Topic: The Push Square Football (Soccer) Thread

I'm kind of feeling a bit non-plussed about tonight at the moment. I don't know if that's just because I've been watching the matches by myself (well, with the wife anyway) and it is also feels a bit weird to have the final on a Sunday too. Maybe that's normal and we're just not used to being in them

It sounds like it's back to a five at the back like against Germany. I get that it's probably safety first but it's a bit frustrating when we've got so many excellent wingers who can't get into the XI even with three at the top.

@Thrillho It’s a hard one. Italy are really quite dangerous at the wings so I can understand going for 5 at the back. But then they’re solid and experienced enough at the back that you’d be wanting the extra men at the front end too. They’re not a team with many weak points you can exploit.

@nessisonett With two defensive mids it becomes seven at the back though. It worked against Germany though so… 🤷🏻‍♂️

@Thrillho It’s alright, Craig Levein once played zero strikers for Scotland in a must-win game. So Southgate at least knows more than him 😂

@nessisonett Guardiola does it and he's a genius. Levein does it..

@Thrillho Southgate has got us this far, so I think he has more than earned a bit of faith from fans in his team selection and tactics.

Wow what in the world

Decent match so far and looks like the game plan is working for England. Rice looks like a man on a mission tonight. Italy came into the game towards the end, but have only been restricted to a few long shots.

I love Chris Powell in the background

Probably more on England's bench to change things than italy's. Shame for Italy about chiesa. Officially I'm ancient as I remember his dad playing!! Chance for Grealish to win this?

I have no idea what formation England are supposed to be playing with those last twos subs! 😂

Looks like Southgate found a way to get all the wingers on...

God I hate penalties. If only there was another way to settle these sorts of matches. But it’s been properly close the whole match, with both teams having great chances. Horrible for it to end like this.

Absolutely gutted for the England team. Penalties are not a way to lose after putting in a great performance all tournament. Hopefully Rashford, Saka and Sancho are remembered for what they’ve done right and not that split-second moment. I hate penalties.

Well played England to get to the final. Would have been an almost 67 Wembley wizard air to being the only team England couldn't beat but turns out, football is coming to rome

Congrats to Italy!

The England boys did us proud just by getting to a final. Hopefully the lads can go on and do one better next time.

Condolences to England and congrats to Italy.
Didn’t watch the game but I saw the result online.
To anyone grieving, think of it this way — at least your country’s team didn’t just lose to Nigeria (cough) US Basketball (cough)

Bloody hell, the amount of racist abuse those three who missed their penalties are taking is insane. Monkey emojis, name calling, the lot. And people wonder why they were taking the knee.

I missed the match because of my job but finally now I can see the highlights.
BTW...

Terrible second half. Such a capitulation, handed Italy the game more or less. However Jorginho should have been sent off and the referee was being an absolute divvy. He wasn't giving us basic fouls and Italy played quite dirty at times. At least 5 or 6 easy freekicks missed by the ref and it really effected us.

Euro 2016: England go out after a limp last 16 defeat to Iceland.

Euro 2020: England reach the final and go toe to toe with one of the best teams in the world for 120 minutes.

It was a harsh way to end the tournament but perspective and all that.