Overall that was too passive and negative, too sloppy and lacking in cohesion. Germany and Spain looked more impressive in their opening games, that seemed a similar level to Italy’s performance. Just scraped by.

Wherever Foden played, he was pretty useless; not sure how he lasted the 90. Trent was horrendous and rightly subbed. Kane mostly a passenger.

Bellingham, Guehi and Saka were excellent. (Prob should have included Rice in that as well.)

    alistair You’ve taken a single screenshot to try to prove a point. I’m lost for words.

    I took more than one across the space of about 10 minutes - but thought better of spamming the board with them when that one was a clear enough example of our shape.

      Dan Have you thought of upgrading your Nokia?

      It’ll be as much a factor of watching on an iffy stream on my laptop than my phone.

        hugopal it’s a win in our first game, I will settle for that. We don’t have to be the best team in the tournament at this stage.

            RichM Yeah of course, though the general lack of energy and intensity was still a concern given the tournament has only just started.

              Dan He was. Critical to that clean sheet. Pickford was very good

                Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening game of the World Cup.

                • Dan replied to this.

                  England’s main problem is a lack of pace up front because it means teams can press them and not worry about England getting in behind. Even when they had loads of the ball Kane never looked a threat. He looks like he’s played one too many games this season.

                  I think Watkins and Bowen will be important players if they’re going to do well.

                  Kane looked injured. He also looked like he’d just played in the German league for the last 12 months

                    Does anyone else get the urge to go on a killing spree after being exposed to herberts singing sweet caroline?

                    Or do i need to get therapy?

                      Dan Loopy in 3,2…..

                      I was at my cottage (‘summer cabin’) in Northern Ontario with the family… My son and I watched the Germany game and that’s the only game I’ve caught so far.

                      We use Starlink up there for broadband and as soon as the city dwellers all arrive at the lake for the weekend, it becomes more difficult to stream using my IPTV service because everyone is using the same bandwidth. I tried to watch the Spain game but it was glitching like a motherfucker, so I gave up.

                      I’m back in the city so expect my play-by-play analysis starting Monday.

                          loopdokter I’m back in the city so expect my play-by-play analysis starting Monday.

                          Looking forward to it brother.

                          Will definitely be better than the bilge served up by the British meedya

                          • LT42 replied to this.

                              SM001 That’s because Hugo’s mere presence here is sapping the life and motivation out of them.

                                  ScottBailey He also looked like he’d just played in the German league for the last 12 months

                                  What does this mean SB?

                                      I don’t think it matters much if Kane barely touches the ball if it means he takes players with him and creates space for others. His reputation scares defenders and his record suggests he will score soon enough.