Seems strange that two England players are isolating but the entire Scotland squad is deemed to be fine. Looks as though it's the English FA being cautious rather than the actual rules being followed.Will be interesting to see if it’s just Mount and Chilwell potentially not playing tonight.
Good point, could have impacted a lot more players..Will be interesting to see if it’s just Mount and Chilwell potentially not playing tonight.
Agreed. This expansion to 24 teams (starting with Euro 2016) has taken a bit of the shine off the final round of the group stages.Treading water a bit for this game. Yes it is important to keep momentum- but without any real jeopardy on the result, it’s hard to get super excited - and as much as they are professionals, it is bound to affect the mindset of the players.
It’s not even important to finish top to get an easier team in the next round.
Keep momentum? Don’t you mean create momentum?Treading water a bit for this game. Yes it is important to keep momentum- but without any real jeopardy on the result, it’s hard to get super excited - and as much as they are professionals, it is bound to affect the mindset of the players.
It’s not even important to finish top to get an easier team in the next round.
Does sinking like a stone count?Keep momentum? Don’t you mean create momentum?
Although last night was fantastic. But, when it comes down to it, it takes 36 games to eliminate 8 teams. I don't think there is enough depth of quality to sustain a good quality 24 team tournament, especially the way the qualifying has worked this time with the nations league.Agreed. This expansion to 24 teams (starting with Euro 2016) has taken a bit of the shine off the final round of the group stages.
The problem is that the new format has taken some of the excitement out of the games…. If you knew that you had to finish 1st or 2nd then you would have to go for it more…. Wales knew that even if they had finished 3rd they would have qualified from their group.Although last night was fantastic. But, when it comes down to it, it takes 36 games to eliminate 8 teams. I don't think there is enough depth of quality to sustain a good quality 24 team tournament, especially the way the qualifying has worked this time with the nations league.
But, of course, the choice of format and number of teams has nothing to do with getting the best quality of play.
Just wait until we have 48(!) teams for the World Cup in 2026.Although last night was fantastic. But, when it comes down to it, it takes 36 games to eliminate 8 teams. I don't think there is enough depth of quality to sustain a good quality 24 team tournament, especially the way the qualifying has worked this time with the nations league.
But, of course, the choice of format and number of teams has nothing to do with getting the best quality of play.
The question is, do we want a top side at Wembley in the next round or a lesser side away?The problem is that the new format has taken some of the excitement out of the games…. If you knew that you had to finish 1st or 2nd then you would have to go for it more…. Wales knew that even if they had finished 3rd they would have qualified from their group.
Coming to think of it, so do England tonight…
We have to just go for it. But, another question, is playing at Wembley much of an advantage?The question is, do we want a top side at Wembley in the next round or a lesser side away?
Especially as Sturgeon has banned the North west from visiting Scotland.Good point, could have impacted a lot more players..
I am amazed that more Scotland players aren’t impacted given that they all train together day in day out…