Other Games - 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Edition (+ warm-up matches): Villa-watch

[Toronto Villa]

That’s as good a performance as we have seen from England in a long time. Bit sloppy in the first half but came out and took the game from Croatia in the second. They are an aging team and England took full advantage.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Second half was dominant by England. Croatia had a spell when Rice went off, but as soon as James went back into DM, England cruised again.

Rogers looked lively too.

[Brazilian Villain]

All the other teams may as well go home after that. But of course, FIFA will insist on playing the remaining games for the $$$.

[Toronto Villa]

Gary Neville just said the manager clearly gave them a rocket at HT. I bet Tuchel didn’t. He’s a bit more cerebral like Emery. I reckon it was instructions to express themselves and pointing out areas to focus on to win the game.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Dixon is such a dick

“They’ve scored four goals, if they cut out the two at the other end it’s a perfect performance.”

 

You can't argue with that.

Lee Dixon would

Kenneth Wolstenholme said the same the only other time we won 4-2 in a World Cup finals tournament game.

[Ads]

We should have scored a load more 2nd half.

[brontebilly]

Second half was dominant by England. Croatia had a spell when Rice went off, but as soon as James went back into DM, England cruised again.

Rogers looked lively too.

Can't trust Bellingham in a midfield two. Looked lost there. Don't think Tuchel will try that again.

Some of the favourites have been dreadful in the first game so solid start for Ingerland. Kane and Bellingham scoring and decent impact off the bench.

[Olneythelonely]

According to Gary Neville, conversation over, Bellingham starts every game. Because he’s the bestest. No disrespect to Rogers.

It couldn’t be that you play certain players based on what the team needs in certain games. Just pick Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard. It should work.

[TonyD]

We should have scored a load more 2nd half.

I was great to see them actually go for it. 
Southgate won’t be pleased. 

[cdbearsfan]

Yeah, they only won 6-2 in their last opening World Cup game. Boring boring Southgate.

[ChicagoLion]

Central midfield was a problem in the first half, Rice looks knackered and Anderson was dropping too deep.

[cdbearsfan]

I want Jordan Ayew to do well in the next game, but Ghana will very quickly lose my sympathy if there is any "justice for Partey" type nonsense going on.

[Chip Butty 111]

Just saw on BBC player rater that Gordon got a 6 and Konsa a 5....
Jesus wept, I give up with that shower...

[Brend'Watkins]

I thought Anderson started really well but then faded. Kane was my MotM.

I’d put the first half down to nerves. It’s been a problem for England for as long as I can remember. The 2nd half will give them a lot of confidence in the remaining group games and I expect more positivity as shown in the 2nd half. This team has a great chance. The only slight downside is Pickford, he’s not terrible but he isn’t that great either.

[Brazilian Villain]

Rare sighting of Jordan Ayew smiling in the line-up footage.