England’s World Cup Finals 2018

[Hoop Blah]

I don’t think Southgate will have significant changes.

I can imagine Alexander-Arnold could come in for Trippier, if he’s got a bit of a knock, and maybe Rose for Young (that’s possibly just because I favour Rose). Apart from that I reckon he’ll save the changes for substitutions.

[LUX]

If Kane pulls a hamstring Southg8 will be crucified.

[BR0B0T]

If Kane pulls a hamstring Southg8 will be crucified.

Vardy has an equally large chin...we'll be fine

[Old Man Andrews]

I'd like us to completely change our starting 11 to be honest. I reckon Martinez would agree to do the same too, both sides want to protect their players and I'd guess they both would quite like to come 2nd.

Southgate can't win either way though, I am happy to trust his judgement as he has pretty much won me over with his approach thus far.

[Sutekh]

I'd like us to completely change our starting 11 to be honest. I reckon Martinez would agree to do the same too, both sides want to protect their players and I'd guess they both would quite like to come 2nd.

Southgate can't win either way though, I am happy to trust his judgement as he has pretty much won me over with his approach thus far.

Finishing 1st or 2nd in the group is really only important if Brazil get to play Germany in the last 16.

[Silver Fox]

Anyone who tries to lose a game to get an "easier" opponent in the last 16 deserves to get knocked out by them

[Sanguine]

If Kane pulls a hamstring Southg8 will be crucified.

If x happens then y will be crucified.
FootbaLOLOL fans, eh. Klopp was crucified for taking Salah off when 5-0 up against Roma, because Liverpool conceded two late goals.

[Zammo]

Reckon our second XI is stronger than Belgium's, so wholesale changes is fine by me although

#insouthgatewetrust

[LUX]

If Kane pulls a hamstring Southg8 will be crucified.

If x happens then y will be crucified.
FootbaLOLOL fans, eh. Klopp was crucified for taking Salah off when 5-0 up against Roma, because Liverpool conceded two late goals.

not too sure where you are going, all I am saying is, it is a big risk playing our key players in this game. Give some of the rest of the squad a game, and obviously try to win.

[John Madejski's Wallet]

I'd be up for Vardy and Rashford starting, just for game time and we might need them in latter stages

[Hoop Blah]

not too sure where you are going, all I am saying is, it is a big risk playing our key players in this game. Give some of the rest of the squad a game, and obviously try to win.

I think the maintaining the momentum and attitude is more important to be honest. Players can get injured in training or getting out of their hotel bed so I'm not a big fan of protecting them by missing a dead rubber like this. IMO it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team too, they'll be backing out of tackles or thinking they're not as important as those who've been rested.

Rest those who may have a knock, or maybe bring in a couple who are pushing for a place and might be needed tactically (eg Dier or Cahill), but don't make wholesale changes and get the win and a decent performance and keep adding to the confidence.

As Silver Fox said earlier, if you think you're getting an easier match in the next round you're probably setting yourself up for a fall.

[BR0B0T]

not too sure where you are going, all I am saying is, it is a big risk playing our key players in this game. Give some of the rest of the squad a game, and obviously try to win.

I think the maintaining the momentum and attitude is more important to be honest. Players can get injured in training or getting out of their hotel bed so I'm not a big fan of protecting them by missing a dead rubber like this. IMO it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team too, they'll be backing out of tackles or thinking they're not as important as those who've been rested.

Rest those who may have a knock, or maybe bring in a couple who are pushing for a place and might be needed tactically (eg Dier or Cahill), but don't make wholesale changes and get the win and a decent performance and keep adding to the confidence.

As Silver Fox said earlier, if you think you're getting an easier match in the next round you're probably setting yourself up for a fall.

Is there any actual conclusive evidence for momentum v resting

or is it just opinion?

[Hoop Blah]

Is there any actual conclusive evidence for momentum v resting

or is it just opinion?

It's my opinion (hence the I think in my post ), but I can't imagine there would be any conclusive proof either way to be honest.

[BR0B0T]

Is there any actual conclusive evidence for momentum v resting

or is it just opinion?

It's my opinion (hence the I think in my post ), but I can't imagine there would be any conclusive proof either way to be honest.

lols...yeah wasn't being a dick, was just interested in how you'd* test it

*(generic you)

[6ft Kerplunk]

I'd have liked Rose to have a full match, just think we look a bit unbalanced at times without a natural left footer. But has anything been said about Trippier? He looked like he had a bit of a thigh strain when he came off on Sunday. If so I'd not risk him and give a game to Alexander-Arnold rather than moving Young to right wingback and Rose coming in.

[Sanguine]

If Kane pulls a hamstring Southg8 will be crucified.

If x happens then y will be crucified.
FootbaLOLOL fans, eh. Klopp was crucified for taking Salah off when 5-0 up against Roma, because Liverpool conceded two late goals.

not too sure where you are going, all I am saying is, it is a big risk playing our key players in this game. Give some of the rest of the squad a game, and obviously try to win.

I was just suggesting that a negative will be assigned somewhere as soon as we lose. If we rest Kane and then he is ineffective in the knockout stages, people will criticise Southgate for disturbing our early momentum.

[Hoop Blah]

not too sure where you are going, all I am saying is, it is a big risk playing our key players in this game. Give some of the rest of the squad a game, and obviously try to win.

I was just suggesting that a negative will be assigned somewhere as soon as we lose. If we rest Kane and then he is ineffective in the knockout stages, people will criticise Southgate for disturbing our early momentum.

And if he's ineffective without dropping him then it'll be blamed on fatigue or injury because he wasn't dropped.

Kane has taken his chances brilliantly of course, but lets remember that he's not really had a chance from open play and we've played a couple of very average sides. He's obviously crucial to our future progression but a couple of excellent penalties and a deflection has kind of over egged his performance and our reliance on him.

[Sutekh]

To avoid the chance of playing Brazil in the QFs England need to finish 2nd

To finish 2nd they need to lose to Belgium or get a draw and have two players more than Belgium booked (or just one player more booked to go to the drawing of lots)

Be interesting to see how bothered Belgium are .....

[windermereROYAL]

Be interesting to see how bothered Belgium are .....

They won`t be in the slightest. if we get to the last 8 it`s nailed on Brazil.

[Snowflake Royal]

It's got to be close to your best XI... you could possibly justify one or two changes.

I could see some justification for bringing in a more defensive midfielder like Delph or Dier for one of the attackers to work on that aspect against the stronger sides. Or giving Rashford / Cahill / Rose a start. Maybe easing Alli back in.

But certainly not many changes. Throw the gauntlet down to Belgium. Make the statement that everyone else has to beat you. And give the players the experience of trying to beat the big teams in the tournament.