and it's smart.

But when he played for Everton it would drive me absolutely bonkers! Looked lazy and it just pissed me off to no end!

Tricky... very tricky!

God, I love VAR.

So do I Mike. Gets it right way more often than not. Not implemented well in the Premier League at all.

You weren't alone, Jamie. Never bothered me, but everybody on the Forum for those games was raging at him!

When they weren't deriding his first touch, that is.

To be fair, his touch has VASTLY improved and was shite often times with us.

But he did have balls continually fizzed into him at like 150 mph with Everton!

Whomever just put a head on the DeBruyne canon of a shot deserves a medal. Ouch!

Jamie cheialinie

Pens this.

Yellow for Tielemens surely? Guess not.

Brilliant save off the DB shot.

Wonder if its ingrained in Italian dna to moan and speak with one hand up in front of the faces

What a save, what a shot. Wow.

Donnarumma, high fives, aren't I great!!!

Needs Fellaini this.

David -

Only bested by the cheeky "roll your hands around in front of you while you suggest something sly" Scouse ingrained body language!

My buddy Steve Ashcroft used to do it ALL the time. Watched a Liverpool documentary and saw like 3-4 other people interviewed so the exact same thing.

do. not so

Donnarumma again. He is special.

Oh Lu! Close.

This ref just hugged an Italian player, and then got Chiellini and Witsel laughing at each other. He's good.

Of far too "chummy".

Is it part of Italian culture to break your nose to make you look tougher?

Ah, shit, but that is a spectacular finish.

Wow. Bad giveaway.

Notice how the injured Italian got right up when the goal went in?

Pure skill and aggression from the goal scorer though Jamie👏

Serious question -

What is the point of covid protocol to distance when the supporter areas are shoulder-to shoulder, sardine packed tight?

Makes no logical sense whatsoever?

Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb play out of defence by Belgium, but once Baralla gets the ball what great feet and finish.

Great game this. Two high quality teams.

Agree Jay. The skill on the field is fantastic in my opinion.

This is the football equivalent of Thomas Hearns vs. Ray Leonard.

And that could be the knockout.

Great goal. Belgium cant defend like Italy.

OOOOOOOHHHHHH. What a strike!

Pen

I said to my Mrs, after watching Italy in their first match after 10 minutes, Italy are the team to beat. They are strong aren't they.

WHAT. A. GOAL.

You could see that opening up for him as soon as he got on the ball with Belgium backing off.

And now a pen for Belgium!

What a game!

Get in Rom

What a dumb foul.

Tremendous stuff... Well done, Rom!

Lukaku!!

Well in, Rom. 2-1.

Timely.

ROM! Let's go! Atta boy.

What a half, what a game.

Fantastic to watch these tactically

What are the Italians bitching about? Pen all day long FFS.

Whats with all this you play/we play lark ?

We're getting dangerously close to proper footy here

Okay, in slo-mo, that is one hell of a push! Not soft at all! (I know this negates my earlier comment!!!)

He had his run straightened shoulder to shoulder, he wouldn't have got the cross in, then he just gave up and shoved him over.

And...breathe.

And for Michael, here you go. A chance to try out your Portuguese on the Richarlison Olympics story.

Brazil invites Richarlison to play at the Olympics

The irony of this story is that they want Richy to replace Pedro of Flamengo because...Flamengo is refusing to release their player!

Pedro wasn't in the current Brazilian Copa America squad, but was named in the provisional Olympic squad. Pedro didn't play a minute of 3 warm up games because he got CV-19.

Pagina nao encontrada ? WTF? Nevermind, got it now... Thanks!

Doku has some pace.

Who does Doku play for on club level? Kid accelerates at a blinding pace.

Surely he's on the target list of all the big clubs?

Somewhere in Ligue 1, Jamie, not sure where.

Stunned one of the Manchester clubs, Chelsea, et al haven't gone to get the kid. I want him on the left and Richy on the right!

Rennes, they bought him to replace Sarr.

Unbelievable stuff.

OMG Rom! Finish man!

Stopped it with his "culo"...

Just saw the replay. What a defensive stop from the Spinn-ah

Must admit, l didn't think ltaly were this good. Glowing with confidence.

Ref is getting pretty shitty. not a foul there and Belgium were off to the races.

David -

"Total football" is this nebulous term, and I'm not quite sure what the exact definition of it is. But the Italians are currently playing it in my opinion.

Brilliant stuff.

Italians easily the most intelligent team at the tournament.

How did they miss then >!!! OMG

How did they fail to score there??

Another near miss. Somehow.

Quality match.

OMG how close can you get?

Yeah Jamie, Belgium still in it though on the break. Two well coached teams!

Chadli down after 2 minutes. Baaad sub by Bobby anyway.

If Gomes, Sigurdsson, James, Davies, Delph had 50% of the Italian pace and energy levels, I'd be happy.

The ball is just refusing to run for them. Football can be such a brilliant and then such a cruel game...

Uh Oh. Spinn-ah hurt. That's a BIG loss for Italy if he's done. He's been great.

That's not a hammy. That's an Achilles. Tragic for him.

I thought maybe a knee? Either way, sad to see. Part of the game though.

If it's a knee, the player will grab for it, and the physios will check it and manipulate it. They didn't even examine him. Just loaded him up.

Ooh Doku aint bad. Come on Belgium

Can we please sign Doku? Man what a player.

Wow that kid is just electric.

Hehe dirty ltalian tricks

I could see stoppage going near 7 minutes with the sub and the delays.

Never seen DB hit so many poor free kicks.

That's a TERRIBLE call by the ref! Awful! The keeper wasn't fouled.

how come only 5 min it took that long to see to a player and get him on a stretcher never mind the number of subtitutions

I fucking hate the Italians. They just dive like pussies. It's shitty to watch.

Martinez is one crap manager

DeBruyne has had a bad game.

Thang fuck we didn't go for Rubbertoe

Glad Italy won.

And bobby brown shoes cant even apply for the Everton managers job

Great day of football. See ya guys.

I think, despite the diving histrionics at the end, Italy just played the best game of football by any team in this tournament.

Don't write off Belgium until after next year's World Cup.

For sure it's an England v Italy final.

A fantastic game, with deserved winners. I'll never get used to the almost pathological need to bring out the antics by the Italians though. It's not gamesmanship, it's ugly bullshit.

And now Roberto's back on the phone with Kenwright - "Wait, wait - I changed my mind! Is the offer still on the table?!?"

Jamie, they just don't have the quality off the bench.

Anyway, good night all and come on England (l guess).

If Belgium fire Bobby, and we're left with the Fat Spanish Fuck, I will FUME.

Just loved the Italian energy and style but the they spoilt it all with their blatant play-acting time-wasting and general cynicism. Pundits seem to think it's "all part of the game". Not mine it isn't.

Italians deserved the win. Most consistent team in the comp. Midfield and forward line never stop and with those 2 old very slow wily dogs at the back you have to do something special to get past them.

Based on that game I would say that was a shoot-out between the eventual winners.

Top, top quality football from both teams.

Mancini has done a fantastic job with Italy. Only in the final 10 minutes and injury time did they play in the old Italian way: 'what we have, we hold.' Outside of that they maintain their defensive rigidity (and then some!) but it is now harnessed to lighning fast turnover and transition in which they have 4 attackers across the width of the opposition penalty area on the offensive.

It's very exciting to watch and an extremely potent mix. It's no wonder or fluke that tonight was their 32nd consecutive game without defeat under Mancini.

On the Belgian side, Roberto Martinez has done an equally good job. The margins were very small tonight and the ball did not roll kindly for them at key moments.

Italy was severely tested but came through. There isn't a team left in the competition who can match them IMO.

Enthralling game of football.

Italy was the better team.

Fantastic from Italy. Belgium were decent too, but I loved the Italian intensity, and some of their football was just magnificent. I even liked the way they conned the ref to waste almost all the injury time.

Superb.

Jamie, I very much doubt Belgium is likely to fire Roberto just yet.

If you can, try and watch this BBC documentary about him (may need to use a VPN). Fascinating study into the man and what Belgium are trying to achieve football-wise with Martinez very much central to it.

Roberto Martinez: Whistle to Whistle

Bobby Brown Shoes was pointing all over the shop from the touchline; meanwhile, the players just got on with playing.

Shit player; shit manager.

Jeff (188) - Saw that. Had to laugh.

Picturing Lukaku at the first team training under Roberto. "Don't worry about anything he says. Just do what you want."

Wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Barca fired Koeman mid-season, that Martinez talked his way into the job.

The Peter Principle needs a corollary added just for Roberto.

Best game so far of Euro 2020. I am happy for the Azzuri and Mancini. I met my wife in Rome and fell in love with the country and her at the same time.

Talking of that phenomenal duffer Martinez reminds me of that famous picture when the Belgian FA made him their manager (he having been made as rich as Croesus by us after being sacked). The hour it was announced, our two Belgian players, Lukaku and Mirallas, were depicted emerging from the tunnel onto the pitch with wide-eyed incredulity on their faces.

True Don; even from behind their hand over mouth, their faces said - what the actual 'K

Me too, Ed, I have a soft spot for Italy, the country, having lived there for 2 years. I'm rooting for them.

Mancini really has them playing a style that we're not accustomed to from Italian teams. But, as said above, when they want or need to, they can switch to being Italy. Great to watch.

Today has a lot to live up to. Glutton for punishment, I've only gone and booked a table in my local. Once again, I suspect me, the son and Tony the Irish owner will be amongst the few actually watching the football. Commentary will be pointless as it gets drowned out by songs about RAF Bombers from England (yes, from England!!) and that annoying Football's Coming Home chant.

Denmark were my pre-tournament dark horse tip, so interested in that one too.

The first game was dogshit, the second game was the dog's bollocks... but the Copa America game was better than both!

If the Ben White bid fails, Simon Kjaer the Denmark captain would be worth a look at.

32 but would do us for 3/4 years

GOOOOOOOAL!

I've heard Southampton, are really struggling financially Jeff, and wouldn't be surprised to see Westergeld, move on?

Yes Tony, Vestergaard is also a good shout, good age too 28.

Dolberg seems to have got his mojo back too, really liked him at Ajax a couple of years ago

I don't believe there ever WAS a bid for White.
More journo shite bags trying to drum up interest where there really isn't any.

Probably correct Brian,Brighton maybe stirring the pot to up the price?
If we've got £50 million + to spend then we probably need to spread it among 2/3 positions.

Great delivery, great header, great block on the defender. Great goal.

Game is settling into a pattern and going a bit flat? I don't thing we'll get a repeat of last night.

I like the look of the Danish right back, Stryger Larsen. Cool name too. Anyone know anything about him?

Then again, the last time we signed a Danish defender off Udinese, it didn't end well.

Come on the Hummels!!

UEFA scoring another own goal with Baku chosen as a venue for a QF, empty ground, locals not even interested 20,000 unsold tickets! Flat atmosphere, flat game.

The decisions of these organisations beggars belief sometimes ,Azerbaijan FFS!

It's not even in Europe!

I've not watched much more than the British teams games but I've been impressed with most of the refereeing. Players deliberately falling over other players legs or backing in then falling over have been totally ignored, something the Premier League should police.

Firstly Jeff, I know they plan these things in advance, but Denmark v Czech Republic in Azerbaijan? Bizarre. Surely Germany would make geographical sense.

And then, as you say, I've never understood why these countries are in UEFA. I mean Russia and Turkey have a footprint and geographical claim, but Azerbaijan and Israel in Europe??

Good link, Danny. That took me a few minutes…

Dolberg great goal, Vestergaard has a decent left foot, nice pass to the full back for the cross.

Brilliant stuff... Pickford will be getting a little bit nervous.

Cmon Denmark! We can do it.

Great delivery again. England will need to watch these from the wide areas and set pieces.

Outside of the boot as well. How confident is that?

Pickford (and some ToffeeWebers) needs to be thinking about the next game, not the one which might follow. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

This has been a surprisingly easy half for Denmark.

The number of times a single straight pass is setting them free down the flanks or through the middle with ample space between the Czech's midfield and defence is astonishing.

Harness that to Denmark having runners supporting the man on the ball and it's no wonder they are two goals to the good.

All that was evident in their lovely crafted goal for the second.

Denmark is emerging as a dangerous team following the extreme adversity of their opening game.

Schick again, decent that lad.

Schick. Can we??

No. That has to be a pull back.

Pretty poor game, no urgency from Czechs despite playing whole of second half only 1 goal down in a knock out game, atmosphere was non existent, best team won for their first half performance.
Next up….
Come on England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Pretty much fizzled out. I think the heat & likely humidity played a part. Lot of tired players and absolutely drenched tops at the end.

Also, along with the Ukraine, this is the weaker half of the draw. England in my opinion have a pass to the final.

Wish me luck. London pub to mix with the England fans.

Forza Italia

So, any interest in this second game?

Only the final, Mike. It's coming home😉

At would seem Denmark have now the BIG MO... really looking forward to the game tonight.

Still think that Italy will win this tournament.

Anybody got buyer's remorse re: Rafa and wish we'd waited for Martinez?

(Stands back and waits for the fireworks)

England v Italy final. Italy to win. Both as they are the best team left and I want them to. Sneaky feeling England will though.

No chance, Tony #221.

If you get the chance, pick up the new book by David Prentice, A Grand Old Team to Report.

Read the chapter on Roberto. It'll refresh your memory on the catastrophe he became... and the inevitability of that catastrophe.

Danny O'#222,

Don't jinx me... I've Italy in the work's draw. Week-end changing amount of money at stake.

There are slugs on my patio with greater charisma than Shearer. Where the fuck do the TV company's dig up these fucking cold bloods

Shearer is proof there is life after death.

ITV's Euro 2020 pundits ‘most punchable' agree viewers

https://newsofthenews.com/itvs-euro-2020-pundits-most-punchable-agree-viewers

Parenthetically, I'm sorry to have been right about that Spinazzola injury. Instant I saw him pull up, I knew it was a ruptured Achilles. So sad... he was the revelation of the tournament for Italy, and reportedly Chelsea were already preparing a bid. Now his career is in serious doubt.

Darren and Colin -- you talking about Alan Shearer? Didn't know he was a pundit.

Mike, if you have a VPN, you can get the game on BBC iPlayer, I think.

I've got Italy in the pub sweep where I'm currently sat being subject to the London style of England support Brendan. Give me strength and understanding good lord.

Achilles is a terrible injury to attempt to come back from Mike. I feel for the player who was having a fantastic tournament. Remember Yakubu? That injury in particular always casts a doubt on whether the playwr will be able to return to the same level. I wish him well on his recovery and health.

Well done Soren and Denmark, it was meant to be.

Common England, nows the time.

But I took a good price on Italy before the tournament started and so let's see what happens.

One game at a time.

Just signed on hoping for a live forum, if OK with the powers that be

Been banging on for a while. Kalvin Philips is a top top player. Reminds me of Bracewell in his prime.

Just looking at Sterling's goal against the Germans.

Great ball from Shaw, but the way The Grealish gave the German defence the eyes as if he was going to go inside and played it outside instead, was very clever.

How I wish Jack Grealish was here.

That Ukraine anthem is about as exciting as Shearer.

When I say here. I mean Everton

Danny #231, yeah, I sorta know about that. Two years ago I blew my Achilles for the third time. Been rehabbing ever since. Yesterday was my first time running with a ball in training.

Danny #231, yeah, I sorta know about that. Two years ago I blew my Achilles for the third time. Been rehabbing ever since. Yesterday was my first time running with a ball in training.

I don't know why a best of LP hasn't been released. Footballers singing their national anthem. I could listen to that all day

Mike, just read that Prentice book, the Roberto chapter was a real reminder of how incompetent he is, posted similar on another thread, some blues have short memories.

And that was rather awkward... only 1 team taking the knee

Yep, Jeff, it was your post that caused me to jump ahead in the book and read that part. I was still plowing through the Peter Johnson chapter.

Grealish on ToffeeWeb Wow
Kane yesssssd

Sterling again!

The live forum is alive!

Should be a bit more watchable now!

Worth noting... Tim Howard, studio pundit on ABC, predicted beforehand that Sterling wouldn't score today... just that he would assist on the first goal.

Nice anticipation, Tim!

Thank you Paul. Now come on England. Looking forward to THAT game 😀.

Good book Mike, I got more of a feel about the politics of local pressmen, it's not all easy access and you scratch my back,Prentice has decent integrity, oh and he loves boxing, which I'm sure you appreciated, the Johnny Owen segment brought back a lot of memories

BBC Comms talking absolute shite, they keep making dreadful mistakes, giving the fucking ball away.

Picks giving it out, changed man since that injury, head doctor working for him, he's a lot less hyper.

Another boring game against a very poor and lethargic team, like playing against ten Gomeses and a goalie. At least I don't have to listen to it, turned the sound off so that's one irritation out of the way. Think I'll give the second half a miss.

Live Forum shite today! I want a refund!

Er, never mind.

England in complete control.

It's coming home!!!

Turned into a game of chess after a perfect start by England that they should have capitalised on.

Gradually, and especially after they changed formation (forced by the injury or tactical??), Ukraine grew into and looked dangerous.

Got better towards the end of the half but mainly dull.

I think England will have too much them, but there's potentially a game here if the sides open up.

Lucky goal from Kane if you ask me!

Enjoying this: Saturday night, couple of beers.

I'm English, Quarter-final of a summer tournament, England ahead, no EFC pressure... What's not to like?

The BBC commentators are trying to talk up the performance, but the only inventiveness in the England team is coming from the Shaw-Sterling combo down the left and Sancho on the right.

It's such low-risk percentage football, based on picking off mistakes by Ukraine rather than creating something themselves. Neither the Italians nor the Danes will be so obliging and man for man Spain are technically better footballers.

Southgate keeps getting praised for setting his teams up perfectly depending on the opposition for tournament football, but if anything, the early goal made England lethargic, moving the ball too slowly, rather than going for the jugular and putting the game to bed early.

The better teams in the competition to date have been those prepared to be the polar opposite to how England plays. So dull.

TAA ermmmm

Who the fuck is “Trent” fellow blues, stop calling him that, he's RS ,FFS

F**k off alexander arnold.

Why are bbc interviewing him???????

Trent is on now, be quick or you will miss him

Trent Arnold can fuckoff and shag pregnant women

Now comedy gold from BBC.

No Liverpool players in the England team, so let's interview TAA on his jollies in Spain at half-time to keep Kopites happy.

England just relying on their defense nothing going through midfield, this should be a chance for the likes of Foden to liven things up.

I've got a feeling Dave and Jamie, are going to jinx England, Danny. Dave for obvious reasons, (he hates England) and Jamie, because of his natural optimism, meaning both of them have got me worried right now!

Ukraine were awful until they had to make a sub, but they are a team who look like they're doing nothing and then can suddenly come alive, and with it only takes a second to score a goal, I hope England keep up their concentration levels.

Semis

We have Kevin Kilbane on at half time in the studio, I don't no why he has such a dislike for Pickford he will only give him some slight praise reluctantly.

Cake walk into the last 4. How easy.

Jay#258
You were saying? Is that better?

3-0. Kane double. How easy

With the usual suspects in transition/crap England could do a "Leicester" in this tournament just got to be careful of the Danes they look a bit handy

Que sera doing the rounds in the stadium

Wise substitution

DCL for Kane now.

Another good performance so far, Shaw has been immense. I predicted before the match 3-0 Kane double! I think the semi's will be tight. Like the look of the Ukraine striker Yaremchuk, maybe one for us? scored over 50 goals for Genk.

He should get Phillips off soon.

What a shot from Kane. Immense.

Commanding performance from the England side. Another clean sheet and a some real belief throughout the lineup with Kane hitting stride makes it hard not to think we're good for this (okay, you're good for it I'm along for the ride in the colonial coach section).

Kane on 🔥, should be saving legs now, fuck off Henderson you twat!

England have dominated this game. Anyone spouting the anti-England line is just a regurgitation King.

Held the ball, controlled the game, dominated.

4-0. Couple of toffees in the crowd!

Blues in the crowd. UTFT

Who woke them up?

Wow!

That's a wise move getting Phillips off.

Southgate obviously doesn't rate DCL

Is this the biggest winning margin so far in the competition this year?

Saint Rashford just has to be brought on. It's a rule. If I were DCL, I'd tell Southgate to not select me for England duty again.

Trust that rs twat to score. 🤣

Feel for DCL, Rashford's been poor this season. Dom must feel gutted, and be praying for Kane and Rashford to get caught breaking Covid regs so he can play. 🤣

Jeff. That has nothing to do with it

It's Harry Kane at striker. Team Captain. Southgate isn't taking him out.

Harry Kane is an amazing striker and a team leader. He's not coming out… and if he does, it will be a rare thing indeed.

Steady on Jordan lad

DCL coming on

Keeping Kane on hoping he gets a hat'rick, , hope he doesn't get injured

Come on Southgate get DCL on you fucktard.

DCL on

Saving Harry Kane!

Now take ur chance Dom

My self-jinxing tactic worked; DCL is on.

Brent, Spain beat Slovakia 5-0 in the group stage.

2 EFC players taking us through here!

Ah thanks Neil. England not that good then!!!

Jenas, shut the fuck up ffs. What a load of shite he talks, about Pickers in particular.

Nah, rubbish England 🤪

Come on Dom let's have a goal lad!

Brian, beat me to it

🤞 Neil.

Picks head obviously an issue, Jennas all on it as soon as Jordan reacts to his teammates.
Jordan Pickford has been outstanding for the last 6 months.

Dom gets a touch!!!

🤞Neil.

The first time any team has not conceded in the first 5 games of the Euros. Really shit England aren't they?

Some very good individual performances tonight and in previous games. But more than that I think Southgate has this squad playing well - changes of personnel, of formation and of tactics all pretty much taken in their stride.

Good in both boxes Dominic!

I took a gamble and got tickets for the semifinal this morning, and I've just spoke to my oldest son, who has really been missing going the match, and because I think England and Denmark, might have a style that suits each other, I'm hoping my first live game since we was robbed at home to United, is a cracker!

Brent, agreed. They are getting better with each game and look very confident. Denmark are also looking good so will be difficult but very doable.

England did in the opening 5 minutes of the second half what they didn't do in the final 40 minutes of the first half after Kane's opening goal. Took the game to Ukraine instead of passively waiting to capitalise on their mistakes. Game over.

Kane scored two and if that tremendous first time volley had gone in for his hat trick he would be MoTM, but for me overall that award goes to Luke Shaw. After the Mourinho years he has had an excellent season at United and that is now carrying over into his England form.

More of that second half performance England v the Danes and less of the first half.

Well played by England, just too strong for an average and knackered Ukraine side.

Listening to Lineker, Shearer, Lampard and Ferdinand massage each other's ego is hard going to say the least.

Semi final and final at home, yous England fans will probably never have a better chance to win a tournament.

We're in danger here of even England winning a trophy before we do.

I said at half time England would have too much for Ukraine and they did.

This is a very decent England team that has a genuine chance and has been blessed with a very kind passage, which they earned through topping the Group.

I am not an England supporter or follower and have a few reasons for that, which I won't repeat. When it comes down to it, I've only ever really been interested in Everton. With international football, I tend to just enjoy the football. If anything I tend to dislike the England thing because of the perceived ownership of the team and brand by London and the south East. And I live there, so I live it when they play. Chelsea fans tonight singing a Harry Maguire song. Me sing for Steven Gerrard ever? I'm surprised at myself for even typing that question.

They will make the final against Italy or Spain as I think they will have too much for Denmark. They have a real chance here. But like Liverpool winning the title, if they do, I will have to bury my head for a few days!!

I thought Ramsay was in his late 50s when he managed England to their World Cup win in 1966, but it turns out he was only 46 which is 4 years younger than Gareth Southgate is now. Anyone else really surprised at that I have just checked their ages and still cant believe it.

I often used to think that people from older generations looked older than they do nowadays Brian. Maybe they still do to younger people. After all, when we are young, everyone looks old right?!!

But I think there is an element of improved lifestyle, health and diet etc over the years that results in many, particularly elite sports people being in better shape than their predecessors at the same age.

Obviously genetics are genetics and we can't escape what is passed down to us, but I do think many of us "hold our age" so to speak better than those of the generation before us.

But then we all look in the mirror that tells us we're 29 not 49 right? I do!!

Danny - I think the hairstyles are also naturally old fashioned so that makes those from the past look older too. But generally I agree with you.

Brian @319.

I had to double check that, equally surprised. Amazed in fact!

I just asked a couple of people at work, both had Ramsey as being in his 60s, I would have guessed late 50s or early 60s.

Genes plus improved and increased focus on diet, training and health?