Well done England, brilliant day to watch the game with a few(?) beers and a record braking result and King 'arry gets a hat-trick we're on our way to winning the World Cup,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
OH! hang on minute it was Panama ranked 77 in the rankings - okay so we knocked them for six and Belgium could only manage a miserly three, does that make England twice as good ,,,,,,,,,,,
Whilst acknowledging the result/performance was among the best in recent times, I can remember - this wasn't without it's concerns. The soft under belly of the defence was there for all to see on several occasions - that is a major worry and the manager's reluctance to acknowledge the obvious regarding certain players limitations is also a concern.
I also find the commentators/pundits fawning over indulgence regarding the same players, nauseating to the point where I mute the sound !!
Acid test coming Thursday evening - beat Belgium and we can all start dreaming ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
SCORES ON THE DOORS[/b]
Pickford 7 Yet to be really tested - but did make one brave save late on
Young 6 Limited on his 'wrong' side - never really attacked as a wing back should - prefer Rose in that position.
Trippier 7 Delivery from wide a highlight of this team does what Young can't, thigh injury a concern.
Maguire 6 Positional awareness and passing still not good enough - maybe give Cahill a run out ( desperate I know)
Stones 8 First time an England defender has scored twice in a World Cup finals game - but he shares the blame for Panama's goal.
Walker 7 Still can't make up my mind as to whether he actually knows what he's doing as a center back - at times looks unsure.
Henderson 7 Seems to come of age at this tournament and continues to impress with his drive and enthusiasm.
Loftus-Cheek 7 Flashes of brilliance but all too often ran into blind alleys - at least his instinct was to go forward !!!
Lingard 9 Won a penalty and scored a sublime individual goal - raised his game to a new level, Jose will be pleased!!
Sterling 5 Missed another sitter and was a passenger for ninety minutes apart from his pass for Lingard's goal - shame he hasn't similar qualities,
his inclusion is beginning to look like a blind spot for Southgate.
Kane 8 Three goals and a record breaking game for 'arry - he actually had one of his quieter games - two pens and a lucky deflection - still they were great penalties.
MotM goes to Lingard
Hopefully Delle Alli will be fit for the Belgium game and Rashford will be given his chance along with Rose, as Southgate has to play his strongest team to maintain the momentum even (if we have qualified),,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Come on Gareth you know it makes sense.
I wonder if Belgium will 'rest' Hazard and Lukaku??