Originally Posted by
OldPhiKap
Maybe to start, but don’t you think it becomes a bigger possibility if they are tied at the 70’ or so? Or 80’?
Genuinely asking, you’re level of experience/expertise is far above mine.
Not really. I think it's about motivation - and lack thereof - rather than conspiracy theories.
What I think will happen is as follows (and sorry for the USMNT pessimistic predictions):
-England beats the US 2-0
-Wales beats Iran 1-0 or 2-1
At the end of the second set of games, it's England 6, Wales 4, US 1.
England will rest their yellow card players, older players, and players where there isn't a significant drop-off. Players like Kane, Sterling, Maguire, Kyle Walker, etc will rest. But that means Trent Alexander Arnold, Grealish, Foden, Henderson, Ben White, Ramsdale, Callum Wilson, etc will play. And they will come out motivated and score a goal quickly because they have overwhelming talent.
Now this is where I'm not too sure what will happen. Will England say, 'Wales needs to score 2 goals to win this group so I'll cruise for the remaining ~75 minutes', or will they keep their foot on the pedal. I don't know. I am not sure about the psychy and ruthlessness of this English team.
Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. - Winston Churchill
President of the "Nolan Smith Should Have His Jersey in The Rafters" Club