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

[Nev]

The defence hasn't looked great but it's collective. Konsa has been no worse or better Guehi really but they could do with someone screening them because of this but the Manager doesn't seem to see it. Rice and Bellingham can't do it.

Konsa did look better at right back the other night, I just feel he gets unjust criticism, such as the first Mexican goal.

And, of course, I generally view England, much like everything in Football through Villa eyes, which drives lots of people mad ('noses and Sangwell gimps mainly) and makes it great fun.

[Dave]

I just feel he gets unjust criticism, such as the first Mexican goal.

Not everything needs blame attached to it, but if any England player is to blame it is probably him for not clearing it properly.

[Percy McCarthy]

I just feel he gets unjust criticism, such as the first Mexican goal.

Not everything needs blame attached to it, but if[i/] any England player is to blame it is probably him for not clearing it properly.

Oh Dave.

[PeterWithesShin]

Robert Jenrick "no white people" "black people this and that" "two tier policing"

Also Robert Jenrick
What a result. What a performance.

So proud of this England team.

Heroes, each and every one of them

[Somniloquism]

I just feel he gets unjust criticism, such as the first Mexican goal.

Not everything needs blame attached to it, but if any England player is to blame it is probably him for not clearing it properly.

Ultimately it fell to him although I'm not sure what actual other options he had to clear it. But the defenders not clearing it when in the air, and the defenders not reacting when it was "cleared" surely have parts as well. As some noted the player who scored was being marked by Bellingham who let him run ahead whilst he stopped to watch the ball. Maybe Jude realised that as well which is why he was more ready to block the one right at the end of first half.

[Dogtanian]

If Argentina win tonight, there will be Villans in all four quarter finals. Madness to think that a few years ago.

[Dave]

I just feel he gets unjust criticism, such as the first Mexican goal.

Not everything needs blame attached to it, but if any England player is to blame it is probably him for not clearing it properly.

Ultimately it fell to him although I'm not sure what actual other options he had to clear it. But the defenders not clearing it when in the air, and the defenders not reacting when it was "cleared" surely have parts as well. As some noted the player who scored was being marked by Bellingham who let him run ahead whilst he stopped to watch the ball. Maybe Jude realised that as well which is why he was more ready to block the one right at the end of first half.

Sure - it was a collective failure that the goal was conceded. But once the ball drops to Konsa and his clearance is knocked six yards to their player rather than sixty yards up the pitch, that bit of it is on him.

Not a big screw-up or anything, but put it this way - I bet Konsa himself would say that he should have got more on his clearance.

[olaftab]

Typically our Press & other media are now talking up Norway as something akin to 1970 Brazil. Just as they did Mexico with "unbeaten in 600 matches at Azteca" bollocks. Norway are a very very ordinary international team on par with Wales and Scotland nothing more.

[cdbearsfan]

Hope Portugal keep Martinez as I have the fear the SFA might go for the gutless coward. I think I would genuinely rather have McLeish back. At least he probably wouldn't insist that Kenny Dalglish kept playing up front.

[Dogtanian]

Hope Portugal keep Martinez as I have the fear the SFA might go for the gutless coward. I think I would genuinely rather have McLeish back. At least he probably wouldn't insist that Kenny Dalglish kept playing up front.

Hasn't he already gone?

[ChicagoLion]

Typically our Press & other media are now talking up Norway as something akin to 1970 Brazil. Just as they did Mexico with "unbeaten in 600 matches at Azteca" bollocks. Norway are a very very ordinary international team on par with Wales and Scotland nothing more.

Yeh, Similar to Scotland with very slow deliberate build up play, a bunch of big lads who will find the humidity in Miami a little daunting.
Their best defender is that clogger from Brentford.
But with Cyborg they have a punchers chance.

[cdbearsfan]

Hope Portugal keep Martinez as I have the fear the SFA might go for the gutless coward. I think I would genuinely rather have McLeish back. At least he probably wouldn't insist that Kenny Dalglish kept playing up front.

Hasn't he already gone?

Oh bollocks.

[Dogtanian]

Hope Portugal keep Martinez as I have the fear the SFA might go for the gutless coward. I think I would genuinely rather have McLeish back. At least he probably wouldn't insist that Kenny Dalglish kept playing up front.

Hasn't he already gone?

Oh bollocks.

There's a post here about whose 'golden generation' he could sabotage next, but you'll be pleased to hear Scotland are not on the list;

https://www.planetfootball.com/lists-and-rankings/golden-generations-roberto-martinez-ruin-next

[cdbearsfan]

Phew. It helps having rubbish players sometimes.

[Somniloquism]

I just feel he gets unjust criticism, such as the first Mexican goal.

Not everything needs blame attached to it, but if any England player is to blame it is probably him for not clearing it properly.

Ultimately it fell to him although I'm not sure what actual other options he had to clear it. But the defenders not clearing it when in the air, and the defenders not reacting when it was "cleared" surely have parts as well. As some noted the player who scored was being marked by Bellingham who let him run ahead whilst he stopped to watch the ball. Maybe Jude realised that as well which is why he was more ready to block the one right at the end of first half.

Sure - it was a collective failure that the goal was conceded. But once the ball drops to Konsa and his clearance is knocked six yards to their player rather than sixty yards up the pitch, that bit of it is on him.

Not a big screw-up or anything, but put it this way - I bet Konsa himself would say that he should have got more on his clearance.

He probably would, just not sure how he could have with the angle he was at and the surprise the ball came all the way through. It is just one of those that happens and most times the same clearances go to a defender and is fully cleared on the follow-up. Other times they fall to the attacker.