England matches discussion.

How we all feeling about tomorrow? I am really hoping Rice is fit as we missed him big time against Norway and don't have a natural replacement (admittedly he played first half but could tell he wasn't right). I'd bring in Rogers for the right hand side of attack. He has the skill to create some magic, seems like Saka is favoured but he's been below par this tournament. Just having come back from injury won't be helping.

I am loving Tuchel - the man knows his own mind and stands by his decisions. You might not agree with them but he seems strong.

I don't feel overly fearful of Argentina to be honest. I hope the officials are strong and don't fall for any 'antics'. Tomorrow is the time for other players to step up, we can't always have Bellingham and Kane dragging us through (although i guess if that happens again i don't care if we win!).

Whatever happens in my heart of hearts I can't see us having enough to beat France or Spain - especially not France - but who knows eh, you've got to be in it to win it.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/13/england-declan-rice-winning-fitness-battle-argentina-world-cup?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

 

Spain playing in a City away kit.

 

I noticed that, thought it was just my colourblindness.

 

France totally bottled that. Spain looked awesome. If England manage to beat Argentina they will have to be at their very best to have a chance against Spain.
I wanted Spain to win because I feared that France’s front four would cut our defence to shreds. But I’m now wondering if France would have been easier opponents than Spain.

 

I only saw the second half but I can't believe how poor France were after looking like the champions in waiting, totally bizarre you're right they did bottle it to a man. You'd be well annoyed if you were a fan. I was the same about wanting Spain to win but the way they bossed that I am really not sure.

Obviously lose tonight and it's all academic! Gotta admit I was thinking if Yamal could just get himself injured (obviously not career threatening I am not totally classless!) or sent off that'd be nice!

 

France were awful. They had no plan B. It is the first match I have watched them in both halves.
Spain were magnificent tbh. Not sure I would fancy our chances against them.

 

Yamal should have been sent off. His tackle in the first half where he raked his studs down a French player was arguably a red card on it's own. How that dodged even a booking I'll never know!

Then, he scythe down a French player from behind who was running towards the box. It was about as nailed on a yellow as it gets but yet again he completely got away with it.

 

So tonight.

Argentina conceed goals, but as well as Messi, they appear to have Fifa and VAR firmly in their corner.

I think if we are going to win tonight it will be another against the odds type of result we saw in Mexico. It's an indoor stadium so we shouldn't see the fatigue we saw on Saturday as 30+ heat is not a factor. Bellingham and Kane, this is your stage.

 

I think it's a massive test for Bellingham. The Argies are going to be in his face from the off trying to get him yellow or red carded.

 

Tuchel goes all Alexander and here we are..

 

Oops

 

I think he went all Hughes to be honest.

 

Blxxdy thrown it away. Got the goal and stop playing. Gutted

 

I'm gutted. Always find a way to bottle it don't we.

 

That was rubbish after the 1st goal. Had been coming and he doesn't do a thing other than bring the likes of Dan Burn on and tell them all to defend the 6 yard box.

 

I suppose it depends on if you take the Carlisle view or the Swindon view. I know it worked against Mexico but inviting pressure on with people like Messi pulling strings is a bit odd.

 

Argentina actually had more headed opportunities after he went all defensive.