The real World Cup test kicks off now
WITH so much depressing news around of late, isn’t it brilliant that we can all get together in this green and pleasant land and cheer on our lads in the England footie team during the World Cup in Russia?
OK, judging by Thursday’s performance against Belgium, we may not get much further in the tournament, but for goodness sake, it is wonderful to see the country united for once and for us to have something to enjoy for a change.
Remember, you have to be in it to win it and we are the only country in the British Isles to be in that position. Good luck, England!
Val Gould, Bournemouth
Here we go again, back on the England rollercoaster! The whole country was over the moon after their 6-1 win against Panama, but their performance against Belgium was terrible. Gareth Southgate may not have played his best side, but we were playing against their reserves for heaven’s sake. There will be no second chances against Colombia, so we need to make sure we come out determined to obliterate the opposition. Come on, England, no more messing about – let’s play like we mean to win!
David Hammond, Accrington, Lancs
Manager Gareth Southgate was playing a tactical game against Belgium and coming second in Group G actually works in our
favour. Plus, he wanted to rest our best players like Harry Kane and didn’t want to risk injury, so his strategy made sense. Having said that we need to come out with all guns blazing against Colombia who will be a tough team to beat.
Ed Chritchlow, Manchester
I think England have a really good chance of getting to the final in Moscow. Think about it, the Germans are out, Brazil haven’t been playing at their best and, on top of that, we have Harry Kane who is a world-class player. Don’t listen to all the negative ninnies moaning about
the result against Belgium and get behind the Three Lions.
Bill Parnell, via email
VAR has again been called into question after some dubious incidents in the World Cup. Referees are immediately put on the back foot when asked by VAR to review an incident and, psychologically, must think they have made a mistake. I would suggest taking responsibility away from the referee and use the Lawn Tennis system by giving the teams three challenges.
Ron Wilson, Newcastle upon Tyne
When are we going to get decent commentators for the World Cup? If you close your eyes for a minute you have no idea what is going on. One out of 10 so far, just for turning up!
M George, Biggleswade Beds
England are going to have to up the ante if we are going to get to the quarter-finals or the semis. Both our wins have been against third-rate teams, but the real test starts here. England need to show their mettle from now on.
D Holmes, Hereford