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Belgium's backline was too old this time around. They all stood like statues while Insigne planted one in the top corner.

Italy have to be the favorites now. They've been the most consistent performers by far, but I agree that losing Spinazzola is a big blow for them.
Yes. Not to take anything away from Insigne, but that goal needs to be filed under "The Consequences of Not Closing Players Down." It was a longish shot, but at this elite level many players are easily capable of scoring from there.
 
Come on Denmark! This is a tight back-and-forth match, I doubt it will end 1-0 based on what I've seen so far.

England face a different kind of challenge today as Ukraine will defend deep. Southgate's successful plan to nullify the opposition against Germany is not going to work here. England will have to take the match to the Ukrainians at some point.

Italy’s celebrations in the crowd are beyond moronic.
There’s got to be a good chance they have players ruled out through covid within the next week.
Didn't see that, but if they violated any COVID protocols on-camera surely they'll be caught/punished appropriately?
 
So, the Danish Fairytale continues. Not a barn-burner of a match but Denmark's goal was lovely combo - a perfect oustide-of-the-foot cross and a decisive volley for the finish. Schick scores again but it's not enough for the Czechs.

Now, can England get it done on a sunny Saturday in Rome?
 
So, the Danish Fairytale continues. Not a barn-burner of a match but Denmark's goal was lovely combo - a perfect oustide-of-the-foot cross and a decisive volley for the finish. Schick scores again but it's not enough for the Czechs.

Now, can England get it done on a sunny Saturday in Rome?
Everything’s crossed!
 
So, the Danish Fairytale continues. Not a barn-burner of a match but Denmark's goal was lovely combo - a perfect oustide-of-the-foot cross and a decisive volley for the finish. Schick scores again but it's not enough for the Czechs.

Now, can England get it done on a sunny Saturday in Rome?

Yes, terrific result; actually, I would really like to see Denmark do really well.

For that matter, I do recall 1992.
 
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Dream start for England!
Yes, it is.

And Harry Kane on rhe scoreboard (in an important match, too).
Barring a hilarious England collapse, this has "routine win" written all over it.

Candidly. I don't see that (hilarious England collapse) happening.

Gareth Southgate strikes me as an excellent manager, (and a decent, intelligent and thoughtful human being), not just in terms of match strategy and tactics, and team selections, substitutions and choices, but in man management, emotional intelligence, maturity, and in training his team how to be able to deal with this sort of pressure - psychological as well as personal and professional.

You don't see any of his teams on the front pages (as opposed to the sporting pages) with silly immature dramas (women, drugs, stupid parties), and he, himself models this behaviour and thinking by setting an example.
 
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Beyond my wildest dreams. Go Kane. Just coming good at the right time. 3-0.

A very comfortable cushion.

One doesn't want to tempt fate, or offer a hostage to fortune that fortune may yet claim, but I think there is a strong chance that England may have booked - or secured - their place in the semi-final.

And nice to see Harry Kane deliver in a big match.
 
A very comfortable cushion.

One doesn't want to tempt fate, or offer a hostage to fortune that fortune may yet claim, but I think there is a strong chance that England may have booked - or secured - their place in the semi-final.

And nice to see Harry Kane deliver in a big match.
Given we’ve not conceded a goal in the tournament yet, it would almost be unthinkable that we would concede three in the next 30 minutes.
Time to think about who needs a rest before Saturday.
 
And now, 4-0 to England.

Excellent, and I am delighted for Southgate, who is a gentleman and a thorough, decent and dignified, professional.

His teams deliver - with pride and dignity and no small professional pleasure - on the pitch - and behave themselves off the pitch (and @Apple fanboy will doubtless well recall those days of excruciating embarrassment, when managers, some players and some fans did not).
 
And now, 4-0 to England.

Excellent, and I am delighted for Southgate, who is a gentleman and a thorough, decent and dignified, professional.

His teams deliver - with pride and dignity and no small professional pleasure - on the pitch - and behave themselves off the pitch (and @Apple fanboy will doubtless well recall those days of excruciating embarrassment, when managers, some players and some fans did not).
Well let’s just say there has been no headlines about WAG’s or hotel bars this time around. I think the team is also benefiting from coming from a number of teams. No them and us situation (like we’ve had in the past). I do feel for Ukraine. They’ve had a good run and haven’t played badly tonight. I think the score line is a bit flattering.
 
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Arise Sir Gareth.

This isn't my national team but you can read the script. Also, Harry Kane is a nice lad so deserves to Captain them to their second major trophy.

Actually, I thought that you were being ironic, but I do salute and recognise and appaud Gareth Southgate's acheivement (semi-final in successive tournaments).

Although I share @Apple fanboy's view on this matter, I accept that knighthoods are a means whereby recognition (and respect) are conferred by British (mainly English) society on deserving (and sometimes, not so deserving) individuals for what they may have done over the course of their lives.
 
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