Coming home. Not this time. In the end our lack of world class players showed up. Croatia have 4-5, we have Kane & Stones maybe. Kane had an off day today & we didn't produce the goods after the first 45 minutes. Respect to Southgate for his leadership, composure and dignity. Give the guy a contract to the next world cup. Keep building the England team through the U21's & U23's. It might come home next time. Tonight we were beaten by a better set of players.
Your point about the U-21s etc is key. We seem to be finally producing footballers all over the pitch at that level, and in the younger age groups too. Stands us in good stead.
Other than his penalties when did Kane show that he is 'world class'? Genuine question as I've been roundly abused on Twitter for asking if he was actually playing.
We have great youngsters - the key will be getting them enough game time and senior experience in the greed league.
He has scored a sh!tload of goals in one of the top leagues in the world. I fully agree he was poor tonight.
To me, 'world class' players influence results when the chips are down. Ronaldo for example. Or Modric. I honestly do not see many players (any) of that ilk in the England team. Hopefully one or two will emerge in the next couple of years to complement the very good (but not world class) players we currently have.
On tonight's showing I'd agree with you. That said, i'd expect if Kane left Spurs it would be for over £100 million. All players have off days. I could see he was having one pretty much from the start. I'm sure Southgate did too. Do you take off your captain / talisman though? Hard call.
