England v Ukraine

We have managed the game to perfection.

 

Take it your tongue is firmly planted in your cheeks saying that.

 

But we are getting better as the competition progresses after a tentative start.

 

I don't think we have 'no chance'. But I'm a very long way from thinking, 'we're going to do it'.
We've done well so far, but we haven't yet played a very good team. We beat a very inconsistent German team and a Ukraine team that qualified from their group in third place.
We play a very fired up and efficient Denmark next Wednesday. I expect that to be a much tougher task than anything we've faced so far. Absolutely no guarantees we'll win that. If we get through that we'll face either Spain or, more likely Italy in the final, which will be a quantum leap up again.
We have everything to play for, but a steep hill to climb.

 

Want to see a final against Italy see what this teams actually made of, worst Germany team I’ve seen in years and the rest have been poor. I think it needs to go back to 16 teams, seeded with only 2 going through so the knockouts have a better chance of having the best against the best. Never a better chance to win a tournament.

 

As much as Italy are playing great, Spain are winning lucky. I wouldn't be suprised if they get something against Italy. Us against Denmark, on paper should be a win, but I don't know. I'd say we haven't, despite playing Germany, played a fired up team yet. Denmark are doing this for Eriksson and playing with real drive. I thought Philips was a little sloppy last night. He's going to have to be absolutely switched on for the Danish game, as do the rest of the guys. Can't afford any of these stupid backpasses anymore. I'm with @SimonW sharing the viewpoint of constant disappointment regarding England, but this time I'm allowing myself to believe. I can't remember watching a competitive England game so relaxed last night!

 

I agree with a lot of this. But if (and it's still a big IF) it came to a choice between us v Spain or Italy in the final, I think Italy have the pace, movement and quality strikers to pierce our very solid defence. Spain can play keepball 'til doomsday but struggle to score against good defences. That's why I'd rather play them than Italy.
But got to beat Denmark first - by no means a foregone conclusion.

The sloppy backpass was Walker, btw, not Philips.

 

Spot on

 

Yeah, I worded it wrongly. Was Walker last night, and Sterling during the Germany game. I meant Phillips was a bit sloppy last night, and stuff like that, plus the passbacks (from whoever) need to be eliminated. Especially if there are strikers pressing and lurking - Italians ones mostly. Not worried at all about Spains attacking play. Anyway, as you asy - Denmark first. I think it's going to be a nervy one!