Latest news from Russia as hosts go out on penaltiesSouthgate’s science sends England skyrocketingHierro walks away from Spain after World Cup disappointmentEmail Gregg here. And tweet @GreggBakowski 2.49pm BST Not everyone is obsessed with watching England in the World Cup. The attendance for Chester’s 7-0 walloping at the hands of Liverpool in a pre-season friendly in Chester yesterday was 4,396. That’s only 1,000 shy of capacity. It kicked off at 3pm and clashed directly with England v Sweden. Mind you, Tranmere have moved their friendly with Liverpool on Wednesday to avoid clashing with the semi-final against Croatia. 2.37pm BST One of the striking things about England at this World Cup has been how the team has managed to get the tone right when engaging with supporters and journalists, both written and broadcast. Gareth Southgate has spoken openly about how he wanted the players to immerse themselves in the World Cup experience as well as engage with supporters, but considering there are so many pitfalls involved in social and mainstream media, their tweets, interviews and general demeanour appears to have been spot-on. We published a video via Copa 90 less than a month ago on the toxic relationship between England players and the media that seems rather old now. And I know winning smoothes over a lot of cracks but it does seem like England players, perhaps encouraged by the manager, have learned how to judge the mood better than in previous tournaments and have opened themselves up more than ever before in terms of personality, humour and honesty. Danny Rose’s willingness to discuss depression before the tournament was a case in point and we’re now at the point where Harry Maguire is joining in with jokes about himself. Maybe Peter Crouch is England’s press advisor. “Can you ask the neighbours to put the bins out on Monday? We’re not going home just yet” pic.twitter.com/s1g3P3jj34 Continue reading…
Via: World Cup 2018: news and reaction as England set up Croatia semi-final – live!
Categories: English News