Game Day 3: England, where is your King?

A bright start by England in our first of three Day 3 games, but true to form, Croatia, patient and determined, slowly got themselves into the game. An early second-half goal by Raheem Sterling, however, his first for England in a major tournament, was enough to see his team hold for the win and give Evie 5 points. From that point on (54 minute) Croatia had 77% possession but threatened little; Modric playing way too deep and planning for the next two games. England is good with plenty of talent all around the field and on the bench, but something is missing in this team; one key element, a Modric, Pirlo, Zidane, Xavi type figure. Years of relying solely on strikers like Keegan, Lineker, Shearer, Owen, Rooney, Kane, is not the answer, and shows that unlike the major powers, the English simply do not have the same football philosophy. It's somewhat ironic that for a country that has had a monarchy for its entire existence, England managers kill off players that are crucial 'king' type central midfielders. It's not as if the islanders haven't produced such type players over the decades (Robson, Hoddle, Scholes, Lampard, Gerrard, etc.), but for some bizarre reason, the English football hierarchy turns critical midfield leadership into a socialist type engine room, thus whitewashing the King type midfield leader. Team performances are great in qualifiers, but you need the big player for the big games in the biggest tournaments. For all that Southgate has done for this team, I am not sure his current setup will be enough. They arguably have the best squad but instead, this will be another wasted shot. Kings win tournaments. Where is England's?  I'm not convinced Si.

Raheem Sterling celebrating tucking away England victory over Croatia. Photograph: Kevin Quigley/Kevin Quigley

Victory plus bonus in the England game, and points in Austria (3-1 Macedonia) and the Netherlands (3-2 Ukraine) matches, and Evie takes the lead; well done.

F4Mates Ladder

Evie 18

Angelique 14

Yianni 13

Stylianos 13

Dung 10

Nestor 8

Si Webb 8

Aramis 6

Nico 6