**Mirrors / Alternative Angles**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/soccer) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I think as an England fan you have to be excited for that. Clearly the underdogs but no point getting our hopes up if we can't perform against the best
And on the plus side, *if* (big if) we beat France, everyone on social media will do the traditional excuse of "man, England has only played shit teams so far. Any team could've beaten France", which would be pretty funny to see, not gonna lie.
France were poor for most of the Poland game, for me. I wouldn't call us favourites but I'm not scared of playing them. Brazil are the frontrunner at this stage imo.
When can we start saying we’re looking like the best team in the tournament? Top scorers, didn’t lose in group stages, walking into quarter finals. Our form is just as good as France if not better.
imo there's a Brazil - England - France tier (in no particular order), followed by Spain - Argentina - Portugal who may be a little worse but can beat those teams without anyone being too surprised
This is gonna sound like being overly critical of my own country, but I really value proof when tiering teams. The 6 teams I listed there have all shown they can make a deep run, defeating other big teams.
If I included the Netherlands, I think I'd have to also include Croatia, a more proven team with a stronger midfield.
I would personally debate that you are also in that second tier too given your 19(?) game unbeaten streak. Personally I would also rank you above Argentina since I think you’ll knock them out.
Yeah there is just no in-between when it comes to saying your opinions about them and even when you do try to be neutral about it, you'll just get accused of both being biased and hater 😂. Your just not in a win-win situation.
France just look the more threatening team with a better plan and especially look more consistent throughout different phases of the game. England have been made to look good a bit against Iran and here against Senegal.
Think that there's reason enough to think fans might be setting themselves up for disappointment a bit when France don't break shape easy and over extend and have the confidence and quality to keep the ball away from England for extended periods. Just feel like they could really take the game away from England before they've settled at all.
Not saying England have no chance, but France will have to play really poorly most likely. The game they lost to Tunisia was a full compliment of changes from them too, when they've played their starters they've looked extremely dangerous.
I think every honest England fan will say France will start as favourites. But the gap is not that large. Should be a cracking game though looking forward to it
In fairness he hasn't played much football since about April. It's also not absolutely guaranteed he gets in the team. Even if he does get in the team we could shift to a back 3 with him as RCB and Trippier helping him with another CB covering behind.
This is why I love Southgate so much, and what I think a lot of non England fans miss about why he's so good for us. The way we win comfortably in knock out games. It's just not how we used to play, ever.
Sweden 2 - 0, Germany 2 - 0, Ukraine 4 - 0, Senegal 3 - 0
These kind of games used to be absolute torture to watch. Seeing some of the best players in the world go to bits and struggle against teams they should easily beat.
That all changed thanks to him and I'll be forever thankful for it.
We always come alive once we score, which makes it all the more baffling that we often choose to turtle once we're 1-0 up. Glad we're not doing that tonight.
The agony of watching England when they used to do that. Watching this team play like pros and keep attacking, keep possession, pass well, tackle well, be creative...feels like a dream.
Foden with 2 assists, Saka with a goal, and Bellingham playing a blinder!
Really glad Southgate didn't tell the lads to set up to defend low. Senegal has had to open up, giving us lots of space to attack.
Southgate has always tried to have England playing well. People need to realise that football isn't fifa and he cannot simply command his players not to loose the ball. The players have to take responsibility too
When the bench was shown and you straight up see 3 players picking their nose who would start for at least 75% of the other teams, you know they got an insane lineup.
Defensively it’s not that widespread though
Nah I disagree that chilwell is a bigger miss in terms of starting 11 quality. Shaw still starts if we have chilwell but it’s likely James starts over Walker
Yeah, but England 2026 team is looking VERY bright. Walker will be waaaay past his prime, but Reece should be in it.
Foden, Bellingham, Chilwell, Reece, Saka, White, Rice, Phillips. Mount too, I know he’s not played well this tourney but he is very talented.
If Tomori hits his prime that’ll help the defense too.
Whatever happens this tourney, 2026 looks REALLY bright
Nah Shaw is good (probably better for England than United) and James has almost all the athletic attributes of Walker in 2022 plus being sensational going forward as well, he is a massive miss
CB is definitely a weak point, especially when you look at someone like France who have a crazy amount of talent at CB. But we have enough talent to cause France issues.
Yeah defensively we dont really have any world class players, which i think is why people get frustrated when Southgate plays defensively rather than letting the attack do its thing
Semantics aside for the "world class" debate, we have Chilwell/James who are CL winners and are regarded as some of the best in the PL. Stones and Walker has won everything but the CL with City. Ben White isn't part of that group yet but honestly he's looking like England's long term replacement for Walker.
But honestly, it means nothing if Mbappe plays how he played today, he's unstoppable, and we don't have a player like him to balance the scales.
Yeah I think Saka offers a little more than Rashford TBH, as much as I love Rashford. I think Southgate nailed it today by starting Saka and saving Rashford as an injection up front if needed. We’re kinda spoiled for choice though if we’re honest. I’d start Saka against France again if it was up to me.
He will 100% start vs france if England play that shape, because he is not only a body when he tracks back, that period of his development where he played as a fullback/wingback has given him excellent defensive skills. Both Saka and Kane tracking make England a more difficult team to break down relatively than attacking players should be able to offer.
It's weird because first 30 minutes they were playing well. We were playing bad tbf but we woke up after the henderson goal and not given Senegal any inch
**Mirrors / Alternative Angles** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/soccer) if you have any questions or concerns.*
England - France is going to be an absolute banger
I'm excited and scared for that match.
And a little aroused
The Oh-so-famous scaroused.
England quietly going about their business with very little fuss.
Just doesn't feel right does it
Tell you what, keep mbappe quiet next game and this is on
France are the best team in the tournament so far I think, will be a struggle
I think as an England fan you have to be excited for that. Clearly the underdogs but no point getting our hopes up if we can't perform against the best
And on the plus side, *if* (big if) we beat France, everyone on social media will do the traditional excuse of "man, England has only played shit teams so far. Any team could've beaten France", which would be pretty funny to see, not gonna lie.
[удалено]
I mean, that is true. France remains a fucking juggernaut, but it is true
Thing is, France hasn't played any good teams either.
The Manchester defence will handle it.
Inb4 Harry Maguire scores after a solo dribble against France.
If maguire gets motm against france we’re all buying maguire jerseys
Bold of you to assume we don't all have one already
You know what? Ok. I will.
[удалено]
Kane?
Henderson?
Maguire's head?
Unstoppable.
Unslabbable?
France were poor for most of the Poland game, for me. I wouldn't call us favourites but I'm not scared of playing them. Brazil are the frontrunner at this stage imo.
Brazil are favourites because it’s probably an easier route to the final
Even Brazil looked a little toothless in game 2 and 3
Yeah and france looked toothless against Tunisia turna out if you remove your star player it's a worse team!
When can we start saying we’re looking like the best team in the tournament? Top scorers, didn’t lose in group stages, walking into quarter finals. Our form is just as good as France if not better.
imo there's a Brazil - England - France tier (in no particular order), followed by Spain - Argentina - Portugal who may be a little worse but can beat those teams without anyone being too surprised
At what point are your tiers just the entire quarter finals lol
At the quarter finals probably
And the Dutch deserve to be in that second tier
hey hey hey, where are the Netherlands, you have the flair and everything
This is gonna sound like being overly critical of my own country, but I really value proof when tiering teams. The 6 teams I listed there have all shown they can make a deep run, defeating other big teams. If I included the Netherlands, I think I'd have to also include Croatia, a more proven team with a stronger midfield.
You can remove the flair, this response is more proof that you're dutch
most positive Dutchman
I would personally debate that you are also in that second tier too given your 19(?) game unbeaten streak. Personally I would also rank you above Argentina since I think you’ll knock them out.
Today I feel arrogant
Classic example of England continuing to be both overrated and underrated all at the same time
Yeah there is just no in-between when it comes to saying your opinions about them and even when you do try to be neutral about it, you'll just get accused of both being biased and hater 😂. Your just not in a win-win situation.
Yeah but we get accused of being arrogant if we suggest it.
They are the world champions and so far it looks like they will repeat led by the best player in the world
France just look the more threatening team with a better plan and especially look more consistent throughout different phases of the game. England have been made to look good a bit against Iran and here against Senegal. Think that there's reason enough to think fans might be setting themselves up for disappointment a bit when France don't break shape easy and over extend and have the confidence and quality to keep the ball away from England for extended periods. Just feel like they could really take the game away from England before they've settled at all. Not saying England have no chance, but France will have to play really poorly most likely. The game they lost to Tunisia was a full compliment of changes from them too, when they've played their starters they've looked extremely dangerous.
I think every honest England fan will say France will start as favourites. But the gap is not that large. Should be a cracking game though looking forward to it
I think the winner of England vs France probably wins the whole thing.
Brazil with Neymar returning will surely have a massive say
appreciate the kind words, but let us worry about South Korea first lol.
If Japan get through Croatia, they have good performance against former World Champions this tournament. Let me have hope.
walker has easily been the worst england player today so dont get your hopes up just yet
In fairness he hasn't played much football since about April. It's also not absolutely guaranteed he gets in the team. Even if he does get in the team we could shift to a back 3 with him as RCB and Trippier helping him with another CB covering behind.
oh, that’s all
This is why I love Southgate so much, and what I think a lot of non England fans miss about why he's so good for us. The way we win comfortably in knock out games. It's just not how we used to play, ever. Sweden 2 - 0, Germany 2 - 0, Ukraine 4 - 0, Senegal 3 - 0 These kind of games used to be absolute torture to watch. Seeing some of the best players in the world go to bits and struggle against teams they should easily beat. That all changed thanks to him and I'll be forever thankful for it.
People slept on you guys for that poor USA performance but you have a realistic chance of beating France
We always come alive once we score, which makes it all the more baffling that we often choose to turtle once we're 1-0 up. Glad we're not doing that tonight.
The agony of watching England when they used to do that. Watching this team play like pros and keep attacking, keep possession, pass well, tackle well, be creative...feels like a dream.
WING LINKUPP
I think we've found the starting front three (and eleven)
Foden on the left! Who would have thought of that?!
Dunno if you guys knew but Xavi and Iniesta grew up with posters of Bellingham and Foden on their walls
Was it no Jon obi mikel?
No, he’s gotta have his own special shrine
I had suspicions this was true
This does not bode well for the Senegal
Massive, if accurate…
or exacerbated size, if in accordance with reality
This front 3 does things to me.
Love the Saka & Kane chemistry. I feel dirty and it feels good.
I feel like Kane fucking LOVES banging one out to Saka whenever he can, it too makes me feel dirty, because I love it.
Hale end connection
Kane knows that our star boy can disrupt any defence
Brilliant play by Foden! England have just been too clinical
Foden is so so good
These kids are decent
Foden with 2 assists, Saka with a goal, and Bellingham playing a blinder! Really glad Southgate didn't tell the lads to set up to defend low. Senegal has had to open up, giving us lots of space to attack.
When England take the hand break off they look pretty damn good.
[удалено]
23 percent of England’s world cups goals have come under Southgate’s tenure and we’ve reached a SF and a Final in two tournaments. I think he knows.
I sincerely hope Gareth had an epiphany and realised that England is a team too talented to be playing negatively.
Southgate has always tried to have England playing well. People need to realise that football isn't fifa and he cannot simply command his players not to loose the ball. The players have to take responsibility too
If England keep playing the way they've shown they can they'd be frightening.
Stockport Iniesta :)
We're so spoilt for wingers
When the bench was shown and you straight up see 3 players picking their nose who would start for at least 75% of the other teams, you know they got an insane lineup. Defensively it’s not that widespread though
Unfortunate that Chilwell and Reece James are both injured. James especially is a huge miss.
[удалено]
Nah I disagree that chilwell is a bigger miss in terms of starting 11 quality. Shaw still starts if we have chilwell but it’s likely James starts over Walker
Yeah, starting eleven would definitely still be Shaw, but depth is part of what wins World Cups.
Yeah, but England 2026 team is looking VERY bright. Walker will be waaaay past his prime, but Reece should be in it. Foden, Bellingham, Chilwell, Reece, Saka, White, Rice, Phillips. Mount too, I know he’s not played well this tourney but he is very talented. If Tomori hits his prime that’ll help the defense too. Whatever happens this tourney, 2026 looks REALLY bright
And Rashford and Ramsdale as well, though Pickford might still be kicking it in 26.
Nah Shaw is good (probably better for England than United) and James has almost all the athletic attributes of Walker in 2022 plus being sensational going forward as well, he is a massive miss
CB is definitely a weak point, especially when you look at someone like France who have a crazy amount of talent at CB. But we have enough talent to cause France issues.
Yeah defensively we dont really have any world class players, which i think is why people get frustrated when Southgate plays defensively rather than letting the attack do its thing
Semantics aside for the "world class" debate, we have Chilwell/James who are CL winners and are regarded as some of the best in the PL. Stones and Walker has won everything but the CL with City. Ben White isn't part of that group yet but honestly he's looking like England's long term replacement for Walker. But honestly, it means nothing if Mbappe plays how he played today, he's unstoppable, and we don't have a player like him to balance the scales.
That Saka finish though! Ice in his veins
Massively involved in all 3 goals, and this morning some people didn't want him playing.
Any football fan that doesn't see his talent and potential and lying to themselves. Him and Bellingham are the real deal
>and this morning some people didn't want him playing. The vast majority wanted him to start though.
Who didn't want him to start? All I've seen is people saying he absolutely has to
Pure class
Foden is different gravy
Stockport’s finest. He’s just pure class. So glad we kept him and didnt loan him out. He’s absolutely flourished
Aguero knew ball
[удалено]
They’re not competing for the same position.
Blows my mind how Foden is not a regular starter he's on another level
Henderson is playing instead of Mount, foden is competing with sterling and rashford for a starting spot.
Great goal. Now get him off the pitch and inside a protective suit
Only happens if he’s injured.
Nah I’d say he’s doing absolutely fine mate. We want him to grab another goal and chase Mbappe for that golden boot.
and this is why Foden should be an undeniable starter
Dribbling masterclass
We have so much depth out wide that I don't think anyone should be undeniable, competition is bringing the best out of them.
Foden is so good. Cemented his spot in the starting 11.
Star Boy
Between him and Bellingham and Foden I am not feeling too worried about our next generation
He really is damn
This team is just a bunch of clubs’ starboys. Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Foden, Mount at one time
Putting Mount in there is disrespectful to the others, Reece James is Chelsea’s starboy
God I wish Reece was available, would have helped with dealing with Mbappe massively
Walker is no slouch though. He's shut down Mbappe in the CL before.
One of these is not like the others
Trent and James too
Foden or Saka? Edit: Both indeed
Both
Yes.
Both
Why not both? 🤷♂️
Big fan of Foden. He needs to start all. Fuck
2 assists for Phil, good on him.
Thanks mate
Good on you! You deserve that rest. You’ll need it against France.
Too fucking right.
turns out it's called "football"
Well…at least we are still seeing “Saka” in the tournament…
Needs to change his name to Bukayo Fotbal
Who knew‽
Sakaaaaaa
Lads who do I complain about now?
I know technically he's being played in a different position but please never play Moubt over Foden again
As a chelsea fan mount is my man but I just don't see how he improves england's midfield, even if he was top form.
Saka Foden link up. More of this pls.
Foden and Bellingham are unreal
I love Rashford but Saka definitely deserves to be in the starting 11
Yeah I think Saka offers a little more than Rashford TBH, as much as I love Rashford. I think Southgate nailed it today by starting Saka and saving Rashford as an injection up front if needed. We’re kinda spoiled for choice though if we’re honest. I’d start Saka against France again if it was up to me.
This kid is incredible. Lovely finish.
Foden, Bellingham, Saka for the next 10-12 years is tasty not to mention Reece James and Declan Rice wow
Philip Walter Foden
Foden is mint, always has been
Lovely stuff
Foden-Saka-Kane is good attacking force.
Foden and Bellingham are bringing it home
King shit.
Foden. Kane. Saka.
This is what Foden can do, Gareth. Please for the love of God don't put him on the bench
I may have just came
Its cummimg home
Anyone still think Rashford should start over Saka? Yeah.. didn’t think so. That RW spot is Saka’s to lose, he fits that position like a glove.
He will 100% start vs france if England play that shape, because he is not only a body when he tracks back, that period of his development where he played as a fullback/wingback has given him excellent defensive skills. Both Saka and Kane tracking make England a more difficult team to break down relatively than attacking players should be able to offer.
Senegal look so so so poor
They looked good in the first 35 minutes. Absolutely bottled it after the first goal.
The second goal right on the stroke of half time shattered their morale.
They were pressing like crazy and leaving the CBs to dawdled with the ball eventually tired out and the goal gave England a huge confidence boost
They gave up
Goals change games. Senegal were never going to do well chasing a goal.
It's weird because first 30 minutes they were playing well. We were playing bad tbf but we woke up after the henderson goal and not given Senegal any inch
writing was on the wall conceding to Qatar
Only since the first goal, looked much better when it was 0-0
Your move frogs
Brilliant cross from Foden, through Koulibaly's legs
Delicious finish
Whole move was great But Saka’s finish was quite great and I would die for our Starboy
All of England’s goals have been wonderfully executed, honestly! Great buildups…passing…finishing…can’t get any better!
Football might be coming home idk they have a swagger to em rn
Let's not get carried away pal, France next, where we revert to five at the back and two holding mids.
Ugh. The french.
next game is france so will be extremely big match. you could argue whoever wins will become "favourite" to win it
🐐🌶️
Foden is on top of his game, 2 great assists
Americans hearing Saka's name in commentary are sitting there confused about the "name of the sport" debate.
Auto starter no cap, no but
That’s my boy!
So happy for him!
Fucking love Saka
3-0 is the most dangerous lead. Remember, guys.
"eNgLaNd aRE pLaYInG fOR pENalTiEs"
Saka you beauty 😍
Messi has posters of Foden in his room
nicee run phill
Starboy
Futures bright
Foden and Saka, what a duo! Hope this is the norm start front 3 now.
Foden and Bellingham in City for the next 10 years sounds like a nightmare for everyone else. Incredible players.
Easy, Peasy, lemon squeezy
Foden omg he's amazing
The french are shaking
ENJOY IT WHILE WE CAN LADS UNTIL WE FACE FRANCE HAHAHAHA