U-21 Euros

[Kenneth]

So does Ings unfortunately.

[lucas]

3-0 now

[Kenneth]

Feel sorry for the keeper, but lol

[Kenneth]

Bottom of the group.

[Bender]

Congratulations to the England U21's

[redmike65]

When did Kane last score?

edit - he has scored twice since last March. Looks like his golden spell is nowt but a memory. he'll have to learn to fight to score afresh

[Bender]

ft Eng 1-3 Italy

[shanks69]

both are out.

[kev776]

Nice to see the under 21s being properly prepared for the senior squad, well versed in abject failure.

[Kenneth]

True, but although england looked quite laboured, with some half decent finishing England would probably have won that game

[BigChief]

True, but although england looked quite laboured, with some half decent finishing England would probably have won that game

But then it would have just papered over the cracks. There were so many mediocre performances from English players over the three games. Its not as though most of them had a full/hard season in the PL. So many overhit passes, underhit passes, inability to look for space or basic comprehension of what to do with it when found.

Senior, junior, whatever. Basically, it was England.

[Kenneth]

I think that's a bit harsh, it's an U21 competition and the overall quality at that level is pretty poor relative to the seniors, not just the England side. U21 teams are basically glorified training grounds and the high profile criticism of the results and performances in the media isn't particularly healthy imo.

[Shaggy]

What do England expect? The men in charge of their three most senior teams are Aidy ****ing Boothroyd, Southgate and Roy Hodgson.

What on earth do the FA expect other than constant failure and pre-historic football? Any of us could run it better. It's unbelievable.

[BobTheCharmer]

I find it worrying that Southgate having played and failed at major championships with England is just repeating the same **** with these players. I thought he would at least be tournament savy. He hasn't seemed to have a plan from day one of this competition. The set up in midfield yesterday against Italy was crazy. Kane has been isolated, however I don't yesterday was the game to start giving away the middle. Saying that it comes down to the players at his disposal. Our lot had played about half the amount of top flight football compared to their Italian rivals. Hunger with young players here is a problem and unless it's inbuilt I can't see how you can provide the vast majority with it when they are rich beyond their dreams by the age of 21. There is no carrot to dangle.

It's small steps. There are certainly young English players coming through with a lot more technical ability than has been the case for a while. But do they have the desire and opportunity from age 17 upwards? To a certain extent they are blocked from getting game time when they need it most. Fans are too impatient and won't allow for mistakes. Mistakes is how you learn. It's difficult especially when the media seems to expect so much, let's be honest we had no chance of winning this tournament however the likes of David James and co expected us to deal with Italy easily despite scraping past Sweden. When are or have England ever been favourites to beat Italians? Some people need their heads sorting.

[Shaggy]

David James was an embarrassment last night.