IN THIS MOOD NOTHING CAN STOP MBAPPE

But that isn’t just a physical thing. There is a huge mental aspect to a game like that. The build-up, anticipation, all the thoughts coming into your mind saying: We can do this.

They missed key moments when they could put the game to bed and that cost England.

I still wasn’t quite happy with our front line. In the end, we relied too heavily on our defence and eventually it cost us.

We scored 12 goals, but only three from open play. That’s a weird scenario.

Those would be Jesse Lingard from outside the box, a shot deflected off Harry Kane’s heal and Dele Alli’s header. So two goals against Panama and one against Sweden.

It is a negative. I wasn’t convinced the mix was right, given the talent we have. It’s not about the ability of the individuals.

Did we have the players in the right spaces? Collectively as an attacking force I was not 100 per cent convinced with the displays, despite the record number of goals.

I didn’t see one 90 minutes when I felt: “Wow, we are a force going forward.”

But I was shocked at how good we were at passing the ball out, how brave we were and the risks we took.

The way they represented the country was exemplary. Their respect for fair play. Their conduct. There wasn’t any diving. You can’t help but look at them and think what level heads they have on their shoulders.

They showed maturity in their play, but experience on the field is sometimes about feeling and understanding the moment.

When we conceded the equaliser against Croatia we clammed up and it was “hang on for dear life” time.

The facts are in that game and moment, there are more players in that team who panicked at the wrong time.

They dropped a bit too deep at the wrong time. Made certain decisions they wouldn’t usually make, based on desperation.

Excitement, the feeling that it is nearly there. That is one of the worst mindsets you can be in.

It was a harsh lesson to learn and they have been there now and felt it.

Keep that squad together and it is looking good for the Euros. They can – and have to – improve.

TAKING IT EASY Mbappe gets treatment ALL the stars seem to have aligned for Kylian Mbappe. I don’t see anyone being able to stop him in the World Cup final. Croatia won’t stop him or this excellent French team, who have youth and experience. I don’t...

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