Smokey Stover
Banned
No, i actually agree. :And if you look right back to the qualifying stages i did predict a Brasil v Croatia final. So as i said the other night, i dont care if England lose to Sweden. For the first time in decades im actually happy with how England are playing. And i think Southgate has come in with a whole new look and mentality. I also think the time taken to study other sports like the NFL and NBA, has been valuable insight and experience in how to make room for chances in such confined spaces :ie Basketball, and the whole team cohesion and tough mental attitude of the NFL has helped in their preparation. Whatever his ideas and actions, i think no matter what happens next he should be given time and complete backing to continue for another 4 years at least. I really think other than the obvious favourites Brasil and France, this competition is pretty much open to any team that raises their game for the big occasion. Good luck to everyone!To be honest both teams were pretty undisciplined, and sloppy. Columbia was just worse.
England actually has a good shot of making it to the final (I personally think Croatia will though), simply because of the bracket they are in. That's not a knock on England (Don't get your panties in a wad Smokey.), but let's just be honest, the other side of the bracket has arguably (at least on paper and from potential) the 4 toughest team left, whereas England's bracket is the weakest. Brazil and Belgium on the other side are arguably the two favorites left.
It will certainly be interesting how this plays out. Very interesting World Cup to say the least.