England? Ok. No more.
If you believe teams find form and grow into tournaments then it was the perfect night for England. They got the result - just - and were bang average across the 90 minutes. So - good news all round?
If, on the other hand, you want to see your team fly out of the traps - put on a really impressive show and convince people they’re tournament favourites, you’ll be disappointed today (Monday) Really disappointed.
I’d have liked to have seen England put on the sort of performance Germany did. I know the Scots were poor, but they still needed beating. And Germany tore into them. There’s something about Nagelsmann’s team. Sometimes you can sniff winners. We haven’t seen all the big teams yet, but of those that we have, I think Germany look most likely.
England did enough. No more. And they got lucky with the goal. Bellingham’s finish was brilliant. It was a great header, but there’s no way the cross was meant for him. Saka was playing that to the first post for Kane. The deflection lifted into Bellingham’s path. I’ve read some reports suggesting Bellingham was Saka’s target. Nonsense. Of course he wasn’t.
I can’t think of much else that England could take from the game. TAA was poor. Because TAA played and Rice had to look after him, he was restricted - just as he is at Arsenal if he doesn’t have a 6 alongside him. Kane was anonymous. So was Foden and the deflected cross aside - I can’t think of much else that Saka did.
It’s hard to judge the back four. The keeper made a couple of saves I’d expect him to deal with, but the Serbs didn’t ask too many questions. They tried a few long range efforts late on and if they’d got lucky, as England did, with a deflection, they might’ve scored. But generally it was a quiet night for the defence.
So there’s plenty to work to do. But remember - Argentina lost their opening WC fixture, so let’s reserve judgement.
Having said Germany were good - they surprised me. I didn’t expect them to be so impressive. The same goes for Spain. After a slow start they had a blistering 25 minute spell and won their game during it. Italy were ok, but they won’t win it.
I’m looking forward to seeing Belgium, Portugal and France. If de Bruyne doesn’t blow the dressing room up again Belgium might do something at last.
I’m not sure about Portugal. I think the Ronaldo factor is their biggest problem. Once he’s taken off or left out the toys will come out of the pram again and that will upset everything.
To some degree I think the French have the same kind of issue. As always - their biggest enemy is themselves. There are signs already. A divisive election at home might prove to be their most difficult opponent and split their dressing room.
Are we surprised that the first big refereeing error came from the English? What did Michael Oliver not see in the Spain game? You can argue all day about the penalty award to Croatia - I thought it was btw - but having given it he’s got to send Rodri off.
There was no double-jepordy. Rodri didn’t make an attempt to play the ball. He instinctively did what he does at City every week - made a foul. It was a clear denial so he has to go.
Stuart Attwell - in VAR - shit it as well. Why didn’t he tell Oliver to have another look on the monitor? Oh - hang on. Clearly PL rules apply in Europe as well. Nobody tells Oliver he’s made a mistake because they’re scared of him. It was poor. Oliver is arrogant and I hope both the mistake and his attitude cost himp the further we go into the tournament.
Meanwhile - what on earth is Sunny Jim doing at United? After hawking ten Hag’s job around Europe since the end of the season it turns out the incumbent keeps stays in post - although he was only fourth choice. What rank amateurism.
The players must be on the floor. To a man they expected ten Hag to get the sack. What does Ratcliffe think will change? If he’d offered a proper salary I’m told Tuchel would’ve said ‘yes’. But Ratcliffe is trying to do everything on the cheap. £35m for Branthwaite? He’s having a laugh and it will bite him. He’ll also have to sack ten Hag before Christmas.
Put Brighton down for relegation. What a strange appointment they’ve made - 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler. There’s his first problem. He’s younger than many of his key players - Jason Steele (33), Lewis Dunk (32), Joel Veltman (32), Pascal Gross (32), James Milner (38) and Danny Welbeck (33).
He could lose his dressing all too easily if he gets off on the wrong foot.
Good luck to him. I’ve said many times that I’ve got a real soft spot for Brighton, but I fear they’re going down the same path as their near neighbours Southampton. There’s only so many times that you can go to the ‘clever’ well before you find it’s run dry.