WestBrom.com

Off Topic => General Football & Sports => Topic started by: WBAinDEVON on August 30, 2012, 01:35:39 PM

Title: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 30, 2012, 01:35:39 PM
Dont know it in full but Roys pulled a beauty in not selecting the very much lazy over rated Ashley Young.
Nice one Roy, keep your mits off our Dan though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on August 30, 2012, 01:39:47 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19414544 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19414544)
John Terry has been included in Roy Hodgson's 24-man England squad for September's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

But Manchester United winger Ashley Young, who featured at Euro 2012 and in England's recent friendly against Italy, (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19238374) has been dropped.

Chelsea skipper Terry, 31, missed his side's 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Saturday with a neck injury.

But he is selected alongside team-mates Daniel Sturridge and Ryan Bertrand.

Sturridge, 22, and Bertrand, 23, both played against Italy and the former keeps his place as Wayne Rooney misses out as a result of the badly gashed thigh he suffered in Manchester United's 3-2 over Fulham. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19381380)

Rooney's United team-mate Michael Carrick could make his first competitive appearance for England since he asked not to be considered for international duty last January, (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18096188) having not featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Also returning to the squad is Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, who missed the the Italy friendly.

Arsenal forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also included, alongside his team-mate at the Emirates, Theo Walcott.

Jack Rodwell, who recently joined Manchester City in a £12m deal from Everton, (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19232773) has been left out.

Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland and Norwich's John Ruddy will be back-up to Manchester City's Joe Hart, meaning there is no place for Queens Park Rangers' Robert Green.

The road to Brazil 2014 begins at the Zimbru Stadium in Moldova on Friday 7 September before Hodgson's side are back in action at Wembley five days later against Ukraine.

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Sunderland), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).
 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on August 30, 2012, 02:50:55 PM
Why has Roy called up three left backs?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 30, 2012, 04:13:21 PM
Out of the 4 strikers only 1 Defoe could be classed as a regular. Carroll is on his bike, Sturridge is in the wilderness and Welbeck will maybe get some time due to Rooneys injury.

Surprised Bent has not been called up as he is back playing regularly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on August 30, 2012, 04:37:44 PM
Not a lot to get excited about....maybe Butland and OXc. We'll qualify Im sure but beyond that I dont see much success any time soon.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: the rainbow turn east on August 30, 2012, 04:46:08 PM
Not a lot to get excited about....maybe Butland and OXc. We'll qualify Im sure but beyond that I dont see much success any time soon.


You must of missed Englands win against Italy where we were fantastic,
I think Hodgson now knows that 4-5-1 is the way to go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on August 30, 2012, 11:24:41 PM
Why has Roy called up three left backs?
its a complex due to not having a left back at the albion!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 30, 2012, 11:31:01 PM

You must of missed Englands win against Italy where we were fantastic,
I think Hodgson now knows that 4-5-1 is the way to go.

We were forever saying the same thing on here last season yet Roy persisted to go with his tried and trusted 442. I do, wonder how much of that was due to him not having Wayne Rooney to do the linking up job between the forwards and midfield.

It's pretty much the squad I expected, happy to see very good ball players in Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley involved. Still think we just lack that quality upfront which other nations appear to have. I personally wouldn't have included John Terry. I would hope as a national side we are well past him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pseudo_Intel on September 04, 2012, 08:46:47 PM
Complaining on Talksportshyte at the moment about Hodgson and 4-4-2. Feel sorry for him. Getting constant derision from wannabes on the radio who say the formation and style would change everything and England would suddenly become world beaters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 04, 2012, 08:54:43 PM
I dont think he will play a 442. More likely he will play a 4411 with somebody like Young as a forward. In months to come we might be asking for a 5 man midfield if Wilshere can come back again next to Carrick, Cleverley and maybe an attacking midfielder but at the moment Hodgson needs to do what I thinks is right - it worked against Italy a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DownInAlbion on September 04, 2012, 10:03:32 PM
Why has Roy called up three left backs?

think betrand may possibly be called up as a left winger?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 04, 2012, 10:06:43 PM
Sure I've read Ashley Cole is injured so Baines will start with Bertrand as cover.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on September 05, 2012, 08:58:11 AM
It makes sense now Cole has pulled out, Roy probably already knew he was a doubt. Bertrand is never a winger. I could understand putting him on the left wing if we were playing Spain or somebody to do a job defensively. But against Moldova?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on September 05, 2012, 09:44:03 AM
It makes sense now Cole has pulled out, Roy probably already knew he was a doubt. Bertrand is never a winger. I could understand putting him on the left wing if we were playing Spain or somebody to do a job defensively. But against Moldova?

Roy likes to play with four fullbacks, two normal ones and two extra in front of them. He gets a bit anxious if the extra fullbacks cross the half way line too much.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on September 05, 2012, 10:05:25 AM
I dont think he will play a 442. More likely he will play a 4411 with somebody like Young as a forward. In months to come we might be asking for a 5 man midfield if Wilshere can come back again next to Carrick, Cleverley and maybe an attacking midfielder but at the moment Hodgson needs to do what I thinks is right - it worked against Italy a few weeks ago.

Not sure Young has made the squad has he?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: blackcountryblues on September 05, 2012, 11:45:00 AM
It makes sense now Cole has pulled out, Roy probably already knew he was a doubt. Bertrand is never a winger. I could understand putting him on the left wing if we were playing Spain or somebody to do a job defensively. But against Moldova?

Agree that it seems a bit cautious but maybe Roy will instruct Bertrand to stay up the field in this game for future reference. Bertrand can be quite lively up front, he scored in the Community Shield against City. He could be quite a force for England in the future and the ideal long term replacement for Ashley Cole (no doubt RDMs happy about Bertrands progress too).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 06, 2012, 08:19:45 AM
We should be looking to get six points from these 2 games.
Its funny my focus is fully with the Albion of late.I dont think i will be busting a gut getting to the telly for these games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on September 07, 2012, 05:12:29 PM
2-0 England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on September 08, 2012, 12:27:42 PM
Great result for Roy. At least I'll still have someone to support after the US fails to qualify.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 08, 2012, 06:31:19 PM
Arent the US going to qualify then Quakes? I thought you just beat Mexico?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on September 08, 2012, 10:31:32 PM
Mexico was a "friendly." Lost 2-1 to Jamaica last night in the real thing. The US aren't out of it yet, but they haven't looked very good.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on September 09, 2012, 01:38:46 PM
Not going to get carried away, it was a good win, pleased to see Defoe score, defence looked very solid.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on September 10, 2012, 01:55:09 PM
Sterling called up after one good game!! Adam Lallana and Jake Livermore have also been called up. I feel sorry for Nathan Dyer
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbako on September 10, 2012, 02:19:46 PM
If Jake Livermore is an international player then so am I.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 10, 2012, 02:23:04 PM
Positive from Roy. We often moan as a nation that the youngsters need to be involved so it's nice to see that he's called up three youngsters who if they keep on the right tracks will probably feature for England regularly at some point. Don't expect them to play but it'll be a great learning curve for them. Although they'll have a taste of international football, just like Martin Kelly at the Euro's, they still need to adapt and improve their games at club level in order to become a consistent England international.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on September 10, 2012, 02:27:27 PM
Sterling called up after one good game!! Adam Lallana and Jake Livermore have also been called up. I feel sorry for Nathan Dyer

Beat me to the punch, not sure what more Nathan Dyer can do to earn a call up. He has performed so well consistently over the past 18 months in the Prem whereas Lallana has played 3 games. But Livermore, the next Dean Whitehead, pass it 4 yards to the side or behind. God knows what Roy see's in him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on September 11, 2012, 07:18:02 PM
Agree with the general thought in that Roy has maybe got it wrong with his 3 replacements. The overlooking of a few players does annoy me. Micah richards and aaron lennon have been players for a while that i am astonished not to see in england squads, not just with Roy. Nathan dyer is a new name to that list and its so frustrating to see some of the players that have made it in instead of them.
Martin kelly
Jordan henderson
Stewart downing
Jake livermore
Adam lallana

They are all players who are streets behind my three options in similar positions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DownInAlbion on September 11, 2012, 11:00:45 PM
England must be the most fustrating and dissapointing teams to watch ever :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 08, 2012, 10:56:17 AM
Dont know it in full but Roys pulled a beauty in not selecting the very much lazy over rated Ashley Young.
Nice one Roy, keep your mits off our Dan though


Anybody excited about these games?  might see a few goals against San Murino
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 08, 2012, 01:30:37 PM
England must be the most fustrating and dissapointing teams to watch ever :(
Spain before 4 years ago and the Netherlands are probably more frustrating as they were really good and always have been, just never won!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 08, 2012, 02:07:41 PM
Who actually wants International football, I dont think anyone misses it when its not on but a lot of people get annoyed by it as it means a weekend without the domestic football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 08, 2012, 02:11:12 PM
they say they don't want it, then the tournament comes and takes over the world for a few weeks, the qualifiers are just a bit that is a necessary burden we have to deal with.

To me football is football, it's still fun to watch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 08, 2012, 02:13:22 PM
It all Bores me to be honest
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 08, 2012, 02:25:17 PM
they say they don't want it, then the tournament comes and takes over the world for a few weeks, the qualifiers are just a bit that is a necessary burden we have to deal with.

To me football is football, it's still fun to watch.

If they did all the qualifiers during the summer or something like that I would probably like it more but I hate it how we have to go the week without the domestic game which in my opinion is so much better and more exciting. England v San Marino for god sake? Half of their players probably couldnt get into Kiddy Harriers team.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on October 08, 2012, 04:22:24 PM
Peter Crouch is better than Andy Carroll..............................Whats going on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 08, 2012, 05:04:52 PM
If they did all the qualifiers during the summer or something like that I would probably like it more but I hate it how we have to go the week without the domestic game which in my opinion is so much better and more exciting. England v San Marino for god sake? Half of their players probably couldnt get into Kiddy Harriers team.
Your still going to mess up someone's season. They'd probably lose 5-6 weeks of their season with a qualifier game once a week, I know it's not fun to lose a week of the league but it's better than some other league losing a large chunk of their because your too impatient to wait.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on October 08, 2012, 06:20:22 PM
I swear we're getting more and more bloody international breaks.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on October 08, 2012, 08:10:46 PM
Who actually wants International football, I dont think anyone misses it when its not on but a lot of people get annoyed by it as it means a weekend without the domestic football.

Count me amongst those who would do away with international football. It's an inferior product and a marketing windfall for all the nasty, corrupt governing bodies around the world.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on October 08, 2012, 08:22:02 PM
Count me amongst those who would do away with international football. It's an inferior product and a marketing windfall for all the nasty, corrupt governing bodies around the world.

What they should do is scrap all the friendlies and qualifiers and just have off season tournaments on a regional basis around the globe. Then the top 4 from each tournament enter the world cup where the teams are seeded according to ranking..........simple and less time consuming.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on October 09, 2012, 01:01:54 PM
might see a few goals against San Marino

Quite frankly if we don't win that by at least 6/7 goals (and/or if we conceed) it'd be embarrassing for us!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2012, 04:27:46 PM
England loosing its appeal apparently. Most people will be watching Wales v Scotland.Will you?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 12, 2012, 04:29:41 PM
England loosing its appeal apparently. Most people will be watching Wales v Scotland.Will you?

Yes.

A must win game for both sides. James Morrison in action too.

Better than watching England pass the ball around for 90 minutes whilst San Marino are camped in their penalty area.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 12, 2012, 04:38:03 PM
Its just a farce isnt it, whats the point? If they played this game every day for 3 years San Marino probably wouldnt score a goal. Waste of time!

Cant believe people have paid to watch it. It like getting Albion to play Warley Prem 1 champions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2012, 05:07:36 PM
To be honest We all know Roy plays with the handbrake on.His football is boring to watch.I will be watching the feisty Wales V Scotland game.Come on the Welsh
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 12, 2012, 05:07:59 PM
England loosing its appeal apparently. Most people will be watching Wales v Scotland.Will you?

yes! will be a more entertaining game!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: M666EYS on October 12, 2012, 06:06:15 PM
18/1 10-0  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DownInAlbion on October 12, 2012, 06:07:43 PM
wales v scotland for me. dont see the excitement in watching england beat a sunday league team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2012, 08:47:15 PM
Not one mention about England winning 2-0.Are you all asleep :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 12, 2012, 08:55:33 PM
no , just the scotland game is more interesting. not watching the ROI lose to Germany either
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2012, 09:16:18 PM
Man U not performing at all well tonight are they
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on October 12, 2012, 09:23:01 PM
Why are England trying to play everything through the middle when all they have to do is put the ball wide and send in some crosses across the six yard box....................do we look like world cup winners?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 14, 2012, 05:20:20 PM
I would imagine there will be more interest for the Poland game than the San Marino game, am i right?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DownInAlbion on October 16, 2012, 07:36:23 PM
pitch is looking terrible might be called off :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on October 16, 2012, 07:45:46 PM
pitch is looking terrible might be called off :(
No groundstaff?  No they are over here picking fruit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 16, 2012, 07:47:49 PM
"So how do you feel about the game possibly being called off and replayed another time?"

"It's an absolute disgrace. The roof could have been closed hours ago. I've paid a fortune for flights out from England and now it looks like ill have to do it again!!!"

Said one Poland fan.   :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DownInAlbion on October 16, 2012, 07:49:59 PM
itv make me cringe. the coverage is shocking they have enough trouble dragging out the usual 15minutes having to watch them for longer is horrible. croatia v wales  im watching now couldnt stand it anymore
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 16, 2012, 08:00:31 PM
The Doris from Poland said they have heating systems, when the roof closes it will get rid of the water in 30 minutes, but they can't close the roof, so how the bloody hell will they fix it .
For me Serbia and Poland should be banned for a long time for these farces tonight!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 16, 2012, 08:07:58 PM
Absolutely pathetic.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 16, 2012, 08:10:18 PM
The Doris from Poland said they have heating systems, when the roof closes it will get rid of the water in 30 minutes, but they can't close the roof, so how the bloody hell will they fix it .
For me Serbia and Poland should be banned for a long time for these farces tonight!

what happened with Serbia zippy?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 16, 2012, 08:31:15 PM
As I've seen re-tweeted. What will happen with Emmerdale's live episode tomorrow?!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbarenno on October 16, 2012, 08:33:35 PM
As I've seen re-tweeted. What will happen with Emmerdale's live episode tomorrow?!

**** england if emmerdales on live itv 2 for england :-)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 16, 2012, 08:42:50 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Cliff Richard seen boarding a plane on his way to Warsaw. ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on October 16, 2012, 08:45:44 PM
What's the betting Sepp and co take a dimmer view on this than a young player being racially abused?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on October 16, 2012, 08:46:40 PM
They are talking about the game kicking off at 3pm tomorrow.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on October 16, 2012, 08:51:23 PM
Everyone involved in this farce must be punished. Including the referee. This is a disgrace.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 16, 2012, 09:03:29 PM
Kick off 4pm tomorrow.

Emmerdale survives!  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on October 16, 2012, 09:06:09 PM
i start work at 5 godammit!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on October 16, 2012, 09:09:08 PM
i start work at 5 godammit!

I finish at 1 30 hehehehehehe
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on October 16, 2012, 09:41:47 PM
I hope the roof works more rain due for warsaw :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 16, 2012, 11:04:23 PM
what happened with Serbia zippy?
Sorry to reply late.
The under 21's had to put up with racist chants, being spat at, Serb fans on pitch , fighting, you know the usual we expect and we wait to see what uefa do?.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 17, 2012, 01:44:08 PM
I think the team will be sluggish today, fancy the Poles after the last 24 hours goings on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 17, 2012, 03:58:16 PM
That Dingle flag dont half spoil the match viewing. Come on England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 17, 2012, 03:59:15 PM
Sorry to reply late.
The under 21's had to put up with racist chants, being spat at, Serb fans on pitch , fighting, you know the usual we expect and we wait to see what uefa do?.

thanks zippy! an absolute disgrace! time for Uefa to get tough for a change!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 17, 2012, 05:12:09 PM
Watching this game.We are hanging on.We have no flare players do we.Everybody seems to be giving the ball away.How we are ranked 4th is beyond me, typical Roy team on show
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: maskarlo on October 17, 2012, 05:16:09 PM
I m pleased to see this: http://legionisci.com/photos13j/13polska_anglia1H_f36.jpg
However I saw this lot to http://i48.tinypic.com/5v7tx1.jpg
Hope the Albion fans didnt have a problem with staying extra one day in Warsaw

Polish FA and FIFA officials dont have a clue what they doing.
1-0 to England :(
Regards from Warsaw
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on October 17, 2012, 05:29:40 PM
Here we go again :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 17, 2012, 05:31:50 PM
Pathetic.Lets hope Joe has a stinker on Saturday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Black Pearl on October 17, 2012, 05:52:27 PM
Huge bonus for us that Man City players are having to play on a heavy pitch on the Wednesday before we play them. ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 17, 2012, 06:04:00 PM
Well that was another flat boring England performance. We are much better than that to be honest but given the performance it's another point on the board. For large parts we were outclassed by a Polish side. I know we're not world beaters ourselves but our passing for the majority of the game was rubbish add that to the fact we didn't create much either.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbarenno on October 17, 2012, 06:15:49 PM
We've beat San Marino and Moldova who can barely be called football teams, and we struggle against average (at best) teams like Poland and Ukraine. What does that make us?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 17, 2012, 06:16:00 PM
Happy with the result, performance has to be a lot better though, still unbeaten under Roy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 17, 2012, 06:36:34 PM
We've beat San Marino and Moldova who can barely be called football teams, and we struggle against average (at best) teams like Poland and Ukraine. What does that make us?
a team in transition? have we had a near fixed squad under any of the last three managers?? I don't think we have.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on October 17, 2012, 07:03:20 PM
I'm happy with a point in Poland.
 
Why though do pretty much every team we play keep the ball, have far better touch and technical ability that these England players who are on an average of 100k a week?
 
Something has gone horribly wrong with English football and until that is sorted we'll not win a thing at International level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on October 17, 2012, 07:53:42 PM
I'm happy with a point in Poland.
 
Why though do pretty much every team we play keep the ball, have far better touch and technical ability that these England players who are on an average of 100k a week?
 
Something has gone horribly wrong with English football and until that is sorted we'll not win a thing at International level.

So am I its a decent point....lets remember this is all about qualification at the moment. Things on the football front arnt going to change massively until we have a new young breed of player come through that are more comfortable in possession. Still we have some good players we are pretty much always hard to beat so we have an outside chance. We should be optimistic about that. I for one am just pleased we have an English manager again...one I respect and who is visibly bursting with pride at being England manager. Please FA no more foreigners.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbarenno on October 17, 2012, 08:54:21 PM
By the time we play Montenegro in March we will be 2 points off the top. Montenegro play San Marino and Moldova before we play them so you would say their going to win those two.What a massive game that will be. After that depending on if we're 5points behind or 1 point clear.

Is having our last two games at home a bad thing for England?

England v Moldova, Friday 6 September 2013. Win

Ukraine v England, Tuesday 10 September 2013 ????

England v Montenegro, Friday 11 October 2013. ????

England v Poland, Tuesday 15 October 2013.????
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on October 18, 2012, 10:37:17 AM
Why though do pretty much every team we play keep the ball, have far better touch and technical ability that these England players who are on an average of 100k a week?
 
Something has gone horribly wrong with English football and until that is sorted we'll not win a thing at International level.

Beause despite the media building up our players week in week out club we genuinely don't produce actual world class technical footballers :'(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 06, 2013, 03:42:39 PM
Dont know it in full but Roys pulled a beauty in not selecting the very much lazy over rated Ashley Young.
Nice one Roy, keep your mits off our Dan though


Can anybody really get excited about tonight's game? i cant believe i have lost interest since the world cup in South Africa.Those days i would always put England before the Albion but not anymore
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on February 06, 2013, 04:02:22 PM

Can anybody really get excited about tonight's game? i cant believe i have lost interest since the world cup in South Africa.Those days i would always put England before the Albion but not anymore
Nope...not me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on February 06, 2013, 04:20:11 PM
Looking forward to seeing these young Brazilian players particularly Neymar to see what all the fuss is about.
 
From an England point of view cant say I'm bothered really.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: addy on February 06, 2013, 04:20:24 PM
Nope...not me.

Didn't even realise England were playing until seen this, so no I don't really care. I honestly would rather watch a random mid-week premier league game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on February 06, 2013, 04:29:09 PM
Mentioned this at work earlier, just have very little passion for the England team at the minute.

Im watching this game tonight mainly to see Brazil play in all honesty.

See what the big fuss is with Neymar, playing against 'decent' defence.

Nothing in the England team really gets me excited to want to watch them at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: maximus on February 06, 2013, 04:49:47 PM
Euro 96 was the last time i was interested in England, Since then i slowly just wasn't bothered in watching them, The players just didn't interest me under the sven era, Self worth and no passion, Scared to sing the national anthem, And since then iv'e just detached myself from being interested in them at all.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on February 06, 2013, 04:53:23 PM
Really looking forward to seeing Neymar and whether he lives up to his hype
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on February 06, 2013, 04:59:20 PM
The only purpose of the England team is to provide some football to watch in the summer every couple of years. Couldn't give a monkeys about this match.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DownInAlbion on February 06, 2013, 08:05:55 PM
1-0 england rooney scored! ronaldinho missed a pen!

rooney and wilshire are just a step above everybody else in this team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbarenno on February 06, 2013, 09:42:39 PM
Best performance in a long while tonight, wilshere was immense

Neymar is he all that? Looked very average to me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on February 06, 2013, 09:45:41 PM
Decent game tonight.  Any win against Brazil is a good one.


Have to say though that was the worst Brazil side that I have ever seen. Yeymar?  Not fit to lace the 'greats' boots IMO. I'm not sure whether its their first choice but over the years their 2nd or 3rd team was good enough to beat us.


Big plus point tonight was Wilshere.  I like the look of that 3 in midfield with Cleverley and Gerrard.


Still not sure Rooney can play in that central striker.   Apart from the goal he did nothing.   Walcott looked dangerous on the right and it looks a partnership with Glenn Johnson who I think has cemented his place as first choice right back now.


Cahill made one mistake that cost us the goal but other than that I think he and Smalling did ok.


Plenty of positives tonight but that was a very poor Brazil side who, if that is the quality of their WC squad on home soil, wont get past the quarter finals.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 06, 2013, 10:19:10 PM
Agree with Kris on all points.

Brazil looked average and I thought at times we looked more than comfortable.

The midfield 3 of Cleverley, Gerrard and Wilshere was also very promising and hopefully something Roy shall use again in the upcoming qualifiers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 06, 2013, 10:22:16 PM
Didn't see all of the game, pleased that we won, Lampards goal was really good. Brazil weren't at there best tonight.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on February 06, 2013, 11:06:41 PM
Didn't see all of the game, pleased that we won, Lampards goal was really good. Brazil weren't at there best tonight.
Thank God for that! Wouldn´t want them spoiling the F.A.´s party...would we? ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on February 06, 2013, 11:34:40 PM
It's very unfair to judge Neymar on the basis of one match, not least a friendly. The world cup will be the first time most the world see's him in proper competition.

If nothing else, at least these friendlies should give the team a bit of confidence we can compete with the big teams now, that's Italy, Spain, and Brazil we've beaten in friendlies in the space of a year, and draw's with France and Italy in competition football. For many years now our record, even in friendlies, against big teams is appalling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 07, 2013, 08:04:38 AM
Wilshire. what a football player.Walcott had a good game too.Overall encouraging.I promised myself i wouldn't watch it but i am glad i did.Some faith in England restored
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 07, 2013, 08:26:00 AM
I wasnt aware Brazil were 18th in the world rankings :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 07, 2013, 09:47:41 AM
I wasnt aware Brazil were 18th in the world rankings :o

I didnt know they were that low down either.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on February 07, 2013, 09:55:24 AM
I didnt know they were that low down either.

Is it because they aren't playing qualifiers because they are the hosts of the WC?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on February 07, 2013, 10:05:53 AM
Can't take too much from friendly games but the performance from our lads was pretty impressive, it shows that we are taking steps in the right direction if we can continue to improve.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 07, 2013, 11:12:11 AM
It was a good win for us, but again we cant read to much into it. There have been some improving signs on this England team, Wilshire, Cleaverly and Gerrard look good together. Overall Joe Hart looks very solid in good, two great saves from him last night. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 14, 2013, 04:22:05 PM
We have an England Player in our ranks.Well done Ben Foster for your call up.When was the last time we had a player called up for England duties?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Gaffer on March 14, 2013, 04:28:22 PM
We have an England Player in our ranks.Well done Ben Foster for your call up.When was the last time we had a player called up for England duties?


The last Albion player I can remember playing for England is Steve Hunt back in about 1984.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 14, 2013, 04:29:56 PM
Scott Carson?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 18, 2013, 01:17:03 PM
Fergies got his way then, Rio pulled out of the squad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wdbroun on March 18, 2013, 06:19:52 PM
Is anyone surprised by this? http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/mar/18/rio-ferdinand-withdraws-england-squad

Perhaps the rather delicate-sounding medical programme is legit, but this indeed has Fergie's fingerprints all over it,  no?

I really admire Rio, and I'm sorry he's off. He was put in an awkward position. I don't blame him at all, personally, but I do feel a bit of resentment against Man U and Fergie. Am I being unfair to Fergie?

Could Roy have handled the whole thing better? I don't think so, but what do you think?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on March 18, 2013, 07:47:17 PM
I think it is fair to say that Fergie does not like his players playing international football and in truth most of the bigger club managers have a regular moan about it during the course of a season. However I think Fergie is unique in actively encouraging his players to retire from international football once they reach 30.   
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WSBaggie on March 18, 2013, 07:50:08 PM
Sounds like a big two fingers up back at Hodgson for picking Terry over Ferdinand last year.

Who cares? Ferdinand is average and always has been.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 18, 2013, 08:05:43 PM
oh dear Ferdinand's out! whose backside is the Sun going to kiss now ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Gaffer on March 18, 2013, 08:10:12 PM
Sounds like a big two fingers up back at Hodgson for picking Terry over Ferdinand last year.

Who cares? Ferdinand is average and always has been.


Can't agree with that Ferdinand is a Rolls Royce of a defender.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 19, 2013, 09:49:33 AM

Can't agree with that Ferdinand is a Rolls Royce of a defender.


Both John Carew and Jimmy Floyd were on goals on Sunday a few weeks back and they said Rio was the best defender they ever played against in all European divisons
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 19, 2013, 09:54:36 AM
Oh dear Gary Cahill pulled out now. SOS for John Terry?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 19, 2013, 10:34:48 AM
Steven Taylor called up. Is this the first time he's got in the full squad?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 19, 2013, 10:56:39 AM
He got a call up in August 2007 for a friendly against Germany apparently. Can't see him getting any game time here, Smalling and Lescott are presumably destined to start.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on March 19, 2013, 01:19:10 PM
What annoys me is the press portraying it as a blow to Hodgson, and an embarrassment for him. Ferdinand wasn't picked because hes old and past it, and now that we've been left with few other options, Roy only picked him because he was backed into a corner. Now Rio's gone and chucked his toys out the pram, and I'll bet he doesn't get half as much stick for doing that as Ben Foster does for coming back.

The media basically feel slighted because it wasn't their mate the tax-dodger given the job, and want to get back at Roy and the FA. And loads of suckers will buy it hook, line and sinker.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wdbroun on March 19, 2013, 04:30:42 PM
What annoys me is the press portraying it as a blow to Hodgson, and an embarrassment for him. Ferdinand wasn't picked because hes old and past it, and now that we've been left with few other options, Roy only picked him because he was backed into a corner. Now Rio's gone and chucked his toys out the pram, and I'll bet he doesn't get half as much stick for doing that as Ben Foster does for coming back.

The media basically feel slighted because it wasn't their mate the tax-dodger given the job, and want to get back at Roy and the FA. And loads of suckers will buy it hook, line and sinker.
I don't think it's fair to lay the blame at Rio's feet. Imagine having to work for SAF? SAF is the puppetmaster here. I also read plenty of United fans' on Twitter who basically cheered him on, going on and on about how United is bigger than England. That pisses me off, personally.
 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 19, 2013, 09:56:04 PM
Oh dear Gary Cahill pulled out now. SOS for John Terry?
Why him, theres a perfectly good central defender at Bolton at the moment who knows the England set up, can defend and score goals.  Dawson any body ??...............I mean, we're only playing San Marino FFS !! i COULD PLAY FOR ALL THE DEFENDING THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED !!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on March 19, 2013, 11:00:04 PM
Why him, theres a perfectly good central defender at Bolton at the moment who knows the England set up, can defend and score goals.  Dawson any body ??...............I mean, we're only playing San Marino FFS !! i COULD PLAY FOR ALL THE DEFENDING THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED !!!
The one who's already entered in the under 21 squad where he's destined to start and get good game time rather than sat on the bench twidling his thumbs? The one where it's better for both him and us if he stays where he is?

That one?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 20, 2013, 01:41:58 AM
The one who's already entered in the under 21 squad where he's destined to start and get good game time rather than sat on the bench twidling his thumbs? The one where it's better for both him and us if he stays where he is?

That one?
I think that´s the one he means.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 20, 2013, 08:11:12 AM
England under some pressure to beat both San Marino and Montenegro.Its possible we might not even make the Playoffs
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 22, 2013, 08:07:27 AM
Cricket score tonight against the equal lowest ranked team in the world
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 22, 2013, 09:00:05 AM
Cricket score tonight against the equal lowest ranked team in the world

Should be but probably wont be.  Frustrating night I reckon with a 3-0 win.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 22, 2013, 09:45:29 AM
Will Rio play for England ever again?

By the way where is San Marino?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boing_boing68 on March 22, 2013, 10:17:27 AM
Will Rio play for England ever again?

By the way where is San Marino?

Hope not.

And its in Italy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 22, 2013, 10:22:20 AM
Hope not.

And its in Italy


What a country in a country, whats all that about :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 22, 2013, 10:31:48 AM

What a country in a country, whats all that about :D

Bit like England and Wales really. I thought San Marino was an island until recently
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 22, 2013, 11:02:38 AM
Bit like England and Wales really. I thought San Marino was an island until recently



Have been doing a bit of research.San marino is surounded by Italy, dropped in the middle.strange really so not really like wales
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 22, 2013, 11:28:01 AM


Have been doing a bit of research.San marino is surounded by Italy, dropped in the middle.strange really so not really like wales

Really? It is abit wierd isnt it!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on March 22, 2013, 11:51:59 AM
Dang, I wonder where it was meant to go (and who dropped it)? :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 22, 2013, 12:05:32 PM
Dang, I wonder where it was meant to go (and who dropped it)? :o


If you have ever been to the holiday resort of Rimmini its just down the road.Its  like  say Coventry in England, obviously probably not as poor though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Bilston Dan on March 22, 2013, 12:06:09 PM


Have been doing a bit of research.San marino is surounded by Italy, dropped in the middle.strange really so not really like wales

The only other comparison I can think of is Lesotho in Africa, that is completely surrounded and in the middle of South Africa. The thing is I think San Marino is a principality rather than an actual country, could be wrong though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 22, 2013, 12:22:17 PM
Vatican City, Andora and Monaco are other examples of principalities.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 22, 2013, 12:32:51 PM
Vatican City, Andora and Monaco are other examples of principalities.


Do they have borders or are they just a drive through
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Bilston Dan on March 22, 2013, 01:27:10 PM
Vatican City, Andora and Monaco are other examples of principalities.

Well the Vatican and Andorra are both land locked principalities as well. I was going to mention Liechtenstein too. Playing Sporcle Geography games does have some uses!  8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 22, 2013, 05:11:53 PM
come on England i expect no less than 5 tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 22, 2013, 07:43:47 PM
The one who's already entered in the under 21 squad where he's destined to start and get good game time rather than sat on the bench twidling his thumbs? The one where it's better for both him and us if he stays where he is?

That one?
  Pardon me for voicing an opinion,you are obviously all knowing and how dare my opinion not be the same as yours !

I didnt know he had already been picked for the under 21's and as for him sat on the bench, the thread was about who would replace missing centre halves for England and against the likes of San Marino, Dawson could do a job at short notice.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on March 22, 2013, 08:23:21 PM
  Pardon me for voicing an opinion,you are obviously all knowing and how dare my opinion not be the same as yours !

I didnt know he had already been picked for the under 21's and as for him sat on the bench, the thread was about who would replace missing centre halves for England and against the likes of San Marino, Dawson could do a job at short notice.
I could say the same to you taking offense to me voicing mine, never said your's was wrong, only that it was logical for both if he pulled a Butland and stayed at the level below.

Dawson is eligable and a part of the under 21's till after the next tournament and would have to have spectacularly bad form to be dropped after his perfomances for them, he's a near constant and he's probably the best the u-21's have but at the same time there are fully fledged defenders that play for their teams who can play for England. Losing one defender is not enough to pull a defender from the youth team when there are plenty of defenders with previous caps. Too much of a risk unless he's really good and heading his place in a top team (which is exactly why players from top teams get picked)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 22, 2013, 10:08:58 PM
Very easy tonight, everyone did there job. Rooney made that free kick look so easy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 23, 2013, 10:06:16 AM
Its a tad more difficult against Tuesdays opponents
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on March 23, 2013, 11:00:28 AM
Damn! Was weighing up between 7 or 8 nil on my bet, obviously went for 7  >:(

Much tougher game tuesday, unusually feeling a bit confident. I'll go for 3-1 England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wdbroun on March 23, 2013, 03:37:36 PM
Will Rio play for England ever again?
He showed poor judgment to stay on as an Al Jazeera commentator for his own country's match. On the other hand, the man's entitled to look out for himself and develop his media profile. I don't really have a problem with the commentating per se, but in the context of missing a chance to play for his country, it leaves a bad taste.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 23, 2013, 04:33:12 PM
He showed poor judgment to stay on as an Al Jazeera commentator for his own country's match. On the other hand, the man's entitled to look out for himself and develop his media profile. I don't really have a problem with the commentating per se, but in the context of missing a chance to play for his country, it leaves a bad taste.

i think he and Ferguson have shot themselves in the foot! as for this nonsense of 'managing' his injury, England were playing San Marino for heaven sake. im 53 with a dodgy knee and  i could have played and did a job.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 23, 2013, 06:46:44 PM
I could say the same to you taking offense to me voicing mine, never said your's was wrong, only that it was logical for both if he pulled a Butland and stayed at the level below.

Dawson is eligable and a part of the under 21's till after the next tournament and would have to have spectacularly bad form to be dropped after his perfomances for them, he's a near constant and he's probably the best the u-21's have but at the same time there are fully fledged defenders that play for their teams who can play for England. Losing one defender is not enough to pull a defender from the youth team when there are plenty of defenders with previous caps. Too much of a risk unless he's really good and heading his place in a top team (which is exactly why players from top teams get picked)
At least I came up with an option about Dawson ( also see the thread about him on the main board ), all you did was have a pop at what I had posted. I can recognise sarchasm when I read it. You offered nothing other than an attempt to belittle what I had posted.

Anyway, it wasnt to be for the lad this time but in the future who knows.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 23, 2013, 06:48:28 PM
England under some pressure to beat both San Marino and Montenegro.Its possible we might not even make the Playoffs
They didnt look to be under pressure to me mate, I expected a cricket score and it almost turned out that way ha ha ha

Montenegro might pose a little more of a threat.....but I would expect us to beat them as well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wdbroun on March 24, 2013, 05:34:42 AM
Montenegro might pose a little more of a threat.....but I would expect us to beat them as well.
It's amazing how Montenegro even causes a stir, considering they've considerably less population than the city of Birmingham. Must be lots of good footballers there!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 24, 2013, 05:30:15 PM
They are a decent side hence why they top the group....

two very potent forwards, not an easy game but I would still expect us too win
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 24, 2013, 08:44:21 PM
It's amazing how Montenegro even causes a stir, considering they've considerably less population than the city of Birmingham. Must be lots of good footballers there!
Have I missed something here ??

My post was a response to a post about about San Marino.......and compared to them, Montenegro may as well be Brazil FFS !!

Not saying Montenegro are anything, just better than San Marino.....which isnt saying a lot I grant you.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 24, 2013, 09:57:21 PM
I expect a tougher game on Tuesday, but then I also expect us to win this game. Come on England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 25, 2013, 09:14:29 AM
Have I missed something here ??

My post was a response to a post about about San Marino.......and compared to them, Montenegro may as well be Brazil FFS !!

Not saying Montenegro are anything, just better than San Marino.....which isnt saying a lot I grant you.



If we cant beat a nation with a population 0f 650.000 then there is something seriously wrong.In saying that Montenegro have done exceptional to be where thay are
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 25, 2013, 02:08:08 PM
Like Steve Clarke Roy will pick a team not to loose
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on March 25, 2013, 03:52:09 PM
Like Steve Clarke Roy will pick a team not to loose
That doesn't make sense, how many times have we drawn under clarke? how many times does he put on attacking players as the game closes? Clarke doesn't play for the draw bar two games, West Ham at home and Stoke away. One to end a poor run of form and the other to retain points from a team we normally lose to.

Hodgson on the other hand, very much did try not to lose, hence why we won so often away when we had to do all the defending.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WSBaggie on March 26, 2013, 01:35:07 AM
Like Steve Clarke Roy will pick a team not to loose

Bit harsh on Clarke there.

Hodgson may well do that though. Since when has any half decent international team had to fear Montenegro? England should show them some respect but nowhere near as much as it seems they are going to.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 26, 2013, 04:31:36 PM
right then lets be having you England.Biggest game since Italy in the Euros
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 26, 2013, 04:42:52 PM
Bit harsh on Clarke there.

Hodgson may well do that though. Since when has any half decent international team had to fear Montenegro? England should show them some respect but nowhere near as much as it seems they are going to.

He's got a point though.
 
With the flair of Ashley Young and Oxlade-Chamberlain to call on and the passing ability of Carrick it really wouldnt surprise me to see Parker and Milner start tonight.   Hodgson will always choose caution especially away.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wdbroun on March 26, 2013, 08:49:37 PM
Hodgson will always choose caution especially away.
At times, last year, this translated into a very defensive, status-quo mentality, as I saw it. Not saying it was a bad thing, but I feel SC has brought a more experimental tone to coaching, and sometimes (not always) the results have been exciting.

By the way, it's currently Montenegro 0 - England 1. Who cares about anything else?  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 26, 2013, 10:35:35 PM
A game of two halves, first half we were comfortable not dominant but looked the more threatening side. Second half we were poor some poor defending at times and a poor goal to concede too. However not a bad point against a half decent side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 27, 2013, 12:45:18 AM
Hodgson needs to start being more positive, its not entirely his fault as England sitting back is something that's happened for years, but we were just hoofing the ball out of play and waiting for attack after attack after attack that second half. That with weaker centre backs playing, whereas Montenegro hadn't been able to get into the game first half.

There's really no need to be countering teams like Montenegro by being conservative, there's really no need to pick Milner for his apparent off the ball skills in a game we should be looking to take control over.

They've got a very difficult job to win the group now, and even to make the play off's will require a substantial improvement. It's got Euro 2008 written all over it at the moment I feel. I can definitely see a defeat away to Ukraine, and it's hard to see where a win will come from against Poland and Montenegro given our tactics seem to amount to sit back and wait for them to score.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wdbroun on March 27, 2013, 04:20:54 AM
Hodgson needs to start being more positive ... and it's hard to see where a win will come from against Poland and Montenegro given our tactics seem to amount to sit back and wait for them to score.
You say this style of play has long characterised England?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on March 27, 2013, 04:38:44 AM
I wouldnt even call it a style of play just a team that has been low on confidence for many years scared to take a chance on the ball or mess up as they know how much is at stake blame wise in this country.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 27, 2013, 05:16:00 AM
all i can say is good luck to the people who will waste their money following England in Brazil.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 27, 2013, 05:59:04 AM
all i can say is good luck to the people who will waste their money following England in Brazil.

If we get there that is!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 27, 2013, 07:53:01 AM
Thats easily  the worst England team since the seventies
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 27, 2013, 08:23:17 AM
First half it was a good performance particularly early in the half.  We took the game to them and played some lovely stuff.  2nd half we lost it completely.  Gerrard was atrocious, Carrick anonymous, Cleverly ran out of steam, Johnson thought we were playing in red.
 
It was obvious to everyone but Hodgson that changes were needed because it was inevitable that we would concede.  The Montonegran manager was proactive and bold with his changes yet Hodgson didnt react.  I'm not surprised though because he was exactly the same with Albion.
 
Was lucky not to get beat in the end.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 27, 2013, 09:08:51 AM
How Glen Johnson plays ahead of Baines is beyod me. Lescott is also very average as well. If Mcauley or Olsson was English I would say they may be head of the likes of Lescott.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on March 27, 2013, 09:11:44 AM
How Glen Johnson plays ahead of Baines is beyod me. Lescott is also very average as well. If Mcauley or Olsson was English I would say they may be head of the likes of Lescott.

Isn't one a right back & the other a left back? I think Cole played instead of Baines.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 27, 2013, 09:17:37 AM
no creativity whatsoever.We dont have one world class player anymore.I totally blame too many foreign players in the premier league not allowing English talent coming through.How many players last night dont start for there teams
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Sessegod on March 27, 2013, 06:54:57 PM
Milner and Lescott can't get in their club sides yet play for England, Milner is poor
Johnson - shouldn't be in the side poor defender
Gerard - past it bring in new blood
Carrick - can't see the point - England need a Mulumbu in the side
Wellbeck - god knows what drugs he was on last night

They should start playing the U21's, but the problem here is off the top my head the youth and U21 players don't get the chance to ply their trade in the premiership and gain experience at a top level. The prem is a breeding ground for international stars.

Look at Dawson  - captain for U21's on loan from a prem side to the championship, we could probably say the same for most of them.

No point building a complex when we can't blood the players in our highest league.

Goodbye World Cup next year and Roy's job. Because his decisions last night were poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rubyruby on March 27, 2013, 08:09:46 PM
I just think where England are concerned pragmatism is order of the day. Roy is doing his usual professional job with the players he has. We are a good team but not a great team and will always get beaten by the best few teams when it matters. Until the whole way we teach youngsters the game changes we will remain also rans. I still enjoy getting behind them though even if deep down I know it will end in disappointment!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 16, 2013, 04:14:51 PM
Davis Beckham retires from professional football at the end of the season. Marmite for most.
The best footballing role model ever
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 16, 2013, 04:16:14 PM
Can anyone get excited about the forth coming England games, i cant but no doubt come the night of the match i might find a pub somewhere
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on May 16, 2013, 04:20:38 PM
Davis Beckham retires from professional football at the end of the season. Marmite for most.
The best footballing role model ever

Looks like he had the last laugh over Fergie in the end then stealing the limelight just as Fergies last day approaches.

Best football role model ? does that include the affair ?  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 16, 2013, 04:48:44 PM
Great bloke! I like how he gives something back to the game and I think he will continue to.

A lot of people saying one of the greatest players ever.......In terms of ability not for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 16, 2013, 05:11:02 PM
Does anyone from this board follow England around. I know an Albion fan down here that goes to every England game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 16, 2013, 05:11:54 PM
On the Beckham topic i got no issues with him being knighted.Fully deserves it for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 16, 2013, 05:42:24 PM
Davis Beckham retires from professional football at the end of the season. Marmite for most.
The best footballing role model ever


I dont get how anyone can not rate Beckham??!!  Beggars Belief.

THE best role model for any footballer.

One of my all time favourite players, you dont play for Man Ud, Real Madrid, AC Milan and PSG and get 115 International caps for England if your no good....

Totally gutted to see him finish playing, end of an era but who knows maybe the beginning of another for him.

Best of Luck David....football needs more people like you.

Knighthood too follow and fully justified too for me

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 16, 2013, 05:46:55 PM
On the Beckham topic i got no issues with him being knighted.Fully deserves it for me
He won't get a proper knighthood yet (like Seb Coe or Judy Dench is a Dame) but will get an honorary one at New year's at some point. still means the same to Joe Public and even if he doesn't, he's still an OBE. Maybe he could be eligible for Companionship or an Order of Merit in Culture?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 16, 2013, 08:18:45 PM
I rate him, he was an excellent player, but I mean he wasn't up there with the best of the best. I think for everything he does he is a great role model and would be happy for him to be knighted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on May 20, 2013, 01:41:38 PM
Cant say I'm impressed with the new kit.
 
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/new-england-kit-outrage-over-1900476 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/new-england-kit-outrage-over-1900476)
 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dangerman on May 20, 2013, 01:45:18 PM
So how long does this kit last for?

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 20, 2013, 05:59:33 PM
The new shirt is shocking looks a lot like Germany's, not been that impressed with the last few really.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on May 21, 2013, 09:48:29 AM
Jack Rodwell in the squad now.................................. Deary me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 21, 2013, 09:57:02 AM
Jack Rodwell in the squad now.................................. Deary me.


Not many others to choose from really.England in a bit of a lol at the moment.I dont think they will qualify for Brazil
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: CL3MO on May 21, 2013, 01:01:41 PM
Cant say I'm impressed with the new kit.
 
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/new-england-kit-outrage-over-1900476 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/new-england-kit-outrage-over-1900476)

Why on earth isn't the trim around the neck red, or the Nike tick red?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 22, 2013, 01:10:25 AM
Why on earth isn't the trim around the neck red, or the Nike tick red?
'Cause it doesn't have to be? we've worn blue and black plenty of times instead of red.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 23, 2013, 08:42:09 AM
Can anyone name the squad for the 2 friendlies
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on May 23, 2013, 12:49:50 PM
Jack Rodwell in the squad now.................................. Deary me.

Why? He's not a bad player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 23, 2013, 12:54:35 PM
Not seen that much of him, but got a couple of goals the other day, and I would rather have a young player rather than going back to players who have played so many times for England and have still yet to perform on a regular basis.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Gaffer on May 23, 2013, 12:56:27 PM
Why? He's not a bad player.


He's not a good one either not in world class terms.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on May 23, 2013, 01:00:22 PM

He's not a good one either not in world class terms.

Name me one England player who is?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Gaffer on May 23, 2013, 01:03:06 PM
Name me one England player who is?


That's the problem, practically none. Technically Leighton Baines, Wayne Rooney, Tom Cleverley .......................... er .................... that is probably it .............. Frank Lampard, Steven Gerard, Rio Ferdinand but they are yesterdays men.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 23, 2013, 01:07:35 PM
We will struggle to qualify for Brazil i tell you
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 23, 2013, 01:17:06 PM
We have a good squad of players that's all know. Rooney isn't a world class player until he performs in a world cup. I think we will go through to the world cup, but I'm not to confident on us even getting out of the group stages.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Gaffer on May 23, 2013, 01:29:12 PM
We have a good squad of players that's all know. Rooney isn't a world class player until he performs in a world cup.


Would you say the same about Messi? Would you have said that of George Best?  International football isn't as strong as Champions League football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on May 23, 2013, 01:33:55 PM

Would you say the same about Messi? Would you have said that of George Best?  International football isn't as strong as Champions League football.

You could add Gareth Bale to that list plus other Welsh players who have never or may never play in a World Cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Gaffer on May 23, 2013, 01:39:56 PM
You could add Gareth Bale to that list plus other Welsh players who have never or may never play in a World Cup.


True. Gareth Bale is in the top five attacking players in the world for me without question.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: sconesy on May 24, 2013, 08:06:39 PM

Would you say the same about Messi? Would you have said that of George Best?  International football isn't as strong as Champions League football.

Completely agree. However Rooney may once have been considered 'World Class', but over the last couple of seasons is a shadow of the player he was 3-6 yrs ago. I'm surprised that he hasn't established himself as a 'true great', if he continues in the same vain, he'll be more like 'too late'!! His performances in crucial England games have been disappointing to say the least and there is certainly no suggestion of this changing. To mention the wonderful George Best in the same breath is a travesty......as for Messi, one can only give a wry smile when comparing the two. I no longer get exited about England and hate the fact that the 'journeymen' are given opportunity after opportunity to let us down. IMO we have younger, more hungry players with a much stronger desire to prove themselves. I also believe that the key to our 'short/mid-term success is to expose other International teams with pace - some of our current youth have pace to burn!! This may only be a short fix but we are all fully aware the overhaul that's needed, and to be fair 'is' being done in the English game. Ask Dan Ashworth!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 27, 2013, 04:05:51 AM
So... I've just seen the new away kit. If there is one thing I have a complaint about it's that DAMN GOLD BADGE!! Not that I actually like the kit overall, actually prefer the old fashioned "German-esque" kit.


(http://www.footballkitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Red-England-Football-Shirt-2013.jpg)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on May 27, 2013, 02:25:36 PM
The kits are bland and boring these days. Bring back the Euro 96 kit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 29, 2013, 07:58:46 AM
Can anyone get excited about tonights game against Ireland.Maybe if i was abroad in a bar i might
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MHB WBA on May 29, 2013, 11:43:29 AM
So... I've just seen the new away kit. If there is one thing I have a complaint about it's that DAMN GOLD BADGE!! Not that I actually like the kit overall, actually prefer the old fashioned "German-esque" kit.


(http://www.footballkitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Red-England-Football-Shirt-2013.jpg)
Will theese be the kits for 1 year again?
Or 2 years like it should be
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 29, 2013, 02:39:31 PM
Will theese be the kits for 1 year again?
Or 2 years like it should be
Unfortunately I'm not at liberty to say.... being that I don't know!  :P

What I DO know though it the White looks very nice in IRL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knnt6aFG85Y (P.S. Safe Hands Foster!)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion61 on May 29, 2013, 03:15:29 PM
Does anyone from this board follow England around. I know an Albion fan down here that goes to every England game.
Yes i do missed 2 aways in 12 years off to brazil tomorrow with another 9 lads ,6 Albion ,one Man City,One Forest ,One Villa ,cant wait ,dont do home games though as wembleys a nightmare getting out and home
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 29, 2013, 03:50:51 PM
Yes i do missed 2 aways in 12 years off to brazil tomorrow with another 9 lads ,6 Albion ,one Man City,One Forest ,One Villa ,cant wait ,dont do home games though as wembleys a nightmare getting out and home

I applaud you.Dont forget to drape something with Albion on it :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion61 on May 29, 2013, 03:56:56 PM
I applaud you.Dont forget to drape something with Albion on it :)
i have a white dragon (Old English Flag)with Albion on it so look out for that should stand out from the Crosses
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on May 29, 2013, 08:17:45 PM
Ireland 1-0 up Shane Long
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WincantonBaggie on May 29, 2013, 08:19:26 PM
What a Bostin' good header Shane Long! Jeff Astle would have been pleased with that one- let's have a few for the Baggies in 2013-2014 please! :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 29, 2013, 08:23:53 PM
England 1-1 ROI (Lampard 22 mins)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 29, 2013, 08:24:57 PM
I expect England to kick on now, attack minded lineup from Roy tonight. Great header from Long for the opener though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on May 29, 2013, 08:31:34 PM
How could you Shane? Well done SuperFrank.  Pleased to see England taking the game seriously.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 29, 2013, 08:56:14 PM
Great header from Shane Long.

Been an entertaining half, much better than the usual rubbish one paced friendlies.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 29, 2013, 09:03:00 PM
Ben Foster is on for Joe Hart  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on May 29, 2013, 09:23:45 PM
I'm not really a fan of Nike clobber but, the new England kit looks superb. Good to see the navy blue shorts are back also.

The red 'change' kit looks pretty sharp too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 30, 2013, 07:54:23 AM
A handbreak on and laboured performance last night, Reminds me of us under Roy, We will not qualify for world cup playing like that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on May 30, 2013, 08:36:02 AM
Poor performance.  Republic were by a distance the worst team in Euro 2012 and were comprehensively pulled apart by Spain (expected) Italy (embarrassingly one sided) and Croatia (easily).
Hodgson is a 4-4-2 merchant and its so old fashioned and no one plays it anymore at international level.  Boring and rigid and predictable and Ireland just needed to be disciplined in order to shut us out.  Our goal was due to a mistake after all.
When Hodgson got the job I didn't believe he is the right manager and still don't.  I'm not convinced we'll even qualify for the tournament.

On a positive note I do like the new 'German' kit and the red one looks quality too.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 30, 2013, 08:51:53 AM
Poor performance.  Republic were by a distance the worst team in Euro 2012 and were comprehensively pulled apart by Spain (expected) Italy (embarrassingly one sided) and Croatia (easily).
Hodgson is a 4-4-2 merchant and its so old fashioned and no one plays it anymore at international level.  Boring and rigid and predictable and Ireland just needed to be disciplined in order to shut us out.  Our goal was due to a mistake after all.
When Hodgson got the job I didn't believe he is the right manager and still don't.  I'm not convinced we'll even qualify for the tournament.

On a positive note I do like the new 'German' kit and the red one looks quality too.  ;D


I agree.Roy is not a one off cup tournament football manager.Hes more suited to the likes of us and Fulham etc.Its what you call grind it out football more suitable to long term league and not cup football
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionLegend on May 30, 2013, 01:39:52 PM
It's the fact that people are surprised about the tactics Roy uses, any Albion/Fulham fan could have told you that this is how he would get England playing so surely the FA knew?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 30, 2013, 02:32:20 PM
It is embarrassing to watch a country the size of England being held to draws at Wembley by workmanlike sides like Ireland. They thoroughly deserved their draw, we were unable to break them down and requiring the needs of James Milner is systematic of what's wrong with the game in this country. A player built on industry with little quality to supplement it.

The FA have a lot to answer for as to how we've fallen so far behind the rest. I honestly don't believe we'll qualify for the World Cup either which shall be the greatest embarrassment I've ever experienced in my time following England, surpassing the wolly with the brolly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 30, 2013, 02:37:39 PM
What is our current ranking.If we are still top 10 its a joke.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on May 30, 2013, 04:49:36 PM
What is our current ranking.If we are still top 10 its a joke.

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/index.html (http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/index.html)
 
7th according to this site.
 
Funny thing is that we are behind Columbia and Croatia but ahead of France, Brazil, Italy and Holland.   Nonsense ranking.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on May 30, 2013, 05:01:15 PM
Roy has his style (all managers do) and he has used it to good effect previously , clearly Mr Lineker beleives he would make a superior tactician ?, he proves this by sitting on his backside with 2 cronies from scousepool on match of the day.
I am still glad that harry Trotter didnt get the job, I would also ask you all to think about the standard of players we have at our disposal , some are quite good/fast/workmanlike non are WORLD class , pique,xavi, iniesta, ibrahimavic, robben , ribery , ronaldo, messi , pirlo, cavani etc etc , each and everyone would love to play England in every match.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 30, 2013, 05:19:42 PM
We are a million miles off being anysort of success.Some of the clubs need to start blooding the English instead of playing mercenary foreigners.Not many of our young up and comers are getting much game time and experience

Ain't it funny this tripe relpaced Britans got talent on TV
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 30, 2013, 05:27:05 PM
We are a million miles off being anysort of success.Some of the clubs need to start blooding the English instead of playing mercenary foreigners.Not many of our young up and comers are getting much game time and experience

Ain't it funny this tripe relpaced Britans got talent on TV

But why? What will they get out of it?

Clubs don't care about England they are just worried about their team and you cant blame them really. There is nothing for clubs to gain for blooding English youngsters so why would they bother.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on May 30, 2013, 06:32:35 PM
This is Gary Linekar a bloke who has never managed in his life.

Won 9 Drawn 6 Lost 1 -  Hardly poor is it.

Roy has been given the task to try and rebuild a nation which has some promising youngsters but an ageing spine. Hes gone into nearly every job hes had with similar problems and built doing just what hes doing now nothing flash but hard to beat.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 04:18:20 PM
4-1 Brazil
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Foster#1 on June 02, 2013, 04:33:33 PM
Brazil 6/4 to keep a clean sheet with Betfred, lump on!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 02, 2013, 05:56:04 PM
Surprised so many people seem to think Brazil will thrash England, although you always get these doom mongers. Brazil aren't that great (we did beat them a few months ago as a lot of people seem to forget). Granted there's a lot of injuries but the first eleven is hardly terrible. Although people in this country have a bizarre fascination with friendlies, the results and even performances in them tend to be pretty irrelevant.

I think it'll end a draw.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 08:24:47 PM
Does Glen Johnson always get a cap because there is no one else
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 02, 2013, 08:33:17 PM
Don't get used to seeing England play in Brazil...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 08:41:03 PM
Don't get used to seeing England play in Brazil...


They wont be going back next year thats for sure
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 02, 2013, 08:46:44 PM

They wont be going back next year thats for sure

Exactly. Brazil have barely got going here and they're comfortable. The fact we're still relying on a guy up front who hasn't performed for England for the best part of a decade speaks volumes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 08:52:40 PM
At best via a playoff but there will be some good teams fighting for a place including Ireland. I just feel we have too much to do to go through direct. possibly need to win our 4 remaining games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 02, 2013, 08:55:57 PM
Does Glen Johnson always get a cap because there is no one else

is he Roy's illegitimate son?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 02, 2013, 08:56:42 PM
Good performance so far. In Roy We Trust.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 08:59:05 PM
its sloppy.Thank goodness for Joe Hart
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 02, 2013, 09:01:30 PM
Good performance so far.

Is that sarcastic?

I think we've been utter pooh.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 02, 2013, 09:04:55 PM
Is that sarcastic?

I think we've been utter pooh.

Your thinking is correct! If Brazil step it up a gear we could be on the end of a hiding.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 09:16:36 PM
More positive second half
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 02, 2013, 09:23:29 PM
How does Glen Johnson get into this team?!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 09:26:40 PM
How does Glen Johnson get into this team?!


I can only assume we have no one else better
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 02, 2013, 09:30:45 PM

I can only assume we have no one else better

And the man who replaces him grabs the equaliser! Great goal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 02, 2013, 09:31:38 PM
Where on earth that came from I'll never know!  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 09:33:01 PM
Anybody spotted Albion61s England flag yet 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 02, 2013, 09:41:55 PM
Well, he certainly responded to my criticism. Great goal Rooney!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 02, 2013, 09:42:28 PM
Lost for words.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 02, 2013, 09:43:51 PM
stunning  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 02, 2013, 09:45:40 PM
Lets get back to the moaning then  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 02, 2013, 09:52:19 PM
more encouraging in the second half thats for sure
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 02, 2013, 09:57:58 PM
England to win the World Cup, might have a bet on it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 03, 2013, 09:01:02 AM
England to win the World Cup, might have a bet on it.

Might be easier to place a tenner in your toilet bowl and flush.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 03, 2013, 09:14:03 AM
Good result, better 2nd half performance, Hart fantastic, Johnson and Walcott appalling.
 
This looks like a poor Brazil side to me but no doubt come the tournament they will raise their game and we (if we get there) will go into our shell as always.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 03, 2013, 10:29:47 AM
Good result, better 2nd half performance, Hart fantastic, Johnson and Walcott appalling.
 
This looks like a poor Brazil side to me but no doubt come the tournament they will raise their game and we (if we get there) will go into our shell as always.

dont know how walcott gets a game might as well start an empty plastic bag sometimes. the bloke is quick and is a good prem player but nothing on world stage. should play the ox over him everyday of the week. Fat Frank is still our key man.

looked good on the counter in general we have speed throughout the team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 03, 2013, 11:23:30 AM
Walcott is an impact player at best.  Good to shove on when defenders are tired.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 03, 2013, 01:03:46 PM
Roy will never make an England manager.He is not a cup tournament type manager.He likes his draws and draws don't get us anywhere because we cant take penalties.
Come back to us Roy and keep us mid table forevermore
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dexy on June 03, 2013, 01:34:25 PM
While i don't think we will win anything i do think some of the moaning is over the top , this side is one or two good strikers away from being decent imo.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 03, 2013, 01:51:16 PM
Roy will never make an England manager.He is not a cup tournament type manager.He likes his draws and draws don't get us anywhere because we cant take penalties.
Come back to us Roy and keep us mid table forevermore

He got Fulham to the Europa League final beating teams such as Juventus on their way. England fans always blame the manager but the quality is just not their anymore. Best chance we had of winning a tournament was between 2002-2006. Even then we got knocked out on penalties twice and got beat by a freak goal from Ronaldinho. We have generally had rotten luck in tournaments.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 03, 2013, 01:53:57 PM
The simple fact is we don't have enough world class players to win a tournament. 
 
We wasted our chance to win a major tournament from 2002 to 2006 under Sven.  We had truly world class players to pick from who were in their prime in Scholes, Gerrard, Beckham, Lampard, A Cole, Owen and Rooney in a team with the likes of Ferdinand, Campbell, Terry, G Neville who were all winners playing for top sides.
 
Under Sven he couldn't decide on his best side and kept shunting Scholes first and latterly Gerrard out wide to accommodate Lampard in midfield resulting in none of them recreating their club form.
 
We had the team and the players back then and between those players and the management of the time they royally screwed it up.
 
This current batch has absolutely no chance whatsoever of winning a major tournament.
 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on June 03, 2013, 03:37:37 PM
Pretty awful first half pretty good second half.Walcott was Brazils best defender and Johnson at times their best attacker,he really cannot defend!Hart kept us in it and Rooney did a lot of good work,substitutions made a vital difference.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on June 04, 2013, 10:10:05 PM
While i don't think we will win anything i do think some of the moaning is over the top , this side is one or two good strikers away from being decent imo.
I agree mate.....we have a decent proven striker ( when he's fit) in Jermain Defoe but for some reason he hardly gets a look in, probably due to his fitness but I'd play him above Rooney as a striker. Rooney did F/A apart from score adeflected goal. Yes I know that's what he's there for but he's not right for an out and out striker role.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 04, 2013, 10:57:31 PM
Rooney can do it...but often doesn't , world class players are Consistent, which is why Cole, Lampard, Gerrard are the closest we have, Roy takes unfair abuse for 2 reasons 1) the players are just not good enough, 2) he's not Redknapp.

The next World Cup winners will begin with B , Brazil at home always strong and Belgium, Lukaku  :D, benteke, Vermalen , vertonghen, miralas, hazard, de bryune , mingolet, courtouis,kompany etc etc.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 05, 2013, 12:15:09 AM
Rooney can do it...but often doesn't , world class players are Consistent, which is why Cole, Lampard, Gerrard are the closest we have, Roy takes unfair abuse for 2 reasons 1) the players are just not good enough, 2) he's not Redknapp.

The next World Cup winners will begin with B , Brazil at home always strong and Belgium, Lukaku  :D, benteke, Vermalen , vertonghen, miralas, hazard, de bryune , mingolet, courtouis,kompany etc etc.
Call it controversial, but i have a feeling they are going to turn into the old Spain. Rivalling Holland as the best team not to win. Naturally I have no evidence, but I think they'll flop at the World Cup....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 05, 2013, 07:00:29 PM
Do you think England will qualify for Brazil? I think we will get there via the playoffs
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on June 05, 2013, 08:02:31 PM
Call it controversial, but i have a feeling they are going to turn into the old Spain. Rivalling Holland as the best team not to win. Naturally I have no evidence, but I think they'll flop at the World Cup....

Agreed, I'm of a similar opinion.

On the subject of England, just wondering if uncle Roy may be going down the old Italian way, not convincing in the qualifiers but doing enough & then scraping through the finals by being hard to beat, not saying it will happen but if England won the world cup playing rubbish football, there wouldn't be many moaning, I doubt.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 05, 2013, 08:14:31 PM
Do you think England will qualify for Brazil? I think we will get there via the playoffs

Our performances so far in qualifying have left a lot to be desired. The important game will be Poland at Wembley. As it stands, I really don't see us qualifying unless we can pull something out the bag. As much as I'd like England to qualify to be at the World parties and to compete on the grandest stage of them all, we'll only be set up for disappointment when we get there so it might be a blessing in disguise if we don't qualify afterall. Jokes aside, if we don't qualify it will be an absolute embarrassment and would be typical of how England as a nation has been let down by it's players and footballing authorities over the last ten, twenty, thirty or even forty years. I don't think the national game has been considered so poorly as it now, that's partly due to a lack of success but the way the current players, and some who have previously retired have viewed it as a burden - the pulling out of squads for ridiculous injuries but managing to play for their clubs on the saturday - unless that mentality changes then the glamour of the national game will continue to decline.

There is always expectation following England but for a country our size to not be competing or at least winning tournaments is frankly abysmal. The wait has gone on far too long and the FA can hold themselves accountable due to the growth of English footballers being quite frankly poor - still, least the Premier League makes some money, eh?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 05, 2013, 08:20:12 PM
Do you think England will qualify for Brazil? I think we will get there via the playoffs
sounds about right.

But I don't think England are a bad team, I relate them (rather fittingly) to Liverpool. The players are there and of the quality but are inconsistent as a whole, while the hype around them (built mostly from the media) makes them out to be MUCH better than they actually are , and conversely much worse at the same time, but it's still a good enough team on their day. I predict we'll get in, and I'm going to predict an Italian-styled improvement over the tournament that'll get us up to the semi finals. Which isn't bad at all on the face of things.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 05, 2013, 08:24:35 PM
Our performances so far in qualifying have left a lot to be desired. The important game will be Poland at Wembley. As it stands, I really don't see us qualifying unless we can pull something out the bag. As much as I'd like England to qualify to be at the World parties and to compete on the grandest stage of them all, we'll only be set up for disappointment when we get there so it might be a blessing in disguise if we don't qualify afterall. Jokes aside, if we don't qualify it will be an absolute embarrassment and would be typical of how England as a nation has been let down by it's players and footballing authorities over the last ten, twenty, thirty or even forty years. I don't think the national game has been considered so poorly as it now, that's partly due to a lack of success but the way the current players, and some who have previously retired have viewed it as a burden - the pulling out of squads for ridiculous injuries but managing to play for their clubs on the saturday - unless that mentality changes then the glamour of the national game will continue to decline.

There is always expectation following England but for a country our size to not be competing or at least winning tournaments is frankly abysmal. The wait has gone on far too long and the FA can hold themselves accountable due to the growth of English footballers being quite frankly poor - still, least the Premier League makes some money, eh?
What does that say about the Dutch? At least we've won a major tournament (which i don't think Holland has)and arguably the Dutch national side have a consistently better team with some very big names in there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 05, 2013, 08:31:22 PM
What does that say about the Dutch? At least we've won a major tournament (which i don't think Holland has)and arguably the Dutch national side have a consistently better team with some very big names in there.

Without wishing to sound rude, Hunnington. I don't really give a rubbish about the Dutch and what they do. I'm interested to see what England do and ever since 1966, it hasn't really been good enough.

The Dutch have failed in tournaments but have no doubt brought through some very entertaining, technically gifted footballers which we haven't been able to produce with the exception of a few.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 05, 2013, 08:39:19 PM
Without wishing to sound rude, Hunnington. I don't really give a rubbish about the Dutch and what they do. I'm interested to see what England do and ever since 1966, it hasn't really been good enough.

The Dutch have failed in tournaments but have no doubt brought through some very entertaining, technically gifted footballers which we haven't been able to produce with the exception of a few.
It was just an example, there are plenty of teams with high stature that haven't won in many years and perhaps never won. We aren't a unique case, not by a long shot. But because of this habit to beat the current players with the team's history then it make us look much much worse (reminds me of another link with Liverpool, living off past glory)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 05, 2013, 09:46:59 PM
It was just an example, there are plenty of teams with high stature that haven't won in many years and perhaps never won. We aren't a unique case, not by a long shot. But because of this habit to beat the current players with the team's history then it make us look much much worse (reminds me of another link with Liverpool, living off past glory)

Indeed and that's a problem for Dutch football and one they'll look to eradicate.

My problem isn't winning competitions, it's the lack of challenge we provide in winning them. In general, English players aren't good enough and questions have to be asked why - especially when we're a country which in football terms produces a hell of a lot of money yet the national team doesn't reflect that. I don't tend to beat anybody with a history stick but the current crop, the golden generation if you like have proved themselves to be incredibly average in competitions and not good enough - the quarter finals was their peak. However, there's no denying that their antics over the years has frustrated the nations supporters who would have given anything to represent their country whereas many nowadays seem to view it as a burden.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boing_boing68 on June 05, 2013, 10:29:37 PM
of course we will qualify as group winners, if we can't qualify from that group then it's pointless going to the world cup anyway.
the problem we have as a nation is we don't have a good enough strikeforce, was talking about this today at work and we couldn't name 5 strikers we would take.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 05, 2013, 11:39:29 PM
the problem we have as a nation is we don't have a good enough strikeforce, was talking about this today at work and we couldn't name 5 strikers we would take.

I wouldn't stop just there mate.

I guess you could include midfielders and defenders in that list of not being good enough.

I do agree you with you though that our striking department is looking incredibly bare. It's made even worse when injuries occur.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boing_boing68 on June 05, 2013, 11:48:41 PM
I wouldn't stop just there mate.

I guess you could include midfielders and defenders in that list of not being good enough.

I do agree you with you though that our striking department is looking incredibly bare. It's made even worse when injuries occur.

yeah you have a good point with the midfielders aswell, the only real good players we have who could win a match are Hart,  Wilshire, Lampard and Rooney,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 06, 2013, 07:14:44 AM
Watching the under 21s last night was as painful as watching the seniors. Players who cannot pass a ball or control it.


Mind you how are we supposed to move forward to try and catch up with the Germans and the Spanish when we have Hodgson and Pearce coaching. Awful appointments by the FA.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on June 06, 2013, 09:11:04 AM
Just to clarify, that the Dutch did win the European Championships in 1988. Not quite the World Cup but just a little over half as long ago as 1966.
As some have stated, the media will overreact to the slightest little turn of a game to boost their own sales. Euro 96 and Italia 90 are seen as two of the recent successes but am pretty sure  the knives were out after the first games against Switzerland and Rep. of Ireland respectively. Especially for Robson in 90 after the disastorous Euro 88 campaign.
Also, Italia '90 may be seen as a gallant heroic effort, with a cruel penalty defeat to Germany but taken from another perspective, out of 6/7 matches, the only team England beat over 90 minutes was Egypt.

Anyway a summer cold has me spluttering away. Think England will qualify and feel that a quarter-final would be just about a par result.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 06, 2013, 12:14:03 PM
Watching the under 21s last night was as painful as watching the seniors. Players who cannot pass a ball or control it.


Mind you how are we supposed to move forward to try and catch up with the Germans and the Spanish when we have Hodgson and Pearce coaching. Awful appointments by the FA.

And I assume some of those shall eventually be integrated into senior level.  ::)

Stuart Pearce labelled them as "awful" last night. He's out of contract after this tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 06, 2013, 10:53:33 PM
Very good article here from Henry Winter. Hard to disagree with what Stuart Pearce says to be honest.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/10104854/England-Under-21-coach-Stuart-Pearce-leads-calls-for-mandatory-selection-after-Euro-2013-defeat-by-Italy.html

The worrying line for me: “There are one or two players who do not want to give their summers up, whichever way you look at it, to go and represent their country,” - Quite frankly a disgusting attitude and one which sums up the culture of the English game and the contempt they share for their national side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 06, 2013, 11:16:33 PM
Very good article here from Henry Winter. Hard to disagree with what Stuart Pearce says to be honest.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/10104854/England-Under-21-coach-Stuart-Pearce-leads-calls-for-mandatory-selection-after-Euro-2013-defeat-by-Italy.html

The worrying line for me: “There are one or two players who do not want to give their summers up, whichever way you look at it, to go and represent their country,” - Quite frankly a disgusting attitude and one which sums up the culture of the English game and the lack of contempt they share for their national side.

Doesn't surprise me to be honest. The spanish players for example live and breathe football. What's even more shocking is that our U21's still play hoofball. How are we meant to get technically better to compete with other nations when our youngsters are not being taught to be comfortable on the ball and control football games. I don't think results should be regarded as important in Under 21 football. It should be a way to implement a good style of football that these youngsters can get used to and then bring these youngsters through to the national side together while keeping the same style. I don't expect us to play like Spain but we can't go on being stuck in the dark ages. We need to build the team around Jack Wilshere. As much as I think he's an arrogant knob he's a superb player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 07, 2013, 12:26:13 AM
Players need to be taught at youth levels the importance of retaining possession and the ability to be calm in possession of the ball, that process should be ready for the U21s who shall then prepare them for senior football. However, just look at some of the names in that side on Wednesday. It just screamed average which has typified the English game over the last how many years? Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey? The English game just cries effort and industry and very little quality to supplement it. Maybe I'm over-reacting but we are light years behind some of these country in terms of technical ability.

I also think the culture of this country does us no favours whatsoever. We seem to produce footballers who receive far too much too early and therefore they tend to stagnate. Their rewards should be lowered and be made to earn their rewards by making careers for themselves and not just being given the rewards as they appear too now. The culture for English players seems to be to make money, lead an unhealthy lifestyle . The rumours surrounding Jack Wilshere's lifestyle continue to be at the fore-front with many believing that his "injuries" aren't all they appear and would you be so surprised?

My personal opinion and approach for the way forward should see Education schools. Take youngsters away from their comfort zone, provide them with the basics of the education system and work on the technical and tactical methods creating innovating training systems, training sessions and most importantly playing football matches on small pitches. Not these great pitches we see now which see youngsters these days sprinting 60 yards before making a pass. We should be preparing them for football careers but also futures in coaching. In addition, they need to experience the cultures and lifestyles of other nations. It's OK playing matches in this country against players of roughly the same calibre and make up. Take them abroad into countries like Spain, Italy and Germany and organise matches with similar age groups. We don't see enough English players experiencing other ways of living - how many English players have plied their trade in a foreign country? Owen Hargreeves and Joey Barton spring to mind with neither having careers for their national side, one due to injury and the other for being a knob. Let them learn and experience other cultures and the demands which are set in their country. Of course, this is going to happen so I'm kidding myself and we'll have to suffer with more average, garbage being produced as the likes of Germany and Spain continue to produce technically gifted players we can only dream of.

Edit: I would also have changes into the rules of the Premier League, clubs academies and general change in the FA too but again, this won't happen either.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 07, 2013, 09:16:01 AM
What about we stop building on playing fields
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Black Pearl on June 07, 2013, 10:37:54 PM
Good results for England tonight, back in our own hands.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 07, 2013, 11:10:14 PM
Tonight's results will have helped. Ukraine are the dark horses in this group for me. Not only do we have to face them in their own back yard but they have two games against San Marino which is a more or less guaranteed six points. We still have to face Montenegro and Poland. Tonight will have helped but I'm not counting my chickens yet.

Hope the U21's can pull off a victory against Norway too. That game is a must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 07, 2013, 11:15:31 PM
Ukraine will be a very tough game, we just about nicked a win against them at the Euros. It's going to be very close, I really can't see us winning all the remaining games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2013, 09:57:09 AM
So we have been given a lifeline. Get a draw in th Ukraine and win our 3 remaining home games we should be there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 08, 2013, 10:42:18 AM
Not sure I see last night's result as a lifeline. A draw would have been better.  The way we are playing and the confidence that result will now give Ukraine means we are now in a 3 way fight instead of a two. Before yesterday we had the relative comfort of the playoffs and now we don't.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 08, 2013, 07:03:30 PM
Under 21's were awful. Pearce OUT Southgate IN
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 08, 2013, 07:53:32 PM
Under 21's were awful. Pearce OUT Southgate IN

Hopefully not.

Let's not have yes men who tick the boxes.

Let's try and appoint a coach who is modern and has achieved something in his coaching career - and now I'm struggling..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 08, 2013, 09:39:52 PM
I really think we should get away from the 'names' like Pearce and Southgate.  Use someone who has worked with younger players and developed them.  These players may well be (wrongly) millionaires but they are still developing players and should be treated and coached as such.
 
Ashworth should look at successful youth coaches from the academies and employ those and make sure they can coach and concentrate on passing the ball rather than hoofing it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 09, 2013, 12:05:02 AM
Unemployed and not wanted by Man United (David Moyes);

Rene Meulensteen - Have doubts as to whether he would want the job but he's exactly the sort of person the FA should be looking at but asking him to fix the U21s isn't the issue really. It needs fixing at lower age groups.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 09, 2013, 11:53:24 AM
Shambolic England u21s
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: jonny on June 09, 2013, 10:36:56 PM
Just noticed the line ups from the Euro U21 final in 2009. Look where those players are now and the gulf in quality:

6 of those Germany players play for one of the top 4 teams in Europe and are key players in their current national team. Arguably only one of ours is good enough for our fist XI.

Germany U21: Neuer, Beck, Howedes, Boateng, Boenisch, Hummels (Aogo 83), Johnson (Schwaab 68), Castro, Khedira, Ozil (Schmelzer 89), Wagner.


England U21: Loach, Cranie (Gardner 80), Richards, Onuoha (Mancienne 46), Gibbs, Cattermole, Muamba (Rodwell 77), Noble, Milner, Walcott, Johnson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 09, 2013, 10:46:46 PM
It's weird seeing Milner in that team. I was watching Premier League years from around 2003 and Milner was on it scoring for Leeds. Really good player no doubt but was hyped up at the time to be a future star for England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 09, 2013, 11:04:24 PM
Germany U21: Neuer, Beck, Howedes, Boateng, Boenisch, Hummels (Aogo 83), Johnson (Schwaab 68), Castro, Khedira, Ozil (Schmelzer 89), Wagner.


England U21: Loach, Cranie (Gardner 80), Richards, Onuoha (Mancienne 46), Gibbs, Cattermole, Muamba (Rodwell 77), Noble, Milner, Walcott, Johnson.

That is frightening. Well and truly frightening.

(No point winding yourself up Liam)  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Sessegod on June 10, 2013, 07:35:09 AM
They should give the job to glenn hoddle, since he left the England job he has been developing youth and trying to bring players on.

More importantly England need to develop a style of football that they see as being successful and bring it through all age groups. They had no problem doing that in the 80's when they adopted hoofball as the way forward, which is still why we are struggling today.

They also need to look at Cricket and Rugby, they have been getting their houses in order for years and now produce talent and more importantly depth of talent. Same as cycling and rowing.

The FA continue to be pushed aside by the EPL and our youth do not get the chance. The homegrown under 21 rule about minimum players is a joke as much as the FFP, big clubs tend to buy the better UK players and don't play them to make up the required quota.

The under 21's who went to Brazil for a urine poor waste of time friendly should have been getting tournament experience, Pearce isn't to blame it's the whole system.

DA has a big job on his hands but lets face it he'll be shackled and nothing will be done.

On a final point, people who aren't west brom fans are already saying they are fed up with Roy's teams drawing games, I have told them to get used to it. It keeps you in the Prem but won't win you a world cup, unless you are Italy.

Rant over
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 11, 2013, 07:17:46 PM
Another dismal display by the U21's, this time against the mighty Israel.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 11, 2013, 07:53:35 PM
Embarrassing to leave the tournament having finished bottom of the group with 0 points and only managing one goal in our three fixtures - a goal which came from the penalty spot. Stuart Pearce cannot survive this and I expect the FA to not renew his contract when he returns from the tournament, thank him for his efforts and send him packing - although, knowing that farce he shall probably be given a new deal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 14, 2013, 11:48:58 AM
Harry Redknapp having a dig of all people now - also suggests that Glenn Hoddle should take charge of the England U21s.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22884638

I don't agree with Hoddle taking charge of the U21s - he should in my opinion be allowed the platform to make the ideal changes to the game as he appears to be the only person who has outlined any forward thinking plan to make the necessary changes. Given his comments which saw him sacked many years ago, I very much doubt he'll be given the opportunity.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 16, 2013, 08:26:51 PM
I mentioned Rene Meulensteen previously in this thread. According to Henry Winter, the Qataris are leading the chase for him:

Henry Winter ?@henrywinter

FA need to be fast/bold & get Rene Meulensteen #mufc into St George's Park. Qataris lead chase for one of the best skills coaches around 1/2


Henry Winter ?@henrywinter

Meulensteen's coaching enhances players' flair. He'd be ideal working alongside Dan Ashworth at FA coaching hub at St George's Park 2/2


Henry Winter ?@henrywinter

While the FA slowly debate #eng problems, the Qataris actively pursue Meulensteen to work on their skills-based coaching programmes
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 20, 2013, 12:08:02 AM
A lot of talk on Twitter suggesting that Michael Appleton could be named the England U21's coach.

It would make perfect sense considering both Ashworth and Hodgson are a part of the FA set up.

Although he's not the person I'd want in charge of the U21s.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 20, 2013, 08:38:08 AM
A lot of talk on Twitter suggesting that Michael Appleton could be named the England U21's coach.

It would make perfect sense considering both Ashworth and Hodgson are a part of the FA set up.

Although he's not the person I'd want in charge of the U21s.

I can see the Press having a field day should this happen.
 
"This is England NOT West Bromwich Albion".
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on June 20, 2013, 09:44:54 AM
Haha it would seem more like West Brom than England if Appleton does go there!!

On another note, watched the Italy Japan game last night and Japan impressed me so much, judging on that performance they are way ahead of us! Not good times for English football at the moment. The bottom line is basically we need more English players playing in the Premier League as the current figure 31% is shockingly poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 20, 2013, 10:06:13 AM
Haha it would seem more like West Brom than England if Appleton does go there!!

On another note, watched the Italy Japan game last night and Japan impressed me so much, judging on that performance they are way ahead of us! Not good times for English football at the moment. The bottom line is basically we need more English players playing in the Premier League as the current figure 31% is shockingly poor.
You didn't see the Brazil game, did you? Japan always do this, they are either very very good or very very bad. That is why they never get out of the group stages at major tournaments. While England are "usually" quite consistent, not earth shattering but usually get to the last 16. Add the importance of playing in Brazil is to the Japanese and you can see why they were desperate to stay.

Japan also have about 14-15 players playing outside of japan (mostly in the Bundesliga), where as nearly ALL of ours play not only in this country, but for the same 6-7 teams! really I'd say we need LESS English players in the league and for them to be shipped overseas cheaper.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boing_boing68 on June 23, 2013, 09:21:20 PM
even the under 20s can't beat Iraq under 20s now, drew 2-2 after being 2-0 up
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 23, 2013, 10:38:07 PM
Another embarrassment to add to the FA collection of embarrassments but it's no surprise given our utterly poor record in this competition anyway. I didn't get to see the game but from what I've read on sources such as Twitter was that the Iraqis looked very comfortable in possession of the ball and surprisingly we didn't. There is so much wrong with our national set up that it is past borderline ridiculous.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 23, 2013, 11:07:28 PM
And that's the crop of players we've got to look forward to when the current mediocre bunch are past it. Christ...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on June 23, 2013, 11:11:53 PM
For years we have relied on powerful strikers at national level. Pace and Power was what we concentrated on and the technical side of football was lost.

Sir Trevor Brooking said this about 5-10 years ago and was shouted down because the press deemed his comments negative towards black players who have historically brought pace and power into our game well according to the press anyway.

Ignoring the fact that players like John Barnes were very technically gifted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on June 23, 2013, 11:14:41 PM
As for U21's next manager the footballing media need to get their heads out of their backsides if Appleton is appointed.

Could someone tell me what Peter Taylor's record was when he was appointed in 1996 and nutured some very good players.

He had a 10 year career where he managed Dartford, Dover and Southend.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 24, 2013, 12:13:15 AM
In fairness I seem to remember Blackburn fans lamenting some truly dire football under Appleton, he may have been highly rated as a coach here, but his management career so far doesn't seem to mark him out as one of the progressive managers around. In fairness that may be due to the clubs he's chosen to manage, but then thats his own fault.

Although I think by the under 21's its too late to do much different anyway. If you've been playing direct football through the various age groups then by the time you're 20/21 its going to be a hard habit to break when you've only got them training once a week every few months. The England under 20's are particularly brutal, no wins in 14 games now, dating back to 1997.

France have Pogba who played 37 times for Juventus last year, regularly starting. It makes a mockery of the burn out excuses that are made to not pick players when pretty much every other nation in the world picks their best players for their age groups, then somehow we'll be the team who look tired come a world cup or euro's despite the rest our players get.

I'd say at least the good thing that will come out of these appaling youth performances is that it'll mean that English football has to change, but then not qualifying for Euro 2008 did nothing, and World Cup 2010 did very little. Let's face it its not conducive for the premier league to promote English players, its considered a global league with a global reach, they don't want unknown academy players making their name, they want established foreign players from all over the world so they can't market the league to those countries. As usual the premier league clubs miss the point with the academy system, and instead of being a coaching overhaul to be academy one, its just a case of throwing money at it - to be category one, or rather to stay category one, you should have to produce a certain number of players who play a certain number of games, say every 5 seasons. Instead its just a case of having money to throw at the academy which top teams appear to use to hoard players to stop rivals getting them rather than to develop them. Let's say review every 5 years and you must have had 10 players by that point come through your academy and have played in 10 first games for at least 45 minutes per game, and be eligible for the English team. Otherwise be stripped of category one status.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on July 01, 2013, 10:58:51 AM
I see that the England U20's got knocked out of the World Cup having failed to get out of their group of Chile (1-1) Iraq (2-2) and Egypt (0-2).
 
This after the U21's failed miserably at the Euro's and the seniors struggling to qualify for next summers World Cup.
 
Worry times for English Football.  The International Premier League, and that's what it has become, is ruining English football and the English FA is powerless to stop it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on July 01, 2013, 11:13:16 AM
I see that the England U20's got knocked out of the World Cup having failed to get out of their group of Chile (1-1) Iraq (2-2) and Egypt (0-2).
 
This after the U21's failed miserably at the Euro's and the seniors struggling to qualify for next summers World Cup.
 
Worry times for English Football.  The International Premier League, and that's what it has become, is ruining English football and the English FA is powerless to stop it.




The likes of Izzy going to Chelski and never getting a game wont help either
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on July 01, 2013, 02:53:27 PM
I see that the England U20's got knocked out of the World Cup having failed to get out of their group of Chile (1-1) Iraq (2-2) and Egypt (0-2).
 
This after the U21's failed miserably at the Euro's and the seniors struggling to qualify for next summers World Cup.
 
Worry times for English Football.  The International Premier League, and that's what it has become, is ruining English football and the English FA is powerless to stop it.

The under 20's weren't too bad in fairness, they get a raw deal. All the teams they played have vast experience together, and all of them had full internationals whereas the under 20's are thrown together with many of their best players missing (either through the under 21's or "injured" - Byram, Will Hughes, Afobe, Thorne... It's worth pointing out Germany didn't qualify for either the under 20's or under 21's.

You have to remember that the under 20's is the under 21's to most most teams at that tournament. As well as the injured players above they were also missing Chalobah, Redmond, Butland, Wisdom, Robinson, McEachran, Wickham, Zaha, Stirling, Luke Shaw, Nick Powell, and if you look to the senior's (France for example have Pogba at this tournament) Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Take into account a "full strength" under 20 side and the only ones from the squad who went who would play would probably be Barkley (who looked very impressive) and Eric Dier.

We have teams that could win these tournaments but we don't pick the best players so players who should be going to the under 20 world cup end up having to go the under 21's and people who should go to the under 21's don't get picked at all!

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 04, 2013, 11:35:43 AM
Dropped to 14Th in the World rankings.More realistically where we should be.Our lowest ranking since the wolly with the brolley
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 24, 2013, 01:26:11 PM
England v Scotland in a few weeks.Anyone going to the game.London will be a mass of drunken Scots
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on July 25, 2013, 04:31:47 PM
As for U21's next manager the footballing media need to get their heads out of their backsides if Appleton is appointed.

Could someone tell me what Peter Taylor's record was when he was appointed in 1996 and nutured some very good players.

He had a 10 year career where he managed Dartford, Dover and Southend.

His record was 30 games 13 wins 7 draws and ten defeats a pretty decent record. His second spell as England un21 boss was even better 16 games 9 wins 2 draws and 5 defeats. Peter Taylor is now the England u20 boss which I think is a good appointment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 26, 2013, 02:10:58 PM
Peter Taylor is now the England u20 boss which I think is a good appointment.

Based on what? He is the typical FA 'tick all the boxes' man - just like Stuart Pearce.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on July 26, 2013, 02:51:24 PM
Based on what? He is the typical FA 'tick all the boxes' man - just like Stuart Pearce.

Based on that his record more than anything else is pretty good, very experienced at coaching young players too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 28, 2013, 12:00:51 PM
A massive couple of months coming up for England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on August 08, 2013, 01:30:04 PM
Same old faces for the Scotland game i see.Bloody Glenn Johnson again
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on August 08, 2013, 01:33:07 PM
Congrats to Ben Foster been called up. Rickie Lambert has been called up to the squad too and I suppose Wifred Zaha is a bit of a surprise that he has been called up but apart from that its very much the usual players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 08, 2013, 01:37:23 PM
Saido Berahino has been called up to the Under-21's who will also be managed by Roy Hodgson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on August 08, 2013, 01:38:24 PM
Saido Berahino has been called up to the Under-21's who will also be managed by Roy Hodgson.



Very well done indeed
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 13, 2013, 09:25:56 PM
England u21s beat Scotland u2s 6-0 at Bramall Lane.

England were very good but it's hard to judge given how poor Scotland were. Some good quality of goals from England tonight which could have easily been avoided from a Scotland point of view.

Saido Berahino was an unused substitute.

Also in the stands was Michael Appleton - potentially the next under 21s coach.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on August 13, 2013, 09:52:02 PM
Just gave my missus ( who is Scottish ) the good news, she flicked me the bird and pi**ed off into the kitchen,  ;D :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on August 14, 2013, 09:17:02 AM
Also in the stands was Michael Appleton - potentially the next under 21s coach.

'Its who you know, not what you know'.  No doubt in my mind he's only linked with the job by having previously worked with Ashworth and Hodgson.
 
What has Appleton done to deserve being responsible for the next generation of English footballers?  This is even a step back from Stuart Pearce IMO.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 14, 2013, 09:35:51 AM
Just gave my missus ( who is Scottish ) the good news, she flicked me the bird and pi**ed off into the kitchen,  ;D :D



Got yeah flag draping out the window up there i hope ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on August 14, 2013, 12:02:41 PM


Got yeah flag draping out the window up there i hope ;)
Way ahead of you there mate. 2 FLAGS out the upstairs window, One St George, one Union Jack............old school !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 12:08:53 PM

'Its who you know, not what you know'.  No doubt in my mind he's only linked with the job by having previously worked with Ashworth and Hodgson.
 
What has Appleton done to deserve being responsible for the next generation of English footballers?  This is even a step back from Stuart Pearce IMO.

I tend to agree. I've been quite critical in the past of the FA appointing their yes men and Appleton just seems like another in the long list of those appointed because they 'tick the boxes' despite having achieved very little in their managerial careers. Michael Appleton has a very disjointed and poor CV in terms of managerial achievements, for him to be given the under 21s job would be silly in my opinion when we've allowed quality coaches like Rene Meulensteen get away without an interest - who despite having a lack of managerial chances is a very highly regarded coach in bringing out players technical ability - he was apparently very important behind the developments of Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, emphasising the importance of being good on the ball whilst he was working at United as their skills development coach. No doubt if Appleton was to be appointed we would have the same 442 outdated junk which has been served to us previously to no avail and has been criticised by supporters of Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn - clubs whom Appleton managed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on August 14, 2013, 01:56:42 PM
I tend to agree. I've been quite critical in the past of the FA appointing their yes men and Appleton just seems like another in the long list of those appointed because they 'tick the boxes' despite having achieved very little in their managerial careers. Michael Appleton has a very disjointed and poor CV in terms of managerial achievements, for him to be given the under 21s job would be silly in my opinion when we've allowed quality coaches like Rene Meulensteen get away without an interest - who despite having a lack of managerial chances is a very highly regarded coach in bringing out players technical ability - he was apparently very important behind the developments of Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, emphasising the importance of being good on the ball whilst he was working at United as their skills development coach. No doubt if Appleton was to be appointed we would have the same 442 outdated junk which has been served to us previously to no avail and has been criticised by supporters of Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn - clubs whom Appleton managed.

This guy is not even English.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WSBaggie on August 14, 2013, 02:08:25 PM
This guy is not even English.

So what? He has coached some of the best English talent in the country over the last 6 years, would have been a very useful addition to the coaching team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on August 14, 2013, 02:09:48 PM
This guy is not even English.
Neither is Benteke but don't let that slow you down Mr Griffin.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on August 14, 2013, 02:11:47 PM
So what? He has coached some of the best English talent in the country over the last 6 years, would have been a very useful addition to the coaching team.

Surely we need to be giving opportunities to young English coaches like Appleton.

How else are we going to get better managers in the future?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on August 14, 2013, 02:13:11 PM
Neither is Benteke but don't let that slow you down Mr Griffin.

Benteke doesn't play for England though does he.

But you probably think he should be allowed to.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WSBaggie on August 14, 2013, 02:19:19 PM
Surely we need to be giving opportunities to young English coaches like Appleton.

How else are we going to get better managers in the future?

I wouldn't trust any young English manager with the job at the moment. It's not a good enough job for some managers to bother with.

In my opinion it should be a coach, these players are all young with plenty to learn and they should be being taught it by good quality coaches.

Thing is with football people don't realise most of the groundwork in training sessions is laid out by the coaching staff and these coaches don't get high enough recognition.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on August 14, 2013, 03:51:27 PM
Predictions for tonights game?

3-1 England Wooney and a pitch invasion at the end
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
This guy is not even English.

And your point is?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 04:05:14 PM
Predictions for tonights game?

3-1 England Wooney and a pitch invasion at the end

Seeing an awful lot of arrogance from England supporters on Twitter which is setting us up for a downfall in my opinion. Scotland played very well in their victory in Croatia a month or two ago and from what I've seen have looked much better under Strachan.

If a side is going to win it shall be a goal either way, but I personally see this being a 1-1 draw which shall be another embarrassment for English football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on August 14, 2013, 04:09:31 PM
Seeing an awful lot of arrogance from England supporters on Twitter which is setting us up for a downfall in my opinion. Scotland played very well in their victory in Croatia a month or two ago and from what I've seen have looked much better under Strachan.

If a side is going to win it shall be a goal either way, but I personally see this being a 1-1 draw which shall be another embarrassment for English football.
Croatia also played very VERY poorly....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on August 14, 2013, 04:13:44 PM
I'm going for a 3-2 win.  Dorrans and Morrison to both score and play well but a win for England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 04:13:59 PM
Anybody seen what the Tartan Army have done to Trafalgar square? Filling it up with washing up liquid  :D

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BRorhJ8CYAI81mp.jpg)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on August 14, 2013, 04:33:29 PM
Seeing an awful lot of arrogance from England supporters on Twitter which is setting us up for a downfall in my opinion. Scotland played very well in their victory in Croatia a month or two ago and from what I've seen have looked much better under Strachan.

If a side is going to win it shall be a goal either way, but I personally see this being a 1-1 draw which shall be another embarrassment for English football.

How can you call it arrogance and then say a 1-1 draw would be an embarrassment?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 04:47:58 PM
How can you call it arrogance and then say a 1-1 draw would be an embarrassment?

It was a lot of political arrogance rather than anything football related - although I have seen some over excited predictions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on August 14, 2013, 05:33:20 PM
And your point is?

This country is a shambles at running our national game, producing footballers and producing coaches. I read a statistic the other day which stated that the number of British coaches wanting to get into the game is continuing to drop whilst other nations like Spain and Germany continue to rise. I have no problem in choosing English coaches provided they have the qualifications and experience to do the job - more worryingly is that there is very little to choose from and someone like Appleton, who appears to be continuing with out-dated methods is certainly not the way forward for English football - we need to get away from yes men who 'tick the boxes'.

Appointing foreign coaches is an embarrassment.

You talk about Spain and Germany, did they use foreign coaches to turn-around their success?

No.

They did it themselves.

We've got St George's Park now.

Let's do it ourselves.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 06:32:10 PM
Appointing foreign coaches is an embarrassment.

You talk about Spain and Germany, did they use foreign coaches to turn-around their success?

No.

They did it themselves.

We've got St George's Park now.

Let's do it ourselves.

I don't care about who is in charge providing our national team is successful.

Spain and Germany have had the foresight to enhance academies whilst produce exciting, technical footballers who treat the ball as a friend and not as an alien like our country seems too. The point I was making when talking about them is that the lack of people in this country applying to become coaches is vastly smaller than those nations - the ratio of coaches to players in this country is 1:812 whereas in Spain it's 1:17.

We are a long way behind.

And St Georges Park - brilliant. That is really going to solve the problem of English football.

We need more facilities like those dotted around the country. It's quite stationary having it placed in Burton. One down south, one in London, one up North would be beneficial - of course I realise money makes that an issue.

Then we have to address what they're being taught. Sessions need to be innovative. Pitches could do with being smaller and having 4 on 4 games, allowing young players more touches of the ball in a tight environment. They then need to be taught tactically, how to overcome situations and what is expected of 442 formation, or 352, or a 4231 etc - whether this happens at St Georges Park or academies at football clubs.

In addition to that point above, this needs to be happening from a very young age. Get them playing football and receiving coaching at the ages of 5 and 6, not too late that they've missed out on vital parts of their development. Children learn a lot from their moment their born until the age of six - in that time we should be getting them involved and taught the fundamentals of the game - pass and control.

That's just the start of it.

And then later down the line it will need changes to the leagues to allow them a platform to perform.

Having St Georges Park and hoping that will magically produce footballers won't work.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on August 14, 2013, 07:54:42 PM
I'm going for a 3-0 England win tonight, The Scots look very weak at the back, not a great deal of experience there either and our front six look very strong tonight. I really hope that James Morrison plays well and that he doesn't pick up an injury too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 08:13:58 PM
Ridiculous goalkeeping.

James Morrison scores for Scotland  :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbako on August 14, 2013, 08:14:38 PM
How Hart is in the team ahead of Foster is beyond me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on August 14, 2013, 08:21:38 PM
great strike by mozza, more of those through the season please! we all know hes capable of a good clean strike
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on August 14, 2013, 08:21:49 PM
How Hart is in the team ahead of Foster is beyond me.

yeah! needs to lose a few pounds instead of waving them outside nightclubs
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on August 14, 2013, 08:25:44 PM
How Hart is in the team ahead of Foster is beyond me.

Hate to sound synical but it's the clubs they play for.
Scotland showing more passion and Gerard hammering the ball out of play a lot. Just what I expected
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 14, 2013, 08:28:03 PM
Appointing foreign coaches is an embarrassment.

You talk about Spain and Germany, did they use foreign coaches to turn-around their success?

No.

They did it themselves.

We've got St George's Park now.

Let's do it ourselves.

Yes, FA executives must have the most opulent surroundings possible if England are going to win.  ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 14, 2013, 08:31:54 PM
How Hart is in the team ahead of Foster is beyond me.

Until 6 months ago Hart was the much better keeper. Now though, you may have a point... Feel Foster's self imposed exile has done him no favours.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: botters on August 14, 2013, 08:34:47 PM
How Hart is in the team ahead of Foster is beyond me.
He looks too top heavy to me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 14, 2013, 09:01:58 PM
Ridiculous goalkeeping.

James Morrison scores for Scotland  :)

After seeing the replay, I'm more sympathetic. Hart didn't see it until the last moment, and Mozza really hammered it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 09:04:31 PM
After seeing the replay, I'm more sympathetic. Hart didn't see it until the last moment, and Mozza really hammered it.

No excuses for me, Quakes. He's gotta be saving that for my liking.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 14, 2013, 09:10:19 PM
Wow, well I guess I feel a bit better about Kenny Miller scoring against San Jose on Saturday.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 09:12:56 PM
Whenever I've seen Scotland, Kenny Miller has usually been absolute dog turd. How can we allow him that much time to get a shot away?

Good header that from Welbeck.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 14, 2013, 09:22:40 PM
Whenever I've seen Scotland, Kenny Miller has usually been absolute dog turd. How can we allow him that much time to get a shot away?

That description would apply to the entire Scotland attack in recent years; tonight is anomalous. But Miller has looked much better recently with Vancouver.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 09:30:09 PM
That description would apply to the entire Scotland attack in recent years; tonight is anomalous. But Miller has looked much better recently with Vancouver.

To be honest, you're quite right, any forward would struggle working for Craig Levein!

Well done Rickie Lambert. Dead chuffed for him. All those years of hard work have finally paid off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 14, 2013, 09:30:18 PM
Fantastic header from Lambert
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 14, 2013, 09:31:44 PM
What a header from Lambert, delighted for him.

Why can't we play the Scots every year? This is fantastic. I've never seen us play Scotland before.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on August 14, 2013, 09:33:29 PM
A fantastic header from Lambert, very few keepers would have stopped that.  Hart should have saved the Morrison shot, it was a great shot from Mozza but very poor goalkeeping.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on August 14, 2013, 09:34:23 PM
Rickie Lambert is a lot better player than people give him credit for
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 14, 2013, 09:40:11 PM
Rickie Lambert is a lot better player than people give him credit for

Totally agree, players get written off sometimes as they come from the lower leagues, some do have the ability to play much higher.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 14, 2013, 09:40:11 PM
To be honest, you're quite right, any forward would struggle working for Craig Levein!

Or George Burley or Alex McLeish.

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Griffiths pick up a season-ending knock.  :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 09:45:23 PM
Don't think McLeish or Walter Smith's Scotland were that bad personally. I remember McLeish's side actually winning quite a few.

Burley, Levein, Vogts reigns have been rubbish to say the least.

How many times is Zaha going to over hit a cross? It's like having Liam Ridgewell on the pitch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on August 14, 2013, 09:52:29 PM
I'm going for a 3-2 win.  Dorrans and Morrison to both score and play well but a win for England.
And for Saturday please  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 14, 2013, 09:53:28 PM
McLeish had his famous win in Paris, but the attack was so feeble that it took a 40-yard wonderstrike by James McFadden to achieve it.

I didn't mention Smith for obvious reasons.  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 14, 2013, 10:15:41 PM
I thought you had ignored Sir Walter so I thought I'd just remind you of his achievements  ;D they were unlucky in that campaign not to qualify. I remember a terrible decision against Italy going against them which more or less knocked them out.

I've thoroughly enjoyed tonight's friendly. Entertaining game. Hopefully we can replay the game next year at Hampden Park.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 14, 2013, 10:24:30 PM
I don't think the home nations cup should be brought back, who cares about Wales -v- Northern Ireland for example? But I don't want to wait 14 years for such a fantastic game again. Usually I cannot stand the friendly before the season starts, not this year!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on August 14, 2013, 10:56:54 PM
I don't think the home nations cup should be brought back, who cares about Wales -v- Northern Ireland for example? But I don't want to wait 14 years for such a fantastic game again. Usually I cannot stand the friendly before the season starts, not this year!
the Welsh? The Irish?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 14, 2013, 11:02:29 PM
I don't think the home nations cup should be brought back, who cares about Wales -v- Northern Ireland for example? But I don't want to wait 14 years for such a fantastic game again. Usually I cannot stand the friendly before the season starts, not this year!

Boaz Myhill, Gaz McAuley, Chris Brunt?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on August 14, 2013, 11:45:37 PM
None of those teams care about playing each other, just England. Look at the Carling nations cup and check the attendances which are awful. The highest attendance, in a stadium holding 50k, was 19k, and the lowest was just 500 between Wales and Northern Ireland. It's not a sustainable tournament. A friendly every few years is the right way to do it.

People moan about international friendlies as it is so we'd either be shoehorning in more games, or playing basically no games outside qualifying against teams that aren't the home nations, which would surely be counter productive. It's surely far more beneficial for the players to be playing against Spain, Italy, Germany, Brazil in friendlies than it is to be having a bunch of games against similar styled teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jonah on August 14, 2013, 11:57:16 PM
Thought Mozza had a good game. Anyone else agree?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 15, 2013, 12:33:11 AM
Thought Mozza had a good game. Anyone else agree?

Yes mate, was the best Scotland player (notice I didn't say Scottish ;)). I posted on twitter the performance should put to bed talk of him not starting on Saturday (in so many words  ;D).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: divinewind on August 15, 2013, 05:06:11 AM
A good job Mozza didn't live a couple of centuries ago,his head would have been on a spike on London Bridge.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 15, 2013, 07:57:42 AM
A good job Mozza didn't live a couple of centuries ago,his head would have been on a spike on London Bridge.



Is that beacuse hes an Englishman :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on August 15, 2013, 09:02:55 AM
That defence was dodgy.Old man Miller out turning Cahill for that goal
Worst England team in my time
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 16, 2013, 01:58:58 PM
If I remember rightly, Northern Ireland -v- Wales got an attendance that didn't even make triple figures.

Actually, 529...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13540749

So less of the jumping on my opinion please! :)

We don't need the home nations tournament returning, it's pointless. England -v- Scotland every year or two would be idea.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on August 16, 2013, 02:15:20 PM
England v Scotland would be good every 4 years
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 16, 2013, 02:51:01 PM
England v Scotland would be good every 4 years

Yeah it might get a bit stale if it was annual. Or maybe during odd years when there is no tournament? Alternatively hosting.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on August 16, 2013, 02:56:32 PM
I'd say create a tournament every couple of years to coincide with the World Cups and the European Championships.   A few years down the line none of us will be qualifying.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on August 16, 2013, 03:02:42 PM
I'd say create a tournament every couple of years to coincide with the World Cups and the European Championships.   A few years down the line none of us will be qualifying.


I still say England will struggle to qualify for Brazil.They need 10 points.Win all 3 left at home and get at least a point in the Ukraine
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 16, 2013, 06:54:55 PM
Yeah I think Brazil will be our last sniff of qualification for a good while.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on August 17, 2013, 12:17:32 AM
Yeah I think Brazil will be our last sniff of qualification for a good while.

You do know that 24 teams will be at Euro 2016?

We will never miss a European Championship,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 17, 2013, 10:06:06 AM
You do know that 24 teams will be at Euro 2016?

We will never miss a European Championship,

Euro 2008? Assuming it's the top 2 in every group and then the best 3rd places, even with 24 teams we would have been very close to not qualifying, Israel were below us in 4th just on GD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2008_qualifying#Group_E
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on August 17, 2013, 10:24:04 PM
Euro 2008? Assuming it's the top 2 in every group and then the best 3rd places, even with 24 teams we would have been very close to not qualifying, Israel were below us in 4th just on GD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2008_qualifying#Group_E

If Euro 2008 had 24 teams we would have qualified,

It would have been top 3 automatically qualify (no play-offs)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 23, 2013, 11:43:37 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23804230

Gareth Southgate appointed England Under 21's boss.

He'll be another which will be handicapped due to the first team limiting the pool of players by calling up youngsters to travel across the world to sit on the bench and train with the first team in pointless friendlies.

It comes as no surprise to the see the FA yet again appoint one of their own.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tucka9 on September 04, 2013, 10:57:48 PM
As it's an international break, I thought id ask everyone's opinion on next years world cup squad (assuming we qualify) even though it's a bit early.

Foster
Hart
Ruddy

Johnson
Walker
Cole
Baines
Cahill
Jagielka
Jones
Dawson

Gerrard (c)
Wilshere
Lampard
Barkley
Walcott
Sterling
Zaha
Oxlade-chamberlain

Rooney
Sturridge
Welbeck
Defoe

Starting line up
Foster
Walker
Jones
Jagielka
Cole
Wilshere
Gerrard
Lampard
Walcott
Rooney
Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2013, 11:05:04 PM
The glaring omission is Carrick, but you won't be far off. Also would not expect Lampard in the starting line-up/strongest XI.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tucka9 on September 04, 2013, 11:11:54 PM
The glaring omission is Carrick, but you won't be far off. Also would not expect Lampard in the starting line-up/strongest XI.
I forgot about Carrick if I'm honest mate, he will probably start above Lampard, I just think Lampard can change a game especially in a 3 man midfield where he can float around.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieJames114 on September 05, 2013, 07:52:01 AM
World cup squad, hmm

J.Hart
B.Foster
J.Ruddy

G.Johnson
K. Walker
P.Jones
G.Cahill
P.Jagielka
A.Cole
L.Baines

S.Gerrard (C)
F.Lampard
A.O.Chamberlain
M.Carrick
J.Wilshere
T.Cleverley
J.Milner


T.Walcott
W.Rooney
D.Welbeck
D.Sturridge
J.Defoe
A.Carroll

My first XI would be

                      Hart

  Johnson  Jones    Cahill      Cole

      Gerrard  Carrick  Wilshere

      Walcott  Rooney  Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on September 05, 2013, 08:32:27 AM
No one discussing Greg Dykes comments about the future of the England team?
 
Just goes to show how much people really give a monkeys about it.
 
Have to say my passion for the England team is virtually nil.  I'll probably watch the game on Friday if there's nothing else on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on September 05, 2013, 08:51:26 AM
By far the worst bunch of England footballers for many years.Ukraine next week will kill off any ambition of going to Brazil
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on September 05, 2013, 10:20:46 AM
No one discussing Greg Dykes comments about the future of the England team?
 
Just goes to show how much people really give a monkeys about it.
 
Have to say my passion for the England team is virtually nil.  I'll probably watch the game on Friday if there's nothing else on.

I think the comments about winning the World Cup in 2022 were a joke to be honest. You would hope that we would not be far off the semis in 2020 but to win the World Cup is asking way to much unless we suddenly develop a few more gems over the next few years.

Seemed to have come in to give the impression 'i'm going to shake it all up' and over the next few years it will slowly ebb away and be forgotten until the time comes when we don't win the World Cup and he passes the buck.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 05, 2013, 07:16:32 PM
No one discussing Greg Dykes comments about the future of the England team?
 
Just goes to show how much people really give a monkeys about it.
 
Have to say my passion for the England team is virtually nil.  I'll probably watch the game on Friday if there's nothing else on.

All words and no action.

He's made a lot of blanket statements and I'm sure is hoping that they might turn out to be true. Let's face it, apart from saying what is obvious to everybody, there was very little plan or substance to his words. It's the basic rhetoric you would expect from someone in the position. There was no recognition of how the changes which are made to improve the game actually ending up harming it further (EPPP). Let's face it, even if he does start trying to implement change, the PL will soon kick up and a fuss and he'll get the boot.

The FA do not run the game in this country and there's no point pretending they do.

By my calculations, in ten years time when this world cup comes round, we'll be relying on the 12, 13, 14, 15 year olds of today who lets face it have had the out-dated coaching methods of hoof it and give it your all forced into them so Dyke's wait might just be a bit longer than he anticipates.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 05, 2013, 07:20:32 PM
In other news, the under 21s face Moldova at the Madjeski tonight.

Saido Berahino starts in Gareth Southgate's first competitive game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 05, 2013, 08:01:53 PM
Saido Berahino has scored on his England debut.

1-0.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on September 05, 2013, 08:07:52 PM
All words and no action.

He's made a lot of blanket statements and I'm sure is hoping that they might turn out to be true. Let's face it, apart from saying what is obvious to everybody, there was very little plan or substance to his words. It's the basic rhetoric you would expect from someone in the position. There was no recognition of how the changes which are made to improve the game actually ending up harming it further (EPPP). Let's face it, even if he does start trying to implement change, the PL will soon kick up and a fuss and he'll get the boot.

The FA do not run the game in this country and there's no point pretending they do.

By my calculations, in ten years time when this world cup comes round, we'll be relying on the 12, 13, 14, 15 year olds of today who lets face it have had the out-dated coaching methods of hoof it and give it your all forced into them so Dyke's wait might just be a bit longer than he anticipates.

Are you involved in coaching Liam? as thats a bit of a sweeping statement.

I've been coaching youth football for quite a few years & having been brought up watching Albion teams playing good football I've always tried to encourage young players to keep the ball & worked on developing their passing ability.

Now whilst I would say that there are still coaches for who the phrase 'get rid of it' seems to of been invented, I have seen changes & initiatives brought in to attempt to include more technical coaching methods.

Hopefully in time we'll turn the corner in this Country & begin to bring through better technical players able to play at the highest level on the World stage but you're totally wrong Liam to assume you know what coaching methods are currently being taught without experiencing them at first hand. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on September 05, 2013, 08:18:28 PM
I remember Germans commenting on one of the English sides in a recent World Cup. They were shocked over the lack of technical ability of the English players and said that if a German player wasn't comfortably and consistently able to hit passes to the feet to moving team mates 30 yards away they weren't considered for the national team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Aztech on September 05, 2013, 08:19:02 PM
Are you involved in coaching Liam? as thats a bit of a sweeping statement.

I've been coaching youth football for quite a few years & having been brought up watching Albion teams playing good football I've always tried to encourage young players to keep the ball & worked on developing their passing ability.

Now whilst I would say that there are still coaches for who the phrase 'get rid of it' seems to of been invented, I have seen changes & initiatives brought in to attempt to include more technical coaching methods.

Hopefully in time we'll turn the corner in this Country & begin to bring through better technical players able to play at the highest level on the World stage but you're totally wrong Liam to assume you know what coaching methods are currently being taught without experiencing them at first hand.

I agree, I coach an under 15 team.

I can assure you our style is certainly not hoof ball.

The vast majority of the drills I use are based upon one touch control, pass and move.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 05, 2013, 08:22:09 PM
I remember Germans commenting on one of the English sides in a recent World Cup. They were shocked over the lack of technical ability of the English players and said that if a German player wasn't comfortably and consistently able to hit passes to the feet to moving team mates 30 yards away they weren't considered for the national team.

Really? I'd have thought most successful teams, including Germany would be moving away from being concerned over long passing, accuracy or not. To be honest I think most English players would do well at that drill, they're not that technically incompetent.

Indeed its more short quick passes that take apart teams that England have a problem with, alongside their extremely poor movement, rather than their long range passing. That's where England look subpar against teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on September 05, 2013, 08:30:10 PM
Really? I'd have thought most successful teams, including Germany would be moving away from being concerned over long passing, accuracy or not. To be honest I think most English players would do well at that drill, they're not that technically incompetent.

Indeed its more short quick passes that take apart teams that England have a problem with, alongside their extremely poor movement, rather than their long range passing. That's where England look subpar against teams.

Yes, but the Germans have always put a far stronger emphasis on one twos, and good movement off the ball,  than the English game, maybe not so much as the Netherlands with their total football but rather a bit more pragmatic approach. To me that is quintessentially German, look at Joachim Löw, a very x and o coach with astute ideas how to play the game. Very far removed from two banks of four and a lot of chasers and runners...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 05, 2013, 08:34:24 PM
Are you involved in coaching Liam? as thats a bit of a sweeping statement.

I've been coaching youth football for quite a few years & having been brought up watching Albion teams playing good football I've always tried to encourage young players to keep the ball & worked on developing their passing ability.

Now whilst I would say that there are still coaches for who the phrase 'get rid of it' seems to of been invented, I have seen changes & initiatives brought in to attempt to include more technical coaching methods.

Hopefully in time we'll turn the corner in this Country & begin to bring through better technical players able to play at the highest level on the World stage but you're totally wrong Liam to assume you know what coaching methods are currently being taught without experiencing them at first hand.

I've watched quite a few Sunday league matches previously and I got that fed up I gave it in. The standard of football whilst I wasn't expecting to be setting the world alight was one which was eye awakening to be honest. I didn't know anybody there to know the age bracket but the number of players who would rather hit the ball long because of a lack of confidence in their own ability was quite worrying - as was the advice being given to them by their coaches and I assume parents on the touchline. It was all very nervy and seemed like players were frightened to hold the ball in case they were culpable of making a mistake.

I watched one of the sides training warm ups prior to a game and wasn't particularly impressed with that either. It seemed incredibly half arsed with little emphasis on possession - one touch pass and move football. Another thing which was evident the lower down the age bracket I got was those who spent more time running with the ball due to size of the pitches than actually maneuvering the ball - they were out of breath after five minutes. Apologies if I offended you with my generalisation, I didn't mean too and it's good to see that there are coaches who are willing to make possession based games a positive.

I'm hoping to get over to Germany in the next two years and whilst I'm there I'll pay great attention to how their training sessions and matches differ to ours - I must be sad if that's what I intend to do with a holiday. Now I have a bit more time on my hands I'm also looking to try and get watching youth side matches in my local area - despite how annoying I found it last time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on September 05, 2013, 08:44:41 PM
Saido Berahino has scored on his England debut.

1-0.

Very impressive goal from Berahino too :)

That Redmond kid looks very good as well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boing boing baggies on September 05, 2013, 08:57:54 PM
Saido Berhainio
Saido Berhainio
He is too goodio
Scores lots of goalsio

saido, saido...saido...

We love you saido we do, we love you saido we do, we love you saido we love you.... west brom west brom   ;D ;D

Poor but fun  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 05, 2013, 09:04:10 PM
Very impressive goal from Berahino too :)

That Redmond kid looks very good as well.

Agreed. Very impressive finish.

Been quite impressed with England. Kept possession well. Admittedly, against a very poor Moldova side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on September 05, 2013, 09:12:28 PM
Despite the big guns England have on the flanks (Zaha, Redmond) Berahino gets very poor service.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on September 05, 2013, 09:13:28 PM
I've watched quite a few Sunday league matches previously and I got that fed up I gave it in. The standard of football whilst I wasn't expecting to be setting the world alight was one which was eye awakening to be honest. I didn't know anybody there to know the age bracket but the number of players who would rather hit the ball long because of a lack of confidence in their own ability was quite worrying - as was the advice being given to them by their coaches and I assume parents on the touchline. It was all very nervy and seemed like players were frightened to hold the ball in case they were culpable of making a mistake.

I watched one of the sides training warm ups prior to a game and wasn't particularly impressed with that either. It seemed incredibly half arsed with little emphasis on possession - one touch pass and move football. Another thing which was evident the lower down the age bracket I got was those who spent more time running with the ball due to size of the pitches than actually maneuvering the ball - they were out of breath after five minutes. Apologies if I offended you with my generalisation, I didn't mean too and it's good to see that there are coaches who are willing to make possession based games a positive.

I'm hoping to get over to Germany in the next two years and whilst I'm there I'll pay great attention to how their training sessions and matches differ to ours - I must be sad if that's what I intend to do with a holiday. Now I have a bit more time on my hands I'm also looking to try and get watching youth side matches in my local area - despite how annoying I found it last time.

No worries, as I said there are still some coaches who get a goalie or defender who can kick the ball into the oppositions penalty area (Ala hoof ball) which invariably results in attempts/goals, this also totally bypasses the 10 or so (depending on age group) players in between, I can only assume you were unlucky enough to have been watching one of those games, thankfully more & more youth coaches are working on technical development now especially since the FA's non competitive initiative a few years back.

Fitness levels amongst young children tends to vary from team to team but I have also seen young lads blowing after a few minutes (too much PS2, facebook, mobiles etc.. MAYBE!).

I do try to watch coaching methods from abroad but must admit I have never studied any from Germany, you'll have to give us the heads up when you've been over there.         
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on September 05, 2013, 09:17:05 PM
Despite the big guns England have on the flanks (Zaha, Redmond) Berahino gets very poor service.
to be fair though, Saido's had three defenders on him all game, with the way he's trying to play he's struggling to provide an outlet for them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 06, 2013, 11:40:34 AM
I do know a chap that goes to every England game and every Albiion game and hes got a wife.
He will be boarding a plane to the Ukraine after tonights game, dedication eh
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WSBaggie on September 06, 2013, 11:47:07 AM
I do like how everyone says England should play football in a particular style (usually Spain, Brazil, Germany etc)

There is no reason why England can't develop their own style which involves hard work and whatever is so drastically looked down upon nowadays.

The thing that doesn't help either is that when somebody makes an effort into attempting to better the national team it is taken as some sort of joke (winning it in 2022).

It's a mess really and needs some strong characters to push the national team forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 06, 2013, 02:30:30 PM
Do you think when JP said we are a mid table champ club he meant England?
There appears to be a feeling at the moment that less and less people care about the national team , I remember a few years ago when I would have to change shifts or do whatever to watch an England match , now even if im at home and its on I find myself either doing something else or watching another international match.
For me the next big nation is Belgium , absolute class from keeper to strikers , they are my tip for the next world cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 06, 2013, 02:41:43 PM
When England do well again people will care about them again. For all the excuses about people being sick of the players not caring (which is complete nonsense in the first place and completely misses the point of why England are unsuccessful) it's much like with clubs where attendances and interest fluctuates depending on success.

I find it hard to believe if England were lining up for a world cup semi final next July all these people claiming they couldn't care less would keep that attitude anyway.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 06, 2013, 03:04:16 PM
When England do well again people will care about them again. For all the excuses about people being sick of the players not caring (which is complete nonsense in the first place and completely misses the point of why England are unsuccessful) it's much like with clubs where attendances and interest fluctuates depending on success.

I find it hard to believe if England were lining up for a world cup semi final next July all these people claiming they couldn't care less would keep that attitude anyway.

Yeah the "England players don't show enough passion for the shirt" comments that people usually come out with is rubbish, always has been. I always watch the England games and I can't wait for the World Cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on September 06, 2013, 03:33:22 PM
How many good England performances have there been since the 5-1 in Germany 12 years ago?  Performances that we as England fans can be proud of.  Even the glorious failures have been replaced by pathetic exits with a whimper.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on September 06, 2013, 03:36:04 PM
How many good England performances have there been since the 5-1 in Germany 12 years ago?  Performances that we as England fans can be proud of.  Even the glorious failures have been replaced by pathetic exits with a whimper.

Croatia away 4-1 about 2008 wasn't it? I dunno, I don't bother with England much, Albion keep me miserable enough  :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 06, 2013, 08:49:52 PM
oh dear! how poor is the Moldova keeper :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggie Boy on September 06, 2013, 08:57:44 PM
oh dear! how poor is the Moldova keeper :o

Can't catch for toffee.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieJames114 on September 08, 2013, 01:07:58 PM
'England players dont care about playing for their country etc etc'

agree its complete nonsense, tell that to the players that ran themselves into the ground playing in Euro2012. We didnt set the world alight no, but those players gave everything they had to compete.

We were unlucky in the end on penalties, but you couldn't walk away from the tournament with anything but commendation for the application the players put in. Watch that Italy game and you can see an absolute masterclass from John Terry. Scott Parker was playing on one leg, we were VERY short on strength in depth with injuries to key players before the tournament.

We will go to the World Cup, absolutely no doubt and with a bit of luck and a fit squad we can compete.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on September 08, 2013, 01:11:39 PM
Its going to be a typical Roy dull game against the Ukraine.A point is a good result over there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 08, 2013, 01:24:54 PM
Its going to be a typical Roy dull game against the Ukraine.A point is a good result over there

I think we'll beat them.  8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 08, 2013, 01:45:34 PM
Its going to be a typical Roy dull game against the Ukraine.A point is a good result over there

England will take the lead early. Sit back and Ukraine will totally boss the game and Hodgson shall refuse to make any changes, allowing Ukraine to keep momentum when we're blowing out of our arses.

Ukraine will equalise in the last ten minutes, Hodgson will then make some changes when they have no time to effect the game, and we can be told how qualification is still in our destiny.

England fans then breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on September 09, 2013, 03:53:49 PM
I hear Ukranians have attacked innocent England supporters . Cowards >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on September 09, 2013, 04:07:08 PM
Kyle Walker sniffing Nitrous Oxide in public.Should never play for England again.What happend to its code of conduct
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tgd26 on September 09, 2013, 04:16:01 PM
Kyle Walker sniffing Nitrous Oxide in public.Should never play for England again.What happend to its code of conduct

Although it's not illegal he is very stupid getting involved in that - especially so publicly.

I don't think he should never play for England again but it highlights that fact that he may need to have the people around him keep a closer eye on him in future to avoid a repeat of this scenario.

Plus, it can't be very good for his lungs!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on September 09, 2013, 04:23:22 PM
apparently he didn't know what was in it, very naive and stupid if you ask me.With all the drugs testing in sports it could possibly of had some bearing.
Have you seen the recent code of conduct. Shown on Sky this morning.He will be lucky to survive. Some role model eh.
Is he that good anyway. He should be dropped for tomorrows game straight away
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 09, 2013, 05:28:40 PM
What overreactive Daily Mail nonsense. Yeah as a professional footballer, he probably shouldn't be indulging in it (although one hit is hardly going to damage his health that much). But then ideally footballers wouldn't drink either. But it was legal and you'll find it freely available at a lot of nightclubs. He's done nothing wrong.

It really is a complete non story. Man does something legal once that if done regularly can damage health. Might as well ask for anyone who's ever smoked a cigarette or drank alcohol to be dropped and banned by that logic.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on September 09, 2013, 06:25:12 PM
Its absolutely nothing at all, sold in a lot of clubs over here and everywhere abroad. Plus its inhaling it out of a balloon not sniffing it. Its sold as laughing gas, Im sure smoking and alcohol are a lot more damaging than that!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 09, 2013, 07:53:11 PM
Kyle Walker has absolutely nothing to apologise for in my opinion. What he has done is not illegal so what has he done wrong exactly? Are footballers not allowed to go out and enjoy themselves like other human beings do?

His club might not be happy that he's inhaling the stuff due to its reported side affects but ultimately its his choice. If the stuff is that bad then they should have made it illegal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 09, 2013, 07:56:46 PM
apparently he didn't know what was in it, very naive and stupid if you ask me.With all the drugs testing in sports it could possibly of had some bearing.
Have you seen the recent code of conduct. Shown on Sky this morning.He will be lucky to survive. Some role model eh.
Is he that good anyway. He should be dropped for tomorrows game straight away

He's stupid if he genuinely didn't know what was in it as it could be something that has an adverse affect on his career, that much I agree with. When it comes to code of conduct and such if he's not allowed to go out and enjoy himself then there is something seriously wrong, lets remember he hasn't done anything illegal here.

It must have been a really slow news day for the press to even print this, I personally think its a non story and don't think he should be dropped for any games that is a total overreaction.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Smooth Lad on September 09, 2013, 08:02:47 PM
Didn't he inhale it? It was laughing gas. If so, they're all over the shop. They have proper sellers in the clubs over in Kavos where i was this year and they sell it to you in a balloon and you inhale it.

Make yous giggle for about 5 seconds and that's about it.

Those saying he should never play for England again, get a firm grip of yourselves. Drama queens.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on September 10, 2013, 08:08:01 AM
Idiot like anyone else that inhales any gas unless its prescribed.You only have to listen to the medical experts.
We see this all the time from Spanish and German footballers don't we not.Respect your position of authority.If you want to do it do it out of the public eye
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on September 10, 2013, 04:32:19 PM
I think we will nick it one nil tonight. It will be a tough game as Ukraine aren't a bad side and we have a few injuries. However I would be happy with a point. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 10, 2013, 04:36:46 PM
I am sorry but we will loose tonight but most likely qualify via the playoffs
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 10, 2013, 08:37:12 PM
Lol not much of a match thread for England, are you all in the pub. 0-0 and doing pretty well. Cahill playing a blinder
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 10, 2013, 08:38:36 PM
Most overrated England player ever?.You decide. Kenny Sansom for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 10, 2013, 09:39:11 PM
worked hard but very little else! good luck to anyone who wastes their money following them in Brazil.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on September 10, 2013, 09:49:07 PM
Two wins away from Brazil.  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 10, 2013, 09:52:17 PM
Changed my mind Ashley Young is the most overrated England player. Kyle Walker is no better than our own Billy Jones.A good point but no positives apart from the 2 central defenders really.A typical Roy performance.  We need you for Saturday Roy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggie Boy on September 10, 2013, 10:23:40 PM
Changed my mind Ashley Young is the most overrated England player. Kyle Walker is no better than our own Billy Jones.A good point but no positives apart from the 2 central defenders really.A typical Roy performance.  We need you for Saturday Roy

What has annoyed me over the years is that Micah Richards has been overlooked. He in my opinion is Englands best right-back by a country mile.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 10, 2013, 10:31:09 PM
Roy Hodgson: " 'It was a very good quality game between two teams"

What game was he watching then?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on September 10, 2013, 10:57:37 PM
What has annoyed me over the years is that Micah Richards has been overlooked. He in my opinion is Englands best right-back by a country mile.

Injuries and loss of form have held him back over the last few years. I agree he's a quality player when he's on form, much better defender than Walker or Johnson too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on September 11, 2013, 05:47:03 AM
Roy Hodgson: " 'It was a very good quality game between two teams"

What game was he watching then?

Old Roy likes super boring 0-0 draws :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on September 11, 2013, 06:23:07 AM
Ive seen better League 1 games than that lot served up last night.
Roys analysis is one of a diplomat not a football manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on September 11, 2013, 07:58:04 AM
Roy Hodgson: " 'It was a very good quality game between two teams"

What game was he watching then?

He's obviously been borrowing Steve Clarke's "watching Albion" glasses.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on September 11, 2013, 08:03:49 AM
He's obviously been borrowing Steve Clarke's "watching Albion" glasses.

If you have a loaded gun in your hand you don't point it at your own head  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on September 11, 2013, 08:16:04 AM
If you have a loaded gun in your hand you don't point it at your own head  ;)

If you walk around waving a loaded gun for long enough, eventually somebody will shoot you with it. Or at least take it off you. ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on September 11, 2013, 08:49:14 AM
Positives

Cahill

Mature performance with very important blocks/challenges. Looks like he is growing in to his role.

Wilshere

Always willing to try something and take his man on, shame most of them didn't come off, but on another day day they would have.

Result

We got the result we needed although the performance wasn't that great.

Negatives

Walker

Defensively he is a liability, constantly switches off and finds himself on the wrong side of the attacker.

Hart

Lackadaisical, he's crossed the line between being confident in his own abilities and over confident. He needs a rocket up his backside. Should have been a penalty in the first minute and called his own foul when he failed to check over both shoulders.

Passing

Failed to string more than a couple of passes together all night. Keep it simple stupid, stop trying for the long pass at the first opportunity.

Lambert

I think we've found his level, a bit like Crouch. Good against inferior opposition, works hard but found wanting against even mediocre opposition like Ukraine.


Lack of options

How has it come to this that for a World Cup Qualifier on the bench we have Defoe and Young, both clearly not match fit and 3 untried kids in Sterling, Townsend and Barkley?

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 11, 2013, 09:57:06 AM
Most overrated England player ever?.You decide. Kenny Sansom for me.
Ricketts
Bull  :D
Ashley young
Hart
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on September 11, 2013, 11:35:30 AM
Carlton Palmer  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on September 11, 2013, 11:37:20 AM
He was never rated in the first place.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 11, 2013, 04:56:26 PM
Last night was a case of job done. I think we'll get at least 4 points from the two home games and qualify. If the worse happens and we don't, I'd like to see Ian Holloway replace Roy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 11, 2013, 07:07:32 PM
Last night was a case of job done. I think we'll get at least 4 points from the two home games and qualify. If the worse happens and we don't, I'd like to see Ian Holloway replace Roy.


One extreme to the other but i like the idea.Mr Motivator
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 03, 2013, 09:34:23 AM
Its a pity Ben Foster aint fit.He could seriously push Joe Hart all the way
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on October 08, 2013, 01:59:00 PM
Two huge qualifiers coming up this week.


Really hope that we'll get the 2 wins needed to guarantee qualification but I'm not convinced.   I expect Ukraine to win both their games so if we drop points its the playoffs.


In terms of team news Ashley Cole is out so we have a decent replacement in Baines.


Would ideally like to see Sturridge and Rooney up front - see what they can do as a partnership.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 08, 2013, 02:59:01 PM
Beat Montenegro, draw to Poland.

Ukraine to beat both Poland and San Marino.

England therefore have to qualify via the play-offs.

If this was to happen I'll feel very sorry for Roy as he'll start to experience a very rough ride.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on October 11, 2013, 03:21:50 PM
Not got much hope starting to realize now what my old man was saying to me when i was growing up " we lack that winning mentality " etc, don't think a draw against Poland would be a bad result for us considering our current state, fancy us to get the win tonight but i dont think will go much further against better teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on October 11, 2013, 07:09:40 PM
My team tonight would be:

Hart

Walker
Cahill
Jagieka
Baines

Townsend
Gerrard
Lampard
Welbeck

Rooney

Sturridge.

Think we will tonight but have problems Tuesday. Can't believe we have left it this late, didn't even deserve to win in any of the games against Ukraine, Poland or Montenegro so far  :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WSBaggie on October 12, 2013, 01:16:54 AM
My team tonight would be:

Hart

Walker
Cahill
Jagieka
Baines

Townsend
Gerrard
Lampard
Welbeck

Rooney

Sturridge.

Think we will tonight but have problems Tuesday. Can't believe we have left it this late, didn't even deserve to win in any of the games against Ukraine, Poland or Montenegro so far  :(

We leave it late practically every qualifying we go through. Tonight was comfortable and Tuesday will be no different.

As some have said what England lack is a winning mentality. There is plenty of quality available at the moment and hopefully a few more names can be added to this list come next summer. From now it's up to Roy to install the mentality.

He got it pretty right at the Euros considering some of the issues he had and the mediocre selection to pick from. Those ethics balanced with the addition of some attacking talent could serve us well next summer, a semi final would be nice.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on October 12, 2013, 10:07:29 PM
My team tonight would be:

Hart

Walker
Cahill
Jagieka
Baines

Townsend
Gerrard
Lampard
Welbeck

Rooney

Sturridge.



Glad Roy listened to me  :D 
Especially with the bold selection of Townsend, shown great promise and i'm glad he had the effect on the game I thought he could.
Would everybody go the same Tuesday??

I think the only question for me is possibly drop Lampard who looked a bit off the pace, Wilshere or even Barkley could bring that extra drive needed in the centre. Wilshere would probably be the wiser choice for this occasion but I could definitely understand if Hodgson stuck with his guns and kept Lampard in. Barkley has great potential and could definitely earn his place for the world cup, if we get there. I'd imagine he will stick with Townsend, hopefully.

Then finally the replacement for Walker. I would actually edge it for Smalling over Jones who most seem to be going for.
Probably the weakest position for me in terms of defensively, even with Walker and Johnson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on October 13, 2013, 12:21:16 AM
The game on Friday was a decent enough performance, played well and made some nice moves, but at times I felt they were trying to string too many passes together instead of being more direct.

I think we looked a lot more creative in general, than we have in a long time, plus we have some real pace in the squad now.

I think Tuesday will be a hard game, I don't think Poland will turn up and let us play football. I think we should just scrape through.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 13, 2013, 10:04:45 PM
I read today that a quarter of Wembley will be Poland fans on Tuesday night.  It was a decent enough performance on Friday night, Townsend played well. I was pleased to see Daniel Sturridge score. It would be a tough game against Poland as there not a bad side but I do think we will go through though

In Roy we trust.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 14, 2013, 12:28:42 PM
Glad Roy listened to me  :D 
Especially with the bold selection of Townsend, shown great promise and i'm glad he had the effect on the game I thought he could.
Would everybody go the same Tuesday??

I think the only question for me is possibly drop Lampard who looked a bit off the pace, Wilshere or even Barkley could bring that extra drive needed in the centre. Wilshere would probably be the wiser choice for this occasion but I could definitely understand if Hodgson stuck with his guns and kept Lampard in. Barkley has great potential and could definitely earn his place for the world cup, if we get there. I'd imagine he will stick with Townsend, hopefully.

Then finally the replacement for Walker. I would actually edge it for Smalling over Jones who most seem to be going for.
Probably the weakest position for me in terms of defensively, even with Walker and Johnson.
seriously on current form , you would of thought Billy Jones was at least in Roys thoughts?
I think Lampard will start , for 2 reasons
1) he wasn't very good on Friday , but rarely has 2 bad games (so he will deffo score)
2) I think Townsend was a brave move(which worked) but England managers don't like to be too bold, I think as they write out the team sheet they can see flashes of the front page abuse if they drop a Rooney, Gerrard, hart , lampard etc?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 14, 2013, 12:29:46 PM
I read today that a quarter of Wembley will be Poland fans on Tuesday night.  It was a decent enough performance on Friday night, Townsend played well. I was pleased to see Daniel Sturridge score. It would be a tough game against Poland as there not a bad side but I do think we will go through though

In Roy we trust.
Theres a joke in there somewhere

but ill leave it to UKIP :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on October 14, 2013, 01:55:10 PM
Roy's got a few decisions to make.

I would go for Jones at right back.  Can't say I'm a huge fan of Smalling.  I'm hoping Micah Richards will be fit for the WC because I still think hes our best right back.

I would also drop Lampard.   We shouldn't have picked Lampard and Gerrard together when they were more attacking and certainly shouldn't play them together now they are more defensive.  It's never worked.  With Rooney, Wellbeck, Sturridge and Townsend (who was superb and must start again) we have very attack minded players so I cant see Roy playing Wilshere.  Personally think he might go for Carrick who keeps the ball much better than Lampard and Wilshere.

Poland have some top players so this wont be an easy game.  Blaszczykowski is an excellent players and will be a real threat and Lewandowski is deadly.

Difficult one to call.  Wouldn't surprise me if it was a draw and we go into the playoffs.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 15, 2013, 09:46:32 PM
Wonderful goal. The best English player of his generation. One of the best ever. Take a bow. Steven Gerrard.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on October 15, 2013, 09:49:53 PM
Wonderful goal. The best English player of his generation. One of the best ever. Take a bow. Steven Gerrard.

Totally agree, drove the team forward, head & shoulders MOM.

Massive Well Done to Roy Hodgson (Ex of West Bromwich Albion)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 15, 2013, 10:01:39 PM
Good performance. Liked the link up play of Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge.

Job done. Well done Roy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on October 15, 2013, 10:12:33 PM
Nervous night but I think it was a top performance.  Baines, Townsend, Gerrard and Rooney were superb.


Roy has really evolved in this qualifying campaign.  From a very conservative manager he has opened them up alot more.  Whether thats down to criticism from the media or other so called managers I dont know but he has found a spirit and way to win matches rather than not lose.


I'm still concerned about our defence with Jagielka and Cahill but with Jones and Smalling the only real options then we are struggling.   Right back needs to be sorted before the tournament.


I'm also not convinced with Sturridge.  He is frustrating and ultra selfish and far too one footed.  A goalscorer yes but his overall game tonight shows he cant lead the line for England.  I'd still prefer Wellbeck up front with someone like Oxlade out on the left.


Chuffed that we are off to Brazil.  Its going to be a special tournament and its great that we are a part of it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on October 15, 2013, 10:19:12 PM
Wonderful goal. The best English player of his generation. One of the best ever. Take a bow. Steven Gerrard.

All Poland's chances in the first half came from his awful corners. He's past it for me as a full 90 player, but he got his goal so fair play to him.

Berahino for Brazil!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 15, 2013, 10:22:32 PM
When the opposition break from a corner it is hardly the fault of the corner taker... Moreover what have his corners got to do with his ability to play 90 mins, a bit of a strange comment considering nature of his goal in the 87th minute...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on October 15, 2013, 10:30:31 PM
If the corner is awful then it is 100% the fault of the corner taker.

I'll make a gap as the full stop didn't have the desired effect on my last post.

I question him being a full 90 player as he doesn't have the energy to play box to box like he once did, yet I give him credit for his goal. Unfortunately there are very few quality players coming through at the moment, so we have to keep picking people like Lampard and Gerrard, great players in the past but after a full season will they have the fitness in a hot Brazil?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: John Rest on October 15, 2013, 11:15:51 PM
Quality performance, especially the first half.

Great result.

Roy seems to have taken the hand break off. :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on October 16, 2013, 07:01:43 AM
Strangely find myself agreeing with Jacko  :o  ;D, Gerrard was immense, his drive & desire were very noticeable in the last two games, he's still got that hunger & the younger players will benefit from his attitude.

Roy's getting the best out of the players & there's a good competition for places now, with players like Walker, Chamberlain, Walcott, Cole, Barkley, FOSTER, Richards etc etc.... still to come in, I think the future looks bright.

The one area England haven't got lots of options is up front & whilst not wanting to put any added pressure on the lad & if he was to continue his current form, would Uncle Roy consider Saido? Managers in the past have looked for a surprise package to take to the World Cup so you never know.   
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on October 16, 2013, 05:41:42 PM
How we will fare at the World cup will save for another day, lets just talk about last nights performance.

We actually played quite well and were decent to watch, especially first half. The past two games have definitely being a lot more enjoyable than what we have been used to and I do believe that we have a good chance of continuing in the same vain and we can actually look forward to watching England again. There is more to come I think........  :-X

The star performers last night were Rooney and Townsend for me.
Rooney has really stepped up to the plate recently and I think its just the sheer pressure on him in in particular that has effected him in the past, whereas last night in particular he really looked like the experienced head and brought the team up a level in my eyes. I would say he is the only World class player of present in the squad in terms that they could easily fit into the elite clubs of world football right now. Gerrard has gone down a couple of levels and is not quite what he was but still crucial. Townsend just carried on from Friday and arguably looked even more dangerous.

Sturridge disappointed me a lot in both games, suppose we say it about a lot but he didn't look as half as much as a threat and on the ball as he does for Liverpool. Even when he didn't have it he just looked really laboured and there were a few times where the runs for the striker he is for Liverpool were right there and he just held his position. The poster above mentioned Berahino which I am delighte he got the goals for the U21's but it amazes me Defoe just doesn't get the chances. I still think Sturridge can come good but  Defoe just seems to make up the numbers. I've always wanted Rooney and Defoe partnership but I doubt he will get a good enough chance which is a shame for him really, possibly his lack of Premier football at Spurs his costing him  :-\

Gerrard seems to be getting a lot of praise, I don't think he was that good. On several occasions he gave the ball away with a poor first touch and a sloppy pass, a few times to the big dangerman Lewandowski as well. As for the corner which led to the counter attack, I will defend him as if you look at it I think one of the two centre backs for us (not sure which one) was very close to getting a powerful header on it, its the fact we left plenty of open space on our right that we struggled with that one. As I have said, he wasn't at his best but I still think he warrants that place in the team as his goal typifies what he is all about and what he can bring. Strangely, Gerrard does look more suited for England at the moment, than Lampard. Whilst for club, Lampard looks to have the edge.

So his place his almost nailed on, its just finding the partner. Wilshere can hopefully have a good season and recover from a bit of a niggling start after showing real class last year, he would probably be my choice as long as he can re discover around the level he is capable of. Carrick did quite well last night but I am much more excited to see how Barkely does this season, he perhaps could sneak in just like Townsend. Been excellent so far this season, potential to form a great partnership with Rooney as well I reckon.

Defensively, its still a bit hmmm.........
Left back is great, we have the attacking threat of Baines and I would still say the better more balanced option of Cole. Baines has probably done enough to hang on to the spot for now but I saw enough to say Cole is still the better player.
Jag and Cahill are looking great for club and Cahill has come on leaps and bounds individually for club and country in my eyes. The partnership still looks suspect and there doesn't look to be that much challengers..... perhaps Dawson.

Right back, everyone gets excited over Walker and Johnson attacking wise but defensively they are probably the weakest link we have which is not ideal considering their position. Like a few others Micah Richards Is my favourite, just needs to recover from his injury problems and get some game time Would be great for him to force his way into the squad at least after the trouble he has had which has really dented his progression.

Plus we have all the players that Don't ask me to choose luv has mentioned to come back, so overall I'm feeling a bit more positive with what we have and the potential depth we could have for a squad.

Lets not talk about the World Cup yet, im looking at the friendlies in November to see a few more of the lads given a chance.
Germany will be a great test and occasion for them all.

Delighted things are looking up for Roy, after my doubts he really got the team to produce in the pivotal final games.  ;D 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on October 16, 2013, 05:45:09 PM
Just a quick note on the Under 21's.

Ravel Morrison looks promising but his attitude is bugging me already and I've only seen him a couple of times.

And well done Saido  :)  Again  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on October 16, 2013, 07:54:21 PM
Just a quick note on the Under 21's.

Ravel Morrison looks promising but his attitude is bugging me already and I've only seen him a couple of times.

And well done Saido  :)  Again  :D

Didn't Morrison have a bust up with Zaha? I haven't seen any if the u-21 game other than Berahino's first, but I heard that happened?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on October 16, 2013, 08:25:49 PM
What a fantastic match! I thought we played really well. Looked a little shaky in defense at times, but I'm sure Roy will sort it out. Really looking forward to the World Cup now!

Who would be in your squad? I was going to start another thread, but figured it would probably be best in here?

GK - Hart, Foster, Ruddy

Def - Walker, Jones, Cahill, Jagielka, M Richards, Lescott, Cole, Baines

Mid - Townsend, Gerrard, Lampard, Wilshere, Carrick, Barkley, Milner

Str - Rooney, Sturridge, Lambert, Walcott, Welbeck.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Aixelsyd on October 16, 2013, 09:09:44 PM
Didn't Morrison have a bust up with Zaha? I haven't seen any if the u-21 game other than Berahino's first, but I heard that happened?

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/morrison-clashes-zaha-u21-duty-103405999.html
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 16, 2013, 09:14:23 PM
Good performance. Liked the link up play of Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge.

Job done. Well done Roy.
Thought wellbeck and sturridge seem quite awkward when they are on together?
At half time I would have put an extra midfielder on and Defoe , and took both off, but Roy knows best  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 16, 2013, 10:00:20 PM
Thought wellbeck and sturridge seem quite awkward when they are on together?
At half time I would have put an extra midfielder on and Defoe , and took both off, but Roy knows best  :D

I thought there was plenty of promising signs and a few moments which were awkward but given time, I think all three can establish an effective partnership together - after-all, they're pretty much our future.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 17, 2013, 08:47:33 AM
I was pretty pleased with our two performances and glad we are going to the World Cup. Andros Townsned impressed me the most he runs at defenders and beats them, also scored a great goal too. That was a great call by Roy Hodgson to put him in the team for two big games. I'm still not convinced by Welbeck and Sturridge yet but I think the more that the front free will play together the more dangerous and effective they will become.

In Roy we trust
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 07, 2013, 01:09:52 PM
Goalkeepers
Fraser Forster, Joe Hart, John Ruddy

Defenders
Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Kyle Walker

Midfielders
Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere

Forwards
Jermain Defoe, Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Daniel Welbeck

Read more at http://www.thefa.com/england/News/2013/england-squad-v-chile-wembley.aspx#h2LTcG5ELrm1Xbr4.99

Very happy to see Adam Lallana included. He's always impressed me whenever I've seen him feature. Very good on the ball.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on November 15, 2013, 05:29:11 PM
My team for the game tonight:

Forster

Johnson
Smalling
Cahill
Baines

Henderson
Lampard
Lallana

Sturridge
Defoe
Rodriguez

For Germany:
Hart

Walker
Cahill
Jagielka
Baines

Gerrard
Barkley
Townsend

Sturridge
Rooney
Welbeck
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on November 15, 2013, 08:31:22 PM
Phil Jones has quite a feminine look about him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on November 15, 2013, 09:56:35 PM
What a load of rubbish England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionBest on November 15, 2013, 10:57:33 PM
What a load of rubbish England


Not many positives I agree with the defence pretty poor against quality opposition - Johnson and Baines pathetic as defenders tonight.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wbamitch on November 15, 2013, 11:44:20 PM
I didnt watch much of it, was in and out the house. I still kept thinking that Cole is a better option but i thought give Baines a chance to prove himself in the two games, in terms of defensively. Especially while he has that momentum wave. Dissapointed to hear he was a weak link, heard from Lampard post match that Lallana did well, any other positives individually??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Brummie Road on November 16, 2013, 05:42:51 PM
I think in fairness to Hodgson, it was an ideal opportunity to experiment with formations and personnel, and the same applies on Tuesday, with a view to then concentrating on the likely squad and using any remaining matches and training sessions to focus totally on how we're going to approach the World Cup.

So I guess there was an inevitability that it wouldn't be much of a spectacle, which is obviously a shame for those who paid for tickets, but as with all friendly matches, most accept that their real purpose is for experimentation, at least at International level.

The timing of Ben Foster's injury isn't ideal as I'm sure, if fit, he'd have started last night, but obviously Roy is more than aware of what a great keeper Foster is so hopefully he'll be in the squad for Brazil, if not the number 1 keeper.

Like all those who support England, expectations for the Brazil World Cup are fairly limited, and it's hard to see past the likes of Brazil. Argentina, Spain and Germany but, as always, we live in hope?!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on November 20, 2013, 01:08:53 PM
Hart once again showed why, in terms of shot stopping, he is England's Number 1, but in terms of decision making, he very much isn't.

Ashley Cole was caught out of position a fair amount I thought, and didn't have any desire to track back. Usually relied on Gerrard bailing him out.

Townsend did well, but he needs to add another dimension to his game. We have pacey wingers, such as Walcott. I realise he's a left-footed right winger, which is something different, but if teams are going to double up on him, like Germany did, he needs to start exploiting that for the team's benefit. Cracking shot that hit the post, mind.

Cleverly didn't impress me either, other than a lovely reverse pass for either Sturridge or Townsend.

Thought Lallana didn't get to see much of the ball, neither did Rooney.

Germany seemed to hold us at arms length for most of the match. We seemed to have a lot of possession but whenever we got close to threatening, they closed the door on us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 20, 2013, 02:41:51 PM
The egos have landed! With a mighty thud. Wont waste my time watching this sorry shower in Brazil.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on November 20, 2013, 03:15:12 PM
The fact that Weidenfeller didn't have to make a save says a lot.  Townsend was unlucky to hit the post but otherwise it was pretty poor. Germany looked good though even though it was an experimental side that they put out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 20, 2013, 07:20:40 PM
I said last night before the game, lose this and we will win the world cup...

ill refer back to this post whether I was right or wrong after the WC2014
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on December 04, 2013, 12:18:47 PM
From the Telegraph:

England are facing the increased possibility of a World Cup ‘group of death’ after Fifa confirmed on Tuesday that Roy Hodgson’s unseeded team could join the pot of African and South American countries in Friday’s draw.
It had been expected that England would remain in pot four and that France, as the lowest ranked European team, would be grouped with the African and South American teams in pot two.
Fifa, though, revealed that there would be a separate random selection ahead of the main World Cup draw to determine which of the nine unseeded European teams was moved to pot two.
That team could not then be drawn against Switzerland or Belgium – the weakest of the eight seeds – and would have to face one of the top four South American teams as well as another European country, such as Italy or Holland.
The worst-case scenario for England is that they are moved to pot two and drawn against Brazil or Argentina as well as Italy and the United States.


Should England remain in pot four with the other unseeded European teams, they could face a relatively weak group of Switzerland, Algeria and Honduras.
Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, went into little detail when asked yesterday why France had not been automatically placed in pot two. “The decision was taken by Fifa’s executive committee, all the confederation presidents,” he said. “We are at a draw and we should have a draw. It’s easy to say it. Let us draw all the teams, and not pick one out.”
Jérôme Valcke, the Fifa general secretary, confirmed that the European country moved to pot two could not play one of the European seeds in their group and so would then face Brazil, Argentina, Colombia or Uruguay from pot one.
In order to avoid a scenario where three European teams are drawn together in one group, the South American seeds will make up a special sub-pot X from pot one.
As part of Fifa’s attempt to make the groups as geographically diverse as possible, the South American teams from pot one also cannot be drawn with Chile or Ecuador from pot two. “It’s not easy to understand – the first take it took me some time,” admitted Valcke.
England have benefited from relatively kind draws in recent World Cups, although they could only qualify second from a group containing the US, Slovenia and Algeria in 2010. They also struggled to beat both Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 group phase.
Starting yesterday, there will be four full rehearsals in an attempt to ensure nothing goes wrong during Friday’s draw when the balls will be selected by representatives of the eight World Cup-winning nations. As well as England’s Sir Geoff Hurst, they will include Uruguay’s Alcides Ghiggia, Argentina’s Mario Kempes, Germany’s Lothar Matthaus, France’s Zinedine Zidane, Brazil’s Cafu, Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro and Spain’s Fernando Hierro.
Fifa also confirmed on Tuesday that it would not change the scheduled kick-off times in the hotter northern Brazilian cities of Manaus, Salvador, Natal and Fortaleza where temperatures are likely to approach 95F.
Hodgson, the England manager, has admitted that he is particularly concerned by the prospect of playing in the tropical Amazon rainforest conditions of Manaus. “In Mexico in 1986, lots of games were played at noon time,” said Blatter. “I think athletes now are used to playing in conditions that are not all the best. You can’t make everyone happy.”
Valcke added that the decision had been made after consideration of the medical reports. “We were perfectly aware of the conditions when the match schedule was organised.”
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is still urging Fifa to allow two time-outs of two minutes during each matches for rehydration. Prandelli said that “eight out of 11” players asked him to come off during the Confederations Cup in Brazil last summer.
That competition was played in six of the 12 venues for next year, with Fifa confident that Cuiaba, Manaus, Natal and Porto Alegre will be ready by January.
Curitiba is, according to Valcke, facing “most problems” and Fifa does not expect it to be ready for its first match until the end of February.
At the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, where two workers died last week, Fifa is still awaiting the results of an investigation. It is still expected to host the opening match of the World Cup involving Brazil.
“We are not in a crisis where we are looking for any alternative to Sao Paulo,” said Valcke. “Based on the information we have, we are confident that they can deliver on time.”
The prize-money for next summer’s World Cup is also due to be confirmed on Wednesday, with Valcke expecting a “significant increase” on the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

What do you guys think? We are due a tough group but I do believe we'll get out of whatever group we are in (a fools hope).Very much looking forward to the draw regardless!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on December 05, 2013, 09:44:27 AM
Any of you folks going to Brazil?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on January 16, 2014, 04:06:08 PM
Peru, Honduras and Ecuador will be Englands world cup warm up games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 04, 2014, 01:53:13 PM
Foster to start against Denmark?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 04, 2014, 02:35:20 PM
Hope so.  I'd like to see Shaw, Sterling, Henderson and Barkley given a start.


God forbid we actually pick in-form players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on March 05, 2014, 09:16:57 PM
I am watching England v Denmark and am on the point of turning the TV over. It's soooo boring and that f@@@ing brass band is driving me round the bend !!!!!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 05, 2014, 09:47:27 PM
England are S**T !!! No way will we get out of our world cup group. Look clueless, no shape, rubbish at the back, and midfield as weak as p!$$ !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 05, 2014, 10:08:58 PM
People have ridiculous expectations, win 1-0 against the team 20th in the world, 57% possession, should have won comfortably but for some great goalkeeping, and you get a load of people crying and throwing their toys out the pram because of a friendly win! You'd think England had lost to San Marino based on the post above.

Not sure what people expect to happen, unless England play free flowing football beating Spain 8-0 you'll get this constant moaning. Group rivals Uruguay drew to Austria tonight, other group rivals Italy actually drew to Denmark back in October, Argentina drew to Romania....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 06, 2014, 08:10:20 AM
Summed up well by the Denmark coach.  'Good luck at the World Cup.  You're going to need it'.

Decent result and performance against a poor Danish team with no real quality players on show.

We might squeeze a draw out of Italy who can be slow starters but we'll get torn apart by Uruguay.  Looking at how our defence has performed for the best part of two years now we will struggle to contain Cavani and Suarez.

It'll go down to the Costa Rica match IMO whether we progress.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 06, 2014, 09:14:07 AM
There were loads of positives last night and i enjoyed watching it. Any team playing with 11 defenders its always going to be a struggle to break down.If we had scored early it would have been 4
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 06, 2014, 10:06:41 AM
Thought Kaspar Schmeicel was excellent in goal.

Plus points for me was the emergence of Lallana, always thought he would come good after watching him score against us as a 17yr old lad. real balance and quality.

Luke Shaw looked good and Glen Johnson played well today
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PsalmXXIII on March 06, 2014, 10:53:38 AM
Summed up well by the Denmark coach.  'Good luck at the World Cup.  You're going to need it'.

Decent result and performance against a poor Danish team with no real quality players on show.

We might squeeze a draw out of Italy who can be slow starters but we'll get torn apart by Uruguay.  Looking at how our defence has performed for the best part of two years now we will struggle to contain Cavani and Suarez.

It'll go down to the Costa Rica match IMO whether we progress.

Got enough defenders in our squad who've played against Suarez and can stop him, and if you think we can't score against Uruguay I have two words for you - Diego Lugano.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 06, 2014, 11:16:52 AM
Thought Kaspar Schmeicel was excellent in goal.

Plus points for me was the emergence of Lallana, always thought he would come good after watching him score against us as a 17yr old lad. real balance and quality.

Luke Shaw looked good and Glen Johnson played well today


Not his biggest fan but for me on the night probably his best performance for England to date.

Luke Shaw, what energy and Lallana was brilliant when he came on. We do have some useful youngsters coming through. You never know thay might peak in Brazil
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 06, 2014, 11:45:26 AM

Not his biggest fan but for me on the night probably his best performance for England to date.

Luke Shaw, what energy and Lallana was brilliant when he came on. We do have some useful youngsters coming through. You never know thay might peak in Brazil

Im not either but he was pretty good I thought.

That one touch into his stride from Rooney's long range pass was top class, shame the cross got blocked but you could see in his face that he should have done better with the cross...

Im beginning to like Johnson, I think he is much better than Kyle Walker at RB but Walker has huge pace even compared to Johnson who isn't a slouch
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on March 06, 2014, 12:04:16 PM
Like the ITV panel said what was the point playing Joe Hart in a meaningless friendly
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 06, 2014, 10:29:18 PM
Like the ITV panel said what was the point playing Joe Hart in a meaningless friendly
Well
After all the missed/falsely given pens
Clarke
Sockgate
Anelkas quenelle
Mcdonagh
Morrison

Then ex baggies manager plays baggies keeper who gets injured and is out for season?
I'm glad he didn't .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 07, 2014, 08:56:33 AM
Roy and the England keeper coach know all there is to know about Foster having previously worked with him. If anything I'm more surprised they didn't give Ruddy at least 45-minutes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 08, 2014, 11:56:07 AM
Glad we won the other night, didn't bother to watch the game, and by the sounds of it it was pretty dull anyway. I have some optimism that we will do quite well at this years World cup watching us in the Euros we were certainly organized playing against some decent teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on April 21, 2014, 09:07:19 AM
We have a few decent youngsters coming through, Stirling etc .We might do better in the world cup finals than we expect
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on April 21, 2014, 09:37:13 AM
We have a few decent youngsters coming through, Stirling etc .We might do better in the world cup finals than we expect

I think we need to play as many Liverpool players as possible, they'll all be flying and high on confidence after winning the title ( I'm sure they will! ). Johnson, Henderson, Gerrard, Sterling, Sturridge. Infact on that subject, what would be everybody's World Cup 11?

Foster
Johnson
Cahill
Jagielka
Baines

Henderson
Gerrard

Sterling
Rooney
The Ox

Sturridge

There's some big players missing out there; Cole, Wilshere, Lallana, Lampard, Townsend, Barkley, Carrick, Welbeck, Defoe, Lambert, Rodirigiez, Hart
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on April 21, 2014, 09:53:39 AM
I agree about the Liverpool players but I'd go a stage further and pick the same diamond formation that they play and test it out in one of the friendlies.


                         Hart


Johnson.     Cahill      jagielka.   Baines


                     Gerrard


      Henderson.          Wilshire/Barkley


                     Sterling


        Rooney.            Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on April 21, 2014, 09:59:12 AM
I agree about the Liverpool players but I'd go a stage further and pick the same diamond formation that they play and test it out in one of the friendlies.


                         Hart


Johnson.     Cahill      jagielka.   Baines


                     Gerrard


      Henderson.          Wilshire/Barkley


                     Sterling


        Rooney.            Sturridge

Yep I like that! Perhaps it's a bit adventurous for our Roy!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on April 21, 2014, 10:24:17 AM
Yep I like that! Perhaps it's a bit adventurous for our Roy!


Not a chance in hell Roy would go for it. For a start they are all on form and most are playing in a system they are comfortable with.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggie Boy on April 21, 2014, 12:25:21 PM
Hart

Richards
Cahill
Caulker
Cole

Walcott
Gerrard
Wilshere
Oxlade-Chamberlain

Sturridge
Rooney

This is the team I would go for if everyone is fit, Walcott could be replaced by Lennon or Townsend maybe? Knowing old Roy though Milner will play and run around a lot without doing anything.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on April 29, 2014, 05:14:06 PM
(Apologies if there's another thread for this - looked at the first two pages of this sub-board and didn't see anything)

So as we near the end of the season, it makes sense to look ahead to the summer. Who makes it on your plane to Brazil this summer? Who is in your 1st XI?

Sky have a selector on their site, found here (http://www1.skysports.com/FIFA-World-Cup-2014/england/squad-selector)

So here's mine (* denotes 1st team):

Hart*
Foster
Forster

Baines *
Cahill *
Johnson
Jones *
Smalling
Stones
Shaw
Walker *

Barkley *
Gerrard *
Henderson
Lallana *
Oxlade-Chamberlain *
Sterling
Townshend (Not sure about this pick)
Wilshere *

Lambert
Rooney
Sturridge *
Welbeck
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on April 29, 2014, 08:10:25 PM
B Foster
J Hart
J Ruddy

L Shaw
L Baines
G Johnson
J Flanaghan
G Cahill
P Jagielka
M Dawson
P Jones

S Gerard
M Carrick
A Johnson
J Henderson
A Lallana
A Oxlade-Chamberlain
J Wilshere
R Sterling

W Rooney
D Sturridge
A Carroll
D Welbeck




                                                        Hart


               Johnson           Jagielka                 Cahill                  Baines


                                       Gerard                  Henderson


              Stirling                               Rooney                            Lallana


                                                       Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on April 30, 2014, 11:11:24 AM
Goalkeepers: Hart, Foster, Forster
Defenders: Johnson, Baines, Cole, Cahill, Jagielka, Smalling, Jones
Midfielders: Carrick, Gerrard, Wilshere, Barkley, Henderson
Wingers: Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling, Milner
Forwards: Sturridge, Rooney, Wellbeck, Lambert

Stand By:
Goalkeeper: Ruddy
Defenders: Walker/Flanagan, Shaw, Caulker
Midfielders: Lampard, Cleverley
Wingers:  Young, Johnson
Forwards: Defoe, Carroll

Players like Stones, Flanagan and Zaha won't be taken unless there are injuries I feel.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on April 30, 2014, 09:30:16 PM
JD, is that the squad you think will go or the squad you want to go?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on May 01, 2014, 02:16:25 AM
I genuinely think Roy will start with Milner on the left especially if Baines starts, we all know how Roy loves his wingers tracking back and having an attack minded fullback he'l have nightmares about putting someone like Oxlade Camberlain infront of Baines.

I think the starting 11 maybe

Hart

Johnson
Cahill
Jagielka
Baines

Stirling
Gerrard
Oxlade Chamberlain
Milner

Rooney
Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on May 01, 2014, 08:49:46 AM
JD, is that the squad you think will go or the squad you want to go?

It's the squad I think will go. Townsend is out of the World Cup now, so I've replaced him with Milner. Walker is a serious doubt so I think Flanagan will be on the stand by list.

To be fair, there isn't much leeway with the amount of players we have to choose from. That's all we've got.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 01, 2014, 10:07:06 AM
Goalkeepers: Hart, Foster, Forster
Defenders: Johnson, Baines, Cole, Cahill, Jagielka, Smalling, Jones
Midfielders: Carrick, Gerrard, Wilshere, Barkley, Henderson
Wingers: Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling, Milner
Forwards: Sturridge, Rooney, Wellbeck, Lambert

Stand By:
Goalkeeper: Ruddy
Defenders: Walker/Flanagan, Shaw, Caulker
Midfielders: Lampard, Cleverley
Wingers:  Young, Johnson
Forwards: Defoe, Carroll

Players like Stones, Flanagan and Zaha won't be taken unless there are injuries I feel.

I would take Shaw, swap Carroll for Lambert
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 01, 2014, 01:43:31 PM
Hadn't heard about Townshend. He was a bit of a wildcard, having not really played under Sherwood.

No idea who would replace him in my squad. Lennon has been hot and cold, R Morrison has done ok at QPR in a team that is under-performing. A Johnson has done decently this season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on May 01, 2014, 01:58:23 PM
I reckon Roy will name this squad:


Hart, Foster, Ruddy


Johnson, Jones, Cahill, Jagielka, Smalling, Baines, Cole


Gerrard, Lampard, Milner, Carrick, Wilshere, Sterling, Henderson, Lallana,  Oxlade-Chamberlain


Rooney, Welbeck, Sturridge, Lambert


Standby: Forster, Caulker, Shaw, Cleverley, Barkley, Carroll, Defoe.


Personally I would swap Cole for Shaw, Carrick for Barkley and Forster for Ruddy to give the younger lads the experience of a WC.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 06, 2014, 11:50:50 AM
Do you think England will make the knockout rounds
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 06, 2014, 11:57:32 AM
I think we are more than capable of reaching the knockout rounds personally. But ive learnt not too expect much from the national team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on May 06, 2014, 10:00:10 PM
Do you think England will make the knockout rounds
No I dont. Lose against the eyeties, draw against the nobodies and lose to the south americans..............game over.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 07, 2014, 08:16:40 AM
It looks like Phil Jones may miss the World Cup. I think we will just scrape through the group stages, hopefully we can have a pretty decent tie in the last sixteen but as I think we will come second it looks like we will play one of the big teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on May 07, 2014, 08:48:09 AM
Jones has had a poor year but was a shoe in for the squad because of his versatility. Smalling can cover right back as well though so Roy could go for an old head in Lescott or go for John Stones.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 07, 2014, 09:07:34 AM
Is he really all that, Him and Smalling are not good enough beacuse they play for Utd and all that, there are better out there but they choose only to keep picking footballers because of who they play for
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on May 07, 2014, 11:53:11 AM
I think Jones and Smalling are both mid table side players, neither good enough for sides wanting to be in the shake up for titles and the Champs League and not world class international players. Both still have time on their side so could improve with age but not sure either will to the levels needed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 08, 2014, 09:17:30 AM
When does Roys contract come to an End?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 08, 2014, 10:35:21 AM
I think United have been unsure about where to play Phil Jones this season. Chris Smalling does have a lot of potential but I feel that he has been relativity average too this season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 10, 2014, 10:40:31 AM
B Foster
J Hart
J Ruddy

L Shaw
L Baines
G Johnson
J Flanaghan
G Cahill
P Jagielka
M Dawson
P Jones

S Gerard
M Carrick
A Johnson
J Henderson
A Lallana
A Oxlade-Chamberlain
J Wilshere
R Sterling

W Rooney
D Sturridge
A Carroll
D Welbeck




                                                        Hart


               Johnson           Jagielka                 Cahill                  Baines


                                       Gerard                  Henderson


              Stirling                               Rooney                            Lallana


                                                       Sturridge

I dont think you are far off there fella.

Personally I would take Andy Carroll as he will cause defences all sorts of problems.

I would also swap Flanagan for Ashley Cole

I would also have done everything to have gotten Terry in too but that wont happen
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 10, 2014, 10:42:24 AM
Andy Johnson would also be a good like for like swap with Andros Townsend who I think its a shame for this season after a stunning first 6 months of it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on May 11, 2014, 09:57:56 PM
Rumours going around that Ashley Cole has already been told by Roy that he isn't in the WC squad.


Bold move by Roy that.   For me its a good one.  Hopefully Shaw will go.  Baines is 1st choice but being in and around the WC squad will be invaluable for Shaw.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on May 11, 2014, 10:01:05 PM
Barkley also reportedly in and Carrick out so very much gone for youth by the sounds of things.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 12, 2014, 08:14:47 AM
Ashley Cole has retired from international football, he has been told by Roy he wasn't going to the World Cup. Luke Shaw is on the plane then.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on May 12, 2014, 02:20:24 PM
Official England squad:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Fraser Forster (Celtic).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Attackers: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 12, 2014, 09:59:15 PM
It's a great squad. A group of players without the hang ups from previous tournaments and a base to build on for the future. They won't win the world cup this year, but I have renewed confidence that they will get out of the groups.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies97 on May 12, 2014, 11:05:44 PM
First Albion player since Jeff Astle to get into an England World Cup squad, hopefully he won't play though, as that'll most likely mean Hart making a dreadful mistake (which seems to happen to lots of England keepers in the last few years)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 13, 2014, 08:17:58 AM
I'm really happy with the squad that Roy has picked. We have a good blend of experience and youth and I think that the in form players throughout the season have been picked which is great. Although I dont think that we are going to win the World cup this year, this squad does give me confidence for the future as the likes of Sterling, Barkley etc do have a lot of potential.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on May 13, 2014, 08:58:12 AM
Very happy with the squad.  Roy has given youth a chance but I hope he goes a stage further and actually plays them.  No good just taking them along for the experience.  The only real experience they will benefit from is if they actually play.


We are not going to win this World Cup but with these young players we have a good chance of doing well in France 2016.


Play these lads together and let them evolve as a team and get used to each others games. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 13, 2014, 12:38:34 PM
Love how Hodgson went all Mike Bassett when asked if we could win the world cup.

"Of course I think we can win the world cup; what's the point in taking a squad of players there if you don't think you can win. But these are just empty words...." [Paraphrased]
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on May 13, 2014, 03:23:51 PM
International tournaments is NOT the place to gain experience though, you should be getting that in qualifiers. Madness to qualify with one set of players and then take a completely different set of players to the actual tournament itself !!Not saying he shouldnt have picked those players, but he should have picked players who at least have some international experience at that level and not be "blooding" them actually during the tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on May 30, 2014, 04:59:13 PM
England v Peru tonight. Possibly the same starting 11 for the Italy world cup game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 30, 2014, 08:49:21 PM
Cracking goal by Sturridge.

Left top corner from edge of box
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 06:24:20 PM
England 1 Ecuador 2
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 07:34:08 PM
Nice Albion flag there behind one of its supporters
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on June 04, 2014, 08:14:13 PM
Ha ha ha ha, how frapping typical, first chance, back o the net !!! We look OK going forward but are proper s*** at the back.........and so it begins, but at least it wont last long !!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 08:31:27 PM
England playing well, front look threatening
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 04, 2014, 09:00:54 PM
Thankfully that is an experimental back four! Milner is not a wing back and is basically being taken to the cleaners. Like the look of Ross Barkley. England should now go on and win this.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 04, 2014, 09:08:52 PM
I see this game as merely a run out for most of the lads.  Only Rooney, Wilshere and Oxlade Chamberlain and possibly Milner in midfield have a chance of starting a game during this World Cup.

It is worrying because our first choice defence imo is poor but this 2nd choice back 4 is appalling.

I like Barkley and Ox though.  Real talent going forward.  With Sterling also we look well equipped going forward.

We might just have to will all games 4-3  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 04, 2014, 09:15:37 PM
Great to see Oxlade-Chamberlain and Barkley running with the ball, been impressed by those two so far. They certainly give us a different option, I expect to see Sterling on soon to try and do the same.

Less said about the back four tonight the better I think.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ex coseley kid on June 04, 2014, 09:19:46 PM
Can't fault Chamberlain or Lambert. Never much cared for Rooney as far as his England performances are concerned but ok tonight. My problem is he used to be compared to Gazza and I just think p1$$ off!!!!!

On a plus point love seeing Hoddle commentating and therefore not being interviewed by us.

On the subject of telly and sorry a bit off topic - tonight saw interview with the sculptor for the Three Degrees statue; didn't realise he is the same geezer who did the Laurel & Hardy in Ulverston, Eric Morecambe in Morecambe and the Les Dawson statue round the corner from me!! (who is hte businessman behind this cracking scheme by the way - and why is it not coming from The Hawthorns itself)
Excellent, these guys made me really really proud to be a Baggie. Best telly I've seen in ages. Brill, real heroes for lots of reasons.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 04, 2014, 09:21:03 PM

Less said about the back four tonight the better I think.

Hopefully none of them will be needed in the WC.  To be fair they have no protection with Lampard and Wilshere in midfield.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ex coseley kid on June 04, 2014, 09:21:27 PM
... and the back four couldn't even play for US!!!!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 09:29:02 PM
Milner is pants
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 04, 2014, 09:30:55 PM
Milner is pants

He's been diabolical tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 09:32:05 PM
He's been diabolical tonight


I know he is out of position but how many times has he given the ball away
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 04, 2014, 09:32:39 PM
Jones and Smalling have always been pooh. Don't know how they survived at Man United. Milner to be fair isn't a right back.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 04, 2014, 09:35:38 PM
Milner is nailed on to play against Italy.  Our Roy loves him. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbako on June 04, 2014, 09:38:25 PM
These Ecuadorians are the type of players we should be looking at; cheap wages/ fees usually. I believe we were after Montero last summer and I can see why - a real tricky winger.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 09:59:06 PM
Not a bad game, encouraging workout from some.Italy only drew against Luxembourg tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 04, 2014, 10:07:27 PM
Milner is nailed on to play against Italy.  Our Roy loves him.

Thats because he works hard. Very poor for me tonight though, simply not good enough. On a different note how stupid  was Valencia!. Yes it was a hard tackle by Sterling but he got the ball.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 10:16:00 PM
That was bordering on Assault from Valencia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 04, 2014, 10:40:11 PM
Poor challenge from Sterling but I'm not so sure it was a red card, just a very clumsy challenge and the reaction from Valencia was ridiculous for a player of his experience.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 04, 2014, 10:49:46 PM
How do we think Fosters game went.No chance with both goals really.Not helped by his defence
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ex coseley kid on June 04, 2014, 10:51:15 PM
How do we think Fosters game went.No chance with both goals really.Not helped by his defence

I felt for Ben. He really did have no chance; the back four were worse than ours all season!!!!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 04, 2014, 11:11:39 PM
Foster had no chance with either goal and didn't have much more to do but he did rush out a couple of times needlessly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 05, 2014, 06:31:02 AM
WTF was Roy thinking of playing Milner at right back, Ive seen cheese turn faster than him, and some of those balls he was playing infield to the centre backs were suicidal.
Always reminds me of Waddle, with his slopey shoulders, but without the ability to beat a man.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 05, 2014, 07:59:49 AM
WTF was Roy thinking of playing Milner at right back, Ive seen cheese turn faster than him, and some of those balls he was playing infield to the centre backs were suicidal.
Always reminds me of Waddle, with his slopey shoulders, but without the ability to beat a man.

Yeah I hope that little experiment by Roy has revealed that he should be nowhere near the starting line up let alone the defence! It'll have to be Jones or Smalling as back up RB
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WSBaggie on June 05, 2014, 08:47:41 AM
Yeah I hope that little experiment by Roy has revealed that he should be nowhere near the starting line up let alone the defence! It'll have to be Jones or Smalling as back up RB

I think it was more a test of if we are 1-0 up with 20 mins to go and Johnson comes off injured do we put the catastrophic looking Jones or Smalling on at right back or do we put Milner on there because he is 'trustworthy'.

Myself I would rather finish the game with with ten men.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on June 05, 2014, 09:23:00 AM
Foster didnt rush out needlessly, he rushed out to try to intercept a through ball and /or close a player down who was one on one with him due to a non-existant defence. He was hung out to dry by the pee poor defence and absent midfield cover.
I dont get the Wilshere love-in either, he was rubbish last night, constantly gave the ball away unless it was the simplest of passes, constantly caught in possession and looked as though tomorrow would do.
All I can say is that the team we play in the next warm up which is supposedly the one that will (probably ) be the one we start with against the Italians had better NOT include most of that team that played last night..........and I include Rooney in that. Oxlade Chamberlain being the only one who showed anything, and he's now crocked.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Russell on June 05, 2014, 09:25:10 AM
Foster must have thought Reid and Ridgewell had come back to haunt him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 05, 2014, 10:04:02 AM
Foster didnt rush out needlessly, he rushed out to try to intercept a through ball and /or close a player down who was one on one with him due to a non-existant defence. He was hung out to dry by the pee poor defence and absent midfield cover.
I dont get the Wilshere love-in either, he was rubbish last night, constantly gave the ball away unless it was the simplest of passes, constantly caught in possession and looked as though tomorrow would do.
All I can say is that the team we play in the next warm up which is supposedly the one that will (probably ) be the one we start with against the Italians had better NOT include most of that team that played last night..........and I include Rooney in that. Oxlade Chamberlain being the only one who showed anything, and he's now crocked.

Every time Wilshere was touched he went down expecting a free kick. Overated and injury prone. Would like to see Barkley get a start.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 24, 2014, 01:50:16 PM
Land back in Blighty wednesday afternoon with their tails between their legs
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on June 24, 2014, 05:34:19 PM
Land back in Blighty wednesday afternoon with their tails between their legs
and out the backdoor of Heathrow like so many of their predecessors
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dexy on June 24, 2014, 05:55:43 PM
It may sound a bit old fashioned but i can't help but feel England have lacked a true ball winner / nasty sod in the middle , De Jong of Holland is a good example...not the most technical but covers and protects .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on June 24, 2014, 08:20:08 PM
It may sound a bit old fashioned but i can't help but feel England have lacked a true ball winner / nasty sod in the middle , De Jong of Holland is a good example...not the most technical but covers and protects .
Those days are long gone, any nasty sod wouldn't last 5 minutes and be a liability if sent off. We are not good enough technically. Oh, and Jack Wilshere is the future, god help us. Caught in possession time and again, gave the ball away and couldn't beat anyone. As for our so-called attacking options, we scored 2 poxy goals in 3 matches. Nah, simple answer is we just are not good enough and never will be while money rules the premier league and foreign owners buy foreigners for instant success rather than being forced by the FA to use English players. Then we might see some change, especially with the top teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dexy on June 24, 2014, 08:23:47 PM
Those days are long gone, any nasty sod wouldn't last 5 minutes and be a liability if sent off. We are not good enough technically. Oh, and Jack Wilshere is the future, god help us. Caught in possession time and again, gave the ball away and couldn't beat anyone. As for our so-called attacking options, we scored 2 poxy goals in 3 matches. Nah, simple answer is we just are not good enough and never will be while money rules the premier league and foreign owners buy foreigners for instant success rather than being forced by the FA to use English players. Then we might see some change, especially with the top teams.
That's just my point , we aren't technical enough so maybe need to revert to a ball winner.
Plenty of teams through or on the verge of the last 16 with a ball winner or two , look around.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 24, 2014, 08:26:24 PM
That's just my point , we aren't technical enough so maybe need to revert to a ball winner.
Plenty of teams through or on the verge of the last 16 with a ball winner or two , look around.


We need someone to sit in front of the back four but we don't need some De Jong character. We need to work on technique and ball retention. In the end, when it comes to the crunch that's what will matter.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 24, 2014, 08:32:48 PM
Those days are long gone, any nasty sod wouldn't last 5 minutes and be a liability if sent off.

Segio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Danielle De Rossi, Thiago Motta, Nigel De Jong, Fernandinho, Luis Gustavo are just small examples of nasty sods who are doing quite well in the modern game.

You can be a nasty sod as much as you like in football - at the end of the day you have to be disciplined and that's the real test.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on June 24, 2014, 08:33:17 PM

We need someone to sit in front of the back four but we don't need some De Jong character. We need to work on technique and ball retention. In the end, when it comes to the crunch that's what will matter.
Exactly, the days of kicking people and getting away with it are long gone. No top team has a clogger. We are not good enough and its our technique and passing and shooting that needs improving, not our ability to kick people.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 24, 2014, 08:36:13 PM
Segio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Danielle De Rossi, Thiago Motta, Nigel De Jong, Fernandinho, Luis Gustavo are just small examples of nasty sods who are doing quite well in the modern game.

You can be a nasty sod as much as you like in football -


I'd call De Jong nasty but none of the others. Busquets goes down when you blow at him. Some of the others Mascherano, De Rossi, Fernandino,  are competitive but I wouldn't call them nasty. De Jong on the other hand I would call nasty, sometimes he deliberately tries to hurt someone.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 24, 2014, 08:39:19 PM
I'd call De Jong nasty but none of the others. Busquets goes down when you blow at him. Some of the others Mascherano, De Rossi, Fernandino,  are competitive but I wouldn't call them nasty. De Jong on the other hand I would call nasty, sometimes he deliberately tries to hurt someone.

I do tend to agree - I think I used the wrong word - they're not nasty, they're combative.

Add in their fabulous talents with the ball and you have quite a player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dexy on June 24, 2014, 08:52:16 PM
Exactly, the days of kicking people and getting away with it are long gone. No top team has a clogger. We are not good enough and its our technique and passing and shooting that needs improving, not our ability to kick people.
Missing the point , nobody said clogger ...more of a shield type player , lord knows that back 4 need more protection. All about balance , if we are more comfortable defending as a unit our attacking movement may well get better . De Jong may have been a bad example , look at the players Liam listed ....they know how to sit and block and let others do the attacking. It's not fully the answer to England's problems granted but we simply don't have any midfielder to do that role.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 24, 2014, 08:55:57 PM
Missing the point , nobody said clogger ...more of a shield type player , lord knows that back 4 need more protection. All about balance , if we are more comfortable defending as a unit our attacking movement may well get better . De Jong may have been a bad example , look at the players Liam listed ....they know how to sit and block and let others do the attacking. It's not fully the answer to England's problems granted but we simply don't have any midfielder to do that role.


I do agree we are lacking someone to play that role. I also think we are lacking a top quality striker. No-one seems to be hammering Sturridge after today's match if it had been Rooney missing those chances he'd have been pelted all round.

Where have all the English strikers gone? We used to have Shearer, Lineker, Owen, Fowler, Wright. Anyone of those at the moment and we PROBABLY would've gone through the group stage.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dexy on June 24, 2014, 09:03:23 PM
Strikers are a good point , it will be interesting to see how Sturridge gets on in this years Champs League with Liverpool.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 24, 2014, 09:08:28 PM
Parallels with another team,
lacking a consistent striker,
lots of similar midfielders,
 no long term options at centre half, and
options at full backs are kids or coverage with centrehalves.

Name that team .......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on June 24, 2014, 11:12:16 PM
Strikers are a good point , it will be interesting to see how Sturridge gets on in this years Champs League with Liverpool.

He won't do a great deal unless he has Suarez to create chances for him.

Speaking of Liverpool, if they are thinking of paying 30 million pound for Adam Lallana then they need their heads examining.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 25, 2014, 09:47:46 AM
think that Lallana deal could fall through now that Suarez is virtually worthless !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 25, 2014, 10:29:17 AM
England =shambles.First time since 1958 not to get out of a group stage.Roy Hodgson should leave and the job should go to someone like Gary Neville
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 25, 2014, 12:25:11 PM
England =shambles.First time since 1958 not to get out of a group stage.Roy Hodgson should leave and the job should go to someone like Gary Neville

What has Gary Neville done to be given such a big job? He was arguably part of the problem being on the current coaching staff.

You can change manager after every tournament but it wont change the fact our players just aren't good enough.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 25, 2014, 12:39:51 PM
Changing the manager won't make a difference, look at the last two tournaments before Roy was in charge. One we didn't qualify for and the other we were awful. This year we come against Italy who got to the Euro 2012 final and full of experience compared to some of our players who are playing in their first international tournament and a Uruguay side who got to a semi final of a World Cup in 2010 and won the Copa America. We deserved at least a draw against Italy and Uruguay should have had a player sent off but they had two shots on target and score both while we missed key chances early on from Rooney to go in the lead. We also should have beat Costa Rica but again weren't clinical enough. Football is fine margins and you ultimately get judged on results but I think we did well in an extremely tough group.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 02, 2014, 11:44:28 AM
Passionless and non commital to name but a few.My England days are over
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on July 02, 2014, 12:03:09 PM
I really don't know what the answer is with England.  You looked at the US last night and they fought for the shirt.  There is no fight and belief from our players.  They are going through the motions.


I fear the kind of performance in Brazil will continue for years to come until we become chuffed to bits to just qualify for a tournament like Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on July 02, 2014, 12:22:03 PM
I really don't know what the answer is with England.  You looked at the US last night and they fought for the shirt.  There is no fight and belief from our players.  They are going through the motions.


I fear the kind of performance in Brazil will continue for years to come until we become chuffed to bits to just qualify for a tournament like Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

Something's gone very wrong with British (English) football. The English players don't have the skill set to compete anymore. They used to try and make up for that with fighting spirit but that is also gone now. All they do is get bloated wages.

Time for a complete rethink of the coaching methods employed by the British coaches. It's partly for this reason I am ticked off with the employment of Irvine. He is a 55 year old coach and I doubt he will come up with something interesting that brings English/British football forward. If the PL clubs employ coaches that do not develop football of course the domestic football stagnates. It's all about the cheap Sky money rain now and the insiders making sure they get the biggest piece of the cake they can, nothing else matters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 02, 2014, 12:57:41 PM
I think Arry summed it up well. Some players just don't want to play. Roy should have a heart to heart with each and every player and ask them straight up if they want to play for England. Don't mean the fancy tournaments but the away games to the Faroe Islands and Moldova etc. If they hum and arr then don't ever pick them again.

There are players in the Championship and League one that would spill blood to play for England so get them on the pitch!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 02, 2014, 01:44:20 PM
I think Arry summed it up well. Some players just don't want to play. Roy should have a heart to heart with each and every player and ask them straight up if they want to play for England. Don't mean the fancy tournaments but the away games to the Faroe Islands and Moldova etc. If they hum and arr then don't ever pick them again.

There are players in the Championship and League one that would spill blood to play for England so get them on the pitch!


Good point, spot on.
Wait till some of them half hearted world cup footballers come to the Hawthorns next season
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 02, 2014, 02:28:33 PM
I think the notion that some England players don't care or don't want to play for the shirt is complete and utter nonsense. Once again only in England would people look to shortcomings as a lack of passion.

It's important to remember while everybody is so impressed with the USA and these other teams that show all the fight that the teams that have made it through to the last eight are generally the big sides. If England kept getting as far as the USA did in this tournament it'd be seen as not good enough. Whilst the USA did show plenty of spirit, they do also have some good players lets not forget that and before we dismiss them as not that good ask yourselves how many English players are significantly better.

England's problems on the world stage are plain to see it simply comes down to lack of quality. In this World Cup we scored two goals and created quite a few chances we COULD have got through the group stage. We didn't because of a lack of quality in the final third.. The big teams have the Messi's, Hazard's, Muller's, Neymar's people like this. Our "number 10" is Wayne Rooney who a) despite his ability isn't as good as any of them and b) is constantly played out of position to "do a job for the team". Rooney is regarded as England's best player. If that is the case you play him where he is suited you do not negate your biggest strength. If you don't have a quality number ten you need a quality number 9. We have Daniel Sturridge who despite a good year for Liverpool last year, isn't a Benzema or a Van Persie or a Suarez. He needs two touches to control a ball and has a lack of match intelligence which is why he often makes wrong choices. Lets not forget when he was at Chelsea he couldn't get a game, that is because there are a lot of better strikers than him.

Looking through the rest of the team the midfield containing Gerrard / Henderson isn't technically good enough. Both are typical Premiership 100 mph players. Neither has a grade A first touch, neither can play a technical game. Gerrard at his best was a box to box high energy type player, great in the Premiership, a waste of time in international tournament football. Defensively Johnson and Jagielka aren't good enough by a fair distance.

When you put these things together you see why we fail. Add to these the likes of Welbeck who should never wear an England shirt. We lump the USA under "passion" yet most of their players are on a par with England's technically.

The problem is with English mentality and it still isn't changing enough. Commentators on TV keep constantly going on about pace. Pace, pace, pace. We have to get out of that mentality. 90% of players at this level have a good level of pace. We in England see pace as an answer - "he has the pace to run behind and cause problems" it's nonsense, pace like effort will get you so far it will not make you world champions. Last night the useless Danny Murphy was asked what he thought about the Belgium striker Irigi. His answer was typical "Well he's quick and he's strong". First thing he said. Nothing about his mental awareness or his touch or his game intelligence or his movement. That sort of mentality has to go in England it really does and then the passion mentality needs to follw suit. We in England forgive people for trying and would rather see someone run around for ninety minutes and be totally ineffective than appreciate one defence splitting pace by a player who just patrols the centre circle.

The education needs to start with kids then when they become professionals they need to play in Premiership teams not loaned out. The Premiership needs to change. To be fair it has, there is so much more quality now than there was fifteen / twenty years ago the trouble is most of the quality players are foreign. If we need to dilute the quality of the premiership for a while then so be it. We need to overload our top flight with ENGLISH players but that alone is not the answer it's only part of it. Unless we teach our kids the technical side of the game at a very early age so it becomes second nature to them we are never going to get any better.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 02, 2014, 03:09:44 PM
I think the notion that some England players don't care or don't want to play for the shirt is complete and utter nonsense. Once again only in England would people look to shortcomings as a lack of passion.

It's important to remember while everybody is so impressed with the USA and these other teams that show all the fight that the teams that have made it through to the last eight are generally the big sides. If England kept getting as far as the USA did in this tournament it'd be seen as not good enough. Whilst the USA did show plenty of spirit, they do also have some good players lets not forget that and before we dismiss them as not that good ask yourselves how many English players are significantly better.

England's problems on the world stage are plain to see it simply comes down to lack of quality. In this World Cup we scored two goals and created quite a few chances we COULD have got through the group stage. We didn't because of a lack of quality in the final third.. The big teams have the Messi's, Hazard's, Muller's, Neymar's people like this. Our "number 10" is Wayne Rooney who a) despite his ability isn't as good as any of them and b) is constantly played out of position to "do a job for the team". Rooney is regarded as England's best player. If that is the case you play him where he is suited you do not negate your biggest strength. If you don't have a quality number ten you need a quality number 9. We have Daniel Sturridge who despite a good year for Liverpool last year, isn't a Benzema or a Van Persie or a Suarez. He needs two touches to control a ball and has a lack of match intelligence which is why he often makes wrong choices. Lets not forget when he was at Chelsea he couldn't get a game, that is because there are a lot of better strikers than him.

Looking through the rest of the team the midfield containing Gerrard / Henderson isn't technically good enough. Both are typical Premiership 100 mph players. Neither has a grade A first touch, neither can play a technical game. Gerrard at his best was a box to box high energy type player, great in the Premiership, a waste of time in international tournament football. Defensively Johnson and Jagielka aren't good enough by a fair distance.

When you put these things together you see why we fail. Add to these the likes of Welbeck who should never wear an England shirt. We lump the USA under "passion" yet most of their players are on a par with England's technically.

The problem is with English mentality and it still isn't changing enough. Commentators on TV keep constantly going on about pace. Pace, pace, pace. We have to get out of that mentality. 90% of players at this level have a good level of pace. We in England see pace as an answer - "he has the pace to run behind and cause problems" it's nonsense, pace like effort will get you so far it will not make you world champions. Last night the useless Danny Murphy was asked what he thought about the Belgium striker Irigi. His answer was typical "Well he's quick and he's strong". First thing he said. Nothing about his mental awareness or his touch or his game intelligence or his movement. That sort of mentality has to go in England it really does and then the passion mentality needs to follw suit. We in England forgive people for trying and would rather see someone run around for ninety minutes and be totally ineffective than appreciate one defence splitting pace by a player who just patrols the centre circle.

The education needs to start with kids then when they become professionals they need to play in Premiership teams not loaned out. The Premiership needs to change. To be fair it has, there is so much more quality now than there was fifteen / twenty years ago the trouble is most of the quality players are foreign. If we need to dilute the quality of the premiership for a while then so be it. We need to overload our top flight with ENGLISH players but that alone is not the answer it's only part of it. Unless we teach our kids the technical side of the game at a very early age so it becomes second nature to them we are never going to get any better.

Outstanding post fella..

I agree with everything you have said there.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on July 02, 2014, 03:57:58 PM
The education needs to start with kids then when they become professionals they need to play in Premiership teams not loaned out. The Premiership needs to change. To be fair it has, there is so much more quality now than there was fifteen / twenty years ago the trouble is most of the quality players are foreign. If we need to dilute the quality of the premiership for a while then so be it. We need to overload our top flight with ENGLISH players but that alone is not the answer it's only part of it. Unless we teach our kids the technical side of the game at a very early age so it becomes second nature to them we are never going to get any better.

Why force Premiership clubs to serve the needs of international football, for the sake of one tournament every two years? I'm guessing a substantial majority in England are far more dedicated to their clubs.

Personally, I'd much prefer to see the end of international football and FIFA.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 02, 2014, 04:08:26 PM
Why force Premiership clubs to serve the needs of international football, for the sake of one tournament every two years? I'm guessing a substantial majority in England are far more dedicated to their clubs.

Personally, I'd much prefer to see the end of international football and FIFA.


That isn't going to happen.

Changing the Premiership doesn't have to be a negative it can be a positive as it produces better English players. Look at Germany and Spain there is nothing wrong with the Bundesliga or La Liga.

The Premiership as a world wide brand is excellent right now, however it is also uncompetitive and lesser clubs are serving the "elite" clubs taking loanees and having their better youths poached anyway.

It's the excitement and the furious nature of the Premiership together with the PR and marketting that sells as a brand not the quality of the footballers. You could argue Suarez and Aguero but generally the very best players in the world don't play in the Premiership - Messi, Ronaldo, Robben, Ribery, Muller, Benzema, Pirlo, Neymar.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on July 02, 2014, 04:26:50 PM
I probably should have highlighted the particular sentence I took issue with, which is this:
We need to overload our top flight with ENGLISH players

A rule that keeps foreign players out of the Premiership will not help English footballers improve.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on July 02, 2014, 04:33:06 PM
It is definitely a problem that not just English players, but all youth players at a lot of clubs have extremely little chance of breaking through at most squads - whilst clubs can go abroad and get an international with the money in the premier, that will always be a problem unless you bring in regulations.

Chelsea are a prime example, they buy the best youth players from around the world, yet not a single player has broke through in Abramovich, and only Bertrand has even been anything like an actual squad member. Why? Well when Chelsea can pay 25m and bring in a German international with 30 caps in the same position rather than promote an academy player, well they always well.

At best this stunts players development, at worst it destroys them and they never become the players they should have been.

I don't think anyone objects to good foreign players being signed, but there's clearly a lot of sub-par foreigners bought in too. If you made every 25 man squad so it had to be 13 England eligible players (or players who were once eligibl to allow for the likes of James Morrison who switch) for example, that allows clubs to bring in plenty of foreign players, whilst also meaning they rely on their academies for squad fillers rather than bring in rubbish from abroad. Unless you force clubs to use their academies, they generally won't, with few exceptions.



Part of the problem can also be seen in this thread - anyone who thinks its due to passion that England failed is so far off you can only hope they're nowhere near the coaching side of things. Whilst English people have this mentality that "passion" overrides all, youth coaching will go nowhere. The US play within a system built to within their needs, when England did that in Euro 2012 and took Italy to penalties everyone complained, when they tried to play a more technical approach, naturally they failed because other teams produce more technical players. Absolutely nothing to do with effort. England need to produce at grassroots level, but that'll never happen when skillful players are mistrusted and a love of "Passion" overrides all. In all likelihood this mentality of passion (which more often than not is shown through fouling people and running around a bit to most fans) will mean England never create the players they need to win anything. England don't lead the world in skillful players in any sport - probably a reflection of the demands of fans who demand passion and hard work and ignore skill and flair.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 02, 2014, 04:36:37 PM
I probably should have highlighted the particular sentence I took issue with, which is this:
A rule that keeps foreign players out of the Premiership will not help English footballers improve.


I'm not saying foreign players should be kept out of the Premiership I'm saying a higher (much higher) percentage should be English. That alone won't solve the problem, no, my earlier post covers the rest of it.

The only reason the English are becoming appathetic about international football is because we are no good at it, so people get fed up. The whole nation would erupt if England won a major tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 02, 2014, 04:38:18 PM
It is definitely a problem that not just English players, but all youth players at a lot of clubs have extremely little chance of breaking through at most squads - whilst clubs can go abroad and get an international with the money in the premier, that will always be a problem unless you bring in regulations.

Chelsea are a prime example, they buy the best youth players from around the world, yet not a single player has broke through in Abramovich, and only Bertrand has even been anything like an actual squad member. Why? Well when Chelsea can pay 25m and bring in a German international with 30 caps in the same position rather than promote an academy player, well they always well.

At best this stunts players development, at worst it destroys them and they never become the players they should have been.

I don't think anyone objects to good foreign players being signed, but there's clearly a lot of sub-par foreigners bought in too. If you made every 25 man squad so it had to be 13 England eligible players (or players who were once eligibl to allow for the likes of James Morrison who switch) for example, that allows clubs to bring in plenty of foreign players, whilst also meaning they rely on their academies for squad fillers rather than bring in rubbish from abroad. Unless you force clubs to use their academies, they generally won't, with few exceptions.



Part of the problem can also be seen in this thread - anyone who thinks its due to passion that England failed is so far off you can only hope they're nowhere near the coaching side of things. Whilst English people have this mentality that "passion" overrides all, youth coaching will go nowhere. The US play within a system built to within their needs, when England did that in Euro 2012 and took Italy to penalties everyone complained, when they tried to play a more technical approach, naturally they failed because other teams produce more technical players. Absolutely nothing to do with effort.


Spot on.

Almost as good as my post.  ;D ;)





Only joking!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 02, 2014, 04:40:59 PM
I cant see how anyone would want to do away with International Football??

I certainly don't and im sure the players and the football community wouldn't either!!

However there needs to be a change, academy players at professional clubs should only be allowed to sign for the clubs they play for on pro terms in the first instance.

Secondly a limit on foreign players within the 1st team squad. 'x' amount of players within the 25 need to be eligible for England or British teams.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on July 02, 2014, 05:02:32 PM
It is definitely a problem that not just English players, but all youth players at a lot of clubs have extremely little chance of breaking through at most squads - whilst clubs can go abroad and get an international with the money in the premier, that will always be a problem unless you bring in regulations.

Chelsea are a prime example, they buy the best youth players from around the world, yet not a single player has broke through in Abramovich, and only Bertrand has even been anything like an actual squad member. Why? Well when Chelsea can pay 25m and bring in a German international with 30 caps in the same position rather than promote an academy player, well they always well.

At best this stunts players development, at worst it destroys them and they never become the players they should have been.

I don't think anyone objects to good foreign players being signed, but there's clearly a lot of sub-par foreigners bought in too. If you made every 25 man squad so it had to be 13 England eligible players (or players who were once eligibl to allow for the likes of James Morrison who switch) for example, that allows clubs to bring in plenty of foreign players, whilst also meaning they rely on their academies for squad fillers rather than bring in rubbish from abroad. Unless you force clubs to use their academies, they generally won't, with few exceptions.

We agree completely about the nature of the problem. I just don't think giving domestic players some free passes is the best way to correct it. To quote myself from another forum:


The foreigners who have ruined England are Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Malcolm Glazer, et al., who hoard young English talent, pay them ludicrous wages not to play first-team football, and watch their motivation and promise shrivel and die.
 
Playing in the best domestic league in the world against the best players can only help English players, and the best who can't get games in the Premier League would be better served by playing in top foreign leagues.



I cant see how anyone would want to do away with International Football??

I certainly don't and im sure the players and the football community wouldn't either!!

I do. I just said so. Don't be so sure that the players wouldn't prefer to be resting or on holiday rather than playing in all these pointless friendlies and qualification matches. Playing in a World Cup is fun, but most international games aren't the World Cup.

And the thought of crushing FIFA and eviscerating the FA's revenue, well that's got to be worth something.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 02, 2014, 05:07:19 PM
The Premier League isn't the best league in the world. It is the most entertaining but it isn't the best.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Quakes Fan on July 02, 2014, 05:31:03 PM
Now there are the inquests, the interrogation of supposed national failure. With tedious predictability, pundits and ex-professionals line up to kick their favourite target: the foreign footballer. Or more precisely, the number of foreigners playing in the Premier League, which they argue squeezes out decent young Englishmen. Former England captain Sol Campbell talked on Radio 4’s Today about English talents being crowded out, echoing concerns voiced earlier by England manager Roy Hodgson and his sidekick Gary Neville.

The fact that there are tentative signs of a flowering of youthful English talent, despite the painful defeat by Uruguay, seems to be ignored. Instead we will no doubt see Greg Dyke, chairman of the Football Association, intensify his efforts to limit the number of non-European Union stars signed by top clubs. “We know that we have a problem,” he declared on Friday.

He should know better: this is populist nonsense that defies economic or historic logic. It is one more dismal echo of the immigration debate infecting our nation, another expression of British jobs for British workers. But even now, approaching two centuries after the landmark Corn Laws debate, we still have people putting forward the self-defeating idea that a sector is strengthened by artificially protecting it from foreign rivals.

Few doubt the flow of 1,527 foreign players into the Premier League has improved top-flight football in Britain, making it arguably the most challenging and certainly the most entertaining among top European leagues. The majority have come from Europe – 169 from France alone – underlining the futility of trying to limit the number of foreign players unless the country pulls out of the EU. Mind you, I doubt Ukip would win many votes by campaigning against Brussels on the basis of sending Eden Hazard back home to Belgium.

We should be proud that 66 players entitled to represent England performed regularly last season in such a competitive environment as the Premier League. No wonder those young stars looked so sharp against Italy having managed to break through into this tough league. It is simply bizarre to believe that the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley would be stronger internationals if banned from playing regularly with, and against, the likes of Luis Suarez.

The Italians, like the Germans, also have high percentages of foreign players in their top leagues although this does not seem to stop either of them doing well at international level. Yet Italy’s coach, Cesare Prandelli, has also complained that this influx is strangling the careers of young players. After their embarrassing flop in Brazil, perhaps Spain should demand more foreign players in La Liga to lift their national game?

Stefan Szymanski and Simon Kuper, who wrote a superb statistics-based book called Soccernomics, point out that the English team has done significantly better in major championships since the inception of the Premier League. This may not be much comfort for fans sitting glumly on their sofas as Suarez hit his second goal against England, but for supporters of my age it is impossible to forget  those bleak times when England failed to qualify for the finals. This implies that, despite ceaseless setbacks, foreign competition has had a positive effect on our finest players.

The authors argue that a bigger problem is the failure of parochial English players to travel abroad, which would expose them to alternative styles of football distinct from those high-tempo games that make the Premier League so electrifying. Look how many players in teams such as Brazil and Uruguay play in foreign countries, after all. “It’s not inconceivable England could win a World Cup with no English players playing in England,” said Szymanski.

There are many other issues. Anyone who has witnessed youth football in this country knows that too many coaches have a depressing fixation on size and strength over skill, alongside a determination to win at all costs rather than encourage the best talent. The boring long-ball game remains entrenched; indeed, Dyke’s own organisation is guilty of still promoting people with antediluvian attitudes at junior levels. As the astute Arsene Wenger says, the core problem is poor youth coaching producing players lacking basic skills.

The Premier League is the most potent instrument of soft power our nation possesses. Instead of seeking to diminish it after defeats by two better teams with higher world rankings than England, the people in charge and the professionals who earned so much money from its success should tackle obvious shortcomings that have long dogged the game. Instead, like so many other parts of society, they blame the foreigners.


http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/world-cup-2014-foreign-players-are-not-to-blame-for-englands-early-exit-9554151.html
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on July 02, 2014, 05:50:21 PM
The article misses the point somewhat and seems to imply that its all xenophobic. It completely ignores the fact that the pathways to the first teams of most premier league teams are blocked.

It mentions Germany and Italy as having lots of foreign players, yet both nations have far more higher of their own playing in their leagues too, and at younger ages. The clubs in those countries rely on their academies, something that doesn't happen at many clubs in the UK. Likewise it blames English players for not going abroad, and yet by and large Germany and Italian's do not tend to go abroad much either.

Likewise to claim England have done better in tournaments since the inception of the premier league is ridiculously misleading. The expansion of the Euro's from 8 to 16 in '96, and the world cup from 24 to 32 in '98 largely explains why England have "Improved".

Of course England needs to improve at grass roots level, but you can hardly blame just that when most premier league clubs academies recruit from around the world, whilst if clubs were genuinely forced to rely on their academy you can guarantee the much needed improvements at grassroots would swiftly follow. As it is getting a good academy player is a nice bonus rather than a necessity like it is for most of Europe.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 02, 2014, 08:35:56 PM
I think the notion that some England players don't care or don't want to play for the shirt is complete and utter nonsense. Once again only in England would people look to shortcomings as a lack of passion.

I think the passion argument is certainly a reason for some of the disillusionment that people have with the national side - regardless of the fact the players aren't good enough and the approach to coaching and academies in this country is fundamentally wrong.

It is becoming increasingly tiresome and boring to constantly see English players withdrawing from international squads only to miraculously play for their club side a couple of days letter. Their constant withdrawal from the side, whether they have an injury or not, is largely the main reason why England fans nowadays believe this England side carries no passion.

It is almost treated as a hindrance.

People look back on eras which had flamboyance and gave every ounce of sweat they had for their country - people remember the tears of Paul Gascoigne a man who combined great ability with 100% effort every time he graced the field. They remember the likes of Tony Adams belting out a national anthem. They remember Terry Butcher representing his country with a head bangage as blood was wetting out of his head. Folk had a team they could relate too.

And now look at today's bunch - a group that seemingly cannot wait to pull out of a squad, show no emotion whatsoever when representing England and as soon as they embarrass the nation within a day or two they're swanning around on their holidays.

And then you have the current bunch of under 21s, or at least ones who have just graduated into the first team. Whilst the likes of Spain give under 21s experience in the seniors they are expected to compete in tournament groups for their ages. Our players for some reason do not do that. It is almost as if they believe the u21s are beneath them now they have tasted the senior experience. And yet again, that is another area where we go wrong in this country.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ChrisLobels on July 16, 2014, 04:59:37 PM
What overreactive Daily Mail nonsense. Yeah as a professional footballer, he probably shouldn't be indulging in it (although one hit is hardly going to damage his health that much). But then ideally footballers wouldn't drink either. But it was legal and you'll find it freely available at a lot of nightclubs. He's done nothing wrong.

It really is a complete non story. Man does something legal once that if done regularly can damage health. Might as well ask for anyone who's ever smoked ecigs (http://www.ecigfiend.com) or drank alcohol to be dropped and banned by that logic.

I can say pub culture has been the biggest reason behind fall of english football..Must be banned for players..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 17, 2014, 10:18:38 AM
I find it amazing we have had no word from anybody associated with the England national team since the arrived back on home soil
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on July 17, 2014, 12:03:53 PM
It was one big FA jolly up really.


I notice we have dropped in the FIFA rankings to 20th now.  I think its a fair reflection.  Look at the teams above us.  I wouldn't fancy us to beat any of them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: swad35 on July 17, 2014, 03:01:11 PM
It was one big FA jolly up really.


I notice we have dropped in the FIFA rankings to 20th now.  I think its a fair reflection.  Look at the teams above us.  I wouldn't fancy us to beat any of them.

Would be interesting to see the financial investment rankings, easily top ten maybe even top 5 and for what.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on July 17, 2014, 03:10:31 PM
I can say pub culture has been the biggest reason behind fall of english football..Must be banned for players..

True! They couldnt wait to go on holiday and straight on the lash!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on July 17, 2014, 03:15:25 PM
Would be interesting to see the financial investment rankings, easily top ten maybe even top 5 and for what.


Roy was 2nd in the wages list behind our ex. coach Capello.  £4mil a year for our Roy?  What value for money that is eh?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 17, 2014, 03:20:10 PM
We had the hardest group in the tournament and that's reflected by the three other nations being in the top 20.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on July 17, 2014, 03:22:42 PM
We had the hardest group in the tournament and that's reflected by the three other nations being in the top 20.
please don't make excuses for them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PsalmXXIII on July 17, 2014, 04:01:07 PM
Fundamentally our problem is having a group of players that don't know what to do with the ball, a few experienced old faces who aren't good enough and a media who care more about what position some moany ugly bellend might play, picking apart every decision ever made by anyone involved with the national side.

We have pundits who can't see what the issue is and everyone at home with a different opinion.

My four year plan for World Cup 2018:

- No more media intrusion. If someone's not playing, they don't play. It's not an event that requires a 40 page pullout interviewing ex England players from multiple eras to pick apart. That also goes for post event suggestions that X,Y,Z should have been playing.

- Stop picking players who are on form for their clubs and changing the team after every sodding game. Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley, the next young gun to be called up may have a good season or half season, but that's because they play and train with the same guys week in week out, and as we know form is temporary. Bringing someone in for two friendlies because they've played ok for a few months during the season isn't going to replicate that continuity in the national team. Yes refresh the team with new players but how about you do it with players from the U21s who know each other (if you're using that team right you'll get graduates that are ready for the senior team who have played together for years.)

- Get a national footballing identity and teach it at every level. Don't replicate Tika Taka bs, we can't play that. Being confortable on the ball and having a good vision of the game worked for Germany alongside hard work. We don't have to look fancy, just be effective in possession. Every single English pundit at the WC said we lack pace. No, no we dont. Pace doesn't win games. It makes hoofball easier to play yes but there's no point being able to run 100m in 10 seconds flat if you can't then pick out a pass or identify someone in a better position. Before my ban I made a point that during Brazil vs Germany there was nothing flashy about the game bar Schurrles goal - just passing to a man in a better  position with the vision to score as a team. Watch the highlights - all 7 of those goals, if given to an England team to replicate would have passed the bal three times less and someone would have lashed the ball over or wide with three men in better positions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 17, 2014, 04:26:58 PM
All the failures got rid of their head coaches but we our worst world cup in 50 years decide to plod on with what we have got.Typical suits at the FA aint got no balls
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on July 17, 2014, 04:46:33 PM
I think the issue lies with academy kids and lack of protection. Look at Izzy Brown, a great prospect, poached away at a net loss. Why the hell as a club would you then invest in a grade A academy with zero protection? Until some sort of percentage sell on clause is attached to all academy kids, academies up and down the country will be more of a novelty than a front runner for all football clubs. That is how you develop players, it's not to do with foreigners or passion.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggie Boy on July 17, 2014, 05:59:38 PM
Cracking post! Especially the third point about an identity, England always had an identity of being solid at the back with a traditional English system in front of it and it worked! So why change it?

Brazil are renowned for their flamboyant style, Spain renowned for its tiki taka, Germany for it work rate. Italy are renowned for its methodical passing and unbreakable defence, Uruguay for its cheating and biters!

In all seriousness why cant England reinforce our traditional philosophy rather than trying to play all continental, play to our strengths and we may see a change.

Other points or reforms to the set-up:

- Scrap these Friday/Sunday/Monday games. Players systems are messed up, games should be restricted to a Saturday and midweek for Europe. Obviously traditional exceptions for Boxing Day etc remain. This way it should hopefully reduce player burnout who for the most part of the season is playing 2-3 games in 5 days.

- WBArgo makes a sound point in developing protection for academies, in addition to this encourage more clubs to set them up. Restrict the number of foreign nationals allowed in a starting XI, scrap this proposed new league which will serve to do nothing less than the youth leagues already developed. In order to make the youth leagues a better experience for young players, lower the prices and get clubs encouraging local youngsters to attend, it builds relationships between young fans and their club too, as well as helping young players.

- Allow players to flourish with individuality, talent is being coached out of players by coaches telling players to do things a certain way. By all means install a system of play like mentioned at the start but allow players to develop with individuality, should give the National manager more of a choice for selection when it comes to fruition.

- Stop giving caps out like confetti, Alf Ramsey in the run-up to 1966 built a squad and stuck with it, I suggest Hodgson does the same. What good does giving out 1 or 2 caps to 20-30 players do if none of them get a further opportunity. Additionally pick players based on their quality AND form, not just form, when  it comes to the stage that players like Glen Johnson, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are picked for the squad over Micah Richards and our very own Joleon Lescott then something is severely wrong.

- Stop the media giving us extra hype, links into Psalm's post. A typical example is the penalty shootout, yes we all know the pressure but for an England player the pressure is ten times worse because before each match all we get is this tirade of 'England never win at penalties etc'. The media expect too much and slate the national team, why not give them support for once like the press of Germany do with the German team?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on July 17, 2014, 08:29:07 PM
All the failures got rid of their head coaches but we our worst world cup in 50 years decide to plod on with what we have got.Typical suits at the FA aint got no balls

Fortunately the FA are aware that English football’s problems run far deeper than just sacking the manager.

Hodgson is the Head Coach, not a miracle worker.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 17, 2014, 09:12:10 PM
We had the hardest group in the tournament and that's reflected by the three other nations being in the top 20.

Please do not make excuses for them.

Italy were hardly the invincible of previous eras were they? Infact, if you saw any of their games you would have noticed that they looked incredibly poor as they showed in both of their games against Costa Rica and Uruguay - furthemore, they were hardly brilliant against us either but we somehow conjoured up some idiotic ways of losing a football match.

Costa Rica were widely regarding as the whipping boys of group and look how they performed - it is quite amazing what a bit of desire, bravery, organisation and determination can do. Qualites we were lacking.

For us to finish bottom of the group having played so poorly throughout all three matches and yet Roy Hodgson can still keep his job is laughable to be quite honest.

But, there's always four years time!

And then they can embarrass the nation again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 17, 2014, 09:33:32 PM
I think the issue lies with academy kids and lack of protection. Look at Izzy Brown, a great prospect, poached away at a net loss. Why the hell as a club would you then invest in a grade A academy with zero protection? Until some sort of percentage sell on clause is attached to all academy kids, academies up and down the country will be more of a novelty than a front runner for all football clubs. That is how you develop players, it's not to do with foreigners or passion.

You make a good point about acadamies but for me personally there are a number of more pertinent issues that go unaddressed.

This nation has a problem in producing coaches - especially modernised coaches who are more up to date with how football should be played. i.e. fast paced, possession, pressing etc. In terms of coaching the stats make quite humilating reading and I'm sure the cost of taking the coaching courses does people no favours whatsoever who would like to get into football but are turned away by the price. In England there are only around 3,000 coaches who hold Uefa A/B & pro licenses in comparison to Spain and Italy who have figures above 20,000 and Germany who put all them to shame with over 33,000 registered coaches at Uefa's highest levels. The frighteneing statistic I saw was that we have one Uefa registed coach for every 852 players whereas Spain have one registered coach for every 17 players.

Our grass roots pitches are hardly desirable either if they're not covered with cans of lager or packets of crisps. There are very little footballing facilities around and throughout coaching sessions I've seen there is a certain nepotism throughout those games. i.e. the manager playing his son and his nephews etc at the expense of others and then there is the urge for winning which is always a good thing but for me at those levels winning should be of secondary importance with the ability to master the ball and pass the ball being the primary importance - on much smaller pitches. You could then place forward the argument about whether young players have studied the game enough - learning a varying range of tactics and what is expected from a different system. All of which you would hope will help youngsters build a footballing brain. St Georges' Park serves as nothing more than an FA vanity project in my opinion - what about the rest of the country?

This EPPP is also the biggest load of nonsense I've heard in a long while which is nothing that a self serving project for the bigger clubs to sweep up the best talent in those younger age categories. Those bigger clubs will target and poach the more technical footballers (and then ruin them) meaning the lower league clubs have to pick from the rest of the pool which is hardly inspiring and certainly based on physical attribute rather than technical. The EPPP project has also seen clubs in the lower leagues withdraw their acadamies because the costs do not match up and it is pointless for them if any good youngster can be poached away for peanuts.

And then you have the Premier League - the organisation who in my opinion run football in this country. You're going to get nowhere in improving youngsters in this country unless the FA can fathom the balls to put measures in place which focus on development of younger footballers. Unfortunately, the power medallion has swung the wrong way and I'm sure the FA are more than happy to have their slice of the money juggernaut the Premier League brings meaning acadamies are yet again pushed on the back burner.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 21, 2014, 03:14:44 PM
Gerrard retires.

Next scenario - Rooney given captaincy.

YAWN
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on July 21, 2014, 03:37:55 PM
Surely the last of England's so called 'Golden Generation'. Not a difficult decision as he is now past his best.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 21, 2014, 03:41:53 PM
Always knew he would retire. Not unexpected.

Poor World Cup for him personally too.

Interesting to see who gets it next
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on July 21, 2014, 03:46:36 PM
Great player but never really transferred his club form for his country for a number of reasons.

He looked way past his best in Brazil so its a good decision.  It will no doubt extend his career by a few years.

I think he is genuinely concerned about his place in the Liverpool team now.  His legs have gone which was a huge part of his game. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 21, 2014, 03:51:57 PM
Great player but never really transferred his club form for his country for a number of reasons.

He looked way past his best in Brazil so its a good decision.  It will no doubt extend his career by a few years.

I think he is genuinely concerned about his place in the Liverpool team now.  His legs have gone which was a huge part of his game.

Love that phrase in football, always have!

Now I imagine Gerrard like this....

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/67869000/jpg/_67869075_wheel.jpg)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on July 21, 2014, 05:00:38 PM
Always expected that from Gerrard he was poor throughout the World Cup and I cant remember him having that many great games for England. I hope England pick the likes of Stones and Flanagan for the Euro Qualifiers coming up soon.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 21, 2014, 08:25:52 PM
Always knew he would retire. Not unexpected.

Poor World Cup for him personally too.

Interesting to see who gets it next
It's gotta be Joe Hart. He's head and shoulders above the rest.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 03, 2014, 08:06:48 AM
Fans voting with their feet tonight then.Half full stadium
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on September 03, 2014, 08:45:45 AM
The problem in this country is that all football fans are seduced by the flamboyant and charismatic overseas players that play in the Prem every week.
Lokk how many of the top teams have English players in them, we all know that thas is why the English game suffers and will do for years until we allow some of the home grown talent to flourish.
At the moment we do not have a world class player in the England Team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 03, 2014, 10:30:46 AM
Looking at the forward players we have tonight in Rooney, Sturridge, Ox and Sterling im happy with the potential that has for a few years

I think we lack a little quality at the back.

Be happy when I see Luke Shaw fit and playing

Looking forward to seeing Jones and Cahill play together

Good luck to Jon Stones too...there is a position up for grabs their.

Im hoping Micah Richards gets his mojo back with Fiorentina as think he could force his way back into the squad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 03, 2014, 01:01:25 PM
Looking forward to the game tonight, In Roy we trust.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 03, 2014, 09:56:10 PM
1-0 win. Typical England friendly really, played some decent stuff at times.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 03, 2014, 10:02:20 PM
Another boring international performance.

If offered the opportunity I'd get rid of international football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Foster#1 on September 03, 2014, 10:03:10 PM
Another boring international performance.

If offered the opportunity I'd get rid of international football.

Good job we'll never be given the opportunity.

Decent performance but very boring.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 03, 2014, 10:03:38 PM
Played some half decent stuff but it's really not entertaining too watch at times.

Was falling asleep during match
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 04, 2014, 09:13:58 AM
England similar to the Albion.Scared to loose football
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on September 04, 2014, 10:04:30 AM
On paper its a decent team, full of potential but plenty of European experience.  Most of these players play for the top 5 or 6 teams in the country.


For me the 4-4-2 formation is so dated.   I can't recall many (if any) Premier League sides using it these days and also national teams at the World Cup.  The players are not suited to it.  We need to find a formation that suits the players and stick to it.  The same formation should be used right down to each youth age group.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2014, 11:21:15 AM
Need to build a dynamic team around Raheem Sterling. Get on it Roy!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on September 04, 2014, 11:27:50 AM
Think we do need to build a team around Sterling and Sturridge.

Our best 2 players over the last season or so. Think Barkley would replace Wilshere for me once hes fully fit and on form.

Think the move to Arsenal may do Welbeck the world of good.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2014, 09:29:20 PM
Think we do need to build a team around Sterling and Sturridge.

Our best 2 players over the last season or so. Think Barkley would replace Wilshere for me once hes fully fit and on form.

Think the move to Arsenal may do Welbeck the world of good.


Do you? I think Welbeck is a pile of pooh.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 05, 2014, 05:08:58 PM
Jack wilshire Just said they didnt get enough credit for the World Cup :o Brainwashed by the FA
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiebulldog on September 05, 2014, 05:16:00 PM
anyone going to switzerland?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 05, 2014, 05:48:42 PM
Jack wilshire Just said they didnt get enough credit for the World Cup :o Brainwashed by the FA

I think he's got a point. We weren't as bad as some have suggested, there was much more to be positive about than the World Cup in 2010.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 05, 2014, 07:10:07 PM
I think he's got a point. We weren't as bad as some have suggested, there was much more to be positive about than the World Cup in 2010.

Lost two drawn one and bottom of the group... No wonder you don't mind Irvine mate...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 05, 2014, 07:56:21 PM
I found nothing positive from that World Cup about England. infact it opened my eyes to the decline of our national team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 05, 2014, 09:08:27 PM
Lost two drawn one and bottom of the group... No wonder you don't mind Irvine mate...

Ouch!  :o

The Italy and Uruguay games could have gone either way, we definitely didn't deserve to lose both but that's football and matches are sometimes won and lost by fine margins. Euro 2016 will be the tournament that define's Hodgson's reign.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on September 06, 2014, 10:14:27 AM
Ouch!  :o

The Italy and Uruguay games could have gone either way, we definitely didn't deserve to lose both but that's football and matches are sometimes won and lost by fine margins. Euro 2016 will be the tournament that define's Hodgson's reign.
How many times do we hear from players that you make your own luck in football or the better you are the luckier you are  ;)

England are s**t and will always be s**t. Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluded. We've had all the rhetoric about making changes to make us better but in fact we've got worse. Yes we have some great youth talent but we never are a team and that's our downfall.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on September 08, 2014, 08:10:46 AM
A point would be a very good result tonight. Considering the amount of injuries we have. Optimistic but I'm looking forward to this young team playing tonight, a tough test for them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 08, 2014, 08:22:59 AM
For the first time in my life i wont be rushing home to watch England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 08, 2014, 09:45:26 AM
Too many players in their comfort zone. Multi millionaires who ain't bothered if they lose for England as they get a huge paycheck at the end of the month. No hunger!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 08, 2014, 10:47:06 AM
I would take a draw all day long against Switzerland tonight.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 08, 2014, 11:18:06 AM
Lets not rule out the Swiss here they are 9 places above us in the rankings table.

Tough game for us and injuries now mean not even the best XI can be put out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on September 08, 2014, 11:21:08 AM
Positive result for us tonight I think. I'm going for 1-0 England with Welbeck to score
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 08, 2014, 11:24:59 AM
Do these guys get a wage playing for England?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 08, 2014, 11:26:23 AM
If players play to true levels then we will beat them of that I have no doubt.

Just dont think we are that nice to watch at the min and I dont fancy them when it matters
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 08, 2014, 02:21:35 PM
Delph starts the game for England tonight i hear
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on September 08, 2014, 02:46:16 PM
Do these guys get a wage playing for England?

They get a fee for playing for England. In the past they have given all their fees to Charity though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 08, 2014, 02:49:14 PM
Do these guys get a wage playing for England?

They do, but they donate it to charity. I believe all international players are required to be paid (which is why there's often a lot of arguments between African nations and their players at tournaments over their bonus').


This is a huge game for Hodgson, he needs to be brave and go for a win. His position will become nearly untenable otherwise, though I suspect the FA will stick with him whatever, the fans and press will turn against him completely if he goes negatively. The 0-0 in Ukraine last year was desperately negative but could somewhat be justified, no excuses for not going for the 3 points here.

Switzerland are a decent side but they're really not a top tier side, they did lose 5-0 to France in the world cup and finished 3rd in the Euro 2012 qualifying behind us and Montenegro.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 08, 2014, 04:33:14 PM
Just had a look at their squad - Xhaka, Shaqiri, Stocker, Inler, Behrami, Lichtsteiner, Seferovic. Definitely not a team that will roll over. Do we have anyone of Shaqiri's quality? Sterling may get there, but he's not anywhere near yet.

This is going to be tough.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 08, 2014, 09:55:19 PM
Good performance. Sterling MOTM, thought Delph also did well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 08, 2014, 10:19:39 PM
Cahill MOTM for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 08, 2014, 10:54:28 PM
Good performance. Sterling MOTM, thought Delph also did well.

Lucky not to be sent off within 24 minutes but improved after that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 09, 2014, 08:12:37 AM
Much Better, san marino next
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on September 09, 2014, 08:35:59 AM
A pretty decent performance, from everyone last night, scored too good goals, thought we looked relatively solid. I thought the Swiss were very average last night I was expecting them to take the game to us more.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 09, 2014, 09:26:47 AM
Actually enjoyed watching them last night for the first time in a good long while. Sterling was the standout for me, great to see Welbeck get a couple of goals and perform well after the stick he gets and it was just a better team performance.

Still plenty to work on no doubt about it but its just a glimmer of hope there after last night.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 09, 2014, 09:29:54 AM
once Delph settled down he looked pretty good too, got  a great engine
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 09, 2014, 10:48:31 AM
England are always similar in qualifiers and friendlies but useless when it really matters. Switzerland aren't anything special, at the world cup they were awful when they got thumped 5-2 by France and they parked the bus against Argentina.

Fabian Delph's "engine" will mean absolutely nothing when it really matters, his lack of match intelligence and footballing technique will show him up for the distinctly average footballer he is.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on September 09, 2014, 11:14:18 AM
Need to look past the Villa link, he was decent after a shakey start. He looked like a school kid getting his first game, full of energy and flying into tackles. Could have easily been sent off. After that he settled and played well.

Like others have said, actually enjoyed last nights game, first time for a while.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 09, 2014, 11:16:31 AM
Need to look past the Villa link, he was decent after a shakey start. He looked like a school kid getting his first game, full of energy and flying into tackles. Could have easily been sent off. After that he settled and played well.

Like others have said, actually enjoyed last nights game, first time for a while.


It's nothing to do with the Villa link. Delph isn't good enough and when it comes to top games against top teams he'll look the level he is. Same as Welbeck and Jones and others.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 09, 2014, 11:34:57 AM
Enjoyed the 2nd half but wasnt too impressed with the 1st. Thought we looked fairly solid in all though.

Delph played well, Sterling did too and Welbeck was great with 2 good team goals to boot.

Defence held well, liked the look of Stones

As others have said first time ive enjoyed watching England in a long time

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on September 09, 2014, 11:40:20 AM

It's nothing to do with the Villa link. Delph isn't good enough and when it comes to top games against top teams he'll look the level he is. Same as Welbeck and Jones and others.

That wasn't directed at you. Just in general, some may write him off as he plays for Villa. He deserved credit for last night, you can only play whats infront of you. Likewise Welbeck, he had a very good game, plenty of effort and ran the channels well. Took his goals well even if the first was a bit lucky off the shin.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 09, 2014, 12:18:09 PM
I think Delph is the perfect exemplar of englands fundamental issue,
ie, we do not have the quality of player to compete with the big boys, patriotism , energy, grit will only get us so far.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 09, 2014, 12:25:58 PM
Jones. never an international
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 09, 2014, 02:46:51 PM
Fantastic win against a tough Switzerland side who are 9th in the rankings. I enjoyed the football we played and Sterling is a joy to watch when he's running with the ball.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 09, 2014, 06:42:28 PM
Next England Manager.Tony Pulis i hear :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 09, 2014, 06:55:15 PM
Fabian Delph's "engine" will mean absolutely nothing when it really matters, his lack of match intelligence and footballing technique will show him up for the distinctly average footballer he is.

Agreed. Unfortunately you can replace Delph's name with many of the English players currently playing in the Premier League right now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 09, 2014, 07:26:25 PM
Delph works well in that formation and should keep his place, played smartly that could take down good teams.

People generally over estimate how good a lot of the big teams are, its a big failing of the England team in how much undue respect we tend to show to teams. Look at how we played Italy, showed so much respect to Pirlo who really did not deserve it which showed when he had Costa Rican and Uruguayan midfielders swarming all over him the next two games and was very poor. England don't currently have the players to stand toe to toe with the very best, but the world cup showed you really don't need that. Delph is not a top player but neither were most the US, Chilean or Costa Rican players who scared the life out of better teams than England.

England's strength should be we have some potentially world class counter attacking talents, our midfield isn't going to destroy or control teams but what they can do is bloody their nose, people like Delph are perfect for that. Look at the Chile team that played against Spain, on paper the Spanish midfield beat them in every conceivable way but the sheer energy of their team forced them into mistakes and didn't let them into the game.

This England squad isn't going to win Euro 2016 but with clever tactics (not trying to out pass better teams, not standing off waiting for them to cut through you and instead get in their face...) we should be a lot more of a threat than we looked at the world cup. Unfortunately that's not really Hodgson's style but hopefully he too learned a lot of lessons from how Chile and Costa Rica took down superior sides.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 10, 2014, 09:35:47 AM
our friendly with Scotland in November apparently cause for concern
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 10, 2014, 11:12:29 AM
our friendly with Scotland in November apparently cause for concern

Im not suprised, they are looking a half decent team at the min. But they will tail off eventually they always do, not enough consistency in the team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 10, 2014, 11:18:31 AM
Im not suprised, they are looking a half decent team at the min. But they will tail off eventually they always do, not enough consistency in the team


 More so politically according to listening to the radio this morning
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 10, 2014, 11:21:13 AM
What a load of tosh. Political problems should not come into the football field.

If they set that precedent then they can do it to other nations where we have "issues"..

Its ridiculous
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on September 10, 2014, 07:04:03 PM
our friendly with Scotland in November apparently cause for concern
Move the fixture to Andorra. Then we'd see some rubber crumb filling the air. ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DevonBaggie on October 02, 2014, 01:49:15 PM
Hodgson has gone down in my estimation by saying this.

Hodgson: 'Lambert is in the squad on merit. He impressed me somewhat last season, and moreso after his summer move to Liverpool. He was good during the world cup, and although he hasn't played as much so far this season, he's still been impressive. His place wasn't in doubt in my mind. I know there has been calls for Berahino to replace him, and he has been playing and scoring for my other old team West Brom. But people don't understand the gravitas of playing for Liverpool. Lambert playing infrequently for Liverpool is still a step up than playing and scoring for West Brom in my mind.'

Thats going to do Berahinos confidence a whole load of good, says a lot about england selections in general
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 02, 2014, 01:52:53 PM
Lambert playing infrequently for Liverpool is still a step up than playing and scoring for West Brom in my mind.'

Really??  Thats not a clever thing to be saying Roy!

That statement should be hanging on the wall in our changing room saturday I hope.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on October 02, 2014, 01:54:54 PM
Hodgson has gone down in my estimation by saying this.

Hodgson: 'Lambert is in the squad on merit. He impressed me somewhat last season, and moreso after his summer move to Liverpool. He was good during the world cup, and although he hasn't played as much so far this season, he's still been impressive. His place wasn't in doubt in my mind. I know there has been calls for Berahino to replace him, and he has been playing and scoring for my other old team West Brom. But people don't understand the gravitas of playing for Liverpool. Lambert playing infrequently for Liverpool is still a step up than playing and scoring for West Brom in my mind.'

Thats going to do Berahinos confidence a whole load of good, says a lot about england selections in general
So much for always picking the best player at that time for the job. Berahino is streets ahead of where Lambert is THIS SEASON, tghis statement is an absolute damning enditement of the selection process. But lets be honest, we always new the score with England anyway, just ask Bomber and Derek Statham, Ray Barlow, Joe Kennedy, the list goes on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 02, 2014, 02:02:46 PM
Strange statement from Roy. Won't do himself any favours with that. Stupid thing to come out and say but I hope that fuels the fire for Berahino and he scores again the weekend
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Floydy on October 02, 2014, 02:05:49 PM
I think Hodgson still remembers how Saido was 2-3 years ago with his off-field behaviour / attitude. Maybe this is influencing his thinking currently?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: richjonawba on October 02, 2014, 02:38:02 PM
Even Crouch should be in there over Lambert, atleast he's playing and scoring.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 02, 2014, 03:24:07 PM
Even Crouch should be in there over Lambert, atleast he's playing and scoring.

Good call, Crouch would indeed be a better option. Probably got better feet than Lambert as well
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on October 02, 2014, 03:30:27 PM
Another 'YAWN' England squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on October 02, 2014, 03:39:02 PM
Hodgson has gone down in my estimation by saying this.

Hodgson: 'Lambert is in the squad on merit. He impressed me somewhat last season, and moreso after his summer move to Liverpool. He was good during the world cup, and although he hasn't played as much so far this season, he's still been impressive. His place wasn't in doubt in my mind. I know there has been calls for Berahino to replace him, and he has been playing and scoring for my other old team West Brom. But people don't understand the gravitas of playing for Liverpool. Lambert playing infrequently for Liverpool is still a step up than playing and scoring for West Brom in my mind.'

Thats going to do Berahinos confidence a whole load of good, says a lot about england selections in general

Do we have a source for this statement?  I'm trying to find the full statement or video, but can't see anything out there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tgd26 on October 02, 2014, 03:50:17 PM
That's a shocking statement if true!

I know it's not really a great comparison but it's similar to saying as a manager not really doing it at Liverpool stands you in better stead to be England manager than finishing comfortable mid table with the Albion like Roy did. Both are equally ridiculous as each other.

Surely, if Saido is banging them in playing for an inferior team that puts him ahead a Lambert who isn't setting the world alight playing in a more experienced\expensive Liverpool team?

So much for giving youth a chance and also playing the form players!

For what it's worth, I don't think that Saido automatically deserves a call up to the senior squad BUT I also don't think Lambert should get in based solely on the 'gravitas' of playing for Liverpool.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on October 02, 2014, 04:13:21 PM
Hodgson: 'Lambert is in the squad on merit REALLY . He impressed me somewhat last season, and moreso after his summer move to Liverpool. He was good during the world cup REALLY , and although he hasn't played as much so far this season, he's still been impressive NO SERIOUSLY ROY, REALLY . His place wasn't in doubt in my mind  ???  ::) . I know there has been calls for Berahino to replace him, and he has been playing and scoring for my other old team West Brom well done Roy, not totally lost ya marbles then . But people don't understand the gravitas of playing for Liverpool REALLY . Lambert playing infrequently for Liverpool is still a step up than playing and scoring for West Brom in my mind NOW THATS JUST A LOAD OF OLD B******S UNCLE ROY .'

If you don't think SB is ready for a full England debut, fine, I think a lot of WBA fans would agree with you but ffs don't come out with shi'te like that, don't know whether your still trying to gain some respect off the scouser's but they shat on you Mr Hodgson, get over it. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on October 02, 2014, 05:54:45 PM
Sowwy Roy, but you've weally gone down in my estimation. Gwavitas my awse!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on October 02, 2014, 06:55:39 PM
Where's the source can't find it anywhere on the web ?.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 02, 2014, 07:24:42 PM
If Roy has said that playing infrequently for Liverpool is a step up on playing regularly and scoring for West Brom then I've lost all respect for him as a manager and I hope he gets sacked
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on October 02, 2014, 07:34:18 PM
Where's the source can't find it anywhere on the web ?.

Same here.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on October 02, 2014, 07:54:10 PM
I've been looking for hours now and have found nothing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 02, 2014, 10:54:49 PM


Surely, if Saido is banging them in playing for an inferior team that puts him ahead a Lambert who isn't setting the world alight playing in a more experienced\expensive Liverpool team?




ESPECIALLY in the case of a striker. A striker at a "top" club is likely to be getting better regular service than a striker gets at a "lesser" club - generally.

I don't personally think Berahino is ready for an England call up if I'm honest but Lambert shouldn't be there either. He isn't an international standard striker, never has been, never will be and he isn't good enough for a Liverpool team expecting to challenge for the title either - again never has been, never will be.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on October 03, 2014, 12:00:34 AM
Those Hodgson "quotes" are made up, googling them only brings up West Brom sites.

The reason Berahino isn't in the England squad is the under 21's have an important play off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 09, 2014, 08:01:43 PM
Well it looks pretty certain that Wayne Rooney will break Sir Bobby Charlton's England scoring record, but i cant help wondering how Sir Bobby would have got on if he got to play against minnows Like San Marino, Andorra and the like.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 10, 2014, 06:33:24 AM
Its about time that UEFA realised that the like of San Marino, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg etc are never going to be anything except a training game for the rest of Europe. Even the fans can't be bothered to turn out to watch a game of attack v defence.
San Marino not won any of their last 57 games.
Why can't UEFA organise a different competition for these lesser footballing nations? At least one of them would be in with a chance of winning something
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 10, 2014, 09:09:56 AM
Its about time that UEFA realised that the like of San Marino, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg etc are never going to be anything except a training game for the rest of Europe. Even the fans can't be bothered to turn out to watch a game of attack v defence.
San Marino not won any of their last 57 games.
Why can't UEFA organise a different competition for these lesser footballing nations? At least one of them would be in with a chance of winning something

I agree, it doesn't help make England better and it wont teams like Luxembourg better either. San Marino have lost their last 64 games. I only watched the goals on last night how can people get excited and look forward to a game like that. I think there should be a qualifying system for those countries to be able to get into the European Qualifiers.   
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 10, 2014, 09:37:39 AM
Feel sorry for them to be honest. Having to get beat like that on a regular basis. They barely ever score let alone win!

Went to Wembley last night thought we didn't play to bad against a side that was just to stay in its own half. Often can be tough to break down, but the job got done.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on October 10, 2014, 09:38:37 AM
Didn't even watch a minute of the game and only found out we were playing yesterday morning. Bring back the England stadium roadshow - much better than Wembley.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 10, 2014, 11:09:16 AM
Anyone going down the custard to support Saido ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on October 10, 2014, 11:57:59 AM
Feel sorry for them to be honest. Having to get beat like that on a regular basis. They barely ever score let alone win!
Feel quite jealous myself. Although the San Marino players are far better than me, I would have loved to have a San Marinan grandfather to give me a chance at International football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: rajesh-wba on October 10, 2014, 12:02:20 PM
Anyone going down the custard to support Saido ?

Yes- off tonight. Never attended a live U21 England game previously. Apparently expecting a decent crowd tonight. Looking forward to see how Saido gets on later today.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 10, 2014, 12:05:40 PM
Yes- off tonight. Never attended a live U21 England game previously. Apparently expecting a decent crowd tonight. Looking forward to see how Saido gets on later today.

I see Southgate encouraging the locals to get behind Saido. No doubt the idiots constatly jeer and boo him  >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 10, 2014, 06:44:54 PM
Not playing well so far. Kane is a greedy so and so.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on October 13, 2014, 03:24:15 PM
In the Metro today they compared Fabian Delph to Carlton Palmer. I know he's not world class but he's not that bad, he can at least play a bit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: geoff on October 14, 2014, 10:54:58 AM
Croatia v England u21

http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=284971&part=sports

http://www.firstrows.eu/
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Norfolk Baggie on October 14, 2014, 12:28:10 PM
Croatia v England u21

http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=284971&part=sports

http://www.firstrows.eu/

Thanks for this.  Really looking forward to this tonight.  Have to say for me U21s is more interesting than the full team at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 14, 2014, 01:38:52 PM
Thanks for this.  Really looking forward to this tonight.  Have to say for me U21s is more interesting than the full team at the moment.

Don't think there would be much interest here if it wasn't for Berahino.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on October 14, 2014, 03:00:59 PM
Don't think there would be much interest here if it wasn't for Berahino.

Very much true I believe. Similarly why I am more interested in Northern Ireland with McAuley, Baird, Brunt than in my native Republic of Ireland this qualifying campaign.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on October 15, 2014, 12:23:54 PM
Southgate's done an absolutely brilliant job with the under 21's. Pick's the players who want to be there, has them playing a really nice possession style of football, and has really developed a lot of the players since they've been with him. In particular Tom Carroll, James Ward-Prowse, and Will Hughes seem better for Southgate than at club level. Also kept going with Berahino in his rough patch and is in no small part helping his resurgence.

A good u-21 final tournament and he should be the main contender if Hodgson steps down after 2016. Someone who actually understands the national team, develops the players, get's them playing a progressive style and by all accounts seems to have a great rapport with the team. You don't need to have a great club track record to be a good international manager.

Unfortunately, he's really not getting the credit he deserves for doing such a wonderful job thus far.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 15, 2014, 01:16:18 PM
On the flipside of that, I was dissapointed to see Berahino wasted on the wide left. He looked lost and annoyed out there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BAGGIES4LIFE on October 15, 2014, 02:10:24 PM
On the flipside of that, I was dissapointed to see Berahino wasted on the wide left. He looked lost and annoyed out there

Reminds me of when Tony Brown played his only international, stuck him on the left wing,didnt get a touch, took off after 70 minutes for Allan Clarke (Leeds) who immediately went up front! - still grates me!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 27, 2014, 01:58:30 PM
Anyone going to the Scotland game :-\
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Floydy on November 06, 2014, 08:52:40 AM
EA Sports pick 23-man England squad based on official Performance Data

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2822384/Wayne-Rooney-Joe-Hart-DROPPED-England-Charlie-Austin-Fraser-Forster-according-EA-data.html#ixzz3IHCxEzBW


Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart should be omitted from Roy Hodgson's England XI to face Slovenia - according to the Premier League's official player ranking index provided by EA Sports.

Taking into account every second of every English player's performances in the Premier League this season, EA have provided a balanced squad of the 23 most in-form players, and from that a best XI.

Rooney and Hart - the only representatives from the Manchester clubs - make the squad but do not make the XI.

The index has instead Southampton's Fraser Forster starting ahead of Manchester City's Hart, while QPR's Charlie Austin and West Brom's Saido Berahino are preferred to Manchester United's Rooney up front.

Berahino - the highest-rated player in the squad - is one of three West Brom players picked, making them the joint-most represented club along with Southampton and West Ham.

City and United, meanwhile, have the same number of representatives in the squad (1) as Crystal Palace, Hull, QPR and Stoke.

Just nine of England's World Cup squad make the 23, but the centre back pairing from Brazil of Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are retained in the XI.

Of Hodgson's last starting XI, who played Estonia last month, only four make the EA XI.

Raheem Sterling, who came off the bench in that match, is one star name who does make the cut, as does his Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson.

There is no place in the squad for Jack Wilshere, with West Ham's Mark Noble starting in midfield alongside Henderson.

This squad will surely be widely different from Hodgson's - named on Thursday for the qualifier on Novermber 15 - but it certainly raises some interesting questions regarding selection.

Fraser Forster Southampton Goalkeeper 119
Joe Hart Manchester City Goalkeeper 97
Ben Foster West Brom Goalkeeper 89
Leighton Baines Everton Full back 186
Ryan Bertrand Southampton Full back 171
Nathaniel Clyne Southampton Full back 160
Aaron Cresswell West Ham Full back 155
Gary Cahill  Chelsea Centre back 149
Phil Jagielka Everton Centre back 146
Ryan Shawcross Stoke City Centre back 132
Craig Dawson West Brom Centre back 118
Jordan Henderson Liverpool Central midfield 150
Mark Noble West Ham Central midfield 144
Gareth Barry Everton Central midfield 124
Tom Huddlestone Hull City Central midfield 121
Raheem Sterling Liverpool Winger 211
Stewart Downing West Ham Winger 207
Nathan Dyer Swansea City Winger 131
Wayne Routledge Swansea City Winger 122
Saido Berahino West Brom Striker 235
Charlie Austin QPR Striker 156
Fraizer Campbell Crystal Palace Striker 137
Wayne Rooney Manchester United Striker 127


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on November 06, 2014, 10:07:38 AM
Cheers for that Floydy.  Very interesting.


Heaven forbid the England manager picks players based on their performances.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 06, 2014, 11:00:56 AM
Can almost guarantee Lambert will be in the squad yet has hardly kicked a ball all season.

Got a funny feeling Theo Walcott will make the squad too despite playing 30 minutes of football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on November 06, 2014, 11:55:47 AM
Ricky Lambert has done nothing this season he doesn't deserve to be picked. I bet Theo Waclott will be picked which will please Arsene Wegner.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 06, 2014, 12:24:46 PM
If Lambert gets picked ahead of Berahino then I give up on England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBASPE77 on November 06, 2014, 12:48:48 PM
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster, Ben Foster and Joe Hart

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Calum Chambers, Nathaniel Clyne, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling.

Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott.

Forwards: Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Welbeck and Saido Berahino.

I would have had Austin in for Lambet, Townsend hasnt done a great deal this season, Carrick and Walcott have hardly played at all this season. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on November 06, 2014, 01:45:55 PM
I dont know how Chris Smalling gets in these squads.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on November 06, 2014, 01:48:01 PM
I dont know how Chris Smalling gets in these squads.

I do. He plays for Man Utd.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on November 06, 2014, 02:17:55 PM
So happy for Berahino getting into the squad. Hopefully Slovenia will give up a decent fight and not just sit back.

If Dawson continues his impressive form, then maybe we could see him on the fringes, but I think he's not quite good enough to be a starting centre back for England. He could be in the future, but not right now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Silver Thostle on November 06, 2014, 05:05:51 PM
On the up, COYB!!!!

Now we have Foster and Saido in the FULL England squad, well done lads.  :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Who next?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on November 06, 2014, 05:34:12 PM
Well Hodgon's manager, and Ashworth is England's technical director.

By all rights Lescott should really be in the squad ahead of Smalling too who's done nothing other than get sent off in his last match.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 06, 2014, 06:10:35 PM
Id have Lescott over Smalling all day long..

Smalling is a poor poor player
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on November 06, 2014, 11:02:18 PM
Brilliant stuff, let's hope Dawson is next.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 07, 2014, 12:11:17 PM
Bomber would walk into this current team and so would Statham and Batson.
Competiton in the 70s didnt help. for Bomber only to get one cap there must have been some footballer out there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dangerman on November 07, 2014, 12:46:11 PM
Bomber would walk into this current team and so would Statham and Batson.
Competiton in the 70s didnt help. for Bomber only to get one cap there must have been some footballer out there.

I think there is an element of that but also the club wasn't fashionable. Players who played here wasn't generally picked for England.

Bryan Robson's England career didn't really get going until he moved to Utd and Jeff Astle certainly should have had a lot more caps and the same goes for Bomber.

I'm not sure which players were picked over Bomber, but regardless of that he should have had a lot more England caps than 1, that is for sure.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 15, 2014, 11:36:05 AM
This game should have been taken to the fans, have you seen the pitch it's a disgrace . Obviously NFL more important to the money men
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on November 15, 2014, 04:48:58 PM
No start for Saido but ex Baggie Bostjan Cesar starts for Slovenia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on November 15, 2014, 05:01:08 PM
I would imagine he will play a part tonight the FA will be keen for him to.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on November 15, 2014, 05:09:17 PM
Has Berahino scored yet?  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on November 15, 2014, 05:31:48 PM
Has Berahino scored yet?  ;D
Unlikely to seeing as the utterly clueless Wellbeck is playing instead of Saido !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on November 15, 2014, 05:53:29 PM
Watching England is like watching paint dry
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 15, 2014, 05:56:22 PM
Watching England is like watching paint dry


Very much like watching the Albion then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 15, 2014, 06:27:18 PM
Unlikely to seeing as the utterly clueless Wellbeck is playing instead of Saido !!

Tends to score a few though ey?!? Never far from getting stick or goals.
Highly likely we won't see Saido in this one now I think. Always thought he was more likely to get minutes v Scotland.

Caesar still looks a nutter! Did he ever play for us much?!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 15, 2014, 06:29:50 PM
Unlikely to seeing as the utterly clueless Wellbeck is playing instead of Saido !!

And now he has another! He really does get uneccesary stick I feel!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on November 15, 2014, 06:32:10 PM
Tends to score a few though ey?!? Never far from getting stick or goals.
Highly likely we won't see Saido in this one now I think. Always thought he was more likely to get minutes v Scotland.

Caesar still looks a nutter! Did he ever play for us much?!
About 20-odd, id guess 24-25.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on November 15, 2014, 06:55:03 PM
Well that's a couple of hours I won't get back.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 15, 2014, 08:54:41 PM
It will be the same old story, England will romp the group but fail when it really matters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 15, 2014, 08:58:41 PM
Tends to score a few though ey?!?


Welbeck will score a few in meaningless matches and against average opposition. He won't score in world cup finals or in big games against quality opposition when you need him to. In horse racing terms you'd call him a flat track bully.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Brummie Road on November 16, 2014, 09:47:47 AM
No start for Saido but ex Baggie Bostjan Cesar starts for Slovenia

There was an interview with Bostjan Cesar in the matchday programme, and one of the questions to him was about his season in England with Albion, and his response was how much he enjoyed the year and was very complimentary about everyone at the club and the supporters and he commented that he still always looks out for the Albion results.

As for the match itself, up until our equaliser I did feel as if we were making very hard work of it, as with no disrespect to Slovenia, it's not like they are a high profile country from a football perspective and as others have commented, it's hard to see the England team having a great impact when we come up against quality opposition.

Prior to his goals, I was really struggling to see what Wellbeck was contributing and at one point he took a whack on the ankle and I was hoping Saido might get a chance, but fair play to Wellbeck in that he clearly ended up justifying being kept on.

We were sitting quite close to the Slovenia supporters and I was surprised at just how many there were, and fair play to them for being a lively bunch, though I think even they were a bit surprised when they took the lead, even if they only had about 60 seconds to bask in the glory. 

But Hodgson's got a tough job here, and while you could argue we're fortunate to have a relatively straightforward qualifying group, when if comes to the crunch in major tournaments it's hard to see us having a major impact.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BRIAN on November 16, 2014, 10:19:10 AM
ATOMIC,I think you are wrong in relating "flat track bully" to horse racing. It is really a cricketing term usually aimed a Graeme Hick by his detractors. No matter how many runs he scored, lots of people outside Worcestershire could not accept his great talent.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 16, 2014, 11:08:05 AM
ATOMIC,I think you are wrong in relating "flat track bully" to horse racing. It is really a cricketing term usually aimed a Graeme Hick by his detractors. No matter how many runs he scored, lots of people outside Worcestershire could not accept his great talent.

Off topic but Hick despite his hundred hundreds was eventually found wanting mentally and against the short ball at the very highest level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 16, 2014, 01:31:01 PM
ATOMIC,I think you are wrong in relating "flat track bully" to horse racing. It is really a cricketing term usually aimed a Graeme Hick by his detractors. No matter how many runs he scored, lots of people outside Worcestershire could not accept his great talent.


That term was a horse racing term before Graeme Hick was batting balls. Not that it really matters.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 17, 2014, 08:53:09 AM
So whos up for the Scotland game :). If our 2 start lets hope its not too physical
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 17, 2014, 10:13:15 AM
Until Slovenia scored it was like watching an Albion game. Sidewards passing and slow moving forward. When they scored it brought England to life and we controlled the game from there.

The pitch was a big talking point in the ground, it was a right mess after the NFL games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on November 17, 2014, 10:25:41 AM
So whos up for the Scotland game :). If our 2 start lets hope its not too physical

That would be the worst an injury to Saido and we would find it very difficult to get a goal from anywhere.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 17, 2014, 03:29:50 PM
Foster going to get pelters then for saying Scotland are kickers
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on November 17, 2014, 04:13:06 PM
Really looking forward to the game tomorrow night, it's going to be a cracking atmosphere.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 17, 2014, 04:24:03 PM
will there be any england supporters there :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 17, 2014, 06:18:51 PM
The FA had to return around 2,000 tickets because we couldn't sell them - pretty poor when you factor in the Scots brought upwards of 15,000 to Wembley.

Really not arsed about the game either such is my dissatisfaction with England and the FA. I take very little emotional interest in the national side and I would not be bothered if Scotland turned us over - dare I say, I might even crack a smile for my Scottish pals.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on November 17, 2014, 06:41:19 PM
It'll be funny to see how many people magically start caring about England again in about 5 years time when the next generation has come through. One of the best European teams at under 21, under 20, under 19, under 18, and under 17 levels at the moment. What's more doing it playing some very good football. At all levels under 21 and below they play a high pressing, passing, attacking style. Well worth watching when they're on tv.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on November 17, 2014, 06:59:31 PM
The FA had to return around 2,000 tickets because we couldn't sell them - pretty poor when you factor in the Scots brought upwards of 15,000 to Wembley.

Really not arsed about the game either such is my dissatisfaction with England and the FA. I take very little emotional interest in the national side and I would not be bothered if Scotland turned us over - dare I say, I might even crack a smile for my Scottish pals.
Unfortunately I have couple mates with same opinion they laughed when we got knocked out of the world cup  ??? Don't get it myself saying you would be happy for the Scots to beat our national team I can't quite understand that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 17, 2014, 07:24:43 PM
Unfortunately I have couple mates with same opinion they laughed when we got knocked out of the world cup  ??? Don't get it myself saying you would be happy for the Scots to beat our national team I can't quite understand that.

I want England to win, no doubting that.

I just have no attachment towards them like I do to the England side in the cricket. I don't buy into all this patriotic nonsense that some people do. I watched the majority of our Ashes campaign where we were thumped 5-0 down under - that hurt. I watched England exit a world cup without laying a punch in their group stages and I didn't really give a toss. Infact, I enjoyed the tournament much more when we were out. If Scotland beat us then well done to them - I'll smile for my mates - I won't lose any sleep over it like I know some people will.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2014, 07:27:52 PM
That's everything wrong with this country! A complete and utter lack of any national pride...I don't get it at all either BobTaylor.

Fair weather national fans, but the first people too cheer and want in on national pride if and when we do anything!

I will always have pride in my national side even if I don't like what I see a lot of the time!

It's why this country has gone to the dogs as no one has any pride in their country anymore
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on November 17, 2014, 07:33:13 PM
That's everything wrong with this country! A complete and utter lack of any national pride...I don't get it at all either BobTaylor.

Fair weather national fans, but the first people too cheer and want in on national pride if and when we do anything!

I will always have pride in my national side even if I don't like what I see a lot of the time!

It's why this country has gone to the dogs as no one has any pride in their country anymore
Unfortunately very true and btw I'm very mild patriotic wise compared to some that follow England all over the country but you can't disagree with that point.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on November 17, 2014, 07:35:42 PM
I want England to win, no doubting that.

I just have no attachment towards them like I do to the England side in the cricket. I don't buy into all this patriotic nonsense that some people do. I watched the majority of our Ashes campaign where we were thumped 5-0 down under - that hurt. I watched England exit a world cup without laying a punch in their group stages and I didn't really give a toss. Infact, I enjoyed the tournament much more when we were out. If Scotland beat us then well done to them - I'll smile for my mates - I won't lose any sleep over it like I know some people will.

If you don't care why would you enjoy the tournament so much more when were out?

People always say that and it makes no sense whatsoever. If you don't care it shouldn't affect your enjoyment of the tournament any more than it did when Russia got knocked out.

So many people go out their way to proclaim just how much they don't care about England, something rings so very false about it when you just know 90% of those people will be back on the bandwagon should England do well in a tournament. It's really no different to only supporting Albion when its a good season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on November 17, 2014, 07:37:37 PM
If you wanted a ticket and you weren't a member of the travel club you had to pay £75 to join that and then £50 for the actual ticket so you are looking at £125 just for the ticket. Travel around 50-70 (maybe more), hotel £60-80 and about 100 for the day out so it would be like just below £400 for a night in Glasgow.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 17, 2014, 07:42:48 PM
That's everything wrong with this country! A complete and utter lack of any national pride...I don't get it at all either BobTaylor.

Fair weather national fans, but the first people too cheer and want in on national pride if and when we do anything!

I will always have pride in my national side even if I don't like what I see a lot of the time!

It's why this country has gone to the dogs as no one has any pride in their country anymore

National pride doesn't bother me in the slightest. What does that even mean?

In terms of England at any sport my emotional interest goes to the Cricket. I'll have an enjoyable following my country, getting up at ridiculous times to watch them. Its my aim to watch a five test match series in Australia. That for me is a passion.

England in international football? I just have no interest.

This country is in the dogs and the reasons are far greater than no 'national pride'.

I take great pride in everything I do - and follow - I just don't enjoy and have very little interest in international football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on November 17, 2014, 07:46:50 PM
I'm with Liam on this, couldn't really care less about the national team, Albion let me down enough as it is  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 17, 2014, 07:50:32 PM
You don't buy into all this patriotic nonsense??  What does that mean exactly?

The way people come across as that you have to live and breathe England.

It's a great country, there's some great people too, I'm proud of being English but that's about it.

To me - its just a country, I was born here, there's nothing more to it.

I'd travel the world if I could - I'd visit my family in Mauritius - I'd take in different cultures.

I wouldn't miss England like some others would - but that's people and each have their different ways and interests.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2014, 07:54:56 PM
Being proud of your country is the first step toward making a better country for me. Not having that national pride means to me couldn't careless what happens to England full stop. You may not agree or understand that and that's your perogative but it's not something I can say I've ever not had.

The politicians are taking away our identity and personally I hate it!

Tell me, if England had won a major tournament and had made the SF or Final of major tournaments over the last 20 years would you feel more love for the national football team or would you still feel disconnected and more hurt at a failing cricket team?

Genuine question that is and not attempting to knock you!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2014, 08:01:42 PM
I have travelled and taken in many cultures and I've been astounded, enthralled and humbled by them.

Wherever I've been though I've felt proud to be English, proud of our Eugby, Cricket and Football teams equally. Proud of their successes and dismayed at their failings.

I'm as connected to my national side as I am my Club and always have been
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 17, 2014, 08:05:12 PM
Being proud of your country is the first step toward making a better country for me. Not having that national pride means to me couldn't careless what happens to England full stop. You may not agree or understand that and that's your perogative but it's not something I can say I've ever not had.

The politicians are taking away our identity and personally I hate it!

Tell me, if England had won a major tournament and had made the SF or Final of major tournaments over the last 20 years would you feel more love for the national football team or would you still feel disconnected and more hurt at a failing cricket team?

Genuine question that is and not attempting to knock you!

Failing cricket team? Wash yeah mouth out!  ;D

I'd be happy for those that follow their country at football religiously. They deserve the success for sticking around.

I'd be happy they won a tournament - just like I was happy at the brilliant Olympics we held in 2012.

Would I go running back to watching England? No. Because from a young age I've had little interest in watching England play international football.

I've been brought up on watching Albion, Warwickshire and England in test match cricket. My good mates in Sheffield have got me into Sheffield Wednesday in the last five years or so. I like watching them as a welcome distraction to Albion.

Those for me are where my passions, interests and emotions lie.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2014, 08:19:38 PM
Fair enough Liam totally respect that!!

I've always loved the national football team. I admit I feel less for them now than I did at Mexico86 or Italia90 but I still hurt like hell when they lose and I'm ecstatic when they win, I feel the same for the cricket team aswell! The only one I don't have as much of an affiliation with is the Rugby team but that's only due to pretty much hating Rugby but I still watch the national team.

I know plenty of others who have the same views you do fella.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on November 17, 2014, 10:41:38 PM
will there be any england supporters there :o
I used to attend this fixture in the late 70's/early 80's. At Hampden, you'd struggle to see an England fan. At Wembley, the Scots would outnumber us 10 to one. This match means everything to a Scottish footie fan. Some England fans may be apathetic to this fixture, but some of us understand the hurt to our near neighbours with defeat. I, for one, would much rather be on the winning side, especially when outnumbered by so much. On a side note, my last visit to Hampden for a Scot v Eng was 30 years ago, and remember very little about the game apart from Steve Hunt entering onto the pitch. I shall feel just as much pride if Saido does the same.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on November 18, 2014, 07:10:43 PM
England starting lineup tonight

1 Forster 2 Clyne 3 Shaw 4 Milner 5 Cahill 6 Smalling 7 Wilshere 8 Downing 9 Welbeck 10 Rooney (c) 11 Oxlade-Chamberlain
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on November 18, 2014, 07:18:22 PM
Scotland: Marshall, Whittaker, Robertson, R. Martin, Hanley, Maloney, Mulgrew, Brown, C. Martin, Naismith, Anya
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 18, 2014, 07:19:00 PM
Scotland line up

Marshall, Whittaker, Hanley, Martin, Robertson, Mulgrew, Brown, Maloney, Anya, Martin, Naismith

Surprised they have continued with Mulgrew ahead of Morrison - thought Gordan Strachan might have opted for a better footballer in the middle of the park.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: smethwickw on November 18, 2014, 07:33:33 PM
I was hoping to see 4 of our players starting tonight. I know Morrison was ill at the weekend but Dorrans hasn't started either game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on November 18, 2014, 07:39:45 PM
Its a strange line up from Hodgson and I am not just saying it because hes not playing Berahino.

However two plus points are Downing being brought back into the fold aswell as Milner starting.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 18, 2014, 07:40:22 PM
No Berahino again!

I see no point in picking the inform English striker then not giving him a start instead let's play the usual suspects!

He will gain no more knowledge about his forward line than he already knows tonight!

Scared to try something! I've lost a lot of respect for Roy this last 12 months
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on November 18, 2014, 08:01:08 PM
Thats my view seems a pointless selection if he wasnt going to start one of the two games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on November 18, 2014, 08:58:13 PM
I'd have been amazed if he'd started the game.

Will be a bit disappointed if he doesn't come on as sub though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on November 18, 2014, 09:08:17 PM
Morrison on for Scotland for second half

England leading 1-0 Oxlade-Chamberlain
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on November 18, 2014, 09:08:27 PM
Thats my view seems a pointless selection if he wasnt going to start one of the two games.
Quite often, a player is brought into the England fold in order for them to become accustomed to the way things are done. Just being among household names can be quite daunting to a newcomer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on November 18, 2014, 09:10:05 PM
2-0 Rooney
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on November 18, 2014, 09:32:49 PM
I don't watch England normally but gave this game a chance as we could have had up to four players on the pitch. Roy has just gone right down in my estimation by bringing Sterling in for an injured Welbeck. I was sure this was Berehinos chance..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Sted1990 on November 18, 2014, 09:42:15 PM
Why no berahino!?!?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 18, 2014, 09:42:38 PM
Oh Ricky Ricky lambert
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on November 18, 2014, 09:43:00 PM
You're taking the urine now, Roy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on November 18, 2014, 09:43:28 PM
Lambert on now, seriously why bother calling Berahino up?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on November 18, 2014, 09:43:42 PM
Roy can eff right off!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: smethwickw on November 18, 2014, 09:44:34 PM
A game of very little quality.  It's like watching paint dry. How bad is Dorrans if he can't get in this side?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 18, 2014, 09:46:28 PM
Dorrans should be ahead of some these guys! Including Morrisson!

Feel sorry for Fozzy, for Saido I guess it's been a good experience to mature him if nothing else.

Ooh a goal! Do we get extra time if its 2-2?! (I wish)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbasoprano on November 18, 2014, 09:47:59 PM
Great goal, sssssshhhhhhh Scotland
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PsalmXXIII on November 18, 2014, 09:48:45 PM
Great goal, sssssshhhhhhh Scotland

Stunning goal. Absolutely fantastically worked.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 18, 2014, 09:53:34 PM
Any of our supporters going into Glasgow for a beer tonight :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 18, 2014, 09:55:18 PM
Not England related but Morrison has done ok since he come on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: smethwickw on November 18, 2014, 09:59:29 PM
Not England related but Morrison has done ok since he come on

If you class lots of sideways and backward passing as ok. He must have forgotten that he's not playing for us tonight. :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 18, 2014, 09:59:58 PM
Rooney will be England's record caps and goals holder

Think England played well I do. Closed down brilliantly all game and the 3rd goal was top class
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on November 18, 2014, 10:00:05 PM
Well apart from checking out Joe Harts magnificent hair SB has been hung out to dry...should have played 90 against France...must wonder how he didnt get at least a half in that game..we have mire or less qualified for the euros...Cheers Roy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: valleybaggie on November 18, 2014, 10:01:14 PM
top english goalscorer in the premiership and not even a run out what a waste of time calling him up
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 18, 2014, 10:07:12 PM
I think he got a good experience of training with "top" players and getting introduced to the England set up. Bit of an anti-climax with the fanfare his call up received.

From a purely England point of view,  I'd want to see the top English Premier League scorer (in mid-November) get minutes on the pitch, even if its just 5-10. Disappointed that Lambert comes in by default. Smalling shouldn't be near the team. There's definitely a problem with the way Roy picks players. Look at Forster suddenly in now they're in the top 2. Is it harsh on Foster?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on November 18, 2014, 10:19:52 PM
C'mon guys! This was no run of the mill friendly. Some of you seem to have got carried away with the media hype about Saido. This would have been a massive step up for a kid. It's ruined some in the past. If he's good enough, his time will come.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on November 18, 2014, 10:20:38 PM
I thought that was a very good England performance, Rooney was excellent. I would have liked to see Berahino come on but he'll get his chance eventually if he keeps progressing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on November 18, 2014, 10:22:59 PM
Firstly, very good performance from England and a very well deserved win. Probably the best Scotland side in a long time and still completely outplayed by our boys.

Secondly, I have no problem with Berahino not getting any minutes on the pitch just being in and around the squad will have been a good experience for him no matter how disappointed he may feel right now. However I just can't for the life of me work out how bringing Rickie Lambert on ahead of him was the right decision. On one had you have the top English goalscorer in the Premier League and on the other you have a player struggling to even get a game for his club and arguably shouldn't have even been in the squad in the first place, joke of a decision from Roy that one.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionBest on November 18, 2014, 10:31:14 PM
Any idea why Forster was preferred to Foster tonight for the full ninety minutes ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 18, 2014, 10:33:56 PM
Very disappointed with Scotland - they're much better than what they showed tonight.

No doubting they missed Steven Fletcher tonight who is vital at bringing Naismith and Maloney into the game. I do wonder how much Friday's battle had taken out of them - many of those players looked dead on their feet in the second half.

Good performance from England. Disappointed with Roy wasting Berahino's time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on November 18, 2014, 10:34:22 PM
Any idea why Forster was preferred to Foster tonight for the full ninety minutes ?

He's a very good keeper and deserved an opportunity to impress in my opinion. Roy has worked with Foster before and knows everything he needs to know about him, a friendly game where his previous experience playing in Scotland at Celtic could have been valuable makes perfect sense to me.

We are blessed having three keepers as good as Hart, Foster and Forster at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on November 18, 2014, 10:36:26 PM
RH must have know from the onset that SB wouldnt take part in either game. Why not let him play against France ( who would have beaten both Slovenia and Scotland) at least he would have had some game time ...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 19, 2014, 12:40:25 PM
I was perplexed by him bringing on Lambert instead of Berahino.

Lambert doesn't even play for his club so he shouldn't even be in the squad.

I like Lambert but last night I was annoyed that he didn't give SB 5-10 mins at the very least. You can learn a lot from being around the squad yes but you learn a lot more from playing in the games. He is top English goalscorer in the Prem if he ever deserved an opportunity it was last night in a friendly which is the last international game till March..

Forster I can understand over Foster as he needed to look at Forster but then why take a look at Forster in a game and not SB but play the regulars upfront who he has seen before!! Baffling

On another note I thought England played well, I actually think Smalling had a good game and I don't rate him in the slightest
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 06, 2015, 08:04:01 AM
I hear Roy might be staying on for the world cups now, i am really not excited by this
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 06, 2015, 08:26:04 AM
I hear Roy might be staying on for the world cups now, i am really not excited by this

Just read that myself.  :o

Really really hope not.

Time for someone else. Neville perhaps.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 06, 2015, 08:32:17 AM
I wouldn't give him a new contract until after the Euros.  It was such a poor WC that he's lucky to be in a job at all.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 06, 2015, 08:35:23 AM
I really wanted him to do well, but Euro 2016 has to be last chance saloon really.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on March 06, 2015, 01:25:43 PM
What do people expect from him? This is the worst England team in years, we've got little coming through, and the selection pool is the shallowest its ever been.

Qualification for the tournament, maybe getting past the group stage, is as good as it will get for the foreseeable.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 06, 2015, 01:30:58 PM
What do people expect from him? This is the worst England team in years, we've got little coming through, and the selection pool is the shallowest its ever been.

Qualification for the tournament, maybe getting past the group stage, is as good as it will get for the foreseeable.

I agree but Hodgson is a bit dour and hardly helps get fans going for the occasion.

I wish Arry would have been given the gig. For two reasons, 1) Hodgson would have stayed with us and 2) he has a lot more character than Roy and there would be more of an air of optimism around the country.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 06, 2015, 01:37:25 PM
What do people expect from him? This is the worst England team in years, we've got little coming through, and the selection pool is the shallowest its ever been.

Qualification for the tournament, maybe getting past the group stage, is as good as it will get for the foreseeable.

I get that, but we finished rock bottom of the group last year.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 06, 2015, 02:27:00 PM
It should be performance dependent, do well at Euro 2016 and he should get the world cup. Fail and he should go. He did a good job in Euro 2012 and the team did poorly at the last world cup - though in a difficult group.

Indeed reading the articles about this that seems how the FA will decide which is surely the only real way to do it.

I agree but Hodgson is a bit dour and hardly helps get fans going for the occasion.

I wish Arry would have been given the gig. For two reasons, 1) Hodgson would have stayed with us and 2) he has a lot more character than Roy and there would be more of an air of optimism around the country.

What exactly would Redknapp bring? He's a populist, he says what the papers want but he has no real answers.After the world cup in 2010 he had a column where his comments amounted to if he were manager he'd have Gerrard and Lampard in the middle, and Crouch up front. He's everything England have tried and failed at already.

Hodgson to his credit has done a great deal to bring youth in, probably too much given that ultimately cost him in the world cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 06, 2015, 02:35:16 PM
how can the England job be performance related. We don't have the players to do the job, whoever was in charge would fail.
Its a bit like employing a decorator without any brushes and then moaning when the painting is 5hite.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 06, 2015, 02:51:18 PM
how can the England job be performance related. We don't have the players to do the job, whoever was in charge would fail.
Its a bit like employing a decorator without any brushes and then moaning when the painting is 5hite.

The team is hardly that bad, currently easing qualifying ahead of Switzerland who made the last 16 at the last world cup. It's fair to say a minimum expectation for Euro 2016 is getting out the group stage, and really probably the quarter final beyond that.

For some reason people lose all logic with England, might not be the best team in the world but far from the awful side a lot make out either.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 06, 2015, 03:27:33 PM
The team is hardly that bad, currently easing qualifying ahead of Switzerland who made the last 16 at the last world cup. It's fair to say a minimum expectation for Euro 2016 is getting out the group stage, and really probably the quarter final beyond that.

For some reason people lose all logic with England, might not be the best team in the world but far from the awful side a lot make out either.

sorry Dan, but I disagree, who do we have who is world class, or even would get in a European top 11?
Answer = no-one.

Who do we have who is an international quality defender = no-one.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 06, 2015, 03:51:52 PM
sorry Dan, but I disagree, who do we have who is world class, or even would get in a European top 11?
Answer = no-one.

Who do we have who is an international quality defender = no-one.

You could say this about a lot of teams though. People look at England through the lense that everyone should be world class. Germany have a very good side, Spain have a good side though are underperforming. Beyond those two there's not a side in Europe that has a top quality 11. Beyond a French side that has some great young talents coming through the rest of Europe is nothing special at the moment (as shown by the world cup really). Traditional heavyweights like Holland and Italy can also have the finger of lack of world class players pointed at them.

16 sides will make the next round of the Euro's, if England aren't one of those it will be an appalling failure. And really we should with 2 years more experience on a young squad make the quarters. This side is a better than the side that made the quarters in 2012. Particularly depth wise.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 06, 2015, 04:29:08 PM
The team is hardly that bad, currently easing qualifying ahead of Switzerland who made the last 16 at the last world cup. It's fair to say a minimum expectation for Euro 2016 is getting out the group stage, and really probably the quarter final beyond that.

For some reason people lose all logic with England, might not be the best team in the world but far from the awful side a lot make out either.

Agree with you on this.

You could have 11 stars but if they cant play as a team whats the point.

We have players who are either very good down to decent, we might not have world class players but if we had a manager who could get us playing to the best of our ability then I think we would still more than match the so called world class teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 06, 2015, 10:29:41 PM
surely we have paid for the best managers and even they have not been able to meld our average players into a truly competitive team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 06, 2015, 10:35:49 PM
I'd love the next manager after Hodgson to be Gary Neville who's already in the England set up. He has a fantastic knowledge of the game as shown in his punditry, I think he'd know how to man manage players, would instantly gain their respect and has played under one of the great managers in Sir Alex. Phil Neville could be assistant.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on March 07, 2015, 06:41:44 AM
I'd love the next manager after Hodgson to be Gary Neville who's already in the England set up. He has a fantastic knowledge of the game as shown in his punditry, I think he'd know how to man manage players, would instantly gain their respect and has played under one of the great managers in Sir Alex. Phil Neville could be assistant.

And you were doing so well up to this point  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: koren on March 19, 2015, 12:45:48 PM
Berahino left out of the England squad  :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 19, 2015, 12:49:05 PM
Berahino left out of the England squad  :(

with Kane on fire, welbeck, sturridge, rooney, walcott, lambert  all fit its no great shock really. ( I haven't checked they have all been picked)

It could be good for us, hopefully he will want "to show em" why he should be in.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on March 19, 2015, 12:49:41 PM
Not suprised to be honest.

Although hes grabbed a couple goals, it was obvious Kane was going to take his place.

Lets just hope it keeps him motivated to get back into the setup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on March 19, 2015, 12:51:36 PM
Also suprised that they havent called another keeper up to make it 3 (with Foster being injured).

Im shocked Walker has got back into the squad too. Hes looked half the player he was last season, whether that be down to the injury or form or what not.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 19, 2015, 01:00:39 PM
It would've been an absolute scandal had Kane not made the squad. he should be in the team and we should be building the team around him.

He has quality and in tournament football it's quality that ultimately matters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on March 19, 2015, 01:09:56 PM
Anybody else think that Lescott deserved a call up over Jagielka, Jones, Smalling

Lescott has had a good season for us and is the same age as Jagielka. I'm disappointed for him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 19, 2015, 01:11:36 PM
Anybody else think that Lescott deserved a call up over Jagielka, Jones, Smalling

Lescott has had a good season for us and is the same age as Jagielka. I'm disappointed for him.


No, he's yesterday's man as far as international football is concerned. England are currently struggling for quality defenders though, I admit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 19, 2015, 01:13:22 PM
Also suprised that they havent called another keeper up to make it 3 (with Foster being injured).

Im shocked Walker has got back into the squad too. Hes looked half the player he was last season, whether that be down to the injury or form or what not.



He [Hodgson] has said Butland is no. 3 but he's with the U21 to get game time. If he needs to be called upon he'll join up as and when needed.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)


Not sure what Barkley's done to be included - really hasn't set the world alight this season from what I've heard. Also not sure why Walker is included, but I'm struggling to think of anyone beyond Clyne who I would have over him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on March 19, 2015, 01:24:19 PM
I don't see how Jagielka, Jones, Smalling can be classed as England's future if Lescott is yesterday's man
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 19, 2015, 01:38:14 PM
I don't see how Jagielka, Jones, Smalling can be classed as England's future if Lescott is yesterday's man


nor me to be honest. Just goes to underline the fact that England is not producing decent defenders at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 19, 2015, 01:40:53 PM
Is John Stones injured? He'd be someone I'd like in the squad. Young, good with the ball at his feet, decent pace, and can play right back too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on March 19, 2015, 01:43:05 PM

nor me to be honest. Just goes to underline the fact that England is not producing decent defenders at the moment.

If that is the case, shouldn't the England Manager select the best available then?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ranvir wba90 on March 19, 2015, 04:16:01 PM
Hodgson chosen clubs over form. Bertrand Austin Berahino  over walcott welbeck and shaw.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 24, 2015, 05:27:13 PM
Anybody excited with the fourth coming games, maybe Kane will turn out to be a regular international
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 24, 2015, 06:17:16 PM
Looking forward to watching this game intact, if only too see how Kane gets on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 25, 2015, 06:52:29 AM
Going to both of them lithuania and italy, can't wait for italy but the only reason we're going to the lithuania game is due to the FA's stupid rule of gaining one cap for away games and now two for home games just so more people go to wembley. Absolute joke of a rule!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jeremy Roland Peace on March 25, 2015, 09:28:37 AM
Going to both of them lithuania and italy, can't wait for italy but the only reason we're going to the lithuania game is due to the FA's stupid rule of gaining one cap for away games and now two for home games just so more people go to wembley. Absolute joke of a rule!

surely it should be the other way round
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 25, 2015, 09:46:09 AM
Going to both of them lithuania and italy, can't wait for italy but the only reason we're going to the lithuania game is due to the FA's stupid rule of gaining one cap for away games and now two for home games just so more people go to wembley. Absolute joke of a rule!

That's ridiculous.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 25, 2015, 09:49:06 AM
surely it should be the other way round

You would think so wouldn't you, done by the FA to make sure they sell the home tickets.

Someone could spend a couple of thousand travelling across Europe to 6 away games and receive 6 caps whereas someone could go to 4 home and one away and have 9 caps and therefore having more chance of getting tournament tickets.

That's our FA for you
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on March 25, 2015, 10:14:19 AM
You would think so wouldn't you, done by the FA to make sure they sell the home tickets.

Someone could spend a couple of thousand travelling across Europe to 6 away games and receive 6 caps whereas someone could go to 4 home and one away and have 9 caps and therefore having more chance of getting tournament tickets.

That's our FA for you

I think is typically synical of the FA, as they strive to make the new Wembly viable.

They should have built the new stadium in the Midlands on a greenfield site and maybe the wouldn't be so money grabbing, but I doubt that as well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 25, 2015, 05:23:43 PM
I think is typically synical of the FA, as they strive to make the new Wembly viable.

They should have built the new stadium in the Midlands on a greenfield site and maybe the wouldn't be so money grabbing, but I doubt that as well.
I did an extended essay, based on the location of the New National Stadium, for a degree course I was doing at the time. Everything pointed toward Birmingham as the ideal location. Then it became political. All common sense went out the window after that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on March 25, 2015, 06:58:03 PM
Going to both of them lithuania and italy, can't wait for italy but the only reason we're going to the lithuania game is due to the FA's stupid rule of gaining one cap for away games and now two for home games just so more people go to wembley. Absolute joke of a rule!

Its beyond stupid, was going to become england fans + member or whatever it called now for France tickets chance, but decided against it after this rule, Its f*****g stupid rule to try and get people to home game.

Just saved the money and will look for tickets through uefa and touts by the ground, cheaper than going to all the games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 25, 2015, 07:02:45 PM
Its beyond stupid, was going to become england fans + member or whatever it called now for France tickets chance, but decided against it after this rule, Its ******* stupid rule to try and get people to home game.

Just saved the money and will look for tickets through uefa and touts by the ground, cheaper than going to all the games

Its worth it for the away games, I'm going to Italy, Ireland and Slovenia with in the next 10 weeks. A few nights in each country on the beer with mates, can't beat it!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on March 25, 2015, 07:23:44 PM
Thats true, Not sure how many aways i would of gotten to,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 25, 2015, 07:25:48 PM
Its worth it for the away games, I'm going to Italy, Ireland and Slovenia with in the next 10 weeks. A few nights in each country on the beer with mates, can't beat it!

Evening.
Hope you don't mind me asking, but what do you do for a living?
You must be absolutely minted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 25, 2015, 07:40:45 PM
Evening.
Hope you don't mind me asking, but what do you do for a living?
You must be absolutely minted.

Haha, far from it mate just a normal job in civil service, the fact I'm 23 and live with parents still with hardly any responsibilities make it easier.

For Italy next week; return flights from Stansted to Genoa, return train from Genoa to Turin, One night in Genoa and one night in Turin and a match ticket has altogether come to £179 which I think is quite cheap, hostel may be a bit crappy but as long as I have somewhere to sleep and have a shower I'm not to fussed.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 25, 2015, 11:28:01 PM
For Italy next week; return flights from Stansted to Genoa, return train from Genoa to Turin, One night in Genoa and one night in Turin and a match ticket has altogether come to £179 which I think is quite cheap, hostel may be a bit crappy but as long as I have somewhere to sleep and have a shower I'm not to fussed.

Fair play chap but you need to add transport to and from Stanstead, and most importantly BEER MONEY into the equation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 26, 2015, 03:42:02 PM
So Hodgson will be having contract talks with England soon, hope he stays on for another few tournaments.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 26, 2015, 03:43:40 PM
So Hodgson will be having contract talks with England soon, hope he stays on for another few tournaments.


I thinks his contract negotiations will depend on the Euro Finals.He has failed the last 2 finals
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on March 27, 2015, 11:02:14 AM
Haha, far from it mate just a normal job in civil service, the fact I'm 23 and live with parents still with hardly any responsibilities make it easier.

For Italy next week; return flights from Stansted to Genoa, return train from Genoa to Turin, One night in Genoa and one night in Turin and a match ticket has altogether come to £179 which I think is quite cheap, hostel may be a bit crappy but as long as I have somewhere to sleep and have a shower I'm not to fussed.

I'm doing exactly the same as you mate. See you on the flight to Genoa!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 27, 2015, 12:11:22 PM

I thinks his contract negotiations will depend on the Euro Finals.He has failed the last 2 finals

Not sure how he failed at Euro 2012. Got to penalties in the quarter final having only joined up a month before the tournament, having the weakest squad in a long time, and having a tonne of injuries that robbed him of 3/4 first team players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 27, 2015, 12:54:45 PM
The World Cup was so bad though.  I can't recall a worse WC.  Granted its the worst set of players any England manager has to call upon since god knows when but even so I think he needs a good Euro 2016 if he is to stay on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on March 27, 2015, 12:57:26 PM
The World Cup was so bad though.  I can't recall a worse WC.  Granted its the worst set of players any England manager has to call upon since god knows when but even so I think he needs a good Euro 2016 if he is to stay on.
USA? Didn't we fail to qualify at all for that one?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 27, 2015, 01:42:01 PM
USA? Didn't we fail to qualify at all for that one?


..... that we qualified for.   ;) ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 28, 2015, 11:19:36 PM
I thought there were some decent football played Friday night and it was good to see Kane score so quickly into his debut. Italy will be a tough test but this England team can give anyone a game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 30, 2015, 10:01:02 AM
I expect the usual outcome against Italy. We get beat
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 30, 2015, 10:12:06 AM
this England team can give anyone a game

If we beat Italy convincingly, I might be inclined to accept that, but seriously, my opinion is that our defence is abject, and will be exposed by a top team !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on March 30, 2015, 10:26:34 AM
this England team can give anyone a game

If we beat Italy convincingly, I might be inclined to accept that, but seriously, my opinion is that our defence is abject, and will be exposed by a top team !

I have been saying the same for a while, we are centre back short. I rate Cahill he tends to be solid, I like the look of Clyne being the RB, Baines at times can be caught out.

Still think this England team would be a lot better had Terry still been in and around the squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 30, 2015, 12:15:47 PM
Cahill hasn't been himself this season, according to a lot of Chelsea fans. But then I don't think we have too many players who legitimately deserve a go there.

I'd like to see more of Stones and Chambers but it appears the latter is playing in the U21s. Not sure about Stones.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 30, 2015, 12:17:42 PM
its a terrible indictment of the current squad that players like Jagielka and Smalling are on the periphery.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 30, 2015, 12:21:51 PM
its a terrible indictment of the current squad that players like Jagielka and Smalling are on the periphery.

Are you saying they should or shouldn't be involved?

I really don't rate Smalling at this point in time. He's got years ahead of him, but personally I'm not a fan.

Jagielka is fine, but that's all he is. Fine. Nothing special.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 30, 2015, 12:25:13 PM
Not saying they should or shouldn't,

in response to someone saying we could give anyone a game, I'm just saying that IMO we need better defenders before we could give the top countries a true test
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on March 30, 2015, 12:46:52 PM
Not saying they should or shouldn't,

in response to someone saying we could give anyone a game, I'm just saying that IMO we need better defenders before we could give the top countries a true test

I agree mate, the best way to look at it is..

If we truely believe we can go all the way in a tournament, you have to beat the best teams. When you look at the line up Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Holland etc how many of our back 4 would demand a start in their first 11?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 30, 2015, 12:57:38 PM
I agree mate, the best way to look at it is..

If we truely believe we can go all the way in a tournament, you have to beat the best teams. When you look at the line up Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Holland etc how many of our back 4 would demand a start in their first 11?

Holland are a really good example of why England should do a lot better really, their team at the world cup was nothing special but a well organised team, playing to a suitable system with a good manager is extremely difficult to beat and they were penalties from a world cup final playing the likes of Ron Vlaar! Their only genuine world class player was Robben. The defence in particularly severely lacked quality.

Of course they also show how the opposite of those things can lead to a struggle because they're struggling to get to Euro 2016 even with the expanded 24 teams that make failure almost impossible.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 30, 2015, 01:01:44 PM
Holland are a really good example of why England should do a lot better really, their team at the world cup was nothing special but a well organised team, playing to a suitable system with a good manager is extremely difficult to beat and they were penalties from a world cup final playing the likes of Ron Vlaar! Their only genuine world class player was Robben. The defence in particularly severely lacked quality.

Of course they also show how the opposite of those things can lead to a struggle because they're struggling to get to Euro 2016 even with the expanded 24 teams that make failure almost impossible.

Think you're being harsh on the Netherlands! Sneijder, Van Persie, Blind...all 'world class' players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 30, 2015, 01:11:53 PM
Think you're being harsh on the Netherlands! Sneijder, Van Persie, Blind...all 'world class' players.

Sneijder hasn't been world class in a long time, there's a reason he was sold for 7.5m Euro's a couple of years back. Van Persie's in decline, he certainly has world class moments but Man U fans weren't too happy with him a lot of the time last season. Blind is only world class if you have an extremely low bar for such a level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on March 30, 2015, 02:02:00 PM
Sneijder hasn't been world class in a long time, there's a reason he was sold for 7.5m Euro's a couple of years back. Van Persie's in decline, he certainly has world class moments but Man U fans weren't too happy with him a lot of the time last season. Blind is only world class if you have an extremely low bar for such a level.

I would agree with your summary of those players to be honest.

I wouldnt call Blind world class, hes a good player but not world class. He was brought in at United to be that anchor man in the middle, and hes been replaced by Carrick, and moved to left wing back.

The same would be said of the England team, Rooney and possibly Hart excluded, we dont really have many 'world class' players. We have good players but not world class.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 30, 2015, 06:04:24 PM
Seven straight wins for the England team, shows how well Hodgson is doing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 30, 2015, 10:09:42 PM
Great win for the England U21 team as they beat Germany 3-2. Things are looking good for the future of the national team. I really think England can win some major trophies in the next few years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 30, 2015, 10:15:05 PM
i wouldn't call Rooney or Hart world class.

Barcelona have 3 forwards I would rate higher than Rooney for starters
Hart is too erratic to be world class, he was ousted by the guy who is sunderlands keeper not so long ago.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on March 31, 2015, 08:39:04 AM
Seven straight wins for the England team, shows how well Hodgson is doing.

Yeah, against Norway, Switzerland, San Marino, Estonia, Slovenia, Scotland and Lithuania. Teams we should expect to beat.

We face anybody of quality and we lose: Uruguay, Italy, Germany and Chile over the past couple of years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on March 31, 2015, 09:10:41 AM
Great win for the England U21 team as they beat Germany 3-2. Things are looking good for the future of the national team. I really think England can win some major trophies in the next few years.

Not so sure about the winning the trophy bit, but last night was a good win, over a Germany team which had some big name players in it ( Can, Ter Stegen etc)

I like the look of the Under 21 team, it has some players with good technical ability, i.e Ward Prowse, Hughes.

As a country we just need to make sure the progression of the Under 21 lads continues an they get game time in the Premier league consistantly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: CL3MO on March 31, 2015, 12:46:07 PM
i wouldn't call Rooney or Hart world class.

Barcelona have 3 forwards I would rate higher than Rooney for starters
Hart is too erratic to be world class, he was ousted by the guy who is sunderlands keeper not so long ago.

Are you telling me that no great keeper goes through a sticky patch of form? Even Courtois with Chelsea looked shaky for a stage. Van der sar at United struggled midway through his spell there. Khan, who is an absolute legend for Munich and the German nation team, has gone through a similar stage in his career.

Pantilimon is an average goalkeeper at Premier league level but however good Hart's understudy was (he could have been Brad Jones level), he was always going to come into the team at that time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PepeMel on March 31, 2015, 08:20:51 PM
Same old England put an half decent team in front of them and we look very ordinary indeed
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PepeMel on March 31, 2015, 08:36:35 PM
Both fullbacks poor , how many times has cline given the ball away, smalling should never in a million years be anywhere near that squad, Jones same could be said. Only Jagelka and Kane take any credit so far. Utter rubbish
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 31, 2015, 08:39:34 PM
Hodgson's tactics to blame as much as anything. The team has clearly been told to go direct, get Walcott running behind them. Awful tactics.

I like him and he can be an effective manager but with some people who can actually be comfortable on the ball coming through, it'll be a farce if he's given an extension on his contract. Even moreso if its before the Euro's. 3 tournaments is enough for any manager I think.

I'm all for friendly experimentation but its kind of obvious things like Jones in midfield won't work. People like  Delph are not good enough on the ball to be playing international football either, after the Euro's, the likes of Will Hughes or Ward-Prowse should be in there instead.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 31, 2015, 08:47:58 PM
Probably a good job Italy are not fielding a full strength side. Jones and Delph in midfield :o oh dear me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 31, 2015, 09:23:42 PM
1-1, great goal by Andros Townsend. Get in.   8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on March 31, 2015, 09:31:01 PM
not a bad game to be fair, had our chances to win it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: stokelad84 on March 31, 2015, 09:52:38 PM
England had enough good chances to win the game. Looking good going forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 31, 2015, 11:01:52 PM
A neutral Kurdistan bloke just told me that England should have won. That'll do me. Maybe we shouldn't just focus on our teams performance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on April 01, 2015, 08:10:36 AM
a vast improvement in the second half
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on April 01, 2015, 08:44:33 AM
Looked much better when he changed it round after half time and brought Carrick into the middle, and the introduction of Barkley really opened us up.

Still find it very bizzare that a player of Carricks quality has less caps than players like Crouch and Milner.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on April 01, 2015, 09:58:27 AM
Our issue is the back line is so poor that we have to concentrate on offering them too much protection from midfield, if we had more quality at the back we wouldn't be too bad. I fear for us when we play better quality in a tournament.

With all that said Hodgson will learn more from last night than he will have from any of the easy qualification games so far.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 21, 2015, 10:55:26 AM
What games are up and comming in June?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 21, 2015, 11:18:35 AM
What games are up and comming in June?

Ireland and Slovenia away
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on May 21, 2015, 11:53:20 AM
Heard Tom Cleverley might be in the squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on May 21, 2015, 12:42:22 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32823264

QPR striker Charlie Austin has been named in Roy Hodgson's England squad to play the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia in June.

Austin, 25, has scored 17 Premier League goals this season.

Everton defender Leighton Baines is out with an ankle injury, while Tottenham striker Harry Kane is on Under-21 duty.

England, who are unbeaten in nine games, play the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 7 June before a Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia a week later.

Goalkeepers: Rob Green (Queens Park Rangers), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley),

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Ryan Mason (Tottenham), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Charlie Austin (Queens Park Rangers), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester) Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 21, 2015, 12:45:04 PM
Christ, Jamie Vardy?!

I was just about to say how I actually think the squad looks fairly decent - a good blend of players who have done well this season (Clyne, Bertrand, Heaton) and the usual Hodgson stalwarts.

Don't think Townsend has done much at Spurs this season, but he tends to do well for England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 21, 2015, 12:45:58 PM
how the heck does Chris smalling keep getting picked, oh i forgot he plays for Man Ure
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on May 21, 2015, 12:47:22 PM
Vardy is a surprise inclusion, perhaps TP did see something in him after all, Have to admit I like the lad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 21, 2015, 12:51:29 PM
how the heck does Chris smalling keep getting picked, oh i forgot he plays for Man Ure

To be fair, and I'm don't rate him much either, he has actually done quite well for Man Utd these past few weeks. Definitely improved.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on May 21, 2015, 01:11:55 PM
As much as i admire Vardy work rate and effort to be called up for England is slightly worrying although i suspect he wont get much game time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on May 21, 2015, 01:19:22 PM
Shortage of strikers to be fair with Ings, Kane and Saido away with the Under 21's. I guess the squad may have been a bit different if a few of those going to the Czech Republic could have been called up.

I'm surprised Ryan Shawcross doesn't get much of a chance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on May 21, 2015, 01:23:34 PM
I wouldn't worry about Vardy getting picked, he's only in because 3 strikers that would have been in are in the 21s.

Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck, Kane, Ings, Berahino, Austin... I make him 8th choice at best.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on May 21, 2015, 01:41:03 PM
I would probably add Sterling and Walcott into the strikers line up before I gave Vardy a cap, and thats nothing against Vardy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 21, 2015, 01:55:44 PM
I wouldn't worry about Vardy getting picked, he's only in because 3 strikers that would have been in are in the 21s.

Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck, Kane, Ings, Berahino, Austin... I make him 8th choice at best.

Remember you saying you went to Italy the other month, you going to these pair?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on May 21, 2015, 01:58:27 PM
how the heck does Chris smalling keep getting picked, oh i forgot he plays for Man Ure

Smalling has been excellent for man u ever since that sending off against city. On form he should be starting for England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 21, 2015, 02:28:23 PM
Reg Vardy, thats another couple of million on his price tag, possibly out of our reach now then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on May 21, 2015, 03:53:39 PM
An England squad containing relegated players and a call up for a striker with more bookings than goals this season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 21, 2015, 03:58:32 PM
An England squad containing relegated players and a call up for a striker with more bookings than goals this season.


you could say thoses relegated players will be with premier league clubs next season
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 21, 2015, 03:58:49 PM
An England squad containing relegated players and a call up for a striker with more bookings than goals this season.

RE: Green and Heaton - Foster, Forster and Butland would all be ahead of them I would expect. The first two are out injured, the third on U21 duty.

Austin deserves a call-up based on his goalscoring record in a team that has been relegated. Would could he do with a decent midfield behind him?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 26, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
Any of you got to spend the day behind bars when we play Ireland :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 26, 2015, 07:08:13 PM
Going to both the away games Ireland and Slovenia the week after, 2 nights in both countries. Think there will be tonnes of English in Dublin, loads in the Irish end.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion61 on May 28, 2015, 10:26:09 AM
doing the same but flying to belfast then train to dublin
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on May 30, 2015, 07:51:45 PM
Thats what England need to use as a model in my eyes the way arsenal play when there free flowing, efficient and effective for tournament football, Stick theo upfront pack the midfield full of technically gifted players have a holding midfielder and let the wing backs bomb forward basically let everyone who has abilty to rome around and express themselves within reason. Rooney is wonderful player and has had a very good career but we need to build now for the future and hes someone in my eyes that delays that. Take the brakes off and give it a go there was signs in the world cup but its something we should be practicing everytime we get together.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 05, 2015, 08:38:32 AM
Whos off to Ireland
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 05, 2015, 09:37:08 AM
Whos off to Ireland

Im flying out tomorrow morning from Birmingham and return Monday evening, can't wait!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 05, 2015, 09:54:27 AM
Im flying out tomorrow morning from Birmingham and return Monday evening, can't wait!


Lucky you :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 07, 2015, 08:24:36 AM
Come on England, No surrendor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 07, 2015, 02:37:44 PM
chyte game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 07, 2015, 02:55:29 PM
Finished 0-0 with the ROI. Lot of huff and puff but not too much quality. Not suprising really at the end of the season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on June 07, 2015, 02:57:37 PM
Finished 0-0 with the ROI. Lot of huff and puff but not too much quality. Not suprising really at the end of the season.
Just a warm up for both teams. Ireland be happy with defensive solidity. England probably holding back a bit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 07, 2015, 03:07:00 PM
A lot of football being played yearly now for the top players bar the odd couple weeks here and there it's a schedule packed full of matches but mainly training,  I'm sure coaches access each player differently very busy indeed for these players I would say year round because I don't class 2 weeks here and there as sufficient rest.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 07, 2015, 03:08:39 PM
'Friendly' or not, Paul Scholes summed it up perfectly from this spectator's perspective.

What a waste of an afternoon.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 07, 2015, 04:45:13 PM
I browsed through the Argos catalogue instead. There really is an amazing amount of rubbish on offer. A bit like the footie actually.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 07, 2015, 06:17:44 PM
I do like Hodgson but at the same time, his approach to England is becoming tiresome.
We shouldn't have the likes of  Vardy playing, or Cleverly near the team when they're nowhere near good enough. It's all nice and romantic for the likes of Vardy but he's bang average. At the same time, games like these should be viewed as tests for players who are on the fringes of the team. NOT, players who will never contribute anything to an England tournament.


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ChrisRedditch on June 07, 2015, 06:31:39 PM
Should have been played behind closed doors like any other training match.
Not right to charge the public to watch dross like that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 07, 2015, 06:36:30 PM
I do like Hodgson but at the same time, his approach to England is becoming tiresome.
We shouldn't have the likes of  Vardy playing, or Cleverly near the team when they're nowhere near good enough. It's all nice and romantic for the likes of Vardy but he's bang average. At the same time, games like these should be viewed as tests for players who are on the fringes of the team. NOT, players who will never contribute anything to an England tournament.

Out of interest - who should have gone instead of Vardy? Baring in mind Berahino and Kane are featuring for the Under 21s.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 07, 2015, 06:54:02 PM
Out of interest - who should have gone instead of Vardy? Baring in mind Berahino and Kane are featuring for the Under 21s.
I get your point, the quality isn't there like it was with Sven (midfielders like Lampard, Gerrard, Beckham and Scholes would be the best players in the current squad, and the defense was far superior too).

Personally I'd have used Austin more than Vardy, as I believe he has a genuine future with England. Austin is 25, whereas Vardy is 28. Realistically, Vardy won't get anywhere near a tournament for England, whilst there's a good chance Austin will. Then there's Walcott who should have came on in Vardy's place as a striker.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 07, 2015, 07:50:52 PM
We have done very well in this group so far infact i heard a commentator saying we could clinch qualification even before the second set of games with a win on Sunday, whether people think that is an achievement or not i think it is and we have done very well, Now ask me that 10 years ago and i would have said its massively small time, Funny how things change but that's how it goes .

We are not going to win it next summer as most know by now, But we need to find a way and a style that can get us as far as possible and give us the best chance of competing, Is it with Rooney upfront ? Is it with Wilshere playing in this holding role ? Milner taking up one of the wings ?. All big questions for me that the people getting paid to work out need to have a look at and a think.

Without having any worldly players we do have alot of very good players with alot of pace and excitement about there game in forward positions, Getting a good balance maybe there is potential there however we are country miles off putting it into place for some reason.

I personally would like to see, Townsend, The Ox, Walcott, Welbeck, Sterling, Young and more all in and around the team, We arent going to win it so why persist with the same approach, the last world cup showed signs for me i just hope we dont get put off by it and go back to the normal safely safely approach.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 07, 2015, 07:59:05 PM
People still insisting Arry would do a better job  ::).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 07, 2015, 08:21:55 PM
Rooney at centre forward drives me potty.  He is much better in the number 10 role or in the centre of at attacking midfield of a 4-2-3-1 where he can get involved in the game.  It was a perfect opportunity to see Charlie Austin in the centre forward role.


Have to say what is the point of this friendly and the qualifier next week at this stage of the season when the players just look like they want to go on holiday.  There should be a slot somewhere during the season to play these games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 07, 2015, 08:24:20 PM
People still insisting Arry would do a better job  ::).

Arry would be more entertaining at least in his pre and post match interviews. Would get us all a bit more interested again I think.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2015, 07:41:57 AM
The sooner Hodgson goes the better, his football doesnt suit the international game.He aint exactly pulling up trees in tournements is he
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Floydy on June 08, 2015, 09:11:56 AM
I think the problem is, should the FA get rid of Hodgson, that they're lining up Southgate for the next Manager - If this were to happen, I think it would continue our stint in International wilderness
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2015, 10:02:44 AM
i await the backlash but someone like Tim Sherwood for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on June 08, 2015, 10:09:23 AM
i await the backlash but someone like Tim Sherwood for me
You been drinking mate? Sherwood!!!!!!!!! FFS. His head wouldn't get through the door at the FA's HQ.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Floydy on June 08, 2015, 10:39:25 AM
To be honest - I think you need a figurehead that the nation can get behind, rather than an amazing coach.

Becks & Neville together for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 08, 2015, 10:43:35 AM
To be honest - I think you need a figurehead that the nation can get behind, rather than an amazing coach.

Becks & Neville together for me

Went down that road with Kevin Keegan.
While I realise that doesn't mean automatic failure in future, I'd be surprised if the FA were to go down that route again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Floydy on June 08, 2015, 10:51:25 AM
I think the thing is, the squad we had a couple of years ago the strongest squad we've had for a number of years and was led by arguably the strongest most experienced coach in Capello; and that still didn't work.

I think the FA has to reignite the nation's passion for international football and appoint a figurehead who the country and perhaps more importantly,the media can get behind and get everybody "believing" again
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2015, 10:56:46 AM
Roy Hodgson is not popular with most fans, hes your typical FA safeie who will at best get to the qtr finals.
The last world cup finals he should have gone, any other nation would have sacked him for that performance
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 12, 2015, 09:01:40 PM
Off to Slovenia in the morning, hope to God the game is better than last week possibly the worst I've ever attended!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 12, 2015, 09:30:58 PM
Off to Slovenia in the morning, hope to God the game is better than last week possibly the worst I've ever attended!

It cant be any worse
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 14, 2015, 03:45:31 PM
Pretty much qualified if we win today
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 14, 2015, 05:40:27 PM
1-0 Slovenia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 14, 2015, 05:59:02 PM
That throw in from Phil Jones

Jesus christ   ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 14, 2015, 06:16:20 PM
1-1 Another cracker from Wilshere
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 14, 2015, 06:16:25 PM
Shocking defending for the goal :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 14, 2015, 06:19:14 PM
How did Rooney miss that!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 14, 2015, 06:32:48 PM
1-2 Another cracker from Wilshere  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 14, 2015, 06:40:00 PM
The guy should have gone for that elbow on Rooney!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 14, 2015, 06:43:47 PM
2-2
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 14, 2015, 06:44:06 PM
The guy should have gone for that elbow on Rooney!

Bostjan Cesar always did have a wild side  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 14, 2015, 06:45:11 PM
2-3 ROONEY !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 14, 2015, 06:47:16 PM
Was sitting in the garden with a crappy connection so I've only seen bits and bobs of the second half. Watch since te 75th, how's it been? Seems a great ending at least!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 14, 2015, 06:50:33 PM
Bostjan Cesar always did have a wild side  :D

Yeah!  :D. He can consider himself lucky! 2nd half has been very entertaing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 14, 2015, 06:53:47 PM
We are doing very well at the moment won all our games and that game was fantastic to watch. Belters from wilshere.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Foster#1 on June 14, 2015, 06:58:27 PM
Was sitting in the garden with a crappy connection so I've only seen bits and bobs of the second half. Watch since te 75th, how's it been? Seems a great ending at least!

Where do you live?! Abroad ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 14, 2015, 07:53:13 PM
Where do you live?! Abroad ?

Nope same place as me Cornwall...its gorgeous down here today!

infact he lives about 2-3 miles from me in the next village
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 14, 2015, 08:18:35 PM
Lucky for some.

Been wetting it down in Oldbury for the large part.

Quite enjoyed the England game actually - quite a good performance in the second half. We looked a much better side when Lallana came on. Someone to link the play between Rooney and Wilshere etc.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 14, 2015, 09:35:31 PM
I really like the way we attack as a team, very direct, quick and tricky with decent options out wide and up front. If only we had an upgrade on Jordan Henderson as a ball winning midfielder, we badly need some decent centre halfs to come through the ranks as well, Smalling and Cahill aren't good enough, Slovenia had 3 shots on target and scored 2 goals, worrying to to think what decent attacking lineups would do to us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 14, 2015, 09:58:36 PM
Nope same place as me Cornwall...its gorgeous down here today!

infact he lives about 2-3 miles from me in the next village

Yes and we still haven't met up! I wish I met up with you for that Man U game but it bloody clashed with something! We should have a pint this summer at a beach bar somewhere.

And the connection didn't get to us in the garden as I'm in an old Cornish cottage with thick granite walls, ruins the wireless signal!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 14, 2015, 11:01:35 PM
Yes and we still haven't met up! I wish I met up with you for that Man U game but it bloody clashed with something! We should have a pint this summer at a beach bar somewhere.

And the connection didn't get to us in the garden as I'm in an old Cornish cottage with thick granite walls, ruins the wireless signal!
Ever heard of a tv. It's all the rage apparently. :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 14, 2015, 11:43:07 PM
Ever heard of a tv. It's all the rage apparently. :D

TV ws inside and the sun was outside, that is where the problem was! So I chose laptop in the garden!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Norfolk Baggie on June 15, 2015, 09:16:15 AM
Been to Slovenia a couple of times.  Nice place and nice people.  A bit like Wales (but as I said with nice people ;).

Issue for us though is it has a population of some 2.5m people as opposed to our 60m.  We did play well, but we need some proportion as to how good we are.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 15, 2015, 10:03:48 AM
Been to Slovenia a couple of times.  Nice place and nice people.  A bit like Wales (but as I said with nice people ;).

Issue for us though is it has a population of some 2.5m people as opposed to our 60m.  We did play well, but we need some proportion as to how good we are.

All down to the individual, Anyone thinking we will win something or come close are in for big disappointment unfortunately and that's exactly what they feel hence all the trouble around the pubs when we get knocked out.

I shouldn't see why we cant progress from a group and be competitive in the quarters, Do i think we can and should be doing better ? Of course i do personally but whats to say that the tweaks to the team that we all suggest would come off, There is just no way of knowing.

If you wanted to be completely ridiculous and compare us to the favorites for next summers euros you could say that the Germans would of been 3-0 up by half time with the chances we squandered.

On a positive note it was a very entertaining match yesterday and i think we have done extremely well in this group so far, Good luck to the under 21s for there first game in the tournament on Thursday to, Anyone know if its on sky ?.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 15, 2015, 10:23:21 AM
Yes and we still haven't met up! I wish I met up with you for that Man U game but it bloody clashed with something! We should have a pint this summer at a beach bar somewhere.

And the connection didn't get to us in the garden as I'm in an old Cornish cottage with thick granite walls, ruins the wireless signal!

Absolutely fella...all for that!

I also live in a thick granite wall cottage...I lose all signal!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 15, 2015, 10:26:23 AM
Good luck to the under 21s for there first game in the tournament on Thursday to, Anyone know if its on sky ?.

B.T Sport 1.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 15, 2015, 10:28:24 AM
Absolutely fella...all for that!

I also live in a thick granite wall cottage...I lose all signal!

Yeah no chance of streaming live TV in the garden! Coolio i'll check things out and see when i'm free!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 15, 2015, 10:41:42 AM
Yeah no chance of streaming live TV in the garden! Coolio i'll check things out and see when i'm free!

All good fella.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on June 15, 2015, 11:30:54 AM
TV ws inside and the sun was outside, that is where the problem was! So I chose laptop in the garden!

Have you considered Poweline Adaptors, like the Develo unit that I use.

They are connected to your router and then into a power socket turning your ring main into a wifi signal carrier, thus extending the range of your WiFi.

For a more detail spec on these gadgets Google "powerline Adaptors" some are quite reasonably priced and a couple should do the job for you.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 15, 2015, 12:46:47 PM
Have you considered Poweline Adaptors, like the Develo unit that I use.

They are connected to your router and then into a power socket turning your ring main into a wifi signal carrier, thus extending the range of your WiFi.

For a more detail spec on these gadgets Google "powerline Adaptors" some are quite reasonably priced and a couple should do the job for you.

I agree powerline adapters are decent.

You could also get a decent Access Point, turn off your wifi on your router and use your seperate AP, they tend to have better signal
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 15, 2015, 02:11:13 PM
Sad thing for me is that after yesterdays performance, a lot of people seemed relatively pleased. Obviously a win is the main thing, but as a performance it was very sloppy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 15, 2015, 02:26:20 PM
some think we are going to win the world cup again
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 15, 2015, 03:10:03 PM
Sad thing for me is that after yesterdays performance, a lot of people seemed relatively pleased. Obviously a win is the main thing, but as a performance it was very sloppy.

Agreed. When we go out of a tournament, the attitude is always questioned, which I think is unfair sometimes as in the main I don't think you can get to that level without caring. Body language will never be great when losing or low on confidence.

We just don't have the talent / ability to win an international tournament. We might beat one of the big guns on our day, but Germany had to beat France, Brazil and Argentina to win the world cup. We wouldnt beat 3 consecutively.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 24, 2015, 09:29:49 PM
I see the under 21s are being thoroughly outclassed on the big stage..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 24, 2015, 09:31:48 PM
I see the under 21s are being thoroughly outclassed on the big stage..

It's been dire. Poor defensively and poor up top. they needed Saido badly tonight.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 24, 2015, 09:35:08 PM
Tonight's result is a real shame, Southgate had done a terrific job before this tournament so I hope there's no kneejerk reactions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 24, 2015, 09:39:13 PM
The fact Ward-Prowse or Loftus-Cheek can not get a start in this side is mind boggling.

The problems in English football are much bigger than Gareth Southgate. Still, what on earth possessed Dan Ashworth to appoint either Southgate or Aidy Bothroyd is beyond me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 24, 2015, 09:40:30 PM
Tonight's result is a real shame, Southgate had done a terrific job before this tournament so I hope there's no kneejerk reactions.

Well all 3 games have been a shame i think. Really poor in all 3. They looked great in qualifying, losing Saido was a blow but there should've been enough there to get things done. I'm not sure what to think about thi=e next generation after this, i had thought the future was bright.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 24, 2015, 09:44:57 PM
Same old England, great in qualifying and rubbish in tournaments.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 24, 2015, 09:47:35 PM
Well at least Berahino comes out of all this looking a lot better. Ings looks like a championship player, and teams attack fell apart without him. He's a much more intelligent player than virtually everyone else in that squad and it really showed how much they missed him making space for others and also has a lethal finish on him, something desperately lacking in that team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 24, 2015, 09:49:13 PM
Well that's summer sorted. I so need a break from our overrated players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 24, 2015, 09:58:45 PM
Really dissapointing.

Commentator along with 30 million or so people say we are not good enough myself included should we just accept this as the reason or should we be doing better ? It's a tough one for me, I think they get paid so much that they would rather take the summers for themselves, sad but true, Southgate looked like he had he's life earnings on it from the start not the picture of a man who enjoys the job.

Onto the game from a footballing point of view the Italians were fully deserving much better technically, vision, passing, control, shooting, pretty much most aspects of attacking play.

 :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 24, 2015, 10:10:23 PM
until the FA change tack on coaching we will continue to turn out workman like  "energy/ physical" based sides / tactics,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 24, 2015, 10:14:53 PM
Our players are just so over rated.  Its criminal how we (press and fans) build them up so much and that includes our senior players.  We have become a nation of average players who will struggle to qualify for tournaments in the near future unless the Premier League changes and brings in clauses to ensure young English players are given every chance and cheap average foreign imports are stopped.  We will become a Scotland and Republic of Ireland and will just be happy to qualify.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 25, 2015, 09:04:37 AM
another failure and he wants to keep his job
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on June 25, 2015, 09:10:16 AM
Had the most shots out of any team in the tournament  :o. Conversion rate of 3.50 % hugely embarrassing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 25, 2015, 10:16:16 AM
Our players are just so over rated.  Its criminal how we (press and fans) build them up so much and that includes our senior players.  We have become a nation of average players who will struggle to qualify for tournaments in the near future unless the Premier League changes and brings in clauses to ensure young English players are given every chance and cheap average foreign imports are stopped.  We will become a Scotland and Republic of Ireland and will just be happy to qualify.
Nail on head!
The Greed league may be the best paid and the most watched, but that is down to marketing not talent.
Let's face it, technically it is pretty abysmal. We complain week in week out about not being able to string 3 passes together and we finished 13th!
I agree with trying to bring kids through the ranks, but until the coaching improves we will still keep churning out the same dross, that can compete and even shine in the greed league, but get embarrassed on the world stage by lesser paid, but superior players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 26, 2015, 01:05:42 PM
Great engine,
Runs all day,
Heart of a lion,
Box to box player ....
This is what we excelled at, unfortunately the rest of the world caught up (40 years ago),

technically gifted,
highly skilled,
accurate,
comfortable in possession.....
We do not compete in these areas and our coaches do not know how to make us competitive at this facets of the game,
The FA need to wake up and change our coaching organisations, a min of 12months at a foreign club should be a pre-requisite for advancement as a coach IMO.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 26, 2015, 01:17:36 PM
Dan Ashworth was on 5Live yesterday or the day before talking about the England setup. Reading what he said, I wish he was still with us!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33276276

England made the right decision to omit some of their Premier League players in the European Under-21 Championship, says Football Association director of elite development Dan Ashworth.

Gareth Southgate's side went out in the group stage in the Czech Republic.

"We made the decision and I back it," Ashworth told the BBC's senior football reporter Ian Dennis.

"Youth teams are there to help develop players and give them experience to get into the seniors."

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, Arsenal midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere and Manchester United defender Phil Jones were among those eligible but not called up.

Ashworth added: "Those players are established internationals. It's like being a first-team player and asking them to come back and play in the U21s. It's not necessarily the right thing to do.

"The players who hadn't competed in the two-year cycle and lead-up to the European Championship wouldn't be considered.

"The debate will be reopened now but we stand by the decision Gareth and I made. You never know when you drop players into a new group whether it'll be the right thing to do."

England, who had Premier League quality in Tottenham striker Harry Kane, Everton defender John Stones and new Liverpool forward Danny Ings, lost 1-0 to Portugal, beat Sweden by the same score but then lost 3-1 to Italy.

Ashworth had a key role in the FA introducing proposals - the 'England DNA programme' - in December aimed at improving England's prospects at major tournaments.

The plan is to co-ordinate the style, formation and tactics from the under-15 side upwards. And he believes improvements can be seen already.

"I don't want to hide behind the fact we're devastated to have been eliminated in the group stages," Ashworth said. "We're disappointed with the group that we hoped and thought might go a bit further. But there are some success stories.

"In order to win things at senior level, we need to develop players who can deal with the ball in all areas of the pitch. We have to prioritise that in the development teams.

"They're young players and they'll make mistakes - it will cost us games. We have to accept that. We can't after six months say that's wrong, let's just crash it down the other end as quickly as we can.

"We're starting to see a different kind of player come through the system now. Three years into EPPP [Elite Player Performance Plan] we're seeing players more capable with the ball. I believe it will stand us in good stead in years to come. Is it too soon now to see that? Yes, perhaps."

FA chairman Greg Dyke set a target in 2013 for England to win the World Cup by 2022 and Ashworth is adamant that this remains a realistic goal.
"Yes I do believe that," he said. "I genuinely believe we have a lot of good young players in the system. We have the pathways getting better at clubs and international level.

"We've introduced an Under-15s, 18s and 20s in the past 12 months because we recognise we need to give our players more big-game experience.
"You've seen at this tournament we need players who are able to make decisions at the top level in the big games in order to win tournaments. But that takes time - it doesn't happen overnight.

"We're all doing the right things but we need to sit tight and be a little patient and let it run its course. I'm convinced it will."

[Article continues with BBC pundits]
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 26, 2015, 03:35:51 PM
I agree the highlighted bits are encouraging, however i would also point out Dyke saying "We're all doing the right things" smacks of complacency and maybe arrogance.

You can always do better and if you stop trying to you will not be the best.

I'm sure we all hope that Dan's strategy pays off but it should always be under review IMO.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 26, 2015, 04:10:59 PM
"In order to win things at senior level, we need to develop players who can deal with the ball in all areas of the pitch. We have to prioritise that in the development teams.

"We're starting to see a different kind of player come through the system now. Three years into EPPP [Elite Player Performance Plan] we're seeing players more capable with the ball. I believe it will stand us in good stead in years to come. Is it too soon now to see that? Yes, perhaps."

I agree with the first bit, but can see no evidence of the second and I can't see how it will come to be. PL teams have to develop players that are suitable for the PL and technically good, maverick style players do not fit that brief, they are considered a risk or a luxury and end up warming the bench, at best!
I may be wrong but from talking to mates who follow kid's football, nothing has changed from when I was a kid and if a kid stands head and shoulders above his peers in stature he is snapped up, while the kid who is head and shoulders above in ability is left behind.
A massive step change is needed but, whilst the greed league is the be all and end all, no club will be able to take the risk.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 26, 2015, 04:17:18 PM
I'd disagree with that. Thinking about the top 5 or 6 clubs, there is a real emphasis on technical ability to try to compete with the European giants. Teams like Arsenal have very gifted, technical players (Wilshere, Sanchez, Ozil, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain etc), and the same for Chelsea (Hazard, Oscar, Fabregas). Liverpool under Rodgers seek to play with skillful players like Sterling and Coutinho, so I do think we're getting there.

The problem is seen further down the league where there's a lot of pressure to get results (not to say there isn't at the top!), and when you're fighting for survival it's harder to justify the inclusion of younger, less experienced players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 26, 2015, 04:31:28 PM
I'd disagree with that. Thinking about the top 5 or 6 clubs, there is a real emphasis on technical ability to try to compete with the European giants. Teams like Arsenal have very gifted, technical players (Wilshere, Sanchez, Ozil, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain etc), and the same for Chelsea (Hazard, Oscar, Fabregas). Liverpool under Rodgers seek to play with skillful players like Sterling and Coutinho, so I do think we're getting there.

The problem is seen further down the league where there's a lot of pressure to get results (not to say there isn't at the top!), and when you're fighting for survival it's harder to justify the inclusion of younger, less experienced players.
You are right and I did think about it as I was writing it, what I should have said is that no team outside the top 6, or the 'soup' as I like to call it, can afford to take the risk.
The fact that the top 6 are trying to improve may make it even worse, as the rest of us may become more combative and negative in order to compete.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 26, 2015, 04:58:18 PM
To be fair some of the youth teams technical ability is pretty high, I watched the under 17 Euro's this year and England were a far better team than Italy, and on par with Holland.

The issues we see now are a mixture of players not developing past 18, which is partly due to clubs refusing to give players a chance (something we ourselves are guilty of) and also a lack of developing game intelligence, which I guess links to  the first point. It's all well and good being technical but if you don't know how to adjust to suit the needs of the game, its not much use. Against Sweden for example it was clear with everyone sitting back we needed to move the ball quickly and start playing quick one two's round the box, otherwise you'll never hurt the opposition defence. Only when Loftus-Cheek came on did we have a player who seemed to understand what needed to happen.

The other huge problem we see with English football is an inherent inferiority complex. Look, even if England aren't the greatest team, they're a good team. Good players. Costa Rica were a penalty shoot out from the semi-finals. You do not have to have the greatest players to do decent in tournaments. But at every level of English football, apart from for some reason the under 17's, we lost in tournament games to teams we perceive to be better than ourselves. Instead of playing the game, we try and play the opposition. Look at Southgate, he cowered away from playing the technical players like Ward-Prowse in favour of regimented, uninspired robots like Forster-Caskey and Chalobah (who were both awful).

It's a huge problem with the senior team. The team is TERRIFIED of anyone good. Pirlo was rubbish at the world cup, apart from against England who gave him all the time in the world because we gave him far too much respect. Costa Rica just swamped him and he couldn't handle it. Pretty much anytime England play a good player they do well because we just show far too much respect. The other big thing is England lack any streetwise ability at all. Knowing when to slow the game down, the dark arts South American teams excel at. Before the next tournament the team could do with a week with Pulis to teach them some of the things we so naively lack, and of course set pieces.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 26, 2015, 06:24:03 PM
Personaly speaking are these players hungry enough?. The English 'Lad' culture of Boozing and smoking doesnt help. Finishing bottom of the group with only 2 goals from 3 games, i believe i read England only had a total of 6 shots on target in 3 games. Pretty poor if that is true.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 27, 2015, 05:03:47 PM
Personaly speaking are these players hungry enough?. The English 'Lad' culture of Boozing and smoking doesnt help. Finishing bottom of the group with only 2 goals from 3 games, i believe i read England only had a total of 6 shots on target in 3 games. Pretty poor if that is true.

No they're not.

Players nowadays in general are not hungry enough because at the age of 18/19/20 they're capable of picking up £20,000 a week or more. I don't know about anybody else, but if I had that much money coming into my bank account every week then I wouldn't give a pooh about the football, I'd be out partying and doing exactly what I do now.

The power of the game will not change in this country - young academy products won't be given a chance, especially in the Premier League because the rewards are so great.

Why would Chelsea want to play Loftus-Cheek or Issiah Brown when they can go and sign someone from the continent for £20million who is way ahead of them in their development.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 26, 2015, 08:25:03 PM
Roy's after a new deal. A good show at the Euro's then I'd give him till the World Cup at least.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 26, 2015, 08:41:48 PM
Roy's after a new deal. A good show at the Euro's then I'd give him till the World Cup at least.

There is no obvious replacement. So I wouldn't have a problem with Roy's deal being extended.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 06, 2015, 09:55:24 AM
England 8th in current world rankings, Wales 9th :o Romaina 7th :o , no spain in the top ten. i dont get these rankings
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on August 06, 2015, 10:50:39 AM
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere facing lengthy layoff with leg injury, England midfielder has suspected hairline fracture of his left fibula and is expected to miss England’s qualifiers in September.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/05/arsenal-jack-wilshere-injury-england (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/05/arsenal-jack-wilshere-injury-england)

But is not expected to require surgery.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/jack-wilshere-unlikely-to-need-surgery-on-ankle-injury-but-arsenal-midfielder-will-miss-england-internationals-10442476.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/jack-wilshere-unlikely-to-need-surgery-on-ankle-injury-but-arsenal-midfielder-will-miss-england-internationals-10442476.html)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 06, 2015, 12:37:55 PM
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere facing lengthy layoff with leg injury, England midfielder has suspected hairline fracture of his left fibula and is expected to miss England’s qualifiers in September.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/05/arsenal-jack-wilshere-injury-england (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/05/arsenal-jack-wilshere-injury-england)

But is not expected to require surgery.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/jack-wilshere-unlikely-to-need-surgery-on-ankle-injury-but-arsenal-midfielder-will-miss-england-internationals-10442476.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/jack-wilshere-unlikely-to-need-surgery-on-ankle-injury-but-arsenal-midfielder-will-miss-england-internationals-10442476.html)

Could this affect Gnabry loan???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on August 06, 2015, 12:40:02 PM
Could this affect Gnabry loan???

Not really the same position or type of player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on August 06, 2015, 12:40:56 PM
Could this affect Gnabry loan???

Wouldn't have thought so, he is a wide player whereas Wilshere is more central.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 13, 2015, 08:26:07 AM
Do you think its unfair the FA coming out and saying if England flop in the Euros next year roys going to loose his job.
What would you say is success for England in France Quarters?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 01, 2015, 08:30:59 AM
are we all excited with the forth coming England games, san marino saturday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on September 01, 2015, 08:43:46 AM
are we all excited with the forth coming England games, san marino saturday

I'll be there, looking forward to the weekend in Rimini and a chance to see San Marino where I probably would never go if it wasn't for the football more than the game as you probably can imagine.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 03, 2015, 12:03:55 PM
wales above england in the rankings :o ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scruffy Stan on September 03, 2015, 12:43:14 PM
wales above england in the rankings :o ;D
Gareth Bale above England in the rankings.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 03, 2015, 12:44:56 PM
Gareth Bale above England in the rankings.


very true :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on September 03, 2015, 01:00:09 PM
I'll be there, looking forward to the weekend in Rimini and a chance to see San Marino where I probably would never go if it wasn't for the football more than the game as you probably can imagine.

See you on the beach in Rimini!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 03, 2015, 03:26:45 PM
so with us playing San Marino and most likely a goal feast Rooney is most likely to beat Bobby Charltons record, sad really
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on September 03, 2015, 05:56:18 PM
so with us playing San Marino and most likely a goal feast Rooney is most likely to beat Bobby Charltons record, sad really

Not really. Bobby had similar sort of games, as does everyone else;

Charlton scored hat tricks against Luxembourg and USA (who we beat 10-0 and 80-1 and weren't anywhere near as competitive as they are now).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on September 03, 2015, 07:04:53 PM
Not really. Bobby had similar sort of games, as does everyone else;

Charlton scored hat tricks against Luxembourg and USA (who we beat 10-0 and 80-1 and weren't anywhere near as competitive as they are now).
80-1?? Who scored the one?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 04, 2015, 04:50:08 PM
so with us playing San Marino and most likely a goal feast Rooney is most likely to beat Bobby Charltons record, sad really

1 of Rooney's 48 goals have been in victories with a margin of 7+, compared to 13 of Charlton's 49....

Rooney has 6 in 16 international tournament games. Charlton had 5 in 15...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 04, 2015, 05:20:59 PM
Ask yourself; Would Sir Bobby trade his bit of gold to keep that record?

You could argue Rooney has played more games for England in an advanced role.

Records like most goals and caps are not as special as what they were.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on September 04, 2015, 05:25:21 PM
You can only score in the era that you play in.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 05, 2015, 12:24:47 AM
Doesn't matter how many he gets, he'll never touch Greaves or Lineker or even Owen at the top of his game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 05, 2015, 12:28:40 AM
Greavsie...One of the better "goal hangers"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on September 05, 2015, 08:24:27 AM
He'll get the record this week. It's a shame that we don't appreciate him as much as we should but the romance of football isn't what it was. I'll congratulate him for what is a great achievement.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on September 05, 2015, 10:39:06 AM
He'll get the record this week. It's a shame that we don't appreciate him as much as we should but the romance of football isn't what it was. I'll congratulate him for what is a great achievement.

Its the modern thing of build them up over the top early doors only to knock them for the rest of their career.

Excellent player Rooney is
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on September 05, 2015, 05:00:24 PM
Its the modern thing of build them up over the top early doors only to knock them for the rest of their career.

Excellent player Rooney is

I think Rooney is massively overrated, and it's not because of this.

You look at his early career, and he had the potential to be as good as Messi or Ronaldo are. But he didn't do that. Instead, he decided (or was convinced) that working 'for the team' was the way forward, and so his own game has suffered as he has become a bit of a jack of all trades. If he had worked on his own game like Messi and Ronaldo have, instead of spending most of his early to mid-twenties carrying an overhyped United side, he could have achieved the same sort of recognition. Some people think the team comes first, but if he had fulfilled his potential, it would have been of even more benefit to both club and country.

If you watch him now, I don't think he's even as good as he was in his early career. He doesn't seem to be moving as freely or easily, and he has the first touch of a brick wall - it just bounces off. His last piece of 'magic' was now a good couple of seasons ago.

I know people still think he's fantastic, but not for me. He will probably break all kinds of records, but I think having been the first name down on the team sheet since he was a teenager (regardless of whether he should have been or not) gives him the time to do so.

He may get more goals than Charlton, but Sir Bobby has something Rooney never will; a world cup winners medal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on September 05, 2015, 05:01:29 PM
Good to see the Black Country flag and an Albion flag at the England game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 05, 2015, 05:25:09 PM
Rooney equals the record. Well deserved.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 05, 2015, 05:50:31 PM
Its the modern thing of build them up over the top early doors only to knock them for the rest of their career.

Excellent player Rooney is

This is what I think also.

Rooney has always been an excellent player and he fully deserves all the plaudits when he breaks the record
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 05, 2015, 05:51:38 PM
Doesn't matter how many he gets, he'll never touch Greaves or Lineker or even Owen at the top of his game.

Agree that I don't think he is as good a striker as any of them.

However he is a better footballer than all of them
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on September 05, 2015, 06:25:13 PM
Agree that I don't think he is as good a striker as any of them.

However he is a better footballer than all of them

Eh?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 05, 2015, 07:21:37 PM
100% record in qualification and off to Euro 2016, fantastic. Hodgson has done a cracking job in this qualification campaign. I really think we'll have a good tournament next year.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 05, 2015, 07:31:15 PM
100% record in qualification and off to Euro 2016, fantastic. Hodgson has done a cracking job in this qualification campaign. I really think we'll have a good tournament next year.

It wasn't exactly a top group was it?

And we won't have a good tournament. Just the usual disappointment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on September 05, 2015, 07:47:07 PM
Rooney been spoken about as a footballing god. How many of his goals have come against smaller nations like San Marino or the Faroe Islands?

Scored against countries that didn't even exist is bobby charltons day. His record against te big boys and in the major tournaments is abhorrent. Not in the same league as sir bobby charlton in my eyes
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 05, 2015, 08:09:18 PM
Rooney been spoken about as a footballing god. How many of his goals have come against smaller nations like San Marino or the Faroe Islands?

Scored against countries that didn't even exist is bobby charltons day. His record against te big boys and in the major tournaments is abhorrent. Not in the same league as sir bobby charlton in my eyes
Spot on.How many goals would Bobby Charlton scored against the Minnow teams
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 05, 2015, 08:43:01 PM
Eh?

Whats the Eh? for??

surely its not hard to understand what I am saying?

Owen, Lineker and Greaves we all better out and out strikers than Rooney but he is by far the better all round footballer than all of them
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on September 05, 2015, 08:58:49 PM
Not seen anyone say Rooney is a footballing god, please point this out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 05, 2015, 10:18:35 PM
Couple of points

Rooney is the closest we currently have to world class, you may not like him but he can play football
Roy deserves a fair crack , he should get the semis of the next tournament
Replacement , difficult?, pullis, monk,bergkamp,could go safe or could go leftfield, I'd like Wenger
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 05, 2015, 10:22:34 PM
Spot on.How many goals would Bobby Charlton scored against the Minnow teams

Except loads of Bobby Charlton's goals were in thrashings. 13 of his 49 in 7+ goal wins. Compared to 1 for Rooney. The difference is teams like Mexico don't get thrashed 9-0 now. Works both ways. Charlton might not have played against the same sides but he also played a lot of games against teams who are now good who were absolutely hopeless back in the 60's.

If you want to talk about goals at tournaments, then of everyone to have scored 40 goals for England, Rooney (6 in 17) still has the second best ratio behind Lineker (10 in 18), with Charlton (5 in 15), Owen (6 in 19), and Greaves (1 in 7).

Couple of points

Rooney is the closest we currently have to world class, you may not like him but he can play football
Roy deserves a fair crack , he should get the semis of the next tournament
Replacement , difficult?, pullis, monk,bergkamp,could go safe or could go leftfield, I'd like Wenger

If England are insistent on having an English manager they'd be better off keeping Hodgson than the English replacements. I presume Pardew would be pushed as frontrunner which just about says it all. Maybe Monk or Howe will reach the level wanted eventually but both need to prove themselves a fair but more just yet. How many young managers like those two do you see go the way of Owen Coyle?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 06, 2015, 07:51:43 AM
Makes me laugh when people talk about goals in major tournaments. What about major goals in major tournaments. Notably a certain brace someone scored in a certain semi final some time ago.

Rooney hasn't scored a single goal in a major championship in the knockout stages.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 06, 2015, 07:54:30 AM
Makes me laugh when people talk about goals in major tournaments. What about major goals in major tournaments. Notably a certain brace someone scored in a certain semi final some time ago.

Rooney hasn't scored a single goal in a major championship in the knockout stages.


Which sort of leads me onto - Rooney never scores when it really matters, the biggest stages at the most important times. That's what sorts out the greats from the goods. They deliver when it REALLY matters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on September 06, 2015, 11:16:10 AM
Interesting article from Four Four Two linked below which compares Rooney and Charlton.
For those interested in statistics it is well worth a few minutes of your time.
Interestingly although Charlton has a much more impressive World Cup record, 32 of his goals came from 71 friendlies compared to Rooney’s 14 from 41.

http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/wayne-rooney-vs-bobby-charlton-whos-got-best-england-scoring-record (http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/wayne-rooney-vs-bobby-charlton-whos-got-best-england-scoring-record)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 06, 2015, 01:29:52 PM
Im surprised at people on this thread to be honest, Rooney has scored goals against the opposition he has been put up against, are we really going to go down the route of his goals don't mean as much as Charltons??

if he gets the record he will be Englands top scorer and rightly so as he has put the ball in the net more than anyone else.

I don't get why people are comparing stats or saying his goals are not as important as Charltons as that is complete and utter horse****

The record books and history will show that Wayne Rooney has scored more goals than anyone else and I'm pretty sure he will also get the record caps.

England legend simple as
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 06, 2015, 02:38:24 PM
Makes me laugh when people talk about goals in major tournaments. What about major goals in major tournaments. Notably a certain brace someone scored in a certain semi final some time ago.

Rooney hasn't scored a single goal in a major championship in the knockout stages.

The point isn't to put down Charlton, the point is to point out the mindlessness of people who cannot wait but get a dig in on Rooney. It's funny, its usually the same types who moan about players not caring for England. No wonder if someone like Rooney who's always available and clearly puts his all into England gets so much stick for the crime of scoring too many goals! Even if he has a really good tournament at the Euro's that still won't be enough for most his critics.

Of the other greats in his generation, Ibrahimovic never scored a goal in the knock out rounds, Lionel Messi never scored in a world cup knock out game, scored only 3 in 16 copa america games, Cristiano Ronaldo's never scored in a world cup knockout game....

I wonder if people in their countries give them as much stick as Rooney gets. I suspect not. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on September 06, 2015, 03:04:24 PM
Of the other greats in his generation, Ibrahimovic never scored a goal in the knock out rounds, Lionel Messi never scored in a world cup knock out game, scored only 3 in 16 copa america games, Cristiano Ronaldo's never scored in a world cup knockout game....

I wonder if people in their countries give them as much stick as Rooney gets. I suspect not.

From what some sports journalists based in Latin America have led me to believe, Messi does get quite a bit of stick from Argentineans, particularly after the Copa America final against Chile.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 06, 2015, 05:29:59 PM
Of the other greats in his generation, Ibrahimovic never scored a goal in the knock out rounds, Lionel Messi never scored in a world cup knock out game, scored only 3 in 16 copa america games, Cristiano Ronaldo's never scored in a world cup knockout game....

I wonder if people in their countries give them as much stick as Rooney gets. I suspect not.

You made a point that Rooney scored more goals in major tournaments than Charlton. My point was merely Charltons goals were of far more value. Just felt it needed some objective reasoning.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 06, 2015, 06:06:01 PM
Rooney is the best England player since Gazza.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 06, 2015, 06:22:59 PM
Rooney is the best England player since Gazza.

He's not, Ashley Cole, Terry, Scholes and Gerrard all better players in their respective positions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on September 06, 2015, 06:46:23 PM
Yeah scholes was class I agree there.

There all good players no reason why we can't get out of our group in major tournaments. It's the idiots who think we can win it that always over react.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on September 06, 2015, 07:58:48 PM
I think we have potentially a decent team for the next world cup campaign. The likes of Hart, Shaw, Clyne, Cahill, Jones, Smalling, Ox, Wilshire, Walcott, Welbeck, Sterling, Henderson, Sturridge, and Rooney all playing for champions league or Europa league teams and the likes of Kane, Stones and Barkley likely to get a big move in coming years.

I also see other countries struggling for world class talent in the next few years. Brazil are a shadow of their past, Italy too, Spain's golden age has gone, France are not as good either. Teams are catching them up and the like of Belgium are developing quality players. I can see a so called lesser team winning tournaments in the next 10 years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on September 07, 2015, 10:00:18 AM

Which sort of leads me onto - Rooney never scores when it really matters, the biggest stages at the most important times. That's what sorts out the greats from the goods. They deliver when it REALLY matters.

Nobody delivers for England in the major tournaments. Rooney especially. I always saw Gerrard as a bottler. Bullied sides like Albion in premier league but totally in the shadows for England against the big boys and when he was needed. Only fat frank ever really had a go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 07, 2015, 11:02:59 AM
I don't think we have one world class player, the only chance we have with current pool of players is (sadly) based upon the team ethic. 
This is one of Roy's strengths, My prediction for Euros is solid performance in group stage, but thats it folks, We'll all get excited but then get found out (very likely by the italians or germans !)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on September 07, 2015, 10:58:18 PM
We have done bliming well to have a 100% record so far and be the first team to qualify, Well done Roy and the players.
If we can make it out the groups I will be satisfied anything after that is a bonus.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 08, 2015, 10:56:47 AM
loads of tickets left for tonight apparently
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 08, 2015, 11:20:54 AM
The sale of tickets was suspended for a time last week as there was a tube strike due but that was later cancelled. To be fair I used to go to most England home games but I have no interest in them at this time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on September 08, 2015, 11:49:33 AM
We have done bliming well to have a 100% record so far and be the first team to qualify, Well done Roy and the players.
If we can make it out the groups I will be satisfied anything after that is a bonus.

I dunno about that, it is a very weak group, no real competition at all. No other big side in the group. Switzerland used to be good.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 08, 2015, 01:16:56 PM
I dunno about that, it is a very weak group, no real competition at all. No other big side in the group. Switzerland used to be good.

You still have to beat what is put in front of you. Look at all the other National sides that take groups like this for granted and end up losing a game or two they really shouldn't have, we have done a very professional job so far. Hopefully we can keep it going into the finals and get beyond the group stages.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 08, 2015, 08:37:25 PM
It is like watching Albion at the moment.
Backward passes and the big hoof from the goalkeeper.
No pace and when the defence have a clear run forward they wont take it, just preferring to pass sidewards.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on September 08, 2015, 09:39:30 PM
People will always slag Rooney off but he's always scored goals over many, many years. England would be lost without him, great achievement.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 08, 2015, 09:50:22 PM
Congratulations to Wayne Rooney on breaking Booby Charlton's goal scoring record for England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 08, 2015, 10:08:46 PM
I "thumped" the air when he scored.
Say what you like about the bald headed, granny groping twit, but he comes up with goods.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 08, 2015, 10:13:26 PM
Brilliant for Rooney to break the record with so many years left of his career, but it is yet another performance from the whole team that leaves you uninspired.

For a country lacking any real chance of progressing in the major tournaments, it amazes me that we always seem to qualify for major tournaments with so much ease. Apart from the one qualification process back in 2007, we have qualified for every major tournament since 1995 and in all but one of those qualifications, we have finished top of our group (above both Germany and Italy over the years). This is despite being a very ordinary tournament team.

Today we showed we have a steady defence with yet another clean sheet, but we lack any real creative spark. Rooney and now Kane appear to be able to get the goals at international level, but behind them I do wonder who exactly will actually unlock defences and set the goals up? Sterling and Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled today as all English speedy wingers seem to at the international level. Barkley has settled into a steady, pass sideways player, rather than the skilful "Gazza" type he was supposed to be when he first burst on to the scene. On the bench, our latest "technical player" is Ryan Mason; a player who is in and out of the Spurs teams and has hardly pulled up trees despite being 24. He follows the likes of Cleverley, Wilshere, Henderson and Lallana who are supposed to be our answer to Iniesta or Gotze but who seems the weakest of the lot.

From what I ahve seen, Jack Grealish may actually provide an answer but I get the impression he would rather play for Ireland and only their failure to qualify for major tournaments on a regular basis is holding him back. He genuinely does seem to have the ability to operate in tight spaces but it shows the slim pickings we have in this crucial position.

England will only win things when we can field a full squad of players comfortable playing in between the lines of defence you get in international football. We still don't have that at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 08, 2015, 10:20:05 PM
As I said earlier.
It is like watching the Albion.
Same game plan.
Hoof a lot from the back..It is called "Pulis ball" now.
The only difference is, that England have a bit of pace in some places.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 09, 2015, 06:24:38 AM
We really seem to lack that one player in the middle that's not afraid to drive us forward 20 yards which opens things for others. I thought Barkley would have been perfect for that role but he looks like every other midfield player to play for England in the last 15 years that looks to pass it sideways.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 09, 2015, 08:00:39 AM
well done Wazza
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 09, 2015, 10:59:00 AM
Well done Rooney, one of the greatest to play for England. Great win last night, Hodgson is doing a cracking job with this team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 09, 2015, 11:12:44 AM
Well done Rooney, one of the greatest to play for England. Great win last night, Hodgson is doing a cracking job with this team.


We as Albion fans understand but that lot watching in the pub last night were talking about paint drying
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on September 09, 2015, 11:55:21 AM
I bet the Queen cringed a bit when he scored.
I bet she thought' 'Fek me Philip, arise Sir Wayne has a certain council estate ring about it hey what?'
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 09, 2015, 12:09:10 PM
I bet the Queen cringed a bit when he scored.
I bet she thought' 'Fek me Philip, arise Sir Wayne has a certain council estate ring about it hey what?'


how long before he is knighted i wonder and Colleen becomes her ladyship
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on September 09, 2015, 12:25:02 PM
Lady Coleen can will be able to go to the ceremony in her best shell suit and parker  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 09, 2015, 01:48:05 PM

We as Albion fans understand but that lot watching in the pub last night were talking about paint drying

Have to disagree I thought England played some lovely football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 09, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
Have to disagree I thought England played some lovely football.

Seriously?!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on September 09, 2015, 02:06:53 PM
Have to disagree I thought England played some lovely football.

Not sure what you were watching. I nearly fell asleep in the ground first half.

Sterling - Useless
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 09, 2015, 02:34:04 PM
I think Roy had it right in his post match
1st half bad, 2nd half a little better (paraphrased)

I have to agree on Sterling, he was abysmal, dunno how he stayed on tbh.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 09, 2015, 03:03:23 PM
Not sure what you were watching. I nearly fell asleep in the ground first half.

Sterling - Useless

Absolutely agree

I don't get what people see in Sterling I really don't, he doesnt beat a man, turns into trouble rather than into space. doesnt create much or score many either. Cite have basically paid £49m for a sprinter when they already have one in Jesus Navas

He is a player I want to do well I really do but I don't see whats so good about him.

I think Townsend offers so much more
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 10, 2015, 04:00:29 PM
Theo Walcott's the most productive winger we have, like him or not. I don't. Chamberlain shows flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency and Sterling lacks everything. I'm surprised he hasn't tried pushing a LB further forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 10, 2015, 04:14:24 PM
------------- Hart -----------------

Clyne - Cahill - Jagielka - Baines

----------- Wilshere ---------------

 Chamberlain - Henderson -------

Sturridge -------------- Shaw

------------ Rooney --------------


All fit I'd sooner see something like this.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 07, 2015, 10:15:04 AM
Any of you guys going to the forth coming England games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 07, 2015, 11:22:19 AM
Any of you guys going to the forth coming England games

Got to go down to Wembley Friday unfortunately just to get the caps! If anyone fancies 4 tickets to the France friendly in November at Wembley by the way get in touch as we would be happy to let them go.

Couldn't get a ticket for Lithuania away as there were only 800 available.  :(

Next away for me is Spain in November.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 07, 2015, 12:10:54 PM
Couldn't get a ticket for Lithuania away as there were only 800 available.  :(

I know a few lads who are in the home end for that one.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 07, 2015, 12:45:55 PM
isnt football exciting from Pulisball to Hodgball
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PepeMel on October 09, 2015, 08:58:34 PM
I know it's only Estonia but some nice passing stuff from England . The sooner they move those corporates  the better or the cameras . It's embaressing they still taking there seat half way throught the second half
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on October 09, 2015, 09:06:37 PM
I know it's only Estonia but some nice passing stuff from England . The sooner they move those corporates  the better or the cameras . It's embaressing they still taking there seat half way throught the second half

Yes they should relocate the cameras. It's every international, cup final and semi, play offs etc, and as you say, it's embarrassing on TV.

I wish they would ban that f##king band as well - drives me round the bend with their stupid renditions of H-A-P-P-Y and all the other cr@p they churn out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on October 09, 2015, 10:06:27 PM
I know it's only Estonia but some nice passing stuff from England . The sooner they move those corporates  the better or the cameras . It's embaressing they still taking there seat half way throught the second half
If you saw how sparsely populated it was behind the cameras, then you'd understand. ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 09, 2015, 10:28:41 PM
I didn't watch.
Was it the usual dross from England?
From another site....
"I've just heard the England fans singing are you Albion in disguise"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on October 09, 2015, 11:30:10 PM
I didn't watch.
Was it the usual dross from England?

"Workmanlike and efficient" would be the charitable description, as ever.  Not that I'd complain for a single moment if the same can be done against the big boys when it really counts, but that's another story.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BobTaylor on October 09, 2015, 11:36:41 PM
We have done very well to be within touching distance of winning all our games, that in itself is an achievement.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on October 10, 2015, 07:04:33 AM
We have done very well to be within touching distance of winning all our games, that in itself is an achievement.

Always the same though and when it comes to the tournament we'll be mediocre to poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on October 10, 2015, 08:17:20 AM
I thought there were some good play. Nice intricate passing at times from Barkley and Lallana. It's a very young side so I think France will come a bit too soon for some but I like what Roy is trying to do. Defence worries me though. Better sides will capitalise on the mistakes made. I just don't get why Smalling is anywhere near the squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on October 10, 2015, 08:21:02 AM
Got to go down to Wembley Friday unfortunately just to get the caps! If anyone fancies 4 tickets to the France friendly in November at Wembley by the way get in touch as we would be happy to let them go.

Couldn't get a ticket for Lithuania away as there were only 800 available.  :(

Next away for me is Spain in November.
When game v Spain was announced it was only proposed as Spain hadnt qualified at the time! I looked online on Spanish sites & tickets not yet on sale but one uk site was quoting €130 for one with 10% discount for more than one ffs - I'm near Alicante might see if I can get some from the ground if its not too expensive its only a friendly after all!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: M666EYS on October 10, 2015, 09:03:41 AM
I been all over the world watching England, if anyone hasnt been to a game then you really need to go especially away from home.

The caps you have to have are a rip off, you can buy tickets at most places off touts
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on October 10, 2015, 09:09:40 AM
Roy's done a great job building a new team that he won't see the benefits of, he won't be appreciated for it now but he will in the future I think. It's hard to underestimate the size of the rebuild job he's had. Capello very rarely played non-established players so its been a huge ask to get a load of young players in and the squad is still pretty inexperienced as a result.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on October 10, 2015, 09:36:34 AM
When game v Spain was announced it was only proposed as Spain hadnt qualified at the time! I looked online on Spanish sites & tickets not yet on sale but one uk site was quoting €130 for one with 10% discount for more than one ffs - I'm near Alicante might see if I can get some from the ground if its not too expensive its only a friendly after all!
live about an hour south and have been looking but cant find where to buy them from although the ground has its own website with e mail address so may try there next week.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 11, 2015, 12:43:16 PM
what ground in spain are they playing?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on October 11, 2015, 12:46:26 PM
What a great job Hodgson has done, 9 wins out of 9 in qualification. I really think with a bit of luck that England can win Euro 2016.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 11, 2015, 12:51:14 PM
What a great job Hodgson has done, 9 wins out of 9 in qualification. I really think with a bit of luck that England can win Euro 2016.


encouraging but most likely the easiest qulification group. some decent youngsters coming through though. Roy needs to be picking players on form not trying to please the liverpools of this world
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on October 11, 2015, 01:20:21 PM
What a great job Hodgson has done, 9 wins out of 9 in qualification. I really think with a bit of luck that England can win Euro 2016.

But can he do it in a tournament? The answer is no.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 11, 2015, 01:42:08 PM
what ground in spain are they playing?

It's in Alicante mate
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2015, 06:31:03 PM
Plastic grass tonight then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on October 12, 2015, 06:57:03 PM
Big game for a number of players tonight. Hopefully it will result in an energetic, attacking game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on October 12, 2015, 07:22:53 PM
Vardy- remember how some of you lot scoffed at signing him back in January?!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on October 12, 2015, 08:22:12 PM
Drab game, pitch is having an impact. Barkley's deflected effort has just been added to by Kane.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on October 13, 2015, 10:47:43 AM
It's in Alicante mate
Estadio José Rico Perez home of Hercules cf in Alicante.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on October 20, 2015, 10:44:12 AM
info on tickets available in Spain here on Hercules CF website - cheapest looks to be €20 http://www.herculesdealicantecf.net/-/los-abonados-del-hercules-podran-adquirir-las-entradas-para-el-espana-inglaterra-desde-lunes-2-al-miercoles-4-de-noviembre
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 20, 2015, 10:51:30 AM
Brought mine Friday from the FA and was £19 so pretty decent! Still have no flights or nothing booked yet though which is a bit of a nightmare
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 04, 2015, 12:26:42 PM
see some of you next Friday  :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on November 05, 2015, 08:33:50 PM
Flying out Friday morning Luton - Alicante, staying in Benidorm the Friday and Saturday and returning Sunday evening.

Going to be a bit of a ball ache Friday as we have to go from Alicante to Benidorm to drop our bags, back to Alicante for the match then back to Benidorm after the match! 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 16, 2015, 09:36:53 AM
so Roy drafts in a player from Man Ure whos played a few minutes over all the Leicester players performing well at the minute.
Again a typical case of its who you play for
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 17, 2015, 08:50:59 AM
Spuds v France tonight.Anyone going
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PepeMel on November 17, 2015, 09:06:17 PM
Like my dad said when will the fa sort out those corporate seats , stadium full part from those seats . Move the cameras ffs its  embaressing . Encouraging performance on the
pitch
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PepeMel on November 17, 2015, 09:39:26 PM
Butland for England  get rid of billy big boots
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 17, 2016, 04:31:16 PM
Wayne Rooney is out for two months so he will miss the next 2 England friendlies, will he make the euros? is he picked because of who he is anyway. For me its time to blood young hungry
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on February 17, 2016, 05:58:26 PM
Wayne Rooney is out for two months so he will miss the next 2 England friendlies, will he make the euros? is he picked because of who he is anyway. For me its time to blood young hungry
Should "blood" them before the Euros.
They need game time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 17, 2016, 07:14:42 PM
He deservedly gets picked.

Without doubt our best player and we will not realise how good and important he is until he retires.

My only gripe with Rooney is that I don't think he reached the potential he could have reached.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 17, 2016, 09:40:53 PM
He deservedly gets picked.

Without doubt our best player and we will not realise how good and important he is until he retires.

My only gripe with Rooney is that I don't think he reached the potential he could have reached.

Not having it, wouldn't have him near the starting XI.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on February 17, 2016, 09:46:14 PM
Not having it, wouldn't have him near the starting XI.

With you on this Jacko, most over-rated player EVER.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on February 17, 2016, 09:51:06 PM
definitely a player in decline, probably at a stage now where we can do without him and he's never really done much in tournaments anyway. we put him on a pedestal by taking him to a tournament even though he was banned for the first two games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 17, 2016, 10:39:24 PM
Not having it, wouldn't have him near the starting XI.

Who would you have out of interest?

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 18, 2016, 12:23:35 AM
Who would you have out of interest?

If fit Sturridge and Kane.

If not fit then Kane on his own with 3 attacking mids.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on February 18, 2016, 02:11:35 AM
The side would be better off without him but he's the captain and a name so he'll be going. Vardy, Barkley and Walcott behind Kane is what I'd opt for personally. Can see Rooney playing in the middle of the park this summer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 18, 2016, 08:52:00 AM
encouraging potential we have to do well this summer, without rooney hopefully aswell
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 01, 2016, 11:07:56 PM
Is reg vardy a cert for the euros?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 04, 2016, 09:14:07 AM
Rashford of Man Ure could be called up for the summer euros, so called big clubs again ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 04, 2016, 09:21:34 AM
Rashford of Man Ure could be called up for the summer euros, big clubs again ???


That'll be a joke if he is.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 04, 2016, 09:24:40 AM
Hodgson is so blinkered towards the you know whos
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 12:02:53 PM
With you on this Jacko, most over-rated player EVER.

Huh?

over-rated...i know football is about opinions but its pretty clear to me anyway that he is not overrated but is rightly revered as a top player.

244 in 511 for Utd 261 in 588 career total and 51 in 109 for England.

so thats 312 goals in 697 games in total

2nd in the all time Premier League goalscorer

98 assists, 3rd in all time Prem list behind Giggs and Gerrard

3 titles
1 champs league
2 league cups
1 fifa world cup

yep he is overrated  ::)

You don't do all of the above if you are overrated, you do all of the above if you are world class player

Its that simple
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 04, 2016, 12:37:24 PM
Huh?

over-rated...i know football is about opinions but its pretty clear to me anyway that he is not overrated but is rightly revered as a top player.

244 in 511 for Utd 261 in 588 career total and 51 in 109 for England.

so thats 312 goals in 697 games in total

2nd in the all time Premier League goalscorer

98 assists, 3rd in all time Prem list behind Giggs and Gerrard

3 titles
1 champs league
2 league cups
1 fifa world cup

yep he is overrated  ::)

You don't do all of the above if you are overrated, you do all of the above if you are world class player

Its that simple

Never performed in a "world" scenario. End of !

BTW,1 FIFA world cup,  who are we discussing here?

I hope you are not using the one-off money making fiasco game between Copa de Americas and Champions league winners as an argument relating to "Rooney being world class"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 12:40:48 PM
Never performed in a "world" scenario. End of !

BTW,1 FIFA world cup,  who are we discussing here?

I hope you are not using the one-off money making fiasco game between Copa de Americas and Champions league winners as an argument relating to "Rooney being world class"

FIFA World club cup sorry mistyped

end of?? I don't think so....

Neither Messi or Ronaldo have really lit up a world cup either so are are they overrated???

The facts speak for themselves, but you are entitled to your opinion
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 12:44:31 PM
You want to listen to what his peers think about him only then will you realise how class the lad has been throughout his career

You are not alone in your thinking though there are plenty of others who feel the same as you but i cant agree at all, having watched him from the age of 16 burst onto the scene I've always thought of him as a world class player.

He isn't the same player as he was granted but you cannot discount his pedigree at all.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 04, 2016, 01:42:27 PM
You want to listen to what his peers think about him only then will you realise how class the lad has been throughout his career

You are not alone in your thinking though there are plenty of others who feel the same as you but i cant agree at all, having watched him from the age of 16 burst onto the scene I've always thought of him as a world class player.

He isn't the same player as he was granted but you cannot discount his pedigree at all.

We will have to agree to disagree, i guess it could be about definitions of world class.

For me the definition is - would you pick a player in your first choice 11 for the the world?
For me WR would never have met that criteria,

The last Englishman to have made "world class" were probably Michael Owen and Paul Gascoigne, (possibly Becks & Scholes at their very best)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on March 04, 2016, 01:52:31 PM
According to the Sun, Hodgson says Wiltshire will definitely go if he plays between now and end of season. Ludicrous, if true.
Drinkwater or Noble should get the chance, they have had and still are having great seasons.
It's this sort of mentality that holds us back at International level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 02:02:21 PM
We will have to agree to disagree, i guess it could be about definitions of world class.

For me the definition is - would you pick a player in your first choice 11 for the the world?
For me WR would never have met that criteria,

The last Englishman to have made "world class" were probably Michael Owen and Paul Gascoigne, (possibly Becks & Scholes at their very best)

Gascoigne definitely, Michael Owen is nowhere near as good a footballer as Rooney and doesnt even have as many goals or trophies.

Becks and Scholes were without doubt World Class but then people think Beckham was overrated aswell.

I wouldnt pick Christiano Ronaldo in my first World XI over any period but clearly he is world class and there are countless players who are world class throughout my life who wouldnt get into my starting XI either but were undoubtedly world class so for me not picking someone in a World XI over any period is no argument for a player not getting that status.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 04, 2016, 02:11:03 PM
Gascoigne definitely, Michael Owen is nowhere near as good a footballer as Rooney and doesnt even have as many goals or trophies.

Becks and Scholes were without doubt World Class but then people think Beckham was overrated aswell.

I wouldnt pick Christiano Ronaldo in my first World XI over any period but clearly he is world class and there are countless players who are world class throughout my life who wouldnt get into my starting XI either but were undoubtedly world class so for me not picking someone in a World XI over any period is no argument for a player not getting that status.

I'm struggling with what you mean by world class then, Not trying to be an backside, I'm just missing the point I think.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 02:25:20 PM
I'm struggling with what you mean by world class then, Not trying to be an backside, I'm just missing the point I think.

I know you are not fella....What are you struggling to understand from me though.

There are many players id class as world class, it doesnt mean they have necessarily lit up a world cup but their overall contribution to football and either what they achieved domestically or what their game was like for me a supporter to watch.

Players like Hagi, Stoichkov were world class footballers, but they wouldn't get into an XI I would pick....Messi possibly wouldnt get in due to Maradona I would choose Van Basten and Fat Ronaldo as my front 2 possibly but that doesnt mean Shearer wasnt world class or Cantona for that matter...do you see what i mean??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 04, 2016, 02:44:43 PM
I know you are not fella....What are you struggling to understand from me though.

There are many players id class as world class, it doesnt mean they have necessarily lit up a world cup but their overall contribution to football and either what they achieved domestically or what their game was like for me a supporter to watch.

Players like Hagi, Stoichkov were world class footballers, but they wouldn't get into an XI I would pick....Messi possibly wouldnt get in due to Maradona I would choose Van Basten and Fat Ronaldo as my front 2 possibly but that doesnt mean Shearer wasnt world class or Cantona for that matter...do you see what i mean??

Ok, I see where the confusion is, what i was trying to say (and failing) was a top 11 at that point in time,
ie today I would have
                   Neuer,

Alves,    Ramos,   Kompany,   french bloke

           Robben, Goetze   DeBruyne

 Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo,  Messi,


Not an englishman in sight or even near frankly, getting back to Wayne, I can't imagine i would ever have picked him on this basis
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on March 04, 2016, 02:53:23 PM
Ok, I see where the confusion is, what i was trying to say (and failing) was a top 11 at that point in time,
ie today I would have
                   Neuer,

Alves,    Ramos,   Kompany,   french bloke

           Robben, Goetze   DeBruyne

 Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo,  Messi,


Not an englishman in sight or even near frankly, getting back to Wayne, I can't imagine i would ever have picked him on this basis

So Suarez is not world class? Bale? Neymar? Lewandowski? Courtois not world class? There is no central midfielder in the world that is world class because they don't get in your top 11?

Ridiculous to use this as a definition for world class.  There can be more than 11 world class players in the world.

Rooney, over his career, has been one of the best English players ever.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 04, 2016, 03:15:08 PM
So Suarez is not world class? Bale? Neymar? Lewandowski? Courtois not world class? There is no central midfielder in the world that is world class because they don't get in your top 11?

Ridiculous to use this as a definition for world class.  There can be more than 11 world class players in the world.

Rooney, over his career, has been one of the best English players ever.

Rooney wouldn't get in an all time England XI for me. He also wouldn't go to the Euro's this summer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: collins101 on March 04, 2016, 03:22:01 PM
So Suarez is not world class? Bale? Neymar? Lewandowski? Courtois not world class? There is no central midfielder in the world that is world class because they don't get in your top 11?

Ridiculous to use this as a definition for world class.  There can be more than 11 world class players in the world.

Rooney, over his career, has been one of the best English players ever.

You could pick another 'World Class XI' and Rooney still wouldn't be in it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 03:24:01 PM
Ok, I see where the confusion is, what i was trying to say (and failing) was a top 11 at that point in time,
ie today I would have
                   Neuer,

Alves,    Ramos,   Kompany,   french bloke

           Robben, Goetze   DeBruyne

 Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo,  Messi,


Not an englishman in sight or even near frankly, getting back to Wayne, I can't imagine i would ever have picked him on this basis

Fair enough I don't agree with that side at all though fella.

some good players in there but World Class?? not all of those are in my opinion
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 03:26:16 PM
You could pick another 'World Class XI' and Rooney still wouldn't be in it.

And you could pick another aswell and he might not get in that one....doesnt mean he isn't a world class player or for the duration of his career been a world class player. because he has and he is proven
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 04, 2016, 03:32:41 PM
So Suarez is not world class? Bale? Neymar? Lewandowski? Courtois not world class? There is no central midfielder in the world that is world class because they don't get in your top 11?

Ridiculous to use this as a definition for world class.  There can be more than 11 world class players in the world.

Rooney, over his career, has been one of the best English players ever.

Ok, if its ridiculous, how many world class players can there be at any one time ??? Surely you have to draw the line somewhere? If not 11, would you say 20, 30, 40..... 100??

To me its equally ridiculous that anything above 20 players could be deemed as world class, I chose to use 11 as I think its easy to name a side, rather than a list with no end. 

I apologise for being ridiculous, but hey you know what i'll get over it  ;D

Oh and on Rooney being one of the best england players ever, are you honestly saying he's been better than Shilton, Banks, Moore, Charlton, Lineker, Hurst, Greaves, Ball, Mortenson, Wright, Matthews, to name oops 11   :-*
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 03:38:13 PM
Ok, if its ridiculous, how many world class players can there be at any one time ??? Surely you have to draw the line somewhere? If not 11, would you say 20, 30, 40..... 100??

To me its equally ridiculous that anything above 20 players could be deemed as world class, I chose to use 11 as I think its easy to name a side, rather than a list with no end. 

I apologise for being ridiculous, but hey you know what i'll get over it  ;D

Oh and on Rooney being one of the best england players ever, are you honestly saying he's been better than Shilton, Banks, Moore, Charlton, Lineker, Hurst, Greaves, Ball, Mortenson, Wright, Matthews, to name oops 11   :-*

There can be as many world class players as there are?? there is no limit to how many there can be!!

And yes Rooney is up there with the best players ever, his overall ability for a start and he currently has the goalscoring record. what more does he need to be up there with the best??. When he received his award for breaking the record Bobby Charlton told you all you need to know about what everyone else thinks go him in the football world.

You named 11... what about Gascoigne who you mentioned in another post but not in this one, Bryan Robson, Scholes, Beckham
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 04, 2016, 03:40:48 PM
The list will keep expanding because there are more than 11 world class players thats how it works
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 04, 2016, 03:43:03 PM
There can be as many world class players as there are?? there is no limit to how many there is!!

And yes Rooney is up there with the best players ever, his overall ability for a start and he currently has the goalscoring record. what more does he need to be up there with the best??. When he received his award for breaking the record Bobby Charlton told you all you need to know about what everyone else thinks go him in the football world.

He has got his goals in an era when most intl games are qualifiers or freindlies against "lesser" nations, when he's been needed to contribute in meaningful games has he?

He is good, maybe very good, but on the world stage, ie super elite, sorry i just do not see it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on March 04, 2016, 04:04:32 PM
Ok, if its ridiculous, how many world class players can there be at any one time ??? Surely you have to draw the line somewhere? If not 11, would you say 20, 30, 40..... 100??

To me its equally ridiculous that anything above 20 players could be deemed as world class, I chose to use 11 as I think its easy to name a side, rather than a list with no end. 

I apologise for being ridiculous, but hey you know what i'll get over it  ;D

Oh and on Rooney being one of the best england players ever, are you honestly saying he's been better than Shilton, Banks, Moore, Charlton, Lineker, Hurst, Greaves, Ball, Mortenson, Wright, Matthews, to name oops 11   :-*

It's the definition of being in the top 11 and that only one player in each position can be world class that is ridiculous. But thanks, apology accepted.

Thankfully, there is no limit to world/top class players.

While of course it is subjective, I find it hard to believe that anyone can argue that Rooney over his career has not been world class. He has won premier league titles, the Champions league, player of the year, shown ability in scoring a whole range of goals, created goals, and broke historic individual goal scoring records.

And yes Rooney would get in most people's England 11 ahead of Lineker, Greaves, Mortenson, Hurst etc. He has scored more domestic, European, and international goals than all of them. As well as more assists, and a better all round game.

I feel he is too harshly written off as he has played in an era with Messi and Ronaldo, probably the best 2 players ever to play the game, and is therefore always compared to those two. For me, they are on another level to everyone else.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 04, 2016, 04:06:25 PM
England playing around the country again i hear, bout time too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 04, 2016, 04:09:43 PM
the sooner Hodgson goes the better, and he will after the euros. Wilsher, delph, luke shaw all mentioned as possibilities. current players on form for me. no doubt rooney will be starting
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on March 04, 2016, 04:23:34 PM
He has got his goals in an era when most intl games are qualifiers or freindlies against "lesser" nations, when he's been needed to contribute in meaningful games has he?

He is good, maybe very good, but on the world stage, ie super elite, sorry i just do not see it.

Charlton goals had his fair share of goals against minnows. 5 against Luxembourg, 4 against USA (minnows at the time), and hat tricks against Mexico and Switzerland in 8-0/8-1 wins.

Rooney has also scored more goals in major tournaments than Charlton.

And when compared to someone in this era, he even has a similar record to Ronaldo. 51 in 109, to 55 in 122. Not bad at all!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on March 05, 2016, 06:40:18 AM
World class forwards; Messi, Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Aguero.

Anyone putting Rooney in their bracket needs a rethink.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 05, 2016, 07:58:28 AM
I understand when people say it's hard to compare Rooney to Messi and Ronaldo because they are the level above but for me he's never really been in the level below either.  Not ever close to World or European player of the year.

The likes of Zlatan,  Aguero, Suarez, neymar,  bale, muller, Torres all way ahead of Rooney.

Rooney was ruined by Ferguson imo. Tried to improve his all round game but ended up taking the best thing away from him which was taking players on almost Gazza-esque.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on March 05, 2016, 10:34:58 AM
World class forwards; Messi, Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Aguero.

Anyone putting Rooney in their bracket needs a rethink.
I know he's a dickhead but I would add suarez to that list, agree about rooney though, I tend to judge what players do at major tournaments when the play against the best when calling them world class, and rooney has fallen well short in that respect.   
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albion79 on March 05, 2016, 11:20:35 AM
I think going on the past Rooney has been a top player for England but like others have said, i dont think he quite fulfilled his full potential, he was / still is quality but dont think he is world class.

I watched the documentary on him when he broke the goalscoring record and when he started at Everton he was so raw and instinctive, combined with stupid amounts of talent too and thats what made him so special. Over the probably with getting older and more coaching he has lost that edge a bit.

Until he got injured recently then i would of picked him for England for the Euros, for once as a tournament approached he seemed to be approaching the end of season in good form and injury free but then he ended up getting injured!

I think you should take your best / form players to tournaments wherever they are from, not just names, aside from the very very very odd glimpse of Sturridge actually getting on the pitch this season i have yet to see why he deserves to go to the tournament, same thing with Wilshere, how you can justify picking players who havent played for their clubs i have no idea, its not like they have been playing poor for their clubs, form comes and goes, but at the time of writing they havent actually even been playing!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 05, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
I understand when people say it's hard to compare Rooney to Messi and Ronaldo because they are the level above but for me he's never really been in the level below either.  Not ever close to World or European player of the year.

The likes of Zlatan,  Aguero, Suarez, neymar,  bale, muller, Torres all way ahead of Rooney.

Rooney was ruined by Ferguson imo. Tried to improve his all round game but ended up taking the best thing away from him which was taking players on almost Gazza-esque.

If Torres was world class, then Rooney certainly was. Rooney's record is better domestically, internationally, at European level and probably a stronger all round player too than Torres who only ever thrived in one particular system under Benitez.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 05, 2016, 11:40:54 AM
Ridiculous these posts saying Rooney is not up there with the Agueros, Ibrahimovich's etc

His record proves you are wrong

Your opinion might be that you don't think he is as good but everything else points to him being as good if not better than some of the World Class players mentioned in above posts

Rooney is/was world class.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on March 05, 2016, 01:00:46 PM
Lineker head and shoulders over Rooney for me,  these type of players come into their own on the big stage like the 86 world cup when Lineker won the Golden Boot Award with 6 goals, look how Lineker dragged England to the semis in Italia 90 with goals against Cameroon and Germany.
Big players shine in the tournaments and the biggest stage to play football is the world cup finals
Lineker 10 GOALS
Rooney 1 goal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 05, 2016, 01:05:15 PM
Lineker head and shoulders over Rooney for me,  these type of players come into their own on the big stage like the 86 world cup when Lineker won the Golden Boot Award with 6 goals, look how Lineker dragged England to the semis in Italia 90 with goals against Cameroon and Germany.
Big players shine in the tournaments and the biggest stage to play football is the world cup finals
Lineker 10 GOALS
Rooney 1 goal.

I'm not sure you can say Lineker "dragged" England to the semi-finals by scoring 2 penalties against Cameroon.

Besides which it's a bit ridiculous to judge someone solely on a tournament held every 4 year that is largely dependent on team strength. Based on such logic then Cristiano Ronaldo isn't world class as he's never done much at world cups. Only scored 3 goals, all in the group stages, a penalty against Iran, the 6th against North Korea, and a late goal against Ghana that was little more than a consolation as they exited the last world cup.

Landon Donovan 5 World cup GOALS
Lionel Messi 5
Cristiano Ronaldo 3
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 0
Sergio Aguero  0

There's a real cognitive dissonance with Rooney and other strikers from some England "fans". You'll see as above people praising Aguero for being world class for example then slagging off Rooney based on his international record, when Aguero's is even worse.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 17, 2016, 08:45:02 AM
any squad announcement yet?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 17, 2016, 12:50:27 PM
Danny Drinkwater made the squad then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: saml30 on March 17, 2016, 01:11:51 PM
Generally really like the squad as a whole, just questions over Jagielka, Lallana and Walcott for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 17, 2016, 01:19:18 PM
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 17, 2016, 01:23:21 PM
2 of those strikers will miss out on the Euro's if Rooney is fit. Got a feeling it'll be Vardy and Walcott out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 17, 2016, 01:30:12 PM
 could always take the extra forward by leaving Walker out. Dier, Stones and even Milner can all cover at r/b. Not a fan of either Lallana or Henderson but looking round it is an area we are a bit short in if Wilshere and Oxlade Chamberlain are unavailable
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 17, 2016, 02:04:50 PM
Noble probably should have got a look in.

Sterling? Really?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on March 17, 2016, 03:12:27 PM
Couple of points:-

Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson are not good enough.

The new kit looks fuggin disgusting.

Hodgson said door is still open for players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 17, 2016, 03:27:59 PM
welbeck / sturridge / walcott all sick notes, expect minimum of 1 of these to be out before the tournament, If by some miracle they all stay fit, I certainly wouldn't take all 3, much too big a risk IMO
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 17, 2016, 03:49:49 PM

The new kit looks fuggin disgusting.


Absolutely awful top.

The away kit also has far too much claret and blue.
 :-X.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on March 17, 2016, 03:51:17 PM
Best 11 people.....

Butland

Clyne
Cahill
Smalling
Bertrand (no other LB there!)

Drinkwater/Henderson
Ali
Barkley

Sterling
Kane
Vardy

It's a very unbalanced squad, if we play 4 in midfield then Milner is a shoe-in which depresses me - where are the wingers?! I think Hodgson will pick

Hart

Clyne
Jagielka
Cahill
Bertrand

Milner
Henderson
Barkley
Sterling

Kane
Sturridge

We don't really have a steady, experienced central midfielder.


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 17, 2016, 04:03:08 PM
Absolutely awful top.

The away kit also has far too much claret and blue.
 :-X.


i agree its a terrible top
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 17, 2016, 05:02:14 PM
Opening game of the tournament team:

Hart

Clyne
Cahill
Jagielka
Baines

Milner
Henderson
Barkley
Welbeck

Rooney

Kane

 :(

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 17, 2016, 05:03:29 PM
What a load of dog pooh that squad is.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kie the baggie on March 17, 2016, 05:07:01 PM
i think the kits are really nice!!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 23, 2016, 08:59:22 AM
anybody excited about the forth coming England games against Germany & Holland. what a crazy time to have internationals,
Can you imagine with 8 players away and we were seriously fighting relegation and players coming back injured
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 23, 2016, 11:06:52 AM
anybody excited about the forth coming England games against Germany & Holland. what a crazy time to have internationals,
Can you imagine with 8 players away and we were seriously fighting relegation and players coming back injured

I can't wait for Germany, said in another thread that I had connecting flights in Brussels tomorrow if the airport doesn't open and the flights are cancelled I'll be booking a flight to Hamburg Friday and then 1 hr and half train from there to Berlin. Not sure whether to have a night in Hamburg and go Berlin early Saturday morning or just get the train to Berlin as soon as I Get to Hamburg
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 23, 2016, 11:10:16 AM
I can't wait for Germany, said in another thread that I had connecting flights in Brussels tomorrow if the airport doesn't open and the flights are cancelled I'll be booking a flight to Hamburg Friday and then 1 hr and half train from there to Berlin. Not sure whether to have a night in Hamburg and go Berlin early Saturday morning or just get the train to Berlin as soon as I Get to Hamburg

How much is the re-booking of flights Lee?

I've got the train down to Stanstead of Friday then from there to Berlin, flying back from Hannover on Monday to Birmingham. Can't wait for the weekend!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 23, 2016, 12:36:53 PM
How much is the re-booking of flights Lee?

I've got the train down to Stanstead of Friday then from there to Berlin, flying back from Hannover on Monday to Birmingham. Can't wait for the weekend!

£183 return the flights BHX - Hamburg then £35 return train Hamburg to Berlin. I am just about to ring up now, although I may just keep my return flight from Berlin to Brum on Sunday if I can, and then get the one way flight to Hamburg.

Ballache is an understatement, although there is no one to blame except for those scumbag terrorists
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 23, 2016, 12:55:47 PM
Whats the Germany game score going to be?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 23, 2016, 12:57:41 PM
That is indeed a ballache mate, feel for you especially with the cost. Insurance covering you?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 23, 2016, 01:01:43 PM
That is indeed a ballache mate, feel for you especially with the cost. Insurance covering you?

Got a refund on the other flights so its will work out pretty much the same price
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 23, 2016, 01:03:40 PM
Nice one, ours were a bargain, £32 out and £34 back
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 23, 2016, 02:10:59 PM
Nice one, ours were a bargain, £32 out and £34 back

Haha fairplay!

Change of plan again for me, found direct flights Liverpool - Berlin return tomorrow and coming back Sunday. Result that is!! All booked up now!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 23, 2016, 02:41:59 PM
Haha fairplay!

Change of plan again for me, found direct flights Liverpool - Berlin return tomorrow and coming back Sunday. Result that is!! All booked up now!

Much better that is, no faffing about and a short train up to Liverpool
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 23, 2016, 03:01:19 PM
I do admire you spending your hard earned following england around, whats the attraction?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 23, 2016, 03:03:26 PM
I do admire you spending your hard earned following england around, whats the attraction?

Never get to see the Albion play in Europe is up there with the attractions.

Much more than just 90 minutes though. Places I wouldn't normally visit too, such as San Marino, plenty to see and experience.

Good getaway with pals , two weeks all over France will be superb. Then Bratislava in September

Oh and the last reason, nothing else better to do  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 23, 2016, 03:13:18 PM
Its much better following Albion in europe :D most of you wont remember Valencia away. Maybe Tone will get us there again season after next
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 23, 2016, 03:26:36 PM
If I'm honest I'm not a huge England international fan I just love going away to different places with the lads on the p*ss.

Last year I did; Italy, Ireland, Slovenia, San Marino & Spain and every single one was fantastic.

Did Malmo with the Albion couple of years ago that was brilliant too.

Only thing is, its a bit addictive and we are already looking at the prices for Slovakia away in September for the World Cup Qualifiers
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 23, 2016, 03:32:51 PM
If I'm honest I'm not a huge England international fan I just love going away to different places with the lads on the p*ss.

Last year I did; Italy, Ireland, Slovenia, San Marino & Spain and every single one was fantastic.

Did Malmo with the Albion couple of years ago that was brilliant too.

Only thing is, its a bit addictive and we are already looking at the prices for Slovakia away in September for the World Cup Qualifiers

Birmingham direct Saturday to the Tuesday was £150 flight and about £80 hotel. Bargain really. Really enjoyed both Ireland and San Marino, as Ireland was my first one, many more to come

Like you say, very addictive
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 23, 2016, 03:47:42 PM
If I'm honest I'm not a huge England international fan I just love going away to different places with the lads on the p*ss.

Last year I did; Italy, Ireland, Slovenia, San Marino & Spain and every single one was fantastic.

Did Malmo with the Albion couple of years ago that was brilliant too.

Only thing is, its a bit addictive and we are already looking at the prices for Slovakia away in September for the World Cup Qualifiers


yes it was, we met :). i do agree going away with the lads on the lash is the best part
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 25, 2016, 04:51:28 PM
Ain't it about time we gave Germany a game. 1-5 would be nice
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on March 26, 2016, 01:41:03 PM
Mixed emotions with the team selection, delighted that form players like Rose, Alli and Dier are getting a game but disappointed that there is no room for Danny Drinkwater or Ross Barkley instead of the likes of Henderson and Lallana. Hopefully Vardy will get the nod on Tuesday instead of the usual rubbish (Sturridge and Walcott).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 26, 2016, 08:55:15 PM
Same old England, all yap and no snap !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 26, 2016, 09:00:05 PM
Same old England, all yap and no snap !!

Comfortable until Butland's selfishness.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 26, 2016, 09:27:41 PM
Best England performance under Roy , what a comeback
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 26, 2016, 09:56:35 PM
Fantastic performance. It's a shame Roy will dismantle this team when it really matters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 26, 2016, 09:58:27 PM
Best England performance under Roy

Best I've seen us play in at least 10 years fella.

That was a very very good performance.

Vardy's goal  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on March 26, 2016, 11:38:30 PM
Lovely stuff, dare to dream?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 27, 2016, 12:49:16 AM
Enjoyed the game. However, Germany never show their hand. ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on March 27, 2016, 12:51:51 AM
Have we finally found a team? ali and dier have to start. Vardys goal was fantastic. I'm an ever optimist with England regardless... go on roy..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 27, 2016, 03:35:36 AM
This is the best group of players we've had for ages. We now have players that are TECHNICALLY very good at long last. I only hope Roy doesn't fall into the old English trap of picking PACE when it matters. Have we finally learned? The likes of Walcott, Oxlade Chamberlain, Sterling - leave them at home, when it comes to internationally tournament football they are not sound enough technically.

Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. Vardy, Alli are so dangerous. Lallana I like at international level, that type of football suits him.

The weakest part of the team is the central defence.

Finally - Rooney - personally I wouldn't take him to the Euro's. If we do the media circus around him will disrupt our camp, we need positivity and we need to focus correctly on what matters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: j2burnz on March 27, 2016, 08:12:30 AM
What a load of dog pooh that squad is.

Prepared to retract on that statement mate?

Seriously good performance that was.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiesboots on March 27, 2016, 09:27:11 AM
This is the best group of players we've had for ages. We now have players that are TECHNICALLY very good at long last. I only hope Roy doesn't fall into the old English trap of picking PACE when it matters. Have we finally learned? The likes of Walcott, Oxlade Chamberlain, Sterling - leave them at home, when it comes to internationally tournament football they are not sound enough technically.

Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. Vardy, Alli are so dangerous. Lallana I like at international level, that type of football suits him.

The weakest part of the team is the central defence.

Finally - Rooney - personally I wouldn't take him to the Euro's. If we do the media circus around him will disrupt our camp, we need positivity and we need to focus correctly on what matters.
I don't like Cahill at all too easily beaten in the air, both in the league and internationally.
Craig Dawson anyone?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: sparky123 on March 27, 2016, 11:21:22 AM
Vardys goal was quality and the  way Kane took two defenders out with his turn was brilliant makes Saido look a long way from this level
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on March 27, 2016, 11:37:05 AM
Id start with Vardy and Kane leave the fat boy on the bench
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiesboots on March 27, 2016, 11:46:02 AM
Vardys goal was quality and the  way Kane took two defenders out with his turn was brilliant makes Saido look a long way from this level
If/when he joins Spurs (or other team who can provide more assistance)  I'd expect him to be back up to that level quite quickly, after all, he came through the England setup with most of the younger players on view last night.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 27, 2016, 12:12:44 PM
Prepared to retract on that statement mate?

Seriously good performance that was.

But we never do it when it matters. Roy will  bottle it come first game and will go back to Wilshere, Rooney, Sturridge and Milner.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 27, 2016, 12:24:21 PM
Did not see the game but sounded like a good performance. The likes of Rooney, Milner et al should be told thanks for your service but its time to move on.

Rooney is on around £300,000 a week so is unlikely to be too bothered wether England do well or not. We need young hungry players not the comfort zone boys.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 27, 2016, 01:10:55 PM
But we never do it when it matters. Roy will  bottle it come first game and will go back to Wilshere, Rooney, Sturridge and Milner.

Milner hasn't started important non-friendly games since Euro 2012....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 27, 2016, 02:33:48 PM
Was great yesterday.

I would still take Rooney no issue.

However I wouldnt take Sterling at all, he doesnt actually do anything, doesnt create much, doesnt score many if at all. Id have The Ox over him all day long.

Sterling is the MOST OVERRATED player I think I've ever seen....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 27, 2016, 03:37:29 PM
Was great yesterday.

I would still take Rooney no issue.

However I wouldnt take Sterling at all, he doesnt actually do anything, doesnt create much, doesnt score many if at all. Id have The Ox over him all day long.


Sterling is the MOST OVERRATED player I think I've ever seen....


Neither are any good. Same as Walcott, all pace nothing else.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Downunder Stripes on March 28, 2016, 11:45:15 AM
This shows the absolute class of Vardys goal.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BDdGv3fRKUM/
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on March 28, 2016, 02:43:44 PM
Milner Captain against Holland...deep joy...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 28, 2016, 02:51:57 PM
Milner Captain against Holland...deep joy...

Not sure how or why anyone is complaining about this, how is it anyone bad that the most experienced player in the squad takes the captaincy in those rare occasions neither the captain or vice-captain are available? Only in England would this be even worthy of mentioning.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 28, 2016, 03:09:26 PM
England have had these sort of results before, but never produce when it really matters. This team could be different, time will tell
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on March 28, 2016, 07:14:46 PM
But we never do it when it matters. Roy will  bottle it come first game and will go back to Wilshere, Rooney, Sturridge and Milner.

Nothing wrong with bringing class players in as long as they're fully fit
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on March 29, 2016, 11:39:49 AM
Why is James 'Granite-head' Milner captaining England tonight?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 29, 2016, 11:41:26 AM
Why is James 'Granite-head' Milner captaining England tonight?

Because he's the most capped player in the 1st team? It's only a friendly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 29, 2016, 11:42:21 AM
I assume he's just the most experienced player in there that will be involved, I don't see a problem with him being named captain personally.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 29, 2016, 11:43:31 AM
So after Saturday its back to slow slow quick quick slow
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 29, 2016, 12:55:51 PM
So after Saturday its back to slow slow quick quick slow

He's playing the entire squad across the two games.

Tournaments these days are about the 23 not the first 11.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 29, 2016, 01:07:14 PM
He's playing the entire squad across the two games.

Tournaments these days are about the 23 not the first 11.


play your best inform team, the ones playing tonight have had their chance, some of them anyway. keep the ones who peformed brilliantly on sat in tonights team i say
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 29, 2016, 01:33:31 PM
It's not just about picking 11 players and sending them out to have a kick about (unless you are Tim Sherwood or Harry Redknapp).

The entire squad needs to be used to the manager's tactics and used to playing with each other.

Those that played on Saturday did well for the most part, but there's other players you deserve a crack (Drinkwater) and players who have genuine talent (Sturridge). They need to play.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: JDWest_Brom on March 29, 2016, 03:02:00 PM
Jack Butland showed his inexperience against Germany, he may be the future but he isn't quite ready yet. He's definitely not on the same level that Joe Hart is capable of performing at.

Fraser Forster's lack of mobility was shown up for the German second goal as well. For a 6 foot 6 keeper not to dominate his area is a sin and he isn't agile enough to react to the header/shot coming in at close range. So he just stood there like a dummy.

Tom Heaton isn't at the same level as Forster let alone Butland or Hart. With only Ben Foster to come back in we better not get any more injuries.

Great comeback it may have been, but it was far from a great performance. Our goalkeepers may have been ultimately at fault for the two goals in my opinion, but considering we were playing with Dier screening the back four, we should have been able to cut out the ball before getting to those positions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on March 29, 2016, 03:16:37 PM
It's not just about picking 11 players and sending them out to have a kick about (unless you are Tim Sherwood or Harry Redknapp).

The entire squad needs to be used to the manager's tactics and used to playing with each other.

Those that played on Saturday did well for the most part, but there's other players you deserve a crack (Drinkwater) and players who have genuine talent (Sturridge). They need to play.

The question remains, why is Milner playing?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 29, 2016, 03:39:04 PM
The question remains, why is Milner playing?
Because he´s a whole lot better than Henderson and quite probably Lallana  :D :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 29, 2016, 04:29:47 PM
Because he´s a whole lot better than Henderson and quite probably Lallana  :D :D

Agree on henderson, who is a typical england "got a great engine" player, not a lot else to his merit though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 29, 2016, 05:18:51 PM
If you want England to play like they did you do need a Milner or Henderson type in there though who'll stick to their job and positioning otherwise the midfield will get completely overrun if you play Barkley who has a habit of switching off or getting caught on the ball, talented though he is. Neither of whom are bad players either, Henderson's not having a very good season but was Liverpool's best midfielder the two seasons before that. Milner has had a good season and was a key part of a side the won the league twice.

Now if Wilshere was actually fit he could slot into that position no problem, but that's a very big ask at this stage.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 29, 2016, 07:13:43 PM
(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/3/29/3b229d37-3a65-480f-8f99-180f87a994f6.png)

This looks very much a 2nd string and I'd only really consider Smalling and Sturridge for the opening game of the Euro's.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on March 29, 2016, 07:15:54 PM
If you want England to play like they did you do need a Milner or Henderson type in there though who'll stick to their job and positioning otherwise the midfield will get completely overrun if you play Barkley who has a habit of switching off or getting caught on the ball, talented though he is. Neither of whom are bad players either, Henderson's not having a very good season but was Liverpool's best midfielder the two seasons before that. Milner has had a good season and was a key part of a side the won the league twice.

Now if Wilshere was actually fit he could slot into that position no problem, but that's a very big ask at this stage.
Spot on. Barkley is a joy to watch from a neutral perspective but he's also bad out of possession and can easily lose the ball. Great player, but would be bad for balance if he's not at it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 29, 2016, 08:45:05 PM
Yawn, like watching paint dry !!!

Maybe I should switch it off as I'm obviously a jinx with England when it comes to watching them on the TV.

Theres me n me big mouth, ha ha ha
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 29, 2016, 08:45:38 PM
Avin a party ay he!  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on March 29, 2016, 08:50:40 PM
Get in Vardy, Milner looks old.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 29, 2016, 09:00:28 PM
I don't rate Milner or Lallana as first XI but the build up to the goal they were fantastic along with Sturridge and Vardy couldn't miss.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: royhan on March 29, 2016, 09:41:02 PM
There was no way England were going to win tonight because I backed them to win!  I put the kiss of death on all football bets. Tonight's ref is also looking through orange coloured spectacles.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 29, 2016, 09:48:42 PM
Ref was fine.  England poor without Alli. Cannot believe Hoddle just gave Drinkwater man of the match. Clearly not up to it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 29, 2016, 09:49:46 PM
Ref was fine.  England poor without Alli. Cannot believe Hoddle just gave Drinkwater man of the match. Clearly not up to it.

Most blatant foul I have ever seen on Jagielka.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 29, 2016, 09:51:37 PM
Most blatant foul I have ever seen on Jagielka.

No chance he should have cleared it. Awful player at this level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 29, 2016, 09:54:34 PM
No chance he should have cleared it. Awful player at this level.

Whether he should have cleared it or not or even if he is awful isn't the point. Still can't nail someone in the back lol!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 30, 2016, 08:03:57 AM
I don't really see it as a negative that we weren't very good last night. All it will have done is convince Roy that most of those players simply don't deserve a place in the starting XI for the Championships.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 30, 2016, 08:22:37 AM

play your best inform team, the ones playing tonight have had their chance, some of them anyway. keep the ones who peformed brilliantly on sat in tonights team i say


normal service resumed
as i said slow slow quick, we should be going into a tournament with some momentum. the same team should have started after saturday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jordie1471 on March 30, 2016, 09:54:03 AM
Most blatant foul I have ever seen on Jagielka.

Were you also moaning when Germany had a goal disallowed for offside that was clearly onside?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 30, 2016, 10:15:26 AM
How can you say that's not a foul on Jagielka? Clearance or not it's a shove in the back and a free kick.

If that happened to the Albion we would be going potty
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on March 30, 2016, 10:22:44 AM
Were you also moaning when Germany had a goal disallowed for offside that was clearly onside?

I can probably answer that for him - no! I'm pretty sure he's English. When would a supporter of a team ever moan if a bad decision went their way? Of course we'd moan if it went against us. That's the nature of the beast.

Swings and roundabouts though isn't it with regards to poor refereeing decisions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 30, 2016, 10:26:38 AM
Were you also moaning when Germany had a goal disallowed for offside that was clearly onside?

Weren't really moaning anyway just replying to Jacko saying the referee was fine.

And no I wasn't moaning in Germany I was laughing and telling them to sit down!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 30, 2016, 05:24:17 PM
the atmosphere at wembley was as flat as the performance, its good the next 2 england home games are around the grounds
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 30, 2016, 05:28:40 PM
the atmosphere at wembley was as flat as the performance, its good the next 2 england home games are around the grounds

Yeah I never go to home games, normally manage to get someone who wants to go so I buy the tickets and give them away.

Been to a couple and they are shocking, especially when it's midweek games. I might go to the Turkey game though at the City of Manchester.

If anyone does need tickets to home games on here just ask  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 30, 2016, 05:30:26 PM
Yeah I never go to home games, normally manage to get someone who wants to go so I buy the tickets and give them away.

Been to a couple and they are shocking, especially when it's midweek games. I might go to the Turkey game though at the City of Manchester.

If anyone does need tickets to home games on here just ask  ;)


I quite fancy the Portugal game ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 31, 2016, 10:02:07 AM
Gary Neville. For me he should take over from Roy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 31, 2016, 10:25:35 AM
Gary Neville. For me he should take over from Roy
There are a few Valencia fans that would be happy with that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 31, 2016, 10:44:43 AM
There are a few Valencia fans that would be happy with that.


up against it from the off when he went there and wasnt given a fair crack, a bit like pepe :) here.

Pepe for Valencia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 31, 2016, 10:47:22 AM

up against it from the off when he went there and wasnt given a fair crack, a bit like pepe :) here.

Pepe for Valencia


When I read your user name pop up on the reply to the previous post I knew you were going to write something like that regarding Pepe.

 :P :P ;).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 31, 2016, 10:49:32 AM
When I read your user name pop up on the reply to the previous post I knew you were going to write something like that regarding Pepe.

 :P :P ;).


you calling me mr predictable :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 31, 2016, 10:53:03 AM

you calling me mr predictable :)

Not at all Mr Predictable.
SOTV  ;).
 8).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on March 31, 2016, 01:27:11 PM
Roy retires and Jose takes over. That's what he means when he says he has a job lined up in summer. Heard it here 1st ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 31, 2016, 03:09:11 PM
Just booked four days up in Bratislava for England vs Slovakia in September.

Be great to see us as champions at an away game  :P :o ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 31, 2016, 06:38:25 PM
Just booked four days up in Bratislava for England vs Slovakia in September.

Be great to see us as champions at an away game  :P :o ;D

Fairplay, think we are going to wait till after the euros to book. Looking at flying to Vienna, having a day or two there then on to Slovakia.

If you get the chance to go to Slovenia in October jump all over it, fantastic place Ljubljana is very cheap beer and just an all round cracking city.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on April 01, 2016, 01:58:23 PM
Fairplay, think we are going to wait till after the euros to book. Looking at flying to Vienna, having a day or two there then on to Slovakia.

If you get the chance to go to Slovenia in October jump all over it, fantastic place Ljubljana is very cheap beer and just an all round cracking place.

I'll probably do that one too, we looked at Vienna but the flights had gone up too much
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on April 09, 2016, 02:36:35 PM
Andy Carroll hat tricks. That's his seat now reserved on the plane.  ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 09, 2016, 09:00:47 PM
Andy Carroll hat tricks. That's his seat now reserved on the plane.  ::)

Think he's worth a slot if fit. Adds a totally different dimension to any side last 15/20 minutes. Prefer him to Welbeck certainly. With Henderson's injury Rooney could go as a midfielder, not totally beyond the realms they'd also take Kane, Sturridge, Vardy, Welbeck and Carroll.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on April 19, 2016, 08:30:35 AM
What do you all think about Marcus Rashford? Would anyone here take him to the Euros? Seems a hell of a player for such a young lad.

Of course you have to take Kane, Sturridge and Vardy - but it would be a toss up between Rashford and Welbeck for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 19, 2016, 09:23:30 AM
What do you all think about Marcus Rashford? Would anyone here take him to the Euros? Seems a hell of a player for such a young lad.

Of course you have to take Kane, Sturridge and Vardy - but it would be a toss up between Rashford and Welbeck for me.

No chance. On a par with Berahino 2 years ago. Get him in the under 21s and see what happens. Welbeck is a shoe in under Roy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on April 19, 2016, 10:01:48 AM
What do you all think about Marcus Rashford? Would anyone here take him to the Euros? Seems a hell of a player for such a young lad.

Of course you have to take Kane, Sturridge and Vardy - but it would be a toss up between Rashford and Welbeck for me.


No chance. Rashford could easily be a five minute wonder, there is no chance of him going to the Euro's. I think it's obvious who the five strikers are - Kane, Vardy, Sturridge, Rooney, Welbeck.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on April 19, 2016, 10:43:26 AM

No chance. Rashford could easily be a five minute wonder, there is no chance of him going to the Euro's. I think it's obvious who the five strikers are - Kane, Vardy, Sturridge, Rooney, Welbeck.

And id be happy with those 5

Although I would consider Carroll myself
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on April 19, 2016, 11:11:19 AM
Welbeck will 100% go (if fit), fits into Roys system and provides alot of defensive cover.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on April 19, 2016, 11:56:10 AM
If England are going to play a diamond in midfield as option A like they employed against Germany second half, then the squad will be pretty close to this I reckon:


                                             Hart
                                             Forster
                                             AN Other


Clyne                   Smalling                          Cahill                      Rose
Walker                 Stones                             Jagielka                  Bertrand


                                             Dier
                                             Drinkwater


                           Wilshere                          Henderson
                           Lallana                            Milner


                                             Alli
                                             Rooney


                          Vardy                                Kane
                         Welbeck                             Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 19, 2016, 12:36:14 PM
If England are going to play a diamond in midfield as option A like they employed against Germany second half, then the squad will be pretty close to this I reckon:


                                             Hart
                                             Forster
                                             AN Other


Clyne                   Smalling                          Cahill                      Rose
Walker                 Stones                             Jagielka                  Bertrand


                                             Dier
                                             Drinkwater


                           Wilshere                          Henderson
                           Lallana                            Milner


                                             Alli
                                             Rooney


                          Vardy                                Kane
                         Welbeck                             Sturridge

Drinkwater won't go and Barkley definitely will. Aside from that you'll be pretty close. Foster will almost certainly be the number 3 keeper.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on April 19, 2016, 12:41:01 PM
Drinkwater won't go and Barkley definitely will. Aside from that you'll be pretty close. Foster will almost certainly be the number 3 keeper.


I think you may be right. I just wonder if Roy will take more of a holding player than Barkley for squad balance?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on April 19, 2016, 01:20:40 PM
If England are going to play a diamond in midfield as option A like they employed against Germany second half, then the squad will be pretty close to this I reckon:


                                             Hart
                                             Forster
                                             AN Other


Clyne                   Smalling                          Cahill                      Rose
Walker                 Stones                             Jagielka                  Bertrand


                                             Dier
                                             Drinkwater


                           Wilshere                          Henderson
                           Lallana                            Milner


                                             Alli
                                             Rooney


                          Vardy                                Kane
                         Welbeck                             Sturridge

As good as he is at times, would be a massive crime and kick in the b*lls to Drinkwater etc if Wilshere was to go to the Euros.

The lad at best will only get 4 games between now and the end of the season, taking a place of someone who like Drinkwater/Barkley etc have peformed well all season for their respective teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on April 19, 2016, 01:22:19 PM
As good as he is at times, would be a massive crime and kick in the b*lls to Drinkwater etc if Wilshere was to go to the Euros.

The lad at best will only get 4 games between now and the end of the season, taking a place of someone who like Drinkwater/Barkley etc have peformed well all season for their respective teams.

Wilshere played a key role in a team that won 10 competitive games on the bounce, if he's fit I'd put him in over someone with no international experience.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 19, 2016, 01:27:58 PM
Atomic's squad was virtually spot on imo.


                                             Hart
                                             Forster
                                             Foster


Clyne                   Smalling                          Cahill                      Rose
Walker                 Stones                             Jagielka                  Bertrand


                                             Dier
                                             Drinkwater Wilshere


                           Barkley                          Henderson (injured perhaps)
                           Lallana                            Milner


                                             Alli
                                             Rooney


                          Vardy                                Kane
                         Welbeck                             Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on April 19, 2016, 02:24:02 PM
As good as he is at times, would be a massive crime and kick in the b*lls to Drinkwater etc if Wilshere was to go to the Euros.

The lad at best will only get 4 games between now and the end of the season, taking a place of someone who like Drinkwater/Barkley etc have peformed well all season for their respective teams.
He's also a total cock and overrated. No way should he go ahead of those two.
Drinkwater will likely go as the lynchpin of the Champions, whereby Wilshere is a bit part, crock in the 4th placed team.
International experience or not, form and confidence should count above media hype.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on April 19, 2016, 02:34:29 PM
If you're going to take another holding bloke surely it has to be Noble?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on April 19, 2016, 02:39:20 PM
If you're going to take another holding bloke surely it has to be Noble?

Part of me agrees with you. Personally I think he's performed far better than Milner this season but there's not a chance Roy will omit Milner in favour of Noble. Going on form alone the three holding players would have to be Noble, Dier and Drinkwater - but the likelihood is Dier will be the only one on the plane.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on April 19, 2016, 04:41:53 PM
Atomic's squad was virtually spot on imo.


                                             Hart
                                             Forster
                                             Foster


Clyne                              Smalling                          Cahill                      Rose
Walker                 Stones                             Jagielka                  Bertrand


                                             Dier
                                             Drinkwater Wilshere


                           Barkley                          Henderson (injured perhaps)
                           Lallana                            Milner


                                                   Alli
            Walcott                         Rooney                           Sterling


                          Vardy                                Kane
                         Welbeck                             Sturridge

I would take just 7 defenders, as Stones/Smalling/Dier and Jones (if he is taken instead of Jagielka) can all cover at right back. So only one of Clyne or Walker is needed and that is 50/50 for me. I think Roy is also likely to do this as he did at the World Cup.

You need a winger or 2, and Sterling looks to be back fit and is 100% to go.

Then it's between Walcott and Milner for the final place for me - depends how attacking you are but I would have to take Theo.

Drinkwater or Milner to go if Henderson is not fit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on April 19, 2016, 05:01:45 PM
anyone fancy the semis?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on April 19, 2016, 05:03:28 PM
anyone fancy the semis?

I honestly do fancy us to get to the semis this year, hopefully anyway as I have tickets for that and the final.

Sure we will get let down again though :-[
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on April 19, 2016, 05:12:39 PM
England will win Euro 2016, mark my words.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on April 19, 2016, 05:12:55 PM
I honestly do fancy us to get to the semis this year, hopefully anyway as I have tickets for that and the final.

Sure we will get let down again though :-[


wait until the songs start coming out in the charts then the whole country will believe the hype again :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 20, 2016, 10:43:22 AM
So Folks how far will England go in the Euros, i think semis this time around
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 22, 2016, 05:02:36 PM
Totally forgot England were playing today. Bit of a half and half team without the Liverpool and Manchester United players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 22, 2016, 05:17:32 PM
The team starting today is what I would start with in the Russia game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 22, 2016, 05:20:23 PM
The team starting today is what I would start with in the Russia game

Clyne, Smalling and Rooney will definitely pay the first Euro's game, Sturridge and Milner may.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 22, 2016, 05:30:59 PM
Our goal was offside and that equaliser is dreadful by Hart.  >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 22, 2016, 05:53:35 PM
Atmosphere much better than the recent games at Wembley
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 22, 2016, 06:56:20 PM
Dive by Vardy, missed penalty. Roy bringing on 2 defensive midfielders... Euro 2016 winners... You're having a laugh.

edit.

Haha, dreadful defending and we're winning again!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on May 22, 2016, 06:58:35 PM
Vardy scores, 2-1.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on May 22, 2016, 07:05:26 PM
P49   W29   D13   L7   win %59.1

Roy may not be the medias love child, but his record is excellent, 14% loss rate is superb
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 22, 2016, 07:12:22 PM
Lucky, our first offside and they should also have had a penalty, vardy didn't dive. Turkey look dangerous, our center halves look nervous
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 22, 2016, 07:13:51 PM
P49   W29   D13   L7   win %59.1

Roy may not be the medias love child, but his record is excellent, 14% loss rate is superb



Pity he played a part in our worst World Cup finals ever
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on May 22, 2016, 07:26:39 PM
P49   W29   D13   L7   win %59.1

Roy may not be the medias love child, but his record is excellent, 14% loss rate is superb

Unfortunately for him he will be judged on what England won tournament wise! Its all right beating the poorer teams in qualifiers and friendlies, when it comes down to the nitty gritty England have failed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on May 22, 2016, 07:31:24 PM
Lucky, our first offside and they should also have had a penalty, vardy didn't dive. Turkey look dangerous, our center halves look nervous

Vardy didn't dive as such, but as he has done a few times this season, he moved his leg across in front of the defenders legs, so the defender couldn't help but make contact
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 22, 2016, 08:16:33 PM
Vardy didn't dive as such, but as he has done a few times this season, he moved his leg across in front of the defenders legs, so the defender couldn't help but make contact

The accepted narrative seems to be: he initiated contact. Either way it is cheating.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jordie1471 on May 23, 2016, 11:23:56 AM
Unfortunately for him he will be judged on what England won tournament wise! Its all right beating the poorer teams in qualifiers and friendlies, when it comes down to the nitty gritty England have failed.

Only 1 country can win a tournament every 2 years though. I think its a bit harsh to say we have failed being as based on our squad compared to the squads of other countries, our performance and results in recent tournaments have been pretty standard.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 23, 2016, 11:28:10 AM
Only 1 country can win a tournament every 2 years though. I think its a bit harsh to say we have failed being as based on our squad compared to the squads of other countries, our performance and results in recent tournaments have been pretty standard.

I don't think he means trophy wins. But tournament performance (how far you get)

The Brazil World Cup was the worst in our history.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on May 23, 2016, 01:04:30 PM
I don't think he means trophy wins. But tournament performance (how far you get)

The Brazil World Cup was the worst in our history.

except when we didn't qualify !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 23, 2016, 01:08:10 PM
Hodgson without doubt should have gone after Brazil after the worst tournement finals in our history.I suspect he will be looking for work in August
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on May 23, 2016, 01:10:27 PM
Hodgson without doubt should have gone after Brazil after the worst tournemont finals in our history.I suspect he will be looking for work in August

I would have him back, no question.

Even though he will take a half-fit Wilshere and Henderson over players like Drinkwater.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on May 23, 2016, 01:38:51 PM
All subjective of course, but you could make a compelling argument that 2014 was also the worst England squad ever to grace a World Cup tournament.  You can't give a man a Lego set and then expect him to build the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 24, 2016, 04:35:13 PM
did i hear correct, a booze ban for the England v Wales game at the Euros
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 24, 2016, 04:58:00 PM
did i hear correct, a booze ban for the England v Wales game at the Euros

Where have you seen or heard this? Looks like I'll have to stock the campervan up big time if that's the case!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on May 24, 2016, 05:00:52 PM
Where have you seen or heard this? Looks like I'll have to stock the campervan up big time if that's the case!!

Welsh fans have been told through the WFA. All over the England Forum Lee
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 24, 2016, 05:29:18 PM
Where have you seen or heard this? Looks like I'll have to stock the campervan up big time if that's the case!!

I wouldn't bother, police will target vehicles for search and confiscation according to the reports.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 24, 2016, 06:05:37 PM
i was going to go, drink makes for a better atmosphere.i will go down the local now.
Does this mean any fanzones over there are drink free?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 24, 2016, 06:22:17 PM
i was going to go, drink makes for a better atmosphere.i will go down the local now.
Does this mean any fanzones over there are drink free?

No just the streets of Lens for 24 hours of that game, the fanzone will be serving alcohol in Lens but this only holds 10,000 so little chance of getting in unless you queue from the morning as they are expecting 100,000. Also some bars will be still serving alcohol in the town, just basically no street drinking.

Lille which is only 40 minutes away will probably be the best place to go for the Wales game if no match ticket.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 25, 2016, 09:23:23 AM
for Roy to keep his job going into the next world cup we need to finish in the top 4
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 25, 2016, 09:25:14 AM
is this drinking issue all over france for everyone else
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 25, 2016, 09:39:56 AM
is this drinking issue all over france for everyone else

No mate just literally from 6am on the Thursday for 24hours and only in lens
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on May 27, 2016, 07:46:53 PM
Come on Rashford, make yourself a hero!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on May 27, 2016, 07:51:51 PM
GET INNNNNNNNNNNN
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on May 27, 2016, 07:52:40 PM
wow 2mins 8secs goal for Rashford
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on May 27, 2016, 08:47:21 PM
Will Roy take him ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on May 27, 2016, 08:58:52 PM
Will Roy take him ?

Has to take him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 28, 2016, 08:58:05 AM
Even keeping in mind Australia are poor opposition it was a great debut performance for Rashford and makes it extremely difficult for Roy to leave him out of the squad now. I'll be honest I was quite concerned by our defending in the game last night we looked very shaky and it will need to be worked on if we are to stand any chance of getting to the later stages of the Euros.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on May 28, 2016, 11:32:18 AM
Thought the Aussies played some good football.

With a little more composure around the 'box' we could have been on the end of a fisting  :o  ;).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on May 28, 2016, 01:03:35 PM
is this drinking issue all over france for everyone else

Apart from England v Wales match there will be 3 other games played with the same alcohol ban so, it's not just us.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36372446
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 31, 2016, 01:47:15 PM
Have we announced the 23 yet
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on May 31, 2016, 02:14:51 PM
Rashford and Sturridge are in..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on May 31, 2016, 02:20:06 PM
Strange leaving out Townsend. No real pace and width , Townsend provides something different.

I would have left Lallana , doesn't do much.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on May 31, 2016, 02:22:23 PM
Here's a link for the squad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36413882?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_match_of_the_day&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=sport
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on May 31, 2016, 02:38:35 PM
Strange leaving out Townsend. No real pace and width , Townsend provides something different.

I would have left Lallana , doesn't do much.


I'd have left Rashford out. What is the point of taking him he isn't going to play and with Kane, Vardy, Sturridge and Rooney we are very strong upfront. I agree Townsend would've given us a different option. I hope we don't regret not taking him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on May 31, 2016, 02:41:29 PM
As usual the names get in the squad over the form players - Jack Wheelchair and Henderson over Drinkwater is an absolute joke.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on May 31, 2016, 02:42:38 PM
As usual the names get in the squad over the form players - Jack Wheelchair and Henderson over Drinkwater is an absolute joke.


Is it? I think both are far better players than Drinkwater.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on May 31, 2016, 02:53:48 PM
Right move to leave Drinkwater out.

Wilshere and Henderson are not only better they also played key roles in a team that won every game in qualifying.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 31, 2016, 03:19:08 PM

Is it? I think both are far better players than Drinkwater.

Henderson couldnt lace Drinkwaters boots. Drinkwater is a class above Henderson

Id have left out Sterling and Henderson
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 31, 2016, 03:23:12 PM
Think the squad is fine. Wouldn't have taken Rashford as he just won't play similar to when Walcott went to the WC at 18.

Wilshere has been picked ahead of Drinkwater. Henderson/Milner/Dier were always going to go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on May 31, 2016, 03:29:34 PM
Drinkwater for me isn't as good as people are making out. Kante made him look a lot better than he is in my opinion
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on May 31, 2016, 03:30:42 PM

Is it? I think both are far better players than Drinkwater.

One of them played a key role in a team that won the league, the other two spent most of the season injured.

I know who I would take.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on May 31, 2016, 03:34:07 PM
Right move to leave Drinkwater out.

Wilshere and Henderson are not only better they also played key roles in a team that won every game in qualifying.
Not half fit they aren't.
Hopefully they are both fully fit because if they break down (same applies to Sturridge) Roy could live to regret it.
All in all though, if all fully functioning, I think we have a good squad capable of having a very good Tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on May 31, 2016, 03:46:25 PM
One of them played a key role in a team that won the league, the other two spent most of the season injured.

I know who I would take.

Two of them played key roles in a team that won 10 consecutive games in qualifying. The other has played 2/3 games at international level.

Drinkwater has had a good season and deserves to be blooded into the side throughout the next qualifying campaign to see if he can cut it. A major tournament playing in the middle of midfield against some of the most experienced names in European football is not the time or place to find out he isn't good enough; if it goes wrong he may never recover and we could potentially lose an England international for future years. Just look what happened to Ryan Shawcross, and that was in a friendly albeit against Ibrahimovic.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on May 31, 2016, 03:52:16 PM
Two of them played key roles in a team that won 10 consecutive games in qualifying. The other has played 2/3 games at international level.

Drinkwater has had a good season and deserves to be blooded into the side throughout the next qualifying campaign to see if he can cut it. A major tournament playing in the middle of midfield against some of the most experienced names in European football is not the time or place to find out he isn't good enough; if it goes wrong he may never recover and we could potentially lose an England international for future years. Just look what happened to Ryan Shawcross, and that was in a friendly albeit against Ibrahimovic.

When was qualifying again? Mostly the season before last wasn't it?

If form counts for nothing we may as well call up Lampard, Gerrard and Ashley Cole while we're at it, they used to be decent.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on May 31, 2016, 03:55:39 PM
When was qualifying again? Mostly the season before last wasn't it?

If form counts for nothing we may as well call up Lampard, Gerrard and Ashley Cole while we're at it, they used to be decent.

Hodgson has played a system throughout the qualifying campaign that he wants to take into the Euros. Wilshere featured and excelled in that system, to a lesser extent so did Henderson. It's a no brainer for the sake of 4/5 games in a major tournament you want players who have been there and done it to some degree before.

Drinkwater will be introduced during the WC Qualifiers, then we'll see if he's good enough/if he fits the way Hodgson wants to play.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 31, 2016, 04:00:42 PM
Hodgson has played a system throughout the qualifying campaign that he wants to take into the Euros. Wilshere featured and excelled in that system, to a lesser extent so did Henderson. It's a no brainer for the sake of 4/5 games in a major tournament you want players who have been there and done it to some degree before.

Drinkwater will be introduced during the WC Qualifiers, then we'll see if he's good enough/if he fits the way Hodgson wants to play.


hopefully hes gone by then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 31, 2016, 04:11:08 PM

hopefully hes gone by then

I'm more than happy for him to stay if I am honest, fancy us for the semis this time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on May 31, 2016, 04:17:55 PM
Hodgson has done a great job and in my eyes he's the best England manager since Glenn Hoddle. I fancy us to go all the way, I can't see many teams who have the talented players we have.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 31, 2016, 04:31:50 PM
I'm more than happy for him to stay if I am honest, fancy us for the semis this time.


Thats the bare minimum, anything else is failure. hes lucky he didnt get the boot after the shocking showing in Brazil
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on May 31, 2016, 04:43:50 PM
One of them played a key role in a team that won the league, the other two spent most of the season injured.

I know who I would take.

Not really a key role is it. Vardy, Mahrez, and Kante were their key players then their back 4. He had a very specific and very limited job in that Leicester team that doesn't exist in this England team People who think all of Leicester's squad are suddenly world class are presumably the same type who were complaining when someone like Cleverley would get picked just for playing for Man U, even if they won the league. Both were wrong.

Wilshere's so much better, so much more talented than Drinkwater its not even funny. If Arsenal had the chance to swap Wilshere for Drinkwater do you actually think they would? Of course not. If he's not injured currently it makes absolutely no sense to not pick him. A lot of people let personal dislike of Wilshere cloud their judgement. Talent wise he's nearly unrivaled in that squad. The team doesn't lack for triers in midfield, it does lack for genuine quality on the ball in midfield that Wilshere offers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on May 31, 2016, 04:50:48 PM
Not really a key role is it. Vardy, Mahrez, and Kante were their key players then their back 4. He had a very specific and very limited job in that Leicester team that doesn't exist in this England team People who think all of Leicester's squad are suddenly world class are presumably the same type who were complaining when someone like Cleverley would get picked just for playing for Man U, even if they won the league. Both were wrong.

Wilshere's so much better, so much more talented than Drinkwater its not even funny. If Arsenal had the chance to swap Wilshere for Drinkwater do you actually think they would? Of course not. If he's not injured currently it makes absolutely no sense to not pick him. A lot of people let personal dislike of Wilshere cloud their judgement. Talent wise he's nearly unrivaled in that squad. The team doesn't lack for triers in midfield, it does lack for genuine quality on the ball in midfield that Wilshere offers.

No they wouldn't, but the fact that they don't sign players that do the dirty work is why they haven't won the league for over a decade. You don't win the league with a team of Wilshere's.

Sometimes it's about the team rather than packing the team full of talented individuals and hoping for the best.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on May 31, 2016, 04:50:59 PM
Hodgson has done a great job and in my eyes he's the best England manager since Glenn Hoddle. I fancy us to go all the way, I can't see many teams who have the talented players we have.

Our defence is beyond poor unfortunately.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on May 31, 2016, 04:57:29 PM
No they wouldn't, but the fact that they don't sign players that do the dirty work is why they haven't won the league for over a decade. You don't win the league with a team of Wilshere's.

Sometimes it's about the team rather than packing the team full of talented individuals and hoping for the best.

If the team wants a hard worker willing to do the dirty work (which Wilshere more than is by the way, he's very combative) there's already Dier, Milner and Henderson in that squad. Drinkwater is just the same but worse.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 31, 2016, 05:08:10 PM

Thats the bare minimum, anything else is failure. hes lucky he didn't get the boot after the shocking showing in Brazil

I'd say quarters are minimum, Could meet a very good team at that stage and as this squad is probably the weakest for over 20 years I think its a bit unfair saying semis is minimum.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 31, 2016, 06:32:24 PM
Not sure I get the comparisons with Wilshere and Drinkwater, both have different attributes and suit different roles. I understand the unease of selecting Wilshire for his injury record but I don't think there is any doubt that he would offer more than Drinkwater can for this England side and how we play.

Think the squad is pretty well balanced.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on May 31, 2016, 07:19:49 PM

hopefully hes gone by then

Bizarre, I hope he is manager for the next 20years because that means England would have had to be successful. wishing him gone means he's failed, means england fail...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 31, 2016, 07:26:36 PM
Bizarre, I hope he is manager for the next 20years because that means England would have had to be successful. wishing him gone means he's failed, means england fail...


the biggest failure in our history of world cup finals in 2014, hes lucky to still be england manager any other nation would have sacked on such a dismal showing



You wouldn't have it would you, he should resign now
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 31, 2016, 07:45:18 PM

the biggest failure in our history of world cup finals in 2014, hes lucky to still be england manager any other nation would have sacked on such a dismal showing

It was poor but Uruguay and Italy were much better teams than us and it was all over by the time we played Costa Rica.

Not as if we were the best team in the group but majorly cocked it up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on May 31, 2016, 09:28:32 PM

the biggest failure in our history of world cup finals in 2014, hes lucky to still be england manager any other nation would have sacked on such a dismal showing

It wasn't dismal. England played well against Italy and were unlucky to lose whilst Suarez was the difference in an even game against the Copa America champions at the time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on May 31, 2016, 10:53:51 PM
You have to admit we have goals in the team for what seems like an age, the pressure is off Rooney to deliver all the goals. If we go far could potentially see an Englishmen as golden boot for tourney.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 01, 2016, 01:48:47 PM
You have to admit we have goals in the team for what seems like an age, the pressure is off Rooney to deliver all the goals. If we go far could potentially see an Englishmen as golden boot for tourney.

lets not get carried away,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 01, 2016, 02:13:35 PM
Any new football tunes for this competition
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on June 01, 2016, 04:40:14 PM
Any new football tunes for this competition

Can't beat 3 lions, Vindaloo and obviously Ant and Dec's masterpiece ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 01, 2016, 04:43:36 PM
Amazing if we won this tournament on the 50th anniversary of winning the World Cup

Don't think we will win but if we play well enough we will do well I feel and then anything can happen
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on June 01, 2016, 05:00:36 PM
lets not get carried away,

I'm an England fan and I'll get carried away if I want to.  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on June 01, 2016, 07:07:37 PM
Any new football tunes for this competition

I just wish they would ban that bloody band, it's worse than the South African vuvuzelas - I have to watch with the sound off when England are on telly
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 02, 2016, 08:49:41 AM
anyone going tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BigFrank20 on June 02, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
anyone going tonight
Where?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 02, 2016, 01:11:44 PM
Where?


the home of football
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on June 02, 2016, 01:13:36 PM
Where?

Wembley
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 02, 2016, 02:46:40 PM
Where?

I'd totally forgotten England were playing...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 02, 2016, 02:47:50 PM
Decent game against decent opposition tonight.

Will be watching
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on June 02, 2016, 02:48:06 PM
anyone going tonight

Not tonight, money saved over these 3 warm up games for me will be spent in several bars in France starting next Saturday  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on June 02, 2016, 02:50:00 PM

the home of football

Home of football, you mean The Hawthorns?

The home of entertainment.  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 02, 2016, 03:23:51 PM
Home of football, you mean The Hawthorns?

The home of entertainment
.  ;)

Not while Pulis is here.  :o :'(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 02, 2016, 03:26:21 PM
The home of light entertainment?

or is that now, entertainment lite?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 02, 2016, 08:01:14 PM
Alli playing deep to accommodate Rooney.  :-\
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 02, 2016, 08:51:41 PM
there's got to be a better player than milner , not sure what his role is supposed to be.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 02, 2016, 09:30:49 PM
there's got to be a better player than milner , not sure what his role is supposed to be.

Worker, classic Hodgson type, shoe-in for this team at the Euro's.

The whole thing has been very poor, hope he's got a plan B for next Saturday.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 02, 2016, 10:40:09 PM
Think the Portuguese defender's tackle was the highlight of that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 02, 2016, 11:35:09 PM
Don't mean to be harsh given it was a warm up game but.......

Fitted players to a system rather than using a system more befitting of the players talents.

Unbalanced, exposed and largely ineffective.

Not just the system though, some very basic and poor decision making on the pitch.

Just hope Roy and the players were trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the opposition before the real fun begins.
 :-X.

COME ON ENGLAND, COME ON ENGLAND.
 8).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 03, 2016, 08:01:31 AM
Playing Rooney just un-balances the middle and front of the team, whatever you think of Rooney (personally I think he is Vastly over-rated) he should not play in the England side.
Have him on the bench in case we need something to change a game, but please Roy don't start him.

Leicester have clearly demonstrated you don't need big names to win football matches.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 03, 2016, 08:16:05 AM
I have no issue with the eleven picked last night, that is the team I would pick against Russia. However the way Roy set us up was so wrong! Rooney up front with Kane and Vardy, with all their goals, stuck out wide and at times having to track back into their own half to defend.

The midfield was far too narrow, Milner and Alli needed to be a little wider, with Rooney at the tip of the diamond rather than up front and Kane and Vardy as a genuine front two.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 03, 2016, 08:18:01 AM
Rooney should not be starting and Roy keep finding a place in the team for him will get him the sack
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on June 03, 2016, 08:56:26 AM
I do think fat Wayne should start, but he should be playing in the deep-lying midfield role like he did in the FA Cup semi final against Everton, thought he played brilliantly there. Aggressive box-to-box play.

I agree in that he disrupted the front 3, but to be honest Vardy was pretty much invisible in the system we played last night. Welbeck will be greatly missed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 03, 2016, 09:19:40 AM
I do think fat Wayne should start, but he should be playing in the deep-lying midfield role like he did in the FA Cup semi final against Everton, thought he played brilliantly there. Aggressive box-to-box play.

I agree in that he disrupted the front 3, but to be honest Vardy was pretty much invisible in the system we played last night. Welbeck will be greatly missed.

If Roy is going to pick a front three then he should have chosen 2 wide attackers who can play that system instead of picking 5 central strikers....

Jees the man is paid an enormous amount of money to know this!!

Personally for me Rooney plays, alongside Kane with Vardy as the impact player off the bench



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 03, 2016, 09:25:35 AM
After the game Roy said that Rooney was told to play as a 10 behind the front 2, Now maybe Wayne is hard of hearing or he's just far too important to listen to the manager, or lets be kind - over enthusiastic,  but he wasn't playing behind them was he?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 03, 2016, 10:39:56 AM
We had years of trying to accommodate Gerrard and Lampard - it never really worked and it seems we are doing a similar thing with Rooney. Why do managers never bloody learn? We are diluting our own strengths.

It's perfectly simple to me, Kane and Vardy are both full of goals, you play them and you play the very talented and dangerous other goal threat Dele Alli behind them. From an attacking view point that trio is as strong as any team has in the tournament. Why the hell would you not go with that?

If Rooney doesn't fit into the side "naturally" then don't play him.

Jamie Vardy will be playing left wing next.  :-[
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 03, 2016, 10:43:19 AM
We had years of trying to accommodate Gerrard and Lampard - it never really worked and it seems we are doing a similar thing with Rooney. Why do managers never bloody learn? We are diluting our own strengths.

It's perfectly simple to me, Kane and Vardy are both full of goals, you play them and you play the very talented and dangerous other goal threat Dele Alli behind them. From an attacking view point that trio is as strong as any team has in the tournament. Why the hell would you not go with that?

If Rooney doesn't fit into the side "naturally" then don't play him.

Jamie Vardy will be playing left wing next.  :-[


great comment and very true
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 03, 2016, 10:59:14 AM
You need Rooney on the pitch. He has vast experience in International tournaments and we have a lot of players playing their first tournament. I would play him as a box to box midfielder.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 03, 2016, 02:08:29 PM
You need Rooney on the pitch. He has vast experience in International tournaments and we have a lot of players playing their first tournament. I would play him as a box to box midfielder.

Vast experience of massive failures every single time. So are you saying we should drop one of two strikers that have 49 goals split between them this season? Or that Delle Alli should be wasted being played out of position or dropped? Or Rooney should be on the wing or defence midfield?

It's quite simple for me, Rooney's time is up and there are better options for this starting 11.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 03, 2016, 02:20:42 PM
Vast experience of massive failures every single time. So are you saying we should drop one of two strikers that have 49 goals split between them this season? Or that Delle Alli should be wasted being played out of position or dropped? Or Rooney should be on the wing or defence midfield?

It's quite simple for me, Rooney's time is up and there are better options for this starting 11.

Yes i think your post hits the nail on the head! Rooney has never set any tournament alight and i would question the hunger of a man who earns a reputed £300,000 a week.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 03, 2016, 02:25:33 PM
Vast experience of massive failures every single time. So are you saying we should drop one of two strikers that have 49 goals split between them this season? Or that Delle Alli should be wasted being played out of position or dropped? Or Rooney should be on the wing or defence midfield?

It's quite simple for me, Rooney's time is up and there are better options for this starting 11.



couldnt have put it any better
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 03, 2016, 03:42:54 PM
Just seen this! Had to say i was a bit suprised

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 03, 2016, 10:15:24 PM
Can't win nowt with kids ;)

I'm not understanding the unrest because the forwards tracked back?, if they didn't folk would moan.
I'm not sure on the Rooney argument, he does have quality and experience, he also has a short fuse and a lack of pace...I suppose a better starter because coming on he would have no impact
I'm disappointed we didn't take Townsend , very direct and on confidence, but still think we actually have a chance, avoid Belgium and France and maybe..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 03, 2016, 10:33:36 PM
Speaking of short fuse, I think alli needs to make sure he doesn't get wound up by the opposition. I think he'll be targeted by opposition looking to get him sent off
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 06, 2016, 05:30:48 PM
Just had 20 quid on England to win the tournament. If Leicester can win the bloody Premier League then England can win Euro 2016. Have a bit of faith.  8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 06, 2016, 07:19:28 PM
I've had £20 on England to win & Kane top scorer at 50/1
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 06, 2016, 09:42:26 PM
I've had £20 on England to win & Kane top scorer at 50/1

I wish I was your bookie  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 07, 2016, 12:08:01 PM
Any new football tunes for this competition


just heard a catchy tune, the public house chorus- a nation of tribes. couple in video wearing Albion tops
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 07, 2016, 12:14:34 PM

just heard a catchy tune, the public house chorus- a nation of tribes. couple in video wearing Albion tops

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUQ6WBaZXCo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUQ6WBaZXCo)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on June 07, 2016, 12:29:59 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUQ6WBaZXCo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUQ6WBaZXCo)

Well that was dreadful  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on June 08, 2016, 11:06:00 AM
After watching the Euro96 thing on BBC and ITV it just makes me think people like Vardy should be playing. People that actually give a F (the Pulis work 'ard lot, but still have some actual talent).

I think they were the last bunch of footballers that cared genuinely, before money ruined it. Leaders all over the pitch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2016, 03:53:19 PM
If Wayne Rooney starts i will need to few beers to get me in the mood

We all know Roy prefers him as a forward
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 08, 2016, 04:01:47 PM
So the build up is nearly complete, let's see some line-up's for Saturday. Roy's XI then your own personal choice, I'll start.

Roy's XI 4-3-3

Hart

Walker
Cahill
Smalling
Rose

Wilshere
Dier
Henderson

Alli
Kane
Rooney


My XI 4-4-2

Hart

Clyne
Stones
Smalling
Bertrand

Sterling
Dier
Alli
Milner

Sturridge
Kane
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 08, 2016, 04:11:10 PM
So the build up is nearly complete, let's see some line-up's for Saturday. Roy's XI then your own personal choice, I'll start.

Roy's XI 4-3-3

Hart

Walker
Cahill
Smalling
Rose

Wilshere
Dier
Henderson

Alli
Kane
Rooney


My XI 4-4-2

Hart

Clyne
Stones
Smalling
Bertrand

Sterling
Dier
Alli
Milner

Sturridge
Kane

Glad roys in charge not you :-)

I would go with your Roy team but with Vardy instead of Rooney
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2016, 04:15:49 PM
Glad roys in charge not you :-)

I would go with your Roy team but with Vardy instead of Rooney


same here
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 08, 2016, 11:00:00 PM
Roy's = Rooney + 10 others

Mine...

Seaman

Pearce
Adams
Walker
Neville

Barnes
Beckham
Gascogne
Waddle

Shearer/lineker

We would be OK? :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 08, 2016, 11:02:59 PM
Roy's = Rooney + 10 others

Mine...

Seaman

Pearce
Adams
Walker
Neville

Barnes
Beckham
Gascogne
Waddle

Shearer/lineker

We would be OK? :D

Beckham never worked in centre mid.  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 09, 2016, 11:16:03 AM
Hart

Neville
Campbell
Adams
Cole

Beckham
Scholes
Barry
Sinclair

Sheringham
Shearer

That's my best from memory

As for 1st game

--------------- Hart -------------

Clyne - Smalling - Cahill - Rose

----------------Dier--------------

------------ Alli - Barkley --------

Sturridge ---------------  Vardy

--------------- Kane -------------
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 09, 2016, 11:58:47 AM
TV Coverage for the euros BBC or ITV?. i dont like lineker so its ITV for me. ITV have improved, maybe because Adrians gone
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: smethwickw on June 09, 2016, 12:37:50 PM
TV Coverage for the euros BBC or ITV?. i dont like lineker so its ITV for me. ITV have improved, maybe because Adrians gone

BBC for me. No adverts.

Pougatch is a huge improvement over Chiles but I think he comes across a big arrogant at times. Clive Tyldesley has to be one of the most annoying commentators around.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on June 09, 2016, 01:09:03 PM
Roys XI


                          Hart


Walker     Cahill        Smalling    Rose


              Dier          Henderson


Sterling            Alli             Rooney


                       Kane




Mine


                       Hart


Clyne       Cahill         Stones      Rose


                        Dier


       Henderson            Wilshere


                         Alli


           Rooney            Kane
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 09, 2016, 01:19:14 PM
Roys XI


                          Hart


Walker     Cahill        Smalling    Rose


              Dier          Henderson


Sterling            Alli             Rooney


                       Kane




Mine


                       Hart


Clyne       Cahill         Stones      Rose


                        Dier


       Henderson            Wilshere


                         Alli


           Rooney            Kane



Swap Rooney for Vardy and you've got a very potent threat. Ali behind Vardy and Kane. Rooney should be on the bench and used as a replacement for Ali if we need a change or Ali is injured or something. There should be no place for him in the starting line up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 09, 2016, 04:11:18 PM
TV Coverage for the euros BBC or ITV?. i dont like lineker so its ITV for me. ITV have improved, maybe because Adrians gone

BBC. No Pulis to spoil my mood.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 09, 2016, 04:17:01 PM
BBC. No Pulis to spoil my mood.
pulis is just Wales I think.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 09, 2016, 07:53:50 PM
Tickled me:

The England team visited an orphanage in France yesterday.

"It's heartbreaking to see their little faces with no hope" said Philippe, aged 6.


 ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 09, 2016, 07:59:45 PM
Tickled me:

The England team visited an orphanage in France yesterday.

"It's heartbreaking to see their little faces with no hope" said Philippe, aged 6.


An oldie but goodie Jacko! :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Black Pearl on June 09, 2016, 08:25:12 PM
Strangely, my cruise ship gets into Marseilles Sunday morning, the day after England play, hope we win, otherwise the atmosphere will be very subdued.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 10, 2016, 06:28:25 AM
Fighting between England fans and locals over night apparently.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3633958/England-fans-truly-arrived-France-Bare-chested-supporters-hit-beers-Marseille-ahead-opening-game-Russia.html

Shouldn't laugh I know but 'ISIS where are you'  ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 10, 2016, 08:03:06 AM
Chairs flying everywhere! Same old, same old. It only ever seems to happen on mainland Europe. Fans were good as gold in South Korea, Brazil and South Africa. Perhaps the flight prices put the louts off.

https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI (https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 10, 2016, 08:18:03 AM
rumoured Lallana and Stirling will start
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Black Pearl on June 10, 2016, 08:41:06 AM
Chairs flying everywhere! Same old, same old. It only ever seems to happen on mainland Europe. Fans were good as gold in South Korea, Brazil and South Africa. Perhaps the flight prices put the louts off.

https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI (https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI)

Beered up cockney geezers.  ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 10, 2016, 08:49:29 AM
Chairs flying everywhere! Same old, same old. It only ever seems to happen on mainland Europe. Fans were good as gold in South Korea, Brazil and South Africa. Perhaps the flight prices put the louts off.

https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI (https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI)

Let's stick England and Russia in a hugely Muslim populated city. That'll go well. ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 10, 2016, 08:56:31 AM
Beered up cockney geezers.  ::)


from Green Street
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 10, 2016, 11:37:22 AM
Let's stick England and Russia in a hugely Muslim populated city. That'll go well. ::)

How on earth have you managed to blame the authorities?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 10, 2016, 12:14:55 PM
Let's stick England and Russia in a hugely Muslim populated city. That'll go well. ::)

They'd have done it anyway regardless of the situation as long as beer was available, they are morons. I doubt they will be doing that sort of behaviour against the Russian fans anyway who would eat them alive.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 10, 2016, 12:37:03 PM
They'd have done it anyway regardless of the situation as long as beer was available, they are morons. I doubt they will be doing that sort of behaviour against the Russian fans anyway who would eat them alive.


Talk about a provocative attitude. Red rag to a bull. Bloody glad the idiots ain't reading that.  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 10, 2016, 01:26:23 PM
rumoured Lallana and Stirling will start

5 man midfield that includes Rooney with Kane up front if the Mirror is to be believed (pah!) IF that team leaked by the Mirror is the team then i'm quite happy with it. I don't think we're shoe horning Rooney in - he is better as a midfielder these days and i'd pick him ahead of the midfielders that have been left out. IF he's one of a front two then i'd be disappointed that Vardy is out for him although it does mean we have a decent attacking option or 2 off the bench now.

The leaked team is as good as we can expect, i have no problem with it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 10, 2016, 02:12:55 PM
They'd have done it anyway regardless of the situation as long as beer was available, they are morons. I doubt they will be doing that sort of behaviour against the Russian fans anyway who would eat them alive.

Hate it when people just blame the england fans,

A load of French youths come along looking for trouble with some type of weapons, and expect England fans not to react and just get attacked oh right?  Police should of dealt better with the situation, even they have come out and said England fans arent to blame,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 10, 2016, 02:52:27 PM

Talk about a provocative attitude. Red rag to a bull. Bloody glad the idiots ain't reading that.  :o

He's right though - the Russians would make mince meat of them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on June 10, 2016, 03:20:08 PM
Anyone else find it hard to get too excited or 'behind the lads', the England team I mean? I just don't see any characters out there or really believe that they're really up for 'doing it for England' with a real passion. Maybe it's the general feeling I have towards footballers in general these days, that they're a bit detached from the real world etc? Maybe it's that we just don't have any really, really good players? Maybe it's just because I was a lot younger when I used to get excited about these tournaments?

I will watch all of our games with interest and hope that when the games are actually being played, I will become more excited about things, but I don't really see that happening at the current time. Anyone else feel a bit like this, or understand what I'm babbling on about?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 10, 2016, 03:47:57 PM
Anyone else find it hard to get too excited or 'behind the lads', the England team I mean? I just don't see any characters out there or really believe that they're really up for 'doing it for England' with a real passion. Maybe it's the general feeling I have towards footballers in general these days, that they're a bit detached from the real world etc? Maybe it's that we just don't have any really, really good players? Maybe it's just because I was a lot younger when I used to get excited about these tournaments?

I will watch all of our games with interest and hope that when the games are actually being played, I will become more excited about things, but I don't really see that happening at the current time. Anyone else feel a bit like this, or understand what I'm babbling on about?

I think in terms of talent we now have Butland, Stones, Wilshere, Dier, Alli, Kane and Sturridge who all have the potential to turn England into a better tournament team.

In terms of characters the likes of Alli, Dier and Vardy seem to offer a few laughs.

I think the futures bright and that's why I'm back behind the lads again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 10, 2016, 03:54:34 PM
Anyone else find it hard to get too excited or 'behind the lads', the England team I mean? I just don't see any characters out there or really believe that they're really up for 'doing it for England' with a real passion. Maybe it's the general feeling I have towards footballers in general these days, that they're a bit detached from the real world etc? Maybe it's that we just don't have any really, really good players? Maybe it's just because I was a lot younger when I used to get excited about these tournaments?

I will watch all of our games with interest and hope that when the games are actually being played, I will become more excited about things, but I don't really see that happening at the current time. Anyone else feel a bit like this, or understand what I'm babbling on about?


i must admit i am not feeling the excitement i use too prior to a tournement, at the minute i am more looking forward to the thought of going just to the pub as the main course.

not seen one England car flag yet, most unusual.Lots out there feeling the same as you i assume
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 10, 2016, 03:55:14 PM

i must admit i am not feeling the excitement i use too prior to a tournement, at the minute i am more looking forward to the thought of going to the pub as the main course.

not seen one England car flag yet, most unusual.Lots out there feeling the same as you i assume

I've seen a few car flags around here, but nowhere near as many flags as you usually see.

I'm buzzing though, looking forward to a boozy afternoon tomorrow for the England and Wales games!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 10, 2016, 04:56:09 PM
Well that was dreadful  :o

Thats what I thought.... :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 10, 2016, 05:00:37 PM
Chairs flying everywhere! Same old, same old. It only ever seems to happen on mainland Europe. Fans were good as gold in South Korea, Brazil and South Africa. Perhaps the flight prices put the louts off.

https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI (https://youtu.be/Bfj0J7mBgZI)

According to reports it was the local populous that was provoking them...throw beer in and its easy to see why they reacted

Also reports that England fans singing anti-ISIS songs riled the muslims...good to see those in the South of France yet again siding with the enemy  :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on June 10, 2016, 05:20:50 PM
Thats what I thought.... :o

Shaun Ryders from the Happy Mondays is just as bad.

Real shame no decent song.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 10, 2016, 06:14:06 PM
Anyone else find it hard to get too excited or 'behind the lads', the England team I mean? I just don't see any characters out there or really believe that they're really up for 'doing it for England' with a real passion. Maybe it's the general feeling I have towards footballers in general these days, that they're a bit detached from the real world etc? Maybe it's that we just don't have any really, really good players? Maybe it's just because I was a lot younger when I used to get excited about these tournaments?

I will watch all of our games with interest and hope that when the games are actually being played, I will become more excited about things, but I don't really see that happening at the current time. Anyone else feel a bit like this, or understand what I'm babbling on about?

Im opposite, all excitment with England, Cant build any excitment with albion
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 10, 2016, 06:24:58 PM
I'm with Barrington, currently very underwhelmed, don't trust Hodgson to pick the most talented players (Sturridge particularly). Players like Dier and Alli a red card waiting to happen.

That said I've predicted we'll win the group and go out to Italy in the QF.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 11, 2016, 08:00:01 PM
Wales have shown the way forward.
Watch England cock it up.   ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 08:53:12 PM
Get Sterling off, get Vardy on, go to the diamond with Ali at the tip. We are lacking a cutting edge at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 11, 2016, 08:54:00 PM
apart from not scoring that was an excellent first half performance from England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 08:59:30 PM
apart from not scoring that was an excellent first half performance from England.


Russia were shocking to be fair.The worst team at the tournament so far, showed absolutely nothing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 09:17:53 PM
How much longer till we change this? Sterling is useless.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 09:30:16 PM
Thankfk for that Dier.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 09:48:13 PM
1-1. Got what we deserved. Awful management. Russia are shocking.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 11, 2016, 09:51:28 PM
1-0.  And settled for it..Milner and Wilshere really ?????..you would think TP was in the dug out..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 11, 2016, 09:52:46 PM
So typical England .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 09:53:45 PM
Hodgson ain't got a clue. Proper team selection and we'd have beaten Russia 3 or 4, they were rubbish.

NEVER, EVER LEARN!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 11, 2016, 09:54:15 PM
I like Hodgson but that's all on him i'm afraid. Game was crying out for changes and he got lucky with the goal, then left Kane on who was absolutely awful and we couldn't keep the ball properly as a result. All this about having the best strike force in years, well that's as bad a striker performance i've seen this year and we didn't change him.

Likewise Milner was just sloppy when coming on, just no composure at all and offered nothing going forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 09:56:44 PM
                            Dier


    Whoever                             Whoever


                           Ali


                 Kane             Vardy



It ain't bloody rocket science.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 11, 2016, 09:56:54 PM
Akinfeev with one of the best saves you'll see this tournament. Very unlucky, deserved to win, didn't move on. Being Welsh, I'm happy! Encouraging signs but Alli and Kane were both poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 09:59:57 PM
The commentators and pundits are just as clueless as Hodgson.

If they thing we played that great lets see how much of a comedown they get if / when we play a decent side. If we don't change the way we're playing we're going to get nowhere.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 11, 2016, 10:00:11 PM
I ain't going to tell you "I told you so!"

Yeah I will..."I told you so".

See the 8.00 message.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 10:11:25 PM
Apparently it's "Just one of those things"

AGAIN!!YET AGAIN.

Some people are so thick it's cringe worthy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 11, 2016, 10:18:41 PM
Failed to beat an under strength poor Russian team end of
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: palmaroy on June 11, 2016, 10:21:34 PM
Why did we play the whole 2nd half at 50 per cent of the pace and desire of the first half.I think we got what we deserved
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: royhan on June 11, 2016, 10:25:46 PM
Gareth Bale was ridiculed when he said that Wales would show more passion than England. He was right. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 10:29:10 PM
The thing that is most noticeable is how unintelligent the English are in the footballing world. It's always bad luck, or whatever. No it isn't, that's a term you use when you don't know what was wrong because you are blinkered in your way of thinking.

Lee Dixon "It was perfect except the result".

I'm sorry but he hasn't a clue. Lets take France or Germany or Spain, would they have beaten Russia tonight? Of course they would all of them and comfortably.

Roy said there were loads of positives.  ::)

I'm inebriated off already. One game in and I know we're pretty much fkd. The most annoying thing is if we were a bit more intelligent we have so much more to give.

Going to bed. Fed up!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 11, 2016, 10:32:49 PM
More than happy with the first half, there is plenty in that squad yet, sometimes we can't wait to knock.
We will be fine
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 11, 2016, 10:34:41 PM
More than happy with the first half, there is plenty in that squad yet, sometimes we can't wait to knock.
We will be fine



Now where have I heard all that before same old same old
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on June 11, 2016, 10:36:55 PM
The thing that is most noticeable is how unintelligent the English are in the footballing world. It's always bad luck, or whatever. No it isn't, that's a term you use when you don't know what was wrong because you are blinkered in your way of thinking.

Lee Dixon "It was perfect except the result".

I'm sorry but he hasn't a clue. Lets take France or Germany or Spain, would they have beaten Russia tonight? Of course they would all of them and comfortably.

Roy said there were loads of positives.  ::)

I'm inebriated off already. One game in and I know we're pretty much fkd. The most annoying thing is if we were a bit more intelligent we have so much more to give.

Going to bed. Fed up!

You wouldn't like a wager that we will qualify would you?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 11, 2016, 10:38:22 PM
bewildered that kane played 90 mins, he was useless and vardys pace would have caused Russia all sorts of problems.
james millner ffs.
hodgson created more problems than Russia. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 10:39:48 PM
You wouldn't like a wager that we will qualify would you?


Big deal.

Slovakia, Wales and Russia. If we don't we might as well pack the game in.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on June 11, 2016, 10:43:19 PM

Big deal.

Slovakia, Wales and Russia. If we don't we might as well pack the game in.

Oh, so you think we are good enough to qualify - ok - how do you think Wales played? 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 10:43:36 PM
bewildered that kane played 90 mins, he was useless and vardys pace would have caused Russia all sorts of problems.
james millner ffs.
hodgson created more problems than Russia.


That's my whole point. We have the resources but we don't have a clue how to use them. Diabolical management.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 10:44:27 PM
Oh, so you think we are good enough to qualify - ok - how do you think Wales played?


what's your point? Wales played well for their level of abilty. What you trying to get at?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 11, 2016, 10:45:16 PM
For me John terry should be there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on June 11, 2016, 10:46:05 PM

what's your point? Wales played well for their level of abilty. What you trying to get at?

So you think Wales played well and England rubbish against a poor Russian side side correct?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 10:49:36 PM
So you think Wales played well and England rubbish against a poor Russian side side correct?


Read properly.

Wales are limited compared to England. They played as well as can be expected and they managed their game well.

England picked the wrong team, the wrong shape and lacked a cutting edge against the worst team so far and failed to score from open play.

Is that clear enough?

What really pisses me of is the fact that no-one seems to understand the bleeding obvious and we have to listen to Roy and the pundits talking absolute, complete and utter garbage.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on June 11, 2016, 10:54:56 PM

Read properly.

Wales are limited compared to England. They played as well as can be expected and they managed their game well.

England picked the wrong team, the wrong shape and lacked a cutting edge against the worst team so far and failed to score from open play.

Is that clear enough?

What really pisses me of is the fact that no-one seems to understand the bleeding obvious and we have to listen to Roy and the pundits talking absolute, complete and utter garbage.

Well how about I think you are talking 'garbage' and I am prepared to wager you that a rubbish England will beat a rejuvenated Wales?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 10:58:43 PM
Well how about I think you are talking 'garbage' and I am prepared to wager you that a rubbish England will beat a rejuvenated Wales?


Where have I said they won't?

IF we pick the right team / the right shape we can go a long way and we have a far better quality of player than Wales have - we should beat them.

You can think I talk garbage all you want that's your problem not mine.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 11, 2016, 11:01:18 PM
Kane should be in the box for corners not taking them
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on June 11, 2016, 11:02:31 PM

Where have I said they won't?

IF we pick the right team / the right shape we can go a long way and we have a far better quality of player than Wales have - we should beat them.

You can think I talk garbage all you want that's your problem not mine.

Well - Hodgson will still be manager and if he is as rubbish as you say he is he will still pick the wrong team, correct?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 11:03:26 PM
Kane should be in the box for corners not taking them


Yep. What the hell is that all about. Since when has Rooney ever scored from a corner? Let him take them. Kane is our centre forward, get him in the box.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 11:04:03 PM
Well - Hodgson will still be manager and if he is as rubbish as you say he is he will still pick the wrong team, correct?


Probably. Lets hope not.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 11, 2016, 11:06:17 PM
Thought we did well apart from the subs which ruined it. A bit more common sense with Vardy for Kane and keeping Rooney on would have seen the game out. I still think we'll go through but we're clearly poor defensively so at least we know what we're dealing with.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on June 11, 2016, 11:06:27 PM
England had two centre forwards on the pitch, one taking corners and the other sat in front of the defence pinging 30 yard balls across the pitch achieving absolutely nothing.

For me the record international goalscorer should be playing nowhere but up front, no wonder we didn't win the game.

If Kane doesn't perform next game then Rashford needs to play the last game for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on June 11, 2016, 11:06:42 PM

Probably. Lets hope not.

So - even with a rubbish manager a diabolical team England will still beat the Welsh?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 11, 2016, 11:08:01 PM
So - even with a rubbish manager a diabolical team England will still beat the Welsh?


What's the matter with you?

I hope we'll beat them yes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on June 11, 2016, 11:16:36 PM

What's the matter with you?

I hope we'll beat them yes.

So, with a rubbish manager a diabolical team we will beat Wales and therefore qualify for the quarter - finals, yes?
So with your expert football knowledge how far do you think this load of rubbish will go - it appears that this load of rubbish will  be doing quite well ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 11, 2016, 11:20:08 PM
Don't understand the clamour for Vardy, the team is crying out for Sterling to be dropped along with Lallana, and Sturridge and Rooney in their positions, Alli in behind with a shield of Dier and Henderson.

Badly lacked end product.

Same old Roy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 11, 2016, 11:44:26 PM
Don't understand the clamour for Vardy, the team is crying out for Sterling to be dropped along with Lallana, and Sturridge and Rooney in their positions, Alli in behind with a shield of Dier and Henderson.

Badly lacked end product.

Same old Roy.

Totally agree

Do not see what Sterling offers, it feels like I'm an witch hunt for Sterling as I cant say it enough, the guy is useless, how many times did he have the ball and run into either a. the defender and lose the ball, b. down a blind alley and lose the ball or c. stop a counter attack and pass backwards.

He didnt have the beating of his man once in the game and I've yet to see him beat his man in any game I've watched him play, the guy is truly awful

Id drop Sterling and Lallana they just don't do anything for me

Thought Dier and Walker were excellent and Rooney had a good game too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 12, 2016, 12:51:03 AM
Vardy and Sturbridge out wide all day long for me. Said it pre-game and stand by it. Overlapping full backs work brilliantly with wide men cutting in. Not just that but they bring genuine goal threats too. Rooney's performance overshadowed Alli's in my opinion who was good in flashes but played within himself.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 12, 2016, 06:12:08 AM
Vardy and Sturbridge out wide all day long for me. Said it pre-game and stand by it. Overlapping full backs work brilliantly with wide men cutting in. Not just that but they bring genuine goal threats too. Rooney's performance overshadowed Alli's in my opinion who was good in flashes but played within himself.


No, no, non no, no.Not Vardy out wide.No fitting square pegs into round holes.

Listening to Roy this morning he is indicating changes for the next game so hopefully the penny has dropped and he has learned his lesson. Lets hope.

All is not lost, far from it but we have to change it and do what suits us.


My team for Wales:


                                                    Hart

Walker / Clyne               Samlling             Cahill                   Rose


                                                   Dier


                             Roys Choice                Roys Choice


                                                   Ali


                                   Kane                        Vardy



We must play to our strengths.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 12, 2016, 06:39:54 AM
The first 45 minutes was the best half of a tournament football match we've played in a long time. I thought we played some great stuff, just lacked a clinical edge.

If we don't concede in the last minute most people would be saying good performance and job done.

Other than that I hope everyone out in France stayed safe last night after some very worrying scenes at the end. UEFA have a lot to answer for as do the French police.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 12, 2016, 06:41:13 AM
Needed to score when we were over running them in the first half.
Thought we had the game under control in the main.
They have a corner that comes off the corner of their players head and loops over Hart. Not much more to be said.
Beat the taffs and we qualify.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on June 12, 2016, 10:01:17 AM
 Only obvious change for me would be Sturridge for Kane and possibly Vardy  for Sterling
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RuncornBaggie on June 12, 2016, 10:19:13 AM
Totally agree

Do not see what Sterling offers, it feels like I'm an witch hunt for Sterling as I cant say it enough, the guy is useless, how many times did he have the ball and run into either a. the defender and lose the ball, b. down a blind alley and lose the ball or c. stop a counter attack and pass backwards.

He didnt have the beating of his man once in the game and I've yet to see him beat his man in any game I've watched him play, the guy is truly awful

Id drop Sterling and Lallana they just don't do anything for me

Thought Dier and Walker were excellent and Rooney had a good game too

I thought Lallana did OK.  Looked bright.

I agree with Sterling though,I thought he was poor.  I would have took him off a lot earlier.  I would have maybe tried Vardy out there, his pace running forward on the counter would have scared the living daylights out of their right back.

On another note I thought Rose and Walker, Walker in particular were very good. 

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 12, 2016, 10:50:58 AM
I thought Lallana did OK.  Looked bright.

I agree with Sterling though,I thought he was poor.  I would have took him off a lot earlier.  I would have maybe tried Vardy out there, his pace running forward on the counter would have scared the living daylights out of their right back.

On another note I thought Rose and Walker, Walker in particular were very good.


We don't want Vardy playing out of position. We've been here so often with the likes of Scholes, Gerrard.

Vardy needs to play up front alongside Kane and we will carry a vastly more potent threat. We will score goals and we will beat Wales.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 12, 2016, 10:58:42 AM
Jamie Vardy has played out wide. It might not be his best position but he'll be a better fit than Sterling. Grafters will be needed against Wales, but Kane up top will find it hard against a back 3. Whilst a diamond will grant the Welsh full backs acres of space to exploit on the counter. Lallana, Rooney and Dier all deserve to start the next game and the back four too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 12, 2016, 11:47:06 AM
The only change for me would be Sturrridge ahead of Raheem Sterling.

I thought England played very well last night to be honest - if you compare it to the staleness of the previous two tournaments, it was a pleasure to see a young, vibrant England side who were far more flexible than what we have seen previously. The big issue is that we didn't kill off the game when we had the chance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: CL3MO on June 12, 2016, 11:50:13 AM
I've taken a night to let it sink in as at the final whistle, everybody is just gutted!

However, how can anybody criticise the way we played last night? We had many chances and should have had the game sewn up well before Russia's lump in the box and freak header went in. I'm not a big fan of him but Lallana played really well and allowed Kyle Walker to take the space on the right hand side and act pretty much as a winger. There was NOTHING negative about the team choice or style of play.

The only thing I would not have done is take Rooney off. However, bringing Milner on for Sterling with 5 minutes to go? At 1-0, every single manager in the Premier League would have done exactly the same. Who goes gung-ho for the second with 5 minutes left? We slated Berahino for going for the pass instead of the corner a few years ago against Cardiff, which cost us.

It was just one of those things - maybe Smalling could have covered Berezutski instead of Rose? Maybe Hart could have been positioned better? Maybe Vardy could have come on, when Kane's legs were tiring. It's all ifs and buts and Hodgson's team selection but bang on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 12, 2016, 11:59:29 AM
I've taken a night to let it sink in as at the final whistle, everybody is just gutted!

However, how can anybody criticise the way we played last night? We had many chances and should have had the game sewn up well before Russia's lump in the box and freak header went in. I'm not a big fan of him but Lallana played really well and allowed Kyle Walker to take the space on the right hand side and act pretty much as a winger. There was NOTHING negative about the team choice or style of play.

The only thing I would not have done is take Rooney off. However, bringing Milner on for Sterling with 5 minutes to go? At 1-0, every single manager in the Premier League would have done exactly the same. Who goes gung-ho for the second with 5 minutes left? We slated Berahino for going for the pass instead of the corner a few years ago against Cardiff, which cost us.

It was just one of those things - maybe Smalling could have covered Berezutski instead of Rose? Maybe Hart could have been positioned better? Maybe Vardy could have come on, when Kane's legs were tiring. It's all ifs and buts and Hodgson's team selection but bang on.


It's always one of those things isn't it?

England played against an awful Russia side and a depleted Russia side at that. Yes we controlled the game for large part and created chances but our finishing was extremely poor. There were plenty of things lacking from the performance. We lacked a cutting edge, we had our centre forward taking corner kicks - why? Can't Rooney take them, Kane is our number nine, get him in the box.

Given that Russia were so poor and they posed very little threat we had licence to bomb our full backs on at will without having to be concerned with what was coming back and though they got forward well enough we never really  overloaded on their full backs enough.

We should've won the game easily but we were so impotent.

The pundits are going on about how well we played but just for a second imagine Diers free kick had gone over the bar and we lost 1-0, people would be changing their tune then and pointing out what I'm trying to point out now. We played cosmetic football. Yes it looked good to the eye but it wasn't clinical and it wasn't effective and that is largely down to us handing over our real strengths which is Kane - Vardy and Ali in behind - that trio is vibrant, it's lively and it does damage.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 12, 2016, 12:14:50 PM
We bottled it, always do and always will
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 12, 2016, 12:19:48 PM
A lot of it was Hodgson (who I very much like) I think really - it'll be a crime if he's still in charge come August.

This is a team with a potentially very good attack but weak elsewhere, Hodgson is not the man to be coaching a team like that and it showed yesterday. England should have had that game killed off long before injury time but negativity cost us as it has done repeatedly. You might concede staying just as attacking, but i've never been convinced you concede anymore than sitting back and trying to absorb pressure (particularly with a weak defence).

England took 5 strikers to the tournament yet Kane stayed on as a lone forward the entire game despite being comfortably the worst player in the team. That is why England will not get anywhere under Hodgson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: CL3MO on June 12, 2016, 01:23:21 PM

It's always one of those things isn't it?

England played against an awful Russia side and a depleted Russia side at that. Yes we controlled the game for large part and created chances but our finishing was extremely poor. There were plenty of things lacking from the performance. We lacked a cutting edge, we had our centre forward taking corner kicks - why? Can't Rooney take them, Kane is our number nine, get him in the box.

Given that Russia were so poor and they posed very little threat we had licence to bomb our full backs on at will without having to be concerned with what was coming back and though they got forward well enough we never really  overloaded on their full backs enough.

We should've won the game easily but we were so impotent.

The pundits are going on about how well we played but just for a second imagine Diers free kick had gone over the bar and we lost 1-0, people would be changing their tune then and pointing out what I'm trying to point out now. We played cosmetic football. Yes it looked good to the eye but it wasn't clinical and it wasn't effective and that is largely down to us handing over our real strengths which is Kane - Vardy and Ali in behind - that trio is vibrant, it's lively and it does damage.

It's all hypothetical. Imagine if the ball hadn't gone in the box for Berezutski to header? 1-0 and everybody would be saying a great start to the tournament.

I agree with the fact that Rooney should be on corners - Kane not in the box is frankly ridiculous.

However, there was a clear desire to attack. The team selection was an extremely attacking one - it doesn't matter that there is only one striker on the pitch. The majority of respected journalists  and pundits said the team was an attacking one. At he end of the day, it's all come down to missed chances - it's as simple as that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on June 12, 2016, 01:33:50 PM

It's always one of those things isn't it?

England played against an awful Russia side and a depleted Russia side at that. Yes we controlled the game for large part and created chances but our finishing was extremely poor. There were plenty of things lacking from the performance. We lacked a cutting edge, we had our centre forward taking corner kicks - why? Can't Rooney take them, Kane is our number nine, get him in the box.

Given that Russia were so poor and they posed very little threat we had licence to bomb our full backs on at will without having to be concerned with what was coming back and though they got forward well enough we never really  overloaded on their full backs enough.

We should've won the game easily but we were so impotent.

The pundits are going on about how well we played but just for a second imagine Diers free kick had gone over the bar and we lost 1-0, people would be changing their tune then and pointing out what I'm trying to point out now. We played cosmetic football. Yes it looked good to the eye but it wasn't clinical and it wasn't effective and that is largely down to us handing over our real strengths which is Kane - Vardy and Ali in behind - that trio is vibrant, it's lively and it does damage.

Can't understand how everyone is being so negative. I thought the system was exactly what we needed to play and we played exceptionally. We went for it and that's all I could ask for. I thought we were extremely unlucky. Not a singe player put a foot wrong bar Kane being invisible.

How people can even comprehend starting the diamond with Kane and Vardy up top baffles me. We tried that in the friendlies and we all saw it didn't work. I thought the system we emoyed was perfect and would start exactly the same 11 against Wales. Dier sitting back freed Rooney and Alli to boss the midfield and find the pockets of space. Not sure the Russian midfield even touched the ball.

We all knew Russia would sit deep the majority of the game. Why start Vardy when he plays on the shoulder of the last defender? He would have been just as useless as Kane. Was not the game for him.

Sterling lacked the end product but he constantly ran at the full backs as did Lallana. Those of you that would start Vardy there after his recent awful performances out wide are ridiculous.

I hope the lads take the positives from this. I was extremely encouraged. It's a shame that the English have to look for the negatives. I've got no doubt we'll get through this group.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 12, 2016, 01:35:42 PM
I'm probably in the minority

Let's remember we won the first half on points, should have been 2-0 at least.
ALL of the players done well, you can say "no end product for sterling" but every time he got the ball he took us 30-40yds up the pitch, my only change would be Wiltshire for lallana, whilst he tried hard, 2 wayward efforts and offside 4 times means wilshere would offer more.
Many saying he should have brought vardy in, well if at 1-0 he brings vardy on, we push up leave a gap and they score, Roy gets crucified, most of you if honest would have brought defensive Milner on with ten minutes to defend?
I've been let down and made angry many times by my country team, this time I'm fine , they gave all and deserved the win , you can throw this post at me if we go out but I honestly think we can do this..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 12, 2016, 01:38:53 PM
lets hope and prey there is no more trouble, i hear Russia are in lille for their next game isnt that where most England supporters will be drinking.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 12, 2016, 01:42:15 PM
I'm probably in the minority

Let's remember we won the first half on points, should have been 2-0 at least.
ALL of the players done well, you can say "no end product for sterling" but every time he got the ball he took us 30-40yds up the pitch, my only change would be Wiltshire for lallana, whilst he tried hard, 2 wayward efforts and offside 4 times means wilshere would offer more.
Many saying he should have brought vardy in, well if at 1-0 he brings vardy on, we push up leave a gap and they score, Roy gets crucified, most of you if honest would have brought defensive Milner on with ten minutes to defend?
I've been let down and made angry many times by my country team, this time I'm fine , they gave all and deserved the win , you can throw this post at me if we go out but I honestly think we can do this..

I agree Sterling is a little hard done by, he played well first half and didn't get much support in the second when he counter attacked.

Vardy however 100% should have came on for Kane who was woeful and doing nothing. It allowed Russia to play without pressure, Vardy on the pitch and their ageing centre backs have to sit very deep, Kane on the pitch not doing anything they were allowed to play on the front foot and England lost most their counter attacking threat.

Desperately disappointed in Kane last night, shouldn't be starting on thursday with the likes of Vardy and Sturridge on the bench.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 12, 2016, 06:27:33 PM
I agree Sterling is a little hard done by, he played well first half and didn't get much support in the second when he counter attacked.

Vardy however 100% should have came on for Kane who was woeful and doing nothing. It allowed Russia to play without pressure, Vardy on the pitch and their ageing centre backs have to sit very deep, Kane on the pitch not doing anything they were allowed to play on the front foot and England lost most their counter attacking threat.

Desperately disappointed in Kane last night, shouldn't be starting on thursday with the likes of Vardy and Sturridge on the bench.
Kane was nearly always shadowed by two, he played a big part in both of the goals disallowed and won the free kick which led to the goal, I think he had impact?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2016, 08:09:36 AM
So Gareth Luggers Bale calls us arrogant, hes probably right :). Team talk done then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 13, 2016, 08:36:33 AM
Of course Kane should start. He has one bad game and suddenly he needs dropping for Sturridge. What the hell did Sturridge do for us in the last tournament?

Kane is the better striker and he needs to start but he needs help and we need to play to his strengths. He is no use to us taking corners, all of which seem to go over everybodys heads anyway. More genius management / coaching, we have 5'7" Raheem Sterling and 5"9" Wayne Rooney in the box whilst our top striker 6'2" Harry Kane is wasting corners. Work that one out. Nice one Roy.  ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2016, 08:50:32 AM
for me the same starting team but Roy has to use his subs earlier and wiser
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: royhan on June 13, 2016, 09:01:20 AM
So Gareth Luggers Bale calls us arrogant, hes probably right :). Team talk done then

Bale has accused England of not having the same passion as the Welsh team, but I have not seen any direct quotes from him calling England arrogant. That's a journo interpretation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2016, 09:05:36 AM
we are arrogant, i fully expect us to win this game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on June 13, 2016, 09:17:05 AM
we are arrogant, i fully expect us to win this game

I think the occasion will make it a little harder for us, and the fact that Wales have won their opening game means they dont 'have' to win this game, were as its a more important game for us.

That being said, I think the fact the game will have a more 'premier league' feel to it will work in our favour.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 13, 2016, 09:20:59 AM
That draw came down to a loss in concentration at the end for me. There was a horrible sense of inevitability about that late equaliser. Earlier in the match, we lacked that killer touch which the successful teams have e.g. Germany last night. We definitely have quality in the squad this time.

I hope Roy keeps his head. There wasn't a lot wrong that performance other than the need to finish off chances (it would be worse not creating as the old chesnut goes).

In my view, the players just need (mental) support and to focus/ concentrate for 90mins and we have the makings of a bloody good team.   Sterling was lacking and should have arguably been the only sub although I though Wilshere did well.

Next match I would go for this team;

                  Hart,
Walker  Cahill    Smalling     Rose
                   
                Dier   Rooney         

Lallana               Alli        Wilshere

                    Kane

Vardy, Sturridge and/ or Sterling as impact subs



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 13, 2016, 09:30:53 AM
A lot of it was Hodgson (who I very much like) I think really - it'll be a crime if he's still in charge come August.

This is a team with a potentially very good attack but weak elsewhere, Hodgson is not the man to be coaching a team like that and it showed yesterday. England should have had that game killed off long before injury time but negativity cost us as it has done repeatedly. You might concede staying just as attacking, but i've never been convinced you concede anymore than sitting back and trying to absorb pressure (particularly with a weak defence).

England took 5 strikers to the tournament yet Kane stayed on as a lone forward the entire game despite being comfortably the worst player in the team. That is why England will not get anywhere under Hodgson.

Couple those 5 strikers (its actually 4 strikers as Rooney is going to be playing midfield) with about 4 players you would deem as a No.10 and yet only 1 winger (Sterling is a rubbish one at that an not even the best winger in England) and there you have the problem

They should have taken Townsend and Jagielka\Drinkwater it would have balanced the side.

Hodgson has lied about being faithful to players...he never even took Jagileka and hasnt exactly stayed faithful to Townsend either

Yes we played well but im so angry at giving it away, it makes the Wales game a must win for us and so the pressure is on us to get a result not Wales
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 13, 2016, 09:38:10 AM
-------------------- Hennessey --------------------------

-----------Chester - Williams - Davies

Gunter ----------------------------------- Taylor

------------------ Allen - Ledley -----------------

------------ Williams - Bale - Ramsey ---------------


Fully expect the Welsh team to line up like this providing Hennessey's back spasms are finished with. The most forward three will all have free roles like they did against Slovakia with the onus on Ramsey and Williams to support the two defensive midfielders.
                   
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on June 13, 2016, 12:56:21 PM
I have a bad feeling we'll lose to Wales, and then need something from Slovakia (which I think we'd get tbh) to get through. I think they'll fancy it more than we will.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2016, 01:19:15 PM
I have a bad feeling we'll lose to Wales, and then need something from Slovakia (which I think we'd get tbh) to get through. I think they'll fancy it more than we will.


God help Roy if we do
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 13, 2016, 01:46:15 PM

God help Roy if we do

If we lose to Wales he is toast
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 13, 2016, 02:29:56 PM
You will all be pleased to know I have laid England on Betfair to win the tournament.

You can now reasonably expect Rooney to lift the trophy.  8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 13, 2016, 02:39:56 PM
You will all be pleased to know I have laid England on Betfair to win the tournament.

You can now reasonably expect Rooney to lift the trophy.  8)

Wish it was still Robson or Beckham with the armband
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 13, 2016, 02:41:26 PM
Wish it was still Robson or Beckham with the armband


We made him what he was. Awesome midfielder, captain marvel.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 13, 2016, 02:42:19 PM
If we lose to Wales he is toast

Especially after what happened in Brazil his job would surely be untenable.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2016, 03:05:21 PM
Anyone going to the world cup finals in Russia :o. there is no way having seen some sickeing sceens over the last few days will i be going to any of the remaining games in france

My bet is its going to kick off on wed and thursday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 13, 2016, 03:47:24 PM
If we lose to Wales he is toast

Not necessarily, 3 points is likely to be enough to see you through this year providing you have a decent enough GD. England will finish 3rd in the group and end up in the Semi's I expect!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 13, 2016, 03:54:22 PM
We'll still win this group, and lose to someone like Italy in the quarter's, Bale aside Russia are the next strongest team in the group.

Saturday was so disappointing because it was so predictable, and Roy's errors were glaring ones.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on June 13, 2016, 05:17:58 PM
From BBC sport 'The England team that started against Russia was the first time Hodgson had used those 11 players together.' says it all really!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RuncornBaggie on June 13, 2016, 05:38:58 PM
We are getting a lot of unfair critism in my opinion.  Besides a couple of subs that didnt happen/early enough.  We played very well apart from the end product.  A lot of our shots were right down the keepers throat.  A couple of feet either side and we could have been 2-3 up at half time.

If my auntie had nuts, she'd be my uncle!

We are going to unload on the Welsh.  It will all be fine.  We'll have 4 points and be top of the group on Thursday night.

I would only make one change, swap Sterling for maybe Milner and see where we are after 60 mins. Vardy deserves to get some game time as well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 13, 2016, 05:42:53 PM
We are getting a lot of unfair critism in my opinion.  Besides a couple of subs that didnt happen/early enough.  We played very well apart from the end product.  A lot of our shots were right down the keepers throat.  A couple of feet either side and we could have been 2-3 up at half time.

If my auntie had nuts, she'd be my uncle!

We are going to unload on the Welsh.  It will all be fine.  We'll have 4 points and be top of the group on Thursday night.

I would only make one change, swap Sterling for maybe Milner and see where we are after 60 mins. Vardy deserves to get some game time as well.

Sterling and Lallana did what they always do for their clubs, get into decent positions look neat and tidy then have no actual impact on goals and assists. Crazy to have both in the attacking roles while Rooney and Alli are stuck in midfield and Sturridge, Vardy and Rashford are sat on the bench.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: A5HB on June 13, 2016, 11:44:55 PM
Looks like Sterling is in line to keep his place on Thursday. Sure Roy will come under big criticism if he does but I think it's the right call myself. In that 433 without Welbeck being fit we don't have anyone who is an obvious alternative to play out wide on the left. Sterling makes some poor decisions with a final ball but he takes up decent positions and is happy to come inside, come short and take players on, something we will need against a deep 5 man Wales defence looking to keep us out.

Sure there will be much call for Vardy to play instead but I really don't think he'd be the right call. He had a terrific season but his main threat is using his pace to run in behind. Wales won't be stupid enough to leave any so I just worry he will be a bit lost and chase shadows all day. I'm not sure he has the desire or technical ability to come on from a wide area, get involved in the link up play and rotate with Alli, Lallana, etc in a game where we are likely to dominate the ball. If he does play I hope he proves me wrong but I just worry Roy will try to fit him in to appease fans, even though the position isn't right for him the game doesn't suit him and it messes the team up. For me that's worse than not playing him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 14, 2016, 07:08:39 AM
http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-single-most-sickening-act-by-an-england-fan-as-he-punches-an-innocent-old-man/66203

Won't be long before this hits mainstream news
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 14, 2016, 08:03:10 AM
http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-single-most-sickening-act-by-an-england-fan-as-he-punches-an-innocent-old-man/66203

Won't be long before this hits mainstream news


Horrible that, this competiton for me is becoming meaningless
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 14, 2016, 08:19:17 AM
http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-single-most-sickening-act-by-an-england-fan-as-he-punches-an-innocent-old-man/66203

Won't be long before this hits mainstream news

Where is the evidence that he is an England fan? He's not wearing colours?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on June 14, 2016, 09:06:25 AM
Where is the evidence that he is an England fan? He's not wearing colours?

Saw that vid on Saturday. I instantly thought he was Russian to be honest, from the grainy picture he even looks like the Russian manager. Think their intention was to run around and punch as many English or ethnic minority people as they could.

Not a chance he was English for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 14, 2016, 09:11:09 AM
That guy cant be dressed less english if he tried, He looks so Russian its untrue, How about the england fan on crutches who get hit down the stairs with a wooden chair
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on June 14, 2016, 09:33:48 AM
Saw that vid on Saturday. I instantly thought he was Russian to be honest, from the grainy picture he even looks like the Russian manager. Think their intention was to run around and punch as many English or ethnic minority people as they could.

Not a chance he was English for me.
But we will get the blame as usual.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 14, 2016, 09:33:57 AM
im afraid we are tarnished folks, whatever  the clothing or situation
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 14, 2016, 09:43:07 AM
Where is the evidence that he is an England fan? He's not wearing colours?

The actual article that's written never mentions and England or Russian fan.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 14, 2016, 10:00:05 AM
The actual article that's written never mentions and England or Russian fan.

http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-single-most-sickening-act-by-an-england-fan-as-he-punches-an-innocent-old-man/66203

"The single most sickening act BY AN ENGLAND FAN...."
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on June 14, 2016, 10:30:22 AM
The article clearly states FOOTBALL FAN if only some people would learn to read instead of jumping on the the England badboy bandwagon.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 14, 2016, 10:38:40 AM
http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-single-most-sickening-act-by-an-england-fan-as-he-punches-an-innocent-old-man/66203

"The single most sickening act BY AN ENGLAND FAN...."

the only thing that says England fan is in the link even the headline of the actual article just says football fan
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 14, 2016, 10:47:57 AM
http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-single-most-sickening-act-by-an-england-fan-as-he-punches-an-innocent-old-man/66203

Won't be long before this hits mainstream news

That is a disgusting headline they clearly used to begin with but it looks like its been changed to 'football fan', irresponsible of that publication to initially make such a claim with absolutely no evidence to back it up. If the original headline didn't state 'England fan' then that wouldn't be in the address of the web page.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 14, 2016, 12:03:34 PM
UEFA suspended sentence for Russia for 180 minutes. 2 matches in stadiums. What about outside
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 14, 2016, 01:04:58 PM
http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-single-most-sickening-act-by-an-england-fan-as-he-punches-an-innocent-old-man/66203

"The single most sickening act BY AN ENGLAND FAN...."

Read the article mate  ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on June 14, 2016, 04:10:36 PM
English fans arrested and jailed. What about the Russians!?

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 14, 2016, 04:30:52 PM
Read the article mate  ::)

Read the link mate ::)

I am fully aware that the article no longer specifies English as it has been changed, however the link to the article is extremely misleading and also slanderous.

Let's not let that get in the way of a good England fan bashing though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 14, 2016, 06:03:07 PM
England & wales fans in Lille being attacked by russians
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: petethebaggie on June 14, 2016, 06:50:18 PM
Will Russia get kicked out of the trouble is outside the stadium or does it apply only to trouble inside ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 14, 2016, 06:51:37 PM
The quote in the link translates; 'The marseillais beat beaten an English supporter'

Doubt it's random given the source is a regional newspaper. Add that to one of the crowd being stereotypically English, clad in Fred Perry, and I'll go with the headline. Especially given the paper is most critical of Russians on its site.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 15, 2016, 08:25:20 AM
None of our lot would get in the Wales team, make sure you make them eat those words England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 15, 2016, 08:31:14 AM
None of our lot would get in the Wales team, make sure you make them eat those words England

Who said that? Did make me laugh, I'm guessing Savage? Williams, Ramsey and Bale and nobody else. Wales are far more settled in their style than England and far more balanced. We've never been in a better position to get a positive result from England and it has all the makings of a great game.

Watched Lallana yesterday on BBC and he spoke very well. Deserves to start Thursday, played very well Saturday and was unlucky not to score. Just hope Vardy's not involved.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 15, 2016, 08:52:28 AM
None of our lot would get in the Wales team, make sure you make them eat those words England

This is absolutely true though. None of the current England squad would get in the Welsh team.....unless they are Welsh or have a Welsh parent or Grand parent!

 If the Welsh use the same standards as the Irish did/do then you could play for Wales if they've ever had a pint of Brains SA, seen or eaten a leek, picked a daffodil, eaten laverbread or cheese on toast/rarebit etc etc etc.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 15, 2016, 09:42:28 AM
Welshed on a bet?

Ermmm, can I say that?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BRIAN on June 15, 2016, 10:10:09 AM
It is certain an English player would not get into the Welsh because they ARE NOT WELSH.SIMPLE?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 15, 2016, 10:19:37 AM
i am sure there is one in our squad with a bit of welsh blood
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 15, 2016, 10:21:36 AM
Will Russia get kicked out of the trouble is outside the stadium or does it apply only to trouble inside ?

Only if there is trouble in the stadium apparently.

UEFA has no balls, they should have said any more violence full stop from your supporters whether in the stadium or not will lead to expulsion from the competition and you being stripped of the World Cup in 2018...if they did that it would kill the problem or at least give us a resolution to the issue

I hope they kick them out personally and strip them of the World Cup, no one will want to travel there knowing their hooligan element is horrendous

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 15, 2016, 10:30:04 AM
Only if there is trouble in the stadium apparently.

UEFA has no balls, they should have said any more violence full stop from your supporters whether in the stadium or not will lead to expulsion from the competition and you being stripped of the World Cup in 2018...if they did that it would kill the problem or at least give us a resolution to the issue

I hope they kick them out personally and strip them of the World Cup, no one will want to travel there knowing their hooligan element is horrendous
they won't strip them of the World Cup because they can't, that's FIFA's choice not UEFA's.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 15, 2016, 01:17:31 PM
they won't strip them of the World Cup because they can't, that's FIFA's choice not UEFA's.
They won't strip of them of the World Cup because they can't, that's because money ,hands, exchanged,fear,oligarchs etc etc
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 15, 2016, 01:59:48 PM
they won't strip them of the World Cup because they can't, that's FIFA's choice not UEFA's.

I know that but im sure UEFA have a huge influence within FIFA

Bottom line is Russia should be kicked out if any more violence happens in the stadium or out of it!

If they are expelled from this tournament then their hosting of thenext WC becomes untenable in my eyes
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 15, 2016, 02:49:14 PM
With Slovakia looking quite comfortable against Russia 2-0 at half time the pressure on us increases a little. If only we could have put away a couple of our chances like Slovakia did, Russia look poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on June 15, 2016, 03:28:33 PM
Just been given some Slovakia vs England tickets for £20 each but in Slovakia end. Getting to St Etienne is the main issue it seems. Euro star to Lyon and then train across.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 15, 2016, 03:36:39 PM
Just been given some Slovakia vs England tickets for £20 each but in Slovakia end. Getting to St Etienne is the main issue it seems. Euro star to Lyon and then train across.


Do you look slovakian
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 15, 2016, 06:01:52 PM
still festering over there then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kirk on June 15, 2016, 07:35:46 PM
Read the link mate ::)

I am fully aware that the article no longer specifies English as it has been changed, however the link to the article is extremely misleading and also slanderous.

Let's not let that get in the way of a good England fan bashing though.
There is a clip of that attack online from a Russian ultra group
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 15, 2016, 08:30:16 PM
Decent video from our friend Stan Collymore.

https://www.periscope.tv/w/1djGXwbMNXVKZ (https://www.periscope.tv/w/1djGXwbMNXVKZ)

"F**k Off Russia, We're England and Wales!" England and Wales will be scrapping with each other tomorrow but it's nice to see they are backing each other up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 15, 2016, 09:24:11 PM
This is absolutely true though. None of the current England squad would get in the Welsh team.....unless they are Welsh or have a Welsh parent or Grand parent!

 If the Welsh use the same standards as the Irish did/do then you could play for Wales if they've ever had a pint of Brains SA, seen or eaten a leek, picked a daffodil, eaten laverbread or cheese on toast/rarebit etc etc etc.

Least our football team isn't as bad as your rugby team in that sense ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 15, 2016, 10:41:19 PM
Every sympathy with the fans on saturday night but seems an awful lot of idiots round Lille today. Really giving England a bad name.

We've done well to crackdown on those who start outright violence from getting there, but there's still a lot who think nothing of provoking trouble with the police and damaging stuff, treating a foreign country like its theirs getting through.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 15, 2016, 11:18:29 PM
Enough is enough, it's time for uefa  to act, if that means chucking us out then so be it, I am sick of it and ashamed >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 15, 2016, 11:54:28 PM
It's pathetic, we're guests in another country, the behaviour is akin to shitting on the table at a dinner party (oo er) you've been invited to...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on June 16, 2016, 12:17:50 AM
French police loving a fight as well. Lead the gendarme, the russians and the english to a big field, let them fight and then ship them all home.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 16, 2016, 12:29:45 AM
It's pathetic, we're guests in another country, the behaviour is akin to shitting on the table at a dinner party (oo er) you've been invited to...

Sound like you've been to some rather unusual dinner parties Jacko.
 :o :) ;).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: VVVAlbion on June 16, 2016, 07:24:44 AM
IfEngland beat Wales and it looks like Russia are going to fail to even qualify through the group. I'd be making sure I kept my head down if I was in France right now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 16, 2016, 08:07:29 AM
Least our football team isn't as bad as your rugby team in that sense ;)

wash your mouth out :D  my dad is Scottish my mum half Welsh half Irish. I was born in Worcester but I consider myself British not English.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 16, 2016, 09:00:29 AM
More trouble overnight!

People from around Europe I know are bemused by England fans. They love our passion for football but they can't understand why we feel the need to get absolutely pi$$ed out of our face and shout at people with a view to arguing/ starting a fight? I can't explain it to them either to be honest? I've seen serious trouble at Albion Blues/ Wolves matches in the past and know it's some people's idea of fun. Maybe there are groups of fans who have little man/ country syndrome / are insecure or something which makes them want to fight everybody? I don't know but I do know this year we have a decent team which I enjoy watching but I'm embarrassed to say I'm English at the moment and I shouldn't be because we're an amazing football nation really. I'm sick of these to$$ers - who are they? Weed em out!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 09:03:06 AM
wash your mouth out :D  my dad is Scottish my mum half Welsh half Irish. I was born in Worcester but I consider myself British not English.

Hartley, Vunipola brothers, Teimana Harrison, Ben Te'o, Yard ...

When the shoe fits ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 16, 2016, 09:09:08 AM
Will Wales boo or join in with the British national anthem today?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 09:27:50 AM
Will Wales boo or join in with the British national anthem today?

its not even played at Wembley if a wlesh team plays there, whether it be play off final etc so yes they will boo alright
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 09:39:11 AM
Will Wales boo or join in with the British national anthem today?

It'll get booed. Never understood how one country and a collective can share an anthem.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 16, 2016, 09:43:46 AM
Hartley, Vunipola brothers, Teimana Harrison, Ben Te'o, Yard ...

When the shoe fits ;)

the English shoe never fits me though! :D    Also I haven't the slightest interest in rugby especially not Union...just an excuse for posh boys to grope each other....rugby league is just an excuse for working class lads to grope each other.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 09:49:55 AM
those of you at work are you watching the game today
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 16, 2016, 09:58:50 AM
Yep. Big screen being put up in the canteen. Can't wait
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 16, 2016, 10:23:56 AM
I'm finishing at 12. Should be in the boozer by 1. :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 10:32:11 AM
First sober game for many many years for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 16, 2016, 11:37:14 AM
Visiting my wife's daughter in hospital.
 :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on June 16, 2016, 11:39:00 AM
Watching this on my own in a dark room... I have a bad feeling about it.

It will probably be all academic anyway, if our so called fans carry on the way they are we will be on the next flight home having been thrown out of the tournament.

Sometimes I am embarrassed to be English.......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba1993dave on June 16, 2016, 11:48:40 AM
Come on Wales  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 12:31:14 PM
Booked it off as soon as fixtures were out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 12:36:52 PM
Latest video doing the rounds is England fans mocking refugee children, throwing money for the four kids to scramble over. More pathetic than the violence.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 16, 2016, 12:39:30 PM
I'm a support worker to people with autism and the lad I'm supporting today likes his sports so fingers crossed he'll want to watch the game, maybe even in a pub!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 12:52:17 PM
unchanged team :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 12:58:00 PM
unchanged team :-X

Even if England win that's concerning. Personally I'm amazed that Robson-Kane is starting I'm assuming in place of Williams who was one of Wales best 4 players Sat. Very happy there's no Vardy and think there's great opportunity to counter this England setup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 01:22:03 PM
3-1 England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 16, 2016, 01:23:27 PM
3-1 England

Already?
They haven't kicked off yet.  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 02:19:11 PM
stirling is so overrated
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 16, 2016, 02:22:08 PM
stirling is so overrated
He is pooh loses every challenge roll on second half and bring Vardy on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 02:36:27 PM
Robbie Savage is a beauty.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 16, 2016, 02:37:42 PM
Come on Albion!

Oh hang on... :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 02:42:01 PM
no great viewing is it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 02:45:21 PM
no great viewing is it

Is now!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 02:46:48 PM
joe hart is overrated too >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 02:48:14 PM
Crying out for Daniel Sturridge. No threat at all from England.

Poor from Hart on the goal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 16, 2016, 02:48:46 PM
How bad does it have to get before Hodgson does something about it..!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 02:49:23 PM
so predictable
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 02:50:57 PM
Crying out for Daniel Sturridge. No threat at all from England.

Poor from Hart on the goal.


It's crying out for Jamie Vardy. I am sick of saying the same things.

Hodgson's time is running out he really needs to deliver now.

Joe Hart shocking for the goal. Sterling shocking end of. Had Vardy been playing instead of him we'd probably have been one up early on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 02:53:45 PM
hodgson is a dinasour just someone who suits the suits, the whole FA comfortable cabinet needs to go. we are clueless again
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 02:55:05 PM

It's crying out for Jamie Vardy. I am sick of saying the same things.

Hodgson's time is running out he really needs to deliver now.

Joe Hart shocking for the goal. Sterling shocking end of. Had Vardy been playing instead of him we'd probably have been one up early on.

Vardy won't work. Wales are sitting too deep. Need a goal threat already got plenty of pace out there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 02:56:27 PM
Vardy won't work. Wales are sitting too deep. Need a goal threat already got plenty of pace out there.


Vardy is a finisher it's not all about pace. He will get on the end of crosses he will rattle defenders he's exactly what we need.

Sturridge to be fair is a far better bet than Sterling I'll give you that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 03:04:28 PM
Vardy AND Sturridge on. Better.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 03:12:31 PM
Gutted to see Vardy on. Real game changer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 03:14:13 PM
I'd take Roy back here in a flash.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 16, 2016, 03:14:20 PM
We're getting Pulis'd
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 03:16:02 PM
Brilliant. Sturridge and Vardy involved. Calm finish. Should go on to win now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 03:16:14 PM
VARDY!

What did I say?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 16, 2016, 03:16:57 PM
Not offside before anyone says. Williams heads it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 16, 2016, 03:17:59 PM
Will that goal mean Wales will try and push for a winner or just sit behind the ball as a draw will suit them?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on June 16, 2016, 03:18:50 PM
It took him ten minutes and three touches of the ball.

Take note, Harry and Raheem.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 03:19:04 PM
Only one winner now. England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 16, 2016, 03:36:48 PM
Rashford on too...that could have been SB ...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 16, 2016, 03:47:01 PM
For such an attacking team we're useless going forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 03:48:10 PM
So uninspiring
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 03:52:38 PM
Class. Easily our best striker.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 16, 2016, 03:53:50 PM
Wales played for a draw didnt get it!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2016, 03:54:38 PM
Well deserved
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 03:55:30 PM
Wales played for a draw didnt get it!


we were nearly pulised
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 03:56:50 PM
Well the substitutions worked and we got the win.

We still must learn lessons though. We had strikers on galore second half but we lacked a presence and a physicality up front. This is why we need to start with Kane and Vardy with Alli just behind. If we are to do well in the tournament that's the way we need to go.

Wayne Rooney I thought was absolutely outstanding today, ran the game from midfield. Eric Dier was fantastic first, faded a bit and Kyle Walker ran his socks off.

How hard do Wales work though? Unbelievable work ethic.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 16, 2016, 03:59:04 PM

we were nearly pulised

Yeah! This is the 1st time in many years i have felt this passionate about England!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on June 16, 2016, 04:06:12 PM
For all the anger and frustration I felt at half-time, it has to be said, that second half had me going like no other England match at a tournament in years.  You'd have to go back to '02, '98 or even '96 for anything that comes close.  Credit to Wales for fighting hard and making a proper game of it, but great win and great feeling right now ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 04:09:32 PM
Kane shouldn't play again in this tournament.

Alli flattered to deceive as well while Dier is also a concern in possession.

Sturridge and Vardy should start going forward and I'd be looking for Wilshere and Henderson to push the aforementioned midfielders.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 04:11:23 PM
Kane shouldn't play again in this tournament.

Alli flattered to deceive as well while Dier is also a concern in possession.

Sturridge and Vardy should start going forward and I'd be looking for Wilshere and Henderson to push the aforementioned midfielders.



He's had very little help with useless Sterling to play with. Put Vardy up front with him and you'll see a different player. Sturridge is too wasteful, spends most of his time blasting shots over the bar.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 04:12:56 PM


He's had very little help with useless Sterling to play with. Put Vardy up front with him and you'll see a different player. Sturridge is too wasteful, spends most of his time blasting shots over the bar.


Goal and an assist in 45 minutes. Sturridge has almost single handedly won us the game mate.

Crazy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 04:14:49 PM


Goal and an assist in 45 minutes. Sturridge has almost single handedly won us the game mate.

Crazy.


He didn't get an assist you can't give him that lol.

He's decent and he's great to bring on as an impact striker if / when you need him but he shouldn't be starting for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 04:17:34 PM
should Drinkwater and Townsend have gone?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 04:19:03 PM
should Drinkwater and Townsend have gone?


Townsend for Rashford. Drinkwater no, not IMO.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 04:20:14 PM

Townsend for Rashford. Drinkwater no, not IMO.


i would have said more Townsend for stirling
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 04:21:42 PM

i would have said more Townsend for stirling


Sterling would never be in my squad full stop. He's never been any good. Brendan Rogers said he was the best young talent in Europe.  :o I dunno what at.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 16, 2016, 04:22:29 PM
why do we start with two wide men when we have such attacking full backs i would start with Kane and Vardy and possibly Rashford who can beat a player and score a goal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 04:25:15 PM
why do we start with two wide men when we have such attacking full backs i would start with Kane and Vardy and possibly Rashford who can beat a player and score a goal.


Exactly we don't need to which is why the diamond is perfect for us, we have just the players for it. The full backs give us the width. Hodgson is lining up how teams lined up five years ago. Rooney can play centre mid with A N Other, Dier bottom of diamond, Alli top, Vardy and Kane up front. That is a very good team and much better suited to our players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 16, 2016, 04:42:24 PM
People say Roy was lucky today..but who really cares...as long as we get results he can pull the names out of a hat for me...so much negativity around its draining..btw Walker MOTM. .I want a gallon of whatever he has been drinking...immense performance..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 04:44:43 PM
People say Roy was lucky today..but who really cares...as long as we get results he can pull the names out of a hat for me...so much negativity around its draining..btw Walker MOTM. .I want a gallon of whatever he has been drinking...immense performance..


Walker has come on leaps, been our best player over the last half dozen games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 16, 2016, 04:55:21 PM
A good result today but to be honest Joe Hart is a liability for me. Was at fault for the goal and i thought he could of done better for the Russia goal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: macc_baggie on June 16, 2016, 06:07:27 PM
If Walker had a slightly better final ball he'd be one of the best full backs in the world for me.

Being English and living and working in Wales i'm clearly relieved / delighted at the result, but still work to do. We look very unimaginative at times, but Wales executed their game plan well. The minute they went 1-0 they did what we are all very familiar with and stuck 10 behind the ball and denied us space to do much other than hoist balls into the box.

A draw will do us now against Slovakia, but i'd like to see us kick on a bit and start with vardy and sturridge in place of sterling and kane.

The points made about width and fullbacks is absolutely spot on as well. The fact that we have  cb (Dier) who plays as dm means we have someone who drops back in to make a 3 at the back and provide extra protection when the full backs bomb one (for fellow fm nerds, see half back).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 16, 2016, 06:08:33 PM
His he the first baggie to score in a major tournament?
Wrong thread  :D.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 16, 2016, 07:05:25 PM
Thought England deserved that - much better performance in the second half. First half all seemed a bit ponderous but we were still the better team - let down by some suspect goalkeeping. I thought we were very good in the second half - Sturridge and Vardy made a massive difference.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 07:10:53 PM
what team starts against Slovakia?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on June 16, 2016, 07:17:52 PM
I'd have to say the team that started the 2nd half.
For me, Sterling just isn't doing anything at all and Kane, for all his quality throughout the season, seems to be a little short at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 07:19:03 PM
what team starts against Slovakia?


                                      Hart

Walker             Smalling             Cahill              Rose


                                      Dier


                        Rooney             Lallana


                                      Alli


                       Kane                   Vardy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 16, 2016, 07:19:12 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/european-championship/euro-2016/video

Highlights
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 07:22:14 PM
what team starts against Slovakia?

Hart

Walker
Cahill
Smalling
Rose

Dier
Rooney
Wilshere

Lallana
Vardy
Sturridge

Alli looks leggy. Kane not good enough. Sterling has been out of form for over a year.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 07:23:21 PM
Hart

Walker
Cahill
Smalling
Rose

Dier
Rooney
Wilshere

Lallana
Vardy
Sturridge

Alli looks leggy. Kane not good enough. Sterling has been out of form for over a year.


that would be my team too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 16, 2016, 07:37:11 PM
if we go on to win the group who is our most likely knockout round opponent and where
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 16, 2016, 07:50:32 PM
if we go on to win the group who is our most likely knockout round opponent and where

Match would be in Paris against a 3rd placed team from Group A, C or D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on June 16, 2016, 07:57:51 PM
if we go on to win the group who is our most likely knockout round opponent and where

If we win the group then our next opponents will be a third-placed team from Group A, C or D, depending on which teams actually qualify from which groups.  Glancing at the arrangements, it seems that we'd have a pretty equal chance of getting the third-placed team from Group A or D, and just an outside chance of getting the Group C also-rans.

If we finish second it'll save us a lot of head-scratching, because we'll just play the Group F runners-up ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on June 16, 2016, 08:15:46 PM
Ali and Kane look leggy. Sterling needs dropping for Wiltshire.. I'd gie the spuds another go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 16, 2016, 08:49:48 PM
Ali and Kane look leggy. Sterling needs dropping for Wiltshire.. I'd gie the spuds another go.


Alli isn't playing where he should be playing and Kane has had zero help from the useless Sterling and Lallana who has played fairly forward but is more of a midfielder.

Play them where they are best and build around them and they will both look like totally different players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 17, 2016, 08:06:22 AM
pleased to hear no more trouble over night, i hear the russians were attacking spanish people in Germany :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 17, 2016, 02:54:03 PM
Hopefully we can just talk about football again now.

It was a bit of a chaotic panic of a game (like many derbys are really) so hopefully they can settle a bit now.

Roy has some big decisions to make going forward (literally) - Vardy up front and Sturridge and Lallana just behind Vardy for me now. There's real movement, pace and trickery in that front three which defenders will hate. Apart from these two changes, same team to start against Slovakia.............

We do have real options everywhere in the squad except centre backs this year
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 17, 2016, 03:39:21 PM
For me no real stand outs as of yet, we can win this
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 17, 2016, 05:08:30 PM
From an attacking perspective nobody looks good. Defensively Italy are head and shoulders above everyone.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 20, 2016, 09:44:58 AM
up to 6 changes for tonights game i am hearing
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 20, 2016, 10:30:46 AM
For me, Vardy, Sturridge should start and it'd be a good idea to try Wilshere as we may need him over what we hope will be another couple of weeks in the tournament. Kane and Sterling need a rest and maybe Rooney could come off at half time for a rest for Wilshere. Also, might be worth giving Stones at least a half considering 1) Cahill is on a booking and 2) he's our only other specialist centre back.

Come on England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 20, 2016, 10:41:50 AM
i would drop Joe Hart aswell
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 20, 2016, 11:06:50 AM
Vardy and Sturridge need to play, but I would stick with the old plodders first then bring the attacking force on after Slovakia are tired out.
Sub impact idea.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BelfastBaggie on June 20, 2016, 11:09:46 AM
You'll have all the Northern Irish fully behind you guys tonight.

After Albania winning last night, if Russia fail to win against Wales, and England beat Slovakia. Then Northern Ireland can squeak through in a best third place spot if we lose to Germany by the same scoreline or less than Slovakia get beat today.

It's all a tad complicated and confusing but please do us a favor, England!

(England v. Northern Ireland is actually possible for the last 16. That would be fun.)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 20, 2016, 11:13:19 AM
You'll have all the Northern Irish fully behind you guys tonight.

After Albania winning last night, if Russia fail to win against Wales, and England beat Slovakia. Then Northern Ireland can squeak through in a best third place spot if we lose to Germany by the same scoreline or less than Slovakia get beat today.

It's all a tad complicated and confusing but please do us a favor, England!

(England v. Northern Ireland is actually possible for the last 16. That would be fun.)



you guys will get a point tomorrow night, does that help your cause. you cant rely on us :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 20, 2016, 12:37:23 PM
If you believe the press: Walker, Rose, Rooney, Alli, Sterling and Kane OUT; Clyne, Bertrand, Henderson, Wilshere, Vardy and Sturridge IN.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 20, 2016, 02:20:14 PM
Are we through safely yet??

No...so why are we weakening the side, the changes that needed to be made are Vardy and Sturridge in for Kane and Sterling
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 20, 2016, 02:24:39 PM
Are we through safely yet??

No...so why are we weakening the side, the changes that needed to be made are Vardy and Sturridge in for Kane and Sterling


it could seriously backfire
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 20, 2016, 02:33:24 PM

it could seriously backfire

I will laugh repeatedly if it does
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 20, 2016, 03:36:29 PM
Henderson for Rooney the only one I'd have reservations about, Clyne and Bertrand could have easily been 1st choice, and Alli has looked well off the pace.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 20, 2016, 04:13:51 PM
Henderson for Rooney the only one I'd have reservations about, Clyne and Bertrand could have easily been 1st choice, and Alli has looked well off the pace.

Agreed.......Rooney has been brilliant so far. I could see Wilshere stepping in for him but not Henderson who just runs around a lot? That is, unless Roy wants to tinker with the formation again?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 20, 2016, 07:04:10 PM
6 changes confirmed. Cahill captain.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 20, 2016, 07:27:25 PM
6 changes is a hell of a lot! Should have given Fraser Forster a game. Hart needs a kick up the pants, has been in my opinion at fault for both goals conceded.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 20, 2016, 08:53:41 PM
What is Jack Wheelchair doing on the pitch! Game is just going on around him. He is not fit enough for this tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 20, 2016, 09:06:09 PM
Anyone noticed a WBA flag at any of England's euro matches?
I havnt yet I normally can spot one,do we have any baggies over in  France?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on June 20, 2016, 09:21:39 PM
What is Jack Wheelchair doing on the pitch! Game is just going on around him. He is not fit enough for this tournament.
Sturridge is cr@p too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 20, 2016, 09:27:45 PM
This team are lacking a cutting edge some nice patterns at times but no clear cut chances bar the one for Vardy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 20, 2016, 09:32:07 PM
Henderson off and Rashford on pleaseeeeeeeee
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 20, 2016, 09:51:17 PM
Runners up might be better than winning the group...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 20, 2016, 09:55:51 PM
Well it may have finished 0-0 but I thought England played  really well tonight. We look as good as any team in the tournament with the exception perhaps of Spain. It's been a long, long time since we've had a collective group of players that are so comfortable on the ball.

We couldn't find the breakthrough, I thought we were a little unlucky. Slovakia were ultra defensive all game and the longer the game went on the worse they became. Their goalkeeper was taking forever with goal kicks from the first time he had to take one.

There's not much wrong with this England team. Given the breaks and the right team selections we can do well in this tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 20, 2016, 09:57:16 PM
One more thing - Eric Dier - absolutely magnificent. He's some player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 20, 2016, 10:02:47 PM
Dreadful tonight, no cutting edge whatsoever, our best striker being alienated out on the right wing, Hodgson has got previous for this *cough* Odemwingie *cough*.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 20, 2016, 10:03:39 PM
Dreadful tonight, no cutting edge whatsoever, our best striker being alienated out on the right wing, Hodgson has got previous for this *cough* Odemwingie *cough*.


Sturridge is NOT our best striker. He's a flicker and is wasteful.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Ska-dForLife-WBA on June 20, 2016, 10:04:10 PM
There's clearly not much in the way of a Plan B when teams pack ten men in the box against us; we're always just looking for that slight gap or bit of luck to go our way because we haven't got that extra bit of quality needed to open them up.  However, since that's the case, it might actually work in our favour to have finished runners-up and face a slightly better team in the next round than we otherwise would have done.  Let's hope we get a team we can go toe to toe with and use the likes of Vardy to best effect.

Congratulations to Wales for topping the group, and most of all, for eliminating Russia and their thugs.  Job well done.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 20, 2016, 10:05:54 PM
There's clearly not much in the way of a Plan B when teams pack ten men in the box against us; we're always just looking for that slight gap or bit of luck to go our way because we haven't got that extra bit of quality needed to open them up.  However, since that's the case, it might actually work in our favour to have finished runners-up and face a slightly better team in the next round than we otherwise would have done.  Let's hope we get a team we can go toe to toe with and use the likes of Vardy to best effect.

Congratulations to Wales for topping the group, and most of all, for eliminating Russia and their thugs.  Job well done.


Russia are the worst team in this tournament. We picked the wrong team against them we should've buried them they are woeful.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on June 20, 2016, 10:10:09 PM
Still ok... come on England xx
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 20, 2016, 10:19:00 PM
frustrating doesn't come close to how I feel watching that, get the impression too many players play as individuals instead of a team. sturridge and ali the main culprits.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on June 20, 2016, 10:22:21 PM
frustrating doesn't come close to how I feel watching that, get the impression too many players play as individuals instead of a team. sturridge and ali the main culprits.

We still ok. No defeats...Keep the faith in Roy we trust x
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: VVVAlbion on June 20, 2016, 10:24:19 PM
We are moving on to knockout tournament where teams are not going to be able to just sit back. We will have to take our chances but i'd expect there to be more of them and of a better quality.
But we still won't win  :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on June 20, 2016, 10:27:25 PM
We are moving on to knockout tournament where teams are not going to be able to just sit back. We will have to take our chances but i'd expect there to be more of them and of a better quality.
But we still won't win  :-X

England will make 1/4s easy x
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 20, 2016, 10:31:01 PM
A lot of huff and puff tonight with no cutting edge.
The amount of space on the wings was wasted.
The England team kept being sucked into the middle, especially at corners. The amount of time the ball went over to the opposite wing was criminal. No player was stationed out there to return the ball or stretch their defence wider.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on June 20, 2016, 10:34:53 PM
A lot of huff and puff tonight with no cutting edge.
The amount of space on the wings was wasted.
The England team kept being sucked into the middle, especially at corners. The amount of time the ball went over to the opposite wing was criminal. No player was stationed out there to return the ball or stretch their defence wider.

As much as I could be wrong. We missed Sterling.. *cry
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 20, 2016, 11:42:35 PM

Sturridge is NOT our best striker. He's a flicker and is wasteful.

He clearly is our best striker, though Rashford may come good, the other 2 are flat track bullies, one relies on pub football to get in behind the other will be as out of his depth in the CL next season as he is in this tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 21, 2016, 06:47:27 AM

He clearly is our best striker, though Rashford may come good, the other 2 are flat track bullies, one relies on pub football to get in behind
the other will be as out of his depth in the CL next season as he is in this tournament.


That one comment renders your entire argument invalid.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on June 21, 2016, 07:01:51 AM
Personally I thought it was like watching England v the Albion. We certainly had the chances but Slovakia defended like madmen.... as I was watching it I thought '10 men behind the ball, constant defending, where have I seen this before?'
Then I remembered......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 21, 2016, 08:00:54 AM
so the last Two groups of tournements we win one game out of 6, nothing changes. a damp squib. Hodgsons days are numbered, so boring to watch
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on June 21, 2016, 08:38:34 AM
That was just as bad as anything served up by us and Pulis last season and we have people saying we played well. Jacko is absolutely spot on, we have zero cutting edge, no game plan. People moaning about a lack of a Plan B, I'm not sure what Plan A is.

As for the arguement that better teams will give us more space to play in - are you suggesting that Slovakia weren't good enough for us to beat? Leave it out, a half-decent team would batter us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 21, 2016, 08:46:15 AM
I've enjoyed watching us at this tournament so far because we've seen some good build up play. Something I've been starved of watching Albion! I think Roy has made great progress with this squad overall since the 2014 debacle. We look a potentially dangerous team who need a final step to become clinical in a way the best teams are.

Unfortunately, I don't think we can make that extra step with Roy as he's still faffing around trying to find his best team and system which is not good enough at this stage. Maybe he should be in charge of the U21s/ development teams and we get a first team manager who is more decisive?

I'd love to be proven wrong but unless Roy quickly fixes on his best team/ system and leaves them to it, we won't get through much further.

For me Quarter finals are acceptable, anything less is failure and anything more a bonus. Afterall, this is about results not performances...............Come on England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 21, 2016, 08:51:19 AM
oh well its saved me a few quid, i was going to go over for the saturday game in Paris
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on June 21, 2016, 08:52:47 AM
I've enjoyed watching us at this tournament so far because we've seen some good build up play. Something I've been starved of watching Albion! I think Roy has made great progress with this squad overall since the 2014 debacle. We look a potentially dangerous team who need a final step to become clinical in a way the best teams are.

Unfortunately, I don't think we can make that extra step with Roy as he's still faffing around trying to find his best team and system which is not good enough at this stage. Maybe he should be in charge of the U21s/ development teams and we get a first team manager who is more decisive?

I'd love to be proven wrong but unless Roy quickly fixes on his best team/ system and leaves them to it, we won't get through much further.

For me Quarter finals are acceptable, anything less is failure and anything more a bonus. Afterall, this is about results not performances...............Come on England

That performance last night was nigh on exactly the same as watching the Albion, the only difference was some slow passing between the centre halves and three midfielders. When we got in in the attacking areas we created little, our crossing was poor and our strikers looked painfully isolated - Vardy probably touched the ball three times in the second half.

I'm not having a go at Hodgson, I love Roy. I can't get my head round people thinking what England did last night was good and what Pulis does being the exact opposite. It was just as boring, lacking in exactly the same areas and the end result was the same. Baffling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 21, 2016, 09:05:05 AM
Well its not been the best group stage, struggled badly to break down more defensive sides yet goals conceded against Russia and Wales were very poor. At least we are through and may actually create some better clear cut chances in the knockout stage where sides can't really afford to sit back so much.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 21, 2016, 09:21:29 AM
One more thing - Eric Dier - absolutely magnificent. He's some player.

Agreed Dier is a wonderful footballer. Passing range and the way he patrols the middle is excellent news for England. We have found a star again
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 21, 2016, 09:22:22 AM
As much as I could be wrong. We missed Sterling.. *cry

How can we miss Sterling....he is an awful player

Shouldnt even be in the squad for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 21, 2016, 09:23:32 AM

Sturridge is NOT our best striker. He's a flicker and is wasteful.

When fit Sturridge IS our best striker, I have to agree with Jacko on that one

Sturridge is also more creative than Sterling
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 21, 2016, 09:26:13 AM

That one comment renders your entire argument invalid.

No it doesnt fella, I might not agree with Kane and Vardy being just flat track bullies but you cant help but agree that Kane looks out of his depth at the min and Vardy is not being used correctly. I think Sturridge is our best striker and Rashford has more to his game than both Vardy and Kane have
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 21, 2016, 09:34:35 AM
Agreed Dier is a wonderful footballer. Passing range and the way he patrols the middle is excellent news for England. We have found a star again

We can learn a lot from the way that he was brought through the youth system abroad. Says a lot about our academy system that one of our best young players came through the Portuguese system.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 21, 2016, 09:39:50 AM
That performance last night was nigh on exactly the same as watching the Albion, the only difference was some slow passing between the centre halves and three midfielders. When we got in in the attacking areas we created little, our crossing was poor and our strikers looked painfully isolated - Vardy probably touched the ball three times in the second half.

I'm not having a go at Hodgson, I love Roy. I can't get my head round people thinking what England did last night was good and what Pulis does being the exact opposite. It was just as boring, lacking in exactly the same areas and the end result was the same. Baffling.

Enjoyment is relative and subjective so I can't say why but I've seen England keep the ball better in the first three matches than at any point in the past 20 years.  We have genuinely good attacking players with trickery and I've enjoyed the fact we've spent most of the three games on the front foot - unlike Albion who play more like Slovakia did last night.

The game last night petered out because we ran out of ideas, energy and basically Slovakia did an Albion - 10 men behind the ball and defended very deep. The only real way around this is width, stretching them. Therefore, why did Roy keep bringing on central attacking players - Kane, Alli, Rooney (although I could understand Rooney cause he should've started in the first place).

Roy has made some strange decisions lately - which usually  means he's run out of ideas.

He needs to get back to basics and build a first 11 with three or four subs who he can rely on for the remainder of the tournament. If we come up against Hungary, Iceland or Austria can you see them not defending for 90mins and try to snatch one just as Russia, Wales and Slovakia did? The same problems need different answers/ responses or you get the same results.............
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on June 21, 2016, 09:41:27 AM
Can anyone please tell me what Jordan Henderson offers as a football player? (Especially an INTERNATIONAL Class one) Even my Liverpool supporting friends can't name 1 thing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on June 21, 2016, 10:02:42 AM
Enjoyment is relative and subjective so I can't say why but I've seen England keep the ball better in the first three matches than at any point in the past 20 years.  We have genuinely good attacking players with trickery and I've enjoyed the fact we've spent most of the three games on the front foot - unlike Albion who play more like Slovakia did last night.

The game last night petered out because we ran out of ideas, energy and basically Slovakia did an Albion - 10 men behind the ball and defended very deep. The only real way around this is width, stretching them. Therefore, why did Roy keep bringing on central attacking players - Kane, Alli, Rooney (although I could understand Rooney cause he should've started in the first place).

Roy has made some strange decisions lately - which usually  means he's run out of ideas.

He needs to get back to basics and build a first 11 with three or four subs who he can rely on for the remainder of the tournament. If we come up against Hungary, Iceland or Austria can you see them not defending for 90mins and try to snatch one just as Russia, Wales and Slovakia did? The same problems need different answers/ responses or you get the same results.............

Slovakia played well, had a game plan and deserved their point. We have no divine right to beat these teams especially as we aren't very good ourselves.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 21, 2016, 10:09:59 AM
I agree England aren't that good, we never are as good as many think (not least the press).

Like I say enjoyment is subjective. Slovakia defended well but football (and results) to me is about scoring goals. A good game of football is about two teams trying to score for me.

Onto the next - maybe we'll play a team who will give it more of a go..............?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 21, 2016, 10:22:28 AM
Well its not been the best group stage, struggled badly to break down more defensive sides yet goals conceded against Russia and Wales were very poor. At least we are through and may actually create some better clear cut chances in the knockout stage where sides can't really afford to sit back so much.

All they have to do is get us to a penalty shoot out.
Game over  :-[
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 21, 2016, 10:25:35 AM
If Hungary can beat Portugal and Iceland get something out of Austria we could end up with Iceland for a last 16 tie.
I'm not too worried who we play from that group TBH
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 21, 2016, 10:54:14 AM
We'll get Portugal and Ronaldo will rip us to shreds.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 21, 2016, 11:00:20 AM
We'll get Portugal and Ronaldo will rip us to shreds.


tear us a new one so to speak
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 21, 2016, 11:01:56 AM
All they have to do is get us to a penalty shoot out.
Game over  :-[

Do you think many teams will intentionally do that knowing penalties is a massive gamble even given our record?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on June 21, 2016, 11:03:36 AM
Enjoyment is relative and subjective so I can't say why but I've seen England keep the ball better in the first three matches than at any point in the past 20 years.  We have genuinely good attacking players with trickery and I've enjoyed the fact we've spent most of the three games on the front foot - unlike Albion who play more like Slovakia did last night.

Spot on. I find it mind boggling that people think England played like Albion - when was the last time we had over 60% possession and completely dominated a game? If anything Slovakia's game plan was more Albion, no ambition, not bothered about winning the game. Funny how the people that beat the Pulis drum are the ones saying England were rubbish!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the way we have played, yes there are still areas we can improve, we need to be more clinical and Wilshere and Henderson should be nowhere near the team but I am very much encouraged by our dominance in games and how many opportunities we create. When we come up against a better team who have more ambition than holding us to a 0-0 we will look even better.

Bottom line is we are through and will most likely play Hungary, Iceland or Austria next Monday. We go again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 21, 2016, 11:11:44 AM
I would have said Slovakia played more like Albion would except they did it against a superior team while we seem to do it against the majority of the league. Only comparison for me would be the way we were clueless when trying to break down a well organised outfit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 21, 2016, 11:12:30 AM
Do you think many teams will intentionally do that knowing penalties is a massive gamble even given our record?

Chill out mate, my comment was tongue in cheek
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 21, 2016, 11:22:11 AM
You aren't the first I've seen say it and they were all deadly serious.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 21, 2016, 01:31:42 PM
No it doesnt fella, I might not agree with Kane and Vardy being just flat track bullies but you cant help but agree that Kane looks out of his depth at the min and Vardy is not being used correctly. I think Sturridge is our best striker and Rashford has more to his game than both Vardy and Kane have


I can't disagree more strongly. Firstly to compare Vardy to a pub striker is just silly to the point where it's worth no further comment.

Kane doesn't look out of his depth. He's been forced to play alongside the hapless Sterling and Lallana who isn't a striker. Put him alongside Vardy next game and you'll see how good he is.

Rashford is a novice who everyone is getting excited about because he's new. In a year or so's time when he's levelled out people will calm down about him.

What did Sturridge do at the world cup two years ago? OK it's one tournament but I can't see how anyone can come to the conclusion that he is better than either Kane or Vardy. Perhaps it's because he hasn't played that much over the last year or so. Players are always better when they're not playing. Everyone called for him to start against Slovakia and for me he did almost nothing.

Kane and Vardy are our two best strikers and if we play them together it's not impossible for us o win this tournament because they are a superb balance also.

As for people comparing watching England to watching Albion that is totally ludicrous. The main objective from the group stage is to qualify, we have done that and looked easily the best team in the group. We haven't really had the breaks but it's knockout stuff next and this is where it really starts.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 21, 2016, 02:18:20 PM
Im not sure that Kane and Vardy can play together if im honest, very lacklustre in the Portugal game leading upto the Euros

Kane is a lone striker I feel with a No10 behind him, the focal point of the side, same as Vardy is...they cant both play that role unfortunately

Id stick Sturridge and Vardy together or any other combination before playing Kane and Vardy

Sturridge is a top top striker, technically he is better then both Vardy and Kane whether you agree or not doesnt bother me, but its true

Kane hasnt looked very good so far (and im a huge fan of his by the way), this has nothing to do with Sterling or Lallana its HIS general play that is awful for some reason

Kane and Vardy is the new Gerrard and Lampard
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 21, 2016, 02:50:35 PM
Sturridge is cr@p too

Yeah! He was too greedy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on June 21, 2016, 07:14:09 PM
just my opinion but I think:-
a) Kane - was poor for Spurs in the last 4 or 5 games of the season - seems he has burnt himself out!
b) Sturridge - can be brilliant but too often greedy & injury prone
c) Sterling - has hardly played in the 2nd half of the season for City
d) Vardy - Englands tippy tappy Arsenal style doesnt fit his game - as an aside I'd be surprised if he signs for Arsenal - had one chance last night & probably only touched the ball 3 times!
e) Deli Alli - see Kane
f) Rashford - very raw but perhaps would show no fear!
g) Rooney - not my favourite but seems wasted in deep midfield
h) Wiltshere - see Sterling but he's only played 120 mins for Arsenal since being out injured
i) best players for me so far - Walker, Rose, Clyne

In the game against Russia Roy played 11 players who had never played together before!! what are the friendlies/qualifiers for?
I don't think we've actually played too badly - until the final 3rd! don't fancy our chances if we have to play anybody any good!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 22, 2016, 06:55:21 PM
Iceland it is then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 22, 2016, 07:02:20 PM
Would have preferred Tesco or Waitrose but will settle for Iceland...😊
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 22, 2016, 08:05:13 PM
I feel like we've been gifted a second pop at it now. Ronaldo would have destroyed us. Hope we go all out at Iceland and take a comfortable victory but they will be no pushovers and there's no room for complacency.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 22, 2016, 08:13:06 PM
whos most likely should we crack iceland, france ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 22, 2016, 08:16:40 PM
Ye we get France if we win and they win in Paris, be there home stadium but wont be like a home  crowd for them for sure
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 22, 2016, 08:54:39 PM
If I was Roy id go balls out against Iceland. I'd start Rooney, Kane, Sturridge and Vardy. We know their going to sit back and try and hit us on the break pretty much like the 3 games we've just had in the group stages whilst we looked very good in those games we still only managed 1 win and 2 draws scoring 3 goals. Tournament football especially is about taking the chances that fall to you something which England have been woefull at so far.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 23, 2016, 08:41:14 AM
fluffed our lines again at a major tournement just look at the other side of the draw. Hodgson is gone if we dont make the semis
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: reynirver on June 23, 2016, 05:54:40 PM
Quite funny that english supporters are happy meeting us! After the celebration we realized that we would meet England we celebrated even more!!
 We pray before every group draw that we get England(no one watches La liga or any other dumb league, here we just watch the premier league) but now finally we meet England not in a friendly where we are asked not to go tough on them!! Dreams of 330.000 thousand people finnaly came true!

Just to inform you my fellow baggies, in our national team we have so many world class penalty takers! Iceland through on penalties!
ÁFRAM ÍSLAND
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 23, 2016, 06:11:06 PM
I can see it going to penalties...We may score 2 at the most.  :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 25, 2016, 09:37:11 AM
Will leaving the eu be good for our national side long term
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 26, 2016, 08:48:30 PM
Did I hear or read somewhere we won't get the national anthem played tomorrow night?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 26, 2016, 08:59:08 PM
Did I hear or read somewhere we won't get the national anthem played tomorrow night?

I haven't heard of that.
Very interesting if it does happen.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 26, 2016, 09:24:13 PM
Quite funny that english supporters are happy meeting us! After the celebration we realized that we would meet England we celebrated even more!!
 We pray before every group draw that we get England(no one watches La liga or any other dumb league, here we just watch the premier league) but now finally we meet England not in a friendly where we are asked not to go tough on them!! Dreams of 330.000 thousand people finnaly came true!

Just to inform you my fellow baggies, in our national team we have so many world class penalty takers! Iceland through on penalties!
ÁFRAM ÍSLAND

Have a suspicion you may spring a surprise! All the best.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 26, 2016, 09:26:39 PM
Did I hear or read somewhere we won't get the national anthem played tomorrow night?

Why because of Brexit? If it is then it's a disgrace on two counts as 1 they played the national anthems at the Wales, Northern Ireland game and secondly politics should be kept well away from football, especially at a major tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 26, 2016, 10:07:25 PM
Did I hear or read somewhere we won't get the national anthem played tomorrow night?
Behave, the anthem is the anthem, the trade agreement,well that's a slightly different matter, apparently there has been some sort of vote recently?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 27, 2016, 09:29:03 AM
If they dont play the national anthem at the Euro's due to Brexit then it will be a disgrace, this is a football tournament not the EU

I dont believe this for one minute though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 27, 2016, 09:32:44 AM
I literally haven't seen anything about this supposed non-playing of the anthem. Anyone got a link?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 27, 2016, 09:34:35 AM
We are leaving the European Union, not geogrpahically relocating ourselves in the world or leaving UEFA.

Sounds like some bull made up by a remainiac.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 27, 2016, 09:46:13 AM
Striling rumoured to be starting :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 27, 2016, 09:52:08 AM
I literally haven't seen anything about this supposed non-playing of the anthem. Anyone got a link?


I saw it on facebook, Britans finest spoof news, the sufolk gazzett :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 27, 2016, 10:12:44 AM
Striling rumoured to be starting :(

Wounded!!!

I dont rate him at all..not too say he cant be a quality player but I just dont see it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 27, 2016, 10:13:40 AM
just my opinion but I think:-
a) Kane - was poor for Spurs in the last 4 or 5 games of the season - seems he has burnt himself out!
b) Sturridge - can be brilliant but too often greedy & injury prone
c) Sterling - has hardly played in the 2nd half of the season for City
d) Vardy - Englands tippy tappy Arsenal style doesnt fit his game - as an aside I'd be surprised if he signs for Arsenal - had one chance last night & probably only touched the ball 3 times!
e) Deli Alli - see Kane
f) Rashford - very raw but perhaps would show no fear!
g) Rooney - not my favourite but seems wasted in deep midfield
h) Wiltshere - see Sterling but he's only played 120 mins for Arsenal since being out injured
i) best players for me so far - Walker, Rose, Clyne

In the game against Russia Roy played 11 players who had never played together before!! what are the friendlies/qualifiers for?
I don't think we've actually played too badly - until the final 3rd! don't fancy our chances if we have to play anybody any good!

All have been good yes but the best player so far for us has been Eric Dier
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 27, 2016, 11:44:25 AM
All have been good yes but the best player so far for us has been Eric Dier


Agreed. He is some player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 27, 2016, 12:02:50 PM

Agreed. He is some player.


Where is he off to next i wonder
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on June 27, 2016, 02:27:31 PM
I would 100% start Sterling. He fits the 4-3-3 which is by far our best system. He just needs to get a bit of confidence back - would love him to score tonight.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 27, 2016, 02:44:46 PM
I would 100% start Sterling. He fits the 4-3-3 which is by far our best system. He just needs to get a bit of confidence back - would love him to score tonight.

Yeah no problem re-uniting two thirds of the SSS. Lallana for all his pretty play is woeful in front of goal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 27, 2016, 03:16:49 PM
Yes when Roy gets the boot we must employ an Australian, just look at the cricket and Rugby success. Any early runners. Mark Bosnich :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 27, 2016, 03:22:01 PM
Yeah no problem re-uniting two thirds of the SSS. Lallana for all his pretty play is woeful in front of goal.

Lallana is englands sessignon IMO
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 27, 2016, 08:24:30 PM
What is Hart doing.Simply to slow  ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 27, 2016, 08:33:58 PM
Bottlers. Too much long ball. I take back what I said last week Sturridge isn't our best striker. He's our best PLAYER.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on June 27, 2016, 08:35:23 PM
Roy's at fault for me! Kane & Sterling didn't work for the first 2 games why he picked this side I'll never know!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: weareblueweare white on June 27, 2016, 08:39:17 PM
What is Hart doing.Simply to slow  ???
Hart's a liability, heart goes in my mouth every time the ball goes near our goal
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 27, 2016, 08:41:59 PM
Seen enough of this sick of tippy tappy football with no end product.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: silver surfer on June 27, 2016, 08:48:13 PM
Let's hope that Sterling falls again (the man not the pound)

Either way, we better all get used to Iceland (for the weekly shop that is)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 27, 2016, 08:49:58 PM
Seen enough of this sick of tippy tappy football with no end product.

We're not playing tippy tippy.  We're playing unimaginative long ball. Exactly what they want. I've got to believe it's the players because if this was a qualifier at Wembley we'd be p1ssing it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 27, 2016, 08:57:16 PM
We're not playing tippy tippy.  We're playing unimaginative long ball. Exactly what they want. I've got to believe it's the players because if this was a qualifier at Wembley we'd be p1ssing it.
When they get in and around the box they try to walk the ball in the net no chance against a packed defence.
Now watching tennis and keeping up with the football score on here.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 27, 2016, 09:00:00 PM
Wrong team selection AGAIN! I'm not even going to go on about what team should be out there I've been saying the same thing all tournament.

We never, ever learn.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 27, 2016, 09:01:45 PM
Shocking,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 27, 2016, 09:27:35 PM
Would rather see Rashford on than Kane...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on June 27, 2016, 09:47:26 PM
This is actually embarrassing
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 27, 2016, 09:52:49 PM
Well we got what we deserved. Hodgson had a squad of players at his disposal that could've done well at this tournament but he's cocked it up from first minute to last. All his team selections have been awful and his tactics. Summed up when you needa goal with four minutes to go and your centre forward is taking a free kick on the touchline.

Absolutely cronic.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dexy on June 27, 2016, 09:56:24 PM
Don't agree with a few of Roys choices but these players have a lot to answer for , qualify with ease but bottle the big stage again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 27, 2016, 09:57:33 PM
Shameful

Disgraceful

Abject

Feel like screaming but they ain't worth it what a bunch of w@nkers

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Adamstv on June 27, 2016, 10:00:03 PM
Did Iceland remind you of West Brom- solid determined and their keeper had little to do. Reminded me of us at Spurs this season.  Kane, Alli, Walker, Rose, Dier  and they still couldn't beat us. Or Iceland
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 27, 2016, 10:00:17 PM
Don't agree with a few of Roys choices but these players have a lot to answer for , qualify with ease but bottle the big stage again.


It's tournament play we don't know how to do it. Everything we've done has been ineffective. Iceland have played exactly the same players in every game, Hogson didn't even know what his best team was. We had the perfect set of players to play a way that suits with 50 Premier League goals in our front line, a dynamic player in the number ten role and he didn't choose that option. Kane, Alli look a shadow of what they are and its because we're not playing to their strengths.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 27, 2016, 10:01:56 PM
that was nothing short of pathetic and an embarrassment to international football. another bunch of selfish overrated over paid England players that join our past under achievers.
that was div 2 standard at best.
good luck Iceland.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on June 27, 2016, 10:02:52 PM
This is actually embarrassing
I actually thought it was that poor it was hilarious - Goodbye Roy!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 27, 2016, 10:04:13 PM
The Multi millionaires thought they just had to turn up! >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 27, 2016, 10:06:09 PM
Disgraceful performance. Hodgson will go and so he should but these players have a lot to answer for.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 27, 2016, 10:08:10 PM
Karma. 52% of us wanted out of Europe  ;) Seriously, what an embarrassment! Feel sad for Roy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 27, 2016, 10:08:20 PM
That was disgusting.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mrmojorisin on June 27, 2016, 10:10:21 PM
The blames lies fully with the player's. They couldn't do the basics, control, passing etc. Poor defending, no creativity in attack.  Apart from the penalty we did not look like scoring. Hodgson will get the blame and the sack but you can't legislate for such poor quality
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 27, 2016, 10:12:19 PM
The blames lies fully with the player's. They couldn't do the basics, control, passing etc. Poor defending, no creativity in attack.  Apart from the penalty we did not look like scoring. Hodgson will get the blame and the sack but you can't legislate for such poor quality


Wrong. The manager is to blame he sets up the way to play, the tactics, the team selection. It's his job to get the best out of his players.

Hodgson must go and he will go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TLMS17 on June 27, 2016, 10:12:36 PM
Roy takes as much blame as the players, as they said on TV we didn't know our best team before the tournament, made too many changes without qualifying, Kane taking free kicks and/or corners. Be glad when he's sacked
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 27, 2016, 10:13:16 PM
Roy's gone
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 27, 2016, 10:13:46 PM
Roy's gone


Good.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 27, 2016, 10:18:56 PM
Southgate favourite to replace Hodgson lol. Dear god!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on June 27, 2016, 10:20:07 PM
Bring back Roy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 27, 2016, 10:20:40 PM
Might aswell give it to Pardew.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on June 27, 2016, 10:22:29 PM
I said earlier too many players out of form at the end of the season, players out of position, centre forward taking corners, players who haven't played regularly during the season - the first match the first time those 11 players played together! Sorry but it's Roy's selection & it wasn't good enough. The only consolation is that France or Germany won't get to tear us a new one!
Redbridge Rovers could have done better!
Goodbye Roy!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: weareblueweare white on June 27, 2016, 10:26:26 PM
Shambles, we've won 1 game out of 4 after last World Cup. Who's going to want the job
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: reynirver on June 27, 2016, 10:27:46 PM
Live is good!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 27, 2016, 10:28:10 PM
at least we've found someone to lead us out of Europe.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on June 27, 2016, 10:40:59 PM
Out of the euros and out of the eu, what a great time to be alive.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 27, 2016, 10:41:50 PM
Oh well least I get my semi and final ticket money back, book up Holland now for the pre season!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 27, 2016, 10:43:50 PM
My England football days are over, first England game today I wasn't fussed and I find that amazing,Sky is cancelled too, I am no longer enhancing their wages
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 27, 2016, 10:46:11 PM
Say what you want about Pulis and our players, whether they win, lose or draw I am proud of West Brom right now as they put everything into their performances, unlike England.

I thought Iceland was like watching a good Pulis performance tonight. Defensively solid and deserved the win albeit England dominated possession - which counted for nothing.

On a seperate note, in my entire life - England's managers have been awful. I don't think it's the players, there's been some true greats in that time - but instead it's often bad appointments and journeymen managers who are stale in their ideas. I loved Hodgson with us but was pulling my hair out with his negativity throughout the tournament. The next appointment is crucial but based on history it will not be a good one.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 27, 2016, 10:54:45 PM
If we had any sense the man commentating is the only man to sort this out, Hoddle for me, wasted out of coaching.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 27, 2016, 10:56:08 PM
People going on about "this is the shock we need"..."English football needs an overhaul".

We heard exactly the same 6 years ago after the battering by Germany. Things have never changed, and they never will.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 27, 2016, 10:56:41 PM
Very poor goal keeper continues to play the decisive goal was poor. The Icelandic equaliser less then a minute after we went ahead and it was Sunday morning stuff. Really poor defending.

England are the best in the world of doing nothing with the ball. The game was calling out for players who had the ability to beat a man- sterling sidnt have his best game but should have stayed on, perhaps even Townsend or Barkley etc.

Wilshere and Rooney epitomise everything that's wrong with England they are slow in possession and only go square and backwards.

Yes the manager is accountable but the players showed total lack of pride and effort whilst Iceland fought for everything and played like WBA do under Pulis (devoid of real quality but just frustrated opposition)

Rooney might as well retire he offers nothingas a striker and definatly isn't Andres iniesta that he is trying to emulate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 27, 2016, 11:03:12 PM
If we had any sense the man commentating is the only man to sort this out, Hoddle for me, wasted out of coaching.
I think he's been shown as a very average manager though (certainly no better than Hodgson in club football). He is the last generations Gary Neville; a great pundit with more insight than most, but equally flawed when entering the real world of management.

As well, I think he has a genuine bias for the Spurs players. I do like him as a bloke, but this tournament and in friendly's, he's stupidly biased. Everytime they do something good, he will make sure to mention it; but he also says nothing on their mistakes which is telling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 27, 2016, 11:09:16 PM
Out of the euros and out of the eu, what a great time to be alive.

What a week. Not much to be proud about at the moment!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on June 27, 2016, 11:14:50 PM
Utter disgrace and I feel sorry for all the England fans who paid a lot of money to watch that rubbish.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: garry on June 27, 2016, 11:15:11 PM
Stand by for pictures of Rooney etc. on the beach in Barbados before the weekend.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 27, 2016, 11:24:57 PM
The blame should be shared.

Hodgson: reliant on a Spurs spine that came 3rd in a 2 horse race.

Best striker - right wing, record goal scorer - deep lying central midfielder.

Jack Wilshere, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, players picked on reputation not form.

The players: played every game at walking pace, not remotely incisive, no quick one touch passing, revert to long balls against deep defenders, no heart, lack of concentration.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 27, 2016, 11:41:38 PM
Not even sure where they go from here.

Hodgson's management was consistently awful in the tournament - not reactive enough, and some utterly baffling decisions like having the awful Harry Kane taking every set piece. That Harry Kane even started after his performances was yet another baffling decision, that he finished the game was the sign of madness.

With that said I'm not sure what can be done with these players. The same failings as old England teams but less talented.

England never fix anything. Every side is the same. None existent movement, woeful passing, poor finishing, and now we add woeful defenders to the list. And of course Hart continuing the long tradition of keepers bottling in it for England in tournaments - he should never start a tournament first choice again either.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 27, 2016, 11:44:37 PM
The blame should be shared.

Hodgson: reliant on a Spurs spine that came 3rd in a 2 horse race.

Best striker - right wing, record goal scorer - deep lying central midfielder.

Jack Wilshere, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, players picked on reputation not form.

The players: played every game at walking pace, not remotely incisive, no quick one touch passing, revert to long balls against deep defenders, no heart, lack of concentration.

Agree with all of this.

The whole tournament was a mix & match and hope for the best. We have tried shoe-horning players into roles or system and unsurprisingly it hasn't worked. A classic case of not learning our lessons.

The warning signs were clear for all to see in our warm up fixtures which was far from convincing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 27, 2016, 11:45:14 PM
Roy was muddled. He didn't know his best team nor tactics - there didn't seem much in the way of tactics really.  That is one of the worst ever England performances , maybe the worst I've seen in a Tournament.

A country divided, economic uncertainty, English hooligans back on the rampage and an horrendous England football team - what exactly has happened to England ! Did I get into a 1970s time machine !?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 27, 2016, 11:59:56 PM
A positive drawn from this....
We didn't lose on penalties !  ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 28, 2016, 06:26:33 AM
We struggle at international level for the simple reason we don't have enough world class players.
The Premier League is the best in the world but its full of foreign talent at the expense of home grown up and coming players.
Limit the amount of foreign players in a starting 11 and give the clubs a chance to develop young English players
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 28, 2016, 06:30:59 AM
This has to be the final straw, the f.a needs a major overhaul, it's too much of an old boys club filled with people who don't have a clue how to run a football organisation. Germany & Spain pour millions into their youth coaching set up, we decide to pur millions into a fancy hi tech building in Burton Upon Trent. Spain, Italy, Germany, France all have far more qualified youth coaches than we do and yet the people who get paid millions by the f.a still haven't worked out this is why those countries succeed.

Last night was an utter embarrassment, when you come to think of it the whole tournament has been an utter embarrassment. We are devoid of any movement, leaders and the worst of all they are all so mentally weak its frightening. They looked petrified of having the ball. Rashford a 17 year old kid did more in 4 minutes than any of the starting 11 last night. They deserve all the criticism that comes their way I hope England fans finally say enough is enough and start voting with their feet. I'm sure the f.a would soon shape up if Wembley was a quarter full each game. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mikehy on June 28, 2016, 06:50:33 AM
We struggle at international level for the simple reason we don't have enough world class players.
The Premier League is the best in the world but its full of foreign talent at the expense of home grown up and coming players.
Limit the amount of foreign players in a starting 11 and give the clubs a chance to develop young English players
We have as many and more in most cases than Wales, Iceland and Poland. We lack the desire and tactical nous. Hodgson was a disaster who seemed to be making it up as he went along. It will be more of the same if the FA appoint Southgate or Neville.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 28, 2016, 08:27:39 AM
We have as many and more in most cases than Wales, Iceland and Poland. We lack the desire and tactical nous. Hodgson was a disaster who seemed to be making it up as he went along. It will be more of the same if the FA appoint Southgate or Neville.
Yep, they're not world class but they are high-premier league quality, who lost to a team including part-timers. That is down to the manager, as you say the next in line to manage is frightening.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 28, 2016, 08:35:20 AM
We have as many and more in most cases than Wales, Iceland and Poland. We lack the desire and tactical nous. Hodgson was a disaster who seemed to be making it up as he went along. It will be more of the same if the FA appoint Southgate or Neville.
I think it will be the same whoever they employ, for the simple reason that the players will never be anywhere near as good as they think they are.
The lesser countries (I use that term loosely) have something to prove so their drive and passion carries them through, whereas our lot just swan up expecting to win at a swagger and when it goes wrong they just skulk into their shells hoping someone else gets the blame. Can anyone name one instance where an England player put his body on the line or threw himself into a tackle or blocked a shot? They are just too precious.
The Premier League is lauded as the best in the world but, in reality, it is not, it's just the richest. The fact that a Pulis side can compete every year shows just how poor, technically, it is!
Nothing will change until we get a bunch of players with a bit of humility and I just don't see that happening when we keep paying bang average players millions of pounds and lauding them as superstars.
It's time to pick players in their best positions regardless of where they ply their trade. Dare I say it, even if that is outside of the precious Premier League. Can anyone say that a team picked from the Championship or below could have performed any worse than this shower?
I said to my missus last night, before the game I might add, that it's getting harder top support England because I love my country passionately, but I am beginning to hate the players who wear the shirt.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 28, 2016, 09:01:52 AM
Just read Joe Hart,s laughable claim in the Sun that he was only at fault for two of the goals in the tournament. ::) he has been truly awful. If he's the best we have heaven help us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 28, 2016, 09:10:21 AM
The morning after the night before...........

Two things

1) lack of leaders/ characters on the pitch - no matter how good players are, any team needs this.
2) unbelievable lack of a plan from the management/ coaching team - Roy et al should be ashamed

There was one set of amateurs last night and it wasn't Iceland..........
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 28, 2016, 09:27:54 AM
The morning after the night before...........

Two things

1) lack of leaders/ characters on the pitch - no matter how good players are, any team needs this.
2) unbelievable lack of a plan from the management/ coaching team - Roy et al should be ashamed

There was one set of amateurs last night and it wasn't Iceland..........

I don't think we'll ever see a character in the England team again. Character is media trained out of the youth players by the time they are 15 / 16.

They all churn the same stuff out in interviews these days. Robots!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 09:37:47 AM

Thats the bare minimum, anything else is failure. hes lucky he didnt get the boot after the shocking showing in Brazil


He should have gone after the shambles of Brazil
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 28, 2016, 09:41:50 AM
Out of the euros and out of the eu, what a great time to be alive.

Have a break will you

What has the EU got to do with this?

There's a whole thread for the EU stop infecting other threads with EU nonsense
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 10:17:27 AM
6 knockout tournement wins since 1950, i think the whole FA needs a shake up
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mikkyk on June 28, 2016, 10:18:32 AM
Favourites for next manager according to one bookie, what a truly terrifying list:

Gareth Southgate 11/8
Harry Redknapp 5/1
Alan Shearer 6/1
Eddie Howe 8/1
Glenn Hoddle 8/1
Gary Neville 10/1
Alan Pardew 11/1
Sam Allardyce 12/1
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 10:20:52 AM
suites the suites that lot of names
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiecarl on June 28, 2016, 10:22:57 AM
What a week. Not much to be proud about at the moment!
Never mind , perhaps you could start a petition to have us reinstated  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 28, 2016, 10:23:13 AM
going to be interesting to see how Wembley try to sell 90,000 tickets for the upcoming game against the mighty Malta. :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 10:26:39 AM
What a week. Not much to be proud about at the moment!

50/50 for me. proud as punch not to be called a european but yes desperate times for our national sport
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 10:28:03 AM
going to be interesting to see how Wembley try to sell 90,000 tickets for the upcoming game against the mighty Malta. :D


we should have a petition going to play Iceland again
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on June 28, 2016, 10:30:39 AM
Have a break will you

What has the EU got to do with this?

There's a whole thread for the EU stop infecting other threads with EU nonsense

He hasn't made a link - just emphasising the point that it's a thoroughly pooh time to be English.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Sted1990 on June 28, 2016, 10:34:09 AM
50/50 for me. proud as punch not to be called a european but yes desperate times for our national sport

But you are still european? we havent left europe, we have left the european union.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 10:36:08 AM
But you are still european? we havent left europe, we have left the european union.


you know what i mean
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 28, 2016, 10:39:41 AM
I'd go further and say, finally, someone needs to grab the Premier league and all professional leagues and unite it all under one FA so we can begin having an overall strategy (like Germany or Spain) where everything feeds into trying the make the national game as competitive as possible.

We've been tinkering around the edges for too long and a full 'start again' approach needs to be taken now.

Also, we need some men in the team instead of these weaklings! It's not an age thing either, we just seem to have very weak minded players all of a sudden.........?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Sted1990 on June 28, 2016, 10:41:39 AM

you know what i mean

I do  ;D

Anyway, terrible night for England but I cant say I’m surprised. I was a fan of Hdogson here, but his team selection has cost him his job, he always picked his team on reputation and not form.

I haven’t met a fellow England Fan who agreed with his decision to play Sterling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pie on June 28, 2016, 11:03:26 AM
I was so angry last night I could barely sleep.

I just don't get why the England team never shows true passion, determination and grit. The Italians before us showed it in abundance, they really care, are loyal to each other and put their bodies on the line for their country.

England players can do that for their clubs but cant when they put the three lions top on, something which should make them even more determined but it makes them shy away and wilt.

Why Harry Kane thinks he can (and has been told to) take Ronaldo style free kicks (when even Cristiano himself cant seem to do it anymore) will be a greater mystery than life after death. Surely there was 1 tiny braincell in the team somewhere that could have suggested that taking that free kick, 2-1 down against Iceland with time running out was a bad idea.

Rooney is a farce and has been for years. He hides behind his goalscoring vs teams like San Marino but has not showed up in big games since he was a teenager.

Yes Hodgson has to take blame for bad tactics and subs, but lets be honest any team he picked in any formation should have had the balls and ability to beat Iceland.

I want someone like Shearer to come in, I don't care if he does not have the tactical knowledge because that has got us nothing so far, I want a bunch of players who actually give a hoot about playing for their country.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 28, 2016, 11:19:24 AM
going to be interesting to see how Wembley try to sell 90,000 tickets for the upcoming game against the mighty Malta. :D

Especially as you won't be needing caps for the next World Cup in Russia as hardly anyone will be going over.

I won't be going to Wembley at all, just the aways for me, be interesting to see the number of travel club memberships sold. Could be embarrassing!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 28, 2016, 11:24:32 AM
He hasn't made a link - just emphasising the point that it's a thoroughly pooh time to be English.

Well yes on a football scale

But mentioning the EU is linking it

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 28, 2016, 11:26:07 AM
I was so angry last night I could barely sleep.

I just don't get why the England team never shows true passion, determination and grit. The Italians before us showed it in abundance, they really care, are loyal to each other and put their bodies on the line for their country.

England players can do that for their clubs but cant when they put the three lions top on, something which should make them even more determined but it makes them shy away and wilt.

Why Harry Kane thinks he can (and has been told to) take Ronaldo style free kicks (when even Cristiano himself cant seem to do it anymore) will be a greater mystery than life after death. Surely there was 1 tiny braincell in the team somewhere that could have suggested that taking that free kick, 2-1 down against Iceland with time running out was a bad idea.

Rooney is a farce and has been for years. He hides behind his goalscoring vs teams like San Marino but has not showed up in big games since he was a teenager.

Yes Hodgson has to take blame for bad tactics and subs, but lets be honest any team he picked in any formation should have had the balls and ability to beat Iceland.

I want someone like Shearer to come in, I don't care if he does not have the tactical knowledge because that has got us nothing so far, I want a bunch of players who actually give a hoot about playing for their country.

Rooney is not a farce show some respect

Every player that has played and scored goals for England has scored against lesser opposition
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on June 28, 2016, 11:27:32 AM
I was so angry last night I could barely sleep.

I just don't get why the England team never shows true passion, determination and grit. The Italians before us showed it in abundance, they really care, are loyal to each other and put their bodies on the line for their country.

England players can do that for their clubs but cant when they put the three lions top on, something which should make them even more determined but it makes them shy away and wilt.

Why Harry Kane thinks he can (and has been told to) take Ronaldo style free kicks (when even Cristiano himself cant seem to do it anymore) will be a greater mystery than life after death. Surely there was 1 tiny braincell in the team somewhere that could have suggested that taking that free kick, 2-1 down against Iceland with time running out was a bad idea.

Rooney is a farce and has been for years. He hides behind his goalscoring vs teams like San Marino but has not showed up in big games since he was a teenager.

Yes Hodgson has to take blame for bad tactics and subs, but lets be honest any team he picked in any formation should have had the balls and ability to beat Iceland.

I want someone like Shearer to come in, I don't care if he does not have the tactical knowledge because that has got us nothing so far, I want a bunch of players who actually give a hoot about playing for their country.

You compare us to Italy and then in the same post say you'd have a manager with no tactical acumen.

Italy have arguably the best tactical manager in Europe. Glad you don't work for the FA.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jeremy Roland Peace on June 28, 2016, 11:40:27 AM
You compare us to Italy and then in the same post say you'd have a manager with no tactical acumen.

Italy have arguably the best tactical manager in Europe. Glad you don't work for the FA.

it was quite obvious to see during the Italy game that each player was well drilled in there roles, and in what to do to cover the player next to them.

people were saying this was one of the weakest Italy teams in decades before the tournament. but they've proved that talent isn't everything and playing as a team is.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on June 28, 2016, 11:45:37 AM
it was quite obvious to see during the Italy game that each player was well drilled in there roles, and in what to do to cover the player next to them.

people were saying this was one of the weakest Italy teams in decades before the tournament. but they've proved that talent isn't everything and playing as a team is.

Playing as a team = tactics. Italians are one of the best at it.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 28, 2016, 11:47:04 AM
People go on about passion, grit, wanting it and that has been the problem with the English mentality for years. Our failings have nothing to do with that. Do people really think the players don't want to win? Seriously?

Five years ago we were struggling for players with technical ability we have a number of them, enough to be a force at international level. What we didn't have at this tournament was a manager capable of making the right decisions. He took away the strengths of Kane and Alli who the team should've been built around. Neither looked anything like the players they are, Kane in particular. He was too deep in open play almost all the time when he should've been giving the centre halves problems. I can barely remember him being in the penalty area creating any problem and why the hell he's taking corners and wide free kicks - can someone please explain that to me? It's utterly stupid.

If you are going to play Sturridge (I wouldn't he's not a tournament player for me) you play him up front. If you add him to Kane and Alli that is three players straight away that are not being used properly.

Raheem Sterling runs into people,that's pretty much it. He shouldn't have been in the squad. His selection last night was ridiculous. Jack Wilshire hasn't played all season yet he's taken to the Euro's - again wrong.

Adam Lallana is poor in front of goal but technically he's very good on the ball, he moves it quickly and he continues the tempo of the game. He should've been playing one side of a diamond ........... which brings me to Jamie Vardy. In flying form goals galore and isn't used enough, should've started alongside Kane.

The system was wrong from the off. We played two wide men one of whom isn't a winger the other isn't a footballer. A left footer on the right and a right footer on the left last night when we needed width. What are they going to do they are mainly going to come inside onto their stronger foot. Madness again. Sterling is a runner, that's it. Yet again in a major tournament we've gone for a sprinter. We've had all this before with the Lennon'sand the Wright-Phillips's and we go and do it again.

We never ever learn.

We have wasted this tournament mainly through woeful management.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on June 28, 2016, 11:48:29 AM
Spot on. Think we are seeing it more and more with Leicester, Bournemouth and now the emergence of Italy in the tournament with their 'worst team in 50 years'.

Pelle and Eder up front, neither world class strikers, played off each other magnificently. Giaccherini ran his heart out. De Rossi was superb as usual in the middle. As you say, they all knew their roles, they all knew where their team mates would be when they were in possession of the ball and they were extremely well drilled.

If you can get any more opposite than polar opposite, it's the England team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on June 28, 2016, 11:57:08 AM
People go on about passion, grit, wanting it and that has been the problem with the English mentality for years. Our failings have nothing to do with that. Do people really think the players don't want to win? Seriously?

Five years ago we were struggling for players with technical ability we have a number of them, enough to be a force at international level. What we didn't have at this tournament was a manager capable of making the right decisions. He took away the strengths of Kane and Alli who the team should've been built around. Neither looked anything like the players they are, Kane in particular. He was too deep in open play almost all the time when he should've been giving the centre halves problems. I can barely remember him being in the penalty area creating any problem and why the hell he's taking corners and wide free kicks - can someone please explain that to me? It's utterly stupid.

If you are going to play Sturridge (I wouldn't he's not a tournament player for me) you play him up front. If you add him to Kane and Alli that is three players straight away that are not being used properly.

Raheem Sterling runs into people,that's pretty much it. He shouldn't have been in the squad. His selection last night was ridiculous. Jack Wilshire hasn't played all season yet he's taken to the Euro's - again wrong.

Adam Lallana is poor in front of goal but technically he's very good on the ball, he moves it quickly and he continues the tempo of the game. He should've been playing one side of a diamond ........... which brings me to Jamie Vardy. In flying form goals galore and isn't used enough, should've started alongside Kane.

The system was wrong from the off. We played two wide men one of whom isn't a winger the other isn't a footballer. A left footer on the right and a right footer on the left last night when we needed width. What are they going to do they are mainly going to come inside onto their stronger foot. Madness again. Sterling is a runner, that's it. Yet again in a major tournament we've gone for a sprinter. We've had all this before with the Lennon'sand the Wright-Phillips's and we go and do it again.

We never ever learn.

We have wasted this tournament mainly through woeful management.

Of course it's the manager. How the press can even start by saying the players aren't good enough is laughable. Lineker or Shearer, can't remember which one was barking on about the majority of England players not having enough Champions League experience... get off it. Our players are as technically gifted as any in the tournament when playing for their club teams.

Roy was completely out of his depth. His tactics were all wrong. We saw it in Brazil and it was said from the start of this tournament. 90% of the blame lies with Roy for me - he was useless from the off!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 12:06:07 PM
Roy was never going to be a tournement manager, hes more a grind it out league full season type manager. for England you need immediate inspiration and motivation
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 28, 2016, 12:18:31 PM
Watch out for floods on the Welsh / English border.
The Welsh are pi$$ing themselves laughing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 28, 2016, 01:30:59 PM
Some of the names being mentioned for next manager are scary. Allardyce, Redknapp, Pardew, Southgate NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Glenn Hoddle all the way, perfect for tournament football, he'd be my choice.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on June 28, 2016, 01:45:15 PM
We were literally hand delivered the blue print for success from Leicester City this year.

Given the details of how to beat almost anybody.

We even played a potential tournament winning in the one we used against Germany.

Why then, when it came down to it, we were füç!(ing shit3!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 28, 2016, 02:11:35 PM
Admin/Mods please merge.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: sammyg on June 28, 2016, 02:18:35 PM
Mike Bassett for me! :D

But seriously, I feel we need someone like Eddie Howe
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 28, 2016, 03:02:16 PM
What really hurts is that you just know the majority of the players probably don't give a rats ass.

They walk off the coach with their headphones on, shut off from the world. Give a half-arsed performance on the pitch. Collapse in "despair". Wheel out the same old robotic tripe in interviews. Headphones back on, on the coach and off to the beach for a month.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 28, 2016, 03:04:00 PM
Watch out for floods on the Welsh / English border.
The Welsh are pi$$ing themselves laughing.

Yet they still lost to us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 28, 2016, 03:06:45 PM
That list is desperate  :o

Only one on there for me would be Hoddle but has he been out of the game for too long.

Howe has just had his first season as a Premier League mamager, nowhere near capable of taking this job, maybe in 10 years when he's more experienced, time will tell, the rest Pardew, Southgate, Neville, Redknapp  :o :o

We need to look abroad again at someone who has done it in a tournament at the top level, not someone who is a nice bloke with a face that fits and is not scared to kick a few backsides when its needed and upset a few of these pampered tossers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 28, 2016, 03:09:53 PM
How about Laurent blanc?

I would like to have an English manager but I see no one there at all I would be happy with really
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 28, 2016, 03:11:45 PM
That list is desperate  :o

Only one on there for me would be Hoddle but has he been out of the game for too long.

Howe has just had his first season as a Premier League mamager, nowhere near capable of taking this job, maybe in 10 years when he's more experienced, time will tell, the rest Pardew, Southgate, Neville, Redknapp  :o :o

We need to look abroad again at someone who has done it in a tournament at the top level, not someone who is a nice bloke with a face that fits and is not scared to kick a few backsides when its needed and upset a few of these pampered tossers.

I remember when there was always that one stand out candidate and sometimes even two or three.

I used to believe England was for the English players and Managers at the pinnacle of their careers. Now because of the EPL attracting lots of foreign Managers the good English Managers as becoming scarce.

I've picked Shearer just as a left field appointment, I know he didn't cut the mustard with Newcastle but he is a gamble just like the rest of them. I believe he may do a decent job providing he has a strong experienced assistant.

Also, we can't go out and cherry pick the best Managers these days from abroad like we have done with Eriksson and Capello. We'll end up with a foreign has been yes man.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 28, 2016, 03:33:38 PM
What really hurts is that you just know the majority of the players probably don't give a rats ass.

They walk off the coach with their headphones on, shut off from the world. Give a half-arsed performance on the pitch. Collapse in "despair". Wheel out the same old robotic tripe in interviews. Headphones back on, on the coach and off to the beach for a month.

Sums it up perfectly for me nick. No hunger there, but they are multi-millionaires so why should they care.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on June 28, 2016, 03:44:40 PM
That list is desperate  :o

Only one on there for me would be Hoddle but has he been out of the game for too long.

Howe has just had his first season as a Premier League mamager, nowhere near capable of taking this job, maybe in 10 years when he's more experienced, time will tell, the rest Pardew, Southgate, Neville, Redknapp  :o :o

We need to look abroad again at someone who has done it in a tournament at the top level, not someone who is a nice bloke with a face that fits and is not scared to kick a few backsides when its needed and upset a few of these pampered tossers.

I don't think you necessarily need 10 years worth of Prem experience to be an international manager. It's a completely different kettle of fish. A load of experienced club managers have failed at international level - Ranieri, Cappello, McClaren, Blanc to name a few.

I was crying out for Mourinho to not get the Utd job as I thought he would be perfect for the England job. But it's not to be!

If you want a tournament specialist it has to be Guus Hiddink.

If you want a young and pragmatic manager of any nationality my pick would be Slaven Bilic.

Otherwise I also agree that Howe would be my choice of English manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on June 28, 2016, 03:51:55 PM
 Bilic for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 28, 2016, 04:04:14 PM
I don't think you necessarily need 10 years worth of Prem experience to be an international manager. It's a completely different kettle of fish. A load of experienced club managers have failed at international level - Ranieri, Cappello, McClaren, Blanc to name a few.

I was crying out for Mourinho to not get the Utd job as I thought he would be perfect for the England job. But it's not to be!

If you want a tournament specialist it has to be Guus Hiddink.

If you want a young and pragmatic manager of any nationality my pick would be Slaven Bilic.

Otherwise I also agree that Howe would be my choice of English manager.

I don't mean they have to have specifically 10 years, it was an example but gives an idea of how someone would take to it. One season in the top league is not enough.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 28, 2016, 04:24:24 PM
Some of the names being mentioned for next manager are scary. Allardyce, Redknapp, Pardew, Southgate NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Glenn Hoddle all the way, perfect for tournament football, he'd be my choice.

I said Hoddle too, they should never have got rid of him in the first place
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 28, 2016, 04:25:52 PM
I said Hoddle too, they should never have got rid of him in the first place

We got rid of him off the back of the birth of political correctness.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 28, 2016, 04:26:41 PM
We got rid of him off the back of the birth of political correctness.

Yup!!

He may have been out of football for a while but he has been in football all his life.

He would be my choice all day long
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 28, 2016, 04:32:25 PM
Here is Harry Redknapp's choice for England manager :o

http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/harry-redknapps-wants-tim-sherwood-to-be-england-manager/69784
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 28, 2016, 05:10:32 PM
Redknapp's been mouthing off plenty since Hodgson quit. Nothing like being bitter.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2016, 05:18:45 PM
big sam for me, lets play the Big Sam way, we will do em that way

Eddie Howe, Gareth Soutgate etc more FA yes men
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 28, 2016, 05:43:20 PM
Redknapp's been mouthing off plenty since Hodgson quit. Nothing like being bitter.

His son has been having a few pops as well
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 28, 2016, 06:05:46 PM
they say the premiership is the best league in the world but I disagree, its the richest league in the world. look how many top players from the likes of Germany ,italy  spain etc play in a foreign country. how many English players play in top leagues around Europe, none, because they aint good enough technically. the players are in a comfort zone in the premiership earning huge unjustified wages, when their counterparts from other European nations step on the same pitch we get shown up.
just an example regarding technique how shocking to watch someone like Smalling so one footed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: keithowba86 on June 28, 2016, 08:27:06 PM
Warren Barton! Get the bloke in!... This is a serious statement before anyone thinks I'm joking!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 28, 2016, 08:37:18 PM
Pepe Mel, anyone?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mikehy on June 28, 2016, 09:15:45 PM
I have voted other. My choice slaven bilic. Experienced national team manager and knows the English game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 28, 2016, 10:04:02 PM
voted other, Jamie Redknapp is my selection. just to see this know all fail and see wobble head dad criticise him would be worth seeing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 28, 2016, 10:05:18 PM
I have voted other. My choice slaven bilic. Experienced national team manager and knows the English game

I'd have said Bilic or Pochettino and Sir Clive Woodward working in the back ground to get the players heads straight
We've got the players to put in decent performances week in week out yet fall apart once they go into the national team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 28, 2016, 10:08:24 PM
Pepe Mel, anyone?
not in a million years
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 28, 2016, 10:11:48 PM
I voted other, Steve Bruce or Guus Hiddink
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 28, 2016, 10:21:41 PM
He'd never do it in a million years but I'd give Ferguson a blank cheque, someone that wouldn't take any rubbishy from the fa and by Christ if there's ever a team that needed the hair dryer treatment its this England team. Kinsman wouldn't be a bad shout has International experience and knows the English game well, I'd take a look at Van Gaal too, yes he under achieved at United but took a very poor Dutch team to the World Cup Semi's 2 years ago.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boingusmaximus on June 28, 2016, 10:33:43 PM
Watching the game last night, I had a feeling that there was something more behind this. The players could not possibly play that badly.
Even the basics were not being done. Roy read his resignation speech as though it had been prepared the night before. Maybe getting a bit cynical in my old age, but if ever a match looked fixed then that was it. There would be a lot of people in high places who would not want England to succeed following the EU vote, as it would allow certain politicians the opportunity of doing some flag waving on behalf of an independent England.
Ok ,a little far fetched and probably nonsense, but sport is increasingly proven to be corrupt, and not what we as spectators would like to think it is.
might have to wait 25 years for the secret papers to be released. On the other hand we might just be a rubbish team..       
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 28, 2016, 10:37:27 PM
I HAD a lot of time and respect for Roy, that speech and his lack of understanding why he should even have a press conference have damaged his rep badly

Strangely I will defend him on some things, some say he didn't react , well double sub at half time and subsequent 2-1 with both scoring v Wales says he did

If you re watch the match and look as an impartial fan, a goal from a throw that 99/100 we clear ,a bad mistake from the keeper, a very good save from same keeper, cb's that looked comfortable, Wiltshire looked positive when on, Rooney was first have very good, rose and walker always positive ..Ali never stopped and dier will grow in to a really good dm
Kane tired but whilst easy with hindsight, most in the country would have picked him, Sturidge had the worst 45 minutes of his career, vardy was too high and rash ford needed at least 2 more minutes
It's a shock and it hurts, but it's not quite as bad as it felt yesterday

We need a footballing brain (Hoddle) players that can implement (Ali Barkley Dier Townsend Wilshere etc) and some motivators (Wright Adams Waddle) then we can go again
I desperately struggled with the go/don't go and have a "sensible" holiday, the holiday won but my god I'll be there in Russia
Come on you lions
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 28, 2016, 10:41:13 PM
Id go back for Hoddle, someone who can get players playing again.

He was building something all those years ago and was removed from his job due to Political Correctness

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 28, 2016, 10:43:55 PM
Why are people voting for Eddie Howe?, Eddie the eagle has more chance, amazed someone has put venables too, as anyone seen him in the last 10 years??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiejohn on June 28, 2016, 11:38:45 PM
I'm not sure if we're over analysing. If you look at the sucessful teams in the competition they've generally put 2 banks of 4 behind the ball, & relied on the counter attack. The real cultured teams should endure from now on, I've listened to pundits discuss tactics, but at the end of the day we were poor defensively, add to that we can't score goals and we are where we are.

IMO there's a different psyche in Knockout tournaments to league football & we need to get locked into that, Last night, it looked as though there was a disconnect all over the park.

 Things to explore for me:

                                          Tournament foot ball psyche
                                           Synergy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 29, 2016, 08:16:51 AM
Hoddle.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 29, 2016, 09:06:32 AM
we need to hit the ground running here, no intrim appointments, our first Qualfying game for the world cup is Slovakia away
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 29, 2016, 09:21:41 AM
we need to hit the ground running here, no intrim appointments, our first Qualfying game for the world cup is Slovakia away


Yes you're right and we need the right appointment. Some of the names being mentioned are crazy I mean can you see Redknapp or Allardyce managing England?

I wouldn't pick Southgate he's had no success whatsoever with any senior side.

I'm surprised Pulis hasn't been mentioned.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 29, 2016, 09:44:27 AM
Talk in todays Mail of an interim manager before appointing Wenger in 12 months time when is contract finishes at Arsenal
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 29, 2016, 09:45:11 AM
The problem I have with Eddie Howe is the fact that he has never managed top quality players. With respect to Bournemouth they are small fish in a large pond and its is a totally different ball game managing top international players and playing international tournament football.

The two best Englishmen for the job are the two who have done it before Hoddle and Terry Venables. We could easily with a fair slice of luck have won the World Cup when Sol Campbell's header was wrongly ruled out and Euro '96 when Gazza missed the ball by an inch. Some things no-one can account for. Those two managed those campaigns superbly.

Venables is too old now unfortunately but Hoddle isn't.

This notion that the game has "moved on" is total claptrap. Two weeks ago everyone said you can't play 4-4-2 anymore - well Iceland do. Italy have played three at the back and two up top. EVERY system works you just have to do what suits the players you have and their strengths which is completely what Hodgson didn't do.

I wouldn't like to see a foreign manager. Call it xenophobic, call it racist, call it what you want but the England team should be managed by an Englishman.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 29, 2016, 09:45:51 AM
I'd like us to look to the future and go for an exciting younger manager. Eddie Howe please. Get rid of Hart, Cahill, Milner, Rooney, Sterling and really just start building with our youngsters with a young manager that plays nice football with more attacking aggression.

Watching the Italy Spain highlights just now and Italy were so efficient and aggressive and I think we'd be much better playing with width and aggression and getting balls in the box to two strikers. We were so slow and predictable and some of Hodgson's choices were just bizarre.

Having said this I e just read that Southgate is being considered as an interim manager. Ugh.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 29, 2016, 09:54:41 AM
The problem I have with Eddie Howe is the fact that he has never managed top quality players. With respect to Bournemouth they are small fish in a large pond and its is a totally different ball game managing top international players and playing international tournament football.

The two best Englishmen for the job are the two who have done it before Hoddle and Terry Venables. We could easily with a fair slice of luck have won the World Cup when Sol Campbell's header was wrongly ruled out and Euro '96 when Gazza missed the ball by an inch. Some things no-one can account for. Those two managed those campaigns superbly.

Venables is too old now unfortunately but Hoddle isn't.

This notion that the game has "moved on" is total claptrap. Two weeks ago everyone said you can't play 4-4-2 anymore - well Iceland do. Italy have played three at the back and two up top. EVERY system works you just have to do what suits the players you have and their strengths which is completely what Hodgson didn't do.

I wouldn't like to see a foreign manager. Call it xenophobic, call it racist, call it what you want but the England team should be managed by an Englishman.
Agree re: Howe, don't think he would be strong enough or get the respect of our so called superstars.

We need someone who will pick the best TEAM available and not just shoehorn the high profile egotists in. We just lacked so much shape and discipline, due to players playing out of position, it was untrue. Rooney being the worst. Yes he tried his best but his positional discipline was shocking and that affected the players around him and the overall shape of the team. Same goes for Sturridge.
We could have the 2 best number 10's in Europe, but you can only play one in that position, it's no good playing one at 10 and one at 11, it just doesn't work.
Be strong and pick the best, most in form player for each position, regardless of who they play for whether it's ManU, Chelsea or Burnley. Stop pandering to the players and big 5, just choose a formation and pick accordingly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 29, 2016, 09:59:57 AM
Talk in todays Mail of an interim manager before appointing Wenger in 12 months time when is contract finishes at Arsenal


that could backfire on us if we aim to qualify for Russia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albion79 on June 29, 2016, 10:24:17 AM
Personally i would give it to Gary Neville.

We talk about having a plan, development, continuity, etc yet we have a bad tournament and it gets ripped up and we start again.

Of course Neville hasn’t managed club football here but nor had Mark Hughes or Gary Speed when they took the Wales job (i know expectations are lower for Wales) Yes Neville had a bad time at Valencia but it was a bizarre decision from both parties, i am sure he will of learnt from that and also wont have to learn Spanish! (though some of our players may struggle with English)

We have tried experienced coaches who have won things – Sven, Capello, Hodgson and it hasn’t worked so why not try something else.

The reason for giving Neville the job is he has worked with this group of players the last few years, not been the decision maker but worked with them, they are clearly a young talented bunch and with the right guidance could do decent things.

Neville comes across the sort of bloke who you wouldn’t necessarily like but you would respect, by all accounts he is a very good coach and he still is young enough that most of the players remember what a successful playing career he had, he won everything and quite often captained winning teams.

He has that winning mentality, he admits himself playing wise he didnt have the ability of the other Man United players but he had the right attitude and discipline to play for them for 20 odd years, he knew his role, knew the system and worked on it and thats exactly what England need for our players.

Neville could have an older head alongside him and his coaching team but if i was him i would also be getting the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Scholes for the odd session, imagine what the likes of Dele Alli, Ross Barkley could learn off Scholes. These players receive top coaching every day of the week, i think when they go to England they wont be working on their cruyff turns or passing a ball two yards and learning how to control it, it will be about systems and roles for their country and sometimes doing something a bit different, like getting a great player in to pass on tips can work wonders (Rugby national teams do it a lot)

Teams like Germany, Italy, even when they dont have their strongest squads, always do well because they have a system, the players know their roles and they work and work on it, i feel Neville would be that sort of coach. Hodgson got caught in two minds, he has made a career of being a cautious coach, he got us through qualifiers being steady but in the build up to the tournament and the tournament itself he seemed caught in two minds, he didnt know what to do for the best and i think that will be one of his biggest regrets that he didnt do what he believed in.

Whoever the new coach is has a problem in that we dont have a great quality of centre halfs to pick from and also for the time being i would abandon the wingers as we dont have particularly good ones! Have a plan A, play a system without them, have them in the squad for Plan B, C, D.

Also we dont have natural leaders, it goes a long way when you need somebody to grab the game like we need Monday, unfortunately you cant create leaders, its just a natural thing.

PS – I am not Gary Nevilles agent!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mikkyk on June 29, 2016, 04:37:56 PM
Quote of the day from Harry Redknapp:

Ashworth is now part of the three-man FA panel, alongside Chief Executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill, that will recruit Hodgson's successor.

And Redknapp has little faith in Ashworth or the FA to make the right decision.

"Roy Hodgson could not possibly have survived as England manager," the former Tottenham boss said.

"But I've got no faith whatsoever in the Football Association picking the right man to succeed him.

"Can anyone trust the FA to get the right man?

"We've got the farcical situation of Dan Ashworth picking the next England manager and I’m really not sure about his credentials either

"It appears that anyone connected with West Brom seems to have a chance."


All from Birmingham Mail article, http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/successful-former-west-brom-talent-11540090#rlabs=1%20rt$category%20p$6 (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/successful-former-west-brom-talent-11540090#rlabs=1%20rt$category%20p$6)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 29, 2016, 04:42:56 PM
What a bitter little man he is. As bad as Hodgson has been, I'm glad we never had Redknapp in charge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 29, 2016, 04:44:26 PM
Roy said, he didnt know what he was at yesterdays press conference for :o and has for Glenn saying he doesnt know anything about football :o whats he doing on the panel of 3
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 29, 2016, 04:51:13 PM
Quote of the day from Harry Redknapp:

Ashworth is now part of the three-man FA panel, alongside Chief Executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill, that will recruit Hodgson's successor.

And Redknapp has little faith in Ashworth or the FA to make the right decision.

"Roy Hodgson could not possibly have survived as England manager," the former Tottenham boss said.

"But I've got no faith whatsoever in the Football Association picking the right man to succeed him.

"Can anyone trust the FA to get the right man?

"We've got the farcical situation of Dan Ashworth picking the next England manager and I’m really not sure about his credentials either

"It appears that anyone connected with West Brom seems to have a chance."


All from Birmingham Mail article, http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/successful-former-west-brom-talent-11540090#rlabs=1%20rt$category%20p$6 (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/successful-former-west-brom-talent-11540090#rlabs=1%20rt$category%20p$6)

The highlighted part I could understand if Ashworth was at the FA when Hodgson got the job but he joined about 3/4 months later and if I remember didn't actually start working there until later.

Redknapp is one bitter bitter bloke, his son is becoming a mini me version.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 29, 2016, 04:52:09 PM
Quote of the day from Harry Redknapp:

"We've got the farcical situation of Dan Ashworth picking the next England manager and I’m really not sure about his credentials either"


With all of his 'connections' in the game you'd think he might ask someone about him then.

Alan 'moobs' Brazil was moaning away about him this morning too, he then followed it up by stating "I don't really know anything about him".

WELL DO SOME RESEARCH THEN YOU FKN PILLOCK!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 29, 2016, 05:54:14 PM
Getting sick of the Hodgson bashing. He had to go after the Iceland game no doubt about it but overall he did do a good job. You need some luck in tournaments and we didn't get any, one game does not define Hodgson's England career so I think he can hold his head up high.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 29, 2016, 06:08:33 PM
Just read an article.
England have only won 7 matches in knock out football since 1966.

Paraguay   1986
Belgium      1990
Cameroon  1990
Spain         1996
Denmark    2002
Ecuador     2006
Wales        2016

If that is the case.
We are a very poor side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 29, 2016, 06:14:38 PM
Getting sick of the Hodgson bashing. He had to go after the Iceland game no doubt about it but overall he did do a good job. You need some luck in tournaments and we didn't get any, one game does not define Hodgson's England career so I think he can hold his head up high.


Thats hilarious, quite possibly the worst england manager ever,including the wolly. we played all the dog & ducks in the qualifiers.
lets get your mate irvine to save us :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on June 29, 2016, 06:20:13 PM
Firstly I must apologise to Redknapp that we're not from London.
Secondly, I hope Ashworth gets the sack and comes home.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 29, 2016, 06:22:21 PM
Getting sick of the Hodgson bashing. He had to go after the Iceland game no doubt about it but overall he did do a good job. You need some luck in tournaments and we didn't get any, one game does not define Hodgson's England career so I think he can hold his head up high.

I agree, he will be remembered by his failures at majour tournaments (as he should be) but he has also ushered in a new and young era of English football. I think Roy is very good at taking lesser teams and making them better (as he did with Fulham & Albion) but tends to get found out when the pressure's on (as he did at Liverpool). Having said that I think we are in a better place now than when he took over and we have a good solid foundation to work with (Kane, Dier, Alli, Stones). The next hire by the f.a is absolutely crucial and needs to build on this foundation and move us forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Webby on June 29, 2016, 07:13:38 PM
Paul Scharner is not a fan judging by his twitter. Said Roy was most negative manager ever played under and "Well done for bringing on Wilshire. You trying to hold on to the 2-1 loss?" haha
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 29, 2016, 08:29:30 PM

Yes you're right and we need the right appointment. Some of the names being mentioned are crazy I mean can you see Redknapp or Allardyce managing England?

I wouldn't pick Southgate he's had no success whatsoever with any senior side.

I'm surprised Pulis hasn't been mentioned.  ;D
he as, Neil Ashton from the sun "Tony Pulis is a student of the game, he is motivated and a strong leader. He gets results and would take the job.Sadly he would be too strong a character for FA types"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on June 29, 2016, 08:54:13 PM
Southgate has turned down the interim role according to The Sun.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 29, 2016, 08:57:03 PM
Claudio Ranieri  Anyone?

took an un-fancied side and made them champions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on June 29, 2016, 09:42:09 PM
The problem I have with Eddie Howe is the fact that he has never managed top quality players. With respect to Bournemouth they are small fish in a large pond and its is a totally different ball game managing top international players and playing international tournament football.

The two best Englishmen for the job are the two who have done it before Hoddle and Terry Venables. We could easily with a fair slice of luck have won the World Cup when Sol Campbell's header was wrongly ruled out and Euro '96 when Gazza missed the ball by an inch. Some things no-one can account for. Those two managed those campaigns superbly.

Venables is too old now unfortunately but Hoddle isn't.

This notion that the game has "moved on" is total claptrap. Two weeks ago everyone said you can't play 4-4-2 anymore - well Iceland do. Italy have played three at the back and two up top. EVERY system works you just have to do what suits the players you have and their strengths which is completely what Hodgson didn't do.

I wouldn't like to see a foreign manager. Call it xenophobic, call it racist, call it what you want but the England team should be managed by an Englishman.

And where has Roy's vast experience of handling top players got us? One could argue that Roy is one of the most experienced coaches in the game, but it counts for nothing when playing tournament football.

I totally agree that the England manager should be English and if there isn't anyone "good enough" from England then I think that answers that in relation to how good we are as a nation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 29, 2016, 09:50:34 PM
Claudio Ranieri  Anyone?

took an un-fancied side and made them champions.

Check out his international record with Greece mate.
Just read an article.
England have only won 7 matches in knock out football since 1966.

Paraguay   1986
Belgium      1990
Cameroon  1990
Spain         1996
Denmark    2002
Ecuador     2006
Wales        2016

If that is the case.
We are a very poor side.

Wales was a group game. If so add Romania, Czechoslovakia 1970, Spain 1980, France, Czechoslovakia,  Kuwait 1982, Poland 1986, Egypt 1990, Scotland, Netherlands 1996, Tunisia, Colombia 1998, Germany 2000, Argentina 2002, Switzerland, Croatia 2004, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago 2006, Slovenia 2010, Sweden, Ukraine 2012.

In hindsight it would have been quicker to remove the Wales match...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 29, 2016, 11:02:57 PM
Oops.
Yes you are right.
Without Wales
That knocks it down to just 6 matches.
Even worse !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 29, 2016, 11:17:51 PM
Getting sick of the Hodgson bashing. He had to go after the Iceland game no doubt about it but overall he did do a good job. You need some luck in tournaments and we didn't get any, one game does not define Hodgson's England career so I think he can hold his head up high.
Maybe not one game, but I can think of a couple of tournaments. Hey-ho...these things happen. ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 30, 2016, 08:16:24 AM
6 knockout tournement wins since 1950, i think the whole FA needs a shake up


I did mention this the other day, truly shocking
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 30, 2016, 01:03:51 PM

Thats hilarious, quite possibly the worst england manager ever,including the wolly. we played all the dog & ducks in the qualifiers.
lets get your mate irvine to save us :)

Do you really believe that?  :o

Capello, McClaren, Keegan, turnip head much worse and that's off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 30, 2016, 01:12:09 PM
Do you really believe that?  :o

Capello, McClaren, Keegan, turnip head much worse and that's off the top of my head.


i had time to sleep on it. hes a faliure at tournement football but you could say at least he got us there, hes more suited to long grind it out season type of football not knock out football.

so where next for Roy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 30, 2016, 01:14:44 PM
Do you really believe that?  :o

Capello, McClaren, Keegan, turnip head much worse and that's off the top of my head.

Bit kneejerk all this, Graham Taylor certainly worse, failing at Euro 92 and not qualifying for the USA World Cup, Ron Greenwood similarly failed to qualify back in 78, albeit the strange format at the 82 World Cup did him no favours, leaving unbeaten after a 2nd group stage. Steve McClaren was also definitely worse. Be hard pressed to make a case for many others though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 30, 2016, 01:20:08 PM
Bit kneejerk all this, Graham Taylor certainly worse, failing at Euro 92 and not qualifying for the USA World Cup, Ron Greenwood similarly failed to qualify back in 78, albeit the strange format at the 82 World Cup did him no favours, leaving unbeaten after a 2nd group stage. Steve McClaren was also definitely worse. Be hard pressed to make a case for many others though.


Graham Taylor did have a load of pooh to choose from to be fair. When Carlton Palmer gets into an England squad you  really have problems.

McClaren has always been a rubbish manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Welsh_Baggie on June 30, 2016, 01:32:04 PM
Well you lot might not like Roy but he's a hero in Wales  ;)

In all honesty though I don't think it's down to him.  The Iceland performance was a total shock.  England outplayed Russia, Slovakia and Wales in the group stages just struggled to score.  I don't think anyone saw the performance against Iceland coming - they were awful.

I think it's an over reaction to 1 bad (terrible) performance.  You could argue he picked the wrong players etc. but they had performed much better in the group games than that match.

In my opinion the early goal switched the players minds off.  They thought it was job done and the next minute they were a goal down and didn't know what to do and without a Beckham, Scholes, Lampard or Gerrard type player to turn to they were lost.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scruffy Stan on June 30, 2016, 02:53:02 PM
I can't believe Beckham is being touted as next manager. I'd rather have Jeremy Corbyn. If Beckham got it I don't think I'd ever watch/listen to/take any notice of the England team again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 30, 2016, 08:39:06 PM

i had time to sleep on it. hes a faliure at tournement football but you could say at least he got us there, hes more suited to long grind it out season type of football not knock out football.

so where next for Roy
Swansea/Cardiff  :D
I think the abuse he would get in England would be unbearable, I don't think anyone will touch him now.
Had a lot of time for him, could even stomach the Iceland loss but the press conference and comments shot it
Hoddle all the way for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 30, 2016, 11:12:43 PM
Breaking News, England back in Euros?

England Chiefs have noticed that Iceland have fielded an ineligible player for the last 2 games, which means they could actually be disqualified, and that could put England back in the Euro cup.

Check it out on the BBC website. It's right. England appealed to FiFA only 25 mins ago. If their claim is upheld it will mean they are through to the last few, + could actually be on their way to be champions!!

Carlsberg don't do messages for delusional English dreamers who STILL think they can win everything. But if they did... this would probably have been the best message in the world.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lloydy on July 01, 2016, 07:23:16 AM
Is it just me that thinks one of the big reasons we don't perform as a team is the intensity of club rivalries in the Premier League?

Throughout the domestic season these players do not like each other. Some of the rivalries in the league are hugely intense and bitter. You have Chelsea players publicly stating they don't like Tottenham and don't want them to win the league - a matter of weeks later and Gary Cahill is playing alongside Kyle Walker and behind Eric Dier. You have Jack Wilshere tweeting abuse towards Tottenham from the treatment table every five minutes and starting chants of "we hate Tottenham", yet weeks later he plays alongside Dele Alli. The Liverpool / United rivalry is venomous and you have Rooney, Sturridge, Lallana, Smalling etc in the same team.

The only other country that has such an intense club rivalry is Spain with Real and Barca, they seemed to be able to co-exist in the last few successful tournaments but previous to this they had the same problems as us.

Not sure what the solution is but I do feel this plays a big part.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on July 01, 2016, 07:23:41 AM
Nice to see Wayne hiding his disappointment of crashing out of the Euros on his Jet Ski off the Spanish coast.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on July 01, 2016, 07:57:34 AM
Nice to see Wayne hiding his disappointment of crashing out of the Euros on his Jet Ski off the Spanish coast.

What do you want him to do cancel all family holidays?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 01, 2016, 08:54:28 AM
England or Albion on Tour overseas, whats your preference?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 01, 2016, 08:55:15 AM
Nice to see Wayne hiding his disappointment of crashing out of the Euros on his Jet Ski off the Spanish coast.


i would have at least expected the Maldives
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on July 01, 2016, 12:09:39 PM
What do you want him to do cancel all family holidays?

That would be a start
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 01, 2016, 01:08:14 PM
Me & my missus favourite sexual position is called the ''England football team'' ! . . .
Neither of us know what we're doing or why we're there, there's no passion, no communication & we never make it past the 1st stage. There's horrible dribbling & never a clean sheet. Its over far too quickly & when it does end I know it'll be at least another four ****** years before it happens again.  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 01, 2016, 01:25:49 PM
how dare he only pay £88 for his jet2 flights
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 01, 2016, 02:39:47 PM
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/uefa-euro-2016/roy-hodgson-former-england-manager-has-no-retirement-plans-and-wants-a-premier-league-post/ar-AAhQzfI?li=BBoPWjP

Could he conceivably come back to us??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 01, 2016, 03:23:42 PM
is his football any better than Tones, pretty much the same for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 01, 2016, 05:00:02 PM
is his football any better than Tones, pretty much the same for me

It is pretty similar although the difference was we had Odemwingie under Roy who won us a lot of points and gave us that extra quality upfront which we don't have now. Roy was the man who established us and got rid of our yo yo tag, we have a lot to thank him for.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 01, 2016, 05:03:19 PM
Roy should call it a day. He's had the biggest gig he ever will and despite it being a flop overall he should retire at the top.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 01, 2016, 09:53:57 PM
Tell the England team...
"That's what passion is and can do!"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on July 02, 2016, 08:46:32 AM
Tell the England team...
"That's what passion is and can do!"

What Wales have done has really killed off the "foreigners are ruining our chances" argument. The Welsh players have come through the same clubs as the English players. There is no excuse for our perpetual failure.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 05, 2016, 08:18:07 AM
Your next England Line up, would you start with Joe Hart?Is it time for Rooney to retire
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on July 05, 2016, 09:08:04 AM
Your next England Line up, would you start with Joe Hart?Is it time for Rooney to retire

Regardless of the euros, Joe Hart is still a very good keeper.
A lot of things can change in two years, and i suppose its worth keeping an eye on the return of Butland as you would probably predict he will be the keeper to step in for Hart at some point.
Rooney is another interesting one, we accomodated for him in the Euros, yet you could argue he was our best player in the group stages along with Dier.

I personally wouldnt have changed a lot in regards to the starting 11, it was more to do with the setup and just how bad they performed against Iceland.

Team spirit goes a long way and Wales are currently proving this.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 05, 2016, 08:40:09 PM
Butland was by far the best English keeper last season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on July 05, 2016, 09:04:22 PM
Joe  Hart's played 3 tournaments now and never really convinced - Euro 2012 he was directly culpable for Nasri's goal and ultimately a let down in the penalty shoot out, World Cup 2014 conceded virtually every shot, same this tournament with 2 directly terrible mistakes. Butland cannot do any worse, Hart either makes mistakes or just doesn't make unexpected saves. He's never had a great game in a tournament for England.

England's problem this tournament was much like the rugby tea however, despite Hodgson being in charge for 4 years, much like Lancaster we went into the tournament trialling new line ups and players who'd never played together which is unforgiveable really. Whoever comes in next needs to get something resembling a consistent starting 11 with players in their best position.

I'd like to see something like:

---------------------------------------Butland-------------------------------
--Walker-----------Smalling-----------------------Stones-------Shaw-------
--------------------Wilshere-----------Dier---------?????--------------------
--------------------Welbeck-----------????---------????----------------------


There's 3 positions England need to desperately sort. A central midfielder, possibly 2 if Wilshere isn't fit. Alli was nowhere near good enough on the ball and that is a concern with him - you can't play international football and be that bad in possession and succeed, its clear Welbeck should start if fit - England have no one who plays as well as him in the 4-3-3 wide role, up front despite alleged strength in depth no one covered themselves in glory and Kane in particular was so bad as to create doubts about his mentality for tournaments - much like Rooney perhaps he's just not cut for it, likewise the other wide spot.

Hopefully some of these younger players like Barkley and Ox will finally find some consistency and make this side but I don't think they will, they all just look like an even worse set out of bottlers than what came before them. Showed in repeated under 21 euro's, shows now. Unable to navigate group stages or knock out games now at tournaments.

Perhaps most importantly, England need to give up being a possession side. They don't keep the ball well enough to do so - keeping possession on the half way line means little if it falls apart when you approach the final third and you resort to a hoof. It also means England's terrible defending both as individuals and a team gets exposed, the team has potential with the right selections to be a decent counter attacking side but never utilise it. More concerned with playing like a top side than being a successful side.

Whoever's manager next also needs to sort of set pieces, we must have had something like 60 set pieces into the box across the 4 games and came close to scoring exactly zero times. Unforgiveable that Hodgson had us so poor at such a simple to fix issue.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 12, 2016, 10:06:22 AM
Big Sam is my choice and hes looking like the favourite. he is perfect for the role and his style the england way is best
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 12, 2016, 10:15:04 AM
Big Sam is my choice and hes looking like the favourite. he is perfect for the role and his style the england way is best

If Sam leaves it's a benefit to us because Sunderland could well drop without him at the helm.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 12, 2016, 10:30:59 AM
Big Sam is a perfect mid - bottom table Premiership manager. I think he will be a disaster at international tournament management.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 12, 2016, 10:32:45 AM
What Wales have done has really killed off the "foreigners are ruining our chances" argument. The Welsh players have come through the same clubs as the English players. There is no excuse for our perpetual failure.

But Wales didnt win anything either?? So have they now become a failure??

When we were reaching SF and QF stages we were still being classed as failures because we didnt win anything...

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on July 12, 2016, 10:34:52 AM
But Wales didnt win anything either?? So have they now become a failure??

When we were reaching SF and QF stages we were still being classed as failures because we didnt win anything...

I think 99% of England fans would've accepted a semi final with open arms
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 12, 2016, 10:35:42 AM
Big Sam would be a decent appointment for me, this guy is no yes man...

Its about winning games or grinding them out ala Portugal....their boss was sacked as Greece coach previously would we take him or even consider him for the England role?? No we wouldnt

My personal choice would be Hoddle but I can see Klinsmann getting it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 12, 2016, 10:38:52 AM
But Wales didnt win anything either?? So have they now become a failure??

When we were reaching SF and QF stages we were still being classed as failures because we didnt win anything...


Wales don't have the same expectations as England and they've had one decent tournament. They have reached their peak, had their moment in the sun. It'll be business as normal from now onwards.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 12, 2016, 10:39:46 AM
Big Sam can grind results out quickly and in a short space of time (saving Sunderland from the drop and others). This could work well with tournament football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 12, 2016, 10:41:55 AM

Wales don't have the same expectations as England and they've had one decent tournament. They have reached their peak, had their moment in the sun. It'll be business as normal from now onwards.

Maybe not but the previous poster put that what Wales have achieved haskilled off the 'foreigners have ruined our game'....when in reality Wales haven't done anything either and nothing that England haven't achieved in the past but been classed as failures for
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 12, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Big Sam would be a decent appointment for me, this guy is no yes man...

Its about winning games or grinding them out ala Portugal....their boss was sacked as Greece coach previously would we take him or even consider him for the England role?? No we wouldnt

My personal choice would be Hoddle but I can see Klinsmann getting it


What worked for Portugal won't work for England. Portugal is a nation of 10 million people and their expectation and size of national fervour isn't the same as Englands. When England employed defensive tactics in a tournament the media turned on them and so largely did the public. The likes of Greece, Portugal and Denmark can get away with playing like that. The likes of England and France can't.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do a Portugal or club teams have to do a Leicester because those teams succeeded last season. Lets not forget that Barcelona won La Liga and Real Madrid won the Champions League.

It's about playing to strengths and getting the most effective results from the tools you have at your disposal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 12, 2016, 10:50:07 AM

What worked for Portugal won't work for England. Portugal is a nation of 10 million people and their expectation and size of national fervour isn't the same as Englands. When England employed defensive tactics in a tournament the media turned on them and so largely did the public. The likes of Greece, Portugal and Denmark can get away with playing like that. The likes of England and France can't.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do a Portugal or club teams have to do a Leicester because those teams succeeded last season. Lets not forget that Barcelona won La Liga and Real Madrid won the Champions League.

It's about playing to strengths and getting the most effective results from the tools you have at your disposal.

I never fell into a trap of thinking we should do a Portugal??

What I'm saying is that its not always the biggest names or best league managers that make the best international managers, its horses for courses.

Portugal has a very high expectancy level at International level don't know why you think they don't
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 12, 2016, 10:55:51 AM
I never fell into a trap of thinking we should do a Portugal??

What I'm saying is that its not always the biggest names or best league managers that make the best international managers, its horses for courses.

Portugal has a very high expectancy level at International level don't know why you think they don't


They have expectancy but I don't think it's on the same scale as England.

I think managers work best in certain conditions. People go on about Guardiola being the best coach in the world but he has coached Barce and Bayern Munich. Would he do a better job than Eddie Howe at Bournemouth (example). Is Guardiola really any better than Howe?

Tony Pulis will keep teams in the Premier League. Would he win the Premier League with (example) Chelsea?

Management / coaching whatever you want to call it is, in my humble, very much horses for courses.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 12, 2016, 11:10:20 AM
Why is Steve Bruce as low as 11/1?

Is someone extracting the urine?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 12, 2016, 11:53:15 AM
Steve Bruce is of the same kind as Mark Hughes does well for a few years then goes flat, No thanks. i dont want Potato face
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 12, 2016, 12:04:15 PM
I wouldn't mind Ian Holloway having a go at the job, would be a laugh anyway.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 12, 2016, 12:05:18 PM
I wouldn't mind Ian Holloway having a go at the job, would be a laugh anyway.


would rather Pepe Mel get it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 12, 2016, 12:09:15 PM
In all seriousness I think Big Sam would be a good appointment and would take a no nonsense approach to the job.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PsalmXXIII on July 12, 2016, 01:31:53 PM
Not seeing the appeal of Allardyce, though I've always said we should pave our own way and have an England team that doesn't try to emulate fancy free flowing continental football and just goes and kicks lumps out of teams for jokes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 12, 2016, 03:06:59 PM
This 'identity' thing is important if nothing else than to ensure all age groups are aware of how they're expected to play.

To me, the closest to a traditional English style in the modern era  (pressing and with pace and width) is probably Juergen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund . I'm lot saying he should get the job.

I've watched England for the last 20 years look confused and unsure of their roles, players out of position.  We need a clear plan of how to play and we need a strong character to enforce that plan.

No one leaps out but I could see Eddie Howe working with the young attacking players we have. We need energy and vision now, perhaps a younger guy would take the opportunity to put his own mark on the team at all levels.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on July 12, 2016, 03:18:09 PM
This 'identity' thing is important if nothing else than to ensure all age groups are aware of how they're expected to play.

To me, the closest to a traditional English style in the modern era  (pressing and with pace and width) is probably Juergen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund . I'm lot saying he should get the job.

I've watched England for the last 20 years look confused and unsure of their roles, players out of position.  We need a clear plan of how to play and we need a strong character to enforce that plan.

No one leaps out but I could see Eddie Howe working with the young attacking players we have. We need energy and vision now, perhaps a younger guy would take the opportunity to put his own mark on the team at all levels.

Agree with everything you say, but we also have to stop the "play the media darling" thing as well.  If the manager wants to play a team over personalities, so be it !

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on July 12, 2016, 03:30:55 PM
This 'identity' thing is important if nothing else than to ensure all age groups are aware of how they're expected to play.

To me, the closest to a traditional English style in the modern era  (pressing and with pace and width) is probably Juergen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund . I'm lot saying he should get the job.

I've watched England for the last 20 years look confused and unsure of their roles, players out of position.  We need a clear plan of how to play and we need a strong character to enforce that plan.

No one leaps out but I could see Eddie Howe working with the young attacking players we have. We need energy and vision now, perhaps a younger guy would take the opportunity to put his own mark on the team at all levels.
Should do away with the manager and do it online.
Fans pay a subscription to get to vote on formation and team selection and we just employ coaches to follow our orders, if they don't they're toast! We could even decide on subs, in-play, via an app! :)
If we get to the final we all get free tickets! :)

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on July 12, 2016, 03:35:11 PM
This 'identity' thing is important if nothing else than to ensure all age groups are aware of how they're expected to play.

To me, the closest to a traditional English style in the modern era  (pressing and with pace and width) is probably Juergen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund . I'm lot saying he should get the job.

I've watched England for the last 20 years look confused and unsure of their roles, players out of position.  We need a clear plan of how to play and we need a strong character to enforce that plan.

No one leaps out but I could see Eddie Howe working with the young attacking players we have. We need energy and vision now, perhaps a younger guy would take the opportunity to put his own mark on the team at all levels.

I agree with your post but unfortunately the suits at the FA cant/wont see it like that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 12, 2016, 03:37:38 PM
Should do away with the manager and do it online.
Fans pay a subscription to get to vote on formation and team selection and we just employ coaches to follow our orders, if they don't they're toast! We could even decide on subs, in-play, via an app! :)
If we get to the final we all get free tickets! :)

That's one way to keep us interested!! Isn't that what happens already with betting apps and clubs owned by far eastern owners who own betting companies which invest into English football......cynical me .....😉

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on July 12, 2016, 03:38:15 PM
Should do away with the manager and do it online.
Fans pay a subscription to get to vote on formation and team selection and we just employ coaches to follow our orders, if they don't they're toast! We could even decide on subs, in-play, via an app! :)
If we get to the final we all get free tickets! :)


Do you want to run the country - please !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albion79 on July 12, 2016, 03:46:40 PM
I think whoever gets it has their work cut out, we have some good players but they seem to get away with very little flak whilst the manager carries the can (i know thats part of the job)

Apparently Sven was too friendly, Mclaren was too nice and soft, Capello was too strict, Roy too confusing, with the exception of Mclaren they all had good CV's so maybe the England players should take the blame!

I think we need someone who can make use of the players obvious talents, but who also has the respect and wont take any s**t.

I said before i would of gave Neville the chance as the main man but that wont happen, Klopp i think would be ideal because players play for him but they also seem to fear him a bit (as most top managers have that side to them)

Sort of warming to Big Sam, i think players seem to play for him and he has that fear factor, but i wonder if his style is right for the players available, to be fair though he had people like Okocha, Anelka, Djorkaeff at Bolton and they always did well, the only thing is they were older players who knew what was what, with England its a young squad who it looks and sounds like have a lot of ego and its whether they will buy into the way Big Sam does things.

Personally if they didnt i would drop them no matter who they are but the same names always seem to make the squads regardless of form, fitness or attitude, whoever comes in, that has to change.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on July 12, 2016, 03:57:22 PM
I agree with your post but unfortunately the suits at the FA cant/wont see it like that.
wasnt that the entire point of appointing Ashworth? And this "DNA England" program to build something up from top to tail and have an identity?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: VVVAlbion on July 12, 2016, 07:17:20 PM
Tournament football is all about not losing and therefore a Pulis/Allardyce character is ideal for England. What worries me is that another part of the role is to set the direction in which English football moves forward and do not lose is a horrible mantra.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on July 12, 2016, 07:37:48 PM
Tournament football is all about not losing and therefore a Pulis/Allardyce character is ideal for England. What worries me is that another part of the role is to set the direction in which English football moves forward and do not lose is a horrible mantra.
and neither of them have ever won a cup which is as close to a tournament that club football can give. are they that much different to Hodgson who failed shockingly in two major tournaments. why not go polar opposite and employ someone who goes all out to win, after all what have we got to lose.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on July 13, 2016, 10:28:43 AM
BreakingAllardyce clear for England talks.

Sunderland have given The FA permission to speak to Sam Allardyce about the vacant England manager job
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiejohn on July 13, 2016, 11:49:03 AM
If big Sam gets the England gigg & Pulis goes to Sunderland, would you guys have RH back?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 13, 2016, 12:05:53 PM
Roy is best suited for league football not tournement football, 1-5 :) so yes i would take that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mikehy on July 13, 2016, 12:07:25 PM
BreakingAllardyce clear for England talks.

Sunderland have given The FA permission to speak to Sam Allardyce about the vacant England manager job
From one dinosaur to another
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on July 13, 2016, 12:57:27 PM

It wont be pretty but then again neither were Portugal and I don't suppose they give a toss as they parade around with the trophy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 13, 2016, 01:03:46 PM
Sam is the right man for England, best appointment in since vennables if it comes off
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 13, 2016, 01:08:58 PM
I think it will be a poor appointment. It wasn't so long ago West Ham fans couldn't wait to get rid of Allardyce. He has never won anything, that's not what he's about.

With Bruce also in the running I don't like the way the FA appear to be thinking at all.

IMO we have the correct man available. We wasted Hoddle as a player and we wasted him once as a manager. We are going to do it again. No wonder we never get anywhere we always sacrifice quality for other things.

Never, EVER learn.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 13, 2016, 01:38:56 PM
What has Deschamps won as manager?

What had Fernando Santos won prior to Portugal winning the Euro's??

Absolutely nothing

Its not about the BEST manager for the job its about the RIGHT manager

Totally agree on Hoddle though thats who I want appointed
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 13, 2016, 01:47:54 PM
What has Deschamps won as manager?

What had Fernando Santos won prior to Portugal winning the Euro's??

Absolutely nothing

Its not about the BEST manager for the job its about the RIGHT manager

Totally agree on Hoddle though thats who I want appointed


By BEST manager I mean RIGHT manager. Best could mean anything, the best manager in the game could be plying his trade in the Championship or lower he's probably doing a job the likes of Guardiola and Mourinho couldn't do.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on July 13, 2016, 02:14:48 PM
Fantastic news for us if Allardyce does join England as it will put Sunderland right back into it :D

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 13, 2016, 03:32:18 PM
We tried managers who have won lots (Sven, Capello), experience of international football (Hodgson), promising , technical coaches ( Hoddle, McLaren at the time), people's choice (Keegan), foreign/ English mangers. The only two managers to me who have truly been a success in the past 50 years (!) are Sir Bobby and El Tel. What did they have in common? They'd worked abroad / been successful at the highest level , they'd got reputations for being tactically advanced and were fantastic man managers (of players, fans and media).

Nobody fits that (very tough) profile. So where do you compromise?  To compare England to Albion , I think we've reached the end of the road in terms of ideas ( after we sacked Steve Clarke?).

Maybe Allardyce would be England's Pulis ? ( steady things for a bit?) and I could a lot sense in this for two years past the Russia WC. However , if it were me choosing, I can't get past Eddie Howe, who is young , tactically good and is a fantastic man manager from on what I've seen. He'd need an older head next to him probably (Hoddle?) but if ever there was a time we needed fresh ideas and energy it is definitely now.

Allardyce it will be of course as it appears a less risky option. At least Big Sam is from Dudley!! Black Country Flag above Wembley - I can see it now!

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 15, 2016, 08:24:53 PM
If big Sam gets it,it'll be like watching Mike basset, but then again we are comedy
I don't think we win anything for at least eight years
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 15, 2016, 08:48:50 PM
If big Sam gets it,it'll be like watching Mike basset, but then again we are comedy
I don't think we win anything for at least eight years
Why will it be like watching Mike Bassett??

Mike Bassett is a fictional comedy character and Sam Allardyce is a time served Premier League manager...

I find it embarrassing the people are likening Big Sam to Mike Bassett I don't see the correlation
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 15, 2016, 09:37:39 PM
If big Sam gets it,it'll be like watching Mike basset, but then again we are comedy
I don't think we win anything for at least eight years
So there's a glimmer of hope for us at last. 8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 16, 2016, 12:52:20 AM
If big Sam gets it,it'll be like watching Mike basset, but then again we are comedy
I don't think we win anything for at least eight years

Not sure about your comparison, but 8 years? Mate we're LIGHT years away from winning anything. We are a poor, poor side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on July 16, 2016, 10:54:57 AM
Not sure about your comparison, but 8 years? Mate we're LIGHT years away from winning anything. We are a poor, poor side.

Well the underage sides play some very good stuff and have some very technical footbalers coming through so I don't think we're necessarily that far off in the not too distant future. Certainly the 2020's should fare a lot better than the 2010's. For the first time in, well, ever, those underage sides rarely look technically out of place against the other top nations which has usually been the case prior to around 2010.

Mind you our promising players this time round like Kane and Alli completely and utterly failed to deliver and looked very poor, so who knows and perhaps the biggest issue of all of creating pathways to the first teams shows no sign of being fixed. Chelsea for example have won 2 youth champions leagues in a row and yet no sign of any of those players even being a bit part player in their squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Welsh_Baggie on July 20, 2016, 08:01:50 PM
I genuinely don't believe that England currently have the players.

How many of Hodgsons squad have been a regular first choice or one of the top players at their clubs for 3-4 seasons???

To my mind Hart and Rooney.

Danny Rose - he was a winger 2 seasons ago
Cahill - is kept out of the Chelsea team by JT when he's fit
Smalling - had his first good season this year
Deli Ali, Dier and Kane - first good season maybe second for Kane
Sterling warms man citehs bench
Vardy - 1 1/2 good seasons.
Sturridge and wilshere - spend more time on the treatment table than big Vic

The current squad is a long way from players like Neville, terry, Cole, Gerard, Ferdinand, lampard, scholes, beckham etc all these boys were first choice at top clubs winning trophies for years on end.

The quality simply isn't there with the current bunch.




Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on July 20, 2016, 08:53:48 PM
I genuinely don't believe that England currently have the players.

How many of Hodgsons squad have been a regular first choice or one of the top players at their clubs for 3-4 seasons???

To my mind Hart and Rooney.

Danny Rose - he was a winger 2 seasons ago
Cahill - is kept out of the Chelsea team by JT when he's fit
Smalling - had his first good season this year
Deli Ali, Dier and Kane - first good season maybe second for Kane
Sterling warms man citehs bench
Vardy - 1 1/2 good seasons.
Sturridge and wilshere - spend more time on the treatment table than big Vic

The current squad is a long way from players like Neville, terry, Cole, Gerard, Ferdinand, lampard, scholes, beckham etc all these boys were first choice at top clubs winning trophies for years on end.

The quality simply isn't there with the current bunch.
we where still rubbish with that lot aswell!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: smethwickw on July 20, 2016, 09:41:36 PM
We certainly don't have the quality but just as importantly we don't have the desire either. Look at how well a very average Wales squad have done. I like Big Sam but he's never an intetnational manager in a million years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 20, 2016, 09:43:54 PM
We certainly don't have the quality but just as importantly we don't have the desire either. Look at how well a very average Wales squad have done. I like Big Sam but he's never an intetnational manager in a million years.

He's a better/more successful domestic manager than to use your example.  Chris Coleman.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 20, 2016, 11:41:23 PM
Look what Leicester, Wales, Iceland and Portugal have achieved with sub par players but with great organisation and team spirit.

I'm not saying Sam is the man, I'm not really sure but if we get organised , players know their job better and he helps them be more of a team unit, we could do better at least. Sam might be better at this kind of pragmatic approach?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 21, 2016, 09:10:25 AM
Sam for England, moyes for Sunderland
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on July 21, 2016, 11:20:11 AM
We certainly don't have the quality but just as importantly we don't have the desire either. Look at how well a very average Wales squad have done. I like Big Sam but he's never an intetnational manager in a million years.
We need someone who is their own man, not a puppet of the FA or scared of upsetting the precious players. Needs to have a clear game plan and stick to it, using the best players, in the correct positions, at the time, regardless of who they play for.
I think Sam will consider himself ticking all these boxes, whether he will or not, once the FA, players and media get hold of him, only time will tell.
Personally, I think the task is too much for one man, however strong they think they are. It needs a change in culture to put the pride back into playing for your country and not overestimating your (the players) ability based on salary.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 22, 2016, 03:53:49 PM
It's official.

The FA appoints Sam Allardyce as new England manager

http://www.thefa.com/news/england/2016/jul/sam-allardyce-appointed-england-manager (http://www.thefa.com/news/england/2016/jul/sam-allardyce-appointed-england-manager)

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 22, 2016, 04:07:56 PM
Brilliant news this is

Love Big Sam, a real character, won't take egos and will get England playing the correct way that suits us none of this continental rubbish we seem to try and emulate

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 22, 2016, 04:11:23 PM
Brilliant news this is

Love Big Sam, a real character, won't take egos and will get England playing the correct way that suits us none of this continental rubbish we seem to try and emulate


I totally agree with all you say
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 22, 2016, 04:41:46 PM
As a Welshman it's a great appointment for you. The big thing is that those who deserve to play will and that's been lacking since Sven's early years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 22, 2016, 04:47:07 PM
As a Welshman it's a great appointment for you. The big thing is that those who deserve to play will and that's been lacking since Sven's early years.


You are correct those that deserve to play will and not because of reputation
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 22, 2016, 08:55:45 PM
Kevin Nolan recall
Jay jay okocha is checking to see if he's still got that Union Jack tea towel

Sorry but I think we have gone backwards, and that should have been impossible.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 22, 2016, 09:15:36 PM
Kevin Nolan recall
Jay jay okocha is checking to see if he's still got that Union Jack tea towel

Sorry but I think we have gone backwards, and that should have been impossible.


Na sams football is most definitely forwards
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 23, 2016, 08:42:43 AM
So Sams first squad selection, same old faces? Rooney captain?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 23, 2016, 10:16:58 AM
Steve Bruce for No.2???

That would be an interesting England Coaching team...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 23, 2016, 10:18:37 AM
Fewer forwards I reckon,  in drinkwater, noble and Townsend . Rooney up front or number 10. Much more compact looking team than what we saw in the euros . Unlike Roy, I'm sure he'll have a clear plan and will stick to it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on July 23, 2016, 04:28:43 PM
I think it's a step sideways tbh. Allardyce offers nothing more than Roy did - less in fact, if you take into account Roy's experience of international football. We have to face facts that we don't have any truly great managers any more, and there are a myriad of reasons for that.

I don't think he'll quite be as hopeless as some are expecting though. He does have a knack for using interesting new techniques, often being at the forefront of them, and he does have a history of signing some very good, exciting flair players (Okocha, Djourkaeff, Khasri, for example).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 24, 2016, 10:20:06 AM
I think it's a step sideways tbh. Allardyce offers nothing more than Roy did - less in fact, if you take into account Roy's experience of international football. We have to face facts that we don't have any truly great managers any more, and there are a myriad of reasons for that.

I don't think he'll quite be as hopeless as some are expecting though. He does have a knack for using interesting new techniques, often being at the forefront of them, and he does have a history of signing some very good, exciting flair players (Okocha, Djourkaeff, Khasri, for example).

I was shocked at how little of a plan Roy seemed to have and how unbalanced that squad/ team looked. Under Roy, Albion were always well drilled, organised and compact but still counter attacked well and at pace. That sort of game should've suited the players we had well. I think Roy ended up picking names and shoe horned them in rather than making a team unit. I'd see Sam as having more of an ego, a belief in himself and so should pick a team unit rather than names at big clubs.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on July 24, 2016, 10:35:25 AM
So Sams first squad selection, same old faces? Rooney captain?
As the first game is only a couple of weeks into the season i cant see he has much room to manoeuvre. Whilst we can moan about our performances at the Euros i reckon that 95 % of us would have picked at least 17 of the 20 outfield players Roy picked, just goes to show the paucity of talent.Another problem he has to overcome and one Roy failed to is picking a balanced squad/team as too many of our supposedly best players want to play in the same position.Wouldnt be a massive shock to see a recall for Defoe. One thing about Sam is i wouldnt expect being a darling of the London media wont carry too much weight with him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on July 24, 2016, 11:45:58 AM
I was shocked at how little of a plan Roy seemed to have and how unbalanced that squad/ team looked. Under Roy, Albion were always well drilled, organised and compact but still counter attacked well and at pace. That sort of game should've suited the players we had well. I think Roy ended up picking names and shoe horned them in rather than making a team unit. I'd see Sam as having more of an ego, a belief in himself and so should pick a team unit rather than names at big clubs.
Yes, hopefully.

Roy ditched his principles with England and that is why he failed. He was like a rabbit caught in headlights, doing things very differently to how he operated here.
He'd already proved with Liverpool that big jobs scared him and his tactics turned to jelly.
With Allardyce I imagine he won't care about image so much. He will probably pick more questionable players who aren't the favourites and as said, he will gladly urine off the London media.

What's also interesting about Allardyce is that he's genuinely never managed at a high level, whereas Hodgson was a failure at Liverpool, so it does give you some hope and they aren't exactly like-for-like.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 24, 2016, 05:46:28 PM
Hodgson was a defensive manager who should have stuck to his guns. Funnily enough Euro 2012 was his most successful tournament where England played like a Roy side only losing out on pens.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 05, 2016, 09:26:25 AM
Craig Shakespeare being linked with a coaching role this morning
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 05, 2016, 04:07:25 PM
Milner retires from international football, praise the lord
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on August 22, 2016, 08:17:19 AM
England squad to be announced today, first one for Big Sam.

Do we expect any changes to the squad that went to the Euros, or same old same old?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 22, 2016, 08:25:52 AM
England squad to be announced today, first one for Big Sam.

Do we expect any changes to the squad that went to the Euros, or same old same old?


is it today, thought it was on sunday, i may be wrong but an interesting one from big Sam
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on August 22, 2016, 08:40:05 AM

is it today, thought it was on sunday, i may be wrong but an interesting one from big Sam

Yeah your right just checked, the article I read this morning didnt reference a date and then went on to say he has a press conference at 9am, so just assumed it was today.

Got a feeling he will pick the same squad as the euros, with possibly Drinkwater coming back in for Milner.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 22, 2016, 08:47:17 AM
well at least we know Andy Caroll wont be in the squad, no i think we will see a bit of fresh
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on August 22, 2016, 07:23:32 PM
Think he'll include Defoe and maybe some West Ham players like Noble, Antonio or Cresswell
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 22, 2016, 07:26:28 PM
Think he'll include Defoe and maybe some West Ham players like Noble, Antonio or Cresswell

I think Cresswell is out for a few months with injury
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on August 22, 2016, 07:29:55 PM
Think he'll include Defoe and maybe some West Ham players like Noble, Antonio or Cresswell

Not for a while.

Cresswell is out until November with a kneee injury.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 23, 2016, 09:37:22 AM
i have no problem with Terry coming back if Sam thinks hes the man
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on August 23, 2016, 09:52:45 AM
i have no problem with Terry coming back if Sam thinks hes the man

My only concern with Terry returning would be, why?
He surely only has 1 more year left in him at most at the top level, hes not going to be around come the next world cup, surely this campaign should be to establish two centre halves who will play together up to and including the world cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on August 23, 2016, 11:11:56 AM
My only concern with Terry returning would be, why?
He surely only has 1 more year left in him at most at the top level, hes not going to be around come the next world cup, surely this campaign should be to establish two centre halves who will play together up to and including the world cup.

You would hope he shows some of the other players how to be a leader on the field.

Had no leaders in that world cup squad. Barely even a captain.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on August 23, 2016, 11:44:52 AM
You would hope he shows some of the other players how to be a leader on the field.

Had no leaders in that world cup squad. Barely even a captain.

Absolutely correct, we had no leaders on the field, we need them even if it is a short while until the players we have in the squad mature and become those leaders.

Terry in the squad is a no-brainer for me, if he is playing well enough then age should not be a factor
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on August 23, 2016, 01:09:28 PM
Terry is a leader and we seriously lack leaders in the squad.  Look at the players in the Euro 96 squad or WC 98 squad.  It was full of leaders and players who were current or future captains of the teams.


It is a massive reason why were are failing now IMO so I'm 100% behind the return of Terry.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on August 23, 2016, 01:28:44 PM
Terry is a leader and we seriously lack leaders in the squad.  Look at the players in the Euro 96 squad or WC 98 squad.  It was full of leaders and players who were current or future captains of the teams.


It is a massive reason why were are failing now IMO so I'm 100% behind the return of Terry.

I agree with the comment regarding us lacking leaders however it doesnt guarantee anything, we didnt really do very well in the world cup 98, reaching our peak in the quarters.

On an england note, I do like the sound of Big Sam, saying Rashford needs to be playing, and Hart needs to be playing regularly. Lets just hope he sticks to his word.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BigFrank20 on August 23, 2016, 02:28:01 PM
Hart has finally been found out at his club just need Big Sam to catch up now and realise Ben is number 1!  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 23, 2016, 02:42:41 PM
what keeper do you think will start, Frazier forster for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on August 23, 2016, 02:57:28 PM
what keeper do you think will start, Frazier forster for me

When fully fit it has to be Butland, was in fine form last season before his injury.
England at present are well stocked with keepers:
Hart
Butland
Forster
Foster
Then theres the likes of Ruddy, the under 21 keeper Pickford is highly thought of.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on August 28, 2016, 11:21:02 PM
No real changes made by big Sam in the first squad..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on August 28, 2016, 11:27:36 PM
Antonio is in and he is rubbish. Other than that nothing much to comment on. Luke Shaw is back after his injury which is a positive I think he is the best left back in the world. Right back to his best after his injury I've watched him closely in two games and he has made one mistake. This boy is so under-rated, he's got the lot.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 29, 2016, 10:48:12 AM
A bit flat really but what and who else could he have selected, just hope he can get them playing with a bit of umph
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on August 29, 2016, 02:20:08 PM
Antonio is in and he is rubbish. Other than that nothing much to comment on. Luke Shaw is back after his injury which is a positive I think he is the best left back in the world. Right back to his best after his injury I've watched him closely in two games and he has made one mistake. This boy is so under-rated, he's got the lot.

I would rather we had signed him than Phillips
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on August 29, 2016, 03:55:35 PM
I don't really get why people (mostly the media) are kicking up such a fuss over Barkley being excluded. He's had a couple of good games this season, but he was awful last, and one swallow does not make a summer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 29, 2016, 06:39:35 PM
Seems to be heavily rumoured on good old Twitter that Jordan Henderson will be named England Captain tomorrow, hopefully its just the usual Twitter trolls.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 29, 2016, 07:52:08 PM
Seems to be heavily rumoured on good old Twitter that Jordan Henderson will be named England Captain tomorrow, hopefully its just the usual Twitter trolls.

Will put Sam in a pickle because he'll be out of Klopp's Liverpool team by January imo
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on August 29, 2016, 09:42:29 PM
This is the problem with England you couldn't name another player you could make captain without being controversial.

No leaders in the team anymore

Dier, Drinkwater (eventually)n as possibilities but who else could you make captain after Rooney

Henderson should be nowhere near the side let alone captain
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 29, 2016, 10:02:08 PM
Personally I would give the captaincy to Cahill for now with the long term aim of either Clyne or Shaw if they prove they have what it takes
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 29, 2016, 10:08:00 PM
Looks like it no change then, Sky reporting Rooney remains Captain
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 29, 2016, 10:13:45 PM
I don't really get why people (mostly the media) are kicking up such a fuss over Barkley being excluded. He's had a couple of good games this season, but he was awful last, and one swallow does not make a summer.

I agree with you - Barkley stagnated last year under Martinez and I too would not have included him.

Noticed that Big Sam has received some criticism for his selections but I'm not sure what else he could have done to be honest.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on August 29, 2016, 10:39:04 PM
Just goes to show the lack of consistent quality England have.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on August 30, 2016, 09:36:02 AM
Antonio is in and he is rubbish. Other than that nothing much to comment on. Luke Shaw is back after his injury which is a positive I think he is the best left back in the world. Right back to his best after his injury I've watched him closely in two games and he has made one mistake. This boy is so under-rated, he's got the lot.


 ;D ;D ;D

Got to be a wind up? Scored 9 last season and got plenty of assists from playing Right mid and a lot of the time right back.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on August 30, 2016, 09:38:25 AM
Speaking of England, anyone from here going to Bratislava for the game Sunday?

Flying out Saturday, back Tuesday . Should be a great trip  :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 30, 2016, 03:35:25 PM
Rooney retires from England in 2018
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on September 01, 2016, 02:50:49 PM
Alex McCarthy has replaced the injured Fraser Forster in the England squad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scruffy Stan on September 03, 2016, 11:30:27 AM
So Southampton's reserve keeper is good enough for England. Or at least is the next best cab on the rank.
I know there are a couple injured but we really do look a bit impoverished.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 04, 2016, 05:29:24 PM
Well this is pretty cack.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 05:40:16 PM
Just a group of individuals...
1 Pass and then go back saying "I've done my job."

A bit like the Baggies.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: bry on September 04, 2016, 05:43:37 PM
Watching the game. What's happend to Kane. Has Pulis been coaching him?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 05:44:50 PM
Why don't we go forward as a team?
Mind you, I say this when watching the Baggies too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: bry on September 04, 2016, 05:47:46 PM
Wish we could have gone for Marek Hamšík. I thought he was excellent in the Euros. hes playing tonight for Slovakia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 04, 2016, 05:50:41 PM
Wish we could have gone for Marek Hamšík. I thought he was excellent in the Euros. hes playing tonight for Slovakia

If going after Carvalho was unrealistic, Hamsik is a whole other level! Easily a top 6 player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 05:52:10 PM
The system is what we played at the Euros it didn't work then and it isn't working now. I said at the time and I'll say again now we need to revert to a diamond in midfield and two up top. We don't stretch anyone everything is played in front of teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 06:00:18 PM
I agree.
We pass the ball sidewards and backwards too often.
It allows them to organise themselves and their defence.
We have to keep beating 11 men, time and time again.

(See my rants about the Baggies).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 06:15:45 PM
We are playing "statues" the game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 06:36:00 PM
So that is where Pulis was over the weekend.
He pushed big Sam out of the way and took the training session.
He was telling the England players to stand around like they do at the Albion.
No movement and pass the ball sideways and backwards.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 04, 2016, 06:36:07 PM
The manager remains the same but the truth is our players aren't technically good enough and tactically aware enough
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 06:41:17 PM
The manager remains the same but the truth is our players aren't technically good enough and tactically aware enough


The players are good enough they are playing a way that doesn't suit them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 04, 2016, 06:43:42 PM
The manager remains the same but the truth is our players aren't technically good enough and tactically aware enough

As i've always said take the foreign players out of the Premier League and its nothing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 06:45:15 PM
Not one of the England players want to take control.
No urgency and no belief.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 04, 2016, 06:46:39 PM
We need to realise as a Footballing nation most teams will want to defend deep. We expect teams to attack consistently and that just hasn't been the case for past 10 years. We have no gameplan for breaking this type of defence down.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 06:46:52 PM
As i've always said take the foreign players out of the Premier League and its nothing.


Englands players are no worse than Portugal's and look what they did.

Allardyce has done nothing different to other England managers so far. He is going to have to wake up and change things otherwise the end result is going to be the same.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 04, 2016, 06:48:01 PM

The players are good enough they are playing a way that doesn't suit them.

I'm not sure they are. I can't think of many players who 1 v 1 can beat a man and create something out of nothing

And we don't have a recognisable style. The dutch make every U21 team play 4-3-3 because that is their style. The Spain keep possesion, the Italians are tactically astute and defensively solid.

We don't have that. It's just pace, pace, pace. We're playing a deep lying defence packed with men so we bring on Walcott...it doesn't make sense!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 06:50:55 PM
I'm not sure they are. I can't think of many players who 1 v 1 can beat a man and create something out of nothing

And we don't have a recognisable style. The dutch make every U21 team play 4-3-3 because that is their style. The Spain keep possesion, the Italians are tactically astute and defensively solid.

We don't have that. It's just pace, pace, pace. We're playing a deep lying defence packed with men so we bring on Walcott...it doesn't make sense!!


We don't need to beat men 1 v 1.

Sam's substitutions here have been a joke I agree. Pace does not win games at tournament level and we haven't figured that out in what 20 / 25 years?

The likes of Walcott shouldn't be near an England squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 04, 2016, 06:53:48 PM

We don't need to beat men 1 v 1.

Sam's substitutions here have been a joke I agree. Pace does not win games at tournament level and we haven't figured that out in what 20 / 25 years?

The likes of Walcott shouldn't be near an England squad.

If you're playing a deep defence you need to stretch them laterally and vertically, and have players that can eliminste defenders to create overload situations. That doesn't have to be 1v1 skill but it is certainly one way
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 06:57:12 PM
That was lucky.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 04, 2016, 06:58:18 PM
All that possession and we had to wait until the last minute to score.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-stats/349999/slovakia-v-england
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 07:01:26 PM
So pleased for Lallana. I think he's a terrific player and exactly the type you need at international level. His finishing is poor but his all round game is very good and I'm so glad he managed to sneak one in.

We got away with it today but we need to change things going forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 04, 2016, 07:01:59 PM
If you can't be good...be lucky :D

Massive issues but at least we got 3 points
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on September 04, 2016, 07:03:51 PM

The players are good enough they are playing a way that doesn't suit them.

I don't agree.
Pick a European 11, never mind a world 11, and see what positions our players could take.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 07:16:06 PM
I don't agree.
Pick a European 11, never mind a world 11, and see what positions our players could take.


How many would Portugal's take and they won the Euro's.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 04, 2016, 07:21:16 PM

How many would Portugal's take and they won the Euro's.

At least one in Ronaldo.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WorcsWBA on September 04, 2016, 07:21:40 PM
Weren't we supposed to be getting a brave new world when Allardyce took over? Instead, he seems to have picked almost all of the same players who performed so despicably poorly at Euro 2016 and they've just about managed to scrape a win against 10-man Slovakia.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on September 04, 2016, 07:26:51 PM

How many would Portugal's take and they won the Euro's.

I feel we're sort of coming at the same idea from two different directions, but I'd say Portugal had a game plan and philosophy and picked players to that philosophy. Ironically they reminded me of Greece when they beat Portugal in the Euros in 2004, but with more quality
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2016, 07:33:08 PM
Get rid of Rooney and the 5 Spurs players. Instant improvements.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 07:40:56 PM
Get rid of Rooney and the 5 Spurs players. Instant improvements.


Rooney is Ok and he can play deep but its about the team not any one or two individuals.All through the Euros and again tonight we can't score goals. We don't create muchand we play in front of the opposition. Now look at this:



                                            Keeper

Walker                    CB                                 CB                    Shaw (preferabl)


                                             Dier


                             Henderson                       Lallana


                                              Rooney


                              Kane                                Vardy




No one can tell me that isn't a more suitable set up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 04, 2016, 08:03:14 PM

                                            Keeper

Walker                    CB                                 CB                    Shaw (preferabl)


                                             Dier


                             Henderson                       Lallana


                                              Rooney


                              Kane                                Vardy

No one can tell me that isn't a more suitable set up.

If Rooney ends up wandering deep in this team the only person creating opportunities is basically Lallana.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mikehy on September 04, 2016, 08:04:36 PM
Weren't we supposed to be getting a brave new world when Allardyce took over? Instead, he seems to have picked almost all of the same players who performed so despicably poorly at Euro 2016 and they've just about managed to scrape a win against 10-man Slovakia.

what other players can he pick. Gardner mcmanaman? He got to make the best of what we got
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 08:07:17 PM
If Rooney ends up wandering deep in this team the only person creating opportunities is basically Lallana.


Then swap them. Rotation isn't a problem, usually it's only a positive.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 04, 2016, 08:08:03 PM
what other players can he pick. Gardner mcmanaman? He got to make the best of what we got

Drinkwater and Vardy would be a decent start.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 08:10:55 PM
Vardy should be playing for sure. Kane / Vardy is a partnership style wise made in heaven yet we never use it. Plain stupid.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 04, 2016, 08:16:36 PM
Vardy should be playing for sure. Kane / Vardy is a partnership style wise made in heaven yet we never use it. Plain stupid.

Kane shouldn't be anywhere near the team in this form. He's been absolutely awful since the end of last season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 08:28:50 PM
Kane shouldn't be anywhere near the team in this form. He's been absolutely awful since the end of last season.


He's not in form granted but he's expected to do everything on his own with practically nil support. That is unsustainable for any striker.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2016, 08:42:47 PM
Needs a fresh start.

Butland

Clyne
Stones
Smalling
Shaw

Noble
Drinkwater

Lallana
Barkley
Sterling

Sturridge
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 08:45:55 PM
Needs a fresh start.

Butland

Clyne
Stones
Smalling
Shaw

Noble
Drinkwater

Lallana
Barkley
Sterling

Sturridge


Are you serious?

Barkley is not good enough. Sterling is pooh at international level. Sturridge is a china doll flicker. noble is not good enough.

No offence but that team is rubbish.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2016, 08:48:18 PM

Are you serious?

Barkley is not good enough. Sterling is rubbish at international level. Sturridge is a china doll flicker. noble is not good enough.

No offence but that team is rubbish.

Yet it's better than one based round Rooney and Kane (from an attacking perspective)

I disagree with your backing of the one dimensional Vardy. No offence...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 04, 2016, 08:49:49 PM
Yet it's better than one based round Rooney and Kane (from an attacking perspective)

I disagree with your backing of the one dimensional Vardy. No offence...

The thing is, Vardys one dimension involves scoring goals. Something we need to do.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 08:50:35 PM
Yet it's better than one based round Rooney and Kane (from an attacking perspective)

I disagree with your backing of the one dimensional Vardy. No offence...


No it isn't it's dire. No offence.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2016, 08:57:06 PM
The thing is, Vardys one dimension involves scoring goals. Something we need to do.

No his one dimension is running in behind very high defensive lines and converting around 1 in every 4 or 5.

Never an international footballer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2016, 08:58:54 PM
No his one dimension is running in behind very high defensive lines and converting around 1 in every 4 or 5.

Never an international footballer.


Absolute rubbish.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2016, 09:02:33 PM

Absolute rubbish.

Yes.  Yes he is.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 04, 2016, 10:22:47 PM
Weren't we supposed to be getting a brave new world when Allardyce took over? Instead, he seems to have picked almost all of the same players who performed so despicably poorly at Euro 2016 and they've just about managed to scrape a win against 10-man Slovakia.

Well if we're not picking those who flopped in the Euros then who are suggesting Allardyce should pick?

If anybody thought it would be any different then they're going to be mistaken.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: reynirver on September 06, 2016, 10:33:11 AM
I think the media circus around England costs more than whatever manager or players are involved. All this media around the team that came with it to Annecy(Icelandic camp at the EUROS) to have interview with our dentist(manager) and the players just motivates. Every team you meet has been put in correct mindset by yourselves.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Matty on September 26, 2016, 10:48:11 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/26/exclusive-investigation-england-manager-sam-allardyce-for-sale/

Interesting....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 26, 2016, 10:52:22 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/26/exclusive-investigation-england-manager-sam-allardyce-for-sale/

Interesting....

Whose the next gaffer then...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 26, 2016, 11:47:46 PM
Pretty sure that's the end of him...

Plenty more revelations promised throughout the week, let's hope it doesn't touch WBA.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 26, 2016, 11:58:28 PM
Pretty sure that's the end of him...

Plenty more revelations promised throughout the week, let's hope it doesn't touch WBA.

Is there anything to suggest it could?

Genuinely curious.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on September 27, 2016, 12:46:53 AM
Alladyce is an absolute tool and could have the shortest ever reign as England Manager ever and would have nobody else to blame but himself.

 Not sure what the Telegraph has got hold of but there have been persistent suggestions that certain managers have feathered their nests through the transfer system, if the Telegraph have found the smoking gun then who knows what the fall out will be.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jack Thrust on September 27, 2016, 06:10:08 AM
What an utter moron.

Using your position to score a few after dinner speaking is one thing, but colluding with big business in the party ownership of players and circumvent FA rules is just inimical to the England manager's job for me and he has to go.

Who's next then? Our Tone? (For the England job rather than the scandal!)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on September 27, 2016, 06:44:24 AM
What an utter moron.

Using your position to score a few after dinner speaking is one thing, but colluding with big business in the party ownership of players and circumvent FA rules  just inimical to the England manager's job for me and he has to go.

Who's next then? Our Tone? (For the England job rather than the scandal!)

Watch this space the FA hit the bottom of the English Manager barrel when they appointed Allardyce and  that might be the thing that keeps him in the job there is no obvious alternative. I'm ever hopeful that someone will entice Pulis away but I'm also English so it is the ultimate club v country dilemma.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on September 27, 2016, 07:26:23 AM
I'm a fan of Sam and wanted him as England manager but surely he can't keep his job after this.


In terms of other developments coming in the next few day I bet there are a few managers out there bricking themselves this morning.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 27, 2016, 07:53:33 AM
What's the record for the shortest tenure of an England manager? Because Sam is surely going to be the new holder of it...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 27, 2016, 09:26:45 AM
What an idiot

I mean the millions a year he was earning was obviously not enough

How can you be do stupid???

Has to go

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 27, 2016, 09:27:08 AM
What's the record for the shortest tenure of an England manager? Because Sam is surely going to be the new holder of it...

If they get rid he'll certainly be the only one with 100% win record.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on September 27, 2016, 09:29:12 AM
They won't sack him, he'll resign. Position untenable
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jordie1471 on September 27, 2016, 09:31:21 AM
I know forum rules state we are not allowed to discuss the next potential WBA manager.

Im guessing discussing the next England manager is allowed though?

If so id like to see somebody like Tony Pulis given the job.

Be good to see Foster back in goal too  ;)

But yep no way he surely can/will stay on if the allegations are true which look pretty likely at this stage.

What a moron and football once again dragged through the mud. Way way too much money surrounding and in this game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 27, 2016, 09:31:44 AM
Money can easily corrupt people, this is a decent example of it. It is truly staggering how stupid he has been to allow himself to be in such a position. I know you have to almost be a Saint if you take the England job as the press will just continue to dig to get anything on you but he's done all of their work for them with this one, if it was anyone other than the FA I would expect him to lose his job but they bottle it time after time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on September 27, 2016, 09:33:54 AM
Money can easily corrupt people, this is a decent example of it. It is truly staggering how stupid he has been to allow himself to be in such a position. I know you have to almost be a Saint if you take the England job as the press will just continue to dig to get anything on you but he's done all of their work for them with this one, if it was anyone other than the FA I would expect him to lose his job but they bottle it time after time.

When he's on £3mill a year though he surely doesn't need to be taking bungs
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 27, 2016, 09:35:09 AM
When he's on £3mill a year though he surely doesn't need to be taking bungs

You see it everywhere mate no matter how much money some people earn it is never enough for them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Foster#1 on September 27, 2016, 11:04:44 AM
Will go on for days apparently and more stories will come out regarding other managers, officials and agents.

Imagine if tones name comes out  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: swad35 on September 27, 2016, 12:28:15 PM
My concern if they get rid of him who's Ne t on the list.......Steve Bruce
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 27, 2016, 01:24:29 PM
On the brink of being sacked apparently
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 27, 2016, 01:25:43 PM
My concern if they get rid of him who's Ne t on the list.......Steve Bruce

In fairness we were already scraping the bottom of the barrel appointing Allardyce.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 27, 2016, 01:41:28 PM
All this talk from Allardyce about advising the group on how to get around third party ownership and then among the favourites to take over the job if he gets the sack is Alan Pardew who helped bring the issue into the spotlight by signing Tevez and Mascherano when at West Ham  ;D

It truly is pathetic to think we have so few options for the job.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrGr on September 27, 2016, 01:41:45 PM
Tony Pulis is the obvious choice :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 27, 2016, 01:44:41 PM
All this talk from Allardyce about advising the group on how to get around third party ownership and then among the favourites to take over the job if he gets the sack is Alan Pardew who helped bring the issue into the spotlight by signing Tevez and Mascherano when at West Ham  ;D

It truly is pathetic to think we have so few options for the job.


It's depressing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 27, 2016, 01:51:11 PM
All this talk from Allardyce about advising the group on how to get around third party ownership and then among the favourites to take over the job if he gets the sack is Alan Pardew who helped bring the issue into the spotlight by signing Tevez and Mascherano when at West Ham  ;D

It truly is pathetic to think we have so few options for the job.

It's becoming exactly like the Mike Bassett film.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 27, 2016, 02:17:18 PM
Sky say they've seen the list of 8 targeted managers. 6 are English, two are former international managers. Rules Pulis out if true.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbawill on September 27, 2016, 02:48:55 PM
Allardyce is obviously an eejit, that's undeniable. However if he does get sacked, he'll have the highest ever win record for an England manager!

From that article, there's a very interesting list of allegations that are yet to come:

"The assistant manager of a high-profile football club accepted a £5,000 cash “bung”
Ten managers were named by players’ agents as taking bribes to fix player transfers
Two well-known managers discussed becoming ambassadors for the same fictitious firm as Sam Allardyce
Another high-profile manager admitted his players broke FA rules by betting on their own games but he failed to report it
A senior figure at a Premier League club helped undercover reporters to formulate a plan to bribe managers"

I really hope that no one from Albion will be involved in that, it would be hugely damaging.

Definitely my favourite bit however: "On Prince Harry:

“Harry’s a naughty boy. He’s a very naughty boy, very naughty. He shows his bottom and all sorts.”  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 27, 2016, 02:56:14 PM
My concern if they get rid of him who's Ne t on the list.......Steve Bruce
going to put my tin hat on now and suggest the FA reinstate hoddle,he had us purring if memory serves and only got booted over a silly religious issue
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: reynirver on September 27, 2016, 03:03:28 PM
Lars Lagerbåck ís availible
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 27, 2016, 03:06:35 PM
going to put my tin hat on now and suggest the FA reinstate hoddle,he had us purring if memory serves and only got booted over a silly religious issue

I think that saying disabled people did something bad in a previous life is a bit more than a silly religious issue.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 27, 2016, 03:53:52 PM
What an arrogant tosser this idiot is. Clearly inebriated up, swilling from a pint of lager and trying to hold court acting the big man with people he doesn't know.

Get him out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 27, 2016, 04:15:59 PM
I think that saying disabled people did something bad in a previous life is a bit more than a silly religious issue.
No its not if you have an atheist opinion of it,who knows if there's anything after your dead? Anyway money and corruption is far more important than a silly self held belief
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 27, 2016, 04:30:34 PM
Surely his job is untenable now. The suits at the FA wont want a scandal like that!.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 27, 2016, 04:37:40 PM
He should be fired for his disrespect towards his peers alone, not to mention the fact when he answered "not any more" in regards to bungs, now that alludes to the fact he's done it in the past.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 27, 2016, 04:59:00 PM
Has he done anything that really warrants the sack - no matter how stupid his actions have been

He was offered £400,000 to do some after dinner speaking arrangements and presentations - he didn't accept that money - he reiterated that it would need the seal of approval from the FA.

He totally batted off the idea of player bungs - referring to the people as 'stupid' and stating quite clearly that 'they cannot go there'. Nothing wrong with Allardyce there and nothing which warrants the sack.

The bigger issue is the third party issue where he explained how that rule is bypased and that was by quoting examples of players which had been signed. This was the most uncomfortable of the lot.

As for the rest - well, most of it was pretty accurate in his assessment of Hodgson, the players and Wembley.

It was a stupid, naive predicament to end up in but not one which warrants the sack. My, opinions might be different however had Allardyce taken money from the proposed group or encouraged player bungs but he hasn't.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on September 27, 2016, 05:06:01 PM
A number of ex pros coming out saying he should be allowed to clear his name and it would be a shame for him to lose his job over non footballing reasons, and I have to say that everyone makes mistakes, it's just that some are costly.

He should lose his job for a number of reasons. He has slated his employers and fellow professionals openly, how can players trust him now? And he has offered advice as to how to break the rules whilst admitting breaking the rules regarding the signing of a player.

Very stupid. What message does it send if the fa do not punish him?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbawill on September 27, 2016, 05:09:19 PM
Has he done anything that really warrants the sack - no matter how stupid his actions have been

He was offered £400,000 to do some after dinner speaking arrangements and presentations - he didn't accept that money - he reiterated that it would need the seal of approval from the FA.

He totally batted off the idea of player bungs - referring to the people as 'stupid' and stating quite clearly that 'they cannot go there'. Nothing wrong with Allardyce there and nothing which warrants the sack.

The bigger issue is the third party issue where he explained how that rule is bypased and that was by quoting examples of players which had been signed. This was the most uncomfortable of the lot.

As for the rest - well, most of it was pretty accurate in his assessment of Hodgson, the players and Wembley.

It was a stupid, naive predicament to end up in but not one which warrants the sack. My, opinions might be different however had Allardyce taken money from the proposed group or encouraged player bungs but he hasn't.

He didn't actually receive any of the money but my understanding is that £400k is the amount that was requested by his agent on Allardyce's behalf rather than it just being offered to him. Also he appeared to be offering advice on how to get around the rules more than giving wishy-washy examples. His reaction when giving bungs to players/managers was mentioned showed that he knows where the exact line is, you're right. However, it also showed that he knew full well he was talking to people interested in dodgy dealings and was more focused on ensuring none of it reflected on him than extricating himself from the situation.

Just my opinion, the way the video is edited makes it tough to establish absolute facts. The only thing I'm confident about is it will be an interesting few days!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 27, 2016, 06:05:12 PM
A number of ex pros coming out saying he should be allowed to clear his name and it would be a shame for him to lose his job over non footballing reasons, and I have to say that everyone makes mistakes, it's just that some are costly.

He should lose his job for a number of reasons. He has slated his employers and fellow professionals openly, how can players trust him now?

Very stupid. What message does it send if the fa do not punish him?

With respect - I'm not sure any of the players will give a toss when BSA selects them next week.

What Allardyce said about the same players is something he - and many others - have repeated for years.

There are managers up and down the country who constantly call out their players every week in the media - Allardyce was regularly lashing out in the media regarding his players at Sunderland and they managed to provide him with the results so I do not think trust is an issue.

His criticisms of the players, Hodgson and Neville was spot on - and repeated by most up and down the country and is certainly not warranting of being sacked.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 27, 2016, 07:10:29 PM
I think this could be a blessing in disguise if I'm perfectly honest, I don't think clubs like Everton, Southampton, Liverpool etc would hire Allardyce to manage their teams so why the FA deemed him to be the man to take the top job in English football is still beyond me.

I don't think he can keep his position now this has come out, the f.a were very vocal against Blatter and FIFA with the corruption thing and although this isn't corruption it's still very shady business that he's getting him self involved in.  Footballs becoming tarnished with corruption now, too much greed and money around the game, it'l be very interesting to see the fall out from this as by the looks of it the telegraph have a lot stuff on important people that are involved in the English game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 27, 2016, 07:15:35 PM
All over Twitter he has resigned. I await the next bombshell tonight as the early editions go to print.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 27, 2016, 07:30:04 PM
Offered his resignation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 27, 2016, 07:33:02 PM
Who believes Twitter?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 27, 2016, 07:37:18 PM
Gone, Southgate offered role on a temporary basis...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 27, 2016, 07:50:01 PM
Gone. Southgate for the short term
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 27, 2016, 07:52:01 PM
FA confirm by mutual consent,another FA whitewash
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 27, 2016, 07:52:20 PM
I'm sticking £10 on Bruce to be made manager .. Which would be a disaster.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 27, 2016, 08:02:32 PM
I'm sticking £10 on Bruce to be made manager .. Which would be a disaster.

Might prevent him from getting our job though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on September 27, 2016, 08:19:12 PM
Talksport full of numpties wanting Rednapp as Manager..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Nathan on September 27, 2016, 08:21:12 PM
I feel desperately sorry for Allardyce, naive yes,certainly let his guard down, but straight talking and honest and certainly not guilty of anything other than probably 80-90% of people in similar positions in the game are guilty of. Where there is seriously big money at stake then corruption is everywhere, regardless of the sport or industry in question. Fine, get rid of corrupt/potentially corrupt individuals but then f**k SKY off and all the TV money, f**k off the obscene wages and millionaire players and we might have an honest game again. Until then we have to accept that this is the nature of our once great sport and that these revelations are not in the slightest bit unexpected.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 27, 2016, 08:28:07 PM
Not shocked really, he has made a right mess of this for himself.

Heres a link anyway

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37483344
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 27, 2016, 08:29:13 PM
I feel desperately sorry for Allardyce, naive yes,certainly let his guard down, but straight talking and honest and certainly not guilty of anything other than probably 80-90% of people in similar positions in the game are guilty of. Where there is seriously big money at stake then corruption is everywhere, regardless of the sport or industry in question. Fine, get rid of corrupt/potentially corrupt individuals but then f**k SKY off and all the TV money, f**k off the obscene wages and millionaire players and we might have an honest game again. Until then we have to accept that this is the nature of our once great sport and that these revelations are not in the slightest bit unexpected.
Why feel sorry for him? He should have learned his lesson ten years ago along with his son in the panarama bribes/ bungs scandal,some folk never learn because of GREED
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dudleylad on September 27, 2016, 08:32:00 PM
Spot on its hardly the first time is it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 27, 2016, 08:35:30 PM
Think that will possibly end his managerial career now...

Absolutely no credibility for him now whatsoever
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Nathan on September 27, 2016, 08:39:52 PM
Why feel sorry for him? He should have learned his lesson ten years ago along with his son in the panarama bribes/ bungs scandal,some folk never learn because of GREED

He isn't the only one though is he. He is probably in the MAJORITY! Yes, as position as England manager that makes his position untenable I suppose, but like I say, there are probably a large number of managers at the higher levels of the game who are taking full advantage of the money flying around in the game in this era. Where there is serious wealth in a particular sport/game/industry, there will ALWAYS be greed and ALWAYS be corruption. That's the nature of the beast that the game in the SKY generation has created.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Galahad on September 27, 2016, 08:52:09 PM
Could be very guilty of putting two + two together........

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37489071
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 27, 2016, 08:58:23 PM
Could be very guilty of putting two + two together........

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37489071

Tweeted CL earlier, he thinks if there was a connection with Pearson and the Telegraph the other journo's would have been all over it by now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on September 27, 2016, 09:02:31 PM
 It has been reported he Pearson has had a big bust up with the owner/chairman, dont think its been reported what it was over, seems slightly strange they have just suspended him and not straight out sackrd him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ex coseley kid on September 27, 2016, 09:23:18 PM
Does this mean the Eric Cantona video campaign is game on again?  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 27, 2016, 09:24:23 PM
He isn't the only one though is he. He is probably in the MAJORITY! Yes, as position as England manager that makes his position untenable I suppose, but like I say, there are probably a large number of managers at the higher levels of the game who are taking full advantage of the money flying around in the game in this era. Where there is serious wealth in a particular sport/game/industry, there will ALWAYS be greed and ALWAYS be corruption. That's the nature of the beast that the game in the SKY generation has created.
Never said that he's the only one,but I did say he had previous.other big name coaches must be bricking it ATM as the telegraph have others to out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 27, 2016, 09:29:20 PM
He isn't the only one though is he. He is probably in the MAJORITY! Yes, as position as England manager that makes his position untenable I suppose, but like I say, there are probably a large number of managers at the higher levels of the game who are taking full advantage of the money flying around in the game in this era. Where there is serious wealth in a particular sport/game/industry, there will ALWAYS be greed and ALWAYS be corruption. That's the nature of the beast that the game in the SKY generation has created.

Sky didn't create anything that wasn't already there. Allardyce is in the classic vain of English dodgy dealer managers. They've always been around. If anything you'd think the money they get these days would negate the need for corruption. The guys given away his dream job for what is for him a fairly trivial amount of money.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Nathan on September 27, 2016, 09:31:51 PM
Never said that he's the only one,but I did say he had previous.other big name coaches must be bricking it ATM as the telegraph have others to out

Absolutely, which could seriously reduce the shortlist for the next manager! My guess is that only someone like Southgate or Hoddle, due to the fact of having been out of the club managerial game for some time, would be squeaky clean enough in the respect of bungs and corruption to satisfy the FA. As sorry a state of affairs as it is, I can't imagine there are too many top coaches who have NOT received some form of financial incentive/bung over multi-million pound transfer deals.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Nathan on September 27, 2016, 09:36:55 PM
Sky didn't create anything that wasn't already there. Allardyce is in the classic vain of English dodgy dealer managers. They've always been around. If anything you'd think the money they get these days would negate the need for corruption. The guys given away his dream job for what is for him a fairly trivial amount of money.

Fair point. I suppose greed is quite addictive though, especially as these type of 'sweeteners' are more than likely common practice and on a plate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 27, 2016, 10:26:56 PM
Telegraph have withheld the 8 names for tonight/tomorrow at least...

Curious.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 27, 2016, 10:48:30 PM
And as a reminder - if those names do not have any connection with the national team then they will need a new thread
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on September 27, 2016, 10:50:00 PM
There is no way that someone in his position should be sitting down with some random "business men" to talk about "consultancy". It is simple he employs an agent they talk if there is some basis for a deal heads of agreement are drafted submitted to the FA for approval. If they are happy go ahead if not thanks but no thanks.

It is that bloody simple but of course there is always the possibility that the FA might say no and bang goes the £400k. So off team Allardyce goes out for a little chat but even then Sam could have been a little less forthcoming rather than running his mouth like  a half drunk sales manager  in a Holiday Inn bar.

It is debatable as to what is greater the man's stupidity or his greed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 27, 2016, 10:53:44 PM
And as a reminder - if those names do not have any connection with the national team then they will need a new thread

Of course, but as it was a case of "no news" I couldn't be bothered starting one  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Loughborough Baggy on September 27, 2016, 11:13:50 PM
He isn't the only one though is he. He is probably in the MAJORITY! Yes, as position as England manager that makes his position untenable I suppose, but like I say, there are probably a large number of managers at the higher levels of the game who are taking full advantage of the money flying around in the game in this era. Where there is serious wealth in a particular sport/game/industry, there will ALWAYS be greed and ALWAYS be corruption. That's the nature of the beast that the game in the SKY generation has created.
You are right about Human nature and greed but Alladyce makes me 100% sick.  He did this as England manager on a contract of £3m.  For over the last decade I have given freely of my time to coach junior players in local clubs.  I deserve better.  Many many others do the same week in week out.  They deserve better.  Local FA officials work hard with us to improve the game.  They deserve better.  An incredibly stupid, selfish & arrogant act by Alladyce.       
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on September 28, 2016, 07:28:44 AM
What else to expect from a Dingle?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: swad35 on September 28, 2016, 07:40:35 AM
Has to be said what a great bit of investigative journalism they obviously went after Allardyce....looking forward to seeing what else they found out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 28, 2016, 07:46:45 AM
Has to be said what a great bit of investigative journalism they obviously went after Allardyce....looking forward to seeing what else they found out.

I disagree completely, they have no interest in exposing corruption, simply to sell papers.

I do feel a bit sorry for Sam, he has wanted this job all his life and his own stupidity ruined it. He had to be sacked though, and the argument of "everyone does it" that I've seen on here is no defence at all. If you stood up in court and used the defence of "everyone else does it" you wouldn't last 5 minutes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on September 28, 2016, 08:38:16 AM
He obviously has no defence or else there would have been claims , counter claims and threats of court action etc. With hindsight Sam was probably an easy target given his connections to previous dodging dealings.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jordie1471 on September 28, 2016, 09:07:33 AM
No sympathy at all with him i'm afraid.  If its true that he's really in the majority with this behaviour then the majority should all be punished for corruption too.

Cant see him managing again but people will eventually forget and he can live off his piles and piles of money as a pundit on the next setanta so he will be ok.

Moving forward, Id be happy to see Bruce given a go. The Wenger rumours and short odds are also certainly interesting to say the least
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on September 28, 2016, 09:42:45 AM
I bet there's more than a few Premiership managers with twitchy bits this morning
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on September 28, 2016, 10:14:59 AM
Doubt this was about the money..400k is a lot but not to him..think this was more the kudos and ego of being the England Manager..and a lot of "look at me I can make things happen"...also what on earth were his 2 accomplices thinking...just shows that you don't need to have much up top to make money in this game...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on September 28, 2016, 11:20:29 AM
Doubt this was about the money..400k is a lot but not to him..think this was more the kudos and ego of being the England Manager..and a lot of "look at me I can make things happen"...also what on earth were his 2 accomplices thinking...just shows that you don't need to have much up top to make money in this game...
Yep, all about ego and trying to be the big man.
Shot down his lifelong ambition, let that be a lesson to all the billy big balls starting out in the game thinking they are untouchable.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on September 28, 2016, 11:41:58 AM
So he is clearing off abroad to chill out and reflect...makes it sound like an unfair sacking rather than a cheat who has been found out.. enjoy Asia Sam..no doubt they will welcome you with open arms !!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on September 28, 2016, 01:05:17 PM
Allardyce will have a little break to let the dust settle, then any team in or around the bottom 3 come Christmas will be begging him to take them on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on September 28, 2016, 01:12:09 PM
"entrapment has won this time"

don't get entrapped then you greedy sod...you could have said No and not been so eager to tell people how to get round FA and FIFA rules.

How you can blame undercover reporters for outing you as the greedy cheat you are is unbelievable of him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 28, 2016, 01:24:34 PM
"entrapment has won this time"

don't get entrapped then you greedy sod...you could have said No and not been so eager to tell people how to get round FA and FIFA rules.

How you can blame undercover reporters for outing you as the greedy cheat you are is unbelievable of him

Too thick to know when to shut up ! Eejit

I do wonder why FA do not insist upon having their own team "support" the Manager, it should be a contractual obligation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on September 28, 2016, 01:27:05 PM
"entrapment has won this time"

don't get entrapped then you greedy sod...you could have said No and not been so eager to tell people how to get round FA and FIFA rules.

How you can blame undercover reporters for outing you as the greedy cheat you are is unbelievable of him
This quote annoys me more than anything.  >:(
Get over yourself and keep your grubby self importance away from English footie!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on September 28, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
Too thick to know when to shut up ! Eejit

I do wonder why FA do not insist upon having their own team "support" the Manager, it should be a contractual obligation.
I heard a journalist on TS suggest they used to but recent FA "cuts" have meant they no longer do this.  ???
Must be tough making every penny count at the FA.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 28, 2016, 01:35:01 PM
I heard a journalist on TS suggest they used to but recent FA "cuts" have meant they no longer do this.  ???
Must be tough making every penny count at the FA.

With the amount of money that is swashing about in football, that is the worst excuse I have ever heard.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 28, 2016, 03:21:38 PM
"entrapment has won this time"

don't get entrapped then you greedy sod...you could have said No and not been so eager to tell people how to get round FA and FIFA rules.

How you can blame undercover reporters for outing you as the greedy cheat you are is unbelievable of him

Exactly! Should have thought about his job rather than filling his pockets. No sympathy for him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 28, 2016, 07:37:08 PM
I'm not sure entrapment won, but I'd bet 400k they could get a late equaliser against the villa  :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: weareblueweare white on September 29, 2016, 05:25:04 PM
Ralf Rangnick's name has sprung up again http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/10598372/fa-keen-to-speak-to-ralf-rangnick-over-england-job
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 29, 2016, 05:28:12 PM
Ralf Rangnick's name has sprung up again http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/10598372/fa-keen-to-speak-to-ralf-rangnick-over-england-job

Didn't he have a pretty horrendous time after the tenuous link with us pre Mel?

I'm in work or I'd look it up myself.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on September 29, 2016, 06:50:29 PM
Didn't he have a pretty horrendous time after the tenuous link with us pre Mel?

I'm in work or I'd look it up myself.
Think the only manager job he had after the link with us was with Leipzig, where he had about a 60 per cent win rate, so the sort of horrendous that would make him a cult hero here  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 29, 2016, 07:58:27 PM
Think the only manager job he had after the link with us was with Leipzig, where he had about a 60 per cent win rate, so the sort of horrendous that would make him a cult hero here  :D

Cheers must have been thinking of someone else  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on October 02, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Southgate gone for just the 3 CM's then in his squad...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on October 04, 2016, 04:55:16 PM
So Southgate picks Glenn Johnson over Craig Dawson, an aged injury-prone right-back. Then Johnson gets injured so he picks Michael Keane.

I've never been one to overly praise our own players but come on...that's a joke.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ian66 on October 04, 2016, 05:09:32 PM
So Southgate picks Glenn Johnson over Craig Dawson, an aged injury-prone right-back. Then Johnson gets injured so he picks Michael Keane.

I've never been one to overly praise our own players but come on...that's a joke.
Agree, Johnson was off the pace at the last world cup in Brazil 2 years ago, so why he was picked I'll never know?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on October 04, 2016, 08:08:15 PM
So Southgate picks Glenn Johnson over Craig Dawson, an aged injury-prone right-back. Then Johnson gets injured so he picks Michael Keane.

I've never been one to overly praise our own players but come on...that's a joke.

In fairness Craig Dawson works for us because of the way we play but even then I think we could get better as although he's improved he's still clearly a centre-half at right-back. I'm amazed anyone would seriously consider him for the National side at full-back regardless of a clear lack of options past Walker and Clyne.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on October 04, 2016, 10:22:16 PM
In fairness Craig Dawson works for us because of the way we play but even then I think we could get better as although he's improved he's still clearly a centre-half at right-back. I'm amazed anyone would seriously consider him for the National side at full-back regardless of a clear lack of options past Walker and Clyne.
I agree with this - he'll never get near the side with those 2 around. However, my point was more aimed towards Southgate being clueless. It may be because he's relatively young and English but he's always had an easy ride as a manager. Relegated a good Boro side then did fairly poor at U21 level, he doesn't deserve the England job even as a temp.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 05, 2016, 06:34:30 AM
So Southgate picks Glenn Johnson over Craig Dawson, an aged injury-prone right-back. Then Johnson gets injured so he picks Michael Keane.

I've never been one to overly praise our own players but come on...that's a joke.

Always amazes me why the FA put their arms around a player who won very little in his playing career  like Southgate and bring him into the FA fold, yet let the likes of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and the likes who have a winning ,mentality just walk away when their playing days are over.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on October 05, 2016, 06:51:09 AM
Dawson is well down the pecking order at right back. Clyne and Walker are streets ahead and I'd say the way England is set up to play with attacking fullbacks that Johnson and Danny Simpson are still ahead of him. Also factor in that we only tend to take one full back and a centre back who 'can' player right back (like Phil Jones) he's got little to no chance getting in squads.

He needs to be playing at centre back for us.  There's a massive hole at centre back and no one wants to fill it. Cahill is in terrible form, Smalling is woeful, Stones needs a coupe more seasons and Jones just can't get fit.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on October 05, 2016, 01:29:23 PM
Always amazes me why the FA put their arms around a player who won very little in his playing career  like Southgate and bring him into the FA fold, yet let the likes of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and the likes who have a winning ,mentality just walk away when their playing days are over.

We've tried everything with England though haven't we? Best British at the time, experienced, younger, foreign, title winners. Joachim Lowe had never coached a team let alone a national team. The fact is our players aren't that good and certainly don't gel as a team. Maybe Southgate being closer to player's ages might be able to bond them together better than others?

I'd personally go for Eddie Howe longer term. Give him a chance over a number of years to build this young team into something better than we've had.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 05, 2016, 02:14:43 PM
Always amazes me why the FA put their arms around a player who won very little in his playing career  like Southgate and bring him into the FA fold, yet let the likes of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and the likes who have a winning ,mentality just walk away when their playing days are over.


EVERY authority loves a yes man. Bottom line that's the reality.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 05, 2016, 02:53:06 PM
To be fair though, given the three examples listed:

1. Gerrard and Lampard are busy topping up their pensions in America

2. Mr Beckham has his fingers in an awful lot of pies, including one where he acts as an ambassador for the FA
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on October 05, 2016, 04:50:08 PM
To be fair though, given the three examples listed:

1. Gerrard and Lampard are busy topping up their pensions in America

2. Mr Beckham has his fingers in an awful lot of pies, including one where he acts as an ambassador for the FA
So in short....they don't need the money, and definitely don't want the hassle.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 05, 2016, 04:51:17 PM
So in short....they don't need the money, and definitely don't want the hassle.
none of them have even alluded to wanting managerial careers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on October 05, 2016, 04:55:45 PM
Give it to someone who really wants the job Southgate sounds like a good shout to me when you see his record with the under 21`s
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Loughborough Baggy on October 05, 2016, 09:52:58 PM
Part of the reason why England have to have full backs who can bomb down the pitch is that we dont have central midfielders who can can create anything so the pace down the flanks is the only way we can get behind the enemy lines.  Dawson will surely move to centre back within the next couple of years.

When we're discussing Southgate and Howe as potential England managers it tells you everything you need to know about the lack of English managerial talent.  And I dont buy this rubbish about foreign managers blocking the path of English managers.  OK, so the top 4 or 5 clubs in the land will always go for the tried and tested and even the odd has been (Van whatsit at United) but after that its open season.  The Shearers and Gerrards are too wealthy and ambition less to become managers.

When everybody was jabbering on about Rooney playing too deep in midfield nobody said who he was keeping out of the team.  We dont have any ball playing central midfielders and until we do we'll win nothing.  Might as well give it to Southgate; at least he's honest and will look to develop and encourage the players he's got.   

 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 06, 2016, 09:49:40 AM
none of them have even alluded to wanting managerial careers.

Gerrard has on numerous occasions
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 06, 2016, 09:51:35 AM
Part of the reason why England have to have full backs who can bomb down the pitch is that we dont have central midfielders who can can create anything so the pace down the flanks is the only way we can get behind the enemy lines.  Dawson will surely move to centre back within the next couple of years.

When we're discussing Southgate and Howe as potential England managers it tells you everything you need to know about the lack of English managerial talent.  And I dont buy this rubbish about foreign managers blocking the path of English managers.  OK, so the top 4 or 5 clubs in the land will always go for the tried and tested and even the odd has been (Van whatsit @ United) but after that its open season.  The Shearers and Gerrards are too wealthy and ambition less to become managers.

When everybody was jabbering on about Rooney playing too deep in midfield nobody said who he was keeping out of the team.  We dont have any ball playing central midfielders and until we do we'll win nothing.  Might as well give it to Southgate; at least he's honest and will look to develop and encourage the players he's got.   


Danny Drinkwater and he was bombed out and not taken the tournament which was a travesty
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 06, 2016, 10:34:29 AM
Managers aside, any England away followers on here?

Have you booked anything yet for France (a) and Malta (a)?

Just sorted France for £95 return , but trying to do Malta cheaply isn't ideal, at the moment our planned route is Luton - Malta (4 nights) then onto Rome for two and home .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 06, 2016, 11:45:24 AM
Managers aside, any England away followers on here?

Have you booked anything yet for France (a) and Malta (a)?

Just sorted France for £95 return , but trying to do Malta cheaply isn't ideal, at the moment our planned route is Luton - Malta (4 nights) then onto Rome for two and home .

How much does it tend to cost you mate?

I don't have any great affiliation for the national side but visiting new parts of the world with England fans is something that appeals to me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 06, 2016, 11:58:45 AM
How much does it tend to cost you mate?

I don't have any great affiliation for the national side but visiting new parts of the world with England fans is something that appeals to me

Varies mate, France return flight was £90, and the Malta flights were £160 but that includes a few days in Rome. Add digs on to that obviously. Most places we tend to look for £30ish a night places to stay, so it's not too expensive, and we always book pay on the day hotels. Spreads the cost out.

I went to Slovakia last month , superb trip, cost £120 flight and £100 hotel for 3 nights 4 days, did a day trip to Vienna too, and only spent £150 spends over the four days.

Spending is your main thing really, depends on your budget and how crazy you go.

The Euros has been my biggest outlay so far with England, 17 nights , all over France but a superb trip taking in all the England games and 5 other games. Hotels , flights, trains , tickets and spends probably the best part of £3,500.

You should get involved mate, it's not really about the football 90% of the time, more the traveling and seeing new places.  I never thought I'd ever really go to places like San Marino, but that's ticked off now too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jeremy Roland Peace on October 06, 2016, 12:23:38 PM
Managers aside, any England away followers on here?

Have you booked anything yet for France (a) and Malta (a)?

Just sorted France for £95 return , but trying to do Malta cheaply isn't ideal, at the moment our planned route is Luton - Malta (4 nights) then onto Rome for two and home .

we usually fly from East Mids to Malta but it's not a regular flight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 06, 2016, 12:31:28 PM
we usually fly from East Mids to Malta but it's not a regular flight

Ye looked at that option, but was expensive back..

Managed to do Luton to Malta, Malta to Rome, Rome to Birmingham for £156 in total so not bad.

Any recommendations on where to stay in Malta? Looking at St Julians
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on October 06, 2016, 04:46:10 PM
Ye looked at that option, but was expensive back..

Managed to do Luton to Malta, Malta to Rome, Rome to Birmingham for £156 in total so not bad.

Any recommendations on where to stay in Malta? Looking at St Julians

Stayed in St Julian last year with a few pals.

We stayed in a cheap hotel called the Blue Sea St George or something along those lines. By far the cheapest one in the area.

We enjoy our boozy trips away and we've stayed in a fair few *hitholes and hostels, but that place takes the biscuit. You get what you paid for. Bathroom had flooded when we arrived, bed had no sheets, shower was just a pipe attached to the tap in the sink.

St Julians is spot on though! Great nightlife

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 07, 2016, 12:21:32 PM
Stayed in St Julian last year with a few pals.

We stayed in a cheap hotel called the Blue Sea St George or something along those lines. By far the cheapest one in the area.

We enjoy our boozy trips away and we've stayed in a fair few *hitholes and hostels, but that place takes the biscuit. You get what you paid for. Bathroom had flooded when we arrived, bed had no sheets, shower was just a pipe attached to the tap in the sink.

St Julians is spot on though! Great nightlife

Cheers will swerve that one then  :D

Booked Lithuania away today, flying to Vilnius, then train straight to Minsk in Belarus for a few nights, hopefully getting tickets to Belarus vs Holland whilst there, then back to Vilnius for our game and a few nights there, then home.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 08, 2016, 07:26:13 PM
Poor today!!

England was always a big love of mine but they are boring and can't even breakdown a rubbish Malta side

I've pretty much lost interest in them

We are rubbish
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 08, 2016, 08:10:13 PM
Poor today!!

England was always a big love of mine but they are boring and can't even breakdown a rubbish Malta side

I've pretty much lost interest in them

We are rubbish

Yes this was the Malta side that lost 1-5 at home to Scotland. I read in the Daily Star that Gareth Southgate said the players should be brave and have a go at Malta. What a joke!, be brave at home to lowly Malta oh dear.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 08, 2016, 08:26:54 PM
Pity really. I like Southgate and hope he does well.
I feel sorry for any England manager because he doesn't have an abundance of world class players at his disposal.
I think we need to realise that we are no longer a world power on the international football stage.
Other teams that lack quality make up for that with enthusiasm and desire, something sadly lacking from the English footballers psyche.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: P Anderson on October 08, 2016, 08:31:51 PM
Definitely agree 100%

But I honestly believe that this is going to last a good while longer.

Until more English players and managers start playing/ managing abroad for a living, we will never understand why we are failing so badly.
We have the players and all the facilities, along with the richest league in the world.

Nearly every player in the current team plays here in this country and has never played abroad. When you compare this to every other successful national side around the world. There is a massive difference.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on October 08, 2016, 08:38:02 PM
I look at that England side and genuinely believe it is the worst squad I can remember in 30 years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on October 08, 2016, 09:07:55 PM
I look at that England side and genuinely believe it is the worst squad I can remember in 30 years.
Possibly, I'm not that old but looking at this team compared to the players Sven had is ridiculous.

Nonetheless, a poor performance from Southgate, hopefully he is just the interim - nice bloke and all but not a winner in my view.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 08, 2016, 09:11:51 PM
I look at that England side and genuinely believe it is the worst squad I can remember in 30 years.

It absolutely is mate agreed

Terrible squad imo no real class or personalities left in the side
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on October 08, 2016, 09:58:42 PM
80,000 + there tonight. Was it 'kid for a quid'?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on October 08, 2016, 10:21:13 PM
I didnt think we play too badly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on October 08, 2016, 11:06:32 PM
Should pick teams based on players in form not who they play for. Why did the likes of Cahill, Rooney, Sturridge all start?! I'd have had an entirely different front 4
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on October 09, 2016, 04:16:17 AM
Definitely agree 100%

But I honestly believe that this is going to last a good while longer.

Until more English players and managers start playing/ managing abroad for a living, we will never understand why we are failing so badly.
We have the players and all the facilities, along with the richest league in the world.

Nearly every player in the current team plays here in this country and has never played abroad. When you compare this to every other successful national side around the world. There is a massive difference.

I don't get the rationale for this, and there's just no fact for it.

2006 all of the Italian team played in Italy. 2010 all of the Spain first 11 played in Spain. 2014, only 2 of the German first 11 played out of Germany.

Spain 2008 (2), Spain 2012 (1) and even most the Greece side of 2004 played in Greece.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 09, 2016, 05:10:14 AM
I didnt think we play too badly.


I thought we were poor. The pundits were raving about Lingard at half time. Why? It's the new boy syndrome look at everything on the positive side. Half a dozen games down the line no-one would be raving about his performance, he was simply average. Sturridge, Walcott, Rooney (now) none of them cut it at international level. Henderson was our best player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on October 09, 2016, 08:59:53 AM

I thought we looked ok, but the opposition were very poor so judgment is still out for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on October 09, 2016, 09:34:53 AM
As i repeatedly say in pub discussions  whether we were good , bad or indifferent hardly matters because like it or not that is pretty much the team and certainly the squad most of us would pick.,In other words the best we have. What is scary is the number of players NOT regular choices for their clubs (has Gibbs started a league game this season?)on that basis alone we can never be serious contenders
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on October 09, 2016, 10:16:17 AM
As i repeatedly say in pub discussions  whether we were good , bad or indifferent hardly matters because like it or not that is pretty much the team and certainly the squad most of us would pick.,In other words the best we have. What is scary is the number of players NOT regular choices for their clubs (has Gibbs started a league game this season?)on that basis alone we can never be serious contenders

Personally I think our fourth choice left back being second choice at Arsenal is not a bad situation. The three ahead of him are all nailed on picks for their clubs.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ian66 on October 09, 2016, 10:20:44 AM
As i repeatedly say in pub discussions  whether we were good , bad or indifferent hardly matters because like it or not that is pretty much the team and certainly the squad most of us would pick.,In other words the best we have. What is scary is the number of players NOT regular choices for their clubs (has Gibbs started a league game this season?)on that basis alone we can never be serious contenders
But are they the best we've got for the system we play? We always seem to pick the so called best players from the top 6 clubs in the PL and we fail.

Could we not look at the less fashionable clubs for players that are better suited for the system.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: P Anderson on October 09, 2016, 12:24:04 PM
My rational behind it Robbo is: look at Gareth Bale, messi, and other world class players. They all all play in foreign countries and have improved massively, as they are not limited by the single minded thinking of how the game should be played.
Bale had a great euro's competition, Ronaldo was a winner in the same competition.
Most world class managers have managed in lots of foreign countries, therefore are also not limited by "how the game is supposed to be played".

If you look at the English game, it is structured in static formations in which positions for each and every player is limited and has to stay in there position for the system to work.
For instance Rooney yesterday had a free role, and all he did all game was sit in a defensive midfield role trying to dictate play and spread balls around the pitch ( a position he dose t naturally play and there are better equipped players for) which in my opinion was just a waste and really showed how limited he is as a player.

Has anyone also noticed the difference when Portugal or most other competing countries go down to 10 men they always seem to cope better than England. This IMO is simply because of the structure and our inability to change and adapt our game.

In England a left back is a left back and is not challenged to learn or try other positions. Where this seems to be a very different story abroad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on October 09, 2016, 01:06:55 PM
My rational behind it Robbo is: look at Gareth Bale, messi, and other world class players. They all all play in foreign countries and have improved massively, as they are not limited by the single minded thinking of how the game should be played.
Bale had a great euro's competition, Ronaldo was a winner in the same competition.
Most world class managers have managed in lots of foreign countries, therefore are also not limited by "how the game is supposed to be played".

If you look at the English game, it is structured in static formations in which positions for each and every player is limited and has to stay in there position for the system to work.
For instance Rooney yesterday had a free role, and all he did all game was sit in a defensive midfield role trying to dictate play and spread balls around the pitch ( a position he dose t naturally play and there are better equipped players for) which in my opinion was just a waste and really showed how limited he is as a player.

Has anyone also noticed the difference when Portugal or most other competing countries go down to 10 men they always seem to cope better than England. This IMO is simply because of the structure and our inability to change and adapt our game.

In England a left back is a left back and is not challenged to learn or try other positions. Where this seems to be a very different story abroad

You're argument was that successful teams have had players play in overseas leagues, which just isn't true when you look at the last 7 or 8 competition winners (barring Portugal - but they still had half and barely deserved it). So the notion that this is necessary to help England isn't backed up wth any fact.

Basically if a county has a good standard league with good money, MOST of the Nationals will stay and play in that league. Ie. Spain, England, Italy, Germany. Messi plays abroad because the Argentina league is poor and he would earn 5% of what he does now. Same with Ronaldo, and anyone else from a country with a league with less money. Not the style of play.

Sven, Capello and Hodgson all managed in many different counties and that didn't seem to help.

Your comments about red cards and Rooney seem to have gone off on a bit of a tangent regarding playing overseas. But if anyone had a free role yesterday it was Alli not Rooney. And the last couple tournament games we've gone down to 10 men we've still taken Argentina and Portugal to pens.

I agree Rooney shouldn't be playing midfield for me. But I think it's strange how on one sense your complaining about that, and then you finished with players in England not getting tested in other positions, with you left back example.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: P Anderson on October 09, 2016, 02:42:08 PM
But surely if more English players were encouraged to play abroad, we would have a bigger pool to choose players from and they would not only be schooled in the English game. Messi would not have made it over here as he would have been classed as too small and not strong enough, but at this moment he would walk in to the England side.
This is just another limitation to the way our home game is structured.

As for Hodgeson, and the other two managers mentioned, these are just more yes men for the FA to instruct. Brian clough was the best England manager that 'never was' as he was too outspoken and too revolutionary to be tolerated at the time.

Don't get me wrong Robbo I agree with some of your arguments, but in the last 20 years England have not achieved much and there has been many investigations into why, but here we are still discussing so many frailties i.e. The FA, player standards managers and plans for the future of our national game.

The top sides in this country have tons of young foreign players, which IMO is another reason we are limited on what we have to pick from. I bet there aren't many English youngsters learning their trade aboard.

The top teams have foreign owners, foreign managers and are mostly made up of foreign players, they are only interested in their own sucess short term and long term. They don't care about the progession of our national game, one of the ways to combat this (in my humble opinion) is to encourage more players and managers to ply their trade in other countries.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 09, 2016, 03:20:55 PM
Whilst  i agree with the posters on here who say English players should ply their trade abroad the overriding factor is the majority of the foreign players who play here are playing because of the money that TV has ploughed into the game. English players would not go abroad if it meant taking a pay cut.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: P Anderson on October 09, 2016, 04:03:53 PM
Then we must all agree that the national game is effectively doomed until money is no longer the main draw for players and managers in English football.
Can't see this happening anytime soon >:( :'(

Like I have stated: the English national set up is way too limited
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on October 09, 2016, 04:26:27 PM
The successes of the likes of Spain, Germany etc is based on their coaching and mentalities at grassroots. All of of the home nations fundamentally fail in this regard.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 10, 2016, 04:39:31 PM
Dire wasn't it, left on 70 minutes I was that bored, saying that still gutted im not in Slovenia now for tomorrows game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 10, 2016, 04:49:11 PM
Dire wasn't it, left on 70 minutes I was that bored, saying that still gutted im not in Slovenia now for tomorrows game

Went Ljubljana last year for the 3-2 game and it is a fantastic city. Ive also had to give this and the Slovakia game last month a miss as I have spent quite a lot the last two years on England away and especially at the Euros for 16 days.

Will be back on them next year though, definitely an addiction. The football is literally just 25% of the England away experience, visiting places like Ljubljana and San Marino is what does it for me, places you would very rarely visit if it wasn't for the football turn out to be the best.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 10, 2016, 04:57:37 PM
Went Ljubljana last year for the 3-2 game and it is a fantastic city. Ive also had to give this and the Slovakia game last month a miss as I have spent quite a lot the last two years on England away and especially at the Euros for 16 days.

Will be back on them next year though, definitely an addiction. The football is literally just 25% of the England away experience, visiting places like Ljubljana and San Marino is what does it for me, places you would very rarely visit if it wasn't for the football turn out to be the best.

Bang on. Lithuania now booked too with a few days in Belarus. All aways now covered for Malta, Lithuania, Scotland and France.

Hoping we sort another game out March too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 10, 2016, 05:04:32 PM
We got to go to a few interesting places with the Anglo Italian Cup apparently..... ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on October 11, 2016, 09:13:03 PM
Is that our Bostjan Cesar?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 11, 2016, 09:31:33 PM
Is that our Bostjan Cesar?

Yep the one and only

Could we be any poorer a team, we are awful

It was less than 12 months ago we played France and Germany and looked good and now this....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 11, 2016, 10:06:57 PM
Is that our Bostjan Cesar?
Gerim back Tony
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on October 11, 2016, 10:22:07 PM
That were shocking.

How is Sturridge in this team?!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 11, 2016, 10:24:34 PM
Cahill, Walcott, Lingard and sturridge were woeful. Except for Hart the rest weren't much better!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on October 11, 2016, 10:35:05 PM
Tactically inept i hope several in the media are slinking off into the abyss and could they please take Gareth their puppet/plaything with them. That performance was in many ways much worse than Saturday and but for Joe Hart would have been 3 or 4 nil. One final thought (for now), Jesse Lingard................why just why !!??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on October 11, 2016, 10:47:11 PM
its all too pally pally for me, who gives a rollocking to a player when he screws up? who has a go at sturridge for being a selfish waste of space? who the flip ever thought southgate and Sammy lee would be running the England team?
so many players out of there depth at international football its ridiculous.
Walcott has never been good enough, he's quick that's it.
lingard  HOW & WHY?


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 11, 2016, 11:05:44 PM
Jordan Henderson  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 12, 2016, 08:51:47 AM
That 14 last night, only Hart and Sturridge (with a mite of service) are even remotely international standard.

The fact the awful Jordan Henderson is now our best midfielder beggars belief. We're a very long way from winning anything.

Time to start picking clever footballers not athletes. All the Spurs players can go for me, Rooney's time is up, Walcott and Lingard are dire, the centre backs accidents waiting to happen.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 12, 2016, 10:37:50 AM
Whats happened to Dele Alli??

He looks bang average right now

Poor poor England team, no guile or flair, lack of service

Most of that team is not international standard
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 12, 2016, 11:23:14 AM
Whats happened to Dele Alli??

He looks bang average right now

Poor poor England team, no guile or flair, lack of service

Most of that team is not international standard
Alli does look awful as do Dier and Rose, let's hope they keep up the good work on Saturday!

To be honest, nothing changes whoever we put out or whoever we play, apart from the true minnows, we always look technically inferior. No composure or vision, the amount of times we had to play back into our own 18 yard box was unbelievable and almost cost us on more than one occasion. Passing and movement was dreadful, yet they still carry an arrogant swagger as if they are superior.

Hate to say it but it needs someone to come in and say:
"Look lads you are not as good as you think you are, or your pay packets suggest, in fact you are rubbish. The only way you can succeed is by working aard, knowing your limitations and parking the bus, maybe we'll start with 4 Centre Halves"
Anyone spring to mind?
N.B Tongue only partly planted in cheek.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 12, 2016, 12:13:33 PM
I thought Rose was the only outfield player to acquit himself well.

The rest were poor or very poor.

As for tactics the only tactical thing I saw was hart playing it out to the split C-H's rather than hoofing it, very poor management and an exceptionally poor squad who have one thing in their favour- fitness.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2016, 12:30:51 PM
What part does southgate play in that debacle, he did pick the squad and the team, maybe we just dont have many international footballers capable at the moment.
For me Southgate is not the man to lead england. Quite possibly the worst England performance in my lifetime last night
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on October 12, 2016, 12:34:00 PM
Last night was so poor, but that's where we are at.

We don't have many world class players, or many that would get into top european or world sides. Sturridge is the best we have but he has not concept of passing the ball.

Henderson was a complete joke last night, and I have no idea why Lingard gets in?

Mention for Joe Hart, some top saves, including one of the best I've ever seen
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 12, 2016, 12:35:05 PM
What part does southgate play in that debacle, he did pick the squad and the team, maybe we just dont have many international footballers capable at the moment.
For me Southgate is not the man to lead england. Quite possibly the worst England performance in my lifetime last night

Probably the same for me aswell

Never seen an England side look so incapable

Southgate is not the man I'm not sure there is an British person good enough or experienced enough to take the job.

My money is on Wenger next summer
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 12, 2016, 12:42:53 PM
Doesn't matter who's in charge or who's in the team, we have to face facts.
The world no longer fears playing England.
We don't have the players with the technical ability or the nouse to compete on a regular basis with the likes of Spain, France and Germany.
Our players look good in their Premiership homes because they are playing with some of the best players in Europe alongside them and I think that flatters a lot of them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 12, 2016, 12:47:23 PM
Football, a relatively straight forward game made complicated by coaches and managers  :-X .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 12, 2016, 12:53:27 PM
half the players wouldn't be in the team if they didn't have pace. Team full of athletes with no technical ability!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 12, 2016, 01:05:25 PM
The FA need to take a long hard look at it's Coaching Manual. We are years behind the top teams in Europe. Having tall, powerful,fitness based players does not cut it anymore.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 12, 2016, 01:21:32 PM
half the players wouldn't be in the team if they didn't have pace. Team full of athletes with no technical ability!


This has been a MAJOR problem for years and until we stop picking athletes we will never be a force. Walcott, Sturridge, Lingard, Sterling - none of them are good enough footballers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 12, 2016, 02:53:07 PM

This has been a MAJOR problem for years and until we stop picking athletes we will never be a force. Walcott, Sturridge, Lingard, Sterling - none of them are good enough footballers.

Agree with 3 of those but Sturridge is the most technically gifted player in the squad not remotely an 'athlete' in football terms.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 12, 2016, 02:54:51 PM
Agree with 3 of those but Sturridge is the most technically gifted player in the squad not remotely an 'athlete' in football terms.


Sturridge is awful. All flicks and twenty yard selfish efforts that rarely test the keeper.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 12, 2016, 05:36:06 PM

Sturridge is awful. All flicks and twenty yard selfish efforts that rarely test the keeper.

Yawn, he's better than Kane, Vardy and Rashford and that's all that really matters.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on October 12, 2016, 06:53:01 PM
Yawn, he's better than Kane, Vardy and Rashford and that's all that really matters.

Must be all those goals hes scored recently.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on October 12, 2016, 11:42:14 PM
Sturridge is so awful he can`t get in the Liverpool team and the way he plays for England you can see why selfish p///t not in the same league as Kane,  Rashford, Welbeck and even Rooney is still better than him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on October 13, 2016, 04:35:56 PM
Hart's still England's second best keeper. One amazing performance doesn't change that in my opinion. Baines is technically England's best LB but has been shocking in an England shirt. Stones is a class act in my opinion, raw but still more than good enough. Dier should be put alongside him. At RB there's no outstanding player, Milner might be a short term answer.

The midfield, Alli aside, is devoid of talent and even he is yet two string two performances together. Lallana turned a corner in the Euro's and Chamberlain is quality but needs to move on at club level to salvage his international career.

Up top there is no Shearer, Sheringham.... just English strikers hyped by the media not even close to the two players mentioned.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 13, 2016, 04:43:29 PM
bring big sam back i say
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on October 13, 2016, 07:18:59 PM
Just heard a lot of the London fans still want Redknapp as England manager they need to get a life and move on from him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on October 13, 2016, 07:44:24 PM
I'd like to see Wenger as England manager if he leaves Arsenal at the end of the season. I just don't see a good enough English manager out there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 14, 2016, 09:52:32 AM
are the crop of footballers good enough to compete in finals whoever the manager is. Maybe the premier league is to blame for the state of our international performances
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on November 01, 2016, 04:50:26 PM
This might even warrant its own thread but here it is. Bloody disgraceful.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37832115 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37832115)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 01, 2016, 06:32:34 PM
This might even warrant its own thread but here it is. Bloody disgraceful.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37832115 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37832115)

Fully agree with you on this jimmy  the match is on our pitch in our country we should tell that corrupt Fifa to do one and wear the poppy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 01, 2016, 06:50:13 PM
Feel strongly about the poppy ban?
https://www.change.org/p/fifa-let-england-and-scotland-footballers-wear-their-poppies-with-pride?recruiter=193437711&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 02, 2016, 10:04:22 AM
whos going to the Scotland game, whos excited about this game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 02, 2016, 10:08:18 AM
whos going to the Scotland game, whos excited about this game

I'm going to it, they've been allocated 14,000 I think but they'll have thousands more.

Wembley should have a good atmosphere for a change
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 02, 2016, 10:24:16 AM
Fully agree with you on this jimmy  the match is on our pitch in our country we should tell that corrupt Fifa to do one and wear the poppy.

A bit like the EU this isn't it? Some corrupt 'Johnny Foreigner' organisation telling us what we should do.....

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on November 02, 2016, 12:34:42 PM
whos going to the Scotland game, whos excited about this game

We'll be there. Some great games to look forward to in the next few games with Scotland Home and Away and a trip to Dortmund in March and Paris in June  :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 03, 2016, 06:36:05 AM
At least we've grown a pair on this one and OUR FA are going to defy FIFA.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3897266/FA-bosses-say-defy-FIFA-s-ban-poppies.html

Cheeky fekers
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on November 03, 2016, 08:49:51 AM
Wearing an armband is probably the best idea. Unless I'm mistaken FIFA's ruling only concerns emblems worn on the shirt? Since the armband isn't part of the shirt then it should be able to get round any idea of a punishment.





Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 03, 2016, 09:48:20 AM
I`M going England v Scotland with my Daughter and 2 son`s in law looking forward to it first time i`ve managed to get tickets for this event so i became a England supporters club member so much easier to get tickets.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 03, 2016, 09:58:00 AM
Will the supporters be showing poppy flags did i hear, that will look great
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scruffy Stan on November 03, 2016, 02:21:42 PM
I`M going England v Scotland with my Daughter and 2 son`s in law looking forward to it first time i`ve managed to get tickets for this event so i became a England supporters club member so much easier to get tickets.
Have a great time, but I shouldn't let on that your daughter has 2 husbands or you could get your collars felt.  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 03, 2016, 04:40:58 PM
like it and i`m not changing it  goes with my 2 wifes LOL retract that one`s enough but thanks will enjoy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 07, 2016, 09:40:08 AM
another uninspiring squad, the failures of the summer
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on November 07, 2016, 11:41:00 AM
I'm so glad Wilshire is in the squad again as I can remember all of the brilliant things he's done for us recently and over the years...........

Another pathetic squad largely filled with 'core players' who always get picked due to being connected to certain teams. Southgate is just another boring yes man with no imagination. We're no better than the likes of Poland etc at international level so don't bother getting your hopes up in the next tournament (as usual) as we'll fail as spectacularly as we always do.

Other than that, great stuff :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 07, 2016, 11:50:47 AM
Cannot see whats wrong with the squad there are no other better players to bring into it has to stick with what we`ve got
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 07, 2016, 12:22:25 PM
Cannot see whats wrong with the squad there are no other better players to bring into it has to stick with what we`ve got

Antonio deserves to be in there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on November 07, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
The irritating thing is that they clearly don't take any kind of form into account otherwise Vardy would have been left out and Charlie Austin would have been given the chance instead.I understand managers will need players that fit the way they actually want to set up but its still frustrating to see the same old faces.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 07, 2016, 02:15:23 PM
ANTONIO is not better than anyone in the squad picked ahead of him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 07, 2016, 02:38:00 PM
To be fair i hope Scotland stick it up us, its a far to cushy life for anything england. cant be bothered anymore give me cricket anyday all day
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on November 07, 2016, 03:27:24 PM
Waste of time are England.  The squad is picked by the media and anyone in form is discounted if they play for an unfashionable club or championship club.  Managers are solely there to toe the line with these celebrities.  It needs someone to change the system.  Look at the way Vardy has gone, prima donna like the rest.  If we beat Scotland then big deal, we do have x10 their population!  For younger WBA fans go back to 78/79 when Statham, Batson, Robson, Cunningham and Regis were all ignored.


 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 07, 2016, 03:29:40 PM
Waste of time are England.  The squad is picked by the media and anyone in form is discounted if they play for an unfashionable club or championship club.  Managers are solely there to toe the line with these celebrities.  It needs someone to change the system.  Look at the way Vardy has gone, prima donna like the rest.  If we beat Scotland then big deal, we do have x10 their population!  For younger WBA fans go back to 78/79 when Statham, Batson, Robson, Cunningham and Regis were all ignored.
Until Robbo went to man u, then the caps flowed ! It was ever thus!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 07, 2016, 04:11:36 PM
Waste of time are England.  The squad is picked by the media and anyone in form is discounted if they play for an unfashionable club or championship club.  Managers are solely there to toe the line with these celebrities.  It needs someone to change the system.  Look at the way Vardy has gone, prima donna like the rest.  If we beat Scotland then big deal, we do have x10 their population!  For younger WBA fans go back to 78/79 when Statham, Batson, Robson, Cunningham and Regis were all ignored.
Add Bomber to that list.
Shocking the lack of caps these guys got, especially when you look at who kept them out. The likes of Mick Mills, Trevor Cherry, Bob Latchford, Paul Mariner. ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 07, 2016, 07:38:02 PM
Like Albion is my club and i stick by them through thick and thin England is were I was born and will support them through thick and thin i`ll` be there on Friday cheering them on along with the other 80,000 and 10,000 Scots.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 07, 2016, 10:06:52 PM
So with Forster pulling out you would have thought Ben foster would have been called up
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 07, 2016, 10:08:00 PM
So with Forster pulling out you would have thought Ben foster would have been called up

I believe he's unofficially retired. One of those if I'm not first choice you're wasting my time, he only trains a couple of times a week too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: j2burnz on November 07, 2016, 10:14:07 PM
I'm going Friday but I agree Austin deserves a call up, jagielka is a terrible pick I'd like to have seen the boro centre half get a chance.

Striker wise Sturridge & vardy shouldn't be near the squad due to current form.

Kane should be told to find his fitness as well as his best form.

I'd rather see a championship player such as Dwight Gayle who is bang in form, talented and would put 150% in.

England are run by gutless cretins from the top.

What's sad is it wouldn't be difficult to sort it. Put football people in charge who care about english football and not sponsors and image ie charlton, brooking, shearer etc stop trying to copy other nations systems and play the English way. With heart soul and a good tempo.

Sadly it won't happen and we will always be a 2nd rate rubbish side with no passion as the players are muddy coddled and have It all before they're 21

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 08, 2016, 12:07:27 AM
I'm going Friday but I agree Austin deserves a call up, jagielka is a terrible pick I'd like to have seen the boro centre half get a chance.

Striker wise Sturridge & vardy shouldn't be near the squad due to current form.

Kane should be told to find his fitness as well as his best form.

I'd rather see a championship player such as Dwight Gayle who is bang in form, talented and would put 150% in.

England are run by gutless cretins from the top.

What's sad is it wouldn't be difficult to sort it. Put football people in charge who care about english football and not sponsors and image ie charlton, brooking, shearer etc stop trying to copy other nations systems and play the English way. With heart soul and a good tempo.

Sadly it won't happen and we will always be a 2nd rate rubbish side with no passion as the players are muddy coddled and have It all before they're 21

Not having a go, but just out of interest what were your thoughts regarding Dan Ashworth when he was at the Albion?

Did you think he was a gutless cretin who didn't care about the English game back then, or do you think he had his shoulders snapped and his spine removed once he signed up with the FA?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 08, 2016, 11:11:07 AM
Not having a go, but just out of interest what were your thoughts regarding Dan Ashworth when he was at the Albion?

Did you think he was a gutless cretin who didn't care about the English game back then, or do you think he had his shoulders snapped and his spine removed once he signed up with the FA?
Think it's the latter mate. There are obviously genuine football people involved with the FA, but there are far too many bureaucrats and yes men, that suck the soul out of the game.
Just look at Stuart Pearce, gone from one of the most passionate players I have ever seen to a bumbling, monotone, zombie.
 
They talk a lot, but say very little, and what they do say is inoffensive, keep the big clubs happy, prattle. No-one with a genuine voice will ever get chance to be heard.
Southgate will do as he's told and then fall on his sword when it fails and the next clone will take his place. It's like Westworld!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 08, 2016, 11:29:51 AM
Is this the same Dwight Gayle who hardly got a kick for palace for 2 years certainly not good enough as for Austin good striker but not in the same league as Kane,Rooney,Sturridge and Walcott and Troy Deeney is at lot better than Gayle and Plays in the prem not against the likes of Rotherham ,QPR .Burton, Barnsley , Brentford,Wigan and Wolves NO disrespect to any Championship side but you would be expected so score more  against those defenders than virtually all premiership defenders and the players mentioned Charlton,Brooking and Shearer Great footballers but all failed managers so how could they take care of English football and yes i am also going on Friday and will support them with a passion like i always do.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 08, 2016, 04:09:18 PM
The squad should selected by a group like in cricket not just the manager
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: VVVAlbion on November 08, 2016, 04:49:30 PM
The squad should selected by a group like in cricket not just the manager
Referendum anyone? ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 08, 2016, 05:08:10 PM
there should be a case for players in form
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 08, 2016, 05:19:03 PM
The squad should selected by a group like in cricket not just the manager

Why?

They selected the England football team via committee/selectors many moons ago.

I think Walter Winterbottom was the first actual boss to choose the team himself back in 1947.

Can't see the point in going back to the old way.

Probably be even more of a compromise measure.

Let the England manager stand or fall by his own decisions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 08, 2016, 05:35:59 PM
Why?

They selected the England football team via committee/selectors many moons ago.

I think Walter Winterbottom was the first actual boss to choose the team himself back in 1947.

Can't see the point in going back to the old way.

Probably be even more of a compromise measure.

Let the England manager stand or fall by his own decisions.



i doubt that very much
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 08, 2016, 06:28:26 PM
i doubt that very much

Well if he's not making his own decisions, and players are being picked by others, you've already got what you want then  ;) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on November 08, 2016, 10:20:17 PM
I'm so glad Wilshire is in the squad again as I can remember all of the brilliant things he's done for us recently and over the years...........

Another pathetic squad largely filled with 'core players' who always get picked due to being connected to certain teams. Southgate is just another boring yes man with no imagination. We're no better than the likes of Poland etc at international level so don't bother getting your hopes up in the next tournament (as usual) as we'll fail as spectacularly as we always do.

Other than that, great stuff :)

Think Poland are better than us to be honest
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 09, 2016, 01:50:09 PM
I don't know why anyone worries about
. who the manager is
. how the squad is selected
. who is in form........

The fundamental issue is

OUR PLAYERS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

we have to look at why this the case.
Coaching
League structures
The english "style"

until we address these issues, we will keep the same cycle of expectation / disappointment / inquest ..... repeat
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pie on November 09, 2016, 04:28:51 PM
I don't know why anyone worries about
. who the manager is
. how the squad is selected
. who is in form........

The fundamental issue is

OUR PLAYERS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

we have to look at why this the case.
Coaching
League structures
The english "style"

until we address these issues, we will keep the same cycle of expectation / disappointment / inquest ..... repeat

Here here!

The number of qualified coaches in grassroots level football in England is abysmal compared to countries that are successful on the international stage.

I could bang on about how much I hate the "English style" beyond belief but I won't bore you here.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 08:53:45 AM
anybody in glasgow today, i mean london really. jocks everywhere i would imagine
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 11, 2016, 09:09:05 AM
any body in glasgow today, i mean london really. jocks everywhere i would imagine

They'll have at least 20,000 down today. Cup final for them

I'm finishing at 3 and on the 3.55 train. Up the England!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 11, 2016, 10:42:16 AM
Looking forward to today`s match picking daughter up in Warwick at 3 30 going to enjoy beating those Jocks
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 11, 2016, 11:57:35 AM
Safe journey people  8) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 12:37:38 PM
Thank christ after tuesday thats it until March, i think most agree we  miss the premier league weekends
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on November 11, 2016, 07:26:55 PM
Well done to Mozza for getting back in the team. Fully deserved.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 11, 2016, 07:31:18 PM
Indeed Morrison and Fletcher start for the Scots.

England line-up spot on for me aside from Rooney. About time Alli was left out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 11, 2016, 07:51:33 PM
I hope mozza scores two but England win 3-2.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on November 11, 2016, 08:05:40 PM
Pulis for England ... please lol
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 11, 2016, 08:08:10 PM
Stones is an accident waiting to happen.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 11, 2016, 08:12:14 PM
Stones is an accident waiting to happen.

If we're going to improve I've decided players like Stones will be  key and should be encouraged. As long as he realises there is a time for row Z occasionally.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 11, 2016, 08:14:39 PM
If we're going to improve I've decided players like Stones will be  key and should be encouraged. As long as he realises there is a time for row Z occasionally.
Yes when you're last man you don't f##k about!.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 08:32:01 PM
Winning but this really is poo by England ,Ffs football English footballers is painfully excruciating
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 11, 2016, 08:33:56 PM
Indeed Morrison and Fletcher start for the Scots.

England line-up spot on for me aside from Rooney. About time Alli was left out.
he`s injured,missed Spuds game at weekend
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 11, 2016, 08:36:59 PM
 the passing from Dier and Henderson from the central positions is just not good enough at international level. The times they have options both sides and just shunt the ball 5 yds sideways is ludicrous its taking 4 passes to reach the man in space when it should be taking 1 or 2 at most and by then he is no longer in space
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 08:38:47 PM
Shocking really , Southgate is u21 at best. Sort this out FA you idiots
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 11, 2016, 08:44:42 PM
Shocking really , Southgate is u21 at best. Sort this out FA you idiots

Agreed but this team needs shaking up Rooney should be put out to grass he as nothing to offer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 08:49:52 PM
This is pretty much the team that failed against Iceland , Southgate your a coward so take a step down to where you belong
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 11, 2016, 08:54:34 PM
i think i can safely say this is the worst England team i have ever seen in 50yrs.
That worked!!.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 08:56:33 PM
2-0 and still deflated , no passion  no desire. Two strikes two goals
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on November 11, 2016, 08:57:50 PM
Decent play from Jimmy there...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 09:01:01 PM
Decent play from Jimmy there...


Agreed
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 09:07:53 PM
Egg on face , class showing now
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 11, 2016, 09:10:03 PM
Nice scoreline but very flattering seeing as the scots can't shoot.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on November 11, 2016, 09:15:35 PM
Wouldnt have taken Morrison off if I were Scotland.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 11, 2016, 09:22:13 PM
 Damage limitation
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 09:35:27 PM
Scotland hand some great footballers in the 60s 70s and eighties what's happened
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 11, 2016, 09:41:30 PM
Scotland hand some great footballers in the 60s 70s and eighties what's happened
Probably the  Premier, Albion always had a few scots in the side as did every other team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 11, 2016, 10:07:26 PM
So what's the punishment from Fifa now then, points deduction ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on November 12, 2016, 12:29:13 AM
Just got back, didn't think Morrison or fletcher did much, but then were always up against it. Bit of a drab game as usual, 3 nil but hardly pumped, the atmosphere made up for it though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ian66 on November 12, 2016, 12:16:27 PM
Went last night. Atmosphere good. First half was drab, like watching Baggies!! Sturridge took goal well, however before he popped up with goal I forgot he was on the pitch. After Scotland had their two chances early second half we suddenly came to life and actually looked more positive. Overall good result, three good goals, clean sheet and a back to basics performance. Pleased we just kept possession to see the game out. Stone's suspect and Rooney's passing sometimes very sloppy, he don't seen to look up. Be a different test on Tuesday against Spain.

No sign of any trouble, some good banter walking back to Wembley Park station with the jocks. They were singing "were s#!t and we know we are"!  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 12, 2016, 12:21:07 PM
BRILLIANT ATMOSPHERE match rubbish but three well taken goals.Sat right next to SCOTS fans and there sore losers started throwing objects at the players on the pitch as soon as the third goal went in.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 16, 2016, 07:44:16 AM
Thoughts on last night?

Thought we were very average at times (as usual) the sooner this country and everyone in the FA realise we arent a serious challenge to the better teams, the better chance we will have.

We just arent good enough, Spains team yesterday was made up mainly of squad players, they bring on Morata and Isco and it becomes 2-2.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 16, 2016, 07:57:59 AM
Did ok, Defence dodgy, a million miles off the class of the Spainsih FA vase team on the night.Nothing to look forward too really. Yes man Southgate will most likely get the gig.Picking injured players gets on my chest, what about current form for a change
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 16, 2016, 08:09:06 AM
Did ok, Defence dodgy, a million miles off the class of the Spainsih FA vase team on the night.Nothing to look forward too really. Yes man Southgate will most likely get the gig.Picking injured players gets on my chest, what about current form for a change

Always been like that and always will be until the FA has a massive shake up.

To be honest there isnt anyone English left who would change anything, they are all Yes men.

If you look at the squad, there are players in there who are not in form and have hardly played, the strikers for example:

Vardy - hadnt scored in 12 games.
Sturridge - Not getting much game time with Liverpool, hasnt scored in the league.
Rooney - Not getting game time at United.
Kane - Played around 70 minutes of football this season.

None of the above should really have been picked if players were chosen 'on current form.'

There is no incentive for a player to strive to play for England, its the same squad over and over again with the occasional new face.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 16, 2016, 09:20:19 AM


Vardy - hadnt scored in 12 games.
Sturridge - Not getting much game time with Liverpool, hasnt scored in the league.
Rooney - Not getting game time at United.
Kane - Played around 70 minutes of football this season.



Vardy out Defoe in - 6 goals and one assist, constantly one of the best finishers in England yet always overlooked.

Sturridge out Austin in - 5 goals and one assist. Again has scored well in the top flight.

Rooney should just be out full stop.

Kane - in a friendly i can see why, good to get him back to fitness.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 16, 2016, 09:53:12 AM
Vardy out Defoe in - 6 goals and one assist, constantly one of the best finishers in England yet always overlooked.

Sturridge out Austin in - 5 goals and one assist. Again has scored well in the top flight.

Rooney should just be out full stop.

Kane - in a friendly i can see why, good to get him back to fitness.
Don't forget Lingaard. If he played for us and scored twice as many as he has for Utd. he still wouldn't be anywhere near the squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on November 16, 2016, 10:17:48 AM
Thoughts on last night?

Thought we were very average at times (as usual) the sooner this country and everyone in the FA realise we arent a serious challenge to the better teams, the better chance we will have.

We just arent good enough, Spains team yesterday was made up mainly of squad players, they bring on Morata and Isco and it becomes 2-2.

I'm sorry but it's people like you that are the problem. In one breathe you say we aren't serious challengers to the top sides, and then the next you moan we got a 2-2 draw with Spain (a top side). I go home and away with England, and all the actual England supporters know we are not a top top side, and nor do we ever suggest we are. It's the people at home on the armchairs acting like Man Utd fans that do.

You also moan saying our 4 strikers shouldn't be picked, but if you think other sides our level and even top sides don't pick players off form or not getting a lot of game time then you are highly deluded. Holland played Depay and Wijnaldum. Italy played Darmian, and they also often start with Pelle who plays in China. Speaking of china, Lavezzi still gets picked for Argentina. Did Giroud still get in the France squad? Kompany hasn't played a lot recently, did you he still play for Belgium? I could go on, the list is endless. Managers pick players on quality as well as form, and rightly so. You need a mix of both. It's really not hard to understand. I like Charlie Austin but anyone who would pick him in a England starting 11 over Kane, Vardy or Sturridge is off their rocker.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on November 16, 2016, 10:41:59 AM
Would also like to point out that Vardy won the pen and scored the goal.

Glad for him. People love to bash people who try to rise above their station.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 16, 2016, 10:44:44 AM
I'm sorry but it's people like you that are the problem. In one breathe you say we aren't serious challengers to the top sides, and then the next you moan we got a 2-2 draw with Spain (a top side). I go home and away with England, and all the actual England supporters know we are not a top top side, and nor do we ever suggest we are. It's the people at home on the armchairs acting like Man Utd fans that do.

You also moan saying our 4 strikers shouldn't be picked, but if you think other sides our level and even top sides don't pick players off form or not getting a lot of game time then you are highly deluded. Holland played Depay and Wijnaldum. Italy played Darmian, and they also often start with Pelle who plays in China. Speaking of china, Lavezzi still gets picked for Argentina. Did Giroud still get in the France squad? Kompany hasn't played a lot recently, did you he still play for Belgium? I could go on, the list is endless. Managers pick players on quality as well as form, and rightly so. You need a mix of both. It's really not hard to understand. I like Charlie Austin but anyone who would pick him in a England starting 11 over Kane, Vardy or Sturridge is off their rocker.

Last night was practically Spains reserve team, they were missing De Gea, Alba, Pique, Iniesta, Morata and Isco (both on bench), Ramos, Martinez, Bellerin, Saul Niguez, Diego Costa, Pedro, Alcacer. That list pretty much makes up there starting 11, to say we drew to a top team last night isnt a fair critic in my opinion, we drew to Spain Reserves.

I would hardly say I am the problem, the problem for me is the constant picking of players that shouldnt be in the squad, what has Lingard done to warrant a place in the england national team? Looking at this stats this season they are hardly impressive, the fact is hes only picked because he plays for a 'top team.'

The problem also for me lies with the players mentality, they are paid on average around 80-90k a week and half of them cant even be bothered to play for the national team, look at the names that have dropped out for the last 2 internationals, Ali/Drinkwater and the rest, I will happily put money on half the people who pulled out the squad to be playing in the next premier league fixture for their club.

The fact is the players dont care anymore, 90% of our players would rather play champions league football than european qualifiers, its the same every 2 years, we walk the group, get to the tournament and stumble.

I applaud the fact you go home and away and spend your money to watch the national team, just because I sit at home and make my judgement doesnt make me any less of a 'fan.' 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 16, 2016, 11:12:56 AM
Left at 2-0 to get the train home, purely went to get the caps for away games.

Mexican waves, Icelandic claps and lighting up the ground with phones.

The game has official gone mad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 16, 2016, 11:26:27 AM
Further proof to back my claims that players prioritise club over country:

Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit for Manchester United's clash with Arsenal on Saturday, according to Sky sources.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 16, 2016, 11:44:55 AM
They bought some better quality on and scored, no surprise really.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on November 16, 2016, 12:00:54 PM
They bought some better quality on and scored, no surprise really.

True, we also took Hart off. My money would be on Hart to have saved that second attempt.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 16, 2016, 12:15:49 PM
Can`t help but agree with robbo_wba fans are quick to criticise but not to praise yes Austin is a good player but not in the same class as those picked by Southgate as for those players coming back from injury or not playing it happens at all clubs they pick players who arnt match fit but how you supposed to get match fit by sitting on your backside watching.OK so Spain scored 2 late goals when they bought on there normal 1st team strikers but at the same time our defence was without our 1st line except for Stones who was superb HEATON 3 rd choice Jagialka 3 rdchoice Cresswell 3rd choice and Clyne 2nd choice so they only played against our reserves so you should all look at the bigger picture it was a good perfomance .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 16, 2016, 02:43:43 PM
Thought we was good for the win tbh myself it was just those last few minutes.

Cresswell should have gone with his runner (Isco) and Stones should have showed Aspas to his right foot not his stronger left.

Think the reason we drew that last night was quite a bit of inexperience and not keeping hold of the ball to see the game out.

Players like Stones and Cresswell will learn from those mistakes hopefully.

I thought it was a good game, even Spains 2nd XI play some lovely football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on November 16, 2016, 10:14:25 PM
If we keep the ball in their half for 10 seconds more we win the game. They scored with basically the last kick. Definitely showed some inexperience and needed to get a foot on the ball instead of just trying to hoof it clear
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on November 17, 2016, 05:57:26 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37972265 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37972265)

Cant we sack FIFA off now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2016, 08:13:40 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37972265 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37972265)

Cant we sack FIFA off now.

I agree fella FIFA's stance in this is abhorrent and tarnishes the memories of those who died.

FIFA forget if it wasn't for them they wouldn't have their organisation they also forget without us creating the professional rules of football and taking that game round the world they again wouldnt have an organisation.

I HATE FIFA with a passion, corrupt, self appointed wreckers of football, would love it if a few countries broke away and formed their own organisation
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 18, 2016, 10:33:01 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37972265 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37972265)

Cant we sack FIFA off now.

In any other business the executives of FIFA would be doing a 10 stretch.
All this agro from a self important bunch of nobodies who thought it would be a good idea to give the World Cup to a load of sand jockeys in Quatar. A country that has a less than admirable record on treatment of its peoples human rights.
Wouldn't FIFA be better spending their time raising this as a concern rather than persue two nations remembering people long past who fought for the freedom they don't and never will have in Quatar?
Oh sorry they would miss out on all those brown envelopes if they did that wouldn't they?
I wouldn't bother arguing with them, just refuse to pay any fines imposed and tell them to jog on.
W@nkers!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on November 23, 2016, 03:40:59 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38077727

FIFA telling fans what they can and cannot wear.
Quote...
Football's world governing body has started disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Wales for incidents including "fans wearing poppies" during a recent match.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 23, 2016, 04:28:57 PM
FIFA are gong down a path that will lead to a break away organisation I feel...

I hope so
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 23, 2016, 04:39:55 PM
FIFA are gong down a path that will lead to a break away organisation I feel...

I hope so


I hope so too, pull out now. i would be happy with just home internationals, spitting feathers here.

If thats Wales, whats coming our way or are they just picking on wales because they dont have the clout like the FA
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 23, 2016, 04:55:18 PM
Going to England v Lithuania in march will wear a poppy with pride. As for them idiots at FIFA the corrupt load of numpties can stick there organization where a monkey sticks his nuts. CORRUPT BARSTEWARDS
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 24, 2016, 10:30:10 AM
Good on Robson Kanu wearing POPPY to FIFA awards.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 30, 2016, 03:52:07 PM
So Southgate confirmed,4 years. quite possibly the lowest i have ever felt about the England football team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 30, 2016, 04:13:10 PM
Congratulations Gareth i believe the best man for the job will see you in March onwards and upwards .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 30, 2016, 04:19:14 PM
So Southgate confirmed,4 years. quite possibly the lowest i have ever felt about the England football team

Problem is , you can't polish a turd. Regardless of gaffer , we're just not very good
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 30, 2016, 04:37:57 PM
Problem is , you can't polish a turd. Regardless of gaffer , we're just not very good

but you can roll it in glitter......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on November 30, 2016, 04:42:13 PM
but you can roll it in glitter......

Agreed, the last thing we needed was to roll said turd in more turd.

Not ideal really
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 30, 2016, 05:11:32 PM
Some of you lot don`t have an opinion just sarcasm give the man a chance I certainly will .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Wollastonbaggie on November 30, 2016, 06:22:49 PM
Why can't he be appointed on a rolling 1 year contract? The odds are he won't last 4 years and it'll cost a fortune to sack him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 30, 2016, 06:51:30 PM
I think he will surprise a lot of people been around the FA for a few years won a tournament with under 21`s knows the in`s and out`s of the FA knows the players has a wealth of knowledge of how England set up works I will always give players and managers a chance not like some.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on November 30, 2016, 09:09:44 PM
I think he will surprise a lot of people been around the FA for a few years won a tournament with under 21`s knows the in`s and out`s of the FA knows the players has a wealth of knowledge of how England set up works I will always give players and managers a chance not like some.

You've just described a yes man.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on November 30, 2016, 09:26:28 PM
You've just described a yes man.

How would you describe a "No man"?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on November 30, 2016, 09:28:49 PM
How would you describe a "No man"?

Disciplinarion, someone with a personality, won't suffer fools gladly. A Pulis type I suppose.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on November 30, 2016, 10:24:05 PM
For me that`s the perfect cv for someone to try and do something for his country all those brilliant managers since 66 ain`t done a very good job have they.Buy the way who would you have given it to .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on December 01, 2016, 12:24:46 PM
Its not about how good / bad GS is,

Its the quality of players we have and the limited opportunity he will have to work with said players.
he will not have the ability of brazil /argentina to work with nor will he be able to build the team ethic of Iceland / greece.

Gareth, take the 4 years and good luck, as you ain't got a cat in hells chance of winning anything with English players under the current set-up, and I see nothing in what you / the FA have said that will bring about the radical change necessary to alter this Status Quo,

Down, Down, de dur ..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on December 01, 2016, 12:28:27 PM
Not fussed about his appointment, we have tried everything else so why not. What bothers me is that  'Gareth wanted a four year contract' and we gave him one.....from a financial perspective that is a big mistake. If he is as good as he and others think he is, then what was wrong with a 1 year rolling contract?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on December 01, 2016, 04:02:38 PM
Mistake giving him a four year deal in my view. I would have gone foreign personally with someone that has a track record of success in club level.

Stupid how it's taken so long to unveil him when it was clear there were no other real options they were looking at, I wish him all the best but as he continues to pick the same old players we will end up failing like we usually do.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on January 26, 2017, 01:55:41 PM
whats this new sky deal i am hearing. does it mean no more england on itv
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on January 26, 2017, 02:20:53 PM
Looks like ITV still have England matches apart from the new UEFA Nations League in 2018 (whatever that is!).
http://www.thefa.com/news/2017/jan/26/260117-england-uefa-broadcast-2018-2022-itv-sky

A little more on UEFA Nations League.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10742686/what-is-the-uefa-nations-league
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 03, 2017, 12:30:52 PM
Boothroyd the new under 21 coach, remember the hysteria when he was rumoured to be coming here years back
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on February 03, 2017, 02:31:14 PM
he could have been up there with Irvine and Mel
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on February 03, 2017, 03:02:33 PM
Got my ticket for Hampden in June, cant wait  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on February 03, 2017, 03:07:55 PM
Got my ticket for Hampden in June, cant wait  :D

Same Here!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 03, 2017, 03:15:33 PM
Got my ticket for Hampden in June, cant wait  :D


does one wear ones colours around Glasgow :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 13, 2017, 04:19:20 PM
southgate a bit of a damp appointed thats only going one way. not really inspiring England football at this moment
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on February 13, 2017, 05:28:30 PM
Can`t see what you base that on got a very good record with the under 21`s  to me a good appointment better than that Dinasaur Allydyce  I will be at Wembley next month cheering them on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 13, 2017, 05:34:54 PM
easy appointment then, lets just see with his next squad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on February 13, 2017, 06:03:11 PM
To me yes very easy did`nt want  Foreign and to me there was no better English candidate as for squad won`t be a lot of changes .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 16, 2017, 01:54:13 PM
Jake Livermore makes the england squad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 16, 2017, 03:21:52 PM
If Jake Livermore is an international player then so am I.

Congratulations chap.......  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on March 16, 2017, 04:29:28 PM
I'm so glad that Defoe has been called up. A consistent scorer who has been consistently omitted from the England squads.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 16, 2017, 06:33:04 PM
I'm so glad that Defoe has been called up. A consistent scorer who has been consistently omitted from the England squads.


to be fair there was most likely no alternative
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on March 17, 2017, 08:17:05 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/03/16/englands-brutal-new-era-begins-manager-gareth-southgate-drops/
England's brutal new era begins as manager Gareth Southgate drops birthday-boy Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney

 Matt Law, football news correspondent
16 MARCH 2017 • 10:30PM
Gareth Southgate has set out the tough new terms of his England era by delivering a series of reality checks to the country’s top footballers and effectively abolishing the captaincy.

After naming his first squad as permanent manager – which did not feature Wayne Rooney or Theo Walcott, but did include Jermain Defoe and debutants Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse – Southgate made it clear that sentiment will count for nothing under him by:

1. Telling his England players that they are not as good as they might think they are.

2. Making it clear that Rooney is no longer default captain and offering him no guarantees of a recall.

3. Dropping Walcott on his 28th birthday.

4. Sending an unwelcome message to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho that he wants Marcus Rashford to play for the under-21s this summer.

Southgate also warned his 26-man squad for the double-header against Germany on Wednesday and Lithuania four days later that they will not be given a day off next week.

Having last month visited England rugby union head coach Eddie Jones, Southgate appears to have borrowed the Australian’s no-nonsense approach.

Asked how he felt about holding one of the biggest jobs in football, Southgate said: “Well it’s not if we’ve only won three knockout games in 27 years, respectfully.

“It is on our island, but I remember going to the World Cup in Brazil and they had those montages before the game of highlights of previous tournaments. It suddenly struck me ‘we’re not on them, none of our players are on them’.


“We think we’re whatever, but I’m looking at it and there’s all the Brazilians, the Spaniards, the French and we’re not there. And I’m almost sinking into my seat because you walk in there thinking you’re part of England, which I’m massively proud to be, but actually, on the world stage, we’re not there at the moment and we’ve got to turn up.

“Whatever we think we are as a nation, we’ve not been delivering. We seem to have won medals in almost every other sport and ours is the missing piece. That drives me on as much as anything, the need to start recognising where we are and how we then bridge the gap.

“Sometimes we get wrapped up in the profile of our League. Eight or 10 years ago, we were always involved in Champions League semi-finals and finals, and that isn’t the case anymore. I think there’s a harsh lens needed on some of the things we are doing. We need to look at who the top teams are and how we get to their level.”

Rooney faces a fight to win back his place and can no longer consider himself captain under Southgate’s new approach to the position, even though he has been invited to a players’ meeting next Monday.

“I don’t think he expects, if he is not playing every week for his club, to be picked in this sort of situation,” said Southgate. “He is very mature in this sort of discussion.

“We are going to have a meeting with all of the players about what we feel the next 18 months will look like. He will be part of that. I guess for all of them the first point is to be playing as regularly as possible.

“We have to look at Wayne as a No  10, which is his predominant role. In the last two games we’ve played Dele Alli there, we’ve played Adam Lallana there. Both are playing very well, scoring and assisting for their clubs. Ross Barkley has been playing very well for his club. So there’s competition.

“I can’t dress it up any other way. There are some very good players and it’s a battle to get in this squad. Wayne totally understands that.”

Asked if that meant Rooney still held the title of England captain, Southgate replied: “I don’t quite know who gives it and what it means. I always just assume you pick a team for a game and the captain of that game is the captain.

“We have this thing about ‘an England captain’, but really the captain is the person that is captain in the next game, isn’t it? Always the danger in any sport with naming a ‘captain’ is selection. Always there is a danger with form that it becomes a matter of debate.

“It is more the culture of the team that is set by the leaders in the group that I think is fundamental to us doing well.”

Southgate called Walcott on the morning of his birthday to deliver the bad news that the forward had been left out, despite the fact the Arsenal forward has scored 17 goals in all competitions – more than any other player in his squad.

Watch | Southgate picks Defoe but leaves out Walcott
02:00
“I’ve got to say he wasn’t chuffed to bits and I understand that,” said Southgate. “Did he argue his case? Yes, yes. Quite rightly he said, ‘I’m one of the leading goalscorers in the League’. I don’t mind being challenged on that at all. I totally respect that. I don’t expect him to be happy. But I’ve got to make decisions and I think it was the right thing to call him, even though the timing on his birthday probably wasn’t great.”

Rashford’s inclusion in the squad will spark further debate over whether the 19-year-old should play in this summer’s European Under-21 Championship.

“The best thing for him and England would be for him to play in the under-21s this summer,” said Southgate. “It’s a bit more complex than that because he’s also playing quite a lot of football for a player of his age. We have to get the balance right, but if we can have success in the tournament it can give a huge boost for youth development in our country.”

Asked whether he was now braced for a tough conversation with Mourinho over Rashford, Southgate added: “They all are! I’ve no idea at the moment what his thinking would be. It’s obviously something I will discuss with him in private.”

Good for him addressing a few issues and slaughtering a couple of sacred cows right from the outset. We might not scale the heights under his management but least he understands some of the problems and will be trying to do something about it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 20, 2017, 01:20:53 PM
New England away kit being launched for the away game in Germany.

Gone from red to er, all 'midnight blue'.

£84 for a kid's kit and £101 for the full on adult full kit w@nker experience.

Courtesy of the Daily Mail.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4330544/England-s-new-away-kit-shown-Marcus-Rashford.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4330544/England-s-new-away-kit-shown-Marcus-Rashford.html)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on March 20, 2017, 02:22:27 PM
Quite nice, if a little dull.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 20, 2017, 03:06:08 PM
Dull, boring, pooh. Much like the team.

£101. Hands up who's a complete and utter mug!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on March 20, 2017, 03:24:19 PM
Dull, boring, rubbish. Much like the team.

£101. Hands up who's a complete and utter mug!

To be fair, who buys the full kit. Agree though that £60 for a football top that the team wears around 8 games a year is steep
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 20, 2017, 04:42:19 PM
To be fair, who buys the full kit. Agree though that £60 for a football top that the team wears around 8 games a year is steep

They seek them here, they seek them there..... full kit w@nker's are everywhere  ;) .

http://i67.tinypic.com/25jweoj.jpg[/img]](http://i67.tinypic.com/25jweoj.jpg) (http://[IMG)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on March 20, 2017, 07:10:47 PM
They seek them here, they seek them there..... full kit w@nker's are everywhere  ;) .

http://i67.tinypic.com/25jweoj.jpg[/img]](http://i67.tinypic.com/25jweoj.jpg) (http://[IMG)

That is special
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 20, 2017, 07:44:13 PM
Is that Emmanuel Petit???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on March 20, 2017, 07:49:41 PM
Or Richard Sneekes?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BigFrank20 on March 21, 2017, 02:08:50 PM
I quite like the matching red clutch bag under its right arm!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 21, 2017, 02:45:30 PM
Its Keith Lemon
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Morany on March 21, 2017, 02:49:19 PM
Quite like the new kit, but it should be Red.

Flight to Dussledorf at 7.45am tomorrow and then onto Dortmund for the game, can't wait.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba13 on March 21, 2017, 03:22:26 PM
Mr Crock out of England squad again said they should have called up Dawson this man is really fit does`nt do injuries
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 21, 2017, 03:34:39 PM
did any one see the pic on face book in a german bar the pic of an albion scarf under the tottingham one
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 22, 2017, 06:42:58 PM
Fantastic , jake Livermore is our first outfiield footballer since Steve hunt to start for England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on March 22, 2017, 08:11:49 PM
Livermore as had a bloody good start,keep it up Jake!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on March 22, 2017, 08:59:21 PM
Really good from England so far. Very happy to see that Southgate isn't just picking from the "top teams" and picking the same old scheise
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 22, 2017, 09:38:43 PM
Couldn't even beat Germany's third team and we just had to let poldolski have his moment lol we looked all over the place when jake left the field
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on March 22, 2017, 09:43:42 PM
Couldn't even beat Germany's third team and we just had to let poldolski have his moment lol we looked all over the place when jake left the field

We are also playing a lot of players for the first time, in a system not really used by us before.

We have been the better team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on March 22, 2017, 10:14:57 PM
Couldn't even beat Germany's third team and we just had to let poldolski have his moment lol we looked all over the place when jake left the field

Seems a bit harsh! We were less solid once all the substitutions began, loss of continuity.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 22, 2017, 10:25:45 PM
Thought England played excellently tonight.

Passed it about well, the formation suited us and we looked solid

We got beat by a world class strike but overall we should be happy with how we played

Plenty of positives after that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WoysWunderful on March 22, 2017, 10:34:26 PM
Couldn't even beat Germany's third team and we just had to let poldolski have his moment lol we looked all over the place when jake left the field

Germany are a better team then england and england played well tonight.

Sooner you face the facts england arent one of the top sides in the world anymore, it will get easier for england fans. Your just not as good as you think you are.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 22, 2017, 10:39:47 PM
Played well tonight overall. Lallana man of the match. Not clinical enough at both ends of the field against an albeit weakened Germany side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 23, 2017, 10:12:51 AM
England fans are too negative. Accept that we aren't a top side right now and have patience that we're working on becoming one. I thought we did well, there is plenty to be encouraged about.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on March 23, 2017, 04:47:26 PM
The BBC is reporting this:

Behaviour of a section of England fans in Germany was "inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing", says FA chairman Greg Clarke.

England lost 1-0 to Germany in Dortmund on Wednesday night, but a section of England supporters booed the German national anthem and sung chants referencing World War Two.

It is understood that the FA is trying to gather footage of the behaviour.

If found to be involved, supporters could be banned from attending games.

"The FA has consistently urged supporters to show respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others," said Clarke.

"Individuals who engage in such behaviour do not represent the overwhelming majority of England fans nor the values and identity we should aspire to as a football nation.

"We are working with the England Supporters Travel Club and speaking with the Football Supporters' Federation to come together to address this issue.

"Everyone involved in the game has a responsibility to ensure that attending a football match is a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

The FA part-fund the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF). This includes funding for an annual supporters' summit to discuss fan issues.

An FSF spokesperson said: "Over the last 20 years, English football fans have built a worldwide reputation for our passionate support and the vocal backing we give to our teams.

"Unfortunately little of the wit and imagination that goes into our club football songs is reflected at England games.

"England's travelling support is made of people of all ages from a range of clubs, many of whom have worked hard in recent years to improve our standing abroad and have expressed concern to us about these chants.

"We don't want to regress to a situation where that reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority."
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on March 25, 2017, 01:25:24 AM
The BBC is reporting this:

Behaviour of a section of England fans in Germany was "inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing", says FA chairman Greg Clarke.

England lost 1-0 to Germany in Dortmund on Wednesday night, but a section of England supporters booed the German national anthem and sung chants referencing World War Two.

It is understood that the FA is trying to gather footage of the behaviour.

If found to be involved, supporters could be banned from attending games.

"The FA has consistently urged supporters to show respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others," said Clarke.

"Individuals who engage in such behaviour do not represent the overwhelming majority of England fans nor the values and identity we should aspire to as a football nation.

"We are working with the England Supporters Travel Club and speaking with the Football Supporters' Federation to come together to address this issue.

"Everyone involved in the game has a responsibility to ensure that attending a football match is a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

The FA part-fund the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF). This includes funding for an annual supporters' summit to discuss fan issues.

An FSF spokesperson said: "Over the last 20 years, English football fans have built a worldwide reputation for our passionate support and the vocal backing we give to our teams.

"Unfortunately little of the wit and imagination that goes into our club football songs is reflected at England games.

"England's travelling support is made of people of all ages from a range of clubs, many of whom have worked hard in recent years to improve our standing abroad and have expressed concern to us about these chants.

"We don't want to regress to a situation where that reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority."

Once there were the Luftwaffe, who sent aircraft laden with incendiary devices to attack our fair land. Fortunately for us the Royal Airforce had Hurricanes and Spitfires to shoot down these aircraft and protect our grand parants. :D

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on March 25, 2017, 09:17:23 AM
Once there were the Luftwaffe, who sent aircraft laden with incendiary devices to attack our fair land. Fortunately for us the Royal Airforce had Hurricanes and Spitfires to shoot down these aircraft and protect our grand parants. :D

Do we need to sing about it at the football though? I mean plenty have been bemoaning McClean making comments about someone who orchestrated the killing of people. No matter how it is sugar coated, a huge amount of people still died. Not really respectful or clever to be singing about it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mank baggie on March 25, 2017, 09:37:45 AM
Well said fella
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on March 25, 2017, 10:49:51 PM
Do we need to sing about it at the football though? I mean plenty have been bemoaning McClean making comments about someone who orchestrated the killing of people. No matter how it is sugar coated, a huge amount of people still died. Not really respectful or clever to be singing about it

Its football, its tribal.. next you'll be asking to stop the liquidator due to causing Dingles distress or we have to stop singing SOTV.

Another example of the PC brigade taking over the world.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 26, 2017, 09:34:42 AM
Leaving for Wembley in about an hour.

My first full international.

Come on England  8) !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on March 26, 2017, 09:44:15 AM
Leaving for Wembley in about an hour.

My first full international.

Come on England  8) !

Have a good one!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on March 26, 2017, 01:52:05 PM
Its football, its tribal.. next you'll be asking to stop the liquidator due to causing Dingles distress or we have to stop singing SOTV.

Another example of the PC brigade taking over the world.

It's not though is it?

It's common sense. Why sing about the war and people dying at the football? If we started singing IRA songs I'm sure you'd have a different opinion
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: dan7heman on March 26, 2017, 06:28:32 PM
It's not though is it?

It's common sense. Why sing about the war and people dying at the football? If we started singing IRA songs I'm sure you'd have a different opinion

A fun song containing no swear words, factual and the month i spent in Germany for the world cup in 2006, where the song started... The locals thought was fine and some joined in. Modern Germans often take the Mick out their past.

We don't have to sanitizer everything.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on March 26, 2017, 06:46:48 PM
It's not though is it?

It's common sense. Why sing about the war and people dying at the football? If we started singing IRA songs I'm sure you'd have a different opinion
I'm not one for PC i find it humourless, regarding the song i don't think their is any malice in the words or any meant by those singing it its just the usual football banter imo.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 26, 2017, 06:59:03 PM
Win
Qualify
Go out at the group stage
Repeat

 ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on March 26, 2017, 07:10:52 PM
A fun song containing no swear words, factual and the month i spent in Germany for the world cup in 2006, where the song started... The locals thought was fine and some joined in. Modern Germans often take the Mick out their past.

We don't have to sanitizer everything.

But what's it got to do with football?  :-\
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 26, 2017, 07:11:47 PM
Win
Qualify
Go out at the group stage
Repeat

 ;D

It's early days in Southgate's career as England manager, but i have to agree with what you say. Dont England always win Qualifiers at a canter.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 26, 2017, 07:25:19 PM
Southgate doing a cracking job as England manager, I really think we have a chance at next years World Cup. Not many nations with the young talent we have.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on March 26, 2017, 10:13:40 PM
Regarding the song, I find it all a bit ridiculous. During the war, men were conscripted to go and kill other humans and if they didn't go they were considered a wimp. Nowadays you're not even allowed to talk/sing about certain subjects, or most subjects in fact, without someone being offended.

Is fawlty towers going to be banned because Basil shouted "Who won the bloody war anyway?!" at a group of Germans?

I'm not pro-singing songs of that nature, but everything just seems to be impossible. No wonder so many people are getting so stressed, there's no possible way to keep up with what's acceptable and what's not.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on March 27, 2017, 06:22:16 AM
Southgate doing a cracking job as England manager, I really think we have a chance at next years World Cup. Not many nations with the young talent we have.

Don't get too carried away.
We beat a team ranked 107th in the world as we should do.
I think we're till light years away from challenging for a World Cup or European Championship.
At least Southgate's is giving some of the younger lads a go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 27, 2017, 11:30:29 AM
i was a bit bored watching the game yesterday so i decided to go outside and watch the fence dry out and the tomatoes grow
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 27, 2017, 02:19:21 PM
Southgate doing a cracking job as England manager, I really think we have a chance at next years World Cup. Not many nations with the young talent we have.

have I heard that before ?
yes, numerous times over 40years
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 27, 2017, 02:29:08 PM
Is there anyone out there still bothering with England?

The attendance yesterday reflects the national interest at the moment IMO.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on March 27, 2017, 02:49:07 PM
It was a safe performance against nothing more than a pub team. I was totally bored by the second half and even the commentator made a slightly sarcastic quip at the end saying 'there are still 3 minutes to go'.

The plus point for me is that Southgate is putting the team of tomorrow together with the youngsters - I thought that Keane looked promising, but had we been playing a decent team I cannot help but think that we would have been torn a new one.......

We will all be excited when we qualify and get to Russia, but after the second game we can all take the flags off the cars and the bunting down.......:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on March 28, 2017, 08:43:01 AM
Is there anyone out there still bothering with England?

The attendance yesterday reflects the national interest at the moment IMO.

I think the attendance (77,690) considering who we were playing on a Sunday evening was a great crowd.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on March 28, 2017, 10:33:48 AM
Is there anyone out there still bothering with England?

The attendance yesterday reflects the national interest at the moment IMO.

You don't stop supporting just because they haven't won a trophy. Otherwise we'd all have given up on Albion a long time ago.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 28, 2017, 11:16:07 AM
I remember when I never used to miss an England game, the pubs would be packed and people on the lash for it.

Interest has cooled for sure

However I'm all for tournament football, love it even if we are rubbish
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 28, 2017, 11:21:32 AM
You don't stop supporting just because they haven't won a trophy. Otherwise we'd all have given up on Albion a long time ago.

It's nothing to do with a trophy for me, I accept we'll never win a trophy. It's just a general lack of interest, the national side has lost its spark.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on March 28, 2017, 11:34:33 AM


People will get interested again when all the hype of the tournament proper starts. The time zone with Russia is not to bad so we should get to see the games at decent times during the next tournament. The Quatar world cup ending in December will be an absolute nightmare and a shame to miss out on the Sun, Beer and Football of world cups previous.

Ironically the Euro 2020 will be held across all of Europe with the Final and Semi-finals held at Wembley celebrating its 60th Birthday right after Brexit should have finished. Perhaps we can deny the Germans there visas if we end up playing them there  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 31, 2017, 09:42:24 AM
Bizarrley Englang could benifit long term when we leave the EU. less eu footballers wanting to play in england with all the admin work,work permits etc, could open up spaces for british born footballers to flourish
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on March 31, 2017, 09:43:47 AM
Bizarrley Englang could benifit long term when we leave the EU. less eu footballers wanting to play in england with all the admin work, could open up spaces for british born footballers to flourish

Hmm that is a very good point.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GrumpyBaggie on April 01, 2017, 01:06:34 PM
Thank heavens yet another interminable international break is winding to a miserable conclusion.  What utter stupidity that a fortnight without football is then followed by 3 games in a week - by jet-lagged players having had lumps kicked out of them.

Almost everyone has rightly been critical of the proposed new World cup format of 48 teams in the final, myself included.  My suggestion is that the number of teams in the final be INCREASED to 128.

Why?

1.  We could then have a proper knock-out cup - 5 rounds, semi-final, final-  no mini-leages, no seeding.
2.  There is no need for any qualifying stages, so no more international breaks..


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on April 01, 2017, 04:29:16 PM
Have to admit, I've been so bored this past week with the internationals
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 26, 2017, 09:07:17 AM
Has the squad been announced for the Scotland and France games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 26, 2017, 09:29:11 AM
whos going to the Scotland game and will you be taking your hard hat :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 26, 2017, 09:46:05 AM
Thank heavens yet another interminable international break is winding to a miserable conclusion.  What utter stupidity that a fortnight without football is then followed by 3 games in a week - by jet-lagged players having had lumps kicked out of them.

Almost everyone has rightly been critical of the proposed new World cup format of 48 teams in the final, myself included.  My suggestion is that the number of teams in the final be INCREASED to 128.

Why?

1.  We could then have a proper knock-out cup - 5 rounds, semi-final, final-  no mini-leages, no seeding.
2.  There is no need for any qualifying stages, so no more international breaks..

You now what thats not a bad shout to be fair

It would make it much more interesting for sure
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on May 26, 2017, 10:08:43 AM
Has the squad been announced for the Scotland and France games
Goalkeepers:
Jack Butland (Stoke), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Torino, on loan from Man City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)

Defenders:
Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Aaron Cresswell (West Ham), Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Chris Smalling (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)

Midfielders:
Dele Alli (Tottenham), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Man Utd), Jake Livermore (West Brom), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Man City)

Forwards:
Jermain Defoe (Sunderland), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Jamie Vardy (Leicester)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 26, 2017, 10:48:53 AM
cheers Don
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on May 26, 2017, 11:37:19 AM
whos going to the Scotland game and will you be taking your hard hat :)

I'll be there, 7 o'clock train Saturday morning from Sandwell & Dudley then staying over Saturday night. Madness having 5:30 kick off I think!

Should be fun!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on May 26, 2017, 02:38:17 PM
whos going to the Scotland game and will you be taking your hard hat :)

I'll be there. Carlisle Friday night and then Glasgow Saturday night. Looking forward to it now  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie38 on May 28, 2017, 04:23:42 AM
As average as England are these days it doesnt take away the great feeling of seeing one of our outfield players being called up to the squad. Jake has been a welcome addition since he joined and has been very good since he joined bar one or two shaky performances which all players have from time to time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 02, 2017, 11:32:39 AM
might watch this game in the Rangers bar in Benidorm :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 02, 2017, 07:17:24 PM
might watch this game in the Rangers bar in Benidorm :)

A lot of Rangers fans support England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 05, 2017, 04:06:05 PM
should be a walk in the park on Saturday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: vrabbit on June 05, 2017, 07:21:59 PM
any of you watching the U-20 WC? England are into the semis, so is Venezuela  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on June 06, 2017, 05:10:41 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/06/05/england-squad-spend-48-hours-royal-marines-devon-does-not/
May just make some of them realise how lucky they are
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 06, 2017, 05:16:12 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/06/05/england-squad-spend-48-hours-royal-marines-devon-does-not/
May just make some of them realise how lucky they are


i wondered what was guin on in the area
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2017, 02:36:42 PM
Comfortable 2-0 to England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 08, 2017, 04:34:46 PM
Think we will win comfortably

3-0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 08, 2017, 04:43:47 PM
England have made the under 20 world cup final, beating Italy 3-1.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 08, 2017, 04:56:24 PM
England have made the under 20 world cup final, beating Italy 3-1.


encouraging for the future then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 08, 2017, 05:30:47 PM
England have made the under 20 world cup final, beating Italy 3-1.

Playing Venezuela in the final.  Apparently this group also won the U17 Euros 3 years ago
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 08, 2017, 05:45:11 PM
Who is the coach? Go get him!!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 08, 2017, 06:07:05 PM
Playing Venezuela in the final.  Apparently this group also won the U17 Euros 3 years ago

It was this group that won the euros 3 years ago, only a handful of players are in both the winning side,

Battered Italy second half today, vene are going to be very tired come the final
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on June 08, 2017, 06:14:44 PM
Who is the coach? Go get him!!!
Manager is Paul Simpson (ex winger with Man City, Derby, WW & various others).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40158560
Simpson added: "We are changing everyone's perception of English football."
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 08, 2017, 06:35:27 PM
It was this group that won the euros 3 years ago, only a handful of players are in both the winning side,

Battered Italy second half today, vene are going to be very tired come the final

Although 5 of the starting 11 from that final will almost certainly start on Sunday, as will Fry and possibly Armstrong from the bench so the retention rate is actually pretty good from that age group (taking into account Brown, Roberts and Gomez would be there but are missing for other reasons).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 08, 2017, 06:43:33 PM
Although 5 of the starting 11 from that final will almost certainly start on Sunday, as will Fry and possibly Armstrong from the bench so the retention rate is actually pretty good from that age group (taking into account Brown, Roberts and Gomez would be there but are missing for other reasons).


Out of interest why is Sam Field not involved in this? Wrong age group or not good enough?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 08, 2017, 06:47:43 PM

Out of interest why is Sam Field not involved in this? Wrong age group or not good enough?

Well he's in the under 19's but he's not in their squad for their  Euro's either, but I suspect the reason for that is Pulis has pulled him out to keep him out as it clashes with pre-season. He was actually one of England's best players in their recent qualifiers.


In more surprisingly positive England news, they've also reached the final of the Toulon tournament for the second year running, also adding on to making the finals of the 2017 under 17 euro's which they lost on penalties after a keeper mistake in that last minute. This is unprecedented youth success for England who've historically done poorly at these tournaments, fingers can only be pointed at the clubs if they fail to break through. It'll be a crying shame because England are the equal of anyone at youth levels these days, after years of being outclassed but getting by on physicality.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: vrabbit on June 08, 2017, 07:21:59 PM
the two best teams in the tournament meet in the final without question. Venezuela's defense has been outstanding all tournament (only two goals against, 1 by PK, 1 in the dying minutes of ET) but I dare say they haven't faced an offense like England's who will definitely test how good that defense is. Exciting midfield battle between Cook and Herrera/Lucena. Venezuela's attack relies heavily on their wingers (Peñaranda/Cordova) but I don't know much about England's defense and how they match. Can someone confirm for me whether Lookman plays on the left side? If so I'm eager to watch him go against Ronald Hernandez who has had a hell of a tournament at RB although he struggled at times against Uruguay.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 08, 2017, 07:32:52 PM
First time England have made a World Cup final since 1966 apparently
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 08, 2017, 08:02:04 PM
Well he's in the under 19's but he's not in their squad for their  Euro's either, but I suspect the reason for that is Pulis has pulled him out to keep him out as it clashes with pre-season. He was actually one of England's best players in their recent qualifiers.


In more surprisingly positive England news, they've also reached the final of the Toulon tournament for the second year running, also adding on to making the finals of the 2017 under 17 euro's which they lost on penalties after a keeper mistake in that last minute. This is unprecedented youth success for England who've historically done poorly at these tournaments, fingers can only be pointed at the clubs if they fail to break through. It'll be a crying shame because England are the equal of anyone at youth levels these days, after years of being outclassed but getting by on physicality.

U17s was  awful 4 added mins, Woeful keeper error in 6min of added time as well and manager took off all his pen takers, cost me a fortune

U19s squad is very weird dont understand it to much, We would of won it with our strongest team but missing some key men now

Good to see us in the toulon tourament final but the tourament is a joke this year compared to last year due to world cup and u19 touraments u21 tourament
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on June 08, 2017, 09:43:56 PM
the two best teams in the tournament meet in the final without question. Venezuela's defense has been outstanding all tournament (only two goals against, 1 by PK, 1 in the dying minutes of ET) but I dare say they haven't faced an offense like England's who will definitely test how good that defense is. Exciting midfield battle between Cook and Herrera/Lucena. Venezuela's attack relies heavily on their wingers (Peñaranda/Cordova) but I don't know much about England's defense and how they match. Can someone confirm for me whether Lookman plays on the left side? If so I'm eager to watch him go against Ronald Hernandez who has had a hell of a tournament at RB although he struggled at times against Uruguay.

Lookman plays on the left though he is right footed. He's England's maverick talent, if he's on it he's very difficult to stop.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 10, 2017, 03:39:05 PM
Big game coming up...

Few Baggies from the board up there today I see, have a great day lads!!

C'mon England be nice to do the sweaties in there own backyard shut them right up.

Can see nothing but an England victory personally, going with 3-nil.

Just seen a post on Facebook from one of the posts on the game from a Scot saying we shouldn't be counting our chickens as the England players are dealing with transfers and renegotiating new contracts etc....Wouldnt Scottish players be doing the same thing too?? Idiot
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 10, 2017, 04:14:15 PM
Jake Livermore starting tonight!. Good luck Jake :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 10, 2017, 05:04:50 PM
Come on England .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 10, 2017, 05:44:08 PM
Jake Livermore starting tonight!. Good luck Jake :D
He is playing well some lovely passes and some good tackling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 10, 2017, 05:54:05 PM
He is playing well some lovely passes and some good tackling.

Unlucky with a shot.Lots of armchair fans on Facebook saying 'why is Livermore playing'. >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 10, 2017, 06:24:41 PM
Unlucky with a shot.Lots of armchair fans on Facebook saying 'why is Livermore playing'. >:(
Lol he is the best player on the pitch! And that's not being biased!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 10, 2017, 06:25:19 PM
Christ i can see us letting the jocks win this, it's as bad as letting Corbyn win the election  ;).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on June 10, 2017, 06:53:10 PM
Same old England. Always a disappointment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 10, 2017, 06:53:24 PM
2-1! Could Hart done any better with the free kicks!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 10, 2017, 06:55:29 PM
2-1! Could Hart done any better with the free kicks!

Bad positioning for the first goal i think.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 10, 2017, 06:59:41 PM
Fair play Scotland gave it a good go but didn't win just like Corbyn  :D.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on June 10, 2017, 07:00:59 PM
Fair play Scotland gave it a good go but didn't win just like Corbyn  :D.

Where you going to bury that horse?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 10, 2017, 07:20:24 PM
Teressa May out pulis out Southgate out
Farage in that was so like watching the rubbish we have seen the last two years at the  shrine
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 10, 2017, 07:38:22 PM
Those last few minutes is what footballs all about. Time for a new England number one, a good goalkeeper would have saved at least one of them free kicks.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 10, 2017, 07:46:04 PM
Two pub teams out there tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 10, 2017, 07:48:40 PM
Those last few minutes is what footballs all about. Time for a new England number one, a good goalkeeper would have saved at least one of them free kicks.

Possible new employers of Hart looking on wouldnt have been too impressed!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 10, 2017, 07:51:11 PM
Possible new employers of Hart looking on wouldnt have been too impressed!

Didn't impress at Torino either apparently. Plenty of other good keepers available for England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Tank on June 10, 2017, 08:44:59 PM
Teressa May out pulis out Southgate out
Farage in that was so like watching the rubbish we have seen the last two years at the  shrine

Pulis deserves a capital "P"   Or does he ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 11, 2017, 10:19:55 AM
1 nil England win with Fozzie in goal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 11, 2017, 11:29:02 AM
The U20 world cup final on bbc2 now 0-0 26 minutes gone, just saw an Albion flag behind one of the goals!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 11, 2017, 11:36:13 AM
1-0 England!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Downunder Stripes on June 11, 2017, 12:55:54 PM
Well done boys !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Norfolk Baggie on June 11, 2017, 01:39:10 PM
Watched the England Scotland game yesterday and the U20 final today.  What a contrast.  the U20s looked focused and played for pride.  Well done lads.  Outstanding save for the penalty as well.  pity we have no Albion players in the team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BigFrank20 on June 11, 2017, 03:24:30 PM
pity we have no Albion players in the team.
Kit man Pat is out there with them and been showing his Albion flag at every game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albiontilidie on June 11, 2017, 03:29:38 PM
u18 toulon yest
u20 win today
u17 lost in final other week

u19 and u21 still to come

great summer for our players coming through
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 12, 2017, 10:18:16 AM
what a breath of fresh air watching them under 20 footballers yesterday. still shooting at goal right to the death.

As far as the other england team goes its time to drop Hart
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 12, 2017, 11:20:49 AM
I agree I think Hart is looking very poor at the min.

Forster should come in for him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 12, 2017, 11:45:49 AM
I agree I think Hart is looking very poor at the min.

Forster should come in for him

Hart has been looking pretty poor for quite some time.

Genuinely amazes me how he's still employed in the higher reaches of the game.

Said it before, the fact that he is anywhere near the England squad highlights the dearth of goalkeeping talent in this country.

Displays decent reactions at times, but give him time to actually think about anything and he short circuits.

Worked with a vehicle electrician years ago who was given the perfect nickname for Joe Hart.

Bod........ brain on demand.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 12, 2017, 12:23:02 PM
I was there right behind the goal and I have seen the replays and I still think few people are being harsh on Hart. Two decent free kicks and it would have taken two massive saves to get to them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 12, 2017, 12:40:38 PM
I was there right behind the goal and I have seen the replays and I still think few people are being harsh on Hart. Two decent free kicks and it would have taken two massive saves to get to them.

Cannot dispute the view you had from behind the goal and hope you had a great day out.

But I was shouting at the telly from my spot on the settee as Hart was setting up on both occasions.

Better positioning would have negated the need to pull off worldies.

Those free kicks were decent, nothing more.

He should have been saving both in open play  from that distance, let alone as dead balls.

Poorly positioned and flat footed for both as he was for the Bale free kick during the Euros.

I'm afraid Hart just doesn't learn.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 12, 2017, 12:53:41 PM
what a breath of fresh air watching them under 20 footballers yesterday. still shooting at goal right to the death.

As far as the other england team goes its time to drop Hart
Yeah, fantastic performance, a pleasure to watch(don't get chance to say that much these days!)

Just hope some of them actually get some game time and the opportunity to progress through the ranks.

Agree re Hart, he's a dog. Gave him 2/3rds of the goal to aim at for the first one and then got himself unsighted for the 2nd.
Was (almost) worth it to see the looks on their faces when we equalised though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BigFrank20 on June 13, 2017, 11:58:31 AM
Kit man Pat is out there with them and been showing his Albion flag at every game

It was an emotional return to his Telford home late last night for the former Albion kit man and die-hard Baggies fan, but coming back from South Korea with that medal around his neck meant it was worth it.
“I don’t know where I’m going to put it, my daughter is insisting she’s going to wear it to school!” Frost told the Express & Star.
“It's difficult being apart. The first thing I’ll do when I get home is buy her the new Albion shirt, that’s what she wants.”
The 51-year-old has been a kit man for years and currently looks after England youth teams. In 2009 he was with the Women’s Under-19s team that won the European Championships in Belarus, but now he’s got his hands on the big one.
“I’ve done a lot of events,” he explained. “I've won the Euros before but I’ve been to eight World Cups and never got further than the fourth round. There was always a feeling with this group they could do something.”
Frost has been on plenty of England tours and sat in plenty of England dressing rooms, so what was the difference this time around?
“Everything’s been spot on from the start,” he said. “We went to Japan for 10 days before we came to Korea. We’ve had a chef with us, everyone’s been eating properly. You don’t know how important it is to have a chef.
“The staff get on well too, five weeks away with each other, you can start to get on people’s nerves. It helps if you get along.
"Everyone has to muck in. We've moved five times on this trip, with three tonnes of kit and often you're unloading it by hand. Mind you, it doesn't feel like work when you’re football fan.
“Even though the head coach (Paul Simpson) is ex-Wolves, he’s done unbelievable with this group.
“They’re a tight-knit group. They’ve had the two terrorist attacks when they were over here. Ten of them are from up north, and the other ten are from London.
"Although we’re over 5,000 miles away it affects these kids because they’ve all got friends over there.
“But at the end of the final, while they did the lap of honour, they played Don’t Look Back in Anger (the Oasis song which has become a tribute to the Manchester victims) over the tanoy. It was unbelievably emotional, the whole crowd joined in."
After the final with Venezuela, which England won 1-0, the kit man witnessed first-hand the togetherness and warmth of the young Lions.
"I shed a tear when the head coach called me - some poxy kit man from Shropshire - in front of everyone and handed me a World Cup medal," he said.
"When the players show their appreciation for what you do, I got a bit emotional then, I’m not ashamed to admit it."
Frost is well known to Albion fans. When he’s not working for the FA, the former kit man travels home and away to watch the Baggies, including most under-23s fixtures.
And whenever he’s on tour, he always makes sure he spreads the good word. Not only did he hang his Albion flag up behind the goal for every game in the World Cup, he even took 30 replica shirts with him to hand out to Korean children.
“I spent £500 on shirts and gave them away,” he explained. “I saw the camera honed in on a few of them so it was all worthwhile.
"That was probably the highlight. I gave this kid an Albion top two weeks ago, and then he turned up at another game, with a Korean lad wearing a Villa top. I gave his friend an Albion shirt and he took off his Villa top! I wished I’d filmed it now.”
Frost wasn’t the only one with an Albion connection in South Korea. Aaron Danks, who was under-18s coach before the FA snapped him up 12 months ago, was there as a specialist in-possession coach, as was FA technical director Dan Ashworth, who made his name as Albion’s highly-successful recruitment chief.
It’s been a tricky 12 months for Ashworth after the senior men’s team disastrous performance at Euro 2016 and the controversy surrounding Sam Allardyce’s exit.
And for the past few years there have been cynics questioning his ‘England DNA’ project, but Frost reckons its impact is starting to bear fruit.
“What a difference Dan Ashworth has started to make at the FA,” said Frost. “We have just won the Toulon Tournament again, the under-17s got to the European final (in May), and the under-20s have just won the World Cup.
"He’s also made massive inroads in the women’s game. It’s just started to take off.
“They need the senior team to win a big one. But this group has some good players.
“We’ve got Dom Solanke who’s just signed for Liverpool. Josh Onomah from Spurs has been unbelievable. Lewis Cook has just gone to Bournemouth for £10m. But all of them are brilliant, all 21.
“And if they’re still around in five or six years time, and they all start playing Premier League football, who knows?”
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2017, 01:11:46 PM
any body excited about tonights game. I assume the usual england followers on here will be supping in Paris right now
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 13, 2017, 06:50:26 PM
Anyone watching the game tonight? Rumours of Stones in midfield  ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 13, 2017, 07:07:25 PM
Anyone watching the game tonight? Rumours of Stones in midfield  ???

Thought I saw something about that on the BBC website, thiugh it may have said he's just been playing there in training and will revert to CB for tonight.

To be honest he could play there but you'd want your most talented players in their best positions
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 13, 2017, 08:01:34 PM
Great gesture from our French cousins.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 13, 2017, 08:18:45 PM
Lovely goal...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 13, 2017, 09:00:44 PM
chamberlain looks lost in the role he's playing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2017, 09:16:02 PM
One of the worst England tops in my days, my opinion anyway
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 13, 2017, 09:38:12 PM
Close shave  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 13, 2017, 09:55:36 PM
England are well good
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2017, 10:05:58 PM
So couldn't beat 10 men. Bring on the under 20s
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 13, 2017, 10:07:35 PM
The joys of being half Scottish. Happy whether England win or lose  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 13, 2017, 10:09:48 PM
Is Southgate the man to lead England to world cup glory? Not so sure myself, think he needs time though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 13, 2017, 10:18:39 PM
Is Southgate the man to lead England to world cup glory? Not so sure myself, think he needs time though.
no chance of any glory for England that I can see. I reckon we will be looking for another manager after next years world cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 13, 2017, 10:29:26 PM
I'm intrigued and dare I say it, excited, by the current England setup, but we were poor today. Thought Cahill looked very poor and his lacked of pace exposed by the high line we were playing. It's fine to do that but when the opposition have quick forwards you need to be able to recover. Also thought he should have got closer to the man for the final goal.

If we are look at Russia as a stepping stone, then this current's generation should be peaking for 2020 and maybe 2022:

Butland (Currently 24, so will be 27 for the 2020 Euros)

Walker (27,30) / Clyne (26,29)
Jones (25,28) / Smalling (27,30)
Stones (23,26) / A.N.Other
Rose (26,29) / Bertrand (27,30)

Oxlade-Chamberlain (23,26)
Dier (23,26)
Alli (21,24)
Henderson (26,29) / Livermore (27,30)  ;D
Sterling (22,25)

Kane (23,26) / Welbeck (26,29)

Obviously this is really rough and to demonstrate a point. There are definitely gaps in that squad to be filled, either with more experienced players (Lallana would be 32, Sturridge would be 30 (but with his injury record I didn't include him)). But the point remains - the future is bright and many of these players will only improve. Add to this, the current success of the U17s and U20s and I do think there is reason to be positive, I have to just hope the media don't build us up for failure in 2018 because I don't think we'll do particularly well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 14, 2017, 12:11:55 AM
Is Southgate the man to lead England to world cup glory? Not so sure myself, think he needs time though.

Do you think we should replace him with the man in your profile picture? Perfect fit  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on June 14, 2017, 04:23:36 PM
Some bloke on Talksport says Harry Redknapp should come in to help Southgate  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 22, 2017, 07:47:38 PM
Anyone got the u21 game on? Great atmosphere by the sound of it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 22, 2017, 07:53:37 PM
Looking very good. 1-0 already.

West Brom flag at the game too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 22, 2017, 09:27:16 PM
2-0 with a goal from a player the mail linked us to today.
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/890887873?-27334:14223:0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 22, 2017, 09:37:17 PM
3-0 and into the semi finals.
Demarai Gray looked impressive.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 22, 2017, 11:42:22 PM
3-0 and into the semi finals.
Demarai Gray looked impressive.

To be fair England were a class above Poland the entire game. Was impressed with a number of our youngsters. The left back Chilwell, Mawson the centre back, Swift in midfield and Ward-prowse with his deliveries all stood out for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 27, 2017, 08:36:43 PM
U21s lost to Germany on penalties. again. >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 28, 2017, 06:34:54 AM
U21s lost to Germany on penalties. again. >:(

No surprises there then!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2017, 08:03:45 AM
U21s lost to Germany on penalties. again. >:(


No other outcome ever
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on June 28, 2017, 08:15:18 AM
I thought the England set up and possession was very similar to a TP team. Left Abraham up front feeding off scraps.......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2017, 09:46:28 AM
I thought the England set up and possession was very similar to a TP team. Left Abraham up front feeding off scraps.......


Both coaches with a similar football philosophy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionDaz on June 28, 2017, 02:25:48 PM
I thought the England set up and possession was very similar to a TP team. Left Abraham up front feeding off scraps.......
lol really,I read the article about how Boothroyd has evolved/transformed his game since his Watford days,looks like that went out the window.
Still a good effort to make the Semi's,few years ago the experts was predicting doom and gloom about the kids coming through.We seem to be on the right path.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2017, 02:35:06 PM
lol really,I read the article about how Boothroyd has evolved/transformed his game since his Watford days,looks like that went out the window.
Still a good effort to make the Semi's,few years ago the experts was predicting doom and gloom about the kids coming through.We seem to be on the right path.


i dont agree, we never improve. the u21s have now got this far in 3 finals since the start of the2000s
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionDaz on June 28, 2017, 05:53:30 PM
So 3 finals and semi final isn't good enough progress for you then ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 04, 2017, 10:00:36 PM
http://www.itv.com/news/2017-07-04/england-under-20s-goalie-pens-heartfelt-note-of-thanks-to-kitman/

Pat Frost posted a picture of the personalised letter on social media along with the message "You can have all the medals in the world but this beats winning more than anything else."
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on July 12, 2017, 11:24:58 PM
congrats to the U19s reaching the euro final where they will play Portugal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on July 14, 2017, 10:11:24 AM
congrats to the U19s reaching the euro final where they will play Portugal.
Article with Keith Downing talking about the U19s.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40601309
Good luck to them against Portugal tomorrow.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 14, 2017, 03:59:44 PM
Not that bad is he that Keith Downing? Proved a lot of the know it alls wrong. Did an excellent job here.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on July 15, 2017, 01:01:59 AM
Not that bad is he that Keith Downing? Proved a lot of the know it alls wrong. Did an excellent job here.

Always thought he was a decent coach
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 15, 2017, 07:18:20 PM
England u19s win Euro Championship. Well done lads and well done Keith Downing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on July 15, 2017, 07:19:56 PM
England win the under 19 euro's, to go along with the under 20 world cup, Toulon Tournament, runners up as the under 17 euro's (lost on penalties after a last minute equaliser), and semi-finals of the under 21's.

It's a myth England doesn't have good youth players, they're evidently amongst the best in the world, maybe it was true before but its certainly not of the current generations. It'll be a sin if they're wasted as they surely will be.

Shame our own Sam Field has had to miss out on this too, really not sure about Pulis' policies of withdrawing players from these kind of tournaments.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on July 15, 2017, 07:20:30 PM
Excellent well done lads!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 15, 2017, 09:11:58 PM
Fantastic achievement, again.  We do have some great youngsters.

You just wish there was a better way they could play at the premier league level to further develop . I fear many of these talented kids will become lost in the reserves missing out to the latest Egyptian (;)) or other 26 foreign signing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on July 15, 2017, 09:46:57 PM
England seniors are dog turd and always will be at tournaments. Southgate should have the balls to call the entire under 19 squad up for the world cup. We can't do any worse than fail at the first hurdle which we will anyway.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: HamsteadHarry on July 16, 2017, 11:38:08 AM
Great reward for the work that has been put in. It is a real conundrum how to maintain the development of these youngsters in senior football particularly with the reduced chance of experience at premier league level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on July 16, 2017, 11:52:12 AM
England seniors are dog turd and always will be at tournaments. Southgate should have the balls to call the entire under 19 squad up for the world cup. We can't do any worse than fail at the first hurdle which we will anyway.

What exactly would that achieve? The England squad is already very young and you've already wrote them off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on July 16, 2017, 12:11:17 PM
There performance was very impressive particularly when at least 3 of the most advanced players Field, Oxford and Davies weren't available.

The key with this cohort along with all the other ones that have done well this summer is getting them meaningful game time. Obviously the clubs will guard their own best interests but I would hope the FA would do everything in their power to nudge the clubs along the right path. I'm not sure quota's are the right way to go about things because the current system seems to have inflated the price of senior  English talent to the completely barmy heights of Kyle Walker's transfer to Man City.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 23, 2017, 07:41:33 PM
England ladies about to start against Spain, been a good day for sport. Well done to Jordan ⛳️ and Chris 🚴‍♀️ too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on July 23, 2017, 10:26:52 PM
england women won 2-0 with

22% possession
2 shots on target
1 corner.

Pulisball is catching on  ;)

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on July 23, 2017, 10:45:14 PM
england women won 2-0 with

22% possession
2 shots on target
1 corner.

Pulisball is catching on  ;)

Pulisball is the future.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 24, 2017, 08:44:03 AM
Pulisball is the future.


For the welsh international side yes
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mikkyk on July 24, 2017, 03:23:20 PM
england women won 2-0 with

22% possession
2 shots on target
1 corner.

Pulisball is catching on  ;)

From what I watched there were a lot of 'direct' passes from England and a lot of 'possession without penetration' from Spain. It really was like watching us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Lib on July 24, 2017, 03:37:44 PM
and a clear handball
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on July 24, 2017, 04:02:54 PM
From what I watched there were a lot of 'direct' passes from England and a lot of 'possession without penetration' from Spain. It really was like watching us.
That was just what I thought whilst watching. As you say Spain for all their possession never troubled the keeper.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on July 24, 2017, 04:48:49 PM
and a clear handball

I thought it was ball to hand so the correct decision in the end
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 24, 2017, 08:22:37 PM
and a clear handball
was it?
I thought she was falling and then it hit her hand after coming off her leg
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40701230
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on July 26, 2017, 11:11:07 PM
england women won 2-0 with

22% possession
2 shots on target
1 corner.

Pulisball is catching on  ;)

Not enough corners for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 27, 2017, 10:03:29 PM
England Ladies won 2-1 and are top of their group.
Will play the French on the 30th.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/womens-european-championship/scores-fixtures
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on July 28, 2017, 12:53:42 AM
England Ladies won 2-1 and are top of their group.
Will play the French on the 30th.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/womens-european-championship/scores-fixtures

Shame about the Scots after their win
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 30, 2017, 07:47:55 PM
Come on England ladies
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on July 30, 2017, 09:38:39 PM
Congratulations to the Women's team, beating France to get to the semi-finals
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 30, 2017, 09:41:45 PM
They will face the hosts Netherlands in the semis on Thursday night.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on July 30, 2017, 10:06:50 PM
There's an interesting theory that part of why our men's team often fails is because of their pampered attitude - whereas with our women there's genuine passion and heart in the side.
I think there's definitely an element of truth in this. I know our men aren't the best international side in the world, but they're certainly under-achievers. There's a lot to be said for the women who seem to be a throw-back of when football was more out of enjoyment from the players instead of being completely money-based.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 30, 2017, 10:16:28 PM
No fear football a lot more interesting and exciting to watch. You watching Southgate , take your hand break off
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on August 03, 2017, 08:07:43 PM
Bit of a nervy start from the England women. Groenen for holland looks the best player on the pitch so far
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on August 03, 2017, 08:08:31 PM
0-1 just as I posted that. They have started much better to be fair. England look a bit like West brom against the bigger teams
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on August 03, 2017, 08:43:31 PM
0-1 just as I posted that. They have started much better to be fair. England look a bit like West brom against the bigger teams

You read my mind.......... thought exactly the same!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on August 03, 2017, 08:54:07 PM
got into the game last 20 mins of the first half.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on August 03, 2017, 08:58:19 PM
bloody hell that no 7 for Holland has got enough war paint on, night on the urine after the match. ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on August 03, 2017, 09:17:28 PM
2-0 down, and bloody awful!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on August 03, 2017, 09:26:31 PM
Holland have been the better team by far. Got their goals and solid at the back. England just missed a great chance to pull one back. Shame as the public seemed to really be taking and interest in the women's team and being in a final would have been great for the women's game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on August 03, 2017, 09:37:49 PM
hard luck ladies, errors at the back and lacklustre up top.
sounds familiar.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on August 03, 2017, 10:49:43 PM
Lucky to make the semi final.  Completely outplayed by Spain, we had 2 shots and they both went in and 22 per cent possession.  Against France it could've gone either way.  There's still too much of lumping it long.  It seems endemic in the English game.  You have to look at the coaching.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on August 03, 2017, 11:17:04 PM
hard luck ladies, errors at the back and lacklustre up top.
sounds familiar.
Do you mean "Pulis football"?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on August 04, 2017, 08:04:47 AM
Massively disappointing and I have to question Sampson tactics for this one. The Netherlands clearly had the taller side and could be counted on being aggressive in front of the their home fans, so we decided to lump it for 90 minutes. Poor idea and I feel sorry for the players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on August 04, 2017, 03:18:27 PM
Have to agree re tactics. But it was also against a Netherlands team that had only conceded one goal in the tournament prior to playing England, and were playing in front of a huge home crowd.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 21, 2017, 12:02:30 PM
4th Sept next England game at home to Slovakia. yawnnnnnn
Joe Hart in goal your having a laugh and will anyone be shocked if Livermore gets in the squad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 21, 2017, 12:07:29 PM
If Jake Livermore is an international player then so am I.


a post from 2012 :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 23, 2017, 01:49:00 PM
Mr Rooney retires from international football
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on August 23, 2017, 03:51:29 PM
I thought he retired from England in 2004.  :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on August 23, 2017, 04:19:36 PM
Legend of the English game

And I hate this bashing of him, comments like above are ridiculous in my honest...remind me again how many goals he has scored for England??

Good luck to him England will miss players of his quality and experience
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 23, 2017, 04:35:31 PM
Mr Rooney retires from international football
Code for Gareth don't want me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on August 23, 2017, 04:52:42 PM
He only scored 3 England goals in major tournaments since Euro 2004. Just think if somebody told you this stat after that tournament you would think they were mental after the impact he had when he first burst on the scene. Rooney's had a great career and he is a great player but never world class when he should have been.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 23, 2017, 06:15:37 PM
he peaked for england 2004 in Portugal
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on August 23, 2017, 06:24:30 PM
been a great player for England except when it comes to major tournaments where world class players shine.
thought it was shocking to take him to a tournament even though he was banned for the first two games, what sort of a message did that send to other players?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on August 24, 2017, 07:43:35 AM
Legend of the English game

And I hate this bashing of him, comments like above are ridiculous in my honest...remind me again how many goals he has scored for England??

Good luck to him England will miss players of his quality and experience

We will have to find someone else to start scoring regular goals against Macedonia and Lithuania in the qualifiers.

He was fine up until the point we played against anyone remotely decent.

He stole a living at Man Utd for the last 3 years as well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 24, 2017, 02:37:55 PM
Dont get me wrong its nice to see an Albion footballer in the England squad but. anyway  well done Jake
for me the whole england set up is uninspiring
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on August 24, 2017, 02:47:19 PM
Congrats Jake, hope you get to play.
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/899284246?-11200:789:0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on August 24, 2017, 03:37:04 PM
We will have to find someone else to start scoring regular goals against Macedonia and Lithuania in the qualifiers.

He was fine up until the point we played against anyone remotely decent.

He stole a living at Man Utd for the last 3 years as well.

Oh well thats it then isnt it!!  :-\

He scored against the teams put infront of him, or are we now going to bash him for scoring goals?? Bobby Charlton also scored against low level sides, does that mean he wasnt a top player?

Rooney also scored against the likes of Brazil (in 2 different games), Argentina, Ukraine, Russia, Denmark, Switzerland, Uruguay, France etc but those dont count because obviously he only scored his 50 odd goals against Macedonia and Lithuania  :-X

He scored against the teams put in front of him what more can you ask for

He is also all-time top scorer for Man Utd incase people hadnt noticed....

Doesnt really smack of a player who isnt top class, not too me anyway
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 24, 2017, 06:16:30 PM
Chalobah in he England team after 2 premier league appearances with Swansea. I get that a large part of his selection will be down to his time playing for England at age levels but it still feels a bit rushed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on August 24, 2017, 07:03:39 PM
Chalobah in he England team after 2 premier league appearances with Swansea. I get that a large part of his selection will be down to his time playing for England at age levels but it still feels a bit rushed.

Doesn't Southgate know him from the U21 setup? I definitely like use building for the future.

Can't see what Defoe or Sturridge have done to deserve a call up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on August 24, 2017, 09:32:51 PM
Yep Southgate was even quoted in his interview saying that he picked him and the other youngster as they were the stand out performers for the 21's
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on August 28, 2017, 07:24:40 PM

When did Didier Deschamps turn into Steptoe?
International management has not done him any good. Southgate be warned, he's already looking a bit Borat.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 29, 2017, 01:06:20 PM
so international time. are we all excited then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 31, 2017, 09:54:02 AM
any of you chaps flying out to Malta for Fridays match
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 01, 2017, 08:04:08 AM
same old same old. hart starts for england and we are playing Malta ffs. southgate for me has to be the most flat uninspiring coach we have had.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on September 01, 2017, 09:34:59 AM
same old same old. hart starts for england and we are playing Malta ffs. southgate for me has to be the most flat uninspiring coach we have had.

Did you watch the Stoke match last week? If so, you would have seen how many times Butland dropped the ball.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 01, 2017, 09:41:22 AM
Did you watch the Stoke match last week? If so, you would have seen how many times Butland dropped the ball.

Give Heaton ago then, its malta we are playing. how many goals as hart conceeded so far this season and his performance against scotland was dire
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on September 01, 2017, 09:54:01 AM
Give Heaton ago then, its malta we are playing. how many goals as hart conceeded so far this season and his performance against scotland was dire

I personally don't believe you should "give players a go" in competitive fixtures, look at Belgium last night for example. We have a huge game on Monday, they need to play the strongest team in both games.

Plus, Heaton is older, and not as good. If you were talking about someone like Pickford I could maybe get your point. There is a reason why Heaton has played most of the last 10 years in the lower leagues, and why Hart has been playing in the champions league and winning titles.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on September 01, 2017, 10:03:25 AM
I personally don't believe you should "give players a go" in competitive fixtures, look at Belgium last night for example. We have a huge game on Monday, they need to play the strongest team in both games.

Plus, Heaton is older, and not as good. If you were talking about someone like Pickford I could maybe get your point. There is a reason why Heaton has played most of the last 10 years in the lower leagues, and why Hart has been playing in the champions league and winning titles.
I had to dig past all the transfer fallout, flippin heck 9-0! Lukaku & Meunier hat tricks.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 01, 2017, 11:16:10 AM
I completely forgot England were playing tonight. To be honest I probably won't watch it, should be a comfortable win though. I liked watching England under Hodgson cause I was desperate for Roy to do well and I think he did ok, Southgate I'm still undecided on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 01, 2017, 11:35:35 AM
anyway england to win 3-0 and hart to keep a clean sheet, big headed sod
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on September 01, 2017, 11:49:27 AM
Looking forward to watching it on the box, we should be way too strong for them?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 01, 2017, 12:21:43 PM
Not sure how Southgate can stand there and say "Hart is our best keeper" with a straight face.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 01, 2017, 06:50:34 PM
Livermore starts for England. Hope he has a great game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 01, 2017, 07:18:52 PM
Not sure how Southgate can stand there and say "Hart is our best keeper" with a straight face.

This will be a confidence booster for Hart. Should be a walk in the park for England. If he's our best we are in serious trouble.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 01, 2017, 07:20:40 PM
Wtf do they keep having a former welsh/ man u player in giggs commenting on England? Surely there are enough ex England kedgends around and available?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 01, 2017, 08:08:30 PM
Not good is it so far
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on September 01, 2017, 08:11:30 PM
They say we are hard to watch, how boring is this,the cream of England  :(.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 01, 2017, 08:14:42 PM
Channel 5 better celebrity 5 go motor homing
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 01, 2017, 08:34:47 PM
Poor fare by England but Livermore is very tidy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 01, 2017, 08:38:22 PM
We'll stick a few past them second half, just one of those halves. Malta difficult to break down. Livermore has done alright.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 01, 2017, 08:46:11 PM
Should get Alli off who's only ability in an England shirt seems to be flicks to the opposition and one of Henderson/Livermore off, really no need for both of them on.

Genuinely wouldn't be surprised to see this 0-0, England just get worse and worse each passing game at breaking down opposition who sit back. Not that we looked better against teams attacking us mind you.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Norfolk Baggie on September 01, 2017, 09:19:13 PM
Frankly I think it looks a bit dull and as a team England look mediocre at best.  I thought the women's internationals were more entertaining than this  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on September 01, 2017, 09:35:28 PM
Comfortable now..Rashford making the difference along with Kane..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 01, 2017, 09:36:59 PM
Dreadful from start to finish.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 01, 2017, 09:43:38 PM
Dreadful from start to finish.
Our bloke did alright though,motm
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 01, 2017, 09:50:13 PM
We'll stick a few past them second half, just one of those halves. Malta difficult to break down. Livermore has done alright.

Think I need to start putting bets on!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: garry on September 01, 2017, 09:59:45 PM
That was truly awful.
I only watched the second half, but it was like a pre-season kick-about
Flattered by the score
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on September 01, 2017, 10:22:33 PM
Our bloke did alright though,motm

Arr, I have been genuinely impressed by Livermore. Should play instead of Henderson and stick another attacker on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on September 01, 2017, 10:54:54 PM
Arr, I have been genuinely impressed by Livermore. Should play instead of Henderson and stick another attacker on.
Didn't watch the match as I've just got in. but read the report by Matt Stead from Football 365 and his comment about Livermore was
 "No shots, no chances created, no tackles, one dribble, two fouls. Tony Pulis will be damn proud."
Seems at odds with some of the comments from our own fans. Anyone know this journalist? Seems to have a bit of an agenda.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PsalmXXIII on September 01, 2017, 11:19:23 PM
Didn't watch the match as I've just got in. but read the report by Matt Stead from Football 365 and his comment about Livermore was
 "No shots, no chances created, no tackles, one dribble, two fouls. Tony Pulis will be damn proud."
Seems at odds with some of the comments from our own fans. Anyone know this journalist? Seems to have a bit of an agenda.

His was the ball that Alli picked up before running in circles and passing to Kane for the first goal. Without Jake the ball wouldn't have got in their box so hardly fair to say he didn't contribute.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: barnestormer on September 01, 2017, 11:59:06 PM
His was the ball that Alli picked up before running in circles and passing to Kane for the first goal. Without Jake the ball wouldn't have got in their box so hardly fair to say he didn't contribute.
exactly,didnt he make the pass to the assist for the second too? done well enough to start again on monday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Xpresso on September 02, 2017, 01:07:22 AM
Jake played well. He moved the ball on quickly, got in a couple of key tackles when Malta did threaten to break and, as someone else pointed out, began the move that led to the first goal. Sadly, he's become the victim of a vendetta begun by some Fleet Street hacks who can't understand how anyone who plays for West Bromwich Albion is good enough to wear the England shirt.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 02, 2017, 12:27:41 PM
Good scorline but the performance was whats the term, paint drying. god football in general is so boring right now
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 02, 2017, 01:32:16 PM
Good scorline but the performance was whats the term, paint drying. god football in general is so boring right now

When was the last time you enjoyed a football match?  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 04, 2017, 08:19:50 AM
Joey Barton just said west brom if they played as a team in the world cup finals would get to the qtrs.
Anyone listen to him, he makes a good pundit
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 04, 2017, 08:20:54 AM
When was the last time you enjoyed a football match?  ;D


Stoke at home last season, Arsenal was ok too. thats it then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scruffy Stan on September 04, 2017, 09:09:46 AM
Cheer up - France failed to beat Luxembourg at home. Can you imagine the reaction if England did that?  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 04, 2017, 04:49:45 PM
Southgate says he wants England to excite the fans tonight.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 04, 2017, 06:55:42 PM
Southgate says he wants England to excite the fans tonight.

Peter Crouch dancing is the only way that'll happen.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 04, 2017, 07:49:23 PM
Well that was exciting enough for me  :o 8) ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on September 04, 2017, 07:51:30 PM
LOL what was Rashford doing so deep.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 04, 2017, 07:58:12 PM
Not a good start. Need to get settled, look nervous.

Still think we'll win.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 04, 2017, 08:10:42 PM
Awful football awful atmosphere awful top, more folk staying away I see.worst England team ifor many years
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 04, 2017, 08:25:43 PM
I was just about to say I don't get what Dier does for England when he pops one in 1-1
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 04, 2017, 08:31:21 PM
Albion 2 checks 0. Brunt and Evans for Northern Ireland
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 04, 2017, 08:33:00 PM
Walker should have seen red there. Shocking first 45.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on September 04, 2017, 08:41:55 PM
Walker should have seen red there. Shocking first 45.
and the ref thought he got the ball. :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 04, 2017, 08:46:42 PM
and the ref thought he got the ball. :o

And had the perfect view  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on September 04, 2017, 08:48:40 PM
Albion 2 checks 0. Brunt and Evans for Northern Ireland

Fantastic stuff. Great goal from Brunty.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 04, 2017, 08:55:21 PM
This is better
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on September 04, 2017, 09:05:46 PM
Delli Alli so poor at this standard
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 04, 2017, 09:37:24 PM
What was the point of bringing on Livermore :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on September 04, 2017, 09:38:16 PM
Good win in the end. Good goal by Rashford. Well done England and Southgate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scruffy Stan on September 04, 2017, 09:38:34 PM
What was the point of bringing on Livermore :o
TP's not the only one who knows how to waste time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 04, 2017, 09:44:17 PM
Delli Alli so poor at this standard
And there was me thinking he had done well overall 😮
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 04, 2017, 09:45:58 PM
And there was me thinking he had done well overall 😮


Really? He's dreadful mate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on September 04, 2017, 09:52:26 PM
Not a single player could be happy with their performance in my opinion, with the exception maybe Bertrand.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Foster#1 on September 05, 2017, 03:46:38 AM

Really? He's dreadful mate.

Is he? Ali is a top player
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 06, 2017, 06:49:09 AM

Really? He's dreadful mate.
I never know if you are being sarcastic or not, I take it that was tongue in cheek-correct?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: VVVAlbion on September 06, 2017, 10:02:57 AM
Ali is not a top player but he is probably one of the best English options in his position at the minute.  When you start to realise this it becomes easier to come to terms with why England have not come close to winning anything in the last 50 years. We currently seem to be trying to produce "athletes" rather than footballers and those few talents that we do stumble across we give them shed loads of money at such a young age that they have no incentive to perform. Also, the few talented players that we have played tend to get pilloried for not producing the goods amongst substandard players, great incentive.
How do we change this? Personally, until the financial bubble in the Premier League pops, where clubs like ours find it more important to produce teams designed not to lose and the "top 6" teams can not just buy talent from abroad, I don't see it happening.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on September 06, 2017, 10:17:19 AM

Really? He's dreadful mate.

Don't think Jacko was being sarcastic if he was referring to the shift Alli put in for England the other night. He was pants, along with a few others.

Had Livermore touched the ball he could have got MOTM.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 06, 2017, 10:33:25 AM
he put a dam sight more effort into lifting his finger thats for sure
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on September 06, 2017, 10:59:07 AM
i put a dam sight more effort into lifting his finger thats for sure

Really?

Where did you put it  :o ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 06, 2017, 11:18:05 AM
Really?

Where did you put it  :o ?


ha ha nice one :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 30, 2017, 05:38:31 PM
How depressing football is at the moment now we have this shower to look forward too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 02, 2017, 01:12:04 PM
Whos going to the England games, thursday and sunday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 05, 2017, 08:40:13 PM
What a boring game.........starting to make the Albion look good........ :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on October 05, 2017, 08:44:12 PM
Too much tippy tappy and no penetration. Get it in the bloody box and do something with it.

I would love to see Pulis manager of England one day, he would soon sort this lot out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 05, 2017, 11:37:10 PM
I was going to moan how bad and boring they were, but, I fell asleep watching.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on October 06, 2017, 12:08:32 AM
Too much tippy tappy and no penetration. Get it in the bloody box and do something with it.

I would love to see Pulis manager of England one day, he would soon sort this lot out.
Are you being serious? That's the same as we play rubbish!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 06, 2017, 06:24:24 AM
Nodded off half way through, what a dire game!
A game plan not to loose and take the point if we have too.
Hang on where have I seen that before?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on October 06, 2017, 07:44:01 AM
Must be the worst England team ever to set foot on Wembley, no desire, no skill, no heart.
I have seen better defending from 10yr olds than some of that on show, we will be a complete embarrassment in Russia .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 06, 2017, 08:39:08 AM
Must be the worst England team ever to set foot on Wembley, no desire, no skill, no heart.
I have seen better defending from 10yr olds than some of that on show, we will be a complete embarrassment in Russia .


Not quite. Livermore didn't start  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on October 06, 2017, 09:41:12 AM
For a while now, England don't look like a 'team'. They don't look like they know their jobs in the team. The better England teams I've seen (80s onwards) had a very strong, physical defence, (e.g. Butcher/ Wright or Ferdinand/ Terry), a leader in centre midfield (e.g. Robson/ Gerrard/ Beckham) and a talismanic forward (e.g. Lineker, Shearer). A strong, physical spine. When I look at the current team, I don't see a decent defence, a midfield lacking in personality/ drive. Harry Kane and maybe Rashford (if player up front) are the only real bright spots.

Why do they all seem so lacklustre/ tired/ half hearted on a regular basis? This has gone on for years now , with different managers and players?

If you wondered, I 'm not looking forward to seeing these young lads get tonked in Russia by any half decent opposition or maybe even worse again (like Iceland)!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on October 06, 2017, 09:52:38 AM
Just got excellent odds that we wont make it out of the group stages...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on October 06, 2017, 10:18:33 AM
Southgate  "England won't become Spain in 8 months"..😂😂😂😂 just knock the 8 months off that statement...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on October 06, 2017, 09:06:57 PM
The problem with England is we are now obsessed with trying to play possession football like Spain because we think that's the way to progress. Rubbish. The players are used to the quick tempo of the Premier League we should not be playing football at a snail's pace we should be direct with the likes of Sterling, Rashford and Ali running at defenders. Not convinced by Southgate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 06, 2017, 09:48:59 PM
The problem with England is we are now obsessed with trying to play possession football like Spain because we think that's the way to progress. Rubbish. The players are used to the quick tempo of the Premier League we should not be playing football at a snail's pace we should be direct with the likes of Sterling, Rashford and Ali running at defenders. Not convinced by Southgate.

Been saying this for years fella

We try and adopt a continental approach that European teams have honed over the years whereas we look better playing 100mph football I call it

I don’t get why we’re trying to play teams at their own game when we have our own which is massively effective. It’s the reason we dont compete at European level in club football anymore either we’ve lost our identity

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on October 06, 2017, 10:26:58 PM
Been saying this for years fella

We try and adopt a continental approach that European teams have honed over the years whereas we look better playing 100mph football I call it

I don’t get why we’re trying to play teams at their own game when we have our own which is massively effective. It’s the reason we dont compete at European level in club football anymore either we’ve lost our identity

Agree, growing up we were meant to mimic the Italians, then the Dutch, then the Spaniards and now it's the Germans whose models we try and mimic. In the meantime, football continues to evolve and change and by the time you've adopted their system, which takes years to replicate, the game has moved on and you're back to square one.

There's nothing wrong with English footballers, we've produced Champions League winners for years - we just need the right coach which seems an impossibility with the FA's appointments down the years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on October 06, 2017, 10:48:06 PM
This is why I don't really blame Roy for the England failures. He was managing to the FA blueprint. I wished Big Sam was still in charge as he's not a yes man and would have played to the team's strengths. He's also very clued up about the mental side of things and I think he would have sorted us out at the World Cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on October 07, 2017, 11:56:13 AM
Are you being serious? That's the same as we play rubbish!

Watched the Northern Ireland V Germany game as it was live on German Tv (had a few days in Berlin). Couldn't believe how similar N.I. are to ourselves, sideways; backwards passing followed by a launched long ball which inevitable gives possession back to the opposition.
 Brunt played okay at left back, McAuley also okay, Evans was mostly good but made a massive error for the 3rd German goal just a headed "clearance" that went across goal straight to the back post for Kimmich to volley in, not sure what he was trying to do.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 07, 2017, 12:59:41 PM
Watched the Northern Ireland V Germany game as it was live on German Tv (had a few days in Berlin). Couldn't believe how similar N.I. are to ourselves, sideways; backwards passing followed by a launched long ball which inevitable gives possession back to the opposition.
 Brunt played okay at left back, McAuley also okay, Evans was mostly good but made a massive error for the 3rd German goal just a headed "clearance" that went across goal straight to the back post for Kimmich to volley in, not sure what he was trying to do.

Think he panicked and tried to get a head on it in the hope their packed defence would be able to clear the second ball.

Didn't happen though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on October 07, 2017, 09:14:18 PM
So many deep-rooted problems with England.  I’ll name a few.

1. Youth team coaches overall are poor.  So these kids are brought up as athletes playing the long ball, instead of an emphasis on skill such as Brazil/Spain.
2. Playing in club teams full of foreigners who are better players.  Therefore brutally exposed in an England shirt.
3. Are generally less bright than European counterparts so cannot think on their feet during games and switch tactically.
4. Do not play abroad as a footballing finishing school therefore are not well rounded footballers.
5. Overpaid lazy can’t think on their feet so crumble in a pressure situation.
6. Always a clique present so players from lesser clubs are treated with a lack of respect.
7. Managers are generally yes men and lack a ruthless edge with selection.
8. Fans overhype the players making them believe they’re better than they are. 

Until the FA stand up and be counted then nothing will change.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on October 07, 2017, 09:36:34 PM
So many deep-rooted problems with England.  I’ll name a few.

1. Youth team coaches overall are poor.  So these kids are brought up as athletes playing the long ball, instead of an emphasis on skill such as Brazil/Spain.
2. Playing in club teams full of foreigners who are better players.  Therefore brutally exposed in an England shirt.
3. Are generally less bright than European counterparts so cannot think on their feet during games and switch tactically.
4. Do not play abroad as a footballing finishing school therefore are not well rounded footballers.
5. Overpaid lazy can’t think on their feet so crumble in a pressure situation.
6. Always a clique present so players from lesser clubs are treated with a lack of respect.
7. Managers are generally yes men and lack a ruthless edge with selection.
8. Fans overhype the players making them believe they’re better than they are. 

Until the FA stand up and be counted then nothing will change.
Wasn’t Dan the Man recruited to iron out these problems?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on October 07, 2017, 10:00:10 PM
So many deep-rooted problems with England.  I’ll name a few.

1. Youth team coaches overall are poor.  So these kids are brought up as athletes playing the long ball, instead of an emphasis on skill such as Brazil/Spain.
2. Playing in club teams full of foreigners who are better players.  Therefore brutally exposed in an England shirt.
3. Are generally less bright than European counterparts so cannot think on their feet during games and switch tactically.
4. Do not play abroad as a footballing finishing school therefore are not well rounded footballers.
5. Overpaid lazy can’t think on their feet so crumble in a pressure situation.
6. Always a clique present so players from lesser clubs are treated with a lack of respect.
7. Managers are generally yes men and lack a ruthless edge with selection.
8. Fans overhype the players making them believe they’re better than they are. 

Until the FA stand up and be counted then nothing will change.

Didn't the U19's win the European Championships and the U20's the World Cup this year? Seems like the youth players are doing okay.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 08, 2017, 12:21:07 AM
Didn't the U19's win the European Championships and the U20's the World Cup this year? Seems like the youth players are doing okay.

That’s what I thought  ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on October 08, 2017, 09:46:21 AM
That’s what I thought  ???

Ok fair enough credit where it’s due.  What about the other 7 statements.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 08, 2017, 10:11:58 AM
Didn't the U19's win the European Championships and the U20's the World Cup this year? Seems like the youth players are doing okay.


Yes but it is a huge jump to senior football. The athleticism which we generally select will win games at a younger age against youngsters who aren't that robust but are better technically. When those technical players develop more physically they overtake the athletes generally.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 08, 2017, 11:55:53 AM
So many deep-rooted problems with England.  I’ll name a few.

1. Youth team coaches overall are poor.  So these kids are brought up as athletes playing the long ball, instead of an emphasis on skill such as Brazil/Spain.
2. Playing in club teams full of foreigners who are better players.  Therefore brutally exposed in an England shirt.
3. Are generally less bright than European counterparts so cannot think on their feet during games and switch tactically.
4. Do not play abroad as a footballing finishing school therefore are not well rounded footballers.
5. Overpaid lazy can’t think on their feet so crumble in a pressure situation.
6. Always a clique present so players from lesser clubs are treated with a lack of respect.
7. Managers are generally yes men and lack a ruthless edge with selection.
8. Fans overhype the players making them believe they’re better than they are.

Until the FA stand up and be counted then nothing will change.

From a personal perspective I think it's the media who over hype the players. You only have to read forums such as this to realise that many supporters don't buy into it.

As for players thinking they're better than they are again look to the press, the TV companies and arguably under developed emotional intelligence.

I've read a lot about our youth set up (more local level). There seems to be an increasing emphasis on giving young players a more grounded approach to life. Hopefully this approach will reap it's own rewards in the long term.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on October 08, 2017, 05:07:19 PM
Settling down to watch Spurs play Lithuania
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on October 08, 2017, 05:30:55 PM
And just to complete the Spurs show..Doddle is commentating...yawnnnnnnn
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: 17GD on October 08, 2017, 06:39:07 PM
Southgate said England don't have any big players. Sounds a little crazy, but could we not use half a dozen "top" players and make up the rest from lower teams like in the Championship? Some games call for passion rather than skill. As we know, that's what the lower leagues are all about.

England are just plain dull, surely if we had lower players it would shake the whole system up a bit and make the games more exciting. I still don't quite know why I watch England play.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 08, 2017, 07:02:12 PM
Southgate said England don't have any big players. Sounds a little crazy, but could we not use half a dozen "top" players and make up the rest from lower teams like in the Championship? Some games call for passion rather than skill. As we know, that's what the lower leagues are all about.

England are just plain dull, surely if we had lower players it would shake the whole system up a bit and make the games more exciting. I still don't quite know why I watch England play.

I'm sure a lot of the England players think they are big time!. Do you think they don't respect Southgate as a coach. Nice guy says all the right things at the right time but is he the man to take England forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on October 08, 2017, 07:08:30 PM
 I always look forward to an England game.
Why do they always disappoint?
Its excruciating to watch,remind you of anyone?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Black Pearl on October 08, 2017, 07:58:54 PM
I always look forward to an England game.
Why do they always disappoint?
Its excruciating to watch,remind you of anyone?

But England had lots of possession, it therefor must be great to watch. :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 08, 2017, 08:50:27 PM
But England had lots of possession, it therefor must be great to watch. :-X


Southgate for Albion? That's the sort of manager we'd be looking st if TP resigned.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 08, 2017, 09:30:05 PM
Ok fair enough credit where it’s due.  What about the other 7 statements.

7 & 8 you have a point

The other 5 statements are personal opinion and not something I agree with to be fair
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 28, 2017, 06:05:04 PM
will we take our 2017 world cup winners into the national full side
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 28, 2017, 06:09:43 PM
will we take our 2017 world cup winners into the national full side


No of course not.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 28, 2017, 06:12:50 PM
I meant the performances long term or will they just fizzle out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 28, 2017, 06:14:04 PM
I meant the performances long term or will they just fizzle out


Well Spain managed to bring their age group team through, but it depends almost entirely on Premier League managers. So probably not.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on November 08, 2017, 08:43:37 PM
Sam Field has been called up to the England U21s

never knew he was ranked the 44th  in the worlds top 100 youngsters.

 http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/909901550?-11200:789:0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 12:00:17 PM
full house tonight, for the first time in ages i will watch, be good to see some new young blood and hopefully outshine the cushy ones
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 08:42:38 PM
Encouraging , Livermore doing ok too. Come on young England . Pickford super saves
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 08:43:54 PM
Let's hope we don't see Henderson anymore
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 08:49:48 PM
Refreshing from young England , good half well done indeed
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 08:52:48 PM
Ark at me being positive , give my head a wobble
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on November 10, 2017, 09:20:41 PM
Good game this. Livermore having a decent game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 09:27:26 PM
Good game this. Livermore having a decent game.


We agree
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 09:52:16 PM
Decent tonight . Refreshing to see the young do well. No more hendersons please. Well done Southgate
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 10:46:40 PM
Apart from kane and Ali the rest who didn't play tonight should worry
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ex coseley kid on November 10, 2017, 10:51:30 PM

We agree

haha and so do we, first England game I've enjoyed in ages.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ex coseley kid on November 10, 2017, 10:52:32 PM
Happy with that Legend and Devon. That was proper footie.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2017, 11:24:16 PM
Proper English football , happy indeed. That rubbish we witness supporting our first love  is not welcome
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on November 11, 2017, 08:07:55 AM
Good game this. Livermore having a decent game.

He did have a good game.

I have to say though I was puzzled by some of his play as quite a few times he kicked the ball in a direction I've rarely seen him do for us..the ball actually went forward and to a player with the same shirt on as him...Pulis won't be happy about that!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on November 11, 2017, 08:41:00 AM
He did have a good game.

I have to say though I was puzzled by some of his play as quite a few times he kicked the ball in a direction I've rarely seen him do for us..the ball actually went forward and to a player with the same shirt on as him...Pulis won't be happy about that!
now now, you have to have a player in front of you to pass it forward
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 11, 2017, 11:31:05 AM
I thought it was an OK performance nothing better than that.

Most impressive for me was Jordan Pickford. I thought he looked well at home in international football. He made a couple of crucial saves, looked very confident, his distribution was excellent. I think England have found their goalkeeper I'd make him number one now.

We're OK in full back positions, Trippier, Walker, Rose all good enough. Luke Shaw is our most talented left back but he's disappeared without trace, it'd be nice if somehow we could get him back for the World Cup but it doesn't look like it will happen.

Jones, Stones, Maguire all did well. They can play out from the back particularly Stones and Maguire. Joe Gomez isn't good enough though he looks a weak link for Liverpool to me too.

Loftus Cheek had a good game. Some of the press going OTT as usual but that's what they do. He deserves a place in the final squad. Dier is a must and I'd have Harry Winks in there as well. Livermore isn't good enough. The likes of Lallana and Alli will hopefully be back from injury.

Harry Kane is a shoe in upfront. Who plays alongside him if we go that way I don't know. Vardy will be in the final squad I'm sure, Rashford also. Tammy Abraham looked out of his depth to me last night. Lingard isn't good enough either.

We have the nucleus of a good side / squad but we're not totally there yet.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on November 11, 2017, 01:33:48 PM
I thought it was an OK performance nothing better than that.

Most impressive for me was Jordan Pickford. I thought he looked well at home in international football. He made a couple of crucial saves, looked very confident, his distribution was excellent. I think England have found their goalkeeper I'd make him number one now.

We're OK in full back positions, Trippier, Walker, Rose all good enough. Luke Shaw is our most talented left back but he's disappeared without trace, it'd be nice if somehow we could get him back for the World Cup but it doesn't look like it will happen.

Jones, Stones, Maguire all did well. They can play out from the back particularly Stones and Maguire. Joe Gomez isn't good enough though he looks a weak link for Liverpool to me too.

Loftus Cheek had a good game. Some of the press going OTT as usual but that's what they do. He deserves a place in the final squad. Dier is a must and I'd have Harry Winks in there as well. Livermore isn't good enough. The likes of Lallana and Alli will hopefully be back from injury.

Harry Kane is a shoe in upfront. Who plays alongside him if we go that way I don't know. Vardy will be in the final squad I'm sure, Rashford also. Tammy Abraham looked out of his depth to me last night. Lingard isn't good enough either.

We have the nucleus of a good side / squad but we're not totally there yet.
Livermore isn't good enough!? So you know better than the England manager then.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 13, 2017, 10:18:19 AM
same starting line up for brazil please, if hart starts i wont watch it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 14, 2017, 09:12:15 PM
Southgate winning me over apart from him picking hart over Pickford . As for Pulis that ship sailed
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on November 14, 2017, 09:42:43 PM
Very impressed by England tonight.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Legend on November 14, 2017, 09:48:42 PM
Stones is maturing into a very good defender.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 15, 2017, 09:17:48 AM
Not quite sure why there seems to be so much hype surrounding us drawing the two games 0-0 at home and being dominated in both for the most part. The press seem to be lauding Southgate as the second coming, whereas you know that come the tournament, both Germany and Brazil would move up a gear or two to ensure they won the game. We beat Germany 3-2 in Germany under Roy in what was a truly superb performance and yet we meekly went out to Iceland come the tournament, let's just temper the expectations somewhat.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 15, 2017, 09:36:47 AM
Not quite sure why there seems to be so much hype surrounding us drawing the two games 0-0 at home and being dominated in both for the most part. The press seem to be lauding Southgate as the second coming, whereas you know that come the tournament, both Germany and Brazil would move up a gear or two to ensure they won the game. We beat Germany 3-2 in Germany under Roy in what was a truly superb performance and yet we meekly went out to Iceland come the tournament, let's just temper the expectations somewhat.

its the usual cycle of media building things up before they inevitably go wrong, fills pages / time-slots.

If the amazing happens and things do go brilliantly they can fill the pages anyway,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: adamw1109 on November 15, 2017, 11:05:25 AM
Very impressed by England tonight.

We agree on something... (best go see a doctor tomorrow  :o).

Also happy to see the younger players given a chance... with most managers they will pick the team based on favourites and 'big name's, atleast now the team is being picked based on form/potential... it's refreshing to see and hopefully some of the younger guys have done enough to impress Southgate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 15, 2017, 12:00:10 PM
We agree on something... (best go see a doctor tomorrow  :o).

Also happy to see the younger players given a chance... with most managers they will pick the team based on favourites and 'big name's, atleast now the team is being picked based on form/potential... it's refreshing to see and hopefully some of the younger guys have done enough to impress Southgate.


Nah ! you don't win nothing with kids !!, u daft or summat ? :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: adamw1109 on November 15, 2017, 01:16:50 PM

Nah ! you don't win nothing with kids !!, u daft or summat ? :o

Well England don't win anything with older experienced players either so what difference does it make  ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 15, 2017, 02:02:08 PM
Well England don't win anything with older experienced players either so what difference does it make  ::)

Think there was a tinge of sarcasm in his post mate

ala Hansen

I thought England were ok yesterday, some of the youngsters really shone

Gomez looks an excellent prospect as does Loftus-Cheek

Solanke deserved his call up for his expolits and didnt do himself any damage with how he played either

Great to see the kids who did well at other levels making the step up. He needs to continue that and force his way into the Liverpool team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on December 01, 2017, 04:00:12 PM
Belgium, Panama and Tunisia. That'll do.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on December 01, 2017, 04:06:40 PM
Good group that and hopefully time for us to get better considering we play Tunisia and Panama before Belgium.

Let the optimism begin!! :-\
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on December 01, 2017, 04:10:17 PM
Belgium clear favourites there. Could have been a lot worse. Even if we do go through we’ll go in the last 16!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on December 01, 2017, 04:10:51 PM
I will be very disappointed if we don't get out of that group. Last time being with Italy and Uruguay far enough, but no excuses with that group.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on December 01, 2017, 04:56:02 PM
If we come 1st we're likely to get Brazil in the quarters, Germnay if we come second!

That assumjng we can beat 1st/2nd in Poland's group!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on December 01, 2017, 07:26:29 PM
Hope we do enough in the games against Tunisia and Panama because Belgium will tear us a new one.


We should get out of the group as we've been a bit lucky with the draw.


After that I think the next decent team we come across and we'll be out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on December 01, 2017, 10:10:31 PM
Was going to give it a miss but couldn’t resist the £65 return flights to Gdańsk and then a coach journey to Kaliningrad for the Belgium game. Literally had no intention at all of going over but buzzing for it now. £175 flight and hotel for three days!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on December 02, 2017, 10:01:53 AM
You couldn't pay me to go there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on December 02, 2017, 10:22:38 AM
You could pay me to go there  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on December 07, 2017, 03:11:14 PM
Wembley to host 7 games at euro 2020:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42270759
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on December 07, 2017, 03:32:05 PM
You could pay me to go there  ;D .

I fly into Gdansk about once a month, its a good place, nice beaches, nice beer, nice people, old town is worth a look (an old Hanseatic port, as is the Solidarity Museum)
If you are heading for Kaliningrad factor in Euro70 for a visa.
Flights from Stansted are ALWAYS chocka as well.

I am planning on going!

Also
To get the visa you need to provide the following:
Clear scanned passport copy
Working adress, name of the company, position & phone number
Home adress & phone number
Hotel reservation
You must send it by email at least 10 days before your arrival in Kaliningrad.
On arrival must have a 3×4 cm (1.18×1.57 inches) color photo.
You must arrive on weekdays during operating times 09:00–18:00.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on January 22, 2018, 10:33:22 AM
I think we can get to the semis in Russia if we dont suffer major injuries
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 22, 2018, 05:15:52 PM
I think we can get to the semis in Russia if we dont suffer major injuries


Have you defected to Germany or Brazil? England should scrape out of the group. Anything beyond that is a bonus.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on January 24, 2018, 08:06:41 AM
I hear Phil Neville is the new coach of the England womens team, controversial appointment i am hearing
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scruffy Stan on January 24, 2018, 08:27:39 AM
Not much track record as a coach and apparently doesn't know much about the women's game. Jobs for the boys, from the look of it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on January 24, 2018, 08:35:54 AM
Not much track record as a coach and apparently doesn't know much about the women's game. Jobs for the boys, from the look of it.

That and an apparent lack of other better options.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on January 24, 2018, 08:49:56 AM
How long is he going to last after comments he made about women in 2011
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WoysWunderful on January 24, 2018, 11:34:22 PM
Says a lot about the state of the FA and there attitude to women football when the entire shortlist rejects them then they have to get somebody in who has no managerial experience.

Big changes needed or we lose the status we have.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on January 29, 2018, 05:47:13 PM
Sturridge, Jay rod partnership in Russia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on January 29, 2018, 06:07:23 PM
Sturridge, Jay rod partnership in Russia
The last England front -line partnership supplied by the Albion was ?????

Allen and Nichols !!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 14, 2018, 03:33:23 PM
Whos going to watch England in the world cup finals in Russia. Rather you than me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 14, 2018, 03:41:00 PM
Whos going to watch England in the world cup finals in Russia. Rather you than me

trying to get to Kaliningrad for the Belgium game, I can get there but tickets is an issue.
I reckon it will be one of the safest games ever. Over policed and the ruskies will not want the competition to get bad publicity, assuming England fans are as sensible as they usually are of course.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mank baggie on March 14, 2018, 04:19:29 PM
I can see us boycotting the world cup with all that's going on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: VVVAlbion on March 14, 2018, 07:38:11 PM
Whos going to watch England in the world cup finals in Russia. Rather you than me
Not the Royal Family  :D I reckon Harry tried to bump off that Russian, knowing of the repercussion.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on March 14, 2018, 08:09:42 PM
I can see us boycotting the world cup with all that's going on

It will all blow over by then. Plus I don’t think football and politics mix.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 14, 2018, 09:31:18 PM
I’ve got tickets for the Belgium game in Kaliningrad, staying in Gdansk in Poland and travelling over for the game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albionden on March 15, 2018, 12:52:20 AM
don't care if we go or not, we'll probably stink the place out with bore draws under Southgate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 15, 2018, 07:52:35 AM
I’ve got tickets for the Belgium game in Kaliningrad, staying in Gdansk in Poland and travelling over for the game
Lee, I am doing Gdańsk and getting ferry to Kaliningrad, how did you get your tickets? Are you England supporters member?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 15, 2018, 08:03:27 AM
I am but only have 28 caps so never managed to get them through ESTC as the caps cut off was around 40 due to the ridiculously low allocation but managed to get them off the FIFA website on Tuesday.

Having an allocation of around 1600 for a World Cup match is a joke, although the only ticket I didn’t get for the Euros through ESTC was Wales which we again managed to pick up off UEFA and if this game is anywhere near as good as that we should be in for a cracker (doubt it very much though)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 15, 2018, 08:32:59 AM
I am but only have 28 caps so never managed to get them through ESTC as the caps cut off was around 40 due to the ridiculously low allocation but managed to get them off the FIFA website on Tuesday.

Having an allocation of around 1600 for a World Cup match is a joke, although the only ticket I didn’t get for the Euros through ESTC was Wales which we again managed to pick up off UEFA and if this game is anywhere near as good as that we should be in for a cracker (doubt it very much though)
cheers, was going to try through Polish FA, but may have to be a bit more creative than that. Here is hoping!
Agree the 1600 is pathetic especially given the location.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on March 15, 2018, 02:06:37 PM
Livermore in the England squad!  :o

Southgate has not got a clue
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 15, 2018, 02:09:42 PM
Livermore in the England squad!  :o

Southgate has not got a clue


Incredible isn't it?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on March 15, 2018, 02:10:36 PM
Beyond belief. He shouldn't be in our side at the bottom of the Premier League let alone the international squad. What is the bloke watching?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on March 15, 2018, 02:31:11 PM
Beyond belief. He shouldn't be in our side at the bottom of the Premier League let alone the international squad. What is the bloke watching?

I suppose they need somebody to get them back after a night on the last after another early cup exit
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on March 15, 2018, 02:56:36 PM
I remember the days when we were all so proud to have a player called up for England..but this selection is truly mystifying...who if anyone on the England management or coaching staff has watched any of our matches this year !!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 15, 2018, 03:15:03 PM
The fact that the likes of Livermore and Hart are anywhere near the England squad says a lot about both Southgate and the pool of "talent" available.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 15, 2018, 03:20:04 PM
The fact that the likes of Livermore and Hart are anywhere near the England squad says a lot about both Southgate and the pool of "talent" available.


Yep this.

Livermore in the England squad is quite something when you think of the likes of Regis and Statham struggled to get a game for England.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 15, 2018, 03:48:06 PM
Livermore's done O.K in an England shirt when selected.

There, I've said it.......  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on March 15, 2018, 03:55:33 PM
Livermore's done O.K in an England shirt when selected.

There, I've said it.......  ;D .

Is he related to that Livermore chap that strolls around for us occasionally?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 15, 2018, 04:05:37 PM
Is he related to that Livermore chap that strolls around for us occasionally?

I believe so.

To be honest he has done OK when with England......

........ and while never spectacular I don't think he's done as badly for Albion as many on here suggest either.

Doesn't bother with tin hat and saunters calmly away before the grenades start to fly  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 15, 2018, 04:18:25 PM
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/former-ambassador-warns-over-safety-of-british-football-fans-at-2018-russia-world-cup/ar-BBKev7F?li=AAmiR2Z&ocid=ientp

Watch your backs folks
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on March 16, 2018, 01:19:57 PM
As much as I would like to go to a world cup, I would never in a million years think of going to Russia or Qatar. The Russians will be looking for fights and the English will bear the brunt of it I am sure. I said to my brother that we should allow all the banned hooligans a one free pass to travel to Russia, just to even the odds. (Said in jest obviously)

As for Qatar, it's just been humanitarian atrocity after another coupled with the disgraceful way in which they were given the world cup in the first place.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 16, 2018, 01:25:24 PM
As much as I would like to go to a world cup, I would never in a million years think of going to Russia or Qatar. The Russians will be looking for fights and the English will bear the brunt of it I am sure. I said to my brother that we should allow all the banned hooligans a one free pass to travel to Russia, just to even the odds. (Said in jest obviously)

As for Qatar, it's just been humanitarian atrocity after another coupled with the disgraceful way in which they were given the world cup in the first place.

And to think Qatar won it over Australia.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 16, 2018, 01:34:03 PM
And to think Qatar won it over Australia.

Ah but look at what Oz has done to the Aborigines and the Oz camps for illegal immigrants..... I can hear it now,

I'm sure if you wanted to be offended by things Australian you could be !

Whereas our nice Qatari friends,   ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 16, 2018, 01:35:18 PM
Ah but look at what Oz has done to the Aborigines and the Oz camps for illegal immigrants..... I can hear it now,

I'm sure if you wanted to be offended by things Australian you could be !

Whereas our nice Qatari friends,   ;)

We're probably the worst in the world for that sort of thing if you go back far enough :D

But in all seriousness, a World Cup in Australia would have been decent. A country that is sport mad where the football fanbase could be developed, and it would be friendly to people of all backgrounds.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 16, 2018, 01:51:39 PM
We're probably the worst in the world for that sort of thing if you go back far enough :D

But in all seriousness, a World Cup in Australia would have been decent. A country that is sport mad where the football fanbase could be developed, and it would be friendly to people of all backgrounds.

They (aussies) would be worse than the "sweaty socks" for baiting the english, but yes, your right would be an ideal place for the world cup, can get hot down there at times, so you would have to be a bit smart with scheduling, June is their winter though so as long as you keep out of Darwin.......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 16, 2018, 10:08:13 PM
As much as I would like to go to a world cup, I would never in a million years think of going to Russia or Qatar. The Russians will be looking for fights and the English will bear the brunt of it I am sure. I said to my brother that we should allow all the banned hooligans a one free pass to travel to Russia, just to even the odds. (Said in jest obviously)

As for Qatar, it's just been humanitarian atrocity after another coupled with the disgraceful way in which they were given the world cup in the first place.
Why in jest?
They set gangs up ready for us in France, I'm not condoning violence but fully understand that there will be lots of tension.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on March 19, 2018, 10:48:52 PM
Many argue that sport and politics shouldn’t be mixed. The World Cup was ‘won’ (with brown envelopes?) by Russia specifically for political purposes. Any country with sporting morals should not go to the World Cup. How can you play sport against a country that utilises state sponsored cheating (doping), let alone one that bombs civilians, women and children included, supports a regime that does the same with the addition of using poison gas, and apparently is quite happy to release a lethal military nerve agent in a foreign country? We’re I an England footballer, I would not want any involvement whatsoever in giving legitimacy to Russia and their so-called ‘sport’.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 19, 2018, 11:25:57 PM
Many argue that sport and politics shouldn’t be mixed. The World Cup was ‘won’ (with brown envelopes?) by Russia specifically for political purposes. Any country with sporting morals should not go to the World Cup. How can you play sport against a country that utilises state sponsored cheating (doping), let alone one that bombs civilians, women and children included, supports a regime that does the same with the addition of using poison gas, and apparently is quite happy to release a lethal military nerve agent in a foreign country? We’re I an England footballer, I would not want any involvement whatsoever in giving legitimacy to Russia and their so-called ‘sport’.

I don't think we'd have much of a leg to stand on regarding supporting dodgy regimes...we're nice and cosy to Saudi Arabia.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 20, 2018, 11:22:30 AM
Many argue that sport and politics shouldn’t be mixed. The World Cup was ‘won’ (with brown envelopes?) by Russia specifically for political purposes. Any country with sporting morals should not go to the World Cup. How can you play sport against a country that utilises state sponsored cheating (doping), let alone one that bombs civilians, women and children included, supports a regime that does the same with the addition of using poison gas, and apparently is quite happy to release a lethal military nerve agent in a foreign country? We’re I an England footballer, I would not want any involvement whatsoever in giving legitimacy to Russia and their so-called ‘sport’.

I'm hoping to go to watch a game of football and enjoy the atmosphere with a load of like minded folks.
There is far too much in this world for me to make a personal stand against,
Lacking moral fibre - yes,
Going to have a great time, - thats the plan!

Each to thier own,

As an aside, I would be interested to know how you can support a club which has a history of Drunk & drug driving (Saido / Hughes), Quenelles (anelka), Taxi theft (the "boys') , photos of sexual acts (Hoult) burning money wiped on arses (ridgewell) Drugs (willie alledgedly, Bednar), shall i go on? ...... 

Where you draw the line of indignation and resultant action is a personal thing,
I don't like the idea of criticising others because their views don't align with my moral compass but as I say each to their own.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 20, 2018, 12:46:51 PM
I'm hoping to go to watch a game of football and enjoy the atmosphere with a load of like minded folks.
There is far too much in this world for me to make a personal stand against,
Lacking moral fibre - yes,
Going to have a great time, - thats the plan!

Each to thier own,

As an aside, I would be interested to know how you can support a club which has a history of Drunk & drug driving (Saido / Hughes), Quenelles (anelka), Taxi theft (the "boys') , photos of sexual acts (Hoult) burning money wiped on arses (ridgewell) Drugs (willie alledgedly, Bednar), shall i go on? ...... 

Where you draw the line of indignation and resultant action is a personal thing,
I don't like the idea of criticising others because their views don't align with my moral compass but as I say each to their own.

........  Bernt Haas thrapping himself of via an internet link up  :P  ;) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 20, 2018, 02:10:27 PM
cheers, was going to try through Polish FA, but may have to be a bit more creative than that. Here is hoping!
Agree the 1600 is pathetic especially given the location.

I’d just keep trying on Fifa mate, only way you will get them. Also get a free Fan ID if you gets ticket which counts as your Visa, if you don’t get one obviously you will have to get a normal Russian visa and not too sure how much they cost.

Flying out to Amsterdam Friday for the match, can’t wait!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on March 21, 2018, 05:20:13 PM
I'm hoping to go to watch a game of football and enjoy the atmosphere with a load of like minded folks.
There is far too much in this world for me to make a personal stand against,
Lacking moral fibre - yes,
Going to have a great time, - thats the plan!

Each to thier own,

As an aside, I would be interested to know how you can support a club which has a history of Drunk & drug driving (Saido / Hughes), Quenelles (anelka), Taxi theft (the "boys') , photos of sexual acts (Hoult) burning money wiped on arses (ridgewell) Drugs (willie alledgedly, Bednar), shall i go on? ...... 

Where you draw the line of indignation and resultant action is a personal thing,
I don't like the idea of criticising others because their views don't align with my moral compass but as I say each to their own.

So you’re happy to go and ‘enjoy’ a so-called sporting tournament in a murderous regime that Russia is now? Russia should be shunned by all sports and I cannot understand anyone going there given the Russians complete disregard for human life. Well done, have a good time while women and children amongst many innocent civilians are bombed and gassed into oblivion.

FIFA should grow some and cancel the whole charade.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 21, 2018, 07:24:37 PM
So you’re happy to go and ‘enjoy’ a so-called sporting tournament in a murderous regime that Russia is now? Russia should be shunned by all sports and I cannot understand anyone going there given the Russians complete disregard for human life. Well done, have a good time while women and children amongst many innocent civilians are bombed and gassed into oblivion.

FIFA should grow some and cancel the whole charade.

I will have a good time thanks.

Meanwhile you are content to reside in a country which flogs armaments to the Saudi's to bomb kids and women into oblivion in Yemen. Best you leave the country an go live in Utopia.

We disagree lets leave it at that. COYB
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 21, 2018, 07:28:08 PM
So you’re happy to go and ‘enjoy’ a so-called sporting tournament in a murderous regime that Russia is now? Russia should be shunned by all sports and I cannot understand anyone going there given the Russians complete disregard for human life. Well done, have a good time while women and children amongst many innocent civilians are bombed and gassed into oblivion.

FIFA should grow some and cancel the whole charade.

I will go and enjoy myself (fingers crossed), not a fan of the Russian regime at all obviously but the example you have given above could be be describing the country we live in. Not as if the UK haven’t gone and bombed countries in the last 20 years and killed thousands of innocent people. Again I’m not saying it’s right at all but bit hypocritical coming from someone from the UK
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on March 21, 2018, 09:05:19 PM
I will go and enjoy myself (fingers crossed), not a fan of the Russian regime at all obviously but the example you have given above could be be describing the country we live in. Not as if the UK haven’t gone and bombed countries in the last 20 years and killed thousands of innocent people. Again I’m not saying it’s right at all but bit hypocritical coming from someone from the UK
I thought i had logged onto the England football team thread, obviously not.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 21, 2018, 09:12:56 PM
I thought i had logged onto the England football team thread, obviously not.

Sorry mate, suppose it is way off topic  but getting slated for going to support england at the World Cup for the reasons given I just thought we’re a bit hypocritical.

Anyway on to Amsterdam Friday! As much I love Albion players playing for England I was hoping for a weekend without having to see Jake Livermore in centre midfield, albeit he has done ok for England lately i think.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on March 21, 2018, 09:25:20 PM
Leave the politics please
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on March 21, 2018, 09:47:44 PM
Leave the politics please

If only there was a sub forum we could discuss politics ;)

Fair play to anyone going over there, I would not take the risk especially with the limited consular access we now have due to half the embassy being kicked out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on March 22, 2018, 11:55:02 PM
If only there was a sub forum we could discuss politics ;)

Fair play to anyone going over there, I would not take the risk especially with the limited consular access we now have due to half the embassy being kicked out.

If only forum members behaved appropriately when we had that politics forum   ;)

Agree on your second point.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on March 24, 2018, 04:39:05 PM
England played with promise yesterday But I think the first half and most of the game was boring. I think Our Man of the match was Our goalscorer Lingard
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 26, 2018, 08:38:04 AM
Any England fans behave in Russia like they did in Amsterdam then expect the worse. your brave if you travel to Russia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 26, 2018, 09:19:32 AM
Surprised we've only had 1 reply to this thread since friday (about the match).

Thought we looked threatening on the break, carrying a lot of pace. Final ball let us down but what struck me was how poor the dutch were! Possibly the worst team in a generation
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 26, 2018, 11:59:13 AM
Final ball let us down AGAIN

One of Sterlings best performances but he isnt and never will be a world class player...

front 3 of Kane, Rashford and Sterling will be scary for a lot of nations though, pace and goal threats

We need a creative player in the middle, Wilshere if he could stay fit or Drinkwater with his passing range would be good but neither look likely to play significant games for England.

Lingard did well last night, thought England played ok myself

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on March 26, 2018, 12:51:48 PM
I didn't feel there was much to comment on, really.

That has to be the worst Dutch team I have ever seen. I will wait until we face a challenge before judging where we are at.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 26, 2018, 01:04:54 PM
Thought we did well against a very poor Dutch side.  The worst Dutch side I can recall to be honest.

Thought the 3-5-2 worked really well and I would favour that in the tournament however I don't think Walker should be in the back 3.  I understand he brings pace to the defence but you are sacrificing a superb player going forward and one of our main threats.

Thought the midfield had a decent balance as well with Henderson holding.  Lingard was motm imo.

All in all a good performance but there will be much tougher tests against much better sides than this Holland team which I am not surprised hasn't qualified for the WC.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 26, 2018, 01:10:57 PM
Thought the idea of Walker could have been good if Walker overlapped Trippier. It's rare to get overlaps in a 3-5-2 so it could have offered us an overload opportunity. However we only it once or twice.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on March 27, 2018, 01:36:39 PM
I didn't feel there was much to comment on, really.

That has to be the worst Dutch team I have ever seen. I will wait until we face a challenge before judging where we are at.

The worst Dutch side ever just beat the European champions 3-0 in their own backyard.

Makes our result more impressive.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 27, 2018, 02:17:09 PM
I watched them in their qualifies this is the worst Holand team I have ever seen by a long long way.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on March 27, 2018, 02:56:24 PM
I'd like to see us against a team who is good at holding onto possession and the game is at a slower pace - Italy!

No team progresses too far in the WC without one or two of
Great Keeper
Great Defence
Midfielders who can keep possession
A goalscorer(s) who can make something out of nothing in a tight spot

By my reckoning, we have one (goalscorer) so I'd be happy with quarters this WC! I do think 352 suits us better though as it helps us to keep the ball and not bomb forward losing it and being exposed and high up the pitch which just doesn't suit English teams over the years (2010 v Germany springs to mind and Gareth Barry - shudder)?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 27, 2018, 03:13:45 PM
I'd like to see us against a team who is good at holding onto possession and the game is at a slower pace - Italy!

No team progresses too far in the WC without one or two of
Great Keeper
Great Defence
Midfielders who can keep possession
A goalscorer(s) who can make something out of nothing in a tight spot

By my reckoning, we have one (goalscorer) so I'd be happy with quarters this WC! I do think 352 suits us better though as it helps us to keep the ball and not bomb forward losing it and being exposed and high up the pitch which just doesn't suit English teams over the years (2010 v Germany springs to mind and Gareth Barry - shudder)?
8 years on from that debacle and he still earns a living in the English premier league, what does that tell you about "the best league in the world"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on March 27, 2018, 07:02:30 PM
Should England boycott the World Cup?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5547735/Australia-BOYCOTT-2018-Soccer-World-Cup.html?ito=social-facebook
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 27, 2018, 08:07:27 PM
Should England boycott the World Cup?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5547735/Australia-BOYCOTT-2018-Soccer-World-Cup.html?ito=social-facebook
Read past the typical sensational headline. It’s only an option at the moment. Anyway, I should imagine The FA are financially committed to appear. My personal opinion? Keep sport out of politics. Let the diplomats sort it out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on March 27, 2018, 08:09:36 PM
Nice Tribute To Cyrille Regis, Jimmy Armfeild and Astoria
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on March 27, 2018, 08:59:03 PM
The PM said earlier today that she would not penalise England fans by trying to prevent the England team taking part in the World Cup in Russia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 27, 2018, 10:08:12 PM
VAR getting slaughtered on social media despite clearly correcting a mistake... this is what it is for. Definite penalty missed by the on field officials.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on March 27, 2018, 10:17:17 PM
Never a penalty, no tackle was made, just two players running for the same ball and he was accidentally trod on, anywhere else on the pitch no foul would have been given, terrible decision.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 27, 2018, 10:58:48 PM
Haha. Tarkowski stood on his foot. Clear foul accidental or not.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 27, 2018, 11:29:18 PM
Jeez!! Now we have to define what a foul is! Accidentally or deliberate? In this case, I really couldn’t tell.  ???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 28, 2018, 12:43:21 AM
Haha. Tarkowski stood on his foot. Clear foul accidental or not.

I'm with you and called it before the VAR. With VAR I thought it was even more apparent. He didn't just stand on him, he angled his foot in. Definite penalty.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on March 28, 2018, 09:05:25 AM
With Livermore not featuring in either game..could that be the end of his World Cup aspirations ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on March 28, 2018, 09:25:56 AM
I'm with you and called it before the VAR. With VAR I thought it was even more apparent. He didn't just stand on him, he angled his foot in. Definite penalty.


See even with VAR you're going to get controversy. I disagree with you I don't think it was a penalty and I don't think he angled his foot in. When people run they don't run in an exact straight line it looked like an accident to me and to give that as a penalty I think is extremely soft.

Why have VAR when you still get controversy? I wouldn't call last nights incident clear and obvious either.

Not sure I like VAR bur it's here to stay so I suppose I'd better get used to it. :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 28, 2018, 10:49:12 AM
Still a foul even if he didn’t mean it, clumsy at worse to stand on someone’s foot in the area and I’m sure if that happened to the Albion everyone would be saying it was a penalty
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on March 28, 2018, 11:32:09 AM
Definite foul, no complaints.
Good performance though, looks like we've found a formation that fits the players available and gets us playing as a team rather than 11 individuals (or Rooney + 10).
Here I go again with my pre-tournament optimism. I'll go and have a word with myself.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 28, 2018, 11:33:44 AM

See even with VAR you're going to get controversy. I disagree with you I don't think it was a penalty and I don't think he angled his foot in. When people run they don't run in an exact straight line it looked like an accident to me and to give that as a penalty I think is extremely soft.

Why have VAR when you still get controversy? I wouldn't call last nights incident clear and obvious either.

Not sure I like VAR bur it's here to stay so I suppose I'd better get used to it. :(

Fair enough chap, we see and interpret things differently in this instance. While I agree VAR should be used for what it was intended (the clear and the obvious), as stated above I thought it was a penalty in real time. So for me it was clear and obvious, and therefore proved a good application of the facility. You disagree and around and around we go........ whoever thought VAR would rule out controversy and debate clearly had it wrong.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 28, 2018, 11:35:13 AM
I don’t rate the squad at all to be honest, even more so when they are compared to others.

I think if we reach the last 8 it will have been a good tournament
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 28, 2018, 11:43:50 AM
Thought Stones had a generally poor game, got caught dithering on several occasions (again) and looked a liability in an England shirt. He has good games but for me he is very inconsistent and his decision making is often shocking.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 28, 2018, 01:05:21 PM
Well i was an advocate of VAR, but to date the application has been poor at best.
last night, Yes a pen, would have been missed 80-90% of the time pre-VAR.

England, too exposed at the back and will get punished if thats the 'standard' going forwards looked good and I LOVED both Lindgards quick thinking and the ref not recalling it and making us play to the whistle. Hate to say it but Ashley Young stood out for me. Stones is an issue, will cost us goals plying like that BUT when he's on form and concentrated he is our best CH = Dilemma.

If we can put a run together we may make the Q-F / S-F, I fear the pressure and expectation will kill us again though.

Shout out for Southgate too, calm, assured, willing to give younger lads a go, just worry a bit about his in game management when things go awry.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on March 30, 2018, 02:52:57 PM
I see we don't have any referee representatives at the world cup.
Obviously the panel must have been watching these muppets at our games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 30, 2018, 03:43:34 PM
I see we don't have any referee representatives at the world cup.
Obviously the panel must have been watching these muppets at our games.


A damning indictment of the quality of Premier League refereeing standards. Hopefully leads to improvement.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 30, 2018, 04:01:47 PM
I see we don't have any referee representatives at the world cup.
Obviously the panel must have been watching these muppets at our games.

I was listening to someone on TalkSport last night, may have been John Cross from the Mirror. He stated that the process to appoint officials started when the qualifying process began and that ours was Mark Clattenberg and obviously he's done one and gone abroad. Didn't catch it all but the process sounded a little strange.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 30, 2018, 04:34:42 PM
its bad that you dont have a standby ref incase of the situation thats arisen with Clattenburg occurs

There should be a British ref at the tournament
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 30, 2018, 05:25:05 PM
There are no refs because they are in the main quite bad, it shows quite how bad we are when people are touting wilshere as the answer, in a team that also features Livermore ....we are bad

Lindgaard , walker, Kane ,sterling , vardy....those are the ones that we have that can do something, outside of them Sturridge when fit and stones if he sorts his attention out...are ok..

If we make the qtrs that is a success
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 30, 2018, 05:54:58 PM
its bad that you dont have a standby ref incase of the situation thats arisen with Clattenburg occurs

There should be a British ref at the tournament


We put forward 6 referees. None were selected.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 30, 2018, 06:56:36 PM

We put forward 6 referees. None were selected.

Shows the quality of the Premier League refs!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on March 30, 2018, 09:37:32 PM
Stuart Atwell Today in charge of Dingles Game Was Shocking Clear Penalty for the Dingles but not given not even asking Linesman They lost two players because Traroe dived. Even the Commentators on WM were saying he got detecting a league and it is all about him. After this makes me think all our top Refs are clueless Spanners. Lower League Refs could probably do better than them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: VVVAlbion on April 07, 2018, 06:00:52 PM
If Smalling is one of England's centre halves for the World Cup.  :-[
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 08, 2018, 08:42:04 AM
Has Livermore consoledated his england chances for Russia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 16, 2018, 09:49:18 AM
With the BBC reporting that Wilshire won't be on the plane, I half expected Livermore to be there. Which is crazy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on May 16, 2018, 12:18:00 PM
I find it far crazier that Livermore is being considered in place of Shelvey. He’s such a dynamic player and has that “pizazz” that England are really lacking. He would be the next man on the plan after Kane and Sterling for me. Dier and Henderson currently do what Livermore does (to a much better standard), so why is he going?

Mind boggling and gutting for Shelvey – more than deserves a place.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on May 16, 2018, 01:15:14 PM
I find it far crazier that Livermore is being considered in place of Shelvey. He’s such a dynamic player and has that “pizazz” that England are really lacking. He would be the next man on the plan after Kane and Sterling for me. Dier and Henderson currently do what Livermore does (to a much better standard), so why is he going?

Mind boggling and gutting for Shelvey – more than deserves a place.


England "don't do flair" which is why they always get to the QF's and get found out.  They are complete "non-risk takers". 

Contrast that with the likes of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy who occasionally fail to quality / get jettisoned in the group stage.  But when those nations impose their style and play with confidence they go all the way and win the trophy.

Until both the "functional style of play" and "fear factor" are removed we'll never achieve anything.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on May 16, 2018, 02:13:19 PM
Gareth Southgate announces his squad for the 2018 World Cup Finals

Goalkeepers

Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young

Midfielders

 Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Forwards

Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Jamie Vardy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on May 16, 2018, 02:37:20 PM
Looks a very unbalanced squad to me. 7 or 8 players that have played f/b for both club and country , why no Shelvey in m/f has been outstanding this season , a much better and more creative passer of the ball thsn either Dier or Henderson and the choice of Welbeck ahead of an out and out goalscorer like Defoe makes no sense at all to me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on May 16, 2018, 02:40:38 PM
The Squad

Goalkeepers

Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young

Midfielders

 Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Forwards

Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Jamie Vardy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 16, 2018, 02:42:48 PM
Just a very limited squad. Strength in fullback areas and not much else.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on May 16, 2018, 02:51:21 PM
Kane, Vardy and Rashford are a good set of strikers to choose from...on paper.

Happy Loftus-Cheek made it, very impressive this season.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on May 16, 2018, 03:00:47 PM
Kane, Vardy and Rashford are a good set of strikers to choose from...on paper.

Happy Loftus-Cheek made it, very impressive this season.
Don't forget Sterling, 18 goals this season.
If we get the right balance and everyone hits form, we have a very strong chance IMO.
Can't wait.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on May 16, 2018, 03:13:50 PM
Good to see Joe Hart not being picked. Thought he would get in on his reputation but has gone backwards rather than forwards after his dreadful performances in Euro 2016. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on May 16, 2018, 03:28:16 PM
Good to see Joe Hart not being picked. Thought he would get in on his reputation but has gone backwards rather than forwards after his dreadful performances in Euro 2016.

I have some sympathy for Hart, your right of course about 2016, but being forced out of Man City must also have dented his confidence even further.

He has 75 caps, Pope and Butland have 9 between them. It appears it is time for the old guard to step aside throughout the squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on May 16, 2018, 03:50:13 PM
I find it far crazier that Livermore is being considered in place of Shelvey. He’s such a dynamic player and has that “pizazz” that England are really lacking. He would be the next man on the plan after Kane and Sterling for me. Dier and Henderson currently do what Livermore does (to a much better standard), so why is he going?

Mind boggling and gutting for Shelvey – more than deserves a place.

Looks a very unbalanced squad to me. 7 or 8 players that have played f/b for both club and country , why no Shelvey in m/f has been outstanding this season , a much better and more creative passer of the ball thsn either Dier or Henderson and the choice of Welbeck ahead of an out and out goalscorer like Defoe makes no sense at all to me

Hilarious how nobody wanted Shelvey before the March friendlies and in the 7 game since he's become Pirlo apparently. Bang average player who's rightfully nowhere near the squad. I've yet to see England at a tournament and think "what we really need here is someone playing more Hollywood passes"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on May 16, 2018, 03:58:15 PM
Overkill on centre backs there. Could have easily taken another creative midfielder such as Wilshere in place of Cahill or Jones.

Walker will play at centre back so you are effectively taking 5. It's not such an issue for the latter rounds where the emphasis would be on defence, but we will lack the creativity to even get that far by being unable to break down Tunisia and Panama who will employ Pulis tactics.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on May 16, 2018, 04:07:47 PM
Hilarious how nobody wanted Shelvey before the March friendlies and in the 7 game since he's become Pirlo apparently. Bang average player who's rightfully nowhere near the squad. I've yet to see England at a tournament and think "what we really need here is someone playing more Hollywood passes"

Absolutely nothing wrong with looking at recent form. The fact he is in the form of his life immediately before a major tournament is the main reason he should have been brought in. We need players that are in form and needing to perform for absolutely max 7 games (if you get to the final).

Not sure any players (apart from arguably Kane and Sterling) have been consistently top of their game for the whole season.


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on May 16, 2018, 04:16:42 PM
Shelvey is a really good player. Should've been in the squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on May 16, 2018, 04:25:56 PM
Hate to say it but, if I were to take another midfielder, who is in form, it would be Grealish. (prepares to be pelted with rotten fruit)
If they go up, I think he will break into the squad next year.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on May 16, 2018, 04:33:08 PM
Absolutely nothing wrong with looking at recent form. The fact he is in the form of his life immediately before a major tournament is the main reason he should have been brought in. We need players that are in form and needing to perform for absolutely max 7 games (if you get to the final).

Not sure any players (apart from arguably Kane and Sterling) have been consistently top of their game for the whole season.

If the form of his life is this, no thank you. He was rubbish against us too so he can hardly have been that consistent the last 7 games.

He's a perfect highlights player, the good odd good pass disguising the fact he loses the ball constantly trying the Hollywood ball. 72% pass success rate for a central midfielder is Craig Gardner-esque stuff. Losing the ball so charitably gets you punished, England should have learned this years ago when Gerrard and the like constantly tried it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on May 16, 2018, 06:54:57 PM
Pickford

Walker
Cahill
Maguire

Trippier
Henderson
Lingard
Alli
Rose

Kane
Sterling

That’s what I’d stick out first game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ex coseley kid on May 16, 2018, 07:28:30 PM
Shelvey is a really good player. Should've been in the squad.

Quite.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on May 16, 2018, 07:52:51 PM
Ashley Young! seriously.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on May 16, 2018, 08:02:41 PM
Ashley Young! seriously.

Been brilliant for United this season I’d start him over Rose. Don’t understand Delph bit gutted they couldn’t get Milner out of retirement.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba_1996 on May 16, 2018, 08:53:42 PM
The major emission for me is Wilshere. Ignore the injury issues and the fact that it is the fashionable thing to hate him, he's still the most talented midfielder we have at driving forward from deep positions. I'd have taken him and possibly Lallana if fit ahead of Delph and Welbeck. Other than that, I'm reasonably happy with the squad. The overload of right backs indicates we'll be playing a 343 with Walker at centre back.

Think I'm edging towards the following at the moment:

Pickford
Walker - Cahill - Jones
Trippier - Henderson - Lingard - Rose
Sterling - Kane - Alli

Really struggling with the centre backs though as we are so poor in that area and there is not much between Jones, Stones, Maguire and Cahill. Gone for Lingard in the centre because Dier would be completely pointless against Tunisia and Panama, I'd even consider dropping Alli further back and putting Rashford on the left as we'll be spending all game trying to break them down.

Really looking forward to the World Cup, going to be a hectic and exciting summer when coupled with the Albion re-build and the extremely tight transfer window.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on May 16, 2018, 11:08:37 PM
The midfield is lot like breadsticks with no dip.

Ryan Sessengon should have gone.

Jonjo Shelvey is a victim of his own making. He's had a great season but is simply too prone to a moment of rashness and his ability doesn't make up for that. Him or Wilshere should have gone though. Alli will have the weight of England on his shoulders in that England midfield.

Danny Welbeck... Plays well for England is his only defence. An injury prone striker who cant finish... makes sense to take him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on May 17, 2018, 02:59:49 AM
The major emission for me is Wilshere. Ignore the injury issues and the fact that it is the fashionable thing to hate him, he's still the most talented midfielder we have at driving forward from deep positions. I'd have taken him and possibly Lallana if fit ahead of Delph and Welbeck. Other than that, I'm reasonably happy with the squad. The overload of right backs indicates we'll be playing a 343 with Walker at centre back.

Think I'm edging towards the following at the moment:

Pickford
Walker - Cahill - Jones
Trippier - Henderson - Lingard - Rose
Sterling - Kane - Alli

Really struggling with the centre backs though as we are so poor in that area and there is not much between Jones, Stones, Maguire and Cahill. Gone for Lingard in the centre because Dier would be completely pointless against Tunisia and Panama, I'd even consider dropping Alli further back and putting Rashford on the left as we'll be spending all game trying to break them down.

Really looking forward to the World Cup, going to be a hectic and exciting summer when coupled with the Albion re-build and the extremely tight transfer window.

Team I like but jones out Harry mac from Leicester in. Jones is a sick note he's the new Ledley king

Also surprised Henderson has made the team. Milner has been far better for Liverpool this season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on May 17, 2018, 07:27:37 AM
Interestingly nobody puts Trent Arnold in does seem a pointless inclusion when you look at the stand byes 3 of the four outfield players are m/f's so South gate must realise he is short in that dept. Oxlade Chamberlain is a bad miss as nobody else in the central areas can really carry the ball at pace. The more ilook at it the more I think the midfield is really poor by international standards. For what its worth my starting firs Xi would be

 Butland
Stones
Cahill
Maguire
Walker
Henderson
Alli
 Loftus Cheek
Young
Stirling
Kane
For the Belgian game would! certainly start Dier over Loftus Cheek.  Sub's will be very important so would like to keep Lingard and Rashford on the bench as major attacking options as we don't seem to have many of tbose
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: nick_wba on May 17, 2018, 09:02:44 AM
The midfield is lot like breadsticks with no dip.

Ryan Sessengon should have gone.

Jonjo Shelvey is a victim of his own making. He's had a great season but is simply too prone to a moment of rashness and his ability doesn't make up for that. Him or Wilshere should have gone though. Alli will have the weight of England on his shoulders in that England midfield.

Danny Welbeck... Plays well for England is his only defence. An injury prone striker who cant finish... makes sense to take him.

Yeah not sure how Welbeck has made the squad.

I would have chosen Carroll over Welbeck. He’s that type of player you need to bring on when England are 1-0 down to Colombia in the last 16, played like s**te the whole game and not looked like scoring, 15 minutes left and you bring him on to hassle and harass the two softy South American centre halves. Not something they’d be used to having a big sweaty Geordie backing in with his elbows and having his greasy ponytail in your face.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 17, 2018, 09:43:12 AM
Team I like but jones out Harry mac from Leicester in. Jones is a sick note he's the new Ledley king

Also surprised Henderson has made the team. Milner has been far better for Liverpool this season.


Milner is retired from internationals
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on May 17, 2018, 10:53:49 AM
Milneris retired from internationals

Is he the Greek James Milner?  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 17, 2018, 11:34:57 AM
Id have taken both Shelvey myself but then id have taken Wilshere aswell...far better than Delph

There are nearly 6 full backs if you include Delph who plays LB for club too in that squad...complete overkill

Drop 2 full backs and take 2 creative players

Shame Lallana has been injured he was shoe in for the squad, he is on standby though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Pie on May 17, 2018, 01:05:00 PM
For me:

              Pickford

        Walker Dier  Stones

  Arnold     Henderson   Alli  Rose

       Sterling  Kane  Lingard   


   
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on May 17, 2018, 02:05:18 PM
The more you look at the midfield, the more you think Livermore makes sense

Wing backs fine
Forwards fine
Keepers much of a muchness

Need a midfield Mulumbu type
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on May 17, 2018, 07:30:48 PM
It'll just sum England up to take the Premier League winning RWB to the World Cup and play him as a CB. Alli can't replicate his Spurs form at International level because he is utilised in a totally different manner courtesy of a completely different system.

                 Pickford

       Stones - Cahill - Maguire

Walker - Dier - Wilshere - Rose

                   Alli

            Sterling - Kane


Something like that would have been a far more interesting proposition than anything England can field this summer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on May 18, 2018, 10:26:27 AM
It'll just sum England up to take the Premier League winning RWB to the World Cup and play him as a CB. Alli can't replicate his Spurs form at International level because he is utilised in a totally different manner courtesy of a completely different system.

                 Pickford

       Stones - Cahill - Maguire

Walker - Dier - Wilshere - Rose

                   Alli

            Sterling - Kane


Something like that would have been a far more interesting proposition than anything England can field this summer.

This is where Walker has been playing the last few England games. Walker is ideal as the right sided centre back in a back three, good on the ball, decent pace. Southgate seems to like it, I agree with him. Plus Trippier has been the stand out wing back of the season for me at Spurs. Enables us to get him into the side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 18, 2018, 11:01:26 AM
Have i seen somewhere police have advised no cross of st george flags >:(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 07, 2018, 03:52:10 PM
Any of you folk at Elland Road tonight. Costa Rica game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 07, 2018, 07:46:18 PM
Gambia starts for Costs Rica :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on June 07, 2018, 07:51:11 PM
Gambia starts for Costs Rica :o

What about Gamboa?  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 07, 2018, 10:23:19 PM
What about Gamboa?  ;D
Hadn't got me glasses on! ;)
Don't think he did either, he was not very good
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie96 on June 15, 2018, 08:03:23 PM
Hope to see this on Monday;

                 Pickford
      Maguire stones Cahill
Walker.     Henderson    Rose
              Alli Lingard
                Sterling
                  Kane

Don’t get putting walker centre back as he’s the best right wing back in the world in my opinion. Don’t like lingard but he’s effective especially against smaller teams. We also need a big World Cup from Kane, if that happens then who knows!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 15, 2018, 08:18:30 PM
Hope to see this on Monday;

                 Pickford
      Maguire stones Cahill
Walker.     Henderson    Rose
              Alli Lingard
                Sterling
                  Kane

Don’t get putting walker centre back as he’s the best right wing back in the world in my opinion. Don’t like lingard but he’s effective especially against smaller teams. We also need a big World Cup from Kane, if that happens then who knows!

Joshua Kimmich is quite comfortably head and shoulders above everyone in terms of best RB/RWB. He is an phenomenal player.

Walker's pace has proved a big asset to an England back three, at Euro 2016 Ben Davies proved to be exceptional playing as a LCB for Wales (granted, different circumstances) when his better position is LWB but didn't look out of place as an International CB.

Trent-Arnold should be playing RWB for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 15, 2018, 11:37:41 PM
Maguire shouldn't be in the team he's overrated,Trent at right back with Walker in back three,not sure about Stones either but I would replace Sterling with Rashford and I think But land is the better keeper
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2018, 09:39:06 AM
For me I'd go;

                   Pickford                 

      Walker - Stones - Maguire

TAA                                        Rose

          Henderson - RLC

                        Alli

               Sterling - Kane



I laughed at Walker coming here as a PL winning RWB and being played CB but it makes sense or it leaves England desperately short of it at the back. Alexander Arnold really put his hand up in the last friendly and finished the season on fire. The one thing that we tend to constantly moan about from wide men is the quality (or lack of) of their delivery. His in his last outing was Beckham-esque and there can be no higher praise.


Henderson or Dier could be a toin coss to be honest. I'm not a huge fan of either and feel there's a distinct lack of ball winning mobility in either. Loftus Cheek I thought done the same as TAA, really grabbed his chance in the previous game and his added physicality would be a real bonus in the middle of the park. Would add a bit more defensive aid than Lingard and allow Alli to roam in his better position.

Sterling and Rashford was a close call too but ultimately Sterling had the season of his life and deserves it as much as anyone. Rashford (who is in my DT) will play a big part in this tournament but has missed the training sessions at the wrong time. Otherwise I would have sacrificed Alli for him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 16, 2018, 10:54:22 AM
Sterling might have had the season of his life but he's only scored a couple of goals in twenty odd appearances for England.
I would prefer Rashford if he doesn't play in the first game and Sterling doesn't score again,Rashford will replace him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 16, 2018, 12:17:42 PM
Sterling might have had the season of his life but he's only scored a couple of goals in twenty odd appearances for England.
I would prefer Rashford if he doesn't play in the first game and Sterling doesn't score again,Rashford will replace him.

On that basis Danny Welbeck should be starting.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 18, 2018, 11:19:58 AM
How many over there for the game. two thousand i heard today. thats a massive drop on previous if thats the case
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 18, 2018, 11:42:29 AM
I don't blame anybody not going to Russia, one step wrong and you have a massive problem,that's apart from their hooligans.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on June 18, 2018, 11:59:01 AM
IT'S COMING HOME
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 18, 2018, 12:56:18 PM
First two there wont be many, last game I think there will be 8-10k.

Can't see there being any trouble and this is from someone who was in Marseille.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 18, 2018, 03:14:39 PM
First two there wont be many, last game I think there will be 8-10k.

Can't see there being any trouble and this is from someone who was in Marseille.


i agree if we progress and there is no trouble i think you will see a few fly over. by the way are you allowed to take your flag with you :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 18, 2018, 04:42:16 PM
Back to normality in around 4 hours. England 0-1 Tunisia.


 :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 18, 2018, 06:25:26 PM
Underdogs and rubbish teams are doing well...Looks good for England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 06:58:29 PM
Anyone elses sound shot?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 18, 2018, 07:01:18 PM
Anyone elses sound shot?
Pardon ?😂
Mines fine
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 07:06:57 PM
Pardon ?😂
Mines fine

Shot = Knackered


Was fine after line ups were done on the screen. Thought we were going to have another BGT  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 18, 2018, 07:12:22 PM
1-0 Kane
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on June 18, 2018, 07:15:01 PM
Playing Well So Far Come On England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 07:19:42 PM
In terms of performance, it's probably the best of any side to date this tournament on the front foot.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on June 18, 2018, 07:29:14 PM
A few England players looking a bit nervy out there, but pretty good performance so far overall.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 18, 2018, 07:39:55 PM
1-1. does anyone think that penalty award was a bit dodgy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 07:43:36 PM
1-1. does anyone think that penalty award was a bit dodgy.

Not really. Walker has elbowed him in the head really. Went down like a sniper had got him mind. Still, Kane should have had one at the other end.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 18, 2018, 07:44:48 PM
1-1. does anyone think that penalty award was a bit dodgy.
A lot dodgy! and if that's a penalty what about the one on Kane!?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 18, 2018, 07:48:44 PM
Scooby,Albion 59 very true.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 18, 2018, 07:56:11 PM
Never a penalty in a million years, give a penalty for a bloke running into an arm you'll be giving them all game. Walkers arm maybe should not have been there but he did not elbow the bloke or strike out with any intent
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on June 18, 2018, 07:59:31 PM
Interested to know why we weren't all over the ref asking for VAR when Harry Kane got pretty much bodyslammed in the area?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 18, 2018, 08:02:51 PM
I would swap Sterling for Rashford but keep playing like we are,playing well with the freedom of young guys.
Go for it England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 18, 2018, 08:04:02 PM
penalty or  not it didn't appear that walker was watching where the ball was, having babies every time Maguire passes across the back line.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 08:09:03 PM
Never a penalty in a million years, give a penalty for a bloke running into an arm you'll be giving them all game. Walkers arm maybe should not have been there but he did not elbow the bloke or strike out with any intent

The thing is the arm was raised to the player. Looked a lot worse than what it was but I think it was a penalty personally. Also think it was a definite penalty for Kane. Not sure why Walker has raised his arm mind, totally random but England have had so many chances the penalty should not be as important as it is.

Jesse Lingard has been superb too. Very unlucky with his chance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 18, 2018, 08:12:16 PM
England doing ok against the 12 men of Tunisia. Kane thrown to the floor again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 08:12:55 PM
Surely after the first Kane incident the VAR would be all over it from then on... obviously not. Maguire is struggling today unfortunately. Wouldn't be surprised to see Cahill come in against Panama.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on June 18, 2018, 08:17:20 PM
Blatant Penalty For England Kane Bodyslammed Twice and almost Pinned Down. Soft, Dodge Referred Desicionnaffected us never a Penalty if that was a Penalty in any other game  then Alan Pardew is a Messiah
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 08:21:52 PM
Sterling needs to come off IMO. Nothing's really worked for him today and that's his place gone for Rashford v Panama I think.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 18, 2018, 08:23:02 PM
I'd get rashford on for alli who has faded out the game.


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 08:25:17 PM
I'd get rashford on for alli who has faded out the game.

Welbeck and Rashford for Alli and Sterling maybe. That'd freshen things up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 18, 2018, 08:26:48 PM
Rose on for young,he always had to check back onto his right,no good.
Rashford on for sterling,is deli Ali playing?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 08:28:58 PM
Alli and Sterling as good as they have been for clubs this season just haven't been able to transfer that into the International scene. Which is a shame because Sterling can be a force on his day. Maybe it's just too different a style and Guardiola's truly gets the best out of him but it's disappointing for him.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 18, 2018, 08:43:57 PM
refs a joke.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 08:46:38 PM
refs a joke.

Not as much as England's seconf half performance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 18, 2018, 08:52:03 PM
2-1 deserved. Tunisia just been playing for a draw.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 18, 2018, 08:53:59 PM
Changes have to be made in the next game.

RLC for Alli, push Lingard further forward. Said a couple of days ago I felt RLC deserved it on the back of his performance in the friendly. Tried to make things happen since coming on.

Rashford for Sterling.

Potentially take out Maguire as he was poor when under pressure. Grew into the second half but only because he had no defensive responsibility.

3 points are 3 points and definitely deserved despite a shocking second half.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 18, 2018, 09:07:05 PM
Deserved the win. Regards VAR  it has to be clear and obvious so their penalty has to stand because it's borderline. This shout for a Kane penalty, as soon as Stones shoves the centre back forget about it. We were dynamic 1st half and could have been 4 or 5 up. Second dig we ground out the result despite playing very poorly. Superb finish from came who had to generate all the power in the header.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: HampshireBaggie on June 18, 2018, 09:22:26 PM
We’re going to win the World Cup!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on June 18, 2018, 09:33:17 PM
Kept goin to the end. Big harry Kane stepping up again.

Thought Loftus-Cheek looked dangerous, would start him Sunday over Alli.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 18, 2018, 09:39:07 PM
Kept goin to the end. Big harry Kane stepping up again.

Thought Loftus-Cheek looked dangerous, would start him Sunday over Alli.


Totally agree Alli is a flat track bully in a Spurs shirt, does nothing for the 3 Lions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 18, 2018, 09:40:43 PM
Rose for Young ,loftus cheek for Ali and Rashford for Sterling,Cahill for McGuire.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 18, 2018, 09:49:11 PM
Alli started well but faded after supposedly getting a dead leg. I'd rest him regardless. Thought we lacked tempo in the second half, and we really didn't try to stretch Tunisia horizontally or vertically.

Thought Maguire did well on the ball, carried it into midfield a lot, but it was noticeable how few runners in behind there were.

Main thing is a just about avoided the banana skin, just got to get 3 points against Panama and we can relax.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 18, 2018, 10:44:38 PM
''Tis always interesting to see other people's views

For me
Sterling was ok, kept the ball going forward but didn't get the breaks, no where near as bad as some have said
Harry maguire, I thought was really good, so was trippier
Henderson not flexible enough, loftus cheek looks to be an upgrade
Lingaard just didn't get the rub, rashford was good and direct, Kane just does his job

All in all it's a win and should have been 3-0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 18, 2018, 10:46:55 PM
England didn't desrve to lose, but did nothing to inspire.
Too much like Pulisball....Pass sidewards and backwards, then hoof and hope. No forward passing and back-up for the player....Too many individuals and no TEAM !
England should have gone for the game and not sat back and giving a lesser team too much respect.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 19, 2018, 08:42:14 AM
Really pleased with the win and performance, could have been 4 up before that ridiculous penalty. That took the wind out of our sails and our heads dropped a bit, something which should be expected from such a young squad, but they need to learn to cope with adversity. Hopefully, the late goal will show them that one knock does not finish them off, they need to dust themselves off and keep playing!.
Southgate needs to work on keeping their confidence levels up. If he does and we see the tempo of the 1st 40 mins, we can cause anyone problems.
Don't expect changes to the starting line up, barring injuries, due to the fact that we started so well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 19, 2018, 09:35:34 AM
Loftus Cheek and Rashford could be the making of this side IMO.
I had hoped we could have had LC on loan a few seasons back but he's destined  for big big things
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 19, 2018, 12:27:15 PM
Rashford for Sterling

Loftus Cheek for Alli

Rose for Young

Possibly Cahill for Maguire but I like Maguire he is a presence at set pieces

Make those changes and I think we will go quite far
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on June 19, 2018, 12:52:41 PM
Rashford for Sterling

Loftus Cheek for Alli

Rose for Young

Possibly Cahill for Maguire but I like Maguire he is a presence at set pieces

Make those changes and I think we will go quite far

Agree with all of that.
Young is too predictable, he will always come inside or back
Rashford and Loftus -Cheek both looked more effective
Maguire is a good stopper and good on set pieces, but I don't think he's good enough with the ball at his feet trying to play out from the back as Southgate wants to do
He'd be an ideal Pulis pplayer though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 20, 2018, 08:57:22 AM
i might do a fanzone for the next game on Sunday. any of you folk going to the Hawthorns
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 24, 2018, 01:41:51 PM
4-0! Absolute cakewalk at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 24, 2018, 01:49:07 PM
4-0! Absolute cakewalk at the moment.

Well done ref. Kane wrestled to the floor, penalty 5-0. Panama are quite poor though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on June 24, 2018, 01:58:51 PM
Same as Tunisia In the Fouls defending is Worse than a Bunch of year 5 Schoolboys. I could defend better and have as I slide tackled a Kid perfectly and played the ball back under Pressure and Cleared it well twice and Started a move didn't have to do much though. Fancy us to Thrash them 9-0 if we get 10 Well party all night if we keep playing like this we could win the World Cup Come On England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 24, 2018, 02:17:47 PM
I would have Kane off and wrapped in cotton wool. Would also be a perfect chance to get rashford some minutes.

Also we should use this as a chance to blood Danny rose and get him fit because it will be incredibly difficult to win a World Cup with Ashley Young at left back
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 24, 2018, 02:37:36 PM
Fair play Panama. 6-1
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 24, 2018, 02:38:40 PM
England went to sleep as per usual. Grrr
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on June 24, 2018, 02:39:27 PM
Damn Wake Up England ' Normal Service will be Resumed Shortly.'
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on June 24, 2018, 03:17:10 PM
Comfortable in the end against a terrible panama side that had resorted to underhand tactics after about 2 minutes in. Happy to get through the game with no injuries or suspensions. On to the next. Kane the leading scorer currently
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 24, 2018, 03:47:32 PM
This is why we’ll never win a tournament. We had a chance to get ahead of Belgium with a double digit scoreline, but chose to fanny around in the second half, and even give them their first World Cup goal. It’s so frustrating supporting England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 24, 2018, 03:51:58 PM
Great win don't forget it was in 30% heat.
Still don't get Young at left back,Rose is my preference.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 24, 2018, 05:26:42 PM
This is why we’ll never win a tournament. We had a chance to get ahead of Belgium with a double digit scoreline, but chose to fanny around in the second half, and even give them their first World Cup goal. It’s so frustrating supporting England.
The game was won it was baking hot and I dont blame them for slowing it down in the 2nd half, some people are never happy though. I backed us to win it before a ball was kicked and i still think we will.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on June 24, 2018, 05:33:54 PM
This is why we’ll never win a tournament. We had a chance to get ahead of Belgium with a double digit scoreline, but chose to fanny around in the second half, and even give them their first World Cup goal. It’s so frustrating supporting England.

Im not sure if this is post is a wind up or not. We had an opportunity to rest our top players ready for some much bigger games and give others a run out. Belgium will already have an extra days rest before we play them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 24, 2018, 05:44:00 PM
The second half was awful.
Sloppy passing no ideas.
Slow the tempo down by all means, but be aware of the opposition.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on June 24, 2018, 06:05:54 PM
You have to be honest.

We won the first half very comfortably, but we almost lost that second half to a very poor international team. I wasn't crying out for 10 goals or anything, but the second half was not very good at all. Poor defending for their goal and they could or should have finished another one.

We havn't even had our defence come up against a good attacking side yet either (I have my concerns about us defensively).

We've done the job adequately so far and there are some positive signs, but I'm still not getting carried away personally.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 24, 2018, 06:34:00 PM
Only england fans could look for negatives after a 6-1 win  ???  ???

Buzzing to get over there now on Wednesday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 24, 2018, 08:35:42 PM
Only england fans could look for negatives after a 6-1 win  ???  ???

Buzzing to get over there now on Wednesday

The negativity never ceases to amaze me.

Have a great time in Kaliningrad (or Königsberg if you're a traditionalist)! I've only been there the once (briefly) and it was quite a long time ago (just after it was opened up), so I would be intrigued to hear what it is like now. It has a fascinating past and played an important role in European history thanks to Kant (you can visit his grave). Sadly, it was completely flattened in the war but it is still an interesting place with friendly locals. The amber museum is well worth a visit if you get the chance. Look out as well for the architectural monstrosity that is the 'Palace of the Soviets', built on the site of what was a magnificent castle (reduced to a husk by the RAF, it survived the devastating Red Army siege only to be criminally blown up on Brezhnev's orders). It is rather amusingly known as 'месть пруссаков' ('Revenge of the Prussians') and is impressively hideous even by Soviet standards.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 24, 2018, 08:36:18 PM
At least England will have the advantage of knowing the scores from the 28th June afternoon's games and whether it is better to get the top or second place.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 24, 2018, 09:09:56 PM
This is why we’ll never win a tournament. We had a chance to get ahead of Belgium with a double digit scoreline, but chose to fanny around in the second half, and even give them their first World Cup goal. It’s so frustrating supporting England.

This result has us top as it is because we have less bookings. Second place in this group avoids the prospect of facing Brasil or Germany until the semi finals, so it's not all that bad- we could well have to play Belgium twice In this tournament if we go far
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 24, 2018, 09:12:28 PM
They done what they needed to do and done it at a canter. The harsh reality is every side has looked vulnerable at the back this tournament so I wouldn't be overly concerned on that front.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on June 24, 2018, 09:18:34 PM
If you watched Colombia this evening then no way would I fancy us against them.

England at 5-0 had a great chance to send a message to the rest if the world by winning 8-0 or better.  Instead they took their foot off the pedal and somehow conceded.

Just think what Germany would have done in that same position.  We have a good team but once again lack ruthlessness. 

To be honest I reckon Belgium will beat us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 24, 2018, 09:24:44 PM
If you watched Colombia this evening then no way would I fancy us against them.

England at 5-0 had a great chance to send a message to the rest if the world by winning 8-0 or better.  Instead they took their foot off the pedal and somehow conceded.

Just think what Germany would have done in that same position.  We have a good team but once again lack ruthlessness. 

To be honest I reckon Belgium will beat us.

 :D :D

Tickled me that has.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 24, 2018, 09:28:34 PM
I think it made sense 5 nil up at half time,in 30 degrees heat ,they won't lose the game so make some changes and see the game out,well played I say.
I thought Columbia were how Brazil are expected to play,very good,glad Poland are out,clueless.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 24, 2018, 09:38:31 PM
If you watched Colombia this evening then no way would I fancy us against them.

England at 5-0 had a great chance to send a message to the rest if the world by winning 8-0 or better.  Instead they took their foot off the pedal and somehow conceded.

Just think what Germany would have done in that same position.  We have a good team but once again lack ruthlessness. 

To be honest I reckon Belgium will beat us.

I also wouldn’t fancy playing Colombia they look a really quick & direct team, It would be a real shootout if we had to play them next round.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on June 24, 2018, 10:28:51 PM
:D :D

Tickled me that has.

Brazil 1 Germany 7 World Cup SF 2014.

I noticed they beat San Marino 13-0 too sometime back.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Black Country Pride on June 24, 2018, 11:27:23 PM
I think it made sense 5 nil up at half time,in 30 degrees heat ,they won't lose the game so make some changes and see the game out,well played I say.
I thought Columbia were how Brazil are expected to play,very good,glad Poland are out,clueless.

As you say, Poland were absolutely abysmal over the two games. On that showing it looks like it will be Colombia and Japan going through.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on June 25, 2018, 07:33:51 AM
This site makes me smile at times, folk on here saying that they don’t want to meet Columbia in the next round! Who would you prefer? Germany? Brazil? Spain? It’s Columbia for heavens sake... they played well yesterday against a very very poor Polish team. My Sunday league side could have beaten them.
If you don’t want to play Columbia then we may as well come home... but thanks for the laughs😂
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 25, 2018, 08:32:22 AM
This site makes me smile at times, folk on here saying that they don’t want to meet Columbia in the next round! Who would you prefer? Germany? Brazil? Spain? It’s Columbia for heavens sake... they played well yesterday against a very very poor Polish team. My Sunday league side could have beaten them.
If you don’t want to play Columbia then we may as well come home... but thanks for the laughs😂

I agree
If we are to be taken seriously we need to be prepared to face anyone.
Would absolutely love to beat the square heads on penalty's in a semi final though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 25, 2018, 08:39:06 AM
I think your being a little disrespectful to Columbia mate.
I thought they were skillful,energetic and clever the way they beat Poland, who were poor admittedly.
They have some very good players who will be a problem for any team.
Dark horses for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on June 25, 2018, 08:53:22 AM
I think your being a little disrespectful to Columbia mate.
I thought they were skillful,energetic and clever the way they beat Poland, who were poor admittedly.
They have some very good players who will be a problem for any team.
Dark horses for me.

No I am not - Columbia played well and were great on the counter. They are a good side and put a real shift in but that was a must win for both sides. I don't think that I have said anywhere that they were no good or been disrespectful in any way, but there are other teams in this competition much better than Columbia, and we are one of them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on June 25, 2018, 10:21:10 AM
No I am not - Columbia played well and were great on the counter. They are a good side and put a real shift in but that was a must win for both sides. I don't think that I have said anywhere that they were no good or been disrespectful in any way, but there are other teams in this competition much better than Columbia, and we are one of them.


Colombia - Good on the counter?  They bossed the midfield.  Cuadrado, James and Quintero would walk into our team.

England have gone 8-2 against limited opposition.  Poland are better than either Tunisia or Panama. 

How are England much better?  I would say England and Belgium would be desperate to play Japan.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 25, 2018, 10:22:21 AM
You said" its Columbia for heavens sake".
What does that mean then?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 25, 2018, 01:39:08 PM
If you watched Colombia this evening then no way would I fancy us against them.

England at 5-0 had a great chance to send a message to the rest if the world by winning 8-0 or better.  Instead they took their foot off the pedal and somehow conceded.

Just think what Germany would have done in that same position.  We have a good team but once again lack ruthlessness. 

To be honest I reckon Belgium will beat us.

Is that the Germany that lost to Mexico and scraped past Sweden and looked very bad in both games? Ok.

Yes we could have gone on and scored more but we were ruthless with our chances and relaxed second half. No problems with me from that game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 25, 2018, 02:27:29 PM
Brazil 1 Germany 7 World Cup SF 2014.

I noticed they beat San Marino 13-0 too sometime back.

Germany 2 - 1 Saudi Arabia (8th June 2018)

A fantastic result that, which ended a run of 5 games without a win including losing to Austria.  Add to that their defeat to Mexico in which they were taken apart and practically a last kick win over Sweden?

English fans are mad  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on June 25, 2018, 02:49:38 PM
Germany 2 - 1 Saudi Arabia (8th June 2018)

A fantastic result that, which ended a run of 5 games without a win including losing to Austria.  Add to that their defeat to Mexico in which they were taken apart and practically a last kick win over Sweden?

English fans are mad  ;D

Not mad just realistic after the so-called golden generation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 25, 2018, 04:09:35 PM
I don't wish to be pedantic or picky but,why is the national anthem played before an England game?
England is a part of being national arnt we?
Scotland wouldn't play it would they?
Why don't we have our own?
Can you guys put me straight on this one please.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on June 25, 2018, 04:26:28 PM
Colombia - Good on the counter?  They bossed the midfield.  Cuadrado, James and Quintero would walk into our team.

England have gone 8-2 against limited opposition.  Poland are better than either Tunisia or Panama. 

How are England much better?  I would say England and Belgium would be desperate to play Japan.

Sorry, a little thing called work got in the way.

Columbia were good on the counter, did well in the midfield and defended quite well. I do not agree that the three players mentioned would walk into our team, but it is all about opinions.

As to who is better between Poland, Tunisia or Panama, its an academic point as we will never know at this moment. Personally, I thought the Tunisians played well on both occasions, and you could argue that we were lucky. I paid particular attention to Poland last night because of Greg. They just looked bereft of ideas or a plan, and Columbia cut them apart with the better football. They will not do that against England or Belgium, but they will give whoever they play a good game.

I don't mind who we meet in the last 16 - Senegal looked useful last night to be fair, but we have to beat these teams to progress. Confidence appears high in our camp which makes a pleasant change from the past. There seems to be a 'belief' which has not been there recently.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 25, 2018, 07:58:03 PM
Not mad just realistic after the so-called golden generation.

Disagree. Can't say Germany would've done a better job when they look a shadow of their past selves and their results and performances prove as such.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GREGMT on June 25, 2018, 09:25:00 PM
Disagree. Can't say Germany would've done a better job when they look a shadow of their past selves and their results and performances prove as such.

You should know better than to write off Germany.  They're just getting warmed up.   
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 26, 2018, 09:10:12 AM
I don't wish to be pedantic or picky but,why is the national anthem played before an England game?
England is a part of being national arnt we?
Scotland wouldn't play it would they?
Why don't we have our own?
Can you guys put me straight on this one please.


i agree. land of hope and glory etc etc
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 26, 2018, 12:37:44 PM

i agree. land of hope and glory etc etc

Jerusalem !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on June 26, 2018, 12:48:55 PM
I agree re the anthem.
GSTQ is the anthem of the United Kingdom, and is quite rightly played at events such as the Olympics where it is a Great Britain team

Wales and Scotland have their own, as we do at the Commonwealth games

It is like flying the Union Jack instead of the cross of St George
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 06:10:57 PM
James Rodriguez is not in the squad.

England

1Pickford
2Walker
5Stones
6Maguire
8Henderson
12Trippier
7Lingard
20Alli
18Young
10Sterling
9Kane


Colombia

1Ospina
4Arias
13Mina
23D Sánchez
17Mojica
5Barrios
6C Sánchez
16Lerma
11Ju Cuadrado
9Falcao
20Quintero

Can't believe Loftus-Cheek has been dropped. Would be gutted if I was him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on July 03, 2018, 06:18:30 PM
Like our line up,personally Loftus- Cheek for Ali( seems to be in on past games,not up to his last years work) and Rashford for Sterling.
But I am looking forward to the game with the usual Baggies nervousness.
Engerland 2-0.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 03, 2018, 06:27:50 PM
Columbia's lines look stong and very good....Might snort a few later.  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on July 03, 2018, 07:02:06 PM
Would've preferred Rose for Young,how does he get into the team ?
Can't defend and always has to cut back,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 03, 2018, 07:05:34 PM
Would've preferred Rose for Young,how does he get into the team ?
Can't defend and always has to cut back,


Rose doesn't look fit and was very poor the other night. Not that I rate Young. RLC extremely unlucky not to play though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 03, 2018, 07:16:19 PM
I dont have a TV licence, cncelled it years ago so has anyone got a live stream link for the game ??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on July 03, 2018, 07:24:32 PM
How the hell does Sterling keep getting into the team? A waste of space.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 03, 2018, 07:25:58 PM
Why have they got a load of Freddie Mercurys playing?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on July 03, 2018, 07:43:51 PM
That was definitely a red card!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on July 03, 2018, 07:46:56 PM
Don't understand how you can headbutt someone and not get a red card.

And why hasn't the ref stopped then encroaching on free kicks?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on July 03, 2018, 07:52:08 PM
Ref is too inexperienced (American), VAR team must be watching a different match. Colombia, though, do appear to be a particularly nasty bunch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: vrabbit on July 03, 2018, 08:00:21 PM
should put in Loftus-Cheek for Alli, I really feel this set up is wasting both Alli and Lingard.

Colombia should replace Barrios, who's lucky to not have a red, with Bacca because Falcao is battling against the 3 CBs and understandably not getting much done.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on July 03, 2018, 08:02:54 PM
Needed a strong ref for these type of games, but this guy aint. Colombia are simply going to try more of the same. Hope the England players can keep their heads.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on July 03, 2018, 08:04:02 PM
This is another game where England are not getting the correct VAR decisions.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on July 03, 2018, 08:05:47 PM
can we once get some end product from Sterling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 08:06:42 PM
Henderson doing his best Neymar impression.

Sterling doing a weak Barrios impression.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on July 03, 2018, 08:12:03 PM
Henderson doing his best Neymar impression.

Sterling doing a weak Barrios impression.

What! That should have been a red card. Colombia are a nasty bunch of thugs and the ref is too weak to deal with them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: royhan on July 03, 2018, 08:13:15 PM
The only way Columbia can win is by penalties
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 08:17:54 PM
What! That should have been a red card. Colombia are a nasty bunch of thugs and the ref is too weak to deal with them.

Only Chris Sutton had the balls to call it what it was. A red card, but hell of good show by Henderson. Danny Murphy's description of it was half comical. You'd swear blind Big Dunc had caught him on the sweet spot.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 08:18:48 PM
Henderson should be sent off too now then if the Colombian had hit the deck.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 08:20:21 PM
Harry Kane... nerves of steel. Totally earning that band on his arm.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on July 03, 2018, 08:24:39 PM
Can’t believe how awful the ref is! Wouldn’t be good enough for the National League in England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on July 03, 2018, 08:26:05 PM
Colombia are a disgrace. No way will they finish the game with 11 men.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on July 03, 2018, 08:28:47 PM
Need to keep a calm head and let the Colombians get themselves sent off
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 08:33:06 PM
Harry Maguire's dive  :o

Nearly as good was Hoddle's defence.

England being dragged to Colombia's level. Just need to let the ref carry on and not get caught up in it all.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 08:55:07 PM
Pickford. Epitomy of quality keeping there. Amazing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 03, 2018, 08:56:21 PM
Back passing keeps undoing us...It upsets the defenders.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: royhan on July 03, 2018, 09:01:22 PM
Columbia guilty of daylight robbery. Keep your heads England and you’ll win in extra time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on July 03, 2018, 09:01:34 PM
Sorry but England have bottled it there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 09:03:43 PM
Sorry but England have bottled it there.

All stemmed from a long punt by the keeper too. Now is a real test for them. In fairness to Colombia they look like they're legs have gone. That along with their heads surely they won't survive 120 mins with 11 players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on July 03, 2018, 09:08:17 PM
Not a good football spectacle, a nasty, cheating bunch of thugs should not be allowed to get away with such a performance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Aztech on July 03, 2018, 09:19:33 PM
Only one team on the front foot now 😡
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 03, 2018, 09:41:17 PM
Done it accross ourselves by messing about.
(That sounds like what I said about the Albion, last season).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 03, 2018, 09:53:51 PM
We don't worry about penalties !!!!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 03, 2018, 10:01:21 PM
We deserved that. Besides the weak referee and the 2 or 3 clear red cards, we were the only team trying to play football. Feared the worse when Southgate reverted to type with Dier substitution but turned out to be a masterstroke  ;)  who better than a German to take the 5th penalty?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on July 03, 2018, 10:21:35 PM
We deserved that. Besides the weak referee and the 2 or 3 clear red cards, we were the only team trying to play football. Feared the worse when Southgate reverted to type with Dier substitution but turned out to be a masterstroke  ;)  who better than a German to take the 5th penalty?
bang on jacko. thought it was a negative move that gave Colombia confidence .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on July 03, 2018, 10:39:57 PM
If only we had a really good passer of the ball in our midfield we would walk this. Despite all our running and pressing we create very little from open play. Can't see that Sweden will have enough to beat us
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 03, 2018, 10:46:01 PM
If only we had a really good passer of the ball in our midfield we would walk this. Despite all our running and pressing we create very little from open play. Can't see that Sweden will have enough to beat us


Said to the missus Gerrard in his prime instead of Henderson and we urine this entire tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 03, 2018, 11:37:28 PM
That Colombia side was a joke - justice prevailed in the end
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 03, 2018, 11:41:14 PM
If only we had a really good passer of the ball in our midfield we would walk this. Despite all our running and pressing we create very little from open play. Can't see that Sweden will have enough to beat us
Agreed...We do need a midfield who will tackle and go for the ball.
(Am I talking about the Baggies or England?)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on July 03, 2018, 11:44:26 PM
The worst way to lose a game and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving team than Columbia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 04, 2018, 01:02:48 AM
We have bottled moments like that in the past so this new young England side showing some bottle. Columbia played like pulis Albion thy never really tried to win. Good teams have the ability to win without playing well.

We rely too much on set pieces. Not sure our corners will be as effective against a giant Swedish team. Lack width because of young on the left- time for Rose to come in for me. I think we need to get Radford in the side too be it for sterling or Ali.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 04, 2018, 08:35:24 AM
We also have to learn to concentrate throughout the game.
Lack of concentrartion at times was a bit worrying, especially back passing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on July 04, 2018, 09:01:49 AM
Thought Colombia stifled us quite well. We didn't create too many clear cut chances. Likewise their main opportunities came from lapses in our concentration.

Both teams were play-acting but I'm not sure how it wasn't a red for their headbutt. We dived a fair bit too though.

Overall, happy to get the win but thought we were fairly even throughout the match.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on July 04, 2018, 09:07:05 AM
Hats off to Harry Kane, he's the heartbeat of this team and is a great leader.
A master stroke by Southgate appointing him captain and taking him off free kicks and corners  ::).
I wonder if Berahino looks at him and wonders what might have been.

Tripper as well what a tournament he's having.
Like Maguire even though he got out jumped for their goal.
Hate Ashley Young with a passion, but he's having a good tournament as well.

Could it be coming home?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 04, 2018, 09:23:31 AM
The mental strength the boys (most of em are boys) showed last night was fantastic. I said the quarters at the beginning would've been a great achievement, now, why can't we dream a bit............it's been such a long hard road of mostly self-inflicted woe for 20 years.

I love the energy and humility of this team. They'll have learnt a lot from last night and I'm just enjoying it at the minute. I love the fact they're pressing high and trying to play out from the back. We actually look like a team rather than a few individuals thrown together as under Capello and Sven. Southgate needs to take a lot of credit for what he has created/ is creating. Looking at some of the kids we have coming through, things are looking up.

Regarding Saturday, we've under estimated Sweden before (92?)  and a few times since. I think it's a 50/50 chance of getting through personally, they'll be dogged and organised but if we can keep this 'first team' fit and firing we shouldn't fear any teams to be honest. On balance, we should have more options to score than Sweden but you never know in knockout football. We need to stay calm, organised, press them at the back so they give us the ball then work hard at breaking them down using good movement up front like last night............

COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on July 04, 2018, 10:30:26 AM
We have overcome a fair bit of adversity already; dodgy pen against Tunisia, last minute goal last night, then missing the 1st penalty, but finally exorcised the shoot out demons. Think it will just make us stronger as a unit, can't wait for Saturday!

It's coming home!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 04, 2018, 10:33:17 AM
I thought England were superb last night up against severe intimidation and over-aggression. Much the better side though lacked a cutting edge at times. Managed the game really well and were so unlucky with the equaliser, that strike goes over the bar about 85 times out of 100.

Harry Kane was outstanding all game. Harry Maguire particularly impressive as well.

If only we had Hazard / De Bruyne or Neymar / Coutinho rather than Alli and Sterling.

There's plenty of football to be played and we probably won't win the cup but we DO have a chance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 04, 2018, 05:02:16 PM
I'd keep exactly the same team, wasn't keen on Henderson but he has done well and yesterday the difference between him and dier was obvious

I get why people want rashford in and maybe all I or sterling out.
But I think this would have an effect on Kane and at the moment , I think Southgate does value his opinion

I think when we went a goal up, loftus cheek should be first on , we go to a 451 and he can dominate
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on July 04, 2018, 10:17:21 PM
Still tje same old problem for me. We have a lack of creative players in our midfield due to a failure in our youth development.

We press well and have so much pace in the side nowadays which is great, but the likes of Sterling and Alli aren't creative, they just have great movement and are dangerous when played in front of a pkay maker (like at club level). For England, their is no creativity behind the front 3, and so it falls on them to add it and this is where they become exposed.

Lets hope the new guard just coming through have the dynamism we need.

Until then, lets gope we can set piece our way to glory.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on July 05, 2018, 08:08:39 AM
Still tje same old problem for me. We have a lack of creative players in our midfield due to a failure in our youth development.

We press well and have so much pace in the side nowadays which is great, but the likes of Sterling and Alli aren't creative, they just have great movement and are dangerous when played in front of a pkay maker (like at club level). For England, their is no creativity behind the front 3, and so it falls on them to add it and this is where they become exposed.

Lets hope the new guard just coming through have the dynamism we need.

Until then, lets gope we can set piece our way to glory.

I think we had one, but left him at home, Jack Wiltshire.

Was left out because of his injury record over the last couple of seasons and pulling out of a squad in the qualifiers, again owing to injury, which must have influenced the soon to be Sir Gareth.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on July 06, 2018, 12:41:25 PM
Still tje same old problem for me. We have a lack of creative players in our midfield due to a failure in our youth development.

We press well and have so much pace in the side nowadays which is great, but the likes of Sterling and Alli aren't creative, they just have great movement and are dangerous when played in front of a pkay maker (like at club level). For England, their is no creativity behind the front 3, and so it falls on them to add it and this is where they become exposed.

Lets hope the new guard just coming through have the dynamism we need.

Until then, lets gope we can set piece our way to glory.

The most creative we have is Lingard, who on a good day can be a real handful, but on a bad one ....
It was really noticeable how deep Kane was having to drop against Colombia, oh for a Glenn Hoddle / Stan Bowles type of player with this much pace around they could really dictate the direction the game went.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 06, 2018, 12:49:43 PM
The concern would be if at any point England fall behind and are struggling. There is none of that creativity on the bench. Someone like Wilshere would have given that sense of maverick ability who could be a gamechanger. Had he gone instead of Welbeck, that bench looks a lot stronger if at any point England were to be a goal behind.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 07, 2018, 06:14:54 PM
The concern would be if at any point England fall behind and are struggling. There is none of that creativity on the bench. Someone like Wilshere would have given that sense of maverick ability who could be a gamechanger. Had he gone instead of Welbeck, that bench looks a lot stronger if at any point England were to be a goal behind.
I don't really rate or like Wilshere
But this is a fair point,wellbeck is a waste of a squad place
Wilshere
Shelvey
Drink water
Even grealish, would be a better use than wellbeck
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: HampshireBaggie on July 07, 2018, 07:13:04 PM
It’s coming home....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on July 07, 2018, 09:03:46 PM
England v Russia in Moscow in the semi final,with Putin watching the match.
We embarrass his team in front of him on his own turf and we get into the final of the W/C,perfick or should I say ,simples.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 07, 2018, 09:40:47 PM
Do you want to play a skillful side (Croatia) or a side with partizan supporters (Russia)?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on July 07, 2018, 10:11:10 PM
Do you want to play a skillful side (Croatia) or a side with partizan supporters (Russia)?
didnt think either were anything special, confident England can beat Croatia.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 07, 2018, 10:33:24 PM
didnt think either were anything special, confident England can beat Croatia.
Thank God, the people of Salisbury have had enough..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 08, 2018, 01:49:42 PM
England fans taking the headlines away from the football today. Some very poor scenes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on July 08, 2018, 03:33:50 PM
England fans taking the headlines away from the football today. Some very poor scenes.

Video on Twitter shows 2 English fans (allegedly) jumping on the roof and rear of a Russian police vehicle. One lad jumps off and mingles with the crowd. The other, foolishly, stands and taunts the officers who oblige him, by giving him a real beating with there battens. And he deserved every stroke and whack he received!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 08, 2018, 05:36:42 PM
Video on Twitter shows 2 English fans (allegedly) jumping on the roof and rear of a Russian police vehicle. One lad jumps off and mingles with the crowd. The other, foolishly, stands and taunts the officers who oblige him, by giving him a real beating with there battens. And he deserved every stroke and whack he received!
It’s probably the video from last week of a Russian fan. He had no colours on , so any countries fans can be accused.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 10, 2018, 08:24:00 AM
I fancy us against Croatia
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on July 10, 2018, 09:07:12 AM
It’s probably the video from last week of a Russian fan. He had no colours on , so any countries fans can be accused.

Tom Newton Dunn Twetted this earlier

“Fake news alert: Ministers fear Russian state media circulating videos of fake England fans misbehaving to whip up anger against UK;”
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on July 11, 2018, 07:51:41 PM
As expected Croatia have offered nothing. Need to go for that second goal to finish them off now
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on July 11, 2018, 08:45:44 PM
England hanging on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on July 11, 2018, 08:51:12 PM
Going to extra time. We’re looking leggy now. Been a half of men vs boys.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Tony Goddens Gloves on July 11, 2018, 08:53:51 PM
England poor 2nd half
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 11, 2018, 08:53:56 PM
We keep passing back, and Croatia have noticed and are now playing on it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on July 11, 2018, 08:56:17 PM
Really poor second half, let them get into the game when we should have been finishing them off. Hopefully we find something in extra time as I don’t fancy penalties
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mank baggie on July 11, 2018, 09:29:11 PM
Oh well the lads did well to get this far
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 11, 2018, 09:40:11 PM
Croatia better team after the first half no complaints. Boys did us proud this tournament though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 11, 2018, 09:47:15 PM
We were awful from about the 35th minute. Kane anonymous. Croatia deservedly into the final. France will p*** it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 11, 2018, 10:09:55 PM
I've avoided posting in here because I never felt that our performances actually warranted all of the hype and hysteria, stoked up at every opportunity by the media, that we've been seeing. Tonight, our goal was the only shot we had on target and I can't recall Kane, Rashford or Vardy having a shot of any description. Although we looked in control at half-time, it was downhill all the way from there.

We got good results, but I thought we rarely looked very impressive in getting them. Mostly, I felt it was down to the opposition playing badly, although it's hard to say to what extent their ineptitude could be put down to the way we played. It was a good effort, but we ultimately didn't have the star quality to go all the way.

The positive is that the squad is young and will improve, so we should be more of a force in future years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on July 11, 2018, 10:15:36 PM
Are we allowed to suggest that our defence might be a bit susceptible now? Or do we still have to happy clap because we beat Panama?

Don't get me wrong, the boys have done well and it's been a good lift for the country.

However, we only played 2 good teams (one without their best player) and only beat one on penalties, and lost the other one.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on July 11, 2018, 10:20:24 PM
Are we allowed to suggest that our defence might be a bit susceptible now? Or do we still have to happy clap because we beat Panama?

Don't get me wrong, the boys have done well and it's been a good lift for the country.

However, we only played 2 good teams (one without their best player) and only beat one on penalties, and lost the other one.

Agreed, we had a straight forward passage to the semis then we played someone half decent.

No creativity on the pitch again. Have been massively disappointed with Delli Alli during the tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Adder on July 11, 2018, 10:46:29 PM
Seems to me England only look good when it's high tempo and everyone has energy. When players tire or the game slows down there's a lack of quality and composure. It's difficult to win a major competition in a high tempo style at the end of a long season....playing France would have been a step up again on Croatia.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 11, 2018, 10:47:48 PM
We'd have beaten France on the break. Tonight we aren't good enough to get that far.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: alex1 on July 11, 2018, 10:53:08 PM
We relied too much on set pieces. Croatia impressed me as the game went on by staying composed and passing it around, then waiting for the right moment to pass forward. Alot of our players get over hyped by the Premier League.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on July 11, 2018, 10:53:59 PM
it's been fun but this England team really shouldn't have got this far. passing and keeping possession is vital at this level but tonight we were very poor at both.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on July 11, 2018, 11:34:11 PM
Can't believe the criticism on here,a young team,not experienced eneogh yet,its not their fault who they play,well done I for one feel proud.
Can't understand how Young and Sterling get into the team,did Deli Ali play tonight? He looked exhausted not fit shouldn't have played but hey ho,bring on the euros!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 11, 2018, 11:39:18 PM
Can't believe the criticism on here,a young team,not experienced eneogh yet,its not their fault who they play,well done I for one feel proud.
Can't understand how Young and Sterling get into the team,did Deli Ali play tonight? He looked exhausted not fit shouldn't have played but hey ho,bring on the euros!


One of the best oxymorons I've seen on here. Well done mate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on July 11, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
An excellent tournament from England. Players and fans have been a credit to ye (speaking as an Irishman). Could have had it almost wrapped up at halftime but Croatia better in second and started exposing the defence. Having been comfortable in previous matches may not have benefitted on that front. Be proud and enjoy yourselves.

Trippier easily in my team of the tournament even without the goal. Probably have to have Kane in there too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 12, 2018, 12:30:11 AM
After our initial spell we began to lose the midfield and as soon as that happens you lose the game. South gate has done well but throughout the tournament his substations let him down. Game crying out for lotus cheek in cm to add some steel and despite 4 subs of which did very little to influence the game we still found ourselves being over run in midfield and eventually we lost. Wasn't going to be a game where pretty football won it was a game where the team with the biggest balls collectively would win- that's what happened.

Yes we have done well but in the game that counted the manger fouled up
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on July 12, 2018, 12:54:19 AM
After our initial spell we began to lose the midfield and as soon as that happens you lose the game. South gate has done well but throughout the tournament his substations let him down. Game crying out for lotus cheek in cm to add some steel and despite 4 subs of which did very little to influence the game we still found ourselves being over run in midfield and eventually we lost. Wasn't going to be a game where pretty football won it was a game where the team with the biggest balls collectively would win- that's what happened.

Yes we have done well but in the game that counted the manger fouled up

Whilst I agree with your comments about their midfield controlled the game, that problem came from our wingbacks.

Young was out on his feet ages before he came off, trippier you could tell had been carrying a knock. Our fullbacks dropped too deep becoming a back 5, which in turn isolated our middle 3.

Personally we should have brought Rose on earlier, introduced either Alexander Arnold or popped Dier in the back 3 and moved Walker out wide. Then he needed to take Alli off for Loftus-Cheek. I genuinely forgot Dele was still on the pitch for large parts.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 12, 2018, 01:05:04 AM
I've avoided posting in here because I never felt that our performances actually warranted all of the hype and hysteria, stoked up at every opportunity by the media, that we've been seeing. Tonight, our goal was the only shot we had on target and I can't recall Kane, Rashford or Vardy having a shot of any description. Although we looked in control at half-time, it was downhill all the way from there.

We got good results, but I thought we rarely looked very impressive in getting them. Mostly, I felt it was down to the opposition playing badly, although it's hard to say to what extent their ineptitude could be put down to the way we played. It was a good effort, but we ultimately didn't have the star quality to go all the way.

The positive is that the squad is young and will improve, so we should be more of a force in future years.
Future years? This was the new generation. We’ll never get an easier route again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 12, 2018, 03:51:32 AM
Whilst I agree with your comments about their midfield controlled the game, that problem came from our wingbacks.

Young was out on his feet ages before he came off, trippier you could tell had been carrying a knock. Our fullbacks dropped too deep becoming a back 5, which in turn isolated our middle 3.

Personally we should have brought Rose on earlier, introduced either Alexander Arnold or popped Dier in the back 3 and moved Walker out wide. Then he needed to take Alli off for Loftus-Cheek. I genuinely forgot Dele was still on the pitch for large parts.

Well I'm amazed young has played as much as he has. We have lacked width on the left the whole tournament. At least those changes may have had an effect on the game. Taking young off in extra time was too late. Southgate didn't really change his tactics only personnel left back for left back, striker for striker, holding midfielder for holding midfielder whilst their coach made proactive changes and switched shape and tactics. I think that was England's worst performance of the tournament

I reckon Kane was injured too been annoymous for the last few games
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on July 12, 2018, 06:06:27 AM

One of the best oxymorons I've seen on here. Well done mate.

Cue dictionary :)

It was good while it lasted but we relied too much on set pieces as we know. The two Croatian goals were through hard work and pressing, something that was missing from our game. Kane has been quiet over the past two games as well which is a little odd. A lot of positives from the whole WC and we can hopefully build on the nucleus of younger players for the European Championships.

I can see France having problems with Croatia - they should still do it but I don't think it will be easy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 12, 2018, 06:57:22 AM
The writing was on the wall as soon as Kyle Walker did walkies with the ball in order to waste time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on July 12, 2018, 07:24:47 AM
In the nezt 4 years, we will have the euros, another world cup, and   this new nations league tournament ehich is replacing friendlies.

At this stage, this young England team have energy and talent in some areas, but with some key gaps in midfield. Here is to hoping the youth teams can provide us with the final missing ingredients. Sessegnon, Sancho, Foden, Maddison, Winks, Hudson-Odoi. If we can start ti develop these players, then winning something might be just around the corner.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 12, 2018, 07:55:22 AM
There isn't too much wrong with the team (we reached the semi final after all, which is no mean achievement whatever the draw) we just need a bit more quality in certain areas. Ashley Young, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling ALL need to go. Young isn't a natural left back. Danny Rose is better and if we can get Luke Shaw back playing regular football if Mourinho hasn't completely broke him he's another to turn to. Lingard is OK and no problem with him making any squad but he's not as good as Oxlade-Chamberlain who if fit should start. Alli isn't good enough yet. I don't see what the fuss is about him for Spurs or England. A fully fit Lallana would've been ideal last night. International football suits him he keeps the ball and keeps midfield ticking over. We couldn't keep possession yesterday and that killed us. Harry Winks is a young lad who could do a similar type job. Sterling is a typical Premier League player that isn't what you need at international tournament level. He's Shaun Wright-Phillips mark 2. You need TECHNICAL ABILITY at international tournament level against the best teams and he doesn't have it.


                                    Pickford

                   Walker       Stones         Maguire

Trippier                                                              Rose / Shaw

                                   Henderson

              Oxlade-Chamberlain            Lallana

                                 ????? (We need to find someone.

                                   Kane


That team would've got us over the line last night I'm almost certain.

Southgate has done a great job so far but moving forward I hope he's not going to be one of those who keeps blind faith with players who are not up to it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 12, 2018, 08:41:42 AM
Sadly it was inevitable when the manager is as tactically inept as Southgate. The flaws were obvious to anyone with half a brain throughout, we had barely created a chance from open play all tournament yet the man is unable to effect the game. I have great faith in the players, I just have absolutely none in the guy leading them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on July 12, 2018, 08:53:31 AM
It's a fun bunch on here, my god!

In the end beaten by a better side, a side with European Cup winners, a side arguably underrated by a lot of people, filled with players in their peak playing in top leagues across Europe. Modric and Rakitic between them have won five European Cups in the last five seasons.

England have given us one of the most entertaining months of watching football I can remember. Southgate has transformed a side into one that people actually like, and one that is competitive. Remember at the start of June when many of us said we would be happy to get out of the group?

Alli and Lingard didn't have the worst games, they were up against two serious performers - probably the most underrated central midfield partnership in the world. They will give Pogba and Kante a real test on Sunday. Sterling ran them ragged for 45 minutes, we lost grip completely when he went off. He made clever runs, he linked play well, he would have scored if Kane had of squared the ball. If you can't see what the kid offers then football probably isn't for you. Walker was caught out for the goal but this is what, his ninth game as a central defender? He will learn, they all will.

No one likes losing and the better, more complete and more experienced side won - but if you can sit and slag them all off after the graft they've put in and the good times we've all had watching it the last month or so then that's a real shame for you.

At least Brexit is going well...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 12, 2018, 08:56:18 AM
I think this young team and inexperienced manager did us absolutely proud and grew with each game. Their inexperience showed last night and ultimately we needed a cool head in midfield who could put his foot on the ball second half to take the sting out of the game.

If we can keep this team together and add more quality in midfield, left wing back and have more options up front (hopefully inevitable when Rashford gets older) we should see a period where we’re closer to winning trophies and perhaps more importantly have a team we all love watching again. I’ve enjoyed this tournament more than any I can remember since Euro 96 tbh and before that Italia 90.

The younger teams are winning world cups and Euros, we now seem to have a system  and set up which isn’t based on big premier league reputations but rather a team which fits together and a players/ manager with humility (who’d thought after Sven and Capello eras).

I’m disappointed today but also looking forward to the future because if we carry on as we’ve just begun then we should have some fun again. There’s nothing like it when the whole country is behind the team is there !? 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on July 12, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
It's a fun bunch on here, my god!

In the end beaten by a better side, a side with European Cup winners, a side arguably underrated by a lot of people, filled with players in their peak playing in top leagues across Europe. Modric and Rakitic between them have won five European Cups in the last five seasons.

England have given us one of the most entertaining months of watching football I can remember. Southgate has transformed a side into one that people actually like, and one that is competitive. Remember at the start of June when many of us said we would be happy to get out of the group?

Alli and Lingard didn't have the worst games, they were up against two serious performers - probably the most underrated central midfield partnership in the world. They will give Pogba and Kante a real test on Sunday. Sterling ran them ragged for 45 minutes, we lost grip completely when he went off. He made clever runs, he linked play well, he would have scored if Kane had of squared the ball. If you can't see what the kid offers then football probably isn't for you. Walker was caught out for the goal but this is what, his ninth game as a central defender? He will learn, they all will.

No one likes losing and the better, more complete and more experienced side won - but if you can sit and slag them all off after the graft they've put in and the good times we've all had watching it the last month or so then that's a real shame for you.

At least Brexit is going well...

We said Dave. There comes a time when we just have to enjoy the ride, which is just beginning with this squad and set up hopefully .

It’s coming home sooner or later I bet ya
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 12, 2018, 09:06:16 AM
We said Dave. There comes a time when we just have to enjoy the ride, which is just beginning with this squad and set up hopefully .

It’s coming home sooner or later I bet ya

Looking at it objectively, chances are we will never again end up with a draw as favourable as that so if it was ever going to come home, we had the best opportunity for it to happen in my lifetime and we have blown it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on July 12, 2018, 09:11:00 AM
Looking at it objectively, chances are we will never again end up with a draw as favourable as that so if it was ever going to come home, we had the best opportunity for it to happen in my lifetime and we have blown it.

If we're basing our approach to winning tournaments around not having to play anyone good then we may as well not bother.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on July 12, 2018, 09:19:03 AM
Experience and quality won the day in the end. Croatia are a fantastic side with genuine world class performers in the areas that matter, no shame whatsoever in losing to them, especially having pushed them to the very end.
We knew from the start that we lacked quality and creativity but what we did was play to our strengths and relied on team spirit and it got us farther than we have for almost 30 years. Good on em.
What Southgate lacks in tactical nous he makes up for with humility and man management. This group of players are all millionaires and could easily have gone out there with an arrogant swagger and behaved like spoiled brats but instead they have conducted themselves impeccably.
The Premier League has given me so many reasons to not love football, or it's exponents, but this England team has gone a little way to restoring my faith and for that I'm both thankful and proud.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mank baggie on July 12, 2018, 09:34:28 AM
Bring on the euro's,  think Gareth can build on this, it's the first time iv been optimistic about England in years,  well done lads I say
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 12, 2018, 09:48:14 AM
If we're basing our approach to winning tournaments around not having to play anyone good then we may as well not bother.

Well as we have only played two decent teams in this tournament and lost to them both, it is difficult to do otherwise unless something (i.e. the manager) changes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on July 12, 2018, 10:23:03 AM
Well as we have only played two decent teams in this tournament and lost to them both, it is difficult to do otherwise unless something (i.e. the manager) changes.
Columbia are ranked higher than Croatia and Sweden not a that far off while beating France in the qualifiers and Italy in the playoffs,we also matched Belgium in the group and our 2nd team lost to their 2nd team.

Don’t underestimate the teams we have beaten, they are at this tournament for a reason.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on July 12, 2018, 10:26:52 AM
Well as we have only played two decent teams in this tournament and lost to them both, it is difficult to do otherwise unless something (i.e. the manager) changes.

Yes, you live and learn. If done properly this team can continue to get better. If we sit and take them apart, despite being the best England side in a generation, they might not.

In a game of very fine margins we lost out to a stronger, more experienced side. If anything this was Croatia's big opportunity, a lot of that side wont be together in four years time - ours will.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 12, 2018, 10:29:11 AM
Columbia are ranked higher than Croatia and Sweden not a that far off while beating France in the qualifiers and Italy in the playoffs,we also matched Belgium in the group and our 2nd team lost to their 2nd team.

Don’t underestimate the teams we have beaten, they are at this tournament for a reason.

We didn't beat Colombia...it took penalties to decide it in a game whereby their best player didn't feature.

Panama, Saudi Arabia et al were at this tournament. It doesn't mean they are good sides.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on July 12, 2018, 10:57:12 AM
We didn't beat Colombia...it took penalties to decide it in a game whereby their best player didn't feature.

Panama, Saudi Arabia et al were at this tournament. It doesn't mean they are good sides.

Fair enough pal - I've had a great four weeks watching this team, bouncing round pubs with people I've never met because everyone, for the first time in my lifetime is proud of their team. Yeah it'd be nice to have our name on the trophy, one day it will happen but if you can't see any positives in the last month then I feel for you. It's been great fun.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on July 12, 2018, 11:10:23 AM
At the end of the day England did better than expected so that's something to be happy with.

I think having the so called easy route has backfired and I couldn't see the logic of people wanting England to take that route, as at some point you are going to meet a much better side or a side that can manage a game better which was the case last night. Croatia have players that have played in tournament finals and it showed with how they came back and controlled the game from the 2nd half onwards.

I expect Belgium to be too strong on Saturday and England will end up 4th, but that's still a hell of an achievement for a young inexperienced team playing in it's first tournament.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on July 12, 2018, 11:35:29 AM
This WC was definitely an opportunity for England, unfortunately we ain't in the final, disappointing, but I've really enjoyed it. As many have already said it kinda bought footie back to the fans & it's a shame some people have to be negative but their perogative I guess.  :-X
I know it will be tough but I really hope GS gets them wound up for 3/4 play off so we can finish on a high (well some can).  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 12, 2018, 11:38:27 AM
Fair enough pal - I've had a great four weeks watching this team, bouncing round pubs with people I've never met because everyone, for the first time in my lifetime is proud of their team. Yeah it'd be nice to have our name on the trophy, one day it will happen but if you can't see any positives in the last month then I feel for you. It's been great fun.

I see plenty of positives...but the overriding feeling is frustration. We would have made the final with an actual manager in place and a draw that favourable. We have missed a massive opportunity here, I feel massively sorry for the players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on July 12, 2018, 11:54:59 AM
Fair enough pal - I've had a great four weeks watching this team, bouncing round pubs with people I've never met because everyone, for the first time in my lifetime is proud of their team. Yeah it'd be nice to have our name on the trophy, one day it will happen but if you can't see any positives in the last month then I feel for you. It's been great fun.
Same here mate, I've loved every minute of this tournament. The way people have come together is testament to the humility and integrity of the squad, they've handled themselves honourably both on and off the field and for the first time in years I actually felt like they deserved to succeed.
Southgate has given us a team we can be proud of, even in defeat, and to lose that now would be criminal. If we approach the Euros with the same attitude and commitment, I'll be happy, even if we don't win it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 12, 2018, 12:13:44 PM
At the end of the day England did better than expected so that's something to be happy with.

I think having the so called easy route has backfired and I couldn't see the logic of people wanting England to take that route, as at some point you are going to meet a much better side or a side that can manage a game better which was the case last night. Croatia have players that have played in tournament finals and it showed with how they came back and controlled the game from the 2nd half onwards.

I expect Belgium to be too strong on Saturday and England will end up 4th, but that's still a hell of an achievement for a young inexperienced team playing in it's first tournament.


Although they won't publicly say so (obviously) I very much doubt either country will be remotely bothered about finishing 3rd or 4th it's probably the most pointless game in football.

Overall view - I agree with others it has been a wonderful world cup certainly the best I've ever seen (1982 the first I can remember) England have exceeded expectations and done very well and the last three weeks have been amazing. If there are people that can't enjoy that journey I genuinely feel sorry for them.

The public are proud of our footballers again the first time for a long, long time and the tournament has brought people together - the amount of people with Asian heritage that have been hanging the flag of St George from their cars. Wow, fantastic.

Only football can do this. It doesn't matter what we do in any other sport, football is more powerful in this country than just about anything.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on July 12, 2018, 12:47:36 PM
Overall we did well in the tournament, however the way to get even better should now be clear to everybody.

We need a number 10, a player who can create things from open play, so that we can stop the over-reliance on set plays. A Gascoigne, a Joe Cole, etc.

We need a true captain. Kane disappeared when the going got tough, we need a real leader and big personality from somewhere.

And we need to stop dropping so deep and going long ball when the pressure is on. Last night we abandoned everything we had done earlier in the tournament, and fell into the old mentality.

We can look back happily on a team that wasn't expected to do well, who got to the semi-finals, and restored a bit of pride in our team. But we can't rest on our laurels and think we've made it now, as English players tend to do when they reach a certain level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on July 12, 2018, 01:11:41 PM
After our initial spell we began to lose the midfield and as soon as that happens you lose the game. South gate has done well but throughout the tournament his substations let him down. Game crying out for lotus cheek in cm to add some steel and despite 4 subs of which did very little to influence the game we still found ourselves being over run in midfield and eventually we lost. Wasn't going to be a game where pretty football won it was a game where the team with the biggest balls collectively would win- that's what happened.

Yes we have done well but in the game that counted the manger fouled up

So that's why we ran out of energy in the second half
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on July 12, 2018, 04:32:58 PM

Bizarrely, All the above but I do think the basis of a good side is there, add a couple of starlets (particularly a creative mid-fielder- so rare an animal these days) and they could do well in future competitions.
I feel Southgate is self aware enough to learn from the errors, as long as he doesn't surround himself with yes men.

The grand plan is showing dividends and we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: yorkshire baggie on July 12, 2018, 06:07:56 PM
I maybe ploughing a lone farrow here but shouldnt the manager be put under scrutiny?
The best opportunity we have had recently or are likely to have for some time to come was blown in a major way.
Poor substitutions and no plan B.
Momentum from group games was lost with wholesale changes against Belgium. Harry Kane was on fire prior to being rested.
There is the potential to achieve something with this squad but it will not be achieved under a manager who talks a good game and always has  consistently failed to deliver when it matters. Good managers do not want or need to be the squads best mate.
This tournament will be viewed by some as a success. I just see it as a massive opportunity thrown away.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 12, 2018, 06:10:07 PM
I maybe ploughing a lone farrow here but shouldnt the manager be put under scrutiny?
The best opportunity we have had recently or are likely to have for some time to come was blown in a major way.
Poor substitutions and no plan B.
Momentum from group games was lost with wholesale changes against Belgium. Harry Kane was on fire prior to being rested.
There is the potential to achieve something with this squad but it will not be achieved under a manager who talks a good game and always has  consistently failed to deliver when it matters. Good managers do not want or need to be the squads best mate.
This tournament will be viewed by some as a success. I just see it as a massive opportunity thrown away.

Read my posts above. You're not alone, despite the ridiculous love in for Southgate. In game management has been abysmal
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 12, 2018, 07:46:41 PM
He picked his teams based on results and not performances and was too weak to take players out of a winning team.

Ashley Young and Dele Alli were two players who England looked better without and he just wouldn't change it.

Were desperate for a Wilshere / Barkley to come off the bench against Croatia but he had nothing. Poor squad selection hampered him as well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Adder on July 12, 2018, 08:26:48 PM
We'd have beaten France on the break. Tonight we aren't good enough to get that far.
That's a pretty bold prediction - France are hardly gung ho, personally I think they are the last team that England would beat on the break.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wbastrollers on July 12, 2018, 09:13:37 PM
That's a pretty bold prediction - France are hardly gung ho, personally I think they are the last team that England would beat on the break.

I fully agree Adder - Easy to predict an event that is never going to happen, then you can’t get wrong !?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on July 13, 2018, 05:17:13 PM
Just can't understand all the fuss about England at the world cup. Whatever anyone says, they were extremely lucky with the way their side of the draw worked out. They would have got to the final without playing a single side ranked above them. They beat Panama, Tunisia and Sweden, drew with Columbia, and got beat by Belgium and Croatia (a country with less than a tenth the population of England and ranked below them). By any standards this is mediocre form, yet most of the press, and a fair few on here as well, are treating them as heroes who hugely over performed. Talk of honours for Southgate, and winning the Euros in 2 years time just exemplify the massive over reaction. They are still a poor side with a poor manager, who I don,t expect to win anything for the forseeable future.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Jimmy on July 13, 2018, 06:26:44 PM
I know us Albion fans are pessimistic but jesus.  :P

Let's just be thankful that the mood and atmosphere has changed and that we finally have a good amount of decent young potential.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on July 13, 2018, 06:39:21 PM
I know us Albion fans are pessimistic but jesus.  :P

Let's just be thankful that the mood and atmosphere has changed and that we finally have a good amount of decent young potential.
Don't think I'm being pessimistic mate, just saying it as I see it. It's a false dawn. England beat 3 teams we were expected to beat, and lost to one we were ranked above. There wasn't a single result where you could say that they exceeded expectations.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 14, 2018, 12:23:40 AM
Don't think I'm being pessimistic mate, just saying it as I see it. It's a false dawn. England beat 3 teams we were expected to beat, and lost to one we were ranked above. There wasn't a single result where you could say that they exceeded expectations.

Agreed 100%, felt good while it lasted though didn't it  ;D ?

I'm hoping the Albion beat loads of teams we 'should' in the Championship, but unlike England I'm hoping we can beat a few more besides. Anyone else noticed the sun's disappeared since England went out? Hoping for a better day and result tomorrow and an even better few months results wise for the Mighty Albion.

Come on England and COYB  8) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on August 30, 2018, 02:48:51 PM
Southgate names his first England squad following our exit from the World Cup

England squad
GK: Jack Butland, Alex McCarthy, Jordan Pickford

DF: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, James Tarkowski, Keiran Trippier, Kyle Walker

MF: Fabian Delph, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Raheem Sterling

FW: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 30, 2018, 03:25:01 PM
Keepers apart every one from a top 6 club, shows what a stranglehold these clubs have on english football or that GS is not looking outside the top clubs.
Next we know we'll be bemoaning the amount of football the players have to contend with, what with europe and all !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 30, 2018, 03:51:08 PM
Keepers apart every one from a top 6 club, shows what a stranglehold these clubs have on english football or that GS is not looking outside the top clubs.
Next we know we'll be bemoaning the amount of football the players have to contend with, what with europe and all !


Maguire.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 30, 2018, 04:37:23 PM

Maguire.

Missed him, exception that proves the rule !  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on August 30, 2018, 07:22:01 PM
What - no Livermore  :o :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on August 30, 2018, 09:07:07 PM
Keepers apart every one from a top 6 club, shows what a stranglehold these clubs have on english football or that GS is not looking outside the top clubs.
Next we know we'll be bemoaning the amount of football the players have to contend with, what with europe and all !

“Gareth Southgate bemoans lack of English players playing in the Premier League”

Livermoore might still be in with a chance in future then  :D

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45360558
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tucka9 on August 30, 2018, 09:52:45 PM
Only 3 strikers in the squad and how on earth does Welbeck get in over in form players such as Callum Wilson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on August 31, 2018, 06:32:30 AM
Missed him, exception that proves the rule !  ;)

along with Tarkowski...unless he's moved from Burnley?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 31, 2018, 07:24:44 AM
this is very much uninspiring, danny wellbeck for goodness sake
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on August 31, 2018, 10:25:40 AM
Nation's League means our game Vs Spain means something, so no real surprises.

Would hope that by the proper friendlies in November, we will start the transition to the squad that will play at the Euros, which will see the likes of Lallana phased out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 31, 2018, 10:34:29 AM
along with Tarkowski...unless he's moved from Burnley?

Ok, and hinm, but my point is still valid (almost- ish)

Refuse to back track anymore on this  (yet)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on August 31, 2018, 10:43:36 AM
Ok, and him, but my point is still valid (almost- ish)

Refuse to back track anymore on this  (yet)

Reworded for you  ;) .

'Keepers apart every one from a top 6 club apart from those who aren't'...... beep, beep, beep........  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 31, 2018, 10:48:29 AM
Reworded for you  ;) .

'Keepers apart every one from a top 6 club apart from those who aren't'...... beep, beep, beep........  ;D .

can i tell you to 'cough on here  ;D :-[
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on August 31, 2018, 10:50:22 AM
can i tell you to 'cough on here  ;D :-[

You could try but it earned me a yellow card not long back  :P  ;) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 31, 2018, 10:53:19 AM
You could try but it earned me a yellow card not long back  :P  ;) .

then i won't,

please Mr Daniel of the royal borough of Smethwick, do not make my humiliation any more dire than it already is, i erred and beg forgiveness from the assembled host. Now do one Pal ! :D ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 04, 2018, 12:02:24 AM
An interesting week of International football coming up.

We get to see our first glimpse of  the new Nations league, the competitive tournament partially replacing international friendlies. The squad selection does not fill me with much hope of anything new but I do understand why Southgate may want to leave some of the exciting youth players in the age grade teams. The Spain game will be an opportunity to see how England can evolve from the World Cup and if Southgate will change anything to make us more creative from open play (possibly difficult until the players come through the under 21’s but he can try).

The youth teams may be more exciting this time around however. Back when I was younger, I remember going to watch England and Poland draw an under 21 game with Ishmael Miller and Luke Moore up front. Today, England’s under 21s have Solanke,  Abraham, Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray to choose from. Behind them you find an embarrassment of creative riches. Ryan Sessegnon and Ademola Lookman our wide, Mason Mount, Tom Davies and Lewis Cook in the middle with James Maddison a key potential answer to England’s open play creative woes (Kieran Dowell from Everton, who had a great season on loan at Forest last time out keeps “our” Barnes out of the team, perhaps a little on the lucky side). In defence, Ben Chilwell and Aron Wan Bissaka challenge Kyle Walker-Pieters for a full back spot in a position that is fast becoming England’s most crowded and blessed.

England’s under 20’s feature our own Sam Field, Arsenal’s Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, Preston’s on loan Man City star Lucas Nmecha, as well as a host of exciting Chelsea youngsters like Challobah, Dijon Sterling and Jay Da Silva.

While the under 20’s look strong, the under 19’s look incredible. Rakeem Harper will play in Keith Downing’s side, along with probably the 2 brightest English teenage hopes after Ryan Sessgnon - Man City’s Phil Foden and their former winger, Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. Callum Hudson-Odoi, considered by some to be the best young striker in the world, also makes the team, along with Monaco’s Jonathan Panzo, Wolves forward Gibbs-White and Ryan’s brother Steven Sessegnon with Chelsea’s Guehi, McCeachran and Lamptey.

Rayhaan Tulloch provides the Albion interest in the under 18’s, while Liverpool’s Curtis Jones was supposedly amazing pre season (they have a way of wrecking young talent so I won’t get excited just yet). Xavier Amaechi is also highly rated at Arsenal, but with his surname and Nigeria’s aggressive poaching of English youth players, we will need to act quick to tie him up.

Hard to find much information on the other 2 profiled England teams. I take it no Albion players made the under 17’s (Morgan Rodgers has not played much for the under 23’s this season so far which my explain that, despite his Carabao Cup bench place). Louie Barry is however in the England under 16 team, as publicised by the official website this week. Hopefully he continues to be as prolific this year as he was in his last outings.

Exciting times for England. If we can get those first team pathways sorted, and avoid too many Ademola Lookman situations (Everton blocking a move to RB Leipzig where he had thrived, despite not playing him), then we could have a generation coming through who could conquer the world (if we can get through the French that is).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 09, 2018, 11:55:24 PM
Ben Chilwell and Demarai Gray called into the first team for the mid week friendly.

Surprised to see Gray get the call up ahead of Maddison. Could be down to him having more experience, however he just seems more of the same - along the lines of a thousand other English speed merchants we have tried for the national team.

Maybe I am being harsh in Gray who could be great in the right system, but would have much prefered Maddison to be called up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 11, 2018, 02:20:25 PM
Ben Chilwell and Demarai Gray called into the first team for the mid week friendly.

Surprised to see Gray get the call up ahead of Maddison. Could be down to him having more experience, however he just seems more of the same - along the lines of a thousand other English speed merchants we have tried for the national team.

Maybe I am being harsh in Gray who could be great in the right system, but would have much prefered Maddison to be called up.
No you are right Gray is another speed merchant who won't cut it at top international level. England never EVER learn.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 04, 2018, 09:07:33 AM
Southgate to be offered a contract until 2022. good or sad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on October 04, 2018, 09:41:24 AM
Sad.

We will not beat a 'good' nation in a competitive game under Southgate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 05, 2018, 11:37:25 AM
bored already thinking about the international break
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 09, 2018, 12:21:57 PM
bored even moreso now. can anyone explain what this new competition is. Spain on Friday then Croatia Monday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 09, 2018, 12:31:38 PM
bored even moreso now. can anyone explain what this new competition is. Spain on Friday then Croatia Monday

Fill your boots.

https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/newsid=2079553.html
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on October 09, 2018, 12:43:59 PM
Fill your boots.

https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/newsid=2079553.html

Blimey! I have read it and am now even more confused.....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 09, 2018, 01:36:17 PM
Fill your boots.

https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/newsid=2079553.html


oh cheers for that, no wonder ive lost interest ::)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robbo_wba on October 10, 2018, 11:15:51 PM
It’s really not that difficult to understand:

Group of 3, play each other home and away.
- Winner goes to the semi final. Win that and the final, you win the tournament and qualify for the Euros.
- Finish 2nd stay the same.
- Finish bottom you get relegated

Simple.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2018, 12:51:26 PM
a must win tonight then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 12, 2018, 07:58:39 PM
Pathetic atmosphere. England supporters should have been allowed
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 13, 2018, 12:05:52 AM
Christ only me chatting lol. Speaks volume for the national side Boingboing
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on October 13, 2018, 01:38:33 AM
Not on (normal) TV I'm afraid Devon, I used to love watching England matches!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on October 13, 2018, 03:41:47 AM
I tried watching some of it in the U.S.. Finally gave up after Rashford passed the ball to the Croatian keeper twice in two minutes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 13, 2018, 10:51:57 AM
Christ only me chatting lol. Speaks volume for the national side Boingboing


I think people obviously get involved when the World Cup finals are on and to a slightly lesser degree the European Championships because the whole nation gets carried on a media wave. Other than that I'd argue that most people are just not interested in international football these days.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on October 15, 2018, 10:02:22 PM
brilliant result against spain, really entertaining match to watch and the 1st to beat them on home soil for 38 games according to sky.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on October 15, 2018, 10:35:47 PM
brilliant result against spain, really entertaining match to watch and the 1st to beat them on home soil for 38 games according to sky.

Played well. Barkley and winks added abit more dynamism to our game. Prefer the 433 as it allows us to play both rashford and sterling.

Shame we didn't get that goal in Croatia we would be joint top. Need Croatia to not lose at home v Spain and we have a chance
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on October 15, 2018, 11:41:12 PM
Really enjoyed the highlights, good stuff!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 15, 2018, 11:49:13 PM
Really enjoyed the highlights, good stuff!

And there was me posting extended highlights in the Woodman because I forgot they were going to be on ITV  ;D . We were clinical, but from the minutes I saw we certainly rode our luck. Would have liked to watch the game 'live' but I don't/won't have Sky and couldn't be doing with spending the evening down the local three out of four nights  :-X .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 16, 2018, 07:07:09 PM
Watching the under 21s on BBC website at the moment (i think itis BBC Alba English language coverage).

Reiss Nelson, on loan at Hoffenheim from Arsenal has bent a free kick in from 30 yards.

Frightening amount of talent throughout the English youth teams at the moment. We actually seem to be developing a number of different p)ayers now, not just fast, pacey ones.

Just need better, deep lying ones now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 18, 2018, 09:54:12 AM
Thank god normal football season is back after the break, a few years ago my passion was moreso for England. not anymore
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on November 04, 2018, 12:00:14 PM
Rooney is coming out of retirement to play in England v USA. Good to see that the domestic calendar is getting put on hold for a testimonial game. Takes the "meaningless friendly" label to a whole new level.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 12, 2018, 03:32:07 PM
Just watched a short video of Sherwood and Saunders debating about the 'Rooney' game.

What are peoples thoughts on the England v USA game this week and Rooney getting another cap as a 'farewell.'

I understand the money raised is going to charity and its to raise the profile in USA further etc etc, but what are your thoughts on him getting another cap.

It hasn't been earnt on merit/form. Could it potentially take away the chance for Callum Wilson to get some international minutes...

I find it bizarre to be honest and a little embarrassing. I get that he has achieved a lot for England in terms of caps and goals but this seems strange to me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on November 13, 2018, 09:06:44 AM
Just watched a short video of Sherwood and Saunders debating about the 'Rooney' game.

What are peoples thoughts on the England v USA game this week and Rooney getting another cap as a 'farewell.'

I understand the money raised is going to charity and its to raise the profile in USA further etc etc, but what are your thoughts on him getting another cap.

It hasn't been earnt on merit/form. Could it potentially take away the chance for Callum Wilson to get some international minutes...

I find it bizarre to be honest and a little embarrassing. I get that he has achieved a lot for England in terms of caps and goals but this seems strange to me.

Pretty sure none of the gate receipts are going towards his charity. This shouldn't be an internationally recognised fixture, it's embarrassing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 13, 2018, 09:43:06 AM
Pretty sure none of the gate receipts are going towards his charity. This shouldn't be an internationally recognised fixture, it's embarrassing.

That's correct, I believe gate receipts etc are going to a charity of FA choice, Rooney will be able to collect for his charity outside of the turnstiles etc or something along those lines.

Which makes the whole thing even more bizarre in my opinion.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on November 13, 2018, 10:07:13 AM
That's correct, I believe gate receipts etc are going to a charity of FA choice, Rooney will be able to collect for his charity outside of the turnstiles etc or something along those lines.

Which makes the whole thing even more bizarre in my opinion.

So fans have paid a fair whack to get there and get tickets for what is now effectively a testimonial, only to be greeted with charity buckets outside the ground.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 13, 2018, 10:07:54 AM
Not fantastically bothered about him getting another cap to be honest. This is a meaningless game where the gate receipts are going to charity. If Rooney plays then it will get many extra bums on seats and increase the charity contribution.

We probably need to remember the contribution Wayne has made to English football, both for club and country - a fantastic player in his day and still a force to be reckoned with. A quick check on Wiki tells you that he played for England 119 times and scored 53 goals, which is a phenominal return at that level. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on November 13, 2018, 10:10:14 AM
Not fantastically bothered about him getting another cap to be honest. This is a meaningless game where the gate receipts are going to charity. If Rooney plays then it will get many extra bums on seats and increase the charity contribution.

We probably need to remember the contribution Wayne has made to English football, both for club and country - a fantastic player in his day and still a force to be reckoned with. A quick check on Wiki tells you that he played for England 119 times and scored 53 goals, which is a phenominal return at that level.

I don't think anyone is disputing he made a fantastic effort for his country, although let's be honest he had one good tournament which is a poor return. And just to reiterate, the gate receipts aren't going to charity:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/11/06/fa-refuses-hand-gate-receipts-charity-wayne-rooneys-last-england/
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 13, 2018, 10:22:18 AM
That's correct, I believe gate receipts etc are going to a charity of FA choice, Rooney will be able to collect for his charity outside of the turnstiles etc or something along those lines.

Which makes the whole thing even more bizarre in my opinion.

Previous poster identified that the gate receipts [or a portion of] are going to a charity of their choice - not Rooney's.

It is obvious that the game has been mis badged and someone in the FA has dropped a real clanger here.........if they had said from day 1 that it was a Rooney testemonial, we would have all known before we bought the tickets - or not as the case may be.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 13, 2018, 11:26:49 AM
It does have the feel of a testimonial to it. I believe he's only coming on for the last 10 minutes or so (or so I have read) and the England players have said he can have the armband as and when he does come on.

Would this have been planned if Rooney had been a few caps closer to Shilton's record?

Just seems a strange thing to do and where do we draw the line with things like this in the future.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on November 13, 2018, 11:28:01 AM
Previous poster identified that the gate receipts [or a portion of] are going to a charity of their choice - not Rooney's.

It is obvious that the game has been mis badged and someone in the FA has dropped a real clanger here.........if they had said from day 1 that it was a Rooney testermonial, we would have all known before we bought the tickets - or not as the case may be.

See my link above, the FA themselves say "The proceeds from the England v USA will go back into the English game.". The gate receipts are not going to charity at all.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 14, 2018, 08:08:19 PM
All international friendlies are testimonials. It's a crying shame that Rooney (still a pro footballer remember) wont be the worst striker England select from.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on November 17, 2018, 07:01:29 PM
Don't agree with this fake cap for Rooney at all.
What's he done to earn this cap?
Fled to USA to play.
An England cap should be earned through hard work and skill not given away,so he can get his 120 cap?
Its cheapened the shirt,what is the FA thinking?
We look forward with our team not back,most of his play for 119 caps hasn't been up to scratch for me anyway.
Overated  player,the only reward he wants is money.
Sorry,bad decision.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 17, 2018, 07:06:07 PM
Don't agree with this fake cap for Rooney at all.
What's he done to earn this cap?
Fled to USA to play.
An England cap should be earned through hard work and skill not given away,so he can get his 120 cap?
Its cheapened the shirt,what is the FA thinking?
We look forward with our team not back,most of his play for 119 caps hasn't been up to scratch for me anyway.
Overated  player,the only reward he wants is money.
Sorry,bad decision.

Yep! Threw his toys out of the pram to get a £300,000 a week deal at United!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 18, 2018, 06:27:27 PM
Oh I see another Rooney bashing again..

Overrated  :o :-X what a load of codswallop

Fair play to the FA on this gesture, the man deserves all the plaudits for me...class player
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 18, 2018, 06:29:09 PM
Brilliant result today v Croatia

Deserved the win I reckon, great resilience and strength of character to come back from 1 down



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on November 19, 2018, 01:15:05 AM
Brilliant result today v Croatia

Deserved the win I reckon, great resilience and strength of character to come back from 1 down

Switzerland knocking Belgium is a huge help also. If the Dutch could qualify over the French there would be a lot of arguments to say we would be favourites.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on November 19, 2018, 01:17:21 AM
Oh I see another Rooney bashing again..

Overrated  :o :-X what a load of codswallop

Fair play to the FA on this gesture, the man deserves all the plaudits for me...class player

But why should it qualify him for this random extra cap over other, arguably more deserving England greats? Let's be honest here, he had one great tournament and then did the square root of sod all after on the big stage. Rooney fanboys getting offended over the criticism is bizarre. He served England well in his international career, but that ended 2 years ago and it should stay that way. If it was a true testimonial with gate receipts going to his charity then that would be fair enough. It was a weird circus, nothing more.

Meanwhile, great result England!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on November 19, 2018, 09:32:22 AM
Fantasic result yesterday.

Over the last two games, we have really looked comfortable on the ball, knocking it round and looking a threat when we go forward.

Never really had to get out of 3rd gear against USA.

Started very well yesterday and could have grabbed a couple early goals, took a set up with the Croats goal and got back into the game and won it at the end.

Can only see a bright future for this crop of youngsters coming through.

Fair play to Southgate blooding Sancho into the squad aswell, may give some of the other talented youngsters sitting on the big teams under 23 squads a kick up the backside and go and get a move to play some regular football.

If Sancho would have stayed at City, he wouldn't be anywhere near the England squad yet.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on November 19, 2018, 10:28:33 PM
Switzerland knocking Belgium is a huge help also. If the Dutch could qualify over the French there would be a lot of arguments to say we would be favourites.

Called it...
I would fancy England against any of the other 3. Obviously the Swiss are the weakest and the kindest draw for us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 19, 2019, 07:58:38 AM
yawn, anybody doing the England games coming up
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on March 19, 2019, 09:09:20 AM
Until googling it just, I didn't even know who the fixtures were against.

Nice to see a few of the younger players been given a call up, Rice, Hudson-Odoi, Sancho etc.

Think Ward Prowse can count himself unlucky to not have got a call up. Also surprised the palace full back, Wan Basaka? hasn't had a call up, he's put in some good performances this year.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on March 20, 2019, 10:04:17 AM
yawn, anybody doing the England games coming up

Not doing these 2 but I know a couple of Albion going to Montenegro.

I'm booked up for Portugal in June and Prague and Sofia in October  :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on March 20, 2019, 10:12:17 AM
I'm off to Montenegro. Flying Sunday to Albania, spending the day & night in Tirana then coach across to Podgorcia Monday morning
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on March 22, 2019, 09:02:59 PM
Very good first half, Sterling looking a class act.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on March 23, 2019, 08:07:38 AM
Really starting to get excited about this England team.  The future is so bright. Let's hope these kids fulfil their potential and we finally, after all these years, lift a trophy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 23, 2019, 08:12:27 AM
Strange but scary didn't think we played particularly well especially first 10 mins second half. Sancho looks a prospect but centre backs still a concern as Walker always has a mistake in him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 25, 2019, 09:28:10 AM
good luck to all the baggies flying out to watch england tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mikkyk on March 25, 2019, 05:27:00 PM
Strange but scary didn't think we player particularly well especially first 10 mins second half. Sancho looks a prospect but centre backs still a concern as Walker always has a mistake in him

This for me is the biggest concern for crunch games against the best teams - I feel like he would be very liable to making a very costly mistake.

Same goes for Stones (as he did in the WC semi-final).

We do look good going forward but in all honesty our weaknesses won't be tested in this qualifying group.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 25, 2019, 08:46:14 PM
This for me is the biggest concern for crunch games against the best teams - I feel like he would be very liable to making a very costly mistake.

Same goes for Stones (as he did in the WC semi-final).

We do look good going forward but in all honesty our weaknesses won't be tested in this qualifying group.

half time of the Montenegro game and its like watching a Mowbray team against a poor side, look great going forwards but the defence is scarily exposed by lack of defensive midfield.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 25, 2019, 09:35:18 PM
half time of the Montenegro game and its like watching a Mowbray team against a poor side, look great going forwards but the defence is scarily exposed by lack of defensive midfield.


Don't think they've been that bad, CHO poor for the goal but you have to accept that with those 3 attacking players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on March 25, 2019, 09:35:30 PM
Like the look of this Hudson-Odoi very comfortable on the ball and still a novice.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 25, 2019, 09:42:18 PM

Don't think they've been that bad, CHO poor for the goal but you have to accept that with those 3 attacking players.

No tactics were ok for the calibre of opponent, but we can't be so open when playing the top sides
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 28, 2019, 01:57:32 PM
anybody off to watch england in Portugal
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on May 28, 2019, 02:22:38 PM
anybody off to watch england in Portugal

I'm off next Saturday for hopefully the final  :-X I know many Albion heading out there though for Semi.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 28, 2019, 02:29:19 PM
I'm off next Saturday for hopefully the final  :-X I know many Albion heading out there though for Semi.


good on you
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 05, 2019, 12:27:04 PM
Game on Sky against Holland tomorrow
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mister AT on June 05, 2019, 12:34:21 PM
Game on Sky against Holland tomorrow

Should be a good game.

Holland seem to have improved over the last year or two.

I imagine the champions league final players wont be included from the start, guessing the team will be something like

Pickford

Walker
Stones
Maguire
Chilwell

Rice
Delph/Dier
Barkley

Sterling
Rashford
Sancho
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: don1thedon on June 05, 2019, 05:47:39 PM
Game on Sky against Holland tomorrow
Ah well, highlights on ITV at 22.45 for me then ...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 06, 2019, 03:04:24 AM
Ah well, highlights on ITV at 22.45 for me then ...

Unless I pop down the pub to watch the game 'live' early on I don't think I'll bother with the ITV highlights to be honest. Much as I'd like to watch England I really can't be bothered with waiting so late into the evening (all be it this post is being made at sparrows fart in the morning). Cheers to the FA for selling our international TV rights to the highest bidder. As if the pink elephant and extortionate pricing categories at the 'home of football' weren't enough to fleece supporters with on an ongoing basis, they sell off a national asset without a thought for their 'stakeholders'. I'll catch the high/low lights at a time that's convenient for me if at all. Cheers for the further disconnect FA, you wunch of utter bankers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 06, 2019, 08:49:14 AM
trouble over in portugal i hear with supporters
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on June 06, 2019, 09:11:25 AM
Same old, sadly. Far too many moronic louts on our books.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on June 06, 2019, 10:09:30 AM
I suspect that it’s not England Supporters Club members causing the problems, but lads who have gone over on spec for a few bevvies and a fight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 06, 2019, 10:27:06 AM
not forgetting the dutch are there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mulliganstired on June 07, 2019, 09:49:31 AM
At least we know where Darren and Graeme have been for the last few weeks, obviously coaching the England defence
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 07, 2019, 09:55:31 AM
That's what I thought - have Darren and Jones been coaching our defenders!!

Like Albion, England struggled to hold the ball in the midfield which meant the defenders had the ball too much and therefore had too many chances to make mistakes.

We (England) won't win anything until we address this midfield 'hole' .........with players who can hold onto the ball when we're a bit knackered. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on June 07, 2019, 10:15:42 AM
That's what I thought - have Darren and Jones been coaching our defenders!!

Like Albion, England struggled to hold the ball in the midfield which meant the defenders had the ball too much and therefore had too many chances to make mistakes.

We (England) won't win anything until we address this midfield 'hole' .........with players who can hold onto the ball when we're a bit knackered.
Everyone's at it though, Holland's goal came from a defensive cock up. It's like it's suddenly the only way to play the game. Bonkers.The amount of times the ball was played to Pickford while he was stood on his goal line was ridiculous.
Defenders that can't play football and midfielders who don't show for the ball = disaster.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: divinewind on June 07, 2019, 12:22:06 PM
We are and always have been the most overated team in the world. One trophy and one final in 130 years, even Greece can equal that.
We aren't too clever at our other national sport either.
Best stick to darts eh? Mind you the Dutch are catching us up in that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on June 07, 2019, 01:08:31 PM
We are and always have been the most overated team in the world. One trophy and one final in 130 years, even Greece can equal that.
We aren't too clever at our other national sport either.
Best stick to darts eh? Mind you the Dutch are catching us up in that.

My spring is long past being easily wound up!  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on June 07, 2019, 01:13:20 PM
Everyone's at it though, Holland's goal came from a defensive cock up. It's like it's suddenly the only way to play the game. Bonkers.


Too right. Everyone is trying to copy the supposed genius that is Guardiola. Guardiola though has been head coach of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City. All with ridiculous resources.

The penny will drop at some point with a good few head coaches that there are other and better ways for their teams to play.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on June 07, 2019, 01:19:02 PM

Too right. Everyone is trying to copy the supposed genius that is Guardiola. Guardiola though has been head coach of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City. All with ridiculous resources.

The penny will drop at some point with a good few head coaches that there are other and better ways for their teams to play.

Totally agree, when are coaches going to acknowledge the well tried and tested method of playing a system that suits the capabilities of their squad and developing them from that base


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 21, 2019, 07:25:43 PM
Looks like England Under21's are out. Just been beaten 4-2 by Romania.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 21, 2019, 10:28:12 PM
No surprise with Aidy Hoofthroyd tasked with nuturing them. What must Foden make of the likes of him after working under Pep?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Sted1990 on June 21, 2019, 10:58:20 PM
No surprise with Aidy Hoofthroyd tasked with nuturing them. What must Foden make of the likes of him after working under Pep?

Foden himself needs to go and get more regular football for a season, maybe abroad with Ajax, Monchengladbach or a European team of that ilk.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 04, 2019, 09:48:09 AM
any of you folk doing the Englands games, god i hate the international break
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on September 04, 2019, 09:57:35 AM
any of you folk doing the Englands games, god i hate the international break


Me too. Not remotely interested in the England games nor any other international ones for that matter.

Unless Mings scores an own goal.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kris_boing on September 04, 2019, 01:29:55 PM
I'm going  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on September 04, 2019, 01:50:44 PM
I'm going  ;D
Good man!
I get that people are a bit disillusioned, but there's not much that would beat seeing England win a major trophy, before I shuffle off this mortal coil, so I will be watching with hope in my heart.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Powelly on September 05, 2019, 08:30:00 AM
any of you folk doing the Englands games, god i hate the international break

Doing both games. Long drive to Southampton after work on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on October 11, 2019, 07:55:29 PM
I know Maddison has pulled out on this occasion and I’ve nothing against mount, he also looks a very good player, but I can’t understand how Southgate could say this week he cannot promise anyone game time when speaking about Maddison.

Hudson-Odoi got a start before he had started for Chelsea, Mount has moved up the pecking order dead quickly. I can’t see any other reason than they play for a more ‘fashionable club’ and the old big club bias
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 11, 2019, 08:33:44 PM
Has Pulis trained them?
A lot of backwards and sidewards passing. Even then, the final pass is poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on October 11, 2019, 09:45:51 PM
Harry Maguire  the most expensive defender in the history of the game. £80m for someone who hardly won an header all night and can only play short sideways passes. games mental. does Harry Kane ever attempt to head theball?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on October 11, 2019, 10:13:17 PM
A couple of hours of my life I wont get back - dire
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BRIAN on October 12, 2019, 08:46:59 AM
I find the football at International  level and the Premiership totally boring. It seems to me "why make one pass when twenty will do?" I know it is looking for openings but it bores me to tears.
The Championship has more "old fashioned" type of play and certainly keeps me far happier.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 12, 2019, 09:33:28 AM
It was a poor performance, the worst I’ve seen in a long time if I’m honest.

However that’s the first qualifier in 10 years we’ve lost....people have an off day, it happens!

If they come back and play well and smash Bulgaria then it’s a blip


I though the team selection was bad though myself

Rice AND Henderson doesn’t work that need to be stopped immediately.

Michael Keane is not an international Centre Half, he needs replacing

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 12, 2019, 10:17:31 AM
Really poor last night.
Rice and Keane nowhere near good enough.
Sancho did nothing for me on that performance.
Hope its just a glitch and the put it right against Bulgaria.
Seems as though whenever we come up against a well set up physical team we struggle.
I was hoping that we could qualify with maximum points so that we had a good seeding.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 12, 2019, 10:42:00 AM
Whenever we come up against anyone half decent we struggle. Southgate is a fraud.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 12, 2019, 12:28:55 PM
It was a poor performance, the worst I’ve seen in a long time if I’m honest.

However that’s the first qualifier in 10 years we’ve lost....people have an off day, it happens!

If they come back and play well and smash Bulgaria then it’s a blip


I though the team selection was bad though myself

Rice AND Henderson doesn’t work that need to be stopped immediately.

Michael Keane is not an international Centre Half, he needs replacing
I’m with you
There’s been a bit of an over reaction ...maybe we have some really good players (Kane ,Sterling) maybe we have some that are still young and learning (Sancho,rice,Rashford) and maybe some that will never be top 16 teams of world football quality (Pickford,Keane,Henderson)

Something felt strange watching them last night,I started to wonder if the “spurs” issues had festered ,could it be that the Erickson/verthongen problem had split Kane/Rose/Trippier,was this why trippier was sold ?...do others in the England camp now dislike 1-2 individuals due to their stance

Or maybe we just had an off day
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Barrington on October 13, 2019, 10:09:51 AM
Whenever we come up against anyone half decent we struggle. Southgate is a fraud.

I completely agree.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBrom on October 13, 2019, 11:11:07 AM
I’m with you
There’s been a bit of an over reaction ...maybe we have some really good players (Kane ,Sterling) maybe we have some that are still young and learning (Sancho,rice,Rashford) and maybe some that will never be top 16 teams of world football quality (Pickford,Keane,Henderson)

Something felt strange watching them last night,I started to wonder if the “spurs” issues had festered ,could it be that the Erickson/verthongen problem had split Kane/Rose/Trippier,was this why trippier was sold ?...do others in the England camp now dislike 1-2 individuals due to their stance

Or maybe we just had an off day

I actually think the England team is a bit of a mirror of the Spurs team. Always there or there abouts, have a half decent first 11 but never actually win anything. Heavily geared up to play with Kane as a lone striker with wing backs playing high up the pitch meaning we need holding midfielders in the middle to cover. Like Spurs we're also missing that truly top quality number 10 to help going forwards and link midfield and attack.

Personally I also think that whilst Kane is a very good finisher, he's part of both Spurs and England's problem, in that he's pretty much undroppable, but we have no plan b when he's in the team. Look at Spurs too, they're never going to be able to sign another decent striker whilst he's there as they know they'll be sat on the bench the majority of the time. He's a great finisher, but doesn't really have a turn of pace, doesn't play on the last defender, isn't a hold up man or particularly good in the air and means that we rely on wingers and attacking midfielders for creativity. Trouble is the whole team is set up with Kane in mind, meaning that when we try to switch it up with a different type of striker it often doesn't gel.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on October 14, 2019, 08:43:21 AM
I'm hearing that Mings gets a start tonight. Just doling out caps under this manager, it is a tad embarrassing. Not quite sure what he has done to earn a call up let alone a start, he has now played what, 10 games, consistently in the Premier League and has looked fairly poor during the majority of them, particular highlight being Jordan Ayew walking past him to score for Palace.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: glosterbaggie on October 14, 2019, 07:05:11 PM
Irish 0-3 up v Czech Republic!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 14, 2019, 08:39:56 PM
4-0 up but looks dangerously close to being abandoned if the racist chanting continues.....what is wrong with people??? :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 14, 2019, 08:47:53 PM
Racist taunts, nazi salutes, no place for this lot in a civilised world.
FIFA should kick them out.
Set a precedent.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on October 14, 2019, 10:06:19 PM
Racist taunts, nazi salutes, no place for this lot in a civilised world.
FIFA should kick them out.
Set a precedent.

England should have set a precedent by walking off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on October 14, 2019, 10:23:01 PM
Racist taunts, nazi salutes, no place for this lot in a civilised world.
FIFA should kick them out.
Set a precedent.

FIFA are a joke, it will be something like £20k fine and no fans for 5 games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on October 14, 2019, 10:39:09 PM
Isn't it down to UEFA, not FIFA?

Either way. UEFA/FIFA/FA - they're all the same, they simply do not care. Sanctions and fines for offences such as sponsorship breaches are greater than those for racist chanting. It's a disgrace. The fact the FA chairman has come out and defended UEFA says it all really.

Bulgaria should be expelled from the competition to send a statement, but we all know they'll get a slap on the wrist and we'll be back talking about it in a few months.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 15, 2019, 08:22:13 AM
England should have set a precedent by walking off.

I would like to have seen that personally as it would have shown that we are serious about the matter, and that would have made news around the world.

To be fair to the Bulgarian authorities they do seem to have acted on it. At half time a few hundred similarly dressed gentlemen left the ground. However, the abuse could still be heard in the second half.

Although not ideal, games like this should be abandoned so that the vast majority of home fans get the message that 'their own' caused the abandonment.

I go to Estonia on a regular basis to see friends and racism does seem to be ingrained to many. A few years ago they would casually use the N word to describe someone from an ethnic background, and they used it as a matter of course as opposed to using it with venom. We pointed the issue out, and when they came to England we made a point of taking them to the Balti belt etc and explaining what it was like living in a multi cultural society - they loved it, particularly the food!

I would say that eastern European countries are about 40 years behind us; a lot of their attitudes remind me of programmes such as Love Thy Neighbour etc. They will change I am sure, but we will never get rid of the Ultras within our societies. So for me, an abandonment would have been a great result to be honest.

We also need to remember that we are not exactly squeaky clean are we???
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 15, 2019, 09:04:26 AM
I would like to have seen that personally as it would have shown that we are serious about the matter, and that would have made news around the world.

To be fair to the Bulgarian authorities they do seem to have acted on it. At half time a few hundred similarly dressed gentlemen left the ground. However, the abuse could still be heard in the second half.

Although not ideal, games like this should be abandoned so that the vast majority of home fans get the message that 'their own' caused the abandonment.

I go to Estonia on a regular basis to see friends and racism does seem to be ingrained to many. A few years ago they would casually use the N word to describe someone from an ethnic background, and they used it as a matter of course as opposed to using it with venom. We pointed the issue out, and when they came to England we made a point of taking them to the Balti belt etc and explaining what it was like living in a multi cultural society - they loved it, particularly the food!

I would say that eastern European countries are about 40 years behind us; a lot of their attitudes remind me of programmes such as Love Thy Neighbour etc. They will change I am sure, but we will never get rid of the Ultras within our societies. So for me, an abandonment would have been a great result to be honest.

We also need to remember that we are not exactly squeaky clean are we???

There is no comparison to what happened last night to what happens over here. Monkey chanting on the terraces.......in all of my time going to football ive witnessed 2 racist situations. 2 in over 35 years...

There is an issue with some people here but it happens away from the game and mainly on social media not on the terraces.

Last night was disgusting, nothing more than a 2 year international ban going forward for Bulgaria will do, anything after that and the ban doubles.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggieboyfred on October 15, 2019, 09:43:09 AM
Fully appreciate that the racism in football in this country is nowhere near the level in some other European countries, but it is slowly creeping back into our game especially  more frequently in grass roots non league football , racism in any circumstances is unacceptable and although we  should condemn it where ever it occurs, we need to be careful that we don't condemn others and ignore our own problems which will only get worse unless we start stamping it out now, and maybe a few severe punishments such as matches being played behind closed doors or even ejections from cup competitions where appropriate and fines that mean something. I know that means punishment  for the majority because of a minority , but unless we all start getting involved and pointing out offenders to stewards, police etc and I appreciate can create its own issues,  and try and lead from the front this problem will never go away
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 15, 2019, 09:55:04 AM
There is no comparison to what happened last night to what happens over here. Monkey chanting on the terraces.......in all of my time going to football ive witnessed 2 racist situations. 2 in over 35 years...

There is an issue with some people here but it happens away from the game and mainly on social media not on the terraces.

Last night was disgusting, nothing more than a 2 year international ban going forward for Bulgaria will do, anything after that and the ban doubles.

Tom, I am sure you are aware that racism takes many formats, the fact that you have not heard that type of chanting in 35 years does not mean we are not as bad. What happened at the Hartlepool - Dover game the other week?

Are you seriously telling me that the Chelsea and Millwall [as well as others] contingents were not racist in the 70's? Only a couple of years ago I clearly remember footage of Chelsea fans in Paris [I think] openly singing 'we're racist, we're racist and that's the way we like it' on a metro train.
I did say that in my opinion they are 40 years behind us in their progress. I never once suggested we have open chants from the terraces today, but it does exist...…

If you don't believe me have a look at some of the white supremacy postings on youtube. They are from all countries including us and I can assure you they are singing about what a jolly good football team they support...…..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 15, 2019, 10:17:31 AM
Tom, I am sure you are aware that racism takes many formats, the fact that you have not heard that type of chanting in 35 years does not mean we are not as bad. What happened at the Hartlepool - Dover game the other week?

Are you seriously telling me that the Chelsea and Millwall [as well as others] contingents were not racist in the 70's? Only a couple of years ago I clearly remember footage of Chelsea fans in Paris [I think] openly singing 'we're racist, we're racist and that's the way we like it' on a metro train.
I did say that in my opinion they are 40 years behind us in their progress. I never once suggested we have open chants from the terraces today, but it does exist...…

If you don't believe me have a look at some of the white supremacy postings on youtube. They are from all countries including us and I can assure you they are singing about what a jolly good football team they support...…..

Please quote me where ive said it wasnt around? I know it was around.....im talking about my experiences in football and ive not witnessed what our black players came up against last night.

Ive also never said it doesnt exist still in the game, its obvious it does (The Chelsea guys on Raheem Sterling for instance) but what happened last night was new to me in just over 35 years of following football.

This country has made huge strides societally with racism, you cant stop a person being racist...you cant, you can try but an inherent racist will be an inherent racist.

There is no comparision between thousands of people on a terrace monkey chanting at a game and a group of 3/4 people out of 40k+ saying something racist. Social media is the main protaganist of racism in football, its why ive come off Twitter.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 15, 2019, 10:29:18 AM
Please quote me where ive said it wasnt around? I know it was around.....im talking about my experiences in football and ive not witnessed what our black players came up against last night.

Ive also never said it doesnt exist still in the game, its obvious it does (The Chelsea guys on Raheem Sterling for instance) but what happened last night was new to me in just over 35 years of following football.

This country has made huge strides societally with racism, you cant stop a person being racist...you cant, you can try but an inherent racist will be an inherent racist.

There is no comparision between thousands of people on a terrace monkey chanting at a game and a group of 3/4 people out of 40k+ saying something racist. Social media is the main protaganist of racism in football, its why ive come off Twitter.

Two points there;

It makes no difference the numbers involved, there must be a zero tolerance policy to it, and secondly I have heard the chanting a few times now with games in Europe so it is nothing new.

Regardless, we both agree that what happened last night is totally unacceptable.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 15, 2019, 10:42:59 AM
Currently debating it on talksport. About to talk to a Chelsea player who was abused from his own fans 30 years ago
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 15, 2019, 10:59:33 AM
Two points there;

It makes no difference the numbers involved, there must be a zero tolerance policy to it, and secondly I have heard the chanting a few times now with games in Europe so it is nothing new.

Regardless, we both agree that what happened last night is totally unacceptable.

Absolutely agree on that. I am all for zero tolerance on racism but im just outlining that there are huge differences in the levels. Neither are acceptable but there are levels. English football now compared to 40 years ago is light years away. There are still elements within our game and our society which need to be eradicated but I dont feel you can compare what was experienced last night with what is happening over here these days.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on October 15, 2019, 11:07:22 AM
Isn't it down to UEFA, not FIFA?

Either way. UEFA/FIFA/FA - they're all the same, they simply do not care. Sanctions and fines for offences such as sponsorship breaches are greater than those for racist chanting. It's a disgrace. The fact the FA chairman has come out and defended UEFA says it all really.

Bulgaria should be expelled from the competition to send a statement, but we all know they'll get a slap on the wrist and we'll be back talking about it in a few months.
These organisations now have w chance to do something that sends out a message. Kicking them out of this competition is pointless as they have no chance of qualifying anyway so ban them from next world cup , nations league and Euros , do this not just at senior level but U21's and others as well hopefully then it starts to dawn on younger generation !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on October 15, 2019, 11:18:59 AM
Glad to see the Bulgarian PM now calling for the resignation of the head of the Bulgarian Football club. The fact he decided to deny it happened rather than apologise is appalling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on October 15, 2019, 11:22:09 AM
Uefa are cowards.

They want the players to make a decision to walk, as it take's the decision from them. They would probably have condemned England for walking too early if they had and claimed they should have allowed the Ref to follow their three step process. 

Last night would have been a perfect time to make a stance and pull a game, where the result was not in doubt and there was no risk to the competition.  If they cannot do it in those circumstances, I don't know how they ever will.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 15, 2019, 11:49:26 AM
These organisations now have w chance to do something that sends out a message. Kicking them out of this competition is pointless as they have no chance of qualifying anyway so ban them from next world cup , nations league and Euros , do this not just at senior level but U21's and others as well hopefully then it starts to dawn on younger generation !

I was thinking the same thing actually. Fines are no deterrent whatsoever. Bulgaria as a footballing nation needs to have some time on their own to reflect upon their behaviours and how they got into that position. That is the only way you will get the vast majority of Bulgarians to 'sort their house out'.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: FallOutBoy on October 15, 2019, 12:43:54 PM
This country has made huge strides societally with racism, you cant stop a person being racist...you cant, you can try but an inherent racist will be an inherent racist.

It's a good job that not everybody shares this viewpoint... https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kkk-klu-klux-klan-members-leave-black-man-racism-friends-convince-persuade-chicago-daryl-davis-a7489596.html

Racism is born of ignorance; if you talk to people and educate them, in most cases their beliefs will crumble. People are always scared of the unknown.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on October 15, 2019, 01:01:34 PM
It's a good job that not everybody shares this viewpoint... https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kkk-klu-klux-klan-members-leave-black-man-racism-friends-convince-persuade-chicago-daryl-davis-a7489596.html

Racism is born of ignorance; if you talk to people and educate them, in most cases their beliefs will crumble. People are always scared of the unknown.

Yep, I agree. Some people's life are so empty and pathetic that they need the crux of racism to give their ego a tickle. Racism really is a sad belief.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 15, 2019, 01:06:50 PM
meanwhile on the footy, still think we (england) look awful trying to play out from the back, on the odd occasion the bulgars did press us high up the pitch we looked very ill at ease, why do our coaches insist on trying to make centre-halves into midfield maestro's
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 15, 2019, 01:11:47 PM
meanwhile on the footy, still think we (england) look awful trying to play out from the back, on the odd occasion the bulgars did press us high up the pitch we looked very ill at ease, why do our coaches insist on trying to make centre-halves into midfield maestro's

I thought Mings did OK last night but he wasn't really tested. Maguire on the other hand scares the living daylights out of me, has the distribution skills of a cropduster…….
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 15, 2019, 01:15:43 PM
I thought Mings did OK last night but he wasn't really tested. Maguire on the other hand scares the living daylights out of me, has the distribution skills of a cropduster…….

i think the range of CH's which Southgate is trying out alludes to the problem, we haven't got English ball playing CH's in the mould of Van dyke / Kompany, if we had we would really be a world force !

have agree through gritted teeth that Mings looked ok and will have earned a run out against sterner opposition.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 15, 2019, 01:19:55 PM
i think the range of CH's which Southgate is trying out alludes to the problem, we haven't got English ball playing CH's in the mould of Van dyke / Kompany, if we had we would really be a world force !

have agree through gritted teeth that Mings looked ok and will have earned a run out against sterner opposition.


Bulgaria are probably League 1 level, he ought to have looked OK.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 15, 2019, 04:17:09 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50054475

Bulgarian Football Union president Borislav Mihaylov has resigned.

https://news.sky.com/story/bulgarian-pm-demands-head-of-football-quits-over-racial-chants-at-england-players-11836131

Police have raided the headquarters of the Bulgarian Football Union following the resignation of its president over racist abuse aimed at England players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 15, 2019, 06:25:01 PM
It's a good job that not everybody shares this viewpoint... https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kkk-klu-klux-klan-members-leave-black-man-racism-friends-convince-persuade-chicago-daryl-davis-a7489596.html

Racism is born of ignorance; if you talk to people and educate them, in most cases their beliefs will crumble. People are always scared of the unknown.

My point was that you can’t stop someone being racist, if they want to be they will be not that people cannot be educated on the matter

If someone is inherently racist and wants to be then they will be and there is nothing you, I or anyone else can do to stop that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 15, 2019, 10:17:21 PM
I have seen on social media that the England fan who passed away in Bulgaria was a Baggie  :(
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 15, 2019, 10:33:48 PM
I have seen on social media that the England fan who passed away in Bulgaria was a Baggie  :(
Who ever he was or where ever he lived was terrible.
It just brings it closer to home, though when thinking about it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: westbrom3wolves0 on October 16, 2019, 01:23:08 AM
The gent who passed away was a very close friend. A devoted baggie, Smethwick Season Ticket Holder and more importantly, one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet.

Find his Go Fund Me page here, feel free to share: https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-spray-back-home?teamInvite=NjjgPak85KOmH37Zmhy8siXbZQ7tXoi6XpU4HAy7I5cVxvF1tOblbTlAhlTlN9r4&fbclid=IwAR2yGv0D1Q3eixiQ-O9gem1qkV97jg1mS0su_bS8oWW3269W8riefPXk6sw (https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-spray-back-home?teamInvite=NjjgPak85KOmH37Zmhy8siXbZQ7tXoi6XpU4HAy7I5cVxvF1tOblbTlAhlTlN9r4&fbclid=IwAR2yGv0D1Q3eixiQ-O9gem1qkV97jg1mS0su_bS8oWW3269W8riefPXk6sw)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on October 29, 2019, 05:21:39 PM
So Bulgaira are hit with  two games behind closed doors [one suspended], and a£64,000 fine.

Well done UEFA - definitely sent out the right message there. Even the Bulgarians have said they were expecting worse...….

Pathetic....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on October 29, 2019, 05:40:47 PM
In my opinion, the punishment dished out by UEFA is in their own self interest and not in the name of justice, the betterment of the game or, most importantly, to eradicate racism from the game. Shame on you UEFA
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on November 11, 2019, 11:39:31 PM
Raheem Sterling axed from the squad for the Montenegro game after grabbing Joe Gomez round the throat at St Georges Park this evening.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 12, 2019, 07:58:40 AM
Raheem Sterling axed from the squad for the Montenegro game after grabbing Joe Gomez round the throat at St Georges Park this evening.
Well they can’t use VAR for the incident because they don’t have it switched on for Liverpool vs City?
That shove Gomez gave sterling as he ran out of pitch was deliberate and dangerous ....but as per,it’s a member of that cheating club that are always the victims ....I doubt many have purchased tickets for Thursday in the hope of seeing Joe bloody Gomez
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 12, 2019, 08:35:15 AM
LFC living rent free in Manchester City's head. You love to see it.


Big decision this from Southgate though the description of the incident didn't leave him much choice with the Daily Mail getting hold of the story to be able to deal with it in house.


Can't side with a player who is in the wrong because he's a better player. 😂
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 12, 2019, 06:54:00 PM
Ref, Raheem sterling being dropped,
I think Gareth Southgate comes out of this in credit, he has shown that he holds the authority and will use it, Well done Gareth, lets hope the whole squad learn from this
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 12, 2019, 09:38:54 PM
LFC living rent free in Manchester City's head. You love to see it.


Big decision this from Southgate though the description of the incident didn't leave him much choice with the Daily Mail getting hold of the story to be able to deal with it in house.


Can't side with a player who is in the wrong because he's a better player. 😂

I fail to see why unless you are a paid up member of the cheating red tribe
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 15, 2019, 11:54:06 AM
couldnt be arsed to watch the 7-0. was it a good game folks
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 15, 2019, 12:04:32 PM
couldnt be arsed to watch the 7-0. was it a good game folks

decent display, not much of a "match" though, games like this make a mockery of disrupting the season to be honest, I haven't spoken to anyone who thinks they are justifiable, even fans of clubs with players in the team think its a distraction, let alone the risk of injuries .......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 15, 2019, 04:49:12 PM
It's alright cake walking the qualifiers need to do it on the big stage.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 18, 2019, 08:50:07 AM
It's alright cake walking the qualifiers need to do it on the big stage.

We still somehow managed to lose a game in a group that should have been a complete doddle. First time in ten years that we have lost a qualifier, even under the complete disaster (apparently) that was Roy Hodgson we managed to avoid defeat in them.

I do get fed up of people holding Southgate up as being Corberan. We managed to beat a few poor teams at the World Cup and lost eveyr game when we came up against anyone half decent...he is just not a good manager, when it comes to the crunch decisions he just is not up to it. We have a superb young squad now with the fruits of the under 17 world cup winning squad coming through which will be wasted under his watch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BalisPen on November 23, 2019, 07:44:21 PM
We still somehow managed to lose a game in a group that should have been a complete doddle. First time in ten years that we have lost a qualifier, even under the complete disaster (apparently) that was Roy Hodgson we managed to avoid defeat in them.

I do get fed up of people holding Southgate up as being Corberan. We managed to beat a few poor teams at the World Cup and lost eveyr game when we came up against anyone half decent...he is just not a good manager, when it comes to the crunch decisions he just is not up to it. We have a superb young squad now with the fruits of the under 17 world cup winning squad coming through which will be wasted under his watch.

Agreed he's vile less than average manager whose probably got his next pizza hut advert sorted for when he finally gets the boot.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 30, 2019, 05:55:30 PM
Euro 2020 group D  :-

England
Croatia
Czech republic
Scotland/Israel,Serbia/Norway. (play off winner)


England vs Croatia is our first game

Group of death for me is F

Germany, France, Portugal and either =Hungary/Iceland/Romania/Bulgaria (play off winner)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on January 05, 2020, 05:49:42 PM
These FA Cup 3rd round ties are showing the embarrassment of riches British football has (seemingly) coming through the EPPP plan. While I hate what it has done to clubs like us losing players far too easily, there does seem to be the highest number of young players i’ve ever seen, especially in positions we don’t usually develop.

Curtis Jones has just scored a worldie while Harvey Elliot looks quite brilliant at only 16 for Liverpool here (not to forget Rhian Brewster is also a decent young striker), Phil Foden had another good game and scored what I believe is the 11th senior goal of his career (young defender Harwood-Bellis with his first goal and Tommy Doyle also making appearances), Hamza Choudhury and Harvey Barnes had a good day at Leicester, Callum Hudson-Odoi got another for Chelsea while Fikayo Tomori marshalled another clean sheet, Brandon Williams dealt well with Adama Traore for Man U while Mason Greenwood got another start and Jake Vokins at 19 getting his first goal from left back for Southampton. Tomorrow Arsenal will likely field Bukayo Sako, Joe Willock, Emile Smith-Rowe, Ashley Maitland-Nile’s and Reiss Nelson.

Even Wales and the Rep of Ireland are benefitting with Will Smallbone, Adam Idah, Dan James, Neco Williams, Dara O’Shea and, while not actually used today, Troy Parrott being on the bench for Spurs.

The rest of the world will hate it, but the money in Europe was already giving a select group of nations an unfair advantage, and it looks like we have taken advantage. We had a squad good enough to make a World Cup semi final back in 2018, we have a host of options in addition to that squad already waiting to get their chance (Grealish, Maddison, Barkley, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wan Bissaka, Alexander-Arnold, Abraham, Rice, Winks, Chilwell, Shaw, Mount and Sancho who yes, are already in the team etc), and then you have this third wave of kids who are showing how good they could be.

At some stage in the next decade, I will be very surprised if we don’t end up with the mother of all summer parties at one of the next 6 tournaments.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 02, 2020, 10:31:43 AM
England fans who are a bit of a glutton for punishment, today’s the day for you.

On the BBC 1 FIFA World Cup rewind this lunchtime, you have England vs Argentina from 1998. On BBC Wales at the same time (also available on catch up - BBC Wales MOTD), Wales 1-0 England from the final ever home nations championship in 1984.

Been watching a lot of the old football on BBC these last couple of months and it really hits home how much we have underperformed for a nation of our size.

1 solitary major tournament final, compared to Germany (14 finals), Italy (9), France (6), Spain (5), Netherlands (5 if counting nations league), Soviet Union (4), Yugoslavia/Croatia (3), Portugal (3 if counting nations league), Czech and Hungary (both 2).

Really hope this new generation of players can make it right. There isn’t a nation our size with such a poor record in Europe.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on May 02, 2020, 04:04:37 PM
Seeing England's major tournament record laid out like that brings it home how generally disappointing we have been.

I am not sure what par would have been over the same period 5 maybe. Spain until relatively recently were seen as international football's great under achievers. Yet one golden generation from 2008 to 2012 have glossed over 25 years of relative mediocrity.

I am fairly sure that the reasons for our relative failure is deeply ingrained in our football culture.

Some of the issues have started to be addressed and I think the influence of continental players and more critically coaches will have an impact on our players.

 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 02, 2020, 07:48:59 PM
Can anyone explain why the England team between say 76 and 86 was so poor? We were dominating Europe at club level with a variety of clubs, I realise a portion of the top players at those clubs were home nations nationals as opposed to English but surely it was not a majority?


Edit. Sorry should have added it's before my time...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on May 02, 2020, 09:12:04 PM
Can anyone explain why the England team between say 76 and 86 was so poor? We were dominating Europe at club level with a variety of clubs, I realise a portion of the top players at those clubs were home nations nationals as opposed to English but surely it was not a majority?


Edit. Sorry should have added it's before my time...
I think you've hit the nail on the head mate that the top teams were made up of the best of British. That's only from memory though, maybe state say otherwise but I always thought that a GB 11 would be e won a major trophy.
Think the FA had a lot to do with it as well though in that players from "lesser" clubs never got a look in.
If you take the Baggies alone and count the caps of Statham, Cunningham, Regis , Wile and Bomber, it's disgraceful.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: P Anderson on May 02, 2020, 10:56:33 PM
One of the best managers at the time was ‘big head’ clough, never given a chance as he had his own mind and even bigger opinions. I’ll never know how we got so far in the 86 World Cup, as it seemed like a big jolly up as soon as the got of the plane
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on May 03, 2020, 12:38:50 AM
Can anyone explain why the England team between say 76 and 86 was so poor? We were dominating Europe at club level with a variety of clubs, I realise a portion of the top players at those clubs were home nations nationals as opposed to English but surely it was not a majority?


Edit. Sorry should have added it's before my time...

So many reasons. This was the point where the FA were living up to the phrase "professional game run by amateurs" it is hard under estimate the drag this had on the national team. For instance when Kevin Keegan moved to Hamburg there was a very real debate about whether or not he would be selected for England because he had moved abroad.

In general we were slipping behind the best both technically and tactically and to some extent sucess at club level  masked this. Both Liverpool and Forest were coherent and well oiled units to some degree both were better than the sum of their parts the opposite could be said of the national team.

 As has been pointed out throughout this period both Forest and Liverpool had key players who weren't English. For younger readers I know this might be hard to comprehend but for most of the decade had there been a combined UK team the first 5 outfield players on the team sheet would have been Scottish.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 03, 2020, 09:20:57 AM

I am not sure what par would have been over the same period 5 maybe. Spain until relatively recently were seen as international football's great under achievers. Yet one golden generation from 2008 to 2012 have glossed over 25 years of relative mediocrity.


Spain were certainly under achievers, but even they had been to 2 major finals (winning 1), prior to their modern golden era.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 03, 2020, 09:45:00 AM
Can anyone explain why the England team between say 76 and 86 was so poor? We were dominating Europe at club level with a variety of clubs, I realise a portion of the top players at those clubs were home nations nationals as opposed to English but surely it was not a majority?


Edit. Sorry should have added it's before my time...

Growing up, I always used to wonder this too. As Stan and Seteefeet have said, it seems to be a few factors. I had a look at the home championship tournament records and while England won more than the rest, throughout the 70's Scotland won as many as England and Northern Ireland won 2 of the last 4 tournaments (I think we put out weakened sides near the end).

Scotland and Northern Ireland had decent tournament qualification records around the time English club sides dominated and even Wales came close to qualifying a few times so it seems we did have 4 strong nations worth of players to puck from (not forgetting the Republic of Ireland who also provided lots of players to the English game). I've always been told that Scotland produced a lot of flair players too, so maybe this aided our club sides (a type of player we developed less of possibly).

When i've read up on it though, the FA do seem to get a lot of the blame. It was a very poor set up as Seteefeet has said.

Other factors could include the fact so many tournaments were hosted in hot nations with sun baked pitches (in contrast to our boggy ones of the time), although this doesn't explain our poor qualification record, as well as the tough English seasons maybe taking something out of our players by the time tournaments came around. The world cuo games from the 70's in particular look very slow compared to Englush foot all which was high intensity.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on May 03, 2020, 01:19:14 PM
Spain were certainly under achievers, but even they had been to 2 major finals (winning 1), prior to their modern golden era.

By any measure England have been the laggards of the major footballing nations. The comparison with Spain being that one exceptional side could quite quickly give us a bit of respectability in terms of final appearances. I don't believe that we are close to that we in are in a better place than we have been on many occasions since 1966 but as the song went in '96 "30 years of hurt" well we are at 54 years of hurt and counting.

To be honest looking at the nadir which was from the mid 70's through to the mid 80's and ask the question what was wrong? Answer, just about everything.

At the time we weren't even asking the right questions.

In 1974 because of the England's failure to qualify for the World Cup I watched Holland and fell in love with Dutch football As a impressionable 13 year old decided that as a Centre Half Rudi Krol was a my new role model. It really didn't end well when I started to bring the ball out from the back the watching PE teacher bellowed "Who do think you are Joanne Cryuff (the mispronunciation was entirely deliberate I think)"  Me "No Sir Rudi Kroll" PE teacher "You're not him neither whoever he is). That pretty much summed things up.

English football was insular incapable of learning lessons from anywhere else. We failed we kept on failing but we never looked beyond the end of our own noses.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 03, 2020, 03:09:45 PM
BBC red button and on the website - the England 1-0 Argentina from the 2002 World Cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 03, 2020, 03:20:14 PM
By any measure England have been the laggards of the major footballing nations. The comparison with Spain being that one exceptional side could quite quickly give us a bit of respectability in terms of final appearances.

Good point. While I doubt the coming generation is anywhere near as special as the La Masia driven side, I do think there is a chance that we will finally make some finals over the next decade, and the financial gulf between Europe and the rest of the world means we should do more over the next 50 years as well.

I’d be shocked if we are still in this situation when I reach 60.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on May 03, 2020, 10:42:07 PM
Good point. While I doubt the coming generation is anywhere near as special as the La Masia driven side, I do think there is a chance that we will finally make some finals over the next decade, and the financial gulf between Europe and the rest of the world means we should do more over the next 50 years as well.

I’d be shocked if we are still in this situation when I reach 60.

i dunno how old you are, but be prepared to be shocked
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: alex1 on May 04, 2020, 12:26:37 PM

In 1974 because of the England's failure to qualify for the World Cup I watched Holland and fell in love with Dutch football As a impressionable 13 year old decided that as a Centre Half Rudi Krol was a my new role model. It really didn't end well when I started to bring the ball out from the back the watching PE teacher bellowed "Who do think you are Joanne Cryuff (the mispronunciation was entirely deliberate I think)"  Me "No Sir Rudi Kroll" PE teacher "You're not him neither whoever he is).

I too was a fan of Ruud Krol. He used to get forward from his left back position seemingly winning all tackles because he was so powerful on the ball. At right back in that team you had his Ajax teammate Wim Suurbier. Suurbier was incredibly fast and used to creep around the outside of defences with his turn of pace. But he got caught out of position alot and ended up making alot of crude tackles. Overall though, Krol is the best full back I've ever seen. 

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on May 04, 2020, 01:21:18 PM
My ongoing admiration for Dutch football dates from 1974 in truth I find the poor spells from the Dutch national side more vexing than those from England. To a degree my expectations are out of whack Netherlands after all is a nation with less than half the population of England. Yet they have managed to give football 2 genuinely great teams one of which was ephoc defining.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 04, 2020, 04:28:50 PM
Thanks for all the insights lads.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: alex1 on May 04, 2020, 06:14:29 PM
My ongoing admiration for Dutch football dates from 1974 in truth I find the poor spells from the Dutch national side more vexing than those from England. To a degree my expectations are out of whack Netherlands after all is a nation with less than half the population of England. Yet they have managed to give football 2 genuinely great teams one of which was ephoc defining.
The Dutch had enough chances to have beaten Germany in the 1974 final, but after taking an early 1-0 lead, they tried to rub the Germans noses in it with lots of showboating. Still lots of post-war memories. The Germans got back into it from a penalty which the Dutch claimed was a dive, and then Muller got the winner. They got to the final again in 1978, and when it was 1-1 close to the end, they hit the post. Argentina went on to win 3-1 in extra time.
The finals were hosted in Germany and Argentina respectivaly, and the Dutch still feel everything was against them. However, I think the 1974 team was probably the best team never to win the world ciup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 04, 2020, 11:52:44 PM
Looking at what they have coming through now, there might be another Dutch golden era coming. One of the dark horses for the next 2 major tournaments.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 05, 2020, 12:25:38 AM
i dunno how old you are, but be prepared to be shocked

I’ve had my fair share of hurt as an England fan so I know not to get too carried away, but football has followed an increasing pattern in recent years of European domination (2 of the last 4 world cup semi finals have had entirely European line ups, and all of the last 4 World Cups have been won by a European nation who also have one of the “big 5” leagues).

I’ve seen a fair bit written about the trends that suggest the money that the big leagues are generating is starting to give a widening advantage over the rest of the world and this will increasingly play into our hands.

The money being put into youth development in England now is at a record high, arguably evidenced by the upturn in performance by the Welsh national team in addition to ours who benefit via their English pyramid club sides as well as dual nationals.

There is no guarantee of course, Germany, Spain and France are producing just as many players as us, while Italy, Portugal, Netherlands and Belgium have brilliant programmes, but our last 2 tournament performances have been promising (World cup and Nations League) and you can pair that with a number of highly successful age grade teams winning things from the Under 16s up to the under 20’s in the last 4 years (ignoring 2019’s youth results blip).

There hasn’t been a time in my life when we have had such a variety of high quality youth players between the ages of 16-23 as we do right now. Sancho, Greenwood, Alexander-Arnold, Hudson-Odoi, Foden, Harvey Elliot, Maddison, Mount as well as others like Grealish, Reece James, Bellingham etc. If only a quarter of these players fulfil their potential, that is still a very strong core of high quality players.

I’ve never been so confident that England will break the bad streak sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 05, 2020, 02:16:52 AM
I’ve had my fair share of hurt as an England fan so I know not to get too carried away, but football has followed an increasing pattern in recent years of European domination (2 of the last 4 world cup semi finals have had entirely European line ups, and all of the last 4 World Cups have been won by a European nation who also have one of the “big 5” leagues).

I’ve seen a fair bit written about the trends that suggest the money that the big leagues are generating is starting to give a widening advantage over the rest of the world and this will increasingly play into our hands.

The money being put into youth development in England now is at a record high, arguably evidenced by the upturn in performance by the Welsh national team in addition to ours who benefit via their English pyramid club sides as well as dual nationals.

There is no guarantee of course, Germany, Spain and France are producing just as many players as us, while Italy, Portugal, Netherlands and Belgium have brilliant programmes, but our last 2 tournament performances have been promising (World cup and Nations League) and you can pair that with a number of highly successful age grade teams winning things from the Under 16s up to the under 20’s in the last 4 years (ignoring 2019’s youth results blip).

There hasn’t been a time in my life when we have had such a variety of high quality youth players between the ages of 16-23 as we do right now. Sancho, Greenwood, Alexander-Arnold, Hudson-Odoi, Foden, Harvey Elliot, Maddison, Mount as well as others like Grealish, Reece James, Bellingham etc. If only a quarter of these players fulfil their potential, that is still a very strong core of high quality players.

I’ve never been so confident that England will break the bad streak sooner rather than later.


Will need a new manager ASAP. Southgate has never got a good performance out of them when up against even slightly superior opposition.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BalisPen on May 05, 2020, 01:31:58 PM
I have some England vs Croatia tickets for the euros and I haven't heard anything about how to get a refund, has anyone on here with euro 2020 heard anything?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on July 23, 2020, 05:49:04 PM
Reports today suggest Nigeria are pushing for Bukayo Saka to switch international allegiances and play for them instead.

I understand if he feels the pull of his parents homeland, combined with doubts that he can break into the side ahead of our embarassment of riches coming through the system, but it would be a blow if he chooses Nigeria. A rare left footed winger, something we don't have a lot of.

Hope the FA can make him feel wanted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 25, 2020, 02:43:32 PM
Englanf squad out and it's a mildly controversial one.

As expected, Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood get their first call ups.a bit more surprising is a first call up for Kalvin Phillips despite zero premier league experience. That might be a nod to how few defensive midfielders England have as well as the fact Jamaica were pushing hard for him to declare for them. I do wonder if Hamza Choudhury at Leicester will raise his eye brows at that one though.

The big story is the continued Jack Grealish snub though. There were more stories on twitter this morning about Jack Grealish than there were about Foden and Greenwood, yet Southgate snubs him again. At this stage, i'm not sure what more he can do, Southgate just doesn't fancy him. Even with Maddison out injured, he can't get a look in. Will he push to play for Ireland now? Surely he was worth a place over Tammy Abraham - we have selected 7 forwards in this squad and also have Mount who plays on an advanced position behind the striker. No way should Tammy be there over Grealish.

In defence, we have no left backs but 3 right backs, which might be down to injuries to Chilwell and Shaw. Still thought we might have gone with a specialist though. We also have Keane, Dier and Mings back in the squad despite them being some way behind Tarkowski, O'Connell, Dunk and Coady in the performance stakes. Proof that Southgate is starting to fold back into that typical FA way of loving the stylish clubs over your Burnleys, Sheff Utds and Brightons.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on August 25, 2020, 05:28:13 PM
Oops..Maguire found guilty on all 3 charges..including repeated attempts at Bribery..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on August 25, 2020, 08:22:05 PM
Hands up! Who would cheer an England goal scored by Grealish?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on August 25, 2020, 08:48:05 PM
Hands up! Who would cheer an England goal scored by Grealish?

Me, when someone plays for the national team i want them to do well regardless.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 26, 2020, 10:50:30 AM
A day after James Tarkowski is snubbed by England for the the first team, the under 21s decide to keep Arsenal sub Reiss Nelson in the side at the expense of Dwight McNeil, one of the best wingers in the premier league.

Big club bias alive and well in national team selections again, couldn't possibly have players from little old Burnley.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Black Pearl on August 28, 2020, 10:08:36 PM
Oops..Maguire found guilty on all 3 charges..including repeated attempts at Bribery..

I think Maguire is full of pooh!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on August 29, 2020, 12:01:05 AM
I think Maguire is full of ****!

If he is, then it's a good play from his agent. You pay the fine but make a story of innocence based on something which can't really be proven either way. That way his reputation isn't as badly damaged as if he just claimed he was in the wrong.
Regardless, in a month or two everyone will have forgotten when the Premier League starts.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 30, 2020, 08:31:04 AM
Coady at Wolves and Maitland-Niles are Arsenal get call ups.

Get Coady, even if it slaps Tarkowski in the face again, but surprised by Maitland-Niles who is a squad player for a mid table side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on August 30, 2020, 10:46:15 PM
Coady at Wolves and Maitland-Niles are Arsenal get call ups.

Get Coady, even if it slaps Tarkowski in the face again, but surprised by Maitland-Niles who is a squad player for a mid table side.
I reckon Vinny Samways may get in ahead of captain jack😂😂
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on August 31, 2020, 02:48:12 PM
Percy just said Greasy grealish has got his first England call up. Confirmation to come later.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on August 31, 2020, 03:32:22 PM
Rashford and Winks withdraw..Grealish in..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on September 01, 2020, 08:51:25 AM
How can he pick Grealish after what he said last week about him?! Did things suddenly change?! Southgate has totally bottled it there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 01, 2020, 09:03:21 AM
A day after James Tarkowski is snubbed by England for the the first team, the under 21s decide to keep Arsenal sub Reiss Nelson in the side at the expense of Dwight McNeil, one of the best wingers in the premier league.

Big club bias alive and well in national team selections again, couldn't possibly have players from little old Burnley.

Does no one rememeber James Tarkowski has been called up before and also looked out of his depth when he did? Uncomfortable on the ball and gave away a clumsy penalty.

Does anyone also actually beleive he's an amazing centre back and not merely someone who plays well because he plays in a extremely defensive system? Michael Keane who's apparently no good now used to be their star centre back. Heck, put Kyle Bartley in a system where he has two jobs: Win headers, make blocks and he'll probably look great too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 01, 2020, 12:19:27 PM
Does no one rememeber James Tarkowski has been called up before and also looked out of his depth when he did? Uncomfortable on the ball and gave away a clumsy penalty.

Does anyone also actually beleive he's an amazing centre back and not merely someone who plays well because he plays in a extremely defensive system? Michael Keane who's apparently no good now used to be their star centre back. Heck, put Kyle Bartley in a system where he has two jobs: Win headers, make blocks and he'll probably look great too.

You went too far.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 02, 2020, 11:15:03 AM
Does no one rememeber James Tarkowski has been called up before and also looked out of his depth when he did? Uncomfortable on the ball and gave away a clumsy penalty.

Does anyone also actually beleive he's an amazing centre back and not merely someone who plays well because he plays in a extremely defensive system? Michael Keane who's apparently no good now used to be their star centre back. Heck, put Kyle Bartley in a system where he has two jobs: Win headers, make blocks and he'll probably look great too.

I know the system suits him, I get that, but when Mings keeps being selected, you have to ask if he is better than Tarkowski?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 05:44:33 PM
Goodness me, we’re making hard work of this.

40mins

0-0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:24:28 PM
We need Grealish on  :D ;D :D ;D 8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 05, 2020, 06:30:34 PM
What a dreadful, dreadful match this is. It's a farce they're even bothering with the Nations League this year given the circumstances.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:30:52 PM
Oh dear England, Walker sent off, two yellows
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on September 05, 2020, 06:32:00 PM
How as that big Albion flag got in the ground!?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:32:45 PM
What a dreadful, dreadful match this is. It's a farce they're even bothering with the Nations League this year given the circumstances.

I agree Nick, but it’s all about money, unfortunately
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 05, 2020, 06:39:30 PM
How as that big Albion flag got in the ground!?

England kitman is a massive Albion fan so I'd guess its something to do with that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:49:25 PM
Penalty England 89min
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:50:19 PM
0-1 England, Sterling
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:51:22 PM
Penalty Iceland  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:52:34 PM
0-1 ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 05, 2020, 06:54:18 PM
FT 0-1 what can you say, hard work, but we win
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on September 05, 2020, 07:06:45 PM
England kit is a massive Albion fan so I'd guess its something to do with that
Cheers, it was good to see it there!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on September 05, 2020, 07:08:12 PM
That's 93 minutes i'll never get back. What a terrible game!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 05, 2020, 07:13:21 PM
Effectively a pre-season game, don't know why anyone would watch a pre-season game expecting quality and excitement. They almost never are.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 05, 2020, 11:57:56 PM
A glorified international friendly played in front of an empty stadium at the end of pre season was always going to struggle for tempo.

You can see how the lack of crowds has hurt the league cup this season with so many games going to penalty shoot outs.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 07, 2020, 01:52:02 PM
Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have been a bit stupid it seems. Took some girls back to the hotel despite CoVID secure guidelines. Now they have had to be sent home. Not a great sign about their professionalism.

Replaceable for now, with Mount and Grealish probably eyeing up their chances as well as Ings and Abraham. Hope they learn from this though as i've always felt English players suffer from too much, too soon.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 08, 2020, 07:36:37 PM
Southgate must really hate Grealish.

A midfield of Dier, Phillips and Rice is very conservative. I know grealish naturally plays further forwards, but he’d be capable of sitting in with two more defensive players and keeping things ticking.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 08, 2020, 08:32:06 PM
Absolutely appalling first half.

There's no place for 2 of Rice, Dier and Phillips in this team. Woeful.

Southgate really is poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on September 08, 2020, 08:36:37 PM
How long are they going to keep this kneeling balls up for it should never have been allowed supporting such an extreme organisation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on September 08, 2020, 08:58:41 PM
Absolutely appalling first half.

There's no place for 2 of Rice, Dier and Phillips in this team. Woeful.

Southgate really is poor.
Have to agree I've turned over for the cricket!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on September 08, 2020, 09:06:59 PM
Tactically inept from a Southgate basically playing 7 defenders
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 08, 2020, 09:08:53 PM
Tactically inept from a Southgate basically playing 7 defenders

He's just an awful manager. That run to the semi final is the worst thing that could have happened.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 08, 2020, 09:12:22 PM
Southgate was the right man for the job 2 years ago. With the players we have available now though, he is just a deadweight. He is allergic to creative midfielders like Maddison, Grealish, Elliot and others comes through now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 08, 2020, 09:13:32 PM
What have Dier & Trippier shown Southgate here that someone like Jack O’ Connell for Sheffield United couldn’t show. Playing 3 at the back and not having a left footed cb and playing a rb at lb has literally cut off half the pitch, I genuinely don’t know what Southgate’s logic is there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: smethwickw on September 08, 2020, 09:17:54 PM
Eric Dier is probably the worst player to play for England since Jake Livermore.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on September 08, 2020, 09:18:51 PM
Especially when he has a left footed CB on the bench that has played at LB before
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 08, 2020, 09:35:27 PM
Awful performance, 100% on Southgate for his negative set up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba1993dave on September 08, 2020, 09:46:09 PM
If England had sense, they would get Arsene Wenger in. The perfect manager for this England team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Topman on September 08, 2020, 10:00:40 PM
Awful from England. Going back to the usual. It’s time Southgate was given his cards in my opinion. We failed st the World Cup as soon as we met anyone good we lost, we lost to the same team twice, Belgium. Time for him to go and that’s because his villa, he’s not good enough
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on September 08, 2020, 10:05:11 PM
I was so bored, I almost fell asleep... I even listened to the missus.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on September 08, 2020, 10:29:06 PM
If England had sense, they would get Arsene Wenger in. The perfect manager for this England team.
Great shoutq
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 09, 2020, 04:29:29 PM
Absolutely appalling first half.

There's no place for 2 of Rice, Dier and Phillips in this team. Woeful.

Southgate really is poor.

Southgate just isn't a manager. He's a great head of media relations, but not a manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on September 09, 2020, 10:18:40 PM
I guess it’s become difficult for the England camp to motivate themselves for the pointless waste of time that is international football these days.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 06, 2020, 07:37:54 AM
does anybody get excited watching England anymore. tis like a wasp annoying and wont go away
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 06, 2020, 09:13:38 AM
I did in 2018 and i'm excited by the talent we have coming through. The party the nation will have if we do win an international tournament will see everyone getting excited, but I agree the winter internationals are dull as ditchwater.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 06, 2020, 09:22:38 AM
does anybody get excited watching England anymore. tis like a wasp annoying and wont go away

I dont even watch them.

If it's a major tournament I do but otherwise I'm not in the slightest bit interested.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on October 06, 2020, 09:30:45 AM
I go to the tournaments and a lot of away games so really enjoy that but that is also more about travelling to places I would never go to and have a few beers with mates somewhere the other side of Europe for a few days.

We also try and take another country in when we go away instead of flying straight in and out of the country England are playing, for instance for Montenegro last year we went to Albania first for a day or so then got a coach over to Podgorica

I have been a travel club member for 6 years but only been to watch them at Wembley twice I think since then, if they were Saturday games at Wembley I’d be up for it but not midweek which is when they are
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 06, 2020, 10:19:29 AM
Not remotely interested, and won't be until they get a decent manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 07, 2020, 03:59:31 PM
There is an argument to say the England U21 side currently contains more talent than at any point in it's history. It should be looking at a historic push for a major trophy.

Sadly it is managed by Aidy Boothroyd.

We have just drawn 3-3 to Andorra U21s.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on October 11, 2020, 05:02:03 PM
Grealish, Coady and Ings not in the team after their performances the other night and  Maguire is back in what a joke oh and Pickford back in goal
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 11, 2020, 05:11:00 PM
Grealish, Coady and Ings not in the team after their performances the other night and  Maguire is back in what a joke oh and Pickford back in goal

They'll never get anywhere until they change the manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 05:12:22 PM
Grealish, Coady and Ings not in the team after their performances the other night and  Maguire is back in what a joke oh and Pickford back in goal
Le Tissier scored a hatrick for England B against Russia in 98 and lost out to the box awful Darren Anderton. Nothing changes and probably never will.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 11, 2020, 05:17:43 PM
Big Rom still looks class.

1 nil. Dier very poor, but we already know that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 05:23:00 PM
Big Rom still looks class.

1 nil. Dier very poor, but we already know that.
Awful, awful player as is Maguire.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 05:37:27 PM
Awful, awful player as is Maguire.
Add Declan Rice to that list. Cack.
This list may grow over the next hour.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 11, 2020, 05:40:16 PM
Whatever you think of the bloke off the pitch or as a rival. Jack Grealish should be in this team. Every time.

As I type, decent bit of simulation by Jordan Henderson.

1-1 Rashford.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 05:47:10 PM
Whatever you think of the bloke off the pitch or as a rival. Jack Grealish should be in this team. Every time.

As I type, decent bit of simulation by Jordan Henderson.

1-1 Rashford.
And Coady, and Mings.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 11, 2020, 05:49:46 PM
And Coady, and Mings.

They aren't glaring omissions though. Grealish is probably our best player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 06:05:07 PM
They aren't glaring omissions though. Grealish is probably our best player.
They are if the alternatives are Dier and Maguire.
No Freakish (not going to change that autocorrect, I quite like it)2nd half, probably wait until the hour mark when we are behind again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on October 11, 2020, 06:06:11 PM
If we are going to play a back 3 and wing backs
1)Coady has  to play
2) make sure you have a left footed wingback available
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBaggieMan on October 11, 2020, 06:18:04 PM

Bring back Rom !!!

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 11, 2020, 06:24:29 PM
A dive and a deflection. Maybe it's better to be a lucky manager?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 06:33:04 PM
A dive and a deflection. Maybe it's better to be a lucky manager?
Done ok second half, stifled Lukaku. What we wouldn't give for a DeBrune though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 07:01:36 PM
Much better 2nd half, fair play Southgate, very good result.
We have better players than this starting 11 though, get them in and we could win it!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 11, 2020, 07:08:11 PM
I'll take the win vs the "World number 1's" (3rd best team) in a "competetive" game. That said, our defence isn't good enough, well our defending anyway. Eric Dier isn't good enough for a top international side. I also feel our best 11 plus subs included a lot of different players to those who started today.

As for Greasy Jack, he could have scored 10 mid week, it wouldn't have convinced Southgate. I don't think it's personal, Southgate just doesn't really like creative types. Will be good for England when he steps down as we are losing out on an increasing pool of easy on the eye footballers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBaggieMan on October 11, 2020, 07:08:25 PM
Done ok second

What we wouldn't give for a DeBrune though

Don’t need DeBruyne..... we’ve got Matheus Pereira !

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 11, 2020, 07:17:28 PM
Don’t need DeBruyne..... we’ve got Matheus Pereira !
I was talking England mate. The fact DeBruyne (thanks for the spelling lesson  ;D) couldn't lace Matty's boots, goes without saying  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 14, 2020, 06:28:21 PM
Another woefully negative team selection from the yes man. Roll on the Euros so we can get rid upon exit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 14, 2020, 07:51:18 PM
How come we are at home and playing in blue shirts?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 14, 2020, 08:19:06 PM
Blimey, Harry McGuire off.
What a donkey
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 14, 2020, 08:22:31 PM
Maguire sent off. Now a penalty and one nil down. What does Gareth do..? We're going even more negative. Another defender on to the pitch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on October 14, 2020, 08:24:01 PM
Just off to play my first game of football in 4 years and at the age of 40 and i'm confident i will surpass Maguires performance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: DaveWBA on October 14, 2020, 08:42:02 PM
McGuire sent off for winning the ball, there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 14, 2020, 08:46:19 PM
McGuire sent off for winning the ball, there.

And then studding his ankle in the needless follow through. Definitely warranted a yellow card.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on October 14, 2020, 08:58:01 PM
How come we are at home and playing in blue shirts?

Why do we even have a blue shirt? The change kit should be red!

Also, whilst on the subject of kits, this matching the badge colour with the strip really is horrendous. The badge should be sacred and stay the same. I hate the green and yellow and red and yellow badges on our strips.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on October 14, 2020, 09:29:06 PM
Struggling to see which way we're kicking. Never seen so many balls played backwards in a game never mind an international
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 14, 2020, 09:41:43 PM
Struggling to see which way we're kicking. Never seen so many balls played backwards in a game never mind an international
#ala Pulis.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on October 14, 2020, 09:44:10 PM
From what I saw of Phillips tonight I’m wondering what all the fuss is about him.

He appeared to be of the pass, regularly lost the ball and couldn’t keep up with Erickson after he’d picked his pocket, but didn’t watch all the game, so may not be a fair assessment any other views on him?

I would rather have seen Grealish playing to be honest
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on October 14, 2020, 10:09:42 PM
I don’t really understand Southgate’s thinking of all of a sudden going really defensive, absolutely no need to play 2 holding midfielders in there tonight how Greasy didn’t get on either is beyond me crying out for someone to carry the ball 20 - 30 yards up the pitch at which he’s one of the best of in this country. 1 goal in 3 games (of which was a last minute penalty) against Denmark & Iceland is appalling with the attacking talent he has at his disposal, the shackles need to come off if they don’t he’l loose his job.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on October 14, 2020, 11:12:22 PM
I've just seen Southgate's interview am i missing something? He was talking like we had won to be honest it was embarrassing listening to him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mikkyk on October 14, 2020, 11:54:23 PM
If he hadn't already I think Southgate has lost any credit he had in the bank from the world cup.

Got lucky against Belgium with that selection (albeit did seem to make some decent tactical changes at half time) and went with an even selection tonight.

The major issue is the pool of managers England could choose from should Southgate go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on October 15, 2020, 12:25:14 AM
Southgate is a little bit like England's big dave he has come in when the fans and players were not as one. The england side was quite clicky he has fixed both of these and has brought through some younger players too.

But sadly as a tactician he is pretty poor
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 15, 2020, 03:45:21 AM
3 at the back but still 2 holding midfielders? I don't get that one. I like Kalvin Phillips, but if you are playing a 3 man defence with Conner Coady then i'm not sure he is needed. If we do use him though, then Rice needs to drop to the bench.

Southgate must have been gutted that Greasy played so well vs Wales. We won't see creative players used regularly until we get a new manager. Southgate prefers more direct, disciplined goalscorers in his attacking positions (that's why Mount, who is more similar to Lampard gets the place).

I'll be glad when Southgate has moved on. I fear be  will waste this generation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 13, 2020, 07:49:09 AM
England v Scotland next year then. hopefully travel restrictions are over and supporters are back in football stadiums
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: kc56wba on November 13, 2020, 09:44:34 AM
England v Scotland next year then. hopefully travel restrictions are over and supporters are back in football stadiums

There will be Scottish fans down in London even if fans not allowed in stadiums.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on November 13, 2020, 10:13:04 AM
Got tickets for the group games and the final if England get there so hopefully the vaccine is in full swing and we are back to some normality.

Not a fan of Wembley and would rather they were in Europe somewhere but the day in London should be good on the day of the Scotland game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mank baggie on November 13, 2020, 11:29:11 AM
Did England have puppies on the shirts tonight?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 13, 2020, 12:28:45 PM
Did England have puppies on the shirts tonight?

Nah, just the usual three lions  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 13, 2020, 12:41:23 PM
Missed the first twenty minutes of the game, still feels really odd watching football on TV. Absolutely no substitute for being there. Does anyone know if the competitive games are free to air or whether they're split between Sky and BT? While I'd watch if free I'm not shelling out for an England game when I haven't been paying to watch the Albion.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 13, 2020, 01:14:24 PM
Missed the first twenty minutes of the game, still feels really odd watching football on TV. Absolutely no substitute for being there. Does anyone know if the competitive games are free to air or whether they're split between Sky and BT? While I'd watch if free I'm not shelling out for an England game when I haven't been paying to watch the Albion.

Don't watch International football a great deal but I believe England games are currently covered by Sky Sports.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 13, 2020, 01:22:47 PM
Correct. England games are on Sky Sports normally. I think the Euros and WC are on normal TV though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 13, 2020, 01:29:18 PM
Cheers gentlemen I thought that would probably still be the case. It's a shame our national games were sold off in the first instance. Never mind, although only a friendly it made a change to watch last night's performance even if it was a poor substitute for being at live Albion games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 15, 2020, 09:40:19 PM
Aside from the superb Grealish another terrible England team selection and performance.

Southgate Out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on November 15, 2020, 09:44:54 PM
Aside from the superb Grealish another terrible England team selection and performance.

Southgate Out.
If Grealish would stay on his feet he would cause a lot more problems  around the box instead of going down like he'd been shot! Twice tonight he went down when it would have been better to keep going then the free kicks where  wasted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on November 15, 2020, 09:59:04 PM
As much as it pains me Greasy was on another level tonight, he keeps that up not a prayer he’s playing for Villa next year as every big club will be in for him.

Absolutely woeful management from Southgate, tactically so inept no suprise you play 3 at the back with 2 holding midfielders and we don’t score, the performances and results since he’s adopted that tactic have been awful. If I was the f.a I’d be going balls to the wall to get Pochettino he’d be the perfect manager for this team with the ball, doubt he’d take it with him been in line for the next Madrid, United etc job.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on November 15, 2020, 10:06:21 PM
Grealish was very good but was being fouled all night and precious little response from the referee, who was not very good.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Mikkyk on November 15, 2020, 11:09:32 PM
Aside from the superb Grealish another terrible England team selection and performance.

Southgate Out.

I think we will have to suffer Southgate until the Euros and then a terrible showing there will probably see the end of him as England manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BRIAN on November 16, 2020, 08:33:01 AM
At last a ref who has not been kidded by Grealish. At one point the ref told him to"get on with it. A good player who does try it on but must have spent a lot of time practicing drawing fouls. I know he gets fouled a lot but he is good at diving.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 16, 2020, 10:34:46 AM
It’s not even a pain for me to say Grealish is an excellent player.

I’ve never doubted his talent with the ball at his feet, I just hated him with the grass at his chest.

Should be a shoe in for England, you need ball carriers in the midfield and he’s one of if not the best in the Prem at that.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 16, 2020, 10:56:02 AM
It’s not even a pain for me to say Grealish is an excellent player.

I’ve never doubted his talent with the ball at his feet, I just hated him with the grass at his chest.

Should be a shoe in for England, you need ball carriers in the midfield and he’s one of if not the best in the Prem at that.
Spot on. Don't think anyone can question Grealish's ability, it's the likes of Dier, Rice, Mount and Walker that are the issue for me, either past it or not up to it. And Henderson is England's Livermore, just slows play down too much.
Grealish is very much the future, as is (spits) Coady. Regardless of who they play for, I just want England to be as good as they can be.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 16, 2020, 11:00:42 AM
Spot on. Don't think anyone can question Grealish's ability, it's the likes of Dier, Rice, Mount and Walker that are the issue for me, either past it or not up to it. And Henderson is England's Livermore, just slows play down too much.
Grealish is very much the future, as is (spits) Coady. Regardless of who they play for, I just want England to be as good as they can be.

Mason Mount is a very good player.

Not really interested in this discussion but just thought I'd butt in and pull you up on that 😉
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 16, 2020, 11:29:14 AM
Mason Mount is a very good player.

Not really interested in this discussion but just thought I'd butt in and pull you up on that 😉
He's ok, better for Chelsea than England, but not the real deal for me. Thanks for the input though
 :)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 16, 2020, 12:01:19 PM
I haven't watched an England game since the World cup, prima donnas the lot of them and Grealish is just the cherry on top of the cake.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 16, 2020, 12:46:07 PM
I haven't watched an England game since the World cup, prima donnas the lot of them and Grealish is just the cherry on top of the cake.

I think a more appropriate descriptor of Grealish with England would be that he's a fairy on a gob of la rd.  You're welcome  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 16, 2020, 12:54:10 PM
I haven't watched an England game since the World cup,

Same here. Unless it's the World Cup finals or the Euro finals I have no interest whatsoever in international football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 16, 2020, 01:28:19 PM
You'd have to be pretty bitter and blinkered not to recognise Jack Grealish as the best English footballer currently lacing up the boots. Don't @ me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 16, 2020, 01:54:34 PM
I think a more appropriate descriptor of Grealish with England would be that he's a fairy on a gob of la rd.  You're welcome  ;D .
  ;D well said and a thumbs up from me!
S O T V
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 16, 2020, 01:54:51 PM
You'd have to be pretty bitter and blinkered not to recognise Jack Grealish as the best English footballer currently lacing up the boots. Don't @ me.

Harry Kane. Look at his record. Absolutely no further discussion. Arguably the best CF in the world.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on November 16, 2020, 01:57:20 PM
You'd have to be pretty bitter and blinkered not to recognise Jack Grealish as the best English footballer currently lacing up the boots. Don't @ me.
Not bitter, not blinkered agree he is a very good player! But i will never accept his diving especially when he is in a better position by staying on his feet. He just can't help himself!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on November 16, 2020, 04:37:20 PM
Disagree about Grealish being the best player. Think Phil Foden is England's best player irrespective of how he is used. An absolute wizard who should be playing more for club and country. But what do I know.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: iwastherein68 on November 17, 2020, 10:03:30 AM
Some people are comparing Grealish to Gascoigne. Well here's a comparison....... a inebriated up Gazza is better than Grealish.

Yesterday we were talking about the sad passing of one of England's greats

Today the media is comparing another of England's greats, with a player who has difficulty staying on his on his feet.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 17, 2020, 11:01:15 AM
Some people are comparing Grealish to Gascoigne. Well here's a comparison....... a inebriated up Gazza is better than Grealish.

Yesterday we were talking about the sad passing of one of England's greats

Today the media is comparing another of England's greats, with a player who has difficulty staying on his on his feet.
Gazza was a one-off a player who could change a game in an instant saying that he was a deeply flawed character that damaged his career but  to compare him with Grealish is just laughable.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2020, 11:44:58 AM
I would never compare Grealish to Gascoigne, he is nowhere near that level.

He is however an excellent player, he has shown consistency this season and kept Villa up almost singlehandedly after the lockdown break.

With the ball at his feet running at players he looks effortless.

Id have him in the current England first team without doubt.

Id have Foden in aswell, think he will go on to be a great at international level for England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 17, 2020, 11:45:11 AM
time for a change, southgate out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 17, 2020, 12:49:39 PM
I would never compare Grealish to Gascoigne, he is nowhere near that level.

He is however an excellent player, he has shown consistency this season and kept Villa up almost singlehandedly after the lockdown break.

With the ball at his feet running at players he looks effortless.

Id have him in the current England first team without doubt.

Id have Foden in aswell, think he will go on to be a great at international level for England

Grealish is technically superb. Despite his ongoing impersonation of a rag doll that's been shot in the back with a giant blunderbuss he also has deceptively good balance. He's probably quite a lot stronger than he looks and he's easy on the eye when running with the ball. However, he is far from being an excellent player.

This is the kind of comment I've come to associate with one eyed Vilers and I'm rocked to the core to see it written here. I may have to take to my bed for the rest of the day while Mrs SmethDan wipes my weary brow. God knows a shag's out of the question anyway.

I agree he 'won' the Vile a lot of set pieces around the opposition's area last season and the one before when both his strength and balance inexplicably deserted him (at will). However, Super Jack didn't keep them up single handedly last season. Hawkeye played an undeniably large part in that. Further to this (although anecdotal) Jack actually went missing for large parts of last season in the opinion of several Vilers down our local.

I have no problem with him being in the England squad but he's nowhere near the title 'excellent'. If he looked up, passed a little sooner, increased his assists and goal tally he could become a very good player as opposed to the good one he is now. He needs to forget re runs of the Jack Grealish Show to concentrate on the England and dare I say it the Performing Seal show before that happens though.

Excellent? Tish and pah man, I'm off to bed ;) .

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2020, 12:56:26 PM
Grealish is technically superb. Despite his ongoing impersonation of a rag doll that's been shot in the back with a giant blunderbuss he also has deceptively good balance. He's probably quite a lot stronger than he looks and he's easy on the eye when running with the ball. However, he is far from being an excellent player.

This is the kind of comment I've come to associate with one eyed Vilers and I'm rocked to the core to see it written here. I may have to take to my bed for the rest of the day while Mrs SmethDan wipes my weary brow. God knows a shag's out of the question anyway.

I agree he 'won' the Vile a lot of set pieces around the opposition's area last season and the one before when both his strength and balance inexplicably deserted him (at will). However, Super Jack didn't keep them up single handedly last season. Hawkeye played an undeniably large part in that. Further to this (although anecdotal) Jack actually went missing for large parts of last season in the opinion of several Vilers down our local.

I have no problem with him being in the England squad but he's nowhere near the title 'excellent'. If he looked up, passed a little sooner, increased his assists and goal tally he could become a very good player as opposed to the good one he is now. He needs to forget re runs of the Jack Grealish Show to concentrate on the England and dare I say it the Performing Seal show before that happens though.

Excellent? Tish and pah man, I'm off to bed ;) .

I share your hatred of the Vile, however I think he is an excellent player.

Grealish was excellent after lockdown, he dragged them into a position where they could stay up. The hawkeye thing was terrible and led to them staying up inevitably, but, only a couple of weeks prior they had a decision go against them which was incorrect, which if it hadnt would have led to them staying up regardless of that fateful day v Sheff Utd.

He has been tremendous this season too, people get hung up on the goals and assists thing when in reality its normally his good play prior to the final ball that leads to the goal.

I cant stand the lad, but he is for me an 'excellent' footballer
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 17, 2020, 01:20:11 PM
I share your hatred of the Vile, however I think he is an excellent player.

Grealish was excellent after lockdown, he dragged them into a position where they could stay up. The hawkeye thing was terrible and led to them staying up inevitably, but, only a couple of weeks prior they had a decision go against them which was incorrect, which if it hadnt would have led to them staying up regardless of that fateful day v Sheff Utd.

He has been tremendous this season too, people get hung up on the goals and assists thing when in reality its normally his good play prior to the final ball that leads to the goal.

I cant stand the lad, but he is for me an 'excellent' footballer

This grinds my gears a bit when it comes to Grealish. My opinions on Grealish have zero to do with my hatred of the Vile. Absolutely  nothing. I am perfectly capable of separating the two, something I have done in the post above by recognising his attributes as well as highlighting the more questionable aspects of his general game. You're more than welcome to your opinion of Jack Grealish and all of the very best with your claret and blue pom poms on the touchline  ;) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 17, 2020, 02:05:04 PM
Grealish is technically superb. Despite his ongoing impersonation of a rag doll that's been shot in the back with a giant blunderbuss he also has deceptively good balance. He's probably quite a lot stronger than he looks and he's easy on the eye when running with the ball. However, he is far from being an excellent player.

This is the kind of comment I've come to associate with one eyed Vilers and I'm rocked to the core to see it written here. I may have to take to my bed for the rest of the day while Mrs SmethDan wipes my weary brow. God knows a shag's out of the question anyway.

I agree he 'won' the Vile a lot of set pieces around the opposition's area last season and the one before when both his strength and balance inexplicably deserted him (at will). However, Super Jack didn't keep them up single handedly last season. Hawkeye played an undeniably large part in that. Further to this (although anecdotal) Jack actually went missing for large parts of last season in the opinion of several Vilers down our local.

I have no problem with him being in the England squad but he's nowhere near the title 'excellent'. If he looked up, passed a little sooner, increased his assists and goal tally he could become a very good player as opposed to the good one he is now. He needs to forget re runs of the Jack Grealish Show to concentrate on the England and dare I say it the Performing Seal show before that happens though.

Excellent? Tish and pah man, I'm off to bed ;) .

As you repose prostrate on your litter, please consider your use of this phrase in connection with young jack and performing seals, and I quote "he's easy on the eye". Whilst considering this, if a little bead breaks out upon your person, I most sincerely hope its sweat and not another bodily fluid,  Oh, and by the way he is most definitely not excellent !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 17, 2020, 02:23:33 PM
As you repose prostrate on your litter, please consider your use of this phrase in connection with young jack and performing seals, and I quote "he's easy on the eye". Whilst considering this, if a little bead breaks out upon your person, I most sincerely hope its sweat and not another bodily fluid,  Oh, and by the way he is most definitely not excellent !

Rest assured it was purely in relation to how he runs with the ball as opposed to me juggling mine in appreciation of his most unexcellent talents. No danger of a flurry of my personal pom poms on young Mr Grealish's behalf and I certainly won't be fumbling around in the prostrate region either. That goes for whether he's wearing three lions or just the one.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 17, 2020, 09:04:17 PM
This grinds my gears a bit when it comes to Grealish. My opinions on Grealish have zero to do with my hatred of the Vile. Absolutely  nothing. I am perfectly capable of separating the two, something I have done in the post above by recognising his attributes as well as highlighting the more questionable aspects of his general game. You're more than welcome to your opinion of Jack Grealish and all of the very best with your claret and blue pom poms on the touchline  ;) .

I never said you couldn’t separate the 2...

My own response shows I can separate the 2 also. Regardless of the club he plays for and my hatred of them (something we share as alluded to in my response) I believe him to be an excellent footballer and enjoyable to watch with the ball at his feet, not so much with the grass to his chest.

You won’t see anything of claret and blue in my hands  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 18, 2020, 12:57:52 AM
So other than running well with the ball, what does he do for you to consider him an excellent football player? Given that as you state he spends so much time sprawled on the grass (arms open and gob agape) when he could release the ball before contact's initiated or he initiates it that is?

I can't help but wonder whether said time would be better employed providing the goals and assists that some people apparently dwell on too much (this relates to one of your earlier comments) when assessing the worth of creative players.

As in players who manufacture an end product via playing football as opposed to playing the system. It's well documented that I've been going off the game for sometime now. If being lauded for flopping in a heap's worthy of commendation along similar lines as a tremendous shot or outstanding skill with the ball then I'm finally done with the game full stop.

He's a good player who could go on to be so much more. And by that I mean he has the potential to be really, really good. That said I feel it's fair to assume that our definitions of excellence 'fall' a considerable distance apart.

I'm not an old fashioned romantic yearning for yesteryear. I just want to see footballers who can play football - play football - as Grealish can, as opposed to gaining yards on a pitch because they know how to successfully manipulate as Grealish often does.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BRIAN on November 18, 2020, 08:31:49 AM
I heard on the radio that some think Grealish could be a "NEW GAZZER."  As they say round here I had to loff.
A former top ref said of Grealish, "he goes down too easily" Maybe all the refs will read this.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 18, 2020, 08:58:46 AM
I heard on the radio that some think Grealish could be a "NEW GAZZER."  As they say round here I had to loff.
A former top ref said of Grealish, "he goes down too easily" Maybe all the refs will read this.

they will already be aligned on this, refs are a close knit community and "know" who tries to con them and who is genuine. Greasy is a player with lots of potential but unless he changes his antics he will continue to be just that "potential". In my opinion the same can be said for Periera he just isn't as high profile as he is not english (and plays for us)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 18, 2020, 09:10:22 AM
Most fouled player in the country isn't he? Imagine if the refs weren't clamping down on him...  :-X
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 18, 2020, 09:33:53 AM
I heard on the radio that some think Grealish could be a "NEW GAZZER."  As they say round here I had to loff.
A former top ref said of Grealish, "he goes down too easily" Maybe all the refs will read this.

He could well be the new gazzer to be fair, given his escapades at the start of the original lockdown we know he likes a drink 😁

Not in the same league as Paul in my humble opinion , and likely never to be....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 18, 2020, 09:44:48 AM
Gascoigne was a generational talent. Doesn’t stop Grealish being by a distance the closest thing to him we've got currently.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 18, 2020, 10:02:03 AM
Most fouled player in the country isn't he? Imagine if the refs weren't clamping down on him...  :-X
The argument isn't refs clamping down on him, rather its the reverse, that they ignore him because of his antics! 
Stop the antics, play football and he would could be a far better player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 18, 2020, 12:56:15 PM
So other than running well with the ball, what does he do for you to consider him an excellent football player? Given that as you state he spends so much time sprawled on the grass (arms open and gob agape) when he could release the ball before contact's initiated or he initiates it that is?

I can't help but wonder whether said time would be better employed providing the goals and assists that some people apparently dwell on too much (this relates to one of your earlier comments) when assessing the worth of creative players.

As in players who manufacture an end product via playing football as opposed to playing the system. It's well documented that I've been going off the game for sometime now. If being lauded for flopping in a heap's worthy of commendation along similar lines as a tremendous shot or outstanding skill with the ball then I'm finally done with the game full stop.

He's a good player who could go on to be so much more. And by that I mean he has the potential to be really, really good. That said I feel it's fair to assume that our definitions of excellence 'fall' a considerable distance apart.

I'm not an old fashioned romantic yearning for yesteryear. I just want to see footballers who can play football - play football - as Grealish can, as opposed to gaining yards on a pitch because they know how to successfully manipulate as Grealish often does.

He carries his side, without him they wouldn’t even be in the Prem for me.

I haven’t said once he spends too much time on the grass, I said I don’t like him with the grass at his chest, that goes for any player inc. our very own Pereira, he does go over and has gone over too easy in the past, I think that side of his game has improved massively.

He is after all the most fouled player in the Prem from what I recall on the stats I’ve seen.

We can disagree, you’ll never get your opinion from my mouth I’m afraid.

You don’t like him, fine

I think he is excellent, also fine.

Everything that the Villa do goes through him, that’s the mark of a player. He doesn’t hide, he gets the ball and makes things happen.

Goals and assists are not the be all and end all of a creative player just because he doesn’t add the final touch for the assist or the goal itself



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 18, 2020, 12:57:05 PM
Gascoigne was a generational talent. Doesn’t stop Grealish being by a distance the closest thing to him we've got currently.

Completely agree with that.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on November 18, 2020, 01:32:13 PM
Most fouled player in the country isn't he? Imagine if the refs weren't clamping down on him...  :-X

When this information came out last season wasn't it worded as the "player who wins the most freekicks"? Some interpret that as the most fouled player other as the players that gets the most freekicks given to him regardless of fouls/dives etc.

He is definitely a good player though.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 18, 2020, 06:45:06 PM
So, anyone watching tonight's offering versus Iceland later?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on November 18, 2020, 06:54:29 PM
I think I’ll be dipping in and out of watching. But, depending on the performance, it could be more out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Scooby Doo on November 18, 2020, 07:28:37 PM
Makes me laugh. Because I threw in Foden, now we're talking about trashing a Grealish / Gazza comparison.... which is fine. It's a tragic comparison.

Think Foden running with the ball is a lot more Gazza-esque to be honest, but I didn't have the honour of watching Gazza at his best. Only from what I can get on YT. But the direct, strong ball running with the ball glued to the boot is reminiscent of how Foden travels.

Again, the 10p of a Welshman  :D

Koumas was closer to closer to Gazza than Grealish  :o


Where do people think Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling stand in the grand scheme of things? Given that they've been rated behind Grealish on here as being Englands best player?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 18, 2020, 07:45:25 PM
You're missing the point Scooby, I'm just delighted Super Jack's playing. Absolute dreamboat of a player. Complete traversty the amount of punishment that lad gets. Needs more protection so he can showcase his talents to the best of his ability. I just hope he doesn't burn out having played so much international football over such a short period of time. Lovely calf muscles that lad, they should see him through. Where's those bloody pom poms when I need them? Super Jack, Super Jack, rah rah rah...........
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 18, 2020, 07:51:30 PM
I wish Southgate would stop this 3 at the back, but I’m always in favour in a back four.

At the moment, with the forwards we have to go with three up top as well. So the obvious choice is 4-3-3.  Play Grealish in the midfield three, he’s more than capable and will help a lot in transition. Then you can still play three of Kane, Stirling, Rashford, Sancho, Calvert-Lewis even Foden and Greenwood up.

That way you might be able to get away with the two holding players that Southgate likes, although Bellingham is surely going to cement one of the midfield three spot for  in the long term for years to come and he is looking like an old school box to box athlete.

Someone else said Southgate will waste this generation and I’m beginning to believe it. He’ll not be a big enough disaster to get sacked but will not win anything.

TAA, Bellingham, Sancho, Foden, Greenwood. Probably 10 years and 5 tournaments from that core.  Just need a centre half to emerge and Southgate to wise up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 18, 2020, 08:04:44 PM
Tielemans scored again for Belgium, wouldn't get a look in for England.
Still our biggest problem we pick players instead of picking a team. If the best left back in the country plays for Boro or Sheffield Wed, he should play not a big 6 right back out of position. Please note this is a hypothetical generalisation, not a reference to tonight's team, I'm not watching
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 18, 2020, 08:24:49 PM
Tielemans scored again for Belgium, wouldn't get a look in for England.
Still our biggest problem we pick players instead of picking a team. If the best left back in the country plays for Boro or Sheffield Wed, he should play not a big 6 right back out of position. Please note this is a hypothetical generalisation, not a reference to tonight's team, I'm not watching

Agree with the sentiment. Don’t agree with you assessment of Tielemans, who I think is a very good player and still getting better.  He would get plenty of minutes in a midfield three for us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 18, 2020, 08:45:30 PM
I don't know what Foden and Mount think they're playing at. Midfielders directly involved in goals? One assisting and one scoring? Nah, it'll never catch on. They need to take it in turns winning free kicks. Booo. Haul 'em both off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 18, 2020, 08:57:18 PM
Agree with the sentiment. Don’t agree with you assessment of Tielemans, who I think is a very good player and still getting better.  He would get plenty of minutes in a midfield three for us.
It was more a reference to his profile and who he plays for mate, rather than his ability. I think he should but don't think he would.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 18, 2020, 09:32:25 PM
It was bad enough when they took Jack off and replaced him with Sancho. I mean who's supposed to win our free kicks? And if that's not bad enough Sancho only goes and gets a direct assist for midfielder Foden to score following his earlier assist. Shocking substitution, shocking play from midfield. Southgate out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 18, 2020, 09:37:01 PM
Got a thing for Foden in a non-sexual way. Really like the player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 18, 2020, 09:40:01 PM
Got a thing for Foden in a non-sexual way. Really like the player.

Oh no, he's only gone and got another goal. Needs to learn a thing or two from Jack and hold onto the ball a bit longer. No dsicipline that lad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 18, 2020, 09:40:30 PM
It was more a reference to his profile and who he plays for mate, rather than his ability. I think he should but don't think he would.

Ah ok, my mistake. Yeah the big club bias’s is still strong.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 18, 2020, 09:42:48 PM
Ah ok, my mistake. Yeah the big club bias’s is still strong.

It's not bias. Villa being a massive club's purely coincidence. Jack was in on merit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on November 19, 2020, 08:08:22 AM
Got a thing for Foden in a non-sexual way. Really like the player.

That 2nd goal was Messi esq in the way he dribbled and finished it, not for a minute am I saying he’s going to be the next Messi, he’s going to have to go some to get to that level of consistency Messi has shown for 10+ years but it’s exciting to see an English player with that level of natural ability.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 19, 2020, 10:06:06 AM
That 2nd goal was Messi esq in the way he dribbled and finished it, not for a minute am I saying he’s going to be the next Messi, he’s going to have to go some to get to that level of consistency Messi has shown for 10+ years but it’s exciting to see an English player with that level of natural ability.

Oh dear Christ.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 19, 2020, 10:24:11 AM
Will be the amongst the best midfielders out there if he continues to develop at the pace he has.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on November 19, 2020, 10:48:00 AM
Last night performance was competent overall and easy on the eye in many respects. Not wanting to detract from the performance, but it was against a poor and depleted Iceland team and as such, Southgate, should have taken the opportunity to experiment beyond his preferred 3-4-3 system imo.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 19, 2020, 11:14:56 AM
Grealish should have been playing for England when he was single-handedly dragging Villa out of the Championship. Took  him 2 years to get a chance and, even then, he was only one bad game away from being dropped again.
Compare that to Eric Dier's, who's roughly the same age, 45 caps  despite being distinctly average, but doesn't matter because he's big, strong, works ard etc. etc.

People comparing Grealish to Gascoigne, well the one true comparison is that they both struggled to get regular caps because they are flair players, throw in the likes of Hoddle and Le Tissier and it shows that England still put ard work and physique over technical ability. That's why we are flat track bullies who fail as soon as we play a, technically, better team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 19, 2020, 11:18:31 AM
Will be the amongst the best midfielders out there if he continues to develop at the pace he has.

Who? Foden? Needs to concentrate on winning more free kicks in dangerous areas...... this pass, move and score lark's old hat and out of keeping with the modern game's more technically gifted players who glide across the grass with grace and elan before crumpling to the floor in and around the box. Luckily enough he has an international team mate from whom he can learn much in this respect.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 19, 2020, 12:35:13 PM
Who? Foden? Needs to concentrate on winning more free kicks in dangerous areas...... this pass, move and score lark's old hat and out of keeping with the modern game's more technically gifted players who glide across the grass with grace and elan before crumpling to the floor in and around the box. Luckily enough he has an international team mate from whom he can learn much in this respect.
Can't they both be good? Would certainly be better for England if they were.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 19, 2020, 12:42:52 PM
Who? Foden? Needs to concentrate on winning more free kicks in dangerous areas...... this pass, move and score lark's old hat and out of keeping with the modern game's more technically gifted players who glide across the grass with grace and elan before crumpling to the floor in and around the box. Luckily enough he has an international team mate from whom he can learn much in this respect.

I can tell you are a huge fan of Grealish  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 19, 2020, 08:16:23 PM
I’ve only just seen the story but England u21’s won 5-0 on Tuesday.

One of the scorers was Jamal Musiala who is Bayern Munich’s youngest ever goal scorer. I expect an early first team call up for him to tie him down since he can play for England or Germany.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on November 19, 2020, 09:18:49 PM
Oh dear Christ.

What’s the problem, I’ve not outright said he’s the next Messi but he looks like he has bags of talent, Guardiola’s come out & said he’s one of the most naturally gifted youngsters he’s worked with, when he’s saying that sort of makes you sit up and think he could be some player. I’m not saying he’s the next Messi after 1 game v Iceland but the guy looks as though he’s got the ability to be a very good player if he can be consistent and stay healthy.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 20, 2020, 12:35:38 AM
What’s the problem, I’ve not outright said he’s the next Messi but he looks like he has bags of talent, Guardiola’s come out & said he’s one of the most naturally gifted youngsters he’s worked with, when he’s saying that sort of makes you sit up and think he could be some player. I’m not saying he’s the next Messi after 1 game v Iceland but the guy looks as though he’s got the ability to be a very good player if he can be consistent and stay healthy.

Your post suggested only consistency separated them. He's way below the GOAT on natural talent (who isn't) but if the Grealish/Gascoigne links deserved scorn, Foden/Messi is on another planet of rose-tinted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on November 20, 2020, 01:06:40 AM
If we’re lucky, there’ll be young players, in the future, being compared to Foden. I really rate the guy. Hopefully everything clicks into place for him. God knows, England could do with it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on November 20, 2020, 08:56:44 AM
Your post suggested only consistency separated them. He's way below the GOAT on natural talent (who isn't) but if the Grealish/Gascoigne links deserved scorn, Foden/Messi is on another planet of rose-tinted.

Guardiola’s come out & said he’s the most talented player he’s ever seen, that’s ridiculous praise when you consider who he’s worked with day in day out including Messi. I’d also argue consistency is what has separated Messi & Ronaldo from the others over the past 10+ years. I think Neymar is probably as naturally talented as Messi, the difference is Messi does it game after game year after year, Neymar hasn’t hit that level of consistency & hasn’t stayed healthy which is why he’s not on Messi / Ronaldo’s level. It’s all hearsay anyways let’s just hope for England’s sake Foden keeps putting in performances like Wednesday in an England shirt.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on November 20, 2020, 09:02:46 AM
Guardiola’s come out & said he’s the most talented player he’s ever seen, that’s ridiculous praise when you consider who he’s worked with day in day out including Messi. I’d also argue consistency is what has separated Messi & Ronaldo from the others over the past 10+ years. I think Neymar is probably as naturally talented as Messi, the difference is Messi does it game after game year after year, Neymar hasn’t hit that level of consistency & hasn’t stayed healthy which is why he’s not on Messi / Ronaldo’s level. It’s all hearsay anyways let’s just hope for England’s sake Foden keeps putting in performances like Wednesday in an England shirt.
Needs to back that up by giving him starts then. Only thing that will hold Foden back is not playing week in week out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 24, 2020, 05:50:22 PM
Once a D head always a D head.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8978371/Jack-Grealish-charged-FOURTH-motoring-offence-year.html
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 25, 2020, 02:37:29 PM
Once a D head always a D head.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8978371/Jack-Grealish-charged-FOURTH-motoring-offence-year.html

Yeah, read that yesterday. Tailgating on the motorway at 98mph. Total of three offences in the course of one day following the events of earlier this year with six points on the go from 2018 already. One aspect of life where he's certainly been working on consistency. He must 'drive' Dean Smith up the wall. Here's hoping for everyone's sake that he never ends up doing a Hughes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 25, 2020, 04:50:10 PM
Yeah, read that yesterday. Tailgating on the motorway at 98mph. Total of three offences in the course of one day following the events of earlier this year with six points on the go from 2018 already. One aspect of life where he's certainly been working on consistency. He must 'drive' Dean Smith up the wall. Here's hoping for everyone's sake that he never ends up doing a Hughes.


Do a  Hughes, that's the worry his drinking certainly seems out of control and we all know what that can lead to if you're stupid enough to get behind a wheel hopefully that's one story we won't ever get to read.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Westie on November 25, 2020, 07:09:24 PM
Hopefully, he’ll get a long ban but will probably use the services of Mr Loophole. Probably not intelligent enough to have a driving licence at all.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on January 29, 2021, 11:25:03 PM
It looks like England have a couple of set banks incoming.

17 year old Jamal Musiala, who left Chelsea for Bayern a couple of years ago looks like he has opted to okay for Germany over us. He qualified for Germany through birth, the USA through family and England due to growing up here. Now considered one of the top young players in the world, he has been featuring with England under 21’s for the last couple of years having played for us most of his youth international career. Germany are expected to name him in their first team in their next squad.

There are also rumours going around that Nigeria have convinced 3 English youngsters to play for them. Both Ovie Ejaria (Reading) and Ademola Lookman (Fulham) are understandable as at 23, they are unlikely now to get a look in, but the rumours are that PSV 18 year old Noni Madueke has also opted for Nigeria as well. Like Musiala, Madueke isnconsider3d one of the top youngsters in World Football. To lose both is a real blow.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 25, 2021, 02:42:41 PM
England under 21s are currently on Sky Sports 1 in their opening Euro's group game vs Switzerland. A very strong squad have gone out and we are 0-0 after 40 mins.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 25, 2021, 03:56:03 PM
England (deservedly) lost, despite having a very strong side. Some are saying Switzerland are the weakest of the 3 sides we will face this tournament (Portgual and Croatia being the other 2).

Aidy Boothroyd continues to waste a brilliant generation. Cronyism from Ashworth got him there, no idea how he has remained post Ashworth.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 25, 2021, 04:21:03 PM
I don't think i've ever seen a team as poorly coached as England under 21's. They're just awful at everything. England coaches seem to have noted that 3-4-3 is in fashion yet have zero idea how to implement it.

Boothroyd was bottom of league two when he was last sacked, it is absolutely baffling he has kept this job for 5 years. Even now, such is the FA incompetence I am not sure he will be let go after this.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 25, 2021, 04:28:09 PM
I don't think i've ever seen a team as poorly coached as England under 21's. They're just awful at everything. England coaches seem to have noted that 3-4-3 is in fashion yet have zero idea how to implement it.

Boothroyd was bottom of league two when he was last sacked, it is absolutely baffling he has kept this job for 5 years. Even now, such is the FA incompetence I am not sure he will be let go after this.

I read that as FA incontinence to start with, subconsciously apt....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 25, 2021, 05:00:40 PM
Let's hope our appointment is secured, preferably Allardyce continuing, before Boothroyd gets the tin tack.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 25, 2021, 07:57:37 PM
Let's hope our appointment is secured, preferably Allardyce continuing, before Boothroyd gets the tin tack.
You ever thought about writing horror books?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on March 25, 2021, 08:14:48 PM
Let's hope our appointment is secured, preferably Allardyce continuing, before Boothroyd gets the tin tack.

Amen to that.  Any appointment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 25, 2021, 10:14:08 PM
Apparently we won. I watched the first half, but lost interest with players and commentators thinking upper middle-classed, double-barreled surnames somehow connect with the average guy. I’ve never felt this distant from an England team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 25, 2021, 10:38:34 PM
Think you will find the double barrelled names are kids from broken marriages using both parents surnames. Quite the opposite of the Tarquinius forsetyh Smithes
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 26, 2021, 02:00:57 AM
Think you will find the double barrelled names are kids from broken marriages using both parents surnames. Quite the opposite of the Tarquinius forsetyh Smithes
I've known plenty of people from broken marriages. All of them kept their original surname. I'm sure footballers in the recent past have had similar family problems. They stuck with one surname. It's a fad, and you know it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on March 26, 2021, 08:37:53 AM
Thankfully Boothroyd is out of contract in the summer. Not a chance they will extend his contract surely?

On another note - Dwight McNeil is the most limited, one dimensional footballer I’ve ever seen.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on March 26, 2021, 09:17:53 AM
I rarely pay much attention to International Football but had a quick look at the under 21's. I am not sure I'd term it a golden generation but there is a reasonable amount of talent there. I am not wholly against the England sides running with a standard formation and style top to bottom and am perfectly happy for one or two talented players not to get much of a look in because they don't fit the style.

However the coach needs to be capable of coaching it and the team selection has to make some sense within the framework. Boothroyd seems to have failed on both counts.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 26, 2021, 10:14:00 AM
I've known plenty of people from broken marriages. All of them kept their original surname. I'm sure footballers in the recent past have had similar family problems. They stuck with one surname. It's a fad, and you know it.

Its been a fad for a very long time then, ie the Wright-Phillips lads (late 30's???)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 26, 2021, 11:17:31 AM
Thankfully Boothroyd is out of contract in the summer. Not a chance they will extend his contract surely?

On another note - Dwight McNeil is the most limited, one dimensional footballer I’ve ever seen.

As in Burnley's Dwight McNeil? Not the quickest of players but he's looked pretty decent on the admittedly few occasions I've seen him play.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 26, 2021, 12:37:24 PM
Thankfully Boothroyd is out of contract in the summer. Not a chance they will extend his contract surely?

On another note - Dwight McNeil is the most limited, one dimensional footballer I’ve ever seen.

You never seen Oliver Burke ??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on March 26, 2021, 12:41:56 PM
Thankfully Boothroyd is out of contract in the summer. Not a chance they will extend his contract surely?

On another note - Dwight McNeil is the most limited, one dimensional footballer I’ve ever seen.

Sean Dyche manages to get a tune out of him - could be, just could be down to the manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on March 26, 2021, 06:50:11 PM
I watched most of it with the sound muted - I can't stand the canned crowd noise, and ITV don't give the option of viewing without it.
But then I got bored with it. Why Oh why do they just want to boost the possession stats by passing square and back, when there are 3 or 4 players in the box waiting for a cross
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on March 28, 2021, 12:26:05 AM
Sean Dyche manages to get a tune out of him - could be, just could be down to the manager.

And he plays in a very pragmatic Burnley side which focus on shifting the ball wide and relying on McNeil to play balls into the middle for the likes of Wood and Barnes to attack. It has been a success for Burnley but it is severely limited.

England have had a drive across all levels to manoeuvre the ball, be technically sound & play a number of different positions (Foden, Grealish, Hudson-Odoi, Sancho, Sterling, Watkins, Nketiah, Cantwell, Smith Rowe etc). McNeil from what I have seen is so one footed and unable to offer the guile that the others provide.

On Thursday, whenever he received the ball, it was largely over hit crosses towards Nketiah. It’s in total contrast to the rest of the side - even given Boothroyd severe limitations as a manager.

He’s effective in limited sides which play pragmatic, percentage football.

He’s a better version of James McClean.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 28, 2021, 11:56:27 AM
And he plays in a very pragmatic Burnley side which focus on shifting the ball wide and relying on McNeil to play balls into the middle for the likes of Wood and Barnes to attack. It has been a success for Burnley but it is severely limited.

England have had a drive across all levels to manoeuvre the ball, be technically sound & play a number of different positions (Foden, Grealish, Hudson-Odoi, Sancho, Sterling, Watkins, Nketiah, Cantwell, Smith Rowe etc). McNeil from what I have seen is so one footed and unable to offer the guile that the others provide.

On Thursday, whenever he received the ball, it was largely over hit crosses towards Nketiah. It’s in total contrast to the rest of the side - even given Boothroyd severe limitations as a manager.

He’s effective in limited sides which play pragmatic, percentage football.

He’s a better version of James McClean.

This is very accurate. Does a good job for Burnley and even though pretty much all the England players were subpar McNeil really stood out for how technically limited he was. His touch was shocking, takes him an age to control a pass.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on March 28, 2021, 12:04:23 PM
This is very accurate. Does a good job for Burnley and even though pretty much all the England players were subpar McNeil really stood out for how technically limited he was. His touch was shocking, takes him an age to control a pass.

Agreed - you could see Hudson-Odoi getting frustrated with his colleagues because he has that vision, good ball control and ability to play quick one-two passes to move those rigid defensive lines.

There were a couple of times when the ball was played into McNeil it took two or three touches to get control and move the ball out of his feet. The move had then slowed down and we played the ball backwards.

There was a lot of talk in the media about him moving to a bigger club in the summer - I cannot see how he would fit in at any other club to be honest. Burnley cater to his strengths. Others won't.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on March 28, 2021, 05:18:01 PM
Watching the Albania game as i have nothing better to do. Albania happy to sit behind the ball and play on the counter. And they had quite a good chance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 28, 2021, 06:19:39 PM
See kit man Dave has the West Brom flag prominent again  :D :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on March 28, 2021, 06:25:56 PM
2-0 up against Albania that must be compulsive viewing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on March 28, 2021, 06:35:30 PM
See kit man Dave has the West Brom flag prominent again  :D :D
Probably the best thing about the game!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 28, 2021, 06:41:41 PM
It ain't sparkling entertainment thats for sure
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 28, 2021, 07:01:43 PM
Bet on a giant snail race once when I was on holiday back in the 90s. That offered more excitement than tonight's game and not just because I had money 'riding' on the outcome. So much technical ability to choose from and Southgate plumps for both Rice and Phillips in midfield. Against Albania. Al fuggin' bania. Dire evening's entertainment,  still,  a win's a win. Thankfully the final whistle's gone. My snail lost by the way........ eventually.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on March 28, 2021, 07:55:36 PM
Bet on a giant snail race once when I was on holiday back in the 90s.

I used to have a racing snail, but felt it was a tad too slow.
To speed it up I took the weight of its' shell off its' back.
Trouble was then, it became sluggish.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 28, 2021, 08:18:34 PM

I used to have a racing snail, but felt it was a tad too slow.
To speed it up I took the weight of its' shell off its' back.
Trouble was then, it became sluggish.

I don't know why, I have never heard that before, brilliant  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 28, 2021, 09:51:51 PM
England currently 2-0 down to Portugal with minutes left in the U22s. Boothroyd has to go now. We have looked awful.

I understand it isn't his fault entirely for the lack of players in certain positions, but he hasn't helped at all. This side look like the English side of McLaren or Hodgson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on March 28, 2021, 11:16:08 PM
mind numbing boring game in the end Referee seemed stop play at every slight foul he could which didn't help to quote my stepmum when Harry Kane got booked which I will get to "What a load of ****." How was that a Booking to Harry Kane he went for the ball got it was shoulder barged by there defender into the other one which resulted in a three way clash.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on March 28, 2021, 11:45:41 PM
mind numbing boring game in the end Referee seemed stop play at every slight foul he could which didn't help to quote my stepmum when Harry Kane got booked which I will get to "What a load of ****." How was that a Booking to Harry Kane he went for the ball got it was shoulder barged by there defender into the other one which resulted in a three way clash.

Maybe FIFA is just trying to balance out with all the soft decisions he gets in England..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 29, 2021, 05:07:44 PM
Lewandowski's set to miss the game against us due to a knee injury.....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56561851
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 31, 2021, 08:21:03 PM
half hour gone england looking very lively - impressed so far
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiejohn on March 31, 2021, 08:25:09 PM
Just turned it off, really boring
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 31, 2021, 08:33:38 PM
Quite impressed with that from England would just have a feeling the defence has a mistake in them
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 31, 2021, 09:08:23 PM
Quite impressed with that from England would just have a feeling the defence has a mistake in them

Well that didn't take long 😂
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 31, 2021, 09:42:47 PM
decent first half, poor 2nd, got out of jail again. a good team will muller us based on that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on March 31, 2021, 09:44:28 PM
Germany lost to North Macedonia.😁
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 31, 2021, 10:17:17 PM
Once again when coming up against a half decent international side we look average. 2 goals from set pieces required to get the win.

Ultimately, the side is injury ravaged plus has a number of key options out of form, is in the middle of a tough schedule and has the 3 wins from 3 that are required. It's just hard to feel upbeat watching it.

International football can be dull and even the best sides struggle (all of the top sides have suffered some poor results post CoVID from what I have seen). That said, they know they have a history of turning it on when it matters while we have always looked like flat track bullies.

On paper, we have some really good defensive options (atleast based on the club sides they play for) and yet Stones got caught twice in 10 minutes there which will reinforce Southgate's belief that we need to shield the defence with 2 defensive mids. The problem though is that neither Rice nor Phillips (or Henderson really for that matter) are particularly good deep lying play makers. They are all tidy and in the right side could do a job but their lack of creativity means those ahead of them have to shoulder more of the burden.

Neither Foden nor Mount really seem able to do that from what I've seen. Mount played well tonight and will start the Euros 100%, but I can't shake the feeling Grealish would offer more. Foden is also a great player but like many English produced playmakers of recent years, I feel he is better at finishing a move than starting one.

Southgate's hesitancy to use a Grealish or a Maddison means we will likely start the Euros with a variation of Mount/Foden/Sterling/Rashford/Kane but I'm not convinced with what sits behind them that there is enough to unlock the best teams at the end of a long season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 31, 2021, 10:28:39 PM
A team lacking the X factor, typical workmanlike England team.
I get frustrated with Kane, he isn’t selfish enough, he needs to stay up top
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on April 13, 2021, 10:25:30 PM
England Women lost their second game in a week and their 9th in 14 games against Canada this evening. Not holding out much hope for the Olympics. Roll on Wiegman taking over.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on April 16, 2021, 09:39:49 AM
Boothroyd to leave U21 role with immediate effect...Let's hope he isnt on our radar if Big Sam decides to go..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 16, 2021, 10:17:54 AM
Boothroyd to leave U21 role with immediate effect...Let's hope he isnt on our radar if Big Sam decides to go..

Hopefully got a job for life down at Brighton.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on April 16, 2021, 11:35:53 AM
Boothroyd to leave U21 role with immediate effect...Let's hope he isnt on our radar if Big Sam decides to go..
Must be one of the most overrated coaches in the last 20 years !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on April 19, 2021, 06:16:03 PM
I'm bored so just wondering...who would play for England if the top 6 players got banned this summer?

GK: Pickford

AMF: Grealish
AMF: Sancho

Others: Phillips (Leeds), Ward-Prowse, Lingard (if he moved to West Ham), Antonio, Barnes, Tarkowski?

Sadly, Vardy has retired from international football. Looks bleak, maybe Craig Dawson would be in the team too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on April 19, 2021, 06:34:24 PM
I'm bored so just wondering...who would play for England if the top 6 players got banned this summer?

GK: Pickford

AMF: Grealish
AMF: Sancho

Others: Phillips (Leeds), Ward-Prowse, Lingard (if he moved to West Ham), Antonio, Barnes, Tarkowski?

Sadly, Vardy has retired from international football. Looks bleak, maybe Craig Dawson would be in the team too.
Bellingham, Madison, James Justin, Branford, Ings, Calvert Lewin, Pope, Tarwokski, Mee,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on April 19, 2021, 06:44:44 PM
Bellingham, Madison, James Justin, Branford, Ings, Calvert Lewin, Pope, Tarwokski, Mee,

Good shout, Calvert-Lewin of course. My main concern would be the defense which is very poor in comparison to the rest of the team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on April 19, 2021, 06:53:14 PM
Good shout, Calvert-Lewin of course. My main concern would be the defense which is very poor in comparison to the rest of the team.
Goalie: Pickford with Pope on the Bench SJ as backup
Defence
Left Back: Matty Cash maybe, James Justin,
Centre Backs: Tarkowski, Mee, Dawson, Holgate, Mings, Ben Godfrey
Right Backs: Justin, Jamal Lewis
CDM's: Phillips, Ward Prowse, 
CAM's Sancho, Bellingham, Lingard if he joins WHU which I now hope he does, Madison, Barnes
Forwards, Kane if he leaves Tottenham in the Summer, Ings, Calvert Lewin, Maybe we could get Vardy out of retirement he said if we need him he would be there
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on April 19, 2021, 07:01:48 PM
Goalie: Pickford with Pope on the Bench SJ as backup
Defence
Left Back: Matty Cash maybe, James Justin,
Centre Backs: Tarkowski, Mee, Dawson, Holgate, Mings, Ben Godfrey
Right Backs: Justin, Jamal Lewis
CDM's: Phillips, Ward Prowse, 
CAM's Sancho, Bellingham, Lingard if he joins WHU which I now hope he does, Madison, Barnes
Forwards, Kane if he leaves Tottenham in the Summer, Ings, Calvert Lewin, Maybe we could get Vardy out of retirement he said if we need him he would be there

Pretty sure he'd be joining either another top 6 side or one of the european elite if/when he leaves Spurs.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on April 19, 2021, 07:13:19 PM
Cash is normally a right back.

Cresswell would be the left back.

Pickford

Justin (though he's injured, so Cash)
Keane
Konsa
Cresswell

Rice
Ward-Prowse
Phillips

Sancho
Grealish
Barnes

Calvert-Lewin

There's definitely a better defence than I can remember off the top of my head, but that is as good a place to start as any.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on April 19, 2021, 07:21:59 PM
no one fancy Bamford up front then? Same goals as DCL and 1 more assist (more games though)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on April 19, 2021, 08:09:39 PM
I can't believe I took a wrong turn and ended up in an alternate universe where Jack Squealfish could conceivably end up as England's Captain. Please.... just make it stop...... I can't cope with this anymore.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on April 19, 2021, 11:15:13 PM
I can't believe I took a wrong turn and ended up in an alternate universe where Jack Squealfish could conceivably end up as England's Captain. Please.... just make it stop...... I can't cope with this anymore.
Livermore captain,Bartley,Johnstone
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on April 19, 2021, 11:32:30 PM
Maybe Connor Coady would be on the bench too. He is just ok for me.

No way Grealish would be the captain though. He's good but not captain material, even if he is at Villa. I'd give it to Keane.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on April 20, 2021, 02:04:40 AM
Livermore captain,Bartley,Johnstone

Zip it ya sadist.........  ;) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 02, 2021, 09:34:35 AM
What are people's views on Phil Foden?

I've seen a lot written and a lot of social media chatter about Foden in recent months, the majority of which argues that he should now be the first name on Southgate's team sheet, that he is a once in a generation talent, that he is head and shoulders above anyone else available to England and that anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand football.

I don't know why, but it is becoming one of my bug bears this season. Am I wrong to think Foden shouldn't be a shoe in for England and that the talk of him being far and away our best player is hyperbolic?

I'll start off by saying Foden is a wonderful player, somebody who has been managed perfectly by Guardiola (despite my initial reservations) and who I currently have in my own personal strongest England 11. He offers us something we haven't had for years in an England side and who makes us more continental.

Thing is, England now have an embarrassment of riches in our attacking play.

Jason Sancho has spent chunks of this season out injured and yet continues to tot up incredible numbers in Germany.

Jude Bellingham at 17 is spearheading Dortmund midfield.

Mason Mount has already shown amazing improvement under Tuchel and adds both goals and assists to an England side that lacks in creativity in our deeper positions.

Jack Grealish currently has more assists than any English player despite being out injured for a while now and might be the subject of an £80m move this summer.

Mason Greenwood at 18 managed 16 goals in half a season at United last year and is finding his feet again this year as one of the best ball strikers in the world game.

Marcus Rashford has future England captain written all over him.

Sterling has been a mainstay for England for the last few years an despite domestic struggles thisvuear still offers balance to the England side.

Bukayo Saka is only 19 but it already arguably Arsenals best player.

That doesn't mention what we have sitting in a theoretical England B side like James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Hudson-Odoi, 18 year-old Harvey Elliott (who at 17 had the second most assists in the championship).

We have so many different options to pick from to support the lead striker in our wings and attacking midfield positions, am I being unreasonable to think the Foden talk is all a bit OTT? Especially given he gets to play with De Bruyne and Gundogan on a weekly basis.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on May 02, 2021, 10:34:59 AM
Foden has shown moments of individual brilliance where it doesn't really matter who who is playing alongside. Looks a phenomenal talent. There are going to be some seriously good players not even in the squad. We need to embrace how good we are attacking-wise as the defence isn't even close. I'm not so sure Southgate is the man to get the best out this talent. Foden has been well managed but he's 20 now, time for him to have his chance of the likes of Sterling to go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on May 02, 2021, 11:13:18 AM
The best set up for England for the foreseeable seems to be 4-2-3-1

Of the riches we have at present it seems the ‘10’ is between Foden and Mount. I’d personally include Grealish but I don’t think Southgate does and I think Maddison’s personality / behaviour will cost him. 

Bellingham will eventually play in the middle two so it’s It’s the wide attacking midfielders where the heavy competition is.  Rashford, Grealish, Sancho, Sterling, Barnes, Greenwood, Saka, Hudson Odoi.

Greenwood and Hudson Odoi shouldn’t be picked this summer but you can’t rule out the big club bias getting them in. Hudson Odoi is actually miles off it really at present compared to his competition.  Barnes I’d take, because I think he’s a bit different and more direct, but he’s definitely less glamorous than others which will mean he misses out I think.

So I think Foden is actually a choice of two and how he’s controlling city games now puts him in the driving seat.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 02, 2021, 11:31:04 AM
While I’d love Bellingham to be developed into one of the midfield 2, most scouts I’ve listened to - and the Dortmund manager it seems - see him as playing in the number 10/advanced midfielder role.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 02, 2021, 11:35:09 AM
Southgate's insistence on 2 holding midfielders will hold back at least one of these superb talents.

All things being equal I want Grealish, Foden and Sterling as the attacking trio behind Kane, but managers love Mason Mount.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 02, 2021, 12:09:35 PM
Southgate's insistence on 2 holding midfielders will hold back at least one of these superb talents.

All things being equal I want Grealish, Foden and Sterling as the attacking trio behind Kane, but managers love Mason Mount.

I think our lack of a top quality central midfielder is what really lets us down. I am not the greatest admirers of Henderson, Rice and Phillips. They are good players, effective for their club teams, nothing more.

I also agree with your front four.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on May 02, 2021, 12:18:31 PM
While I’d love Bellingham to be developed into one of the midfield 2, most scouts I’ve listened to - and the Dortmund manager it seems - see him as playing in the number 10/advanced midfielder role.

He may well do, he’s still extremely young isn’t he. When I’ve seen him play personally though he’s looked the complete central  midfielder though.

Against Seville in the champions league he “won the most duels, the most tackles, most fouled player,  had 51 touches of the ball, made eight recoveries, completed two take-ons, made two clearances and was not dribbled past once”.

So he’s certainly capable but he may just have so much talent that you want him affecting things further forwards and getting goals and assists. From an England perspective he would be amazing if he stuck with that perhaps less glamorous role.

In terms of what Jacko said, I’d probably agree with Grealish, Foden, Sterling,  but I’d be temped by Sancho for Sterling depeding on form to the end of the season. .

It will be Rashford, Mount, Sterling if fit though to begin with this summer. Managers love both Mount and Rashford, and Sterling has experience. I’d fancy performances and public pressure for Foden to see him force his was in though as the tournament goes on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on May 02, 2021, 12:36:05 PM
It is all a little bit too soon for Bellingham but he is going to be a huge plus for England. He looks like he is developing into one of those very rare midfielders who is going to be equally adept in any central midfield role and that level of versatility just makes team selection so much easier. Whatever England are short of in the central midfield Bellingham will be the answer and all likelihood he will justify selection as a 6,8 or 10.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 25, 2021, 10:36:38 AM
Squad announcement at 1pm.

Do we think Alexander-Arnold will be included?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 25, 2021, 10:43:14 AM
It's only the provisional squad isn't it? He will make the prov squad but can't seem him making the full one sadly.

The Athletic have confirmed Ben White has made the provisional squad. Brighton fans say Webster and particularly Dunk are more deserving of a call up. It's a bit like Villa fans with their views on Konsa and Mings. I feel Southgate goes for style over substance with his central defender picks.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on May 25, 2021, 10:46:05 AM
It's only the provisional squad isn't it? He will make the prov squad but can't seem him making the full one sadly.

The Athletic have confirmed Ben White has made the provisional squad. Brighton fans say Webster and particularly Dunk are more deserving of a call up. It's a bit like Villa fand with their views on Konsa and Mings. I feel Southgate goes for style over substance with his central defender picks.

Konsa & Tomori should be in over both Mings & Dier, Mings is the most overrated player in the division he has at least one huge mistake in him a game and Eric Dier has had a dreadful season at Spurs and should be nowhere near the England team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 25, 2021, 10:49:03 AM
I'll be fuming if Tomori isn't there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2021, 12:18:53 PM
When is the official squad announced outside of the provisionals?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on May 25, 2021, 12:35:20 PM
When is the official squad announced outside of the provisionals?

Deadline is June 1st so anytime until then
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 25, 2021, 01:07:18 PM
I'll be fuming if Tomori isn't there.

Guess you're going to angry then.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on May 25, 2021, 01:10:59 PM
Here are the 33 announced

PROVISIONAL 33-MAN ENGLAND SQUAD FOR EURO 2020

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City, Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ben White (Brighton)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (West Ham), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on May 25, 2021, 03:35:00 PM
I’m not having Reece James as better than TAA.

For me TAA should be going and he probably starting the group games. We certainly don’t need 4 right backs.   

I don’t know how Watkins has got in over Bamford either although I expect he will be cut. Calvert Lewis can possibly count himself lucky given his form but he’s always done well for England.

Ramsdale
James
White
Lingard
Saka
Watkins
Mings


I think those are the seven I’d drop if injuries allowed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 25, 2021, 03:41:03 PM
Graeme Jones has been added to the England coaching staff.  Unbelievable the work this bloke gets. We're definitely looking at semis as best case scenario with Southgate and now this.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 25, 2021, 04:13:45 PM
Guess you're going to angry then.

It's just bizarre. Southgate is basically saying that Brighton' s 3rd beat centre back, Wolves third best centre back, Villas second best centre back and Eveeton's best centre back are better than an AC Milan centre half - the second best side in Italy this season.

So strange.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2021, 06:40:19 PM
The forward options are incredible really - just a shame we cannot produce a central midfielder and centre half.

I agree with the players Johnny Cash has dropped only I would be tempted to take Ollie Watkins ahead of Dominic Calvert Lewin
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 25, 2021, 06:43:15 PM
I think we as fans fall foul of pigeonholing players as having set abilities. In reality it's very difficult to remove a player from the system they play in, as proven by the players Leeds have, or Sheffield United last season. Both have cores of players from the Championship or below, but have posted good results in recent seasons.

What this means is that a player who does well for their club may not replicate it for their country. TAA benefits from Liverpool's midfield being set up to cover as he and Robertson push up high, and that is where he has a lot of quality. However there are question marks about his 1-v-1 defending and teams like Real Madrid have looked to exploit this.

If I'm honest, I don't think I've ever knowingly seen Reece James play, but I know he's versatile and can play at RB, RWB, and RCB, so maybe that's why he's included. Likewise Ben White played a full season in defensive midfield for Leeds, and Mings can cover left back.

This gives flexibility between a back four and a back three, which I think Southgate will prioritise.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on May 25, 2021, 08:26:05 PM
I’m not having Reece James as better than TAA.

For me TAA should be going and he probably starting the group games. We certainly don’t need 4 right backs.   

I don’t know how Watkins has got in over Bamford either although I expect he will be cut. Calvert Lewis can possibly count himself lucky given his form but he’s always done well for England.

Ramsdale
James
White
Lingard
Saka
Watkins
Mings


I think those are the seven I’d drop if injuries allowed.

I'd take James over Alexander_Arnold because he can defend and is able to cover 3 positions: England don't play like Liverpool. 
I'd take Sako over Shaw because he can use his right foot when necessary and is a classier player, all round.
Clearly a lot of the denigration here of Mings stems from the fact that he's a Seal but he's genuinely left sided and intelligent. If McGuire is injured, I'd take him.
Jadon Sancho was very unconvincing for the U21' tournament but they were managed by Boothroyd so maybe I'd leave him in BUT goals win tournaments and I think Watkins is a surer shot.

Graeme Jones:  well, well!  There'll be some red faces if the team gets to the final even.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on May 25, 2021, 08:54:59 PM
I'd take James over Alexander_Arnold because he can defend and is able to cover 3 positions: England don't play like Liverpool. 
I'd take Sako over Shaw because he can use his right foot when necessary and is a classier player, all round.
Clearly a lot of the denigration here of Mings stems from the fact that he's a Seal but he's genuinely left sided and intelligent. If McGuire is injured, I'd take him.
Jadon Sancho was very unconvincing for the U21' tournament but they were managed by Boothroyd so maybe I'd leave him in BUT goals win tournaments and I think Watkins is a surer shot.

Graeme Jones:  well, well!  There'll be some red faces if the team gets to the final even.

I think Sako will be seen as a midfield option rather than a left back, the Official  announcements had him as a midfielder which is quite telling and Tierney is arsenals left back. Is he going to play wide left over Rashford, Foden, Grealish? I don’t think so, Sterling and Sancho can play there too if needed.

No chance Sancho is considered as one of those dropped. He’s a star at Dortmund and finished the season very well. I’d start him over Sterling at the moment. Are you possibly confusing him with someone else because I’m not sure he’s ever played for the under 21s. Certainly didn’t in the recent tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on May 26, 2021, 08:35:05 AM
The problem for Southgate is that some players like TAA, Mount and Foden play their league games surrounded and supported by fabulous talent.  He knows this is not available to him and must try to find a team that can play effectively from the talent available.  If this means playing Rice and Henderson as a defensive pair in front of a shaky back line then so be it.  Rice in particular has provided some great covering tackles in recent games when the back line has been pulled out of position.

As for Mount and Foden, I don't think an England team can afford both on the pitch at the same time.

I think White and Bellingham are in the 33 to get used to the environment

@Jonny Cash  Thanks for the correction: in my previous post I confused Jadon Sancho with Hudson-Odoi. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 26, 2021, 08:56:30 AM
Id take TAA over James (i do like James though)

Id cut Saka possibly as Shaw and Chilwell are very good LB's

Ben White

Phillips would be cut if we are taking Rice and Henderson

For me the 7 to go would be

Aaron Ramsdale
White
Phillips
Saka
James Ward-Prowse
Godfrey
and either Greenwood/Watkins or DCL. I do think DCL gives us a presence upfront though if Kane needs to come off and the other forwards can play off him.

Its a tough decision for Southgate on who gets dropped from the forward line more than the rest of the squad for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on May 26, 2021, 09:16:01 AM
Just did the BBC England squad pick.

Removed the 7 I would drop which turned out as:

Aaron Ramsdale
White
Phillips
Saka
James Ward-Prowse
Godfrey
Watkins

However, it left me with a space to fill  ???

So I added Phillips back in.

How's that work out  :-\
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on May 26, 2021, 09:21:02 AM
Id take TAA over James (i do like James though)

Id cut Saka possibly as Shaw and Chilwell are very good LB's

Ben White

Phillips would be cut if we are taking Rice and Henderson

For me the 7 to go would be

Aaron Ramsdale
White
Phillips
Saka
James Ward-Prowse
Godfrey
and either Greenwood/Watkins or DCL. I do think DCL gives us a presence upfront though if Kane needs to come off and the other forwards can play off him.

Its a tough decision for Southgate on who gets dropped from the forward line more than the rest of the squad for me
Agree with all that Tom although tough on Saka.
If Henderson not 100% fit though, he shouldn't go.

As for the front 3, Watkins would be my choice. DCL's purple patch ran out a while back and Greenwood is a bit overrated at this stage, IMO.

With what's left, we should be able to pick 11 to be competitive. If we're going to win it though, we will need every one of them to be at the very peak of their game and a fair bit of good fortune!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on May 26, 2021, 02:23:47 PM
Suspect Southgate also factors in the ability to read the "england players guide to conducting ones-self"

particularly the chapter about leaving hotel to go shagging / partying / getting inebriated !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on May 26, 2021, 02:33:27 PM
If Henderson AND Phillips are injured is Jake on standby?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on May 28, 2021, 07:47:05 PM
I know the fact Foden is talented is no secret, but I’ve just seen a stat that he got 9 goals and 5 assists this season.  On its own that’s not overly impressive, but he did in about 1500 minutes of football.

He could get 25 goals next season and then you begin to understand why Guardiola has spoken about him in the same breath as Messi.

He won’t get near Messi’s career totals as out scoring a goal a game season after season in the premiership just doesn’t look possible, but he get his fair share of records if he can stay injury free.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 01, 2021, 03:37:53 PM
It appears to have leaked that Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the 26 man squad, so we're either taking 4 right backs or one of James, Trippier and Walker will miss out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 01, 2021, 03:46:24 PM
I wonder how much public opinion has swayed Southgate on that front?

Can't be taking four right backs so has to be Trippier/James to miss out? Walker offers the versatility of playing at centre half.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gavinrussell on June 01, 2021, 05:04:54 PM
Well done Sam..😊👏👏👏👏
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 01, 2021, 05:30:21 PM
Feels unbalanced with very few centre forwards but that could just be a sign of what formation Southgate will play. Expect Connor Coady to start despite being Wolves 3rd best centre back.

Feel a bit sorry for Ollie Watkins.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on June 01, 2021, 05:35:02 PM
Definitely playing 5 at the back
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 01, 2021, 05:47:34 PM
I’m hoping that having space four 26 means 4 right backs isn’t an issue, but I’m becoming more concerned Southgate will mess this generation up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 01, 2021, 05:53:13 PM
Southgates starting Lingard tommorow even though he's not going to the Euros?  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 01, 2021, 06:14:38 PM
Southgates starting Lingard tommorow even though he's not going to the Euros?  :o

He's braindead isn't he? Christ what I'd give for a competent manager heading into this very winnable tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 01, 2021, 06:15:10 PM
He's braindead isn't he? Christ what I'd give for a competent manager heading into this very winnable tournament.

I despair with the guy i really do.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 01, 2021, 06:31:41 PM
Squad is definitely set up to play 3 at the back with Walker playing in a back 3. I think a back 3 massively negates us going forwards as he’l play Henderson & Rice it’s just far too defensive. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 01, 2021, 06:47:19 PM
Southgates starting Lingard tommorow even though he's not going to the Euros?  :o

That is quite scary Gareth is a nice guy but not the man for the job. He is not a risk taker.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: PartisanBaggie on June 01, 2021, 06:49:08 PM
He's braindead isn't he? Christ what I'd give for a competent manager heading into this very winnable tournament.

No more that an FA yes man.

Never wanted him as England manager. Especially after the 2018 World Cup when we had the easiest route to a final.

I don’t even get excited for these international tournaments any more.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 01, 2021, 06:49:57 PM
That is quite scary Gareth is a nice guy but not the man for the job. He is not a risk taker.

Trying to chummy up to him for dropping him. Not a good look.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 01, 2021, 06:52:17 PM
Southgates starting Lingard tommorow even though he's not going to the Euros?  :o

There is not one positive whatsoever to Lingaard featuring in tomorrow’s warm up friendly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 01, 2021, 06:53:11 PM
It's beyond my comprehension.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 01, 2021, 07:16:04 PM
Cbs weak after 2 starting. Too many right backs. Looks set for back 3 with wing backs. The manager will probably cost us winning this tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 01, 2021, 07:22:34 PM
The better centre backs are at home. Coady and Mings? It is clear that Walker will be used as a centre half.

Three right backs in that case does seem excessive
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 01, 2021, 09:01:04 PM
He’s perfect for us...come the end of June. 😁
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 01, 2021, 09:23:27 PM
He’s perfect for us...come the end of June. 😁

Still expecting the Aidy Boothroyd announcement on the first whistle of England's Euros opener.  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 01, 2021, 10:19:36 PM
Southgate made a comment in the press conference that made my ears prick up. When discussing Bellingham at 17, he said he will be a brilliant player for future England managers. I felt it was an odd comment - almost a Freudian slip that he knows he has a limited shelf life now. I wonder when he eventually plans to walk away?

I think this tournament is more of a warm up for the World Cup in Qatar which will be played at the perfect time for us as the players will not be knackered after a full season. We have a few key players missing (Gomez, possibly Maguire), while a few others are maybe a year away from where we need them to be (some based on form such as TAA, Abraham while others are maybe a year or two off being at their best- Greenwood, Foden, Sancho, Bellingham, Tomori, Guehi). The run to the final is also horrendous if we win the group as we play potential winners in every single round of the knockouts.

What I’d like to see is some progress this year. We need some high profile victories to show we can mix it with the best. We lose more often than not when facing top tier sides, particularly in competitive games. I’d like to see us beat Portugal/Germany in the last 16 and maybe a Spain in the quarters. If we lost to France in the semi finals having beat those two then I’d say we have done a good job - it is a lot to expect us to keep beating the very best every time. What we can’t afford to do is lose the first time we come up against a big boy. Southgate should go if that happens.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 01, 2021, 10:54:37 PM
Southgate made a comment in the press conference that made my ears prick up. When discussing Bellingham at 17, he said he will be a brilliant player for future England managers. I felt it was an odd comment - almost a Freudian slip that he knows he has a limited shelf life now. I wonder when he eventually plans to walk away?

I think this tournament is more of a warm up for the World Cup in Qatar which will be played at the perfect time for us as the players will not be knackered after a full season. We have a few key players missing (Gomez, possibly Maguire), while a few others are maybe a year away from where we need them to be (some based on form such as TAA, Abraham while others are maybe a year or two off being at their best- Greenwood, Foden, Sancho, Bellingham, Tomori, Guehi). The run to the final is also horrendous if we win the group as we play potential winners in every single round of the knockouts.

What I’d like to see is some progress this year. We need some high profile victories to show we can mix it with the best. We lose more often than not when facing top tier sides, particularly in competitive games. I’d like to see us beat Portugal/Germany in the last 16 and maybe a Spain in the quarters. If we lost to France in the semi finals having beat those two then I’d say we have done a good job - it is a lot to expect us to keep beating the very best every time. What we can’t afford to do is lose the first time we come up against a big boy. Southgate should go if that happens.

I'm not convinced Southgate will get us out of the group...  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 01, 2021, 11:12:19 PM
Under normal circumstances I’d say there are some real banana skins but up to 3 of the 4 qualify so I’d be shocked if we don’t make the last 16. It might actually work in our favour to finish second or even third though.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on June 02, 2021, 09:08:56 AM
Southgate himself seems to have set the bar at last four and I think he might have cause to regret that. We should get out of the Group comfortably enough and there is always third place and frankly all of the teams in England's Group can get the third place qualification simply by stuffing Scotland and if you can't stuff Scotland then you deserve to go home.

In terms of the squad selection I can't get overly excited about it beyond the fact we are taking players with significant injury doubts (Henderson Maguire and Phillips) which we always seem to do and it seldom ends well. In a 26 man squad it is less important but two are central midfielders and even now there is talk of pushing a Right Back into the Central Midfield as cover.

In terms of talent it is very much front loaded we seem to have a surfeit of youngsters coming through in attacking positions, Greenwood's injury was unfortunate but it spared Southgate another selection dilemma but the cupboard is less well stocked in central midfield and defence.

 Overall I think this imbalance will see us blow the lesser lights away but we will concede too easily when come up against a genuine heavyweight with some quality attacking talent of their own and I think that could be as early as the 1st knock out stage if we win the Group.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on June 02, 2021, 09:11:26 AM
2nd round will be the big game I feel, if we win our group we then play the 2nd placed team out of the France, Germany & Portugal group
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 02, 2021, 10:04:07 AM
Bizarrely I think Euros are a tougher competition than world cup, is that correct? and how can that make sense logically?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: ronnie_allen on June 02, 2021, 10:47:04 AM
Bizarrely I think Euros are a tougher competition than world cup, is that correct? and how can that make sense logically?

In essence; it may be easier to progress with a good draw in the World Cup; but to win the overall thing should still be as hard or harder.

In a way; if you are there it may be easier to progress - as the 24th ranked European team may be deemed to be better than the 3rd place Asian side or the 2nd placed CONCAAF team.

However; to win out; you will have a couple of more competitive sides in the mix such as Argentina, Brazil and a couple other emerging teams from the pack.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 02, 2021, 11:09:48 AM
2nd round will be the big game I feel, if we win our group we then play the 2nd placed team out of the France, Germany & Portugal group

I think Portugal & France will be the 2 to qualify from that group I think they are the 2 best teams going into the tournament, both teams are more balanced than we are & have deeper squads.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 02, 2021, 11:12:17 AM
I think Portugal & France will be the 2 to qualify from that group I think they are the 2 best teams going into the tournament, both teams are more balanced than we are & have deeper squads.

Both France and Portugal are temperamental, meanwhile Germany are so consistent in tournaments, cannot see them not straight through.
I would say Portugal will struggle, as will we.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 02, 2021, 03:49:43 PM
Both France and Portugal are temperamental, meanwhile Germany are so consistent in tournaments, cannot see them not straight through.
I would say Portugal will struggle, as will we.


Germany have been dodgy under Löw for a few years. Was it 2018 they didn't get out their group? He's  thought back some of the old guard e.g. Muller after dropping them, so it will be interesting to see how they get on.

France are tournament favourites, and Portugal have a better squad than when they won it 4 years ago, although I'm not sure their first XI is better.

I'm so very annoyed by Southgate's selection. His comment "these are the 26 best footballers in the country" just smacks of how we wasted the last golden generation, where we tried to shoe-horn players in because they were big names, rather than have a team that excelled.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 02, 2021, 08:09:06 PM
What is Southgate doing?

I’ve no idea what this formation is at the moment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 02, 2021, 08:44:48 PM
Totally agree johny
Grealish?
He flatters to decieve
I think allowing himself to get fouled is his game
Hes actually not good enough to beat a man without going down
He won't be in the team for the first match in the euros, he's a liability
This I'd a poor match, can't remember a shot on target, what's the point of this set up?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 02, 2021, 08:48:28 PM
Grealish Lingard, Sako the west ham guy
Non good enough to play for England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 02, 2021, 09:00:33 PM
Grealish Lingard, Sako the west ham guy
Non good enough to play for England
Why would you play Lingard who didn't make the final 26?
These games are about setting up for a tournament with players who will be available, what Southgates done is nonsense.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 02, 2021, 09:07:32 PM
Grealish has been the best player on the pitch. Bellingham, Sako and TAA decent also.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 02, 2021, 09:14:20 PM
Grealish? Jack you watching the same match mate?
He isn't good enough to beat a man without going down he's a fake
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 02, 2021, 09:15:50 PM
Heavily involved in that goal. At the heart of every decent move we have.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on June 02, 2021, 09:16:57 PM
As did Lingard and Saka !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 02, 2021, 09:20:09 PM
Well taken goal by Sako fair play to him
I will never agree about Grealish
I don't like the way he plays his football
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: CL3MO on June 02, 2021, 09:23:44 PM
Well taken goal by Sako fair play to him
I will never agree about Grealish
I don't like the way he plays his football

Jack Grealish is a sensational footballer - when he's in full flow, there are not many better in world football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on June 02, 2021, 09:26:27 PM
Well taken goal by Sako fair play to him
I will never agree about Grealish
I don't like the way he plays his football
That’s not the same as saying he isn’t any good
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 02, 2021, 09:28:13 PM
Jack Grealish is a sensational footballer - when he's in full flow, there are not many better in world football.

I agree, he’d be outstanding at city. Sometimes he does need to release it split second earlier but the way he drives with the ball, keeps it so close and pushes it at the right time is why he’s fouled so much. He does get kicked from pillar to post But does also go down easily at times as well, both can be true.

TAA, Bellingham and Grealish all start in my 11.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 02, 2021, 09:29:53 PM
Grealish world class mate?
Can't believe you think that, world class?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 02, 2021, 09:53:07 PM
That’s a poor team performance. Id hoped to see much more. Set up from wrong, too many players were slack. Not good. 

Still, that’s the game to put in that performance. Hopefully it can only get better.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 02, 2021, 09:54:14 PM
TAA injured. Big blow if so. Defensively I prefer Wan Bissaka put is he injured?

TAA’s attacking input would be a huge miss.

We were dire in the last 30 minutes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 02, 2021, 09:55:44 PM
That second half for England was painful to watch, sitting deep and just hoofing the ball back doesn't bode well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 02, 2021, 09:57:28 PM
A generally poor and disjointed performance rescued somewhat by 3 or 4 excellent individual displays. Grealish, Bellingham, Saka and Alexander-Arnold all played very well.

Bad news if that's a serious injury to Trent.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 02, 2021, 09:57:48 PM
Shocking display from England looked completely clueless going forwards & brittle at the back. By the sounds of things Maguire won’t be fit for the group stages so one of Mings or Coady is playing. The only one to come out of that with some credit was Saka & Bellingham (what a player)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 02, 2021, 10:04:50 PM
Totally agree Johny
It's a Grealish love in tonight
Poor on defence, midfield and upfront
That's our 2nd 11
Must get better with the quality to come back in
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 02, 2021, 11:29:54 PM
If TAA is injured, we won’t replace him with another fullback. I’d expect that Southgate would be looking at Godfrey, Ward-Prowse or Lingard instead.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 02, 2021, 11:40:16 PM
We look awful at cb if TAA is injured we could do with calling up another cb. Mings and coady getting game time could be what costs us...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 02, 2021, 11:51:52 PM
Tomori should be there but that’s a drum I’ve already beaten. By the next World Cup, we will hopefully have Gomez, Tomori, Guehi and maybe even Harwood-Bellis showing how good they are.

It would be nice if we could see a left footed player emerge but then I’m sure lots of top teams get away with predominantly right footed pairings. I’d like to think professional footballers can use their weaker foot fairly well when needed nowadays.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on June 03, 2021, 12:32:48 AM
Tomori should be there but that’s a drum I’ve already beaten. By the next World Cup, we will hopefully have Gomez, Tomori, Guehi and maybe even Harwood-Bellis showing how good they are.

It would be nice if we could see a left footed player emerge but then I’m sure lots of top teams get away with predominantly right footed pairings. I’d like to think professional footballers can use their weaker foot fairly well when needed nowadays.

I'd prefer a right and left footed partnership but it doesn't matter so much in a back four, it is more critical in a 3. I'd rather have Konsa in the squad than either of Mings or Coady .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 03, 2021, 04:31:40 AM
I'd prefer a right and left footed partnership but it doesn't matter so much in a back four, it is more critical in a 3. I'd rather have Konsa in the squad than either of Mings or Coady .

Konsa, dawson, godfrey
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiebof on June 03, 2021, 07:18:49 AM
I'd rather have Konsa in the squad than either of Mings or Coady .

I agree but for me Tomori and Dunk, who seems a more natural replacement for the qualities that Maguire brings, would be ahead of Konsa. I actually like Webster and White too. I understand that Mings has an advantage being left footed but Coady is so poor in a two and all of those mentioned above have performed well in a three so not sure why Coady is ahead of any of them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 03, 2021, 08:05:20 AM
Agree with the others - it was a poor, disjointed performance - we can expect more of them throughout the Euros with this man in charge.

Despite being blessed with riches in the forward areas our central midfield and central defender options are really poor - especially in comparison to other nations. The notion that we may start with Coady featuring in our defence is a sad indictment of this manager and the English game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on June 03, 2021, 09:32:19 AM
I think I have  sympathy with an International manager in that he can only pick from the players that are available. In that context Mings being in the squad makes sense as he was virtually the only left footed English Centre Back that was playing top level football last season. If you don't take him you pretty much can't play a back 3 maybe we shouldn't but that is another debate.

On the other hand when there are better options available as in the case of Coady I have less sympathy and on the face of it there are four or five better options.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 03, 2021, 09:35:05 AM
hopefully its southgates last competition
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on June 03, 2021, 12:44:52 PM
Grealish for Villa I hate
Grealish for England I'll back as he is playing for my country
That still doesn't however stop me wishing he would stop diving and cheating regardless of who he is playing for. If he does it for England we get a free kick that is blasted in and wins us a vital game I wouldn't care however if we had a great move coming on he dives ref calls it back then I would be annoyed. And the less said about his antics at Villa the better
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on June 03, 2021, 01:19:07 PM
Maybe if Grealish wore his socks and shin pads properly he wouldn't need to sit with ice packs on his shins

If I was his manager I wouldn't allow him to risk injury by not wearing them properly
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on June 03, 2021, 01:37:30 PM
Grealish for Villa I hate
Grealish for England I'll back as he is playing for my country
That still doesn't however stop me wishing he would stop diving and cheating regardless of who he is playing for. If he does it for England we get a free kick that is blasted in and wins us a vital game I wouldn't care however if we had a great move coming on he dives ref calls it back then I would be annoyed. And the less said about his antics at Villa the better

It’s cheating regardless of who he is playing for.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WorcsWBA on June 03, 2021, 01:39:16 PM
It’s cheating regardless of who he is playing for.
Agreed, cheats of any kind shouldn't prosper in any respect and the circumstances of the cheating don't change that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wodenson46 on June 03, 2021, 06:26:07 PM
Everyone knows and understands that the vile grass eater is a cheat. What is less often discussed is the cheating officials who not only give the free kicks he 'earns' but who also do nothing to stop him and others continuing this vile and disgusting practice. Why are there no 'professional' interests involved, what these cheats do often prevents their own association members from pursuing their own lawful profession. Really does need to be stopped now, either legally or physically.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 03, 2021, 06:46:51 PM
Gutted for TAA, ruled out of the tournament.

No TAA or Gomez, Henderson and Maguire unlikely to be fit for the start of the tournament, some big blows there to players who probably would be starters or close to it.

Will be a tough tournament for us to win,  everything going against us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 03, 2021, 07:20:01 PM
Gutted for TAA, ruled out of the tournament.

No TAA or Gomez, Henderson and Maguire unlikely to be fit for the start of the tournament, some big blows there to players who probably would be starters or close to it.

Will be a tough tournament for us to win,  everything going against us.


I think this tournament should really be viewed as a warm up for the world cup, though with the mid-season nature of Qatar it's probably got its own challenges, such as the heat.

I don't rate our chances beyond the group stages, but wouldn't be surprised if we struggled to the semi's. The way we play means most half decent teams will isolate Rice in midfield and overload us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 04, 2021, 06:23:20 AM
Gutted for TAA, ruled out of the tournament.

No TAA or Gomez, Henderson and Maguire unlikely to be fit for the start of the tournament, some big blows there to players who probably would be starters or close to it.

Will be a tough tournament for us to win,  everything going against us.

No TAA gives the manager a chance to take another cb. Amazed he hasnt picked tomori. Maguire isnt likely to be fit so maybe 2 cbs going. Henderson a leader but is englands equivalent to livermore he holds the team back by being a limited player. Much prefer rice and mount as central 2.

Think its winnable due to our fire power. Issues we have is the manager for not picking the best cbs available. Coady and mings against the best in the world worry me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 06, 2021, 03:48:41 PM
England team for today -

Johnstone
Godfrey
Shaw
Phillips
Mings
White
Sancho
Ward-Prowse
Calvert-Lewin
Grealish
Rashford
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 06, 2021, 03:54:29 PM
So we not are going to give the likely 1st eleven 60 minutes together  :-\

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 06, 2021, 04:10:43 PM
Also, he’s gone from selecting 4 right backs, to not putting one on the pitch?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 04:46:17 PM
Wonder what this bunch of posers will do today.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 04:58:09 PM
I didn't know this.
7 - Sam Johnstone is set to become the seventh goalkeeper to pick up an @England cap while playing for West Brom, with the Baggies having more different goalkeepers play for the Three Lions than any other club side. Bagful.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 06, 2021, 05:03:58 PM
Just seen the huge Union flag with West Bromwich Albion on
Great to see for Sam
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 06, 2021, 05:08:23 PM
Just seen the huge Union flag with West Bromwich Albion on
Great to see for Sam
it’s the kitman’s, goes to every England game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 05:16:13 PM
 Never wanted England to lose before but I hope they get hammered.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 06, 2021, 05:30:02 PM
Commentator has just said the best chance has fallen to Austria!. We are playing Romania mate!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 06, 2021, 05:32:14 PM
Never wanted England to lose before but I hope they get hammered.
Why's that?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 06, 2021, 05:32:32 PM
My word this is boring.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 06, 2021, 05:34:14 PM
Never wanted England to lose before but I hope they get hammered.

Why's that?

If it’s anything to do with the continued drama prior to kick off then don’t bother responding as it will just be removed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBaggieMan on June 06, 2021, 05:45:06 PM
Just seen the huge Union flag with West Bromwich Albion on
Great to see for Sam

Probably Jacko cheering Sam Johnstone on !

 ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: maccbaggie on June 06, 2021, 05:55:55 PM
Mings (and Coady) awful. Tomori better than both. And how is Ward-Prowse not in this squad?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 06, 2021, 06:08:52 PM
Mings has been awful this game what a joke he’s in the team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 06, 2021, 06:25:48 PM
This is a football forum, please stick to the football and keep the rest for places away from WestBrom.com
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 06, 2021, 06:26:33 PM
Never a penalty
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 06:26:53 PM
why are my perfectly normal comments being removed I have been slated and not allowed a response?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 06, 2021, 06:29:00 PM
why are my perfectly normal comments being removed I have been slated and not allowed a response?

Its a football forum and anything else is going to be removed, not interested in veiled political comments so all comments non football have gone and will continue to be removed.

If ignored then the members posting them will also be removed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 06, 2021, 06:29:36 PM
Well done Grealish never a penalty!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 06, 2021, 06:33:20 PM
Great save Johnstone
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Aztech on June 06, 2021, 06:33:34 PM
Fantastic save by Johnstone
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 06, 2021, 06:34:08 PM
Great save SJ.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 06:34:42 PM
Its a football forum and anything else is going to be removed, not interested in veiled political comments so all comments non football have gone and will continue to be removed.

If ignored then the members posting them will also be removed.
Fine, although I don't understand my reply to caravan being removed and thanks for removing the derogatory comment against me I had responded before that had happened.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 06, 2021, 06:39:20 PM
Awful penalty that Henderson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 06, 2021, 06:47:36 PM
Do they slow the footage down every time England play or is it this slow in real life?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SC_Baggie on June 06, 2021, 06:52:25 PM
How many more million for that save?  :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 06, 2021, 06:54:54 PM
I would possibly make Sam MAn of the match
No one outstanding but that save was a worldy also made a couple of awkward moments look like he was in control.
Well done Sam
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 06, 2021, 06:56:10 PM
Well that was poor...again. Dominated the ball but didn’t make many chances and Won it by virtue of a penalty that shouldn’t have been given.

Looks like we will need to play ourselves in to some form in the group games, we won’t flirt with winning it if the first 11 isn’t much better than those in the friendlies have been.  Croatia won’t roll over for us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 06, 2021, 07:06:22 PM
2nd 11 for me
No pen
Grealish cheating again
Pleased we won though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 06, 2021, 07:22:09 PM
Lack of first team players and no continuity showed. Grealish, Johnstone played well. Bellingham good when he came on and JWP making a push for that last squad place.

Not sure how I feel about our first team not getting a single warm up game together pre tournament, but I don't have high hopes anyway with how things have fell.

Grealish won't start against Croatia but should seriously be considered at some stage. Had he been playing for Spurs these last few years, he would be a starter and likely being looked at by a club like Real Madrid right now, he is sensational.

Fans booed the players off at half time. I know it wasn't a great performance but do you really want to do that in our last game? Fingers crossed Middlesbrough doesn't get another England game for a generation.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 07:22:37 PM
Clearly not a penalty he played for it and even carried on when he hit the ground if he did that against our team we would be fuming but because it's for England many will ignore the cheating.
Micheal Owen used to win a few penalties so not the first player but I can't warm to this bloke at all he's just a scumy git.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 07:26:01 PM
Lack of first team players and no continuity showed. Grealish, Johnstone played well. Bellingham good when he came on and JWP making a push for that last squad place.

Not sure how I feel about our first team not getting a single warm up game together pre tournament, but I don't have high hopes anyway with how things have fell.

Grealish won't start against Croatia but should seriously be considered at some stage. Had he been playing for Spurs these last few years, he would be a starter and likely being looked at by a club like Real Madrid right now, he is sensational.

Fans booed the players off at half time. I know it wasn't a great performance but do you really want to do that in our last game? Fingers crossed Middlesbrough doesn't get another England game for a generation.
Why wouldn't you want Boro to get another game you would be a rare fan indeed if you have never booed your football team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on June 06, 2021, 07:44:30 PM
Whether we like him or not, Grealish has to start when the real thing begins. A class player without doubt.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheBaggieMan on June 06, 2021, 07:48:40 PM
Great save Johnstone

Apart from a couple of kicks that went out of play, Sam played better than Pickford against Austria who nearly gave the win away with a dreadful punch.

That said, I expect Pickford to play against Croatia in spite of Sam’s superior performance.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wodenson46 on June 06, 2021, 08:02:23 PM
Whether we like him or not, Grealish has to start when the real thing begins. A class player without doubt.

He is still a CHEATING  see you next Thursday. Always was always will be. Has talent but what he has is based on him being rewarded for activities against the laws of the game. Repeat - he is a cheat. Vile, England or God forbid even WBA, Grealish is still a cheat

Thought SJ had a decent game, just the one flap into danger and one punch out accidentally to one of his team mates. Plus the one superb recovery save that probably earned us the win. Well done Sam.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 06, 2021, 08:08:03 PM
Why wouldn't you want Boro to get another game you would be a rare fan indeed if you have never booed your football team.

And then booing Watkins onto the field and incessantly chanting Patrick Bamford...

To boo the team at half time just before a tournament is ridiculous. What are they hoping to achieve?

They were in a fortunate position of being able to attend after nigh on 12 months of football without supporters. They should have made the most of it rather than playing the daft one.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 06, 2021, 08:15:24 PM
Why wouldn't you want Boro to get another game you would be a rare fan indeed if you have never booed your football team.

I don't boo Albion off, I certainly wouldn't boo my team off as they prepare for a major tournament where we have a chance of winning. As Liam says, the Watkins/Bamford rubbish from the Leeds contingent narked as well.

rubbish support.

We need home advantage to count this year - even with the injuries we have players capable of winning the thing.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 08:18:12 PM
And then booing Watkins onto the field and incessantly chanting Patrick Bamford...

To boo the team at half time just before a tournament is ridiculous. What are they hoping to achieve?

They were in a fortunate position of being able to attend after nigh on 12 months of football without supporters. They should have made the most of it rather than playing the daft one.
I don't know about individual moments I don't have a TV License but the England team at the moment is a PR disaster and resentment is running deep, as I understand it all these fans are signed up England supporters so they care deeply about the team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 08:20:10 PM
I don't boo Albion off, I certainly wouldn't boo my team off as they prepare for a major tournament where we have a chance of winning. As Liam says, the Watkins/Bamford rubbish from the Leeds contingent narked as well.

rubbish support.

We need home advantage to count this year - even with the injuries we have players capable of winning the thing.
Read my post below, home advantage will count for zip this year the team and fans are pulling in different directions.
I will add that the booing must be causing bad vibes in the England camp the blame for that lies with the powers that be not the fans imo.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 06, 2021, 08:20:35 PM
My problem with this friendly lark before a tournament is not playing the vast majority of the 1st teamand expecting them to just turn up and gel, just like that.
I hope it works out OK but I am worried that it will not.
With our best 11 on the pitch with a couple of warm up games I think we could beat anybody but without a run out I'm worried.
Also has our manager only got one suit, and a scruffy one at that, no belt either what's going on? 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 06, 2021, 08:50:57 PM
I don't know about individual moments I don't have a TV License but the England team at the moment is a PR disaster and resentment is running deep, as I understand it all these fans are signed up England supporters so they care deeply about the team.

World Cup semi finalists, a brilliant qualification campaign, 3rd place in the nations league in 2018/2019, a likeable group of players and possibly our best squad of players in my lifetime.

I don’t really understand how resentment can be run in deep. This isn’t McLaren’s England. Most fans seem to be really positive about our chances.

Just poor support. I’d rather they didn’t go to games if they want to boo the players off for being 0-0 in a friendly if I’m honest.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on June 06, 2021, 08:59:16 PM
World Cup semi finalists, a brilliant qualification campaign, 3rd place in the nations league in 2018/2019, a likeable group of players and possibly our best squad of players in my lifetime.

I don’t really understand how resentment can be run in deep. This isn’t McLaren’s England. Most fans seem to be really positive about our chances.

Just poor support. I’d rather they didn’t go to games if they want to boo the players off for being 0-0 in a friendly if I’m honest.
I would love to expand on what you have said but rules are rules suffice to say I see it differently but eh wouldn't it be boring if we all agreed on everything.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 08, 2021, 10:20:53 PM
Away from the Euro’s, Callum Hudson-Odoi is on “holiday” in Ghana at the moment. It’s clear however that it is more than just a holiday and it is looking increasingly likely that he is going to switch international allegiance to Ghana next year. It is a blow as at 20, he could yet go on to become world class, but I get the decision with so many players coming through in the wide positions.

It does however make me a bit nervous. It seems to be a bit of a trend that a number of players are considering this option. Most seem to be making the call once it becomes clear they aren’t part of the England squad plans, including a large contingent of Anglo-Jamaicans who are in the process of declaring for Jamaica (who should have a squad capable of challenging the US, Mexico and the Latin American sides soon). There are however more like Hudson-Odoi making the move a bit younger. Madueke being linked with Nigeria and Wan-Bissaka with Congo among others.

France still seem to be able to keep their best youngsters and only lose late developers but ‘m not sure we have the same pull France do for whatever reason.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 09, 2021, 01:17:06 PM
The topic is "Anything England Football" as in football related, not fans related ONLY football related either on pitch or regarding players in or around the squad in football terms.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on June 15, 2021, 12:37:43 PM
Euro 2020: Aaron Ramsdale replaces injured Dean Henderson in England squad.

Does this then make Sam, second choice keeper?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 15, 2021, 12:49:44 PM
Euro 2020: Aaron Ramsdale replaces injured Dean Henderson in England squad.

Does this then make Sam, second choice keeper?

It does. Never thought I'd say this but 🙏 Jordan Pickford doesn't get injured/COVID.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: iwastherein68 on June 15, 2021, 01:48:26 PM
I can see it now SJ saves England in penalty shoot out drama
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 15, 2021, 02:01:05 PM
I can see it now SJ saves England in penalty shoot out drama

Why? He didn't in the Play Off Semi.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: iwastherein68 on June 15, 2021, 02:14:02 PM
Why? He didn't in the Play Off Semi.
Doesn't mean he wouldn't next time. I think he has 6 saves from 14 in his Albion career.
Not bad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 15, 2021, 02:22:34 PM
Doesn't mean he wouldn't next time. I think he has 6 saves from 14 in his Albion career.
Not bad

I also don't think Southgate would even consider using a sub keeper solely in the event of a shoot out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 02, 2021, 09:25:15 PM
Brilliant performance so far tonight in Budapest against a usually difficult Hungary. 3-0 up but should be 5 or 6 after 3 one in one misses.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on September 05, 2021, 06:44:52 PM
Why has Kane come on
We don't need another midfielder on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 06, 2021, 07:43:01 AM
looking good for another semi final at least next year
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 30, 2021, 02:39:41 PM
Soithgate's squads continue to give with one hand and take with another.

Fikayo Tomori finally gets another call up, hopefully ending any lingering doubts of a switch to Nigeria for a true "defender's defender".

Sadly though, still no Mason Greendwood and for some reason Jude Bellingham misses out as well.

Surely both Greenwood and Bellingham have to be considered as strong contenders for the 2022 world cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 30, 2021, 03:45:24 PM
Soithgate's squads continue to give with one hand and take with another.

Fikayo Tomori finally gets another call up, hopefully ending any lingering doubts of a switch to Nigeria for a true "defender's defender".

Sadly though, still no Mason Greendwood and for some reason Jude Bellingham misses out as well.

Surely both Greenwood and Bellingham have to be considered as strong contenders for the 2022 world cup.

Greenwood I can understand. He started the season really well but played up front. His opportunities there will be limited with Ronaldo and we have a lot of attacking midfielders.

I can't make sense of Bellingham. He is perfect for our centre midfield and we should be looking to build around. I'd have played him for 60 mins against Andorra.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on October 04, 2021, 04:29:15 PM
Rob Dorsett
@RobDorsettSky
Tammy Abraham called up to #england senior squad. Will join up with rest of the team at SGP tomorrow. Been impressive for #roma after a frustrating end at #cfc

As per @David_Ornstein
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 04, 2021, 04:40:52 PM
Honestly had no idea his full name is 'Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham'. Some moniker that. He'd be able to tuck his shirt into his boots if he had the whole thing printed on the back of his shirt.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: phbaggies on October 04, 2021, 04:56:48 PM
Honestly had no idea his full name is 'Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham'. Some moniker that. He'd be able to tuck his shirt into his boots if he had the whole thing printed on the back of his shirt.
Imagine hating the name Kevin that much you would rather take a girls name in Tammy  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 04, 2021, 04:57:52 PM
Honestly had no idea his full name is 'Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham'. Some moniker that. He'd be able to tuck his shirt into his boots if he had the whole thing printed on the back of his shirt.

I wouldn't want to pay for the lettering on the back of his shirt!. But seriously good luck to him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 05, 2021, 09:31:18 AM
who was the lad who played for Celtic, "van something of something long and unpronounceable" ?

I think Tammy even beats him !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 05, 2021, 09:41:08 AM
who was the lad who played for Celtic, "van something of something long and unpronounceable" ?

I think Tammy even beats him !!

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

Coolest name ever that 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 05, 2021, 09:41:22 AM
who was the lad who played for Celtic, "van something of something long and unpronounceable" ?

I think Tammy even beats him !!

Jan Venegoor of Hesselink
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 05, 2021, 09:44:24 AM
Our Semi's name isn't short either.

Oluwasemilogo Adesewo Ibidapo Ajayi
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 05, 2021, 10:21:25 AM
Not a footballer, but there is a racing driver called Ferdinand Habsburg (yes… those Habsburgs) and his full name is Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg-Lothringen
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on October 05, 2021, 10:23:12 AM
Not a footballer, but there is a racing driver called Ferdinand Habsburg (yes… those Habsburgs) and his full name is Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg-Lothringen

That's about five different people there.  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 05, 2021, 11:06:22 AM
Not a footballer, but there is a racing driver called Ferdinand Habsburg (yes… those Habsburgs) and his full name is Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg-Lothringen
Makes you wonder where that came from, perhaps his mom was a Cheggers fan
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: phbaggies on October 05, 2021, 11:46:48 AM
Not a footballer, but there is a racing driver called Ferdinand Habsburg (yes… those Habsburgs) and his full name is Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg-Lothringen
Thats like looking at a line-up an hour before kick off, Ferdinand in goal looks a bit dodgy though!!  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 05, 2021, 12:54:22 PM
Not a footballer, but there is a racing driver called Ferdinand Habsburg (yes… those Habsburgs) and his full name is Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg-Lothringen

otherwise known as Dave.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 05, 2021, 02:02:49 PM
I know this is going to sound saft but I honestly didn't realise England's next two fixtures were World Cup qualifiers. I've only been to one England international yet I received an email the other day to inform me I was eligible for a ticket for Saturday's match.

Either Andorra aren't quite the pull they were or like me others have decided a 19:45hrs kick off time on a Saturday night in London doesn't hold much of an attraction. Suppose it would be ok for those living within an easy commute or with an eye on making a weekend of it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 05, 2021, 02:06:41 PM
I know this is going to sound saft but I honestly didn't realise England's next two fixtures were World Cup qualifiers. I've only been to one England international yet I received an email the other day to inform me I was eligible for a ticket for Saturday's match.

Either Andorra aren't quite the pull they were or like me others have decided a 19:45hrs kick off time on a Saturday night in London doesn't hold much of an attraction. Suppose it would be ok for those living within an easy commute or with an eye on making a weekend of it.

out of curiosity, how much?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on October 05, 2021, 02:07:31 PM
Errm it’s away!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 05, 2021, 02:13:28 PM
Errm it’s away!

So it is. Email must have been for the Hungary game. Slinks away  :P  :P  :P .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 05, 2021, 02:28:10 PM
Errm it’s away!

Just checked my England FA email folder. That email wasn't the other day. It was dated August 2nd and it was for the home fixture which was played on September 5th with a 5pm kick off.


Time and football are flying by. So many games both domestic and international in such a short space of time. If I ever had one then I'm definitely losing the plot  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 05, 2021, 02:54:54 PM
Errm it’s away!

thought it would be a bargain, Buy one get 87000 free !! ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on October 08, 2021, 03:37:33 PM
Skysports are reporting that a fire has broken out at Andorra's stadium. Not sure how that is going to affect tomorrow's game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 08, 2021, 04:35:56 PM
Skysports are reporting that a fire has broken out at Andorra's stadium. Not sure how that is going to affect tomorrow's game.

I think it means Sam Johnstone's probably going to have to cancel his plans for an in game barbecue. If I were him I'd definitely still be taking a few Staropramens to pass the time though. And perhaps some pretzels or some other form of bar snack. Quite partial to those jalapeno biscuit bit things personally.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 08, 2021, 04:49:15 PM
I think it means Sam Johnstone's probably going to have to cancel his plans for an in game barbecue. If I were him I'd definitely still be taking a few Staropramens to pass the time though. And perhaps some pretzels or some other form of bar snack. Quite partial to those jalapeno biscuit bit things personally.

Snyders? Class snacks!

Sam could sit and watch the game himself on TV whilst eating those and we would still not concede
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 08, 2021, 05:00:02 PM
Snyders? Class snacks!

Sam could sit and watch the game himself on TV whilst eating those and we would still not concede

Yes Tom, Snyders, quality stuff  8) .

PS. Congratulations Sam.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 09, 2021, 04:12:12 PM
Well here I am stood on Wembley Way. Cross of Saint George wrapped around my shoulders with a knotted hanky on my head and a bag of cans on the go. Must say it's very quiet for an England international match day. What time's everyone else getting here for.............?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 09, 2021, 09:08:45 PM
Fikayo Tomori klaxon  ;D ;D ;D ;D

We needed him tied down with the threat of Nigeria still there in the background. Glad he has back in the fold as he suits a three man defence.

Also happy to see Tammy get his goal on his return. In a squad with a lack of top level Strikers backing up Harry Kane and with Liam Delap's chances of breaking through in time for the 2022 World Cup, Abraham might end up being vital.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 12, 2021, 08:32:33 PM
Notice how Grealish has gone from being an occasional sub to a nailed on starter in the space of a transfer to a top club few months.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on October 12, 2021, 08:50:18 PM
Notice how Grealish has gone from being an occasional sub to a nailed on starter in the space of a transfer to a top club few months.

It’s always been predictable. Look at when both Grealish and Mount played in the championship. Grealish carried Villa to promotion, whilst Mount did ok for Derby.

By September, back at Chelsea, Mount got his England call.

Similar will happen with Sancho. As soon as he gets a run in the United side, he will be starting for England. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BoingFlyer on October 12, 2021, 09:08:54 PM
Notice how Grealish has gone from being an occasional sub to a nailed on starter in the space of a transfer to a top club few months.

Look at the players he now trains with week in and week out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 12, 2021, 10:02:00 PM
It’s always been predictable. Look at when both Grealish and Mount played in the championship. Grealish carried Villa to promotion, whilst Mount did ok for Derby.

By September, back at Chelsea, Mount got his England call.

Similar will happen with Sancho. As soon as he gets a run in the United side, he will be starting for England.

I don’t buy that myself.

I think he has had to wait to get his chance. It’s obvious he should be playing though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on October 12, 2021, 10:21:03 PM
Kane was awful again. Was never worth £150 million, but you could knock at least £100 million off that valuation now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 13, 2021, 07:15:50 AM
what a bore fest last night. should have kept the second team
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 13, 2021, 08:51:06 AM
Kane was awful again. Was never worth £150 million, but you could knock at least £100 million off that valuation now.
He hasn't suddenly turned into a bad player. His domestic situation needs addressing as he clearly isnt happy at Spurs and its affecting his game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on October 13, 2021, 10:07:30 AM
He hasn't suddenly turned into a bad player. His domestic situation needs addressing as he clearly isnt happy at Spurs and its affecting his game
Diddums. He's under contract. He's very well paid. He (presumably) has plenty of friends at Spurs. No reason for him to be unhappy. Greedy and in the huff would be more accurate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 13, 2021, 10:15:50 AM
for some reason (possibly since Mourinhio) Kane has got into the habit of dropping deeper and deeper as a game goes on, its not what he is in the team for, at times last night he was playing out on the touchline or where a holding M-f would be.
He should be in the box and attacking the ball, providing a focus for attacks, which Abraham did for his few minutes. Also his 1st touch was appalling last night, the ball kept bouncing away from him, needs to get back to basics at his club IMO.
If he keeps performing like that he will put clubs off paying the massive fees which have been bandied about.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 13, 2021, 10:46:45 AM
Diddums. He's under contract. He's very well paid. He (presumably) has plenty of friends at Spurs. No reason for him to be unhappy. Greedy and in the huff would be more accurate.

Are you saying money is the resolution to all unhappiness? But then call him greedy for wanting more, which by my understanding of your comment means he would be even happier.

He can be un happy if a club have reneged on an agreed deal to let him leave.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 13, 2021, 11:38:09 AM
Are you saying money is the resolution to all unhappiness? But then call him greedy for wanting more, which by my understanding of your comment means he would be even happier.

He can be un happy if a club have reneged on an agreed deal to let him leave.
Whatever the reasons, he's clearly not right so we need to try an alternative. Shame there's not much about in terms of English strikers. Shame HRK is Welsh.

Hungary were brilliant though and fully deserved the draw. Won't affect qualification for either team, at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on October 13, 2021, 12:19:48 PM
I wouldn't call parking the bus brilliant mate.
We weren't quite up for it, although hard to believe it does happen, even for Sunday league teams, but the point is we didn't lose
Only need 4 points from last 2 now
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 13, 2021, 12:32:49 PM
Have to say that looking at the group tables a lot of these "matches" are totally worthless and the constant disruption to domestic football is not justifiable.
the only group which looks vaguely competitive all the way down is Frances (bizarrely).

https://www.google.com/search?q=world+cup+qualifying+group+tables&oq=world+cup+qualifying+group+tables&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l2j0i10i22i30j0i22i30l2j0i10i22i30j0i22i30l3.11421j1j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#cobssid=s&sie=lg;/g/11fjy4q670;2;/g/11f766qmsx;st;fp;1;;
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on October 13, 2021, 12:54:37 PM
I don’t buy that myself.

I think he has had to wait to get his chance. It’s obvious he should be playing though

What changed between the end of the Euros and the early September internationals? The only thing of note was about three league games for Man City. It’s not like he suddenly stepped up another level, he’s said himself he’s not found is Villa form yet.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on October 13, 2021, 12:57:04 PM
for some reason (possibly since Mourinhio) Kane has got into the habit of dropping deeper and deeper as a game goes on, its not what he is in the team for, at times last night he was playing out on the touchline or where a holding M-f would be.
He should be in the box and attacking the ball, providing a focus for attacks, which Abraham did for his few minutes. Also his 1st touch was appalling last night, the ball kept bouncing away from him, needs to get back to basics at his club IMO.
If he keeps performing like that he will put clubs off paying the massive fees which have been bandied about.

I agree with this 100%. He is a fantastic goal scorer, we only have to look at the record books for evidence of that. Something is clearly wrong with him and, personally, I do not know who the replacement should be if this run of bad form continues from Kane.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 13, 2021, 01:16:10 PM
What changed between the end of the Euros and the early September internationals? The only thing of note was about three league games for Man City. It’s not like he suddenly stepped up another level, he’s said himself he’s not found is Villa form yet.

Once he got his chance in the England side, the one he broke into whilst at Villa. Now that he has had his chance and played well he has kept it his spot.

And rightly so
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: alex1 on October 13, 2021, 01:45:08 PM
I can't remember so many "international breaks" when I was younger. There are too many disruptions to club football with all these extra tournaments and qualifiers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on October 13, 2021, 01:46:09 PM
Quote from: tommcneill link=topic=9031.msg821703#msg821703 [b
date=1634118333]
Are you saying money is the resolution to all unhappiness?[/b] But then call him greedy for wanting more, which by my understanding of your comment means he would be even happier.

He can be un happy if a club have reneged on an agreed deal to let him leave.
No, obviously not. I was just pointing out that he has no money worries, he has security, he has friends, he has talent, plenty to be positive about. Now what I was guilty of was assuming that his failed move to Man city is the reason for his unhappiness and drop off in form, but I think it is a reasonable assumption. If that's the case though, then he is being petulant and unprofessional. The move didn't work out, get over it, grow up.
In relation to the club having reneged on a deal to let him leave, there's no evidence that I've seen to support that apart from some speculation in the press. Does he has something in writing? Presumably not. In which case, he doesn't have a leg to stand on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: seteefeet on October 13, 2021, 02:07:37 PM
I wouldn't call parking the bus brilliant mate.
We weren't quite up for it, although hard to believe it does happen, even for Sunday league teams, but the point is we didn't lose
Only need 4 points from last 2 now
Neither would I, but I don't believe they did. They were very good before the goal and then, understandably, tired / sat back after but, even at 1-1 they had good opportunities. They executed their game plan brilliantly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 13, 2021, 02:08:33 PM
No, obviously not. I was just pointing out that he has no money worries, he has security, he has friends, he has talent, plenty to be positive about. Now what I was guilty of was assuming that his failed move to Man city is the reason for his unhappiness and drop off in form, but I think it is a reasonable assumption. If that's the case though, then he is being petulant and unprofessional. The move didn't work out, get over it, grow up.
In relation to the club having reneged on a deal to let him leave, there's no evidence that I've seen to support that apart from some speculation in the press. Does he has something in writing? Presumably not. In which case, he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

No wonder he failed to perform last night !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on October 13, 2021, 02:16:28 PM
No, obviously not. I was just pointing out that he has no money worries, he has security, he has friends, he has talent, plenty to be positive about. Now what I was guilty of was assuming that his failed move to Man city is the reason for his unhappiness and drop off in form, but I think it is a reasonable assumption. If that's the case though, then he is being petulant and unprofessional. The move didn't work out, get over it, grow up.
In relation to the club having reneged on a deal to let him leave, there's no evidence that I've seen to support that apart from some speculation in the press. Does he has something in writing? Presumably not. In which case, he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

So he is unhappy? And all the money in the world doesn't necessarily equate to happiness.

Unhappy, not enjoying his season at Spurs so far. Sounds like a player going through some personal problems.

You are judging him through your lens not through his.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on October 13, 2021, 02:44:59 PM
So he is unhappy? And all the money in the world doesn't necessarily equate to happiness.

Unhappy, not enjoying his season at Spurs so far. Sounds like a player going through some personal problems.

You are judging him through your lens not through his.
Clearly true, but then so is every other comment on this forum. Earlier you suggested that his loss of form might be unhappiness because Spurs had reneged on a deal to let him leave, now you're suggesting he may have personal problems, neither of which there any evidence for. I am suggesting the reason is because he's a greedy, petulant overpaid footballer with a sense of entitlement, which there is also no evidence for. Both of us are reaching a conclusion based on looking at the situation "through our own lens", better known as an opinion.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on October 13, 2021, 03:08:51 PM
Once he got his chance in the England side, the one he broke into whilst at Villa. Now that he has had his chance and played well he has kept it his spot.

And rightly so

He got his chance at Villa and was playing well for England, on a few occasions being our best player, before and during the Euro's. Couldnt keep his spot then. He was even sub sub against Denmark. I know GS said it was tactical, but i dont believe he would do that to Sterling or Rashford.

Playing well representing England whilst at Villa - Couldn't nail down a place. Playing well representing England whilst at Man City -  Seems to have secured a spot. It may be coincidence, but there's an obvious difference and its not that he wasn't playing well for England previously. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on October 13, 2021, 03:14:27 PM
I can't remember so many "international breaks" when I was younger. There are too many disruptions to club football with all these extra tournaments and qualifiers.

Indeed, I'm pretty sure international fixtures were just played during the week. I don't recall friendlies being played during the season either.

Same with the so called Champions league, too many meaningless games, just go back to being a real champions tournament and a knock out at all rounds with no seeded teams.

Bah Humbug!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on October 13, 2021, 03:56:09 PM
I agree with this 100%. He is a fantastic goal scorer, we only have to look at the record books for evidence of that. Something is clearly wrong with him and, personally, I do not know who the replacement should be if this run of bad form continues from Kane.

I think Kane  was overused by club and country a couple of years ago and is basically shot.  His ankles are now weak and I don't think he can withstand the attention he gets in the box; Lewandowski isn't always on teh shoulder of the central defenders.  He needs a rest so that his body can recover and take a buffeting again.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on November 14, 2021, 09:05:45 AM
Connor Gallagher has been called up to the England squad.

Well done Connor, deserved recognition
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 14, 2021, 09:20:40 AM
Connor Gallagher has been called up to the England squad.

Well done Connor, deserved recognition

Well done lad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 15, 2021, 08:48:33 PM
Gallagher on for his England debut. Well done Conor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on November 15, 2021, 09:45:25 PM
It really is embarrassing that the likes of San Marino litter these qualification rounds..
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on November 15, 2021, 11:24:16 PM
Well done England. 10-15 years ago we’d have struggled with that fixture and had a point or unconvincing win.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 15, 2021, 11:30:34 PM
Well done England. 10-15 years ago we’d have struggled with that fixture and had a point or unconvincing win.

No we wouldn't. The worst we've ever done against San Marino is won 5-0 in 2012, 2014 and 2021. Back in 2013 we beat them 8-0 away from home so not much different to tonight considering they were reduced to ten men as well. In 1993 we beat them 13-1 aggregate over two games.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 22, 2021, 12:12:12 PM
Southgate has signed a new deal till 2024.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on November 22, 2021, 12:14:49 PM
Southgate has signed a new deal till 2024.

Man Ure have, possibly, missed a trick there, imo
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 22, 2021, 12:16:18 PM
Man Ure have, possibly, missed a trick there, imo

They seem to be fixed on ZZ
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BB74 on November 22, 2021, 12:23:00 PM
They seem to be fixed on ZZ

Who isn't remotely interested.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 22, 2021, 12:27:44 PM
This is why I think Tottenham were smart to move early for Conte, Levy may have seen this coming......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on November 30, 2021, 08:55:34 PM
Womens World Cup Qualifying

England 20 - 0 Latvia


Close then  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 30, 2021, 09:27:19 PM
Not a great scoreline, I don't really get what the non elite nations get from results like this. Should we have stepped off the gas at some point out of respect?

It also emphasises why I don't think you can compare mens and womens scoring records at international level. You get quite a few journalists and bloggers who get offended when you hear "England's record appearance maker" or "record goalscorer" to say "actuallllyyyy, eh Women's game", but score lines like this are unheard of in men's UEFA comps. We were all stunned by the 10-0 vs San Marino, but the women have now scored 10 or more goals in 3 of their recent qualifiers, as well as hitting 8 in a other, while Northern Ireland have also hit 11 and 9 in recent games.

The gap between the Elite Women's sides in Europe and the lesser counterparts seems to be double that in the men's game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on November 30, 2021, 10:01:45 PM
Not a great scoreline, I don't really get what the non elite nations get from results like this. Should we have stepped off the gas at some point out of respect?

It also emphasises why I don't think you can compare mens and womens scoring records at international level. You get quite a few journalists and bloggers who get offended when you hear "England's record appearance maker" or "record goalscorer" to say "actuallllyyyy, eh Women's game", but score lines like this are unheard of in men's UEFA comps. We were all stunned by the 10-0 vs San Marino, but the women have now scored 10 or more goals in 3 of their recent qualifiers, as well as hitting 8 in a other, while Northern Ireland have also hit 11 and 9 in recent games.

The gap between the Elite Women's sides in Europe and the lesser counterparts seems to be double that in the men's game.
More like quadruple. If England men had beaten Latvia 5-0 it would be seen as a good result. The women's world cup qualifiers are a joke, large amounts of complete humiliations. Not a great advert for the women's game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on December 01, 2021, 10:36:10 AM
Womens World Cup Qualifying

England 20 - 0 Latvia


Close then  :D

As much as the BBC are desperate to push the women's game (this match was deemed as higher priority than the Premier League games last night on their football page), matches like this are an absolute joke.

It makes including San Marino in the men's qualifying look competitive.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on December 01, 2021, 10:34:33 PM
I thought i moaned a lot but dear me! How can anyone complain that an England team (weather it be men,women, schoolboys disabled or whoever) win 20-0? Well i for one thoroughly enjoyed it, sitting there not getting worked up, getting annoyed or throwing things at the TV. I am sure the women playing and the people in the ground enjoyed themselves aswell. I had forgotten that is what its all about, enjoying it!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on December 02, 2021, 12:29:01 AM
I thought i moaned a lot.........

And you do  :P  ;) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on December 02, 2021, 04:19:39 PM
And you do  :P  ;) .
If you sat next me at a match, you would know what moaning really is!! All my Grandkids call me Victor  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 02, 2021, 05:50:55 PM
I thought i moaned a lot but dear me! How can anyone complain that an England team (weather it be men,women, schoolboys disabled or whoever) win 20-0? Well i for one thoroughly enjoyed it, sitting there not getting worked up, getting annoyed or throwing things at the TV. I am sure the women playing and the people in the ground enjoyed themselves aswell. I had forgotten that is what its all about, enjoying it!!

You can ask questions about the health of the international game in its current format. Armenia lost 19-0 to Belgium a few days before. I support England but there is a point where you feel something needs to change.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on January 09, 2022, 09:25:21 AM
FA Cup 3rd round weekend always gives you a glimpse of what might be to come.

Not much from Saturday, with most of the big guns playing on Sunday and Monday, but still a few green shoots.

19 year old Cole Palmer at Man City scored and assisted and seems to be getting more game time now. He does occupy a position England are well stocked in but there's always room for an outstanding talent if he can develop in to one. Apart from that, fellow 19 year old James McAtee who plays a similar position was limited to only a few minutes which is disappointing while Luke Mbete, a young centre half also got minutes. Liam Delap remains injured, while the likes of Harwood-Bellis and Doyle are out on loan playing in Europe.

17 year old Lewis Hall made an impressive debut for Chelsea on the left of a back 3. It seems he is one of the highest rated youngsters at Chelsea and can play a number of positions including midfield and on the left hand side (almost the perfect Ismarl player). 18 year old Harvey Valr also got some time off the bench, another attacking midfielder coming out of an English academy.

As for the rest of the weekend, I'll be interested in Forest vs Arsenal, where Charlie Patino is expected to start. He is YET ANOTHER attacking midfielder coming through, but the noises coming out of Arsenal suggest he might be the best attacking midfielder from an English  academy since Phil Foden.

The other interest will be in Tyler Morten's progress at Liverpool, as England are very light on defensive midfielderd, especially as Bellingham seems more box to box (scored for Dortmund again last night).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on January 09, 2022, 09:26:44 AM
On the Bellingham front, I should mention Jobr Brllingham got a run out yesterday in Blues loss to Plymouth. Only 16 years of age and in the England set up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on January 09, 2022, 09:30:42 PM
Could have done with Lewis Bate having a stand out game at the heart of Leeds midfield, but instead he was subbed at half time while 1-0 down (the same for Sam Greenwood up front). Leeds fans reviews are positive but getting the hook on 45 minutes suggests he still had some way to go.

Patino also failed to pull up any trees for Arsenal, being described as lightweight by a few fans.

On a happier note, DERBY COUNTY youth product Kaide Gordon scored aged 18 for Liverpool, who also featured ARSENAL academy graduate Elijah Dixon-Bonner and DUNGANNON SWIFTS' Conor Bradley (in their defence, they did play a few Liverpool porn academy players as well). Gordon seems to be the pick - can you guess which position  he plays (clue - 50% of exciting Engliish academy kids seem to be attacking midfielders).

It's Man Utd v Villa tomorrow to wrap up the "possible future England International" round up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on January 14, 2022, 12:44:23 PM
Sounds like we had Australia on the ropes but let them off with a dropped catch while Labuschagne was on 0, and then Head has taken the game away from up along with Green.

I know it's easy to say, but I feel like if England were in the same situation, we wouldn't get a 100 out of Pope at the moment
That’s all very well, but this is the footie page. ☺️
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on January 14, 2022, 02:05:09 PM
That’s all very well, but this is the footie page. ☺️

Don't know what you mean...nothing to see hear  ;D :P
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on January 14, 2022, 02:27:36 PM
Liverpool porn academy ???!!!

That klopp broke really is progressive!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 17, 2022, 02:09:24 PM
Sj left out of squad, Nick Pope returns.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on March 17, 2022, 03:42:14 PM
Sj left out of squad, Nick Pope returns.
I imagine he's a million miles from the England Squad the way he has performed this season.
Johnstone
You don't get to pull on the Lions shirt
Those days are over
You can sell your body for money
You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: phbaggies on March 17, 2022, 03:56:16 PM
Anyone got an idea when the tickets for the Hungary match at The custard bowl go on sale? The match is June 14th
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 17, 2022, 04:16:01 PM
Bug bear klaxon - no Fikayo Tomori despite his performance levels in a top Serie A team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 24, 2022, 07:24:50 AM
anyone on here doing any of the England games. who we playing
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 24, 2022, 09:03:35 AM
anyone on here doing any of the England games. who we playing

Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.

Not going to either game.

Fraser Forster gets the nod to replace Sam Johnstone.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on March 29, 2022, 09:12:36 PM
If Rice is worth £100m I’ve no idea what Bellingham is worth.  I only see bits and pieces of him for Dortmund but every few months when I see him for England his levels seem to have risen further.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 30, 2022, 06:46:46 AM
Raheem Sterling is a bit of a David Healy/Gareth Bale isn't he. His club form might not be great but it's hard to justify replacing somebody who turns up for England on such a consistent basis, even if we do have some good options coming through. International football is littered with lots of players like Sterling who click when with their national team.

On the subject of good international servants, I hope we don't ever see a repeat of the treatment Harry Maguire received last night. 3 semi finals with England in 4 tournaments - 1 of which he converted into a final. Ignore the Internet trolls, he has been solid for England and the fans who booed were a disgrace tonight. A significant minority of match going England fans are an embarrassment to the country. Somethings never change.

Also, England under 17's failed to qualify for the Euro's last night. We lost to France at the weekend meaning we had to win last night, but came up short with a 2-0 loss to Europesn heavyweights Luxembourg. It continues a downward trend for the results of the England age group sides who have had some poor coaches of late.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 05, 2022, 10:07:12 AM
so the powers that be want the tune Three lions banned
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 05, 2022, 10:27:27 AM
From what I gather, they're not banning it.

Each team has to select a song for pre-game at the next World Cup, and there's rumours that they aren't going to go with Three Lions

That's not a ban.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on May 05, 2022, 12:31:04 PM
Why Three Lions, Vinderloo and World In Motion are the only three World Cup Songs that most England Fans sing and know and are played frequently and as of recently Freed From Desire and Atomic Kitten in Southgate Your The One.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on May 05, 2022, 01:09:03 PM
Why Three Lions, Vinderloo and World In Motion are the only three World Cup Songs that most England Fans sing and know and are played frequently and as of recently Freed From Desire and Atomic Kitten in Southgate Your The One.

3 lions offends other nations apparently, I just read through the lyrics and have no idea why. Maybe they just don't like reminding that the game was born here.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on May 05, 2022, 03:32:30 PM
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/england-world-cup-fa-three-lions-song-b2072133.html

Oh look, it's not actually being banned.

And it's not like The Sun to have tried to run this kind of story before...oh wait

https://archive.ph/vXSiA
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on May 24, 2022, 02:42:38 PM
In news that will stun and please Baggies in equal measure, Tomori is in the 27 man England squad for this summer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 24, 2022, 02:47:14 PM
In news that will stun and please Baggies in equal measure, Tomori is in the 27 man England squad for this summer.
im lost here, why would it stun and/or please us?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on May 24, 2022, 02:50:18 PM
im lost here, why would it stun and/or please us?

I think Dan is referring to the member named 'Baggies' on here who has taken a shine to Tomori
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on May 24, 2022, 02:50:40 PM
im lost here, why would it stun and/or please us?

I was referring to our poster who goes by the moniker Baggies. He's been banging the drum for Tomori's inclusion for some time now.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 24, 2022, 11:10:08 PM
Definitely pleased. Hopefully Southgate’s aversion to using English players based outside the Premier League is starting to soften  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 04, 2022, 06:59:48 PM
That's what happens when your thinking about your summer Hols ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on June 04, 2022, 07:37:43 PM
Same old Southgate, sadly. Five at the back and two holding midfielders against Hungary. Leopard will never change its spots
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 04, 2022, 07:43:49 PM
Build up too slow, tippy tappy then a final rubbish ball
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 05, 2022, 07:02:49 PM
Just too much football,
Theyre tired, get them on the beach.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 06, 2022, 07:41:49 AM
predictable and boring,  will be glad when southgates reign comes to an end
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 06, 2022, 08:23:09 AM
Just very sloppy all round. Read somewhere that was only the seventh goal we've conceded in 23 games. Hard to comprehend given we were all over the place at the back whenever they played a quick ball over the top.

Despite having more of the ball I felt we were a little fortunate not to concede more. Fair play Hungary. Here's to a vast improvement and a better result tomorrow, play like that against Germany and we'll get battered.

I'd like to see Kane stay more central. While movement is a large part of his game he didn't spend anywhere near enough time at the business end of the pitch. Looked like he was trying to do everyone's job for them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 06, 2022, 09:51:06 AM
predictable and boring,  will be glad when southgates reign comes to an end
With you on this one Glyn! Awful to watch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on June 06, 2022, 10:42:00 AM
With you on this one Glyn! Awful to watch.

We agree again then  :o
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 06, 2022, 06:02:03 PM
We agree again then  :o
You know it makes sense 🤣🤣
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 06, 2022, 08:28:08 PM
Southgate cost them a trophy they need to get shot of him. We had favourable runs in both last 2 tournaments. He isnt ruthless enough and his in game management is terrible as shown by his subs v italy. Be better suited to managing a side who arent favourites in most games where he could set up his pragmatic dont lose foorball.

Probably too late now he should have gone after euros
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on June 06, 2022, 08:33:07 PM
Southgate cost them a trophy they need to get shot of him. We had favourable runs in both last 2 tournaments. He isnt ruthless enough and his in game management is terrible as shown by his subs v italy. Be better suited to managing a side who arent favourites in most games where he could set up his pragmatic dont lose foorball.

Probably too late now he should have gone after euros

I think he's done well with the standard of player we have, in terms of skill, maturity and intelligence.  The way the players went to pieces in the second half against Italy is something no manager can help. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 06, 2022, 08:45:26 PM
I think he's done well with the standard of player we have, in terms of skill, maturity and intelligence.  The way the players went to pieces in the second half against Italy is something no manager can help.
I think that despite many praising them, when you compare midfields that contain Rice/Phillips/Henderson to Scholes/Gerard/Beckham/lampard….it’s obvious where we are short?
Bellingham is a player, but he needs a bit more time and a supporting cast.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 07, 2022, 11:08:19 AM
I think that despite many praising them, when you compare midfields that contain Rice/Phillips/Henderson to Scholes/Gerard/Beckham/lampard….it’s obvious where we are short?
Bellingham is a player, but he needs a bit more time and a supporting cast.

I don't think Rice Phillips and Henderson can hold a candle to those you have mention in respect of their club games, but those players didnt set a particularly high international bar.  Bellingham and Rice is longer term midfield two for me, unless a younger midfielder emerges and I don't see why with Foden and two from Sancho, Saka, Grealish, Sterling etc we can't be a better team (if not individuals) than the Scholes, Gerard, Becks, Lampard with the right manager.

It may not be good for the prem, but for England it would be great if Pep went and signed Bellingham next summer.  I also think we need a striker to emerge in the next year or two as by 2026 Kane is likely to be well on his downward trajectory. None of the  other current English strikers are going to be elite world level.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 07, 2022, 11:57:53 AM
With you on this one Glyn! Awful to watch.

i would rather have Fabio Capello Keith
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 07, 2022, 06:24:24 PM
I don't Rice Phillips and Henderson can't hold a candle to those you have mention in respect of their club games, but those players didnt set a particularly high international bar.  Bellingham and Rice is longer term midfield two for me, unless a younger midfielder emerges and I don't see why with Foden and two from Sancho, Saka, Grealish, Sterling etc we can't be a better team (if not individuals) than the Scholes, Gerard, Becks, Lampard with the right manager.

It may not be good for the prem, but for England it would be great if Pep went and signed Bellingham next summer.  I also think we need a striker to emerge in the next year or two as by 2026 Kane is likely to be well on his downward trajectory. None of the  other current English strikers are going to be elite world level.

While not elite, Abraham could be the second tier down. I think you can get away with that at international level.

Outside of him though I'm crossing my fingers Liam Delap can get over his injury nightmares.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 07, 2022, 07:34:29 PM
If fit I think we might see Delap at Burnley next year.

Not keen on tonight’s selection. Hopefully not one Southgate would ever look to use in a game that matters and is in part because of where we are in the ‘off season’
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 07, 2022, 07:51:53 PM
I don't Rice Phillips and Henderson can't hold a candle to those you have mention in respect of their club games, but those players didnt set a particularly high international bar.  Bellingham and Rice is longer term midfield two for me, unless a younger midfielder emerges and I don't see why with Foden and two from Sancho, Saka, Grealish, Sterling etc we can't be a better team (if not individuals) than the Scholes, Gerard, Becks, Lampard with the right manager.

It may not be good for the prem, but for England it would be great if Pep went and signed Bellingham next summer.  I also think we need a striker to emerge in the next year or two as by 2026 Kane is likely to be well on his downward trajectory. None of the  other current English strikers are going to be elite world level.
I’ll agree that Grealish and Foden can/should be pretty useful...but I just don’t think we have a pirlo,xavi,invests,Lampard,toure...yet
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 07, 2022, 09:15:12 PM
England 3 or 4 out of 10 so far, very poor and frankly boring
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on June 07, 2022, 09:17:42 PM
Our passing is abysmal at best !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 07, 2022, 09:34:59 PM
Mount is a good player, but when Foden isn’t available I really don’t understand why we don’t play Grealish behind the striker. He’s got that bit of extra swagger we can afford in the position and he always looks like he will make things happen for England.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 07, 2022, 09:46:54 PM
Greasy jack made a difference but a draw is flattering
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 07, 2022, 09:50:56 PM
Greasy jack made a difference but a draw is flattering

Agreed.

On another note, why are we playing two matches at Molineux. I don’t necessarily have an issue with England playing around the country sometimes, but it’s just too small. Even Villa park at 10K higher isn’t really big enough. Even the most uninspiring England fixture can sell 60k plus.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on June 07, 2022, 09:53:30 PM
If southgate keeps persisting with Mount we will really struggle against better sides. Took him long enough to hook the ineffectual saka also. Embarrassment of attacking riches but no idea how to use them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on June 07, 2022, 09:56:26 PM
Southgate needs to be braver with midfield. There should be space for Foden and Grealish in there so we can keep the ball better. The template seems to be keep it tight for 70 mins then try to change the game with subs where this team could be more on the front foot.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on June 07, 2022, 10:31:39 PM
Agreed.

On another note, why are we playing two matches at Molineux. I don’t necessarily have an issue with England playing around the country sometimes, but it’s just too small. Even Villa park at 10K higher isn’t really big enough. Even the most uninspiring England fixture can sell 60k plus.
Isn't the game against Italy behind closed doors?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 08, 2022, 09:56:17 AM
Agreed.

On another note, why are we playing two matches at Molineux. I don’t necessarily have an issue with England playing around the country sometimes, but it’s just too small. Even Villa park at 10K higher isn’t really big enough. Even the most uninspiring England fixture can sell 60k plus.

It's behind closed doors. Punishment for the trouble at the Euro final.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 08, 2022, 12:24:53 PM
It's behind closed doors. Punishment for the trouble at the Euro final.

why not play the "30k kids for free" ploy that the Hungarians used??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on June 08, 2022, 01:22:02 PM
why not play the "30k kids for free" ploy that the Hungarians used??

We have. Several thousand will be in attendance using that (let's be honest, ridiculous) loophole.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 11, 2022, 09:31:46 PM
What a completely pointless tournament
All our players have looked tired since the first match
It's like an under 21 game, boring
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 11, 2022, 09:46:41 PM
I think UEFA have either decided this is the only window of pre World Cup prep for the European nations (there are very few days between the mid season break in the domestic leagues and the start of the World Cup), or they couldn't give up on the revenue from their latest money spinner. Either way, I don't think these games should be taking place after the pandemic condensed the football calender, there is a lack of rest time for the players.

Not sure if I should be reading too much into these games, but that's 3 games, 0 goals from open play, it's felt like the old England from the "golden generation".

Then again, its a small sample. I don't however feel as hopeful as I did going in to this World Cup. The last Euros with the home advantage and the Qatar world cup being mid season both felt like great opportunities for England to challenege but we seem to have slightly ground to a halt recently with some promising players stalling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 12, 2022, 09:58:55 AM
I'm going to share something. I'll be honest, I completely forgot England were playing last night. Spent much of the afternoon exercising before going for a walk with a weighted backpack.

Got home and went for an evening out with the Mrs. First inkling I had England were playing was on arrival at the second pub when she said 'do you want to watch the rest of the game here before heading for a curry?'.

It was at this point I realised just how badly I've warped her mind over the years. She never had any interest in football until misfortune led her in to my path like a rudderless ship in the face of an oncoming storm.

Truth be told I couldn't be bothered watching. I thought it would be a bore fest so we enjoyed an evening free of football obligation. This season gone left me far more jaded than the endeavours of my afternoon.

After a long season with not much of a break beforehand, I imagine most of the England squad would have preferred going for a few beers and a balti over spending the evening in Wolverhampton too........
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on June 12, 2022, 10:22:02 AM
I too totally forgot and was watching a documentary about a religious sort of cult on Netflix. The other dy i had cricket on instead of football.

I think as fans we need a break too, particularly West Brom and England fans. When are these players having a break and when are they doing their pre-season. I fear there's going to be a lot of burnout next season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 12, 2022, 11:16:47 AM
Missed the Germany and Hungary games. Watched the Italy one last night. Bloody hell
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 13, 2022, 12:04:02 PM
stopped watching this boring nonsense, southgate out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 13, 2022, 12:23:44 PM
Soccer aid wasn't too bad to be fair.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 14, 2022, 08:02:44 PM
Losing 1-0, any chance we will score from open play?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 14, 2022, 09:13:37 PM
2-0 to Hungary, jeezus wept.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Topman on June 14, 2022, 09:15:06 PM
He has to go. He won’t but if ever we should make a change it’s now
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 14, 2022, 09:15:51 PM
All too quick to give him a contract regardless. Numpties.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Topman on June 14, 2022, 09:27:16 PM
Has to go. Although they had 4 shots literally and scored 3
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: albion59 on June 14, 2022, 09:27:28 PM
3-0 down Stones red carded( shouldn't have been) disgraceful performance again. Bye,Bye Southgate 👋
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mr multivac on June 14, 2022, 09:29:09 PM
England have gone down hill since the euros in
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on June 14, 2022, 09:32:24 PM
Rewarded failure with new deals. Is Lai running the FA as well
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 14, 2022, 09:48:46 PM
Southgate is going nowhere until after the World Cup unfortunately.   How many times have we played well though under him? His record for England is padded (as any England managers record should be in fairness) by results against teams we are expected to beat.

We’ve played well under Southgate no more than a handful of times and whether people like to admit it or not, we have a couple of very favourable tournament runs that I believe most managers of England (past or potential) would likely have navigated as successfully as Southgate did.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on June 14, 2022, 10:13:09 PM
Truly dreadful run of games from England. Looked absolutely lost in position far too defensive and risk adverse. I do think the players were tired but the preparation to this wouldn’t have been any different had the World Cup now been going on so it’s not a justifiable excuse for the performances.

The worrying thing for me are the comments also, Kane coming out tonight saying we created a few opportunities first half and we’re unlucky to score not having any of that we did nothing first half. Southgate & Phillips came out after Italy and said we were unlucky, not having that either Italy created far more & better chances than we did. You can’t treat fans as though they are stupid with comments such as those, Val did it when he was in charge of the Albion and it annoyed the hell out of me you can’t try and trick the punters into believing something different happened than we’ve all witnessed with our own 2 eyes.

Southgate will see us to the World Cup then I think a parting of ways is on the cards no matter how far we go. Overall he’s done a superb job from what he stepped into to we were a complete mess but it has very much an Ole at United feel, limited manager who initially does well but gets found out when the team improves & expectations increase.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on June 14, 2022, 11:11:46 PM
It's not Southgate it's exhaustion burn out
A nothing tournament only to put money into eufa coffers
If we enter because we have to send a aquad of u21 & u23 players
Our players are knackered, simple as that
I didn't realise we were playing tonight only saw last half hour, wish I hadn't bothered, the sending off, was a joke
What's the Leeds midfielder trying to chest the ball down that led to another goal all about? Please forget this competion in future
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: bosh on June 14, 2022, 11:47:54 PM
Just another pointless set of games to bring in money. It surprises me that the suggested power clubs have that they don't just say we need players to have a break. The season starts in just over 7 weeks for us let alone all the prem teams having lucrative week long preseason tournaments.

Stupid for all the football authorities with a world cup in 6 months not to say - some players have not had a proper break for 3 years. But no. Fans will pay so let's just wrinch what we can get out of them.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on June 15, 2022, 04:29:14 AM
Players who would rather be on the beach than a football field.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on June 15, 2022, 06:22:43 AM
Bit of a joke with all those calling for Southgates head.
World Cup Semi Final, Euro Final and qualified easily for WC.
This competion is all about money making for those at the top from what is a set of glorified friendlies.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 15, 2022, 08:57:27 AM
Southgate deserves time after his accomplishments so far and these are a very strange set of games, bolted on to a l9ng season and only quasi competitive, but it is humiliating to be relegated from group 1 and I don't give us much chance in the World Cup on these showings.

0 goals from open play in 4 efforts but a fair few conceded.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on June 15, 2022, 09:55:25 AM
Hungary wanted it more. They played like it was a proper competitive game. We didnt.

I dont read to much into it though.

The sending off was embarrassing for the ref.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on June 15, 2022, 11:01:24 AM
Southgate deserves time after his accomplishments so far and these are a very strange set of games, bolted on to a l9ng season and only quasi competitive, but it is humiliating to be relegated from group 1 and I don't give us much chance in the World Cup on these showings.

0 goals from open play in 4 efforts but a fair few conceded.

I don't agree. Southgate is the international Solskjaer. He is going to end up with more time than his ability ever warranted because he benefited from a very fortunate set of circumstances. When his time with England is over, he will not go on to be a successful manager elsewhere, I am almost certain of it.

There are no doubt a lot of football fans who are fickle, and have jumped from one position on Southgate to another. However there are also a good number of fans who have never been sold on him. 

The Germany (96), Argentina (98), Brazil (02) and Portugal (04/06) and Germany (10) sides that have knocked England out of tournaments were all better sides than anything Southgate has faced in a tournament IMO, including the sides that beat us.

Look at his games here on the left https://www.englandstats.com/man.php?manid=20

Before the world cup, we played sides considered in the top football nations seven times. We won once.

In the world cup, from memory we were rubbish against Tunisia. Panama was a walk over and we lost to Belgium. We then beat Colombia on pens and comfortably beat Sweden.  Sweden was the only performance that was good. Of course people celebrated and enjoyed it at the time, why wouldn't they.

Since then, we have beat Belgium once and Spain once, but its littered with games we should have won. Hardly any have been won in any particularly impressive fashion and yet Southgate will still pick 6 right backs and his favorites.

Forget Qatar, our likely route is littered with the 'bigger' international sides this time around and Southgate has not shown he can beat any of them when it matters let do anything to suggest we can beat them in successive matches. 



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on June 15, 2022, 11:21:19 AM
From what I saw Vs Hungary, we were fine when pressing them, and actually gained possession through it on several occasions, however when they went long, we often left ourselves wide open at the back - not tracking runners, going for balls that we didn't need to etc.

Equally, when we did gain possession, there was no urgency to attack the organised defence - we generally let them get back into shape, and passed it around our 2-3-5 with little penetration. Hi Gary we're happy to cede the wider areas, but I struggle to think of chances we created from there (I only watched from about 35 mins onwards).

It's a pattern that is very familiar - Southgate has modernised the team, and galvanised the fans, but he has never managed to get us attacking good quality teams in an organised and successful manner.

Even our run to the World Cup semis was heavily reliant on set pieces. That's not a bad thing in tournament football, but you need open play threat too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on June 15, 2022, 11:27:45 AM
Take the approach attempted last few games into a world cup (players fit or not) and we will not get out of the group.

Defenders popping ball off to Kalvin Phillips and getting it back to repeat ad-infiniteum is horrendous, and that was clearly an error identifiable in the first 2 minutes. Shockingly bad

Good finishing by the magyars in fairness
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on June 29, 2022, 07:45:10 AM
England under 19's have reached the Euro championships finals where they will face the surprise package Israel, in what is another good chance for more youth honours.

The side contains a number of exciting youngsters, including  Chelsea's Charlie Vale, Spurs duo Alfie Devine and Dane
Scarlett plus our former young player of the year Tim Ireogbunam. The real star however is Villa kid Carney Chukwuemka who was one of the stand out players in the Youth Cup semi final game against us last year. Amusingly,  Chukwuemka is most likely going to leave Villa this summer despite being the stand out player in his age range. It looks like  the signing of Ireogbunam may have blocked Chukwumka's path a bit and it may not backfire on them  ;D .

The only negative is the stalling of Liam Delay. Last year he looked like he could be on the fringes of the under 21's after his incredible PL2 goalscoring record, but injury last season has knocked him back and last night he was an unused sub, with Sheff Ut's Jebbison preferred from the bench. While he did score in this tournament in a dead rubber group game vs Israel, he badly needs a loan next season, probably to one of our championship rivals like Burnley.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on June 29, 2022, 07:56:40 AM
......The only negative is the stalling of Liam Delay. Last year he looked like he could be on the fringes of the under 21's after his incredible PL2 goalscoring record, but injury last season has knocked him back and last night he was an unused sub.......

Never mind, with his ability I'm sure he'll make up for lost time soon enough. I'll get my coot.......  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 02, 2022, 04:53:43 PM
Congratulations to the England U-19s side on their 1 v 3 extra time victory in the Euro U-19 Championship Final against Israel. They came from a goal down to equalise and scored twice in extra time. The second time the U-19s have won the tournament out of the last five.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on July 26, 2022, 08:36:19 PM
Do we have a women's thread 1 to England against Sweden in the Semi Final Come On Girls Bring It Home We Believe
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on July 26, 2022, 09:27:01 PM
Anyone just seen the Russo goal😳

Superb
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on July 26, 2022, 09:33:22 PM
Anyone just seen the Russo goal😳

Superb
She sent the sweedish keeper back to Sweden and Fran Kirkby What a Chip
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on July 26, 2022, 10:18:03 PM
Back to back finals in consecutive summers.

The men and women have been to the last four of a major tournament 10 times now since 1990. It would be nice if we could finally come away with some silverware this time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on July 26, 2022, 11:50:40 PM
Two class goals that Backheel though, wow madness
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on July 27, 2022, 06:06:05 AM
I'd have Russo in our side, and play Millie Bright instead of Bartley.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on July 27, 2022, 06:07:14 AM
Two class goals that Backheel though, wow madness

If that backheel was by Ronaldo we would have been hearing about it for months....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on July 27, 2022, 07:10:52 AM
Swedish keeper extremely dodgy though.
We would not have been happy with a performance like that from our keeper (England or Baggies)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on July 27, 2022, 08:11:22 AM
Swedish keeper extremely dodgy though.
We would not have been happy with a performance like that from our keeper (England or Baggies)

Normally she is very good, think she was losing interest having let two in already.

Bit bad being beaten with a ball between her legs though  [cue the jokes ....]
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 27, 2022, 08:53:21 AM
Normally she is very good, think she was losing interest having let two in already.

Bit bad being beaten with a ball between her legs though  [cue the jokes ....]

Sorry but if she gets dispirited after letting two in I'd suggest she tries another position. Wouldn't want to speculate on which one as it takes all sorts to make a world.....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on July 27, 2022, 08:54:54 AM
Ive noticed a massive improvement in the womens game. Its a much better spectacle these days. More physicality, more pace inthe game, better technical players.

Be interesting to see where it is in 5-10 years time, these last 5-10 where its become more professional, with pro clubs taking on womens teams, has seen a huge uplift.

fanbtastic stuff from the Lionesses..and that backheel goal  :o 8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on July 27, 2022, 09:34:10 AM
If England win the tournament I can see the Womens game exploding like full grounds including the grounds of there male counterparts. I joked to myself if the Men somehow win the World Cup who gets the honour of SPOTY Best team the Girls or the Men or best Coach Southgate or Sarina. All I know is many people did say it was coming home we never stated if the Men or Women would be bringing it home. Does anyone know if Three Lions could be adapted to have Women's names over the male versions as then we could actually sing ig at Wembley does anyone also know the chant to the tune of Status Quo Rocking All Over the World I think which you use for our Diangana Grant and Robbo chant. I heard it mentioned but never captured what it said. And if my window has two vents my England Flag which I finally got out of the draw I thought would never open can go into the window.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on July 27, 2022, 10:40:10 PM
If that backheel was by Ronaldo we would have been hearing about it for months....

Bryan Robson v Liverpool 1980/81

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j8h8KdJn6A

about 3 mins 40
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: alex1 on July 27, 2022, 10:57:53 PM
Maybe politically incorrect, but you do start looking around at which teams have the smartest looking women.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 27, 2022, 11:24:09 PM
If that backheel was by Ronaldo we would have been hearing about it for months....

Confident we'll be hearing about this one for quite some time to come as it is. I've lost count of the amount of times it's been shown already. And fair play to her for the opportunism. That keeper though.......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on July 27, 2022, 11:56:02 PM
Ive noticed a massive improvement in the womens game. Its a much better spectacle these days. More physicality, more pace inthe game, better technical players.

Be interesting to see where it is in 5-10 years time, these last 5-10 where its become more professional, with pro clubs taking on womens teams, has seen a huge uplift.

fanbtastic stuff from the Lionesses..and that backheel goal  :o 8)

I was saying this to somebody over here in Aus as there was some archaic conversation going on about the game being inferior to mens (which it currently is though as you say it’s on the up) but I was basically saying when I was in school until 2000 girls didn’t play football and it wasn’t even an option and I imagine that was the case until the last decade. There will be some exceptions to the rule but I imagine that nationally football hasn’t been played by girls in PE a lot.

So over the next decade I’m sure we will see a massive upturn in the quality of the game and that will rise exponentially.

There’s been no footage here on live terrestrial TV that I could find so I’ve missed out but good on the girls and I hope they succeed in the final vs the Germans (our footballing nemesis!).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on July 28, 2022, 10:20:52 AM
Maybe politically incorrect, but you do start looking around at which teams have the smartest looking women.

Why? The girls do it with the male footballers
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 28, 2022, 11:51:13 AM
Ive noticed a massive improvement in the womens game. Its a much better spectacle these days. More physicality, more pace inthe game, better technical players.

Be interesting to see where it is in 5-10 years time, these last 5-10 where its become more professional, with pro clubs taking on womens teams, has seen a huge uplift.

fanbtastic stuff from the Lionesses..and that backheel goal  :o 8)

There's definitely been improvements to the women's game but I genuinely don't think they're massive. There are some very good passing triangles but these are often let down as they run out of ideas and just belt the ball into space. The weight of pass is often poor.

I've sat through a few games recently given their raised profile and been bored to tears. The goalkeepers are generally of quite a poor standard as exampled in the England v Sweden game. Given some of the chances they had right in front of goal we really should have been looking at a double figure scoreline.

Sorry but I don't get the hype or frenzied gibberish from the studio commentary teams either. And you've got to remember these teams are at the very top of the women's game. I'm not buying it.

And from what I've seen the Lionesses will really need to up their game defensively if they're going to give Germany a game. And I wasn't overly impressed with them in their game against France last night either. The amount of misplaced passes by both sides was laughable.

I've also read lots of comments online about how refreshing it is to see players getting on with the game and not rolling around etc. Rubbish. It goes on as does some of the snidey off the ball stuff. Genuine fair play to them for the effort they put into a sport they clearly love and I wish them well going forward, but for me it's Football Light.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on July 28, 2022, 12:01:55 PM
I watched some of France vs Germany last night and i must say i thought it was still a poor standard of football. There were some nice triangles but some outright awful stuff that you would see at Lion Farm on a Sunday. Disappointing but regardless will be cheering England women on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on July 28, 2022, 12:39:11 PM
Bryan Robson v Liverpool 1980/81

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j8h8KdJn6A

about 3 mins 40

Oh, i miss them days, what a team, what an atmosphere.
That shirt shows why this seasons should have had a collar too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on July 28, 2022, 01:08:15 PM
It's only poor standard if you are comparing it to the mens game.

Do people watch races in athletics and think how poor standard the womens races are because they don't get the time the men do?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on July 28, 2022, 01:11:56 PM
It's only poor standard if you are comparing it to the mens game.

Do people watch races in athletics and think how poor standard the womens races are because they don't get the time the men do?

I'm not so sure. Womens football is really poor. It's improved from 10 years ago don't get me wrong but it's still poor. It's very amateurish at times.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on July 28, 2022, 01:22:40 PM
I'm not so sure. Womens football is really poor. It's improved from 10 years ago don't get me wrong but it's still poor. It's very amateurish at times.

That because you are comparing it to men's football.

Womens football is just womens football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on July 28, 2022, 01:24:03 PM
That because you are comparing it to men's football.

Womens football is just womens football.

Agreed but it's also a poor standard. We are allowed to compare, that's how we define quality, through comparison.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on July 28, 2022, 01:26:09 PM
It's only poor standard if you are comparing it to the mens game.

Do people watch races in athletics and think how poor standard the womens races are because they don't get the time the men do?

I tend to agree. The elite men's game is of an extraordinarily high standard, it's the most played ball game in the world and the top few divisions host the vast majority of the world's best players.

If you watch non league football or under 23 football and you like football for what it is, you will still enjoy it, even if it isn't as flawless as the Men's elite game. The same goes for the Women. If you don't enjoy the women's game, it may be that your love of football has more to do with "the event" rather than the actual sport (and there is of course nothing wrong with that as it is entertainment after all - I'm the same with sports ike golf, I like the majors and the ryder cup but a standard European tour event doesn't really interest me).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 28, 2022, 01:27:51 PM
It's only poor standard if you are comparing it to the mens game.

Do people watch races in athletics and think how poor standard the womens races are because they don't get the time the men do?

No. I for one have never based comments on the women's game in comparison to the men's. If there was no men's football the standard of the women's game wouldn't be any greater.

It's come a long way. It's improved. But it's generally poor in its own right. That's nothing to do with what we see from the men. And this is international level football. Apparently.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on July 28, 2022, 01:28:54 PM
For clarification i'm not comparing it to an elite mens game. It's absolutely nowhere near that.

Womens football is more of a higher amateur level, maybe semi-pro at the very top.

It's absolutely nowhere near any level of male professional football and that is not what i'm comparing it too.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 28, 2022, 01:30:26 PM
I tend to agree. The elite men's game is of an extraordinarily high standard, it's the most played ball game in the world and the top few divisions host the vast majority of the world's best players.

If you watch non league football or under 23 football and you like football for what it is, you will still enjoy it, even if it isn't as flawless as the Men's elite game. The same goes for the Women. If you don't enjoy the women's game, it may be that your love of football has more to do with "the event" rather than the actual sport (and there is of course nothing wrong with that as it is entertainment after all - I'm the same with sports ike golf, I like the majors and the ryder cup but a standard European tour event doesn't really interest me).

Not wearing that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on July 28, 2022, 01:31:26 PM
For clarification i'm not comparing it to an elite mens game. It's absolutely nowhere near that.

Womens football is more of a higher amateur level, maybe semi-pro at the very top.

It's absolutely nowhere near any level of male professional football and that is not what i'm comparing it too.

But there are full professional leagues. So if you're not comparing the women's game to the men's game, what are you comparing it to? Other women's team sports?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on July 28, 2022, 01:34:13 PM
Not wearing that.

Me neither, absolute tosh!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on July 28, 2022, 01:35:28 PM
But there are full professional leagues. So if you're not comparing the women's game to the men's game, what are you comparing it to? Other women's team sports?

Based on my experience of playing, the stuff i saw in last nights game was on par with say Premier division Sunday League standard  (very good amateurs with a few semi-pros thrown in). Not in terms of speed/strength but of quality of ball played etc.

I am not saying womens footy is poor in comparison to mens, thats a given, what i am saying is that womens football is poor in it's own right if you don't watch mens professional football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on July 28, 2022, 02:08:33 PM
Based on my experience of playing, the stuff i saw in last nights game was on par with say Premier division Sunday League standard  (very good amateurs with a few semi-pros thrown in). Not in terms of speed/strength but of quality of ball played etc.

I am not saying womens footy is poor in comparison to mens, thats a given, what i am saying is that womens football is poor in it's own right if you don't watch mens professional football.

But in your first paragraph you literally compare the standard with men's football...you say the best women's teams are at the same standard of high amateur/semi-pro teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on July 28, 2022, 02:20:53 PM
But in your first paragraph you literally compare the standard with men's football...you say the best women's teams are at the same standard of high amateur/semi-pro teams.

Feels a bit pedantic but ok, i'm not comparing womens football to mens PROFESSIONAL football. I have stated that but not in my original first few posts admittedly, i genuinely thought that was a given though. The difference is quality is so wide they cannot be compared.

So what i did was base my judgement of womens football on was on my personal experience. Hopefully that makes sense.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on July 28, 2022, 05:32:38 PM
I watched England vs Sweden and was impressed from the beginning they even sing the National anthem!.
I thought the movement was good the effort you couldn't fault the lack of players rolling around as if they had been shot was refreshing infact I enjoyed it more than watching the men.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on July 28, 2022, 06:29:22 PM
I watched England vs Sweden and was impressed from the beginning they even sing the National anthem!.
I thought the movement was good the effort you couldn't fault the lack of players rolling around as if they had been shot was refreshing infact I enjoyed it more than watching the men.

Totally agree with you and the part highlighted in particular. The men could learnt a lot from them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on July 28, 2022, 06:36:25 PM
Bryan Robson v Liverpool 1980/81

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j8h8KdJn6A

about 3 mins 40

Cheers Oldbury, a great watch and a great team.......
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on August 22, 2022, 05:02:29 PM
Ellen White has announced her immediate retirement from Womens Football.

A wonderful player and Englands all time leading goalscorer.

Very best wishes for the future in whatever direction it takes you and thank you for your services and for help raising the profile of the Womens Game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on August 22, 2022, 06:56:56 PM
Ellen White has announced her immediate retirement from Womens Football.

A wonderful player and Englands all time leading goalscorer.

Very best wishes for the future in whatever direction it takes you and thank you for your services and for help raising the profile of the Womens Game
I'm sure that she will be very happy to read your kind words next time she logs on to this forum  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on August 22, 2022, 10:11:02 PM
Ellen White has announced her immediate retirement from Womens Football.

A wonderful player and Englands all time leading goalscorer.

Very best wishes for the future in whatever direction it takes you and thank you for your services and for help raising the profile of the Womens Game
I read the headline on Facebook, had no idea who she was…..now that I do, I still wouldn’t spot her in the street .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on August 22, 2022, 11:53:22 PM
Worthy of a minutes applause. I’ve just done mine. More swatting at mosquitoes though. 😅
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on August 23, 2022, 04:51:30 PM
Another one of England Womens greats is retiring from football

Jill Scott, at aged 35, has made the decision to retire on a high after helping the England team win Euro 2022

Jill made 161 appearances for England, scoring 27 goals

Thank you for your service to your country and best wishes for the future, in whichever direction your career takes you

#Lionesses 👍⚽️👍
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 15, 2022, 01:10:42 PM
Ivan toney set to be announced in England squad for first time. Cracking signing at 5m+5m, Bilic got us Grant for 15m instead.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 15, 2022, 02:07:48 PM
Yep, Toney in, Dier back, Henderson in too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 23, 2022, 06:37:03 PM
Toney left out the matchday squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 23, 2022, 09:14:41 PM
Why must the managers of both of my teams be so awful
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zac on September 23, 2022, 10:12:56 PM
Why must the managers of both of my teams be so awful

I can't believe how average we look with the players he has at his disposal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 23, 2022, 10:34:35 PM
I can't believe how average we look with the players he has at his disposal.

He’s about the only manager I wouldn’t trade Bruce for in fairness. I use the term manager extremely loosely
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 23, 2022, 11:24:08 PM
Southgate has never been a good manager. Both routes to the World Cup semi and Euro final were extremely favourable and I think most managers would have seen us through.  We’ve never won a tough game and the only big elite nation we’ve beat in a tournament (Germany) were a shadow of their usual selves when we beat them.

I’ve said it before, but the Brazil, Portugal and Germany sides that have put us out of other tournaments this century would have beat a GS team comfortably.

Nationals league semi final, Belgium in the WC group, Croatia, Italy. Any real test we have had we have lost and now it’s 550 minutes without a goal in open play and 400 plus minutes without a goal at all.

We will probably out the group, but the moment we face a test we will lose and GS will make excuses.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 23, 2022, 11:36:44 PM
He deserves credit for what he did with a side that were down in the doldrums post 2016, but it does feel like we are coming towards the natural conclusion of his reign.

As Johnny says, it's the results against the best sides that let him down in the end. We have a very poor head to head record when facing top opposition. We were half decent at home and that helped last summer but even that has gone out of the window now.

The right manager for 2018 and 2021 but after this world cup, I'd like to see a natural progression to somebody else as we do have a player pool far superior to what we have had in previous years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 23, 2022, 11:41:31 PM
A lot of fans unhappy with Southgate by sounds of it. Thank god we rewarded his failure.


As said earlier. It's WBA x2 with the England team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 23, 2022, 11:43:45 PM
Saw this literally seconds after posting the above    ;D

(https://scontent-lcy1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308389292_535062255290596_2185777442677045368_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=rh-zh6hkQYIAX-VYaPE&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-1.xx&oh=00_AT9dTaKbFM3Ll6aB_YK5yW6pEJV_2ocBcFrf6OjCQGD2xQ&oe=63338F86)

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 24, 2022, 06:44:27 AM
It does feel like things are naturally coming to an end for Southgate regardless of the result at the World Cup I think he’l walk / get the sack. He was the right manager for the last 2 but this team needs a better coach / tactician now as the standard of quality we have at our disposal is better than 2018.

He draws parallels to Bruce for me tactically 0 plan B it’s just wash & repeat the same thing whether it’s working or not. To not have scored a single goal from open play in 5 with those forwards is bordering negligent. That Italian team despite been the poorest group of players to pick from in years & missing 5 starters looked more fluid & better coached (in both games we played them) that’s absolutely on Southgate & the coaching staff.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on September 24, 2022, 10:01:27 AM
Southgate's worst failing is overthinking the team and spending more time wondering how he can try and nullify the opposition than outright beat them. It's why we always go back to 3 at the back against anyone decent and play it with such rigidity there is zero creativity in open play.

Even if he does let the shackles loose, we'll no doubt return to the same failing at the first sight of playing a good side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on September 24, 2022, 10:10:17 AM
Eight hours and fifteen minutes (plus stoppages) since England scored a goal from open play apparently. 8 and a quarter hours from that squad. If so then with the very greatest of respect to Gareth I suspect the Kebab King could have got a better return from the players at his disposal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:09:27 AM
Rob Dorsett
@RobDorsettSky
#lfc Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of #england 23-man squad for Germany game tonight. Didn’t play a minute v Italy either. 👀 #brentford Ivan Toney IS in the matchday squad though. Tomori, Bowen, Ward-Prowse and Grealish (suspended) also miss out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 26, 2022, 09:46:31 AM
Rob Dorsett
@RobDorsettSky
#lfc Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of #england 23-man squad for Germany game tonight. Didn’t play a minute v Italy either. 👀 #brentford Ivan Toney IS in the matchday squad though. Tomori, Bowen, Ward-Prowse and Grealish (suspended) also miss out.

Need to score goals, leave out your most creative full back. Yet more genius from our Lord and Saviour in the waistcoat
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:47:53 AM
Southgate should have been let go after last years final. The idiots in charge couldnt wait to give him a new deal.


Football is truly perverse.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 26, 2022, 10:40:07 AM
Under big pressure tonight. Tough game against Germany, final game before the World Cup. In my honest opinion GS is more interested in not losing games rather than try to win them.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on September 26, 2022, 07:37:44 PM
World In Motion Ambitious playing at Wembley
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 07:38:33 PM
This will be the first England game i'll have seen in a while, not looking forward to it after what people said after game last week.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 26, 2022, 09:00:07 PM
Harry Maguire can’t get a game for his club side, plays every game for England somehow.

Unsurprisingly just gives the ball away and chops someone down for a penalty. Trent is out of form and gets completely binned by Southgate as he is not one of the favoured few. Frightening how poor a manager he is
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 26, 2022, 09:04:13 PM
Harry Maguire can’t get a game for his club side, plays every game for England somehow.

Unsurprisingly just gives the ball away and chops someone down for a penalty. Trent is out of form and gets completely binned by Southgate as he is not one of the favoured few. Frightening how poor a manager he is

Can see England's World Cup opponents rubbing their hands with glee!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:06:30 PM
This is awful.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:13:45 PM
He's gorra gew!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 26, 2022, 09:15:28 PM
He has to go this won’t cut it at the World Cup we won’t make it out of the group. Maguire playing like he’s done in the past 12 months Southgate’s the only bloke who can’t see it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 26, 2022, 09:16:15 PM
Maguire costs us again. 2-0

Southgate keeps the 5 at the back…

Baffling
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on September 26, 2022, 09:16:42 PM
Maguire for both goals I Rated him For England but now he is absolutely Attrious how did he cost £80 Million he isn't half the Player Van Dijk is for £75 Million
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:19:09 PM
WE SCORED!!!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 26, 2022, 09:20:39 PM
WE SCORED!!!!

First one from open play in over 9 hours. Frightening
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:21:23 PM
First one from open play in over 9 hours. Frightening


I know that's why i got overexcited, Absolutely atrocious.

2-2 as i say that  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Topman on September 26, 2022, 09:21:37 PM
Southgate a legend
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 26, 2022, 09:22:51 PM
WE SCORED!!!!

Ist goal from open play for years lol.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:23:10 PM
ARISE SIR GARETH!   

Kidding of course
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Topman on September 26, 2022, 09:24:06 PM
I take it all back
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 26, 2022, 09:25:29 PM
Just like busses nothing then they all come alog ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on September 26, 2022, 09:27:14 PM
Got some Bite now where was this whole Campaign I don't think Gareth likes the Nations League but knows this is a test before The World Cup. Jude Bellingham is World Class
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 26, 2022, 09:28:37 PM
Bellingham has to start at the WC.

We know he won’t if Phillips is fit though
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 26, 2022, 09:29:18 PM
He has to go this won’t cut it at the World Cup we won’t make it out of the group. Maguire playing like he’s done in the past 12 months Southgate’s the only bloke who can’t see it

As I was saying Southgate’s going to win us the World Cup
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:32:09 PM
As I was saying Southgate’s going to win us the World Cup

 ;D

3 in 10 minutes what's going on Gareth!?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 26, 2022, 09:33:24 PM
;D

3 in 10 minutes what's going on Gareth!?

Keeps his job for the World Cup!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:34:03 PM
Keeps his job for the World Cup!

It's almost as if what managers do can change the game

 3 3 now. Get him out 😂
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:34:56 PM
Where's Sam Johnstone when you need him  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on September 26, 2022, 09:36:44 PM
78,949 at Wembley there was more at the Women's final but that was a Major Final but ahead of a Game before the World Cup
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on September 26, 2022, 09:37:17 PM
It's almost as if what managers do can change the game

 3 3 now. Get him out 😂

This is some game!.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 26, 2022, 09:43:48 PM
This is some game!.


Last 15 mins was action packed. Still he's gotta gew!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on September 26, 2022, 09:54:45 PM
Overall, a credible performance and draw after recent results.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 27, 2022, 12:33:47 AM
Confirmation then that England are the first “major” European nation to be relegated from the top division of the Nations league in the 3 years the competition has been running. It always felt likely it would be the case given our struggles against other top sides and we had the toughest divisional draw maybe ever but still disappointing. Ukraine will need to win Tuesday night to avoid the double whammy of Scotland taking our place - the first time they will have had genuine bragging rights over us possibly in my lifetime.

I didn’t think we were all that bad tonight from what I saw, but then again we weren’t that bad vs Italy the other night and we have been passable in some other games in the tournament. We have just failed at both ends of the pitch. Southgate’s loyalty to a few players who served him well in the past has crept up on him and leaves him in a difficult position going into a World Cup the FA viewed at one point to be the best chance we would ever get of breaking our rut. Harry Maguire in particular just isn’t playing well enough to keep his place but looks certain now to start the tournament. Players like Shaw, Sterling and Henderson haven’t done too much wrong for England but their club form isn’t where it was a few years ago. That’s 4 regulars straight away. Players like Serie A winner Fikayo Tomori and Conference league second top scorer Tammy Abraham have been sorely under utilised heading into the tournament. No chance for Guehi, Toney or premier league and champions league winner Trent Alexander-Arnold. With no further prep pre World Cup we have made our bed. I don’t know how we shake things up now without it looking a strategic mess.

Lots of managers can be successful for a period but the very best realise when they need to be ruthless and change things around, letting players go who have served you well but aren’t going to any more. Alex Ferguson was the master of it. Southgate has three winnable group games to some how reinvigorate a very tired looking first eleven but I don’t think he is going to have it in him an so sadly this World Cup is probably a write off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 27, 2022, 12:42:47 AM
One thing I meant to add and it’s a subject I’ve gone on about a bit too much at times, but we do still lack one or two more technical players in our midfield. Jude Bellingham is sensational, while we have good attacking players like Mount, Saka, Grealish, Foden and Sancho, with Harvey Elliot potentially coming through, but I’d love to have a player or two who sit a bit deeper who can open teams up a bit more. Declan Rice is great but as much as he has changed my opinion of him, I still just don’t see him getting in to any other top nations midfield but ours.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on September 27, 2022, 05:54:50 AM
Going in to the World Cup on a winless run , and with only about half the starting XI positions nailed on is far from ideal! You do have to wonder about a manager who picks a player at LWB and then 3 days later uses the same player as a wide right attacker in the last game before a major tournament !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on September 27, 2022, 09:29:04 AM
Maguire costs us again. 2-0

Southgate keeps the 5 at the back…

Baffling

I was busy and missed the first half but when I glanced at the line-ups my heart sank when I saw Maguire's name in the back line.  My fears were confirmed when he gave a goal away twice.

What is wrong with our managers?  Southgate has Guehi, Tomori and even Mings as left sided CBs and yet he stubbornly picks a player who has lost all form as if picking him over and over is going to improve him.  I have Bruce at Albion and Southgate at England - what hope is there?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on September 27, 2022, 09:38:09 AM
It was just bizarre really, for him to be named in the squad in the first instance based on form the past year or so, then to start him in both games. Strange hill for Southgate to die on considering we have the likes of Tomori and Ben White in good form currently.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on September 27, 2022, 10:30:47 AM
Harry Maguire is a man bereft of any confidence and it shows on the pitch. Southgate needs to drop him completely.

Don’t think we have the personnel for a back 3 to be honest. We have excellent midfielders and attackers so naming 5 defenders (and of course a GK) means we can then only have 5 from the pool that’s brimming with talent.

Plus side - Bellingham looks fantastic and needs to be a mainstay in that 11 as long as he’s producing at club level.

Not sure how Toney doesn’t get some minutes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 27, 2022, 10:36:55 AM
Southgate 2017:

"I never pick on reputation — form has to come into it"

Southgate 2022:

"We've got to back our best and our most experienced players, unless we're in a situation where it's almost untenable and impossible to pick them"

He's now got to the stage he has pretty much admitted he doesn't pick on form, but he never has really. I think from memory the initial form comment was really to push Rooney out.

I think he's finished now anyway, the tide seems to have turned I think he will step down after the world cup. It's just a shame in my opinion that we will be wasting a world cup first.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 27, 2022, 11:11:25 AM
Southgate bores me just like Bruce. Both out of work before xmas hopefully
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: leeiswba on September 27, 2022, 12:49:59 PM
Southgate 2017:

"I never pick on reputation — form has to come into it"

Southgate 2022:

"We've got to back our best and our most experienced players, unless we're in a situation where it's almost untenable and impossible to pick them"

He's now got to the stage he has pretty much admitted he doesn't pick on form, but he never has really. I think from memory the initial form comment was really to push Rooney out.

I think he's finished now anyway, the tide seems to have turned I think he will step down after the world cup. It's just a shame in my opinion that we will be wasting a world cup first.

5 years between those quotes, is your view and opinion on things 5 years ago exactly the same now?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 27, 2022, 01:38:24 PM
5 years between those quotes, is your view and opinion on things 5 years ago exactly the same now?

No, but if you read my post I say he has never really has picked on form. So regardless of the time in between which I acknowledge, in my opinion nothing has really changed. He just can't pretend anymore. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robnewbold on September 27, 2022, 07:51:56 PM
If Southgate picks Maguire in his squad then he is an utter imbecile. Maguire contributed by his utter uselessness in 2 of the 3 German goals. He turns slower than the Titanic and has no footballing skills. He spends his time waving his arms about and standing with his hands on his hips looking bemused.
If he is picked then i'm out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on September 28, 2022, 06:02:05 AM
I have issues with southgate i think he has grossly under achieved in his management and bottled a semi final and a final.

However when it comes to his cbs i have some sympathy. We lack quality there. Stones is a bit of a sick note and whilst is quite a nice ball player not overly convinced hes that good a defender. Tomori i dont know enough about i havent seen him play enough and sadly it seems neither has Gareth as he would rather play coady or mings etc both of which are nowhere near the level needed to play internationally.

White seems too much of a pretty boy ill convinced by his defensive qualities. Maguire is opposite will put head where it hurts but has a rick in him can he play in a 2 probably not which is why southgate plays back 3.

I wish southgate would have a tony mowbray epiphany that we cant really defend but we have a hell of an attacking arsenal and rather than try sit back and soak up we should just outgun people. Attack being the best form of defensive whilst a cliche is bang on the money.

Rather watch us try attack and win and lose. Then sit back defend and try not to lose then still lose and im pretty sure everybody else is the same. Which is why mowbray is one of if not the most popular coaches of the last 30 years and pulis is potentially the most unpopular.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on September 28, 2022, 09:47:07 AM
Where's Sam Johnstone when you need him  ;D

Well, when he's not counting his money he's mostly found watching a better all round goalkeeper earning his........ from the sidelines  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 28, 2022, 09:47:39 AM
Well, when he's not counting his money he's mostly found watching a better all round goalkeeper earning his........ from the sidelines  ;D .


It's a footballers life Dan!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on October 07, 2022, 07:35:55 PM
European Champions England Face The World Champions USA at Wembley Oasis Wonderwall Already playing at Wembley which will be sold out
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 09, 2022, 12:22:49 PM
Euro 2024 qualification draw complete, it feels farcical seeing some of the pots. How can Israel end up in pot 2 having never qualified for a major tournament in my lifetime while Turkey end up being a pot 4 draw (admittedly due to political reasons).

Our group isn't easy and leaves very little wriggle room. Italy will be favourites so we have to make sure we get that 2nd place. Hopefully Ukraine will be a bit rusty and lacking home advantage given everything going on with them, while North Macedonia and Malta make up the last 2. N Macedonia showed during the last Euro's they aren't a bad side but I'd expect us to win home and away.

The draw in full:

Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyrprus
Group B: Netherlands, France, Republic of Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar
Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Malta
Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey, Latvia
Group E: Poland, Czech Republic, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia
Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania
Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, San Marino
Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kosovo, Belarus, Andorra
Group J: Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Liechtenstein

Group's A and B look tough, while Group I outside of Switzerland have a combined major tournament qualification of 1 solitary tournament in the last 6. We know which one's the easy group.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 09, 2022, 08:16:14 PM
Seeing a lot of praise for Ben White this season at Arsenal. Alongwith Fikayo Tomori, he seems to be England's most in form centre back. He isn't likely to make the world cup squad...
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on October 14, 2022, 12:46:50 PM
Sami Mokbel
@SamiMokbel81_DM
EXC: Growing fears Reece James will miss the World Cup. Damage to knee more serious than first feared. Surgery a possibility. More shortly on @MailSport


Furlong moves to 5th choice based on data if true  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: AlbionFan on October 14, 2022, 01:45:35 PM
Sami Mokbel
@SamiMokbel81_DM
EXC: Growing fears Reece James will miss the World Cup. Damage to knee more serious than first feared. Surgery a possibility. More shortly on @MailSport


Furlong moves to 5th choice based on data if true  ;D

Has Furlong been placed on international duty standby, do we know?  8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on October 14, 2022, 04:28:09 PM
Has Furlong been placed on international duty standby, do we know?  8)


Hope not!  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 14, 2022, 10:26:34 PM
Sami Mokbel
@SamiMokbel81_DM
EXC: Growing fears Reece James will miss the World Cup. Damage to knee more serious than first feared. Surgery a possibility. More shortly on @MailSport


Furlong moves to 5th choice based on data if true  ;D
He’s better than Terence Trent **** Arnold
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on October 15, 2022, 07:42:23 AM
He’s better than Terence Trent **** Arnold

 ;D

Good one Zippy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 16, 2022, 10:11:23 AM
He’s better than Terence Trent **** Arnold
TTA is the most over-rated player since Jamie Carragher
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 02, 2022, 11:01:31 PM
They reckon Chilwell has done his hamstring tonight. Likely to miss the world cup.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 03, 2022, 12:24:14 PM
With injuries mounting, Furlong and Townsend call ups ??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 03, 2022, 12:28:05 PM
With injuries mounting, Furlong and Townsend call ups ??

I think Qatar are supplying the ball boys for the tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 03, 2022, 12:32:41 PM
I think Qatar are supplying the ball boys for the tournament.

careful! ball persons of diminutive stature, I think you'll find.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 03, 2022, 12:39:26 PM
careful! ball persons of diminutive stature, I think you'll find.

So definitely not boys with balls then?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on November 04, 2022, 12:09:17 PM
I wonder how many England players will drop out of the tournament because of not agreeing with how the selction of Qatar as the venue was done, and also not feeling satisfied with the way the country is run.
If enough drop out, will england refuse to play there?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on November 04, 2022, 12:23:57 PM
I wonder how many England players will drop out of the tournament because of not agreeing with how the selction of Qatar as the venue was done, and also not feeling satisfied with the way the country is run.
If enough drop out, will england refuse to play there?

It's a nice idea but won't happen. Most people would prioritize playing at a world cup over morals. If someone like Kane dropped out, someone like Wilson would be more willing to step in.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 04, 2022, 12:25:08 PM
I agree with Argo, they are just footballers. Be interesting to see if anyone defies Qatar and does the stuff we see here, taking the knees, lgbt bands etc
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 04, 2022, 12:29:55 PM
Read an article on the BBC sports page earlier. While national teams have been taking various stances FIFA have come out and stated it's time to concentrate on football. They're basically telling them to shut it and get on with things.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 04, 2022, 12:31:41 PM
Money talks and FIFA are always listening. There is no right or wrong to them, just how much can they line their pockets.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 06, 2022, 08:20:04 AM
More trouble for England as Ivan Toney's selection now in doubt following confirmation he is being investigated for placing bets on football games when he was younger. It's the sort of offence that gets you a ban of a month or two for minor offences (which it seems this is) but I wouldn't be shocked of Southgate opts for an out of form Abraham and a steady but likited Wilson over him. It's a blow as I think Toney I probably the second beat English centre forward currently. All on Harry Kane again.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 09, 2022, 05:07:22 PM
Maddison to be left out of squad according to rumours. Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips hopeful. I thought they were out injured?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 09, 2022, 05:50:11 PM
Southgate all over, that. Maddison is the in form attacking midfielder in the league but won’t get in over the likes of Sterling who can barely control a football currently

Walker and Phillips are favourites of his so he will take them even if they would only be fit for a semi final.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 09, 2022, 05:51:47 PM
Maddison to be left out of squad according to rumours. Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips hopeful. I thought they were out injured?

Travesty if true.

Especially if they’re considering taking 2 players recently returning from injury with little to no games available to get them up to scratch. We’ve done this before with Beckham and Rooney and it never ends well.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 09, 2022, 05:53:06 PM
As Fritzl said it's Southgate all over. Can't wait for him to go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 09, 2022, 06:24:46 PM
Southgate's last tournament the bloke is useless he blew the best chance we had in years to win a tournament with his negative thinking, be glad to be shot of him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on November 09, 2022, 06:55:09 PM
Rightly or wrongly, Southgate's approach leaves little wiggle room for form-player call-ups. He's sought to develop a club mentality - the players aren't together for long at any one time, so consistency in squads means they can develop understanding over a long period of time. Dropping a new player in could disrupt the press, or the patterns of play they have worked on.

I haven't looked at Madison and whether the underlying stats suggest this is an overperformance and he will regress to the mean, or of he's taken another step up.

Like the England cricket squad, I think there's a culture of standing by players and showing loyalty to them, with the expectation they repay that by working hard for the team.

All that said, I'm not a fan of Southgate and find some of his in-game decisions baffling.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 09, 2022, 07:55:32 PM
Ard workers over talent, squad needs both, in my opinion GS has the balance wrong particularly in midfield
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 09, 2022, 10:49:15 PM
It isn't really a surprise is it, Southgate has never had much time for playmakers like Maddison, Grealish or to a degree Foden. I've always had the impression he rates system players more. I get it to a degree as international football tournaments do seem to favour conservative sides nowadays over front foot ones.

Personally I feel we need somebody like Maddison in the squad and maybe the next manager will find a place for him, but it should be noted that no top side has gone in for him despite him being on the scene for 4 years now. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on November 09, 2022, 11:42:41 PM
There'll be a lot of unwarranted fuss over Maddison but the reality is most his time at Leicester, certainly when he's playing well is when he's pushed out wide. I don't really see the same role existing for him for England. In the front 3 in the formation England player you really need someone more athletic.

It's kind of like Grealish who for sure is a decent player but there's a different doing well in a team happy to cover your weaknesses and being in a team where you're just one of the system.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 10, 2022, 08:09:34 AM
 i won't be playing 3 lions and world in motion on this occasion, i just can't get up for this
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 10, 2022, 09:27:05 AM
If you’re going to pluck players in form yo have to take Maddison ! If it comes down to ho is most likely to get/ create a goal in a tight game than Maddison has to be a better bet than most especially when judged against Mount who will play in a similar position and who I just don’t get the love in with !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 10, 2022, 09:49:14 AM
i won't be playing 3 lions and world in motion on this occasion, i just can't get up for this


I know what you mean. FIFA corruption has ruined this one for me. I'll still watch the games but Qatar should not be hosting it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 10, 2022, 09:54:54 AM
Maddison should be in the squad, as should Ivan Toney, but I don't think either will be. I also think Barnes offers something different to others with his directness but he isnt even in the discussion. 

The team should be built around Bellingham, Rice, Foden and Kane. When fit, those four should be in any first team. The rest of the 11 is debatable to a greater or lesser extent. Reece James was probably another certainty before his injury but I'm not sure there are many others who are clearly the best option in their position. 

I had high hopes for Sancho and thought by this tournament he would be a certainty but he's unlikely to make the squad (rightly so IMO).

The fact we dont have a top class centre back still lets us down. A Terry or Ferdinand would take the team to a much higher level. Even a Carragher would probably be our best centre back at the moment.


 


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 10, 2022, 10:41:01 AM
Maddison should be in the squad, as should Ivan Toney, but I don't think either will be. I also think Barnes offers something different to others with his directness but he isnt even in the discussion. 

The team should be built around Bellingham, Rice, Foden and Kane. When fit, those four should be in any first team. The rest of the 11 is debatable to a greater or lesser extent. Reece James was probably another certainty before his injury but I'm not sure there are many others who are clearly the best option in their position. 

I had high hopes for Sancho and thought by this tournament he would be a certainty but he's unlikely to make the squad (rightly so IMO).

The fact we dont have a top class centre back still lets us down. A Terry or Ferdinand would take the team to a much higher level. Even a Carragher would probably be our best centre back at the moment.

Barnes would be in any squad of mine. Fantastic player. Generally goes under the radar. A move to a "bigger club" and he'd be a regular.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 10, 2022, 10:57:16 AM
What are peoples thoughts on the wider world cup?

My knowledge of world football isn't what it was. From 98-2014 I'd I would have known practically every player at every major country but now there are players, particularly in South America that I've never heard of.

I remember 18 months ago, Tim Vickery (South American Football Journo) saying that the South Americans were worried about how things were looking in Europe, but come the tournament, Argentina and Brazil the two favorites' for many.

Looking at the predicted squads, it feels like it's the closest on paper that I remember. Doesn't seem much difference in the top 5/6 squads (also seems a lack of top class defenders worldwide). 

The Brazil Squad that is favourites includes as many premier league players as it surely ever has:

Alisson (Liverpool)
Ederson (Manchester City)
Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
Casemiro (Manchester United)
Fabinho (Liverpool),
Fred (Manchester United)
Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
Antony (Manchester United)
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Richarlison (Tottenham)

That's some good players, but world cup winners? Keepers aside, I'd say only Martinelli and Guimaraes are in particularly great form and I wouldnt be overly concerned to see england come up against them.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 10, 2022, 11:00:02 AM
Barnes would be in any squad of mine. Fantastic player. Generally goes under the radar. A move to a "bigger club" and he'd be a regular.

I thought he'd have been perfect for Liverpool after Mane left.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 10, 2022, 11:25:49 AM
Toney has been left out according to some journals on twitter.



Edit - Tomori and Abraham too apparently
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 10, 2022, 12:14:01 PM
Bowen out.

Furlong probably 4th choice RB at this moment if you close your eyes  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on November 10, 2022, 12:42:45 PM
What are peoples thoughts on the wider world cup?

My knowledge of world football isn't what it was. From 98-2014 I'd I would have known practically every player at every major country but now there are players, particularly in South America that I've never heard of.

I remember 18 months ago, Tim Vickery (South American Football Journo) saying that the South Americans were worried about how things were looking in Europe, but come the tournament, Argentina and Brazil the two favorites' for many.

Looking at the predicted squads, it feels like it's the closest on paper that I remember. Doesn't seem much difference in the top 5/6 squads (also seems a lack of top class defenders worldwide). 

The Brazil Squad that is favourites includes as many premier league players as it surely ever has:

Alisson (Liverpool)
Ederson (Manchester City)
Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
Casemiro (Manchester United)
Fabinho (Liverpool),
Fred (Manchester United)
Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
Antony (Manchester United)
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Richarlison (Tottenham)

That's some good players, but world cup winners? Keepers aside, I'd say only Martinelli and Guimaraes are in particularly great form and I wouldnt be overly concerned to see england come up against them.

Casemiro and Jesus are in pretty good form too.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 10, 2022, 12:49:42 PM
Callum Wilson in apparently. JUST ANNOUNCE IT FFS  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 10, 2022, 01:14:57 PM
Johnny Cash says he can't name some foreign players I couldn't even name half the England squad that's how much interest football holds for me these days.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 10, 2022, 01:19:37 PM
Casemiro and Jesus are in pretty good form too.

Jesus is doing ok, I think he’s capable of more. Statistically per minute his return is actually very similar to his time at city (yet perception is he’s doing much better).

I was going to say if Bowen is out that possibly leaves room for Maddison, and the press is now suggesting he could be in.

Also suggestions Ward-Prowse is out. I feel sorry for him if true, he’s a decent player and in the heat he could play minutes centrally to give others a rest ( particularly with doubts over Phillips).  Staying at Southampton has probably killed him which is a shame for any of the smaller / less glamorous clubs who players have more reasons to move from, not that they don’t have enough reasons already.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on November 10, 2022, 01:42:22 PM
Looks like Maddison is going after all!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on November 10, 2022, 02:00:34 PM
Southgate relies on a common style and mutual understanding, and so has a preference for those that have come up through the age groups at St George's Park.  A reasonable enough strategy; we're not blessed with outstanding talent when you compare with some of the other national sides.   Who would pick Kalvin Phillips if Rodri were available?

Grealish does not fit in to any side which cannot accommodate him as the No 1 player.  I would prefer Maddison to him.

The biggest loss is Reece James who is an outstanding RB in defence and attack.  Trent AA is a poor defender.  Recent injuries have made us short of talent in the full back department.

One ray of light is Bellingham who - we hope - is a little protected by not playing in the fixture log-jam of competitions of English Football
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 10, 2022, 02:04:44 PM
Gallagher the big surprise inclusion.  Can't say I understand it. He's a good player, but I don't think he is right for international football.

Maddison is included, as is Callum Wilson.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 10, 2022, 02:11:57 PM
Yeah Gallagher the surprise for me, decent but not essential for the squad.

Coady over Tomori is a bit out there for me as well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 10, 2022, 02:13:51 PM
Walker and Maguire very lucky to be included . Neither anywhere near playing regularly for differing reasons. Several others you can argue over including Dier and Wilson. All in all will be surprised if they go any further than last 16
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 10, 2022, 02:44:05 PM
Having now listened to Southgate the decision to take Walker gets more baffling and ridiculous. He won’t be available until the 3rd game at the earliest and we have Trippier, TTA, White , and even at a push Stones who do or can play in the same position as Walker yet we have only one LB in the squad !!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boinging_along on November 10, 2022, 03:04:20 PM
Southgate's comments are awful, they're so contradictory.  Isn't taking Abraham because "he's had a poor run of scoring form", but will take Phillips who has been out all season, Walker who is injured, Maguire and Rashford who have been awful.

Don't use "form" as an excuse for one player, but then ignore form for other players. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 10, 2022, 03:23:54 PM
I wonder how many of the players that aren't going are quietly relieved they won't be part of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Seriously.

Relieved to be avoiding late local time kick offs, the political squabbles and being able to 'rest up' with their other halves between training sessions etc. as opposed to listening to Gareth Southgate droning on about this that or the other.

That's before we get onto Jack Grealish having to do without his favourite brand of vodka for so long. Personally speaking I think I may have ruled myself out with some mysterious stomach ailment.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 10, 2022, 04:23:05 PM
England's defence is likely to let them down, notwithstanding Southgate's negativity. To be honest can't get excited about this tournament. Especially as Qatar should not been given it in the 1st place.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 10, 2022, 06:52:56 PM
Don't be surprised if Ivan Toney chooses to play for Jamaica now. The same can be said of up and coming Anglo African players with Tomori and Abraham being overlooked  with both having turned down the chance to represent Nigeria. More and more players will do what Hudson-Odoi, Lamptey and now Omar Hutchinson have done and declare for their dual national option.

I get Abraham missing out to a degree, but it feels very harsh on Ivan Toney and particularly Fikayo Tomori when Connor Coady has been selected.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 10, 2022, 07:02:05 PM
What are peoples thoughts on the wider world cup?


Hard to get too enthusiastic about it. It feels a grubby tournament with the politics that surround it, from the way it was awarded, all the way though to the issues that surround the tournament in a fairly oppresive and far too small nation for such a huge tournament. I actually have no problem with the European football calender disruption- tough - it's a global game, but it should go to nations with better track records really and ones that can have a lasting legacy (we need more joint hosts for the smaller nations).

Interesting seeing Brazil and Argentinia as favourites given the domination of European talent factory nations in recent tournaments. It would be good to see Messi finally win it, but I can't say I like the Argies, while most of the other top nations look out of form or with a lot of key injuries.

I don't see England making it past the quarter finals. Maybe this isn't a bad one to lose (a tainted world cup), even if the FA understandably targeted it a decade ago due to the timing being favourable to English football after tiredness issues during summer tournaments. CoVID disruption and form issues have ended our hopes already from my perspective.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on November 10, 2022, 09:43:27 PM
Denmark not allowed to wear their strip for the WC. FIFA deemed it political. Denmark saying it’s about human rights. I really don’t know the difference. The tournament is getting more and more farcical. I’m beginning to warm to it. 😁
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on November 10, 2022, 10:58:07 PM
The 2014 world cup there was no standout team amd 2018 france were the best but marginally. This time again i think there is no standout side. Brazil and Argentina both blessed in attack but gaping holes elsewhere. France missing kante and pogba and their defence looks ropey. England have an awful manager and poor defence.

Wouldnt be surprised to see somebody come from left field and win the tournament like croatia or denmark. Think due to conditions it will be a very slow paced tournament and a lot of goals will come from set pieces, and VAR...

Hope im wrong. Come on England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 11, 2022, 08:11:20 AM
Southgate has said he will decide if he speaks or not, not Fifa in regards to any political statements
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 11, 2022, 09:49:51 AM
Southgate has said he will decide if he speaks or not, not Fifa in regards to any political statements

Well then Gareth, here's hoping you don't find yourself doing an impression of a lollipop on the end of a riot baton in a Qatari prison cell  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 11, 2022, 10:11:06 AM
Well then Gareth, here's hoping you don't find yourself doing an impression of a lollipop on the end of a riot baton in a Qatari prison cell  ;D .

If he does speak his mind he will get people's respect but also his backside handed to him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 11, 2022, 03:11:49 PM
If he does speak his mind he will get people's respect but also his backside handed to him

Speaking his own mind in the UK's one thing, telling them when he's in their country is a whole different ball game. Remember the American female basketball player Brittney Griner who got lifted for possession in Russia?

Apparently she's being transferred from a regular jail to serve out the rest of her time in a Russian penal colony. Things can go south very quickly if you take your position and personal freedom of expression for granted.

If Gareth gets the choice between becoming a Qatari lollipop or getting lashes across the back with a copy of the Quran under his armpit I know which I'd plump for. In case anyone's wondering I'd have the lashes  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 12, 2022, 03:59:12 PM
Maddison subbed off, hamstring i believe, no idea how bad. That's rotten luck potentially.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 13, 2022, 03:11:54 PM
Maddison subbed off, hamstring i believe, no idea how bad. That's rotten luck potentially.

Just a precaution apparently.........

'Brendan Rodgers says his decision to substitute England midfielder James Maddison after just 25 minutes in Leicester's final game before the World Cup was "just precautionary".

The Leicester boss said Maddison, who was called up to England's squad for the Qatar tournament, had a sore knee.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring in Saturday's 2-0 win at West Ham in the Premier League before being taken off.

England's first World Cup group game is against Iran on Monday, 21 November.

Rodgers said: "He's fine. It was just precautionary, a little soreness on the side of the knee. He hasn't trained a lot this week. He's OK.

"It was a difficult day for players going to the World Cup. We've tried to protect them."

Maddison went down shortly after taking a corner at the London Stadium but was able to walk off the pitch after being assessed by the Leicester medical staff.

Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward added: "I think he'll be all right. I think he's OK. He's come in, got his goal. Hopefully, touch wood, all is well and he can show the world what he can do."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63609489
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 13, 2022, 09:44:49 PM
Southgate has said he will decide if he speaks or not, not Fifa in regards to any political statements
He might well do…but it’ll be once we are out and he is back in Blighty….and he might be saying what he actually thinks, but it’ll look like a smokescreen if we fail early ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 18, 2022, 08:16:38 PM
I was fairly content with the draw when it was made and it didn't bother me too much when I realised we actually had the highest aggregate FIFA ranking of all groups, but as the tournament gets closer I've realised it is a trickier group than I first thought. A few of the previews I've seen rank USA as coming bottom. That's a USA side that contains players at Dortmund, Chelsea, Juventus, Milan, Valencia, Leeds, Lille and Fulham, a USA side we have never beaten at the World Cup in 2 attempts so far. I always mark Iran down as no hopers but I had forgotten 2018 where they drew with Portugal, lost 1-0 to Spain and beat Morocco. Queiroz has them a niggly, low block side, the sort of team we historically struggle against at World Cups. Even Wales seem to have decent tournament form.

Considering how out of sorts both the England team and some individuals are, feels increasingly like the sort of group we could get 3 draws from and an elimination.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Bilston Dan on November 18, 2022, 08:52:33 PM
I dont think I've ever been so un-enthused about a world cup. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on November 18, 2022, 10:39:19 PM
England are one of my picks to flop sadly. I think us portugal, Belgium and France could all easily implode for one reason or another
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 19, 2022, 10:22:33 AM
Been watching on Facebook the embarrassing attempt by the Qataries showing fake England fans. Truly laughable. Interviewing a 'fan' claiming 'England have a great back line'. I think someone one stated they asked a 'fan' who was their favourite English player and the answer was Steven Gerrard ;D.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on November 19, 2022, 12:38:49 PM
Been watching on Facebook the embarrassing attempt by the Qataries showing fake England fans. Truly laughable. Interviewing a 'fan' claiming 'England have a great back line'. I think someone one stated they asked a 'fan' who was their favourite English player and the answer was Steven Gerrard ;D.
Not just England fans, but a selection of nations. The organisers deserve this tournament to flop. I fully expect to see these stand-ins at some games. You can spot them a mile off. Pathetic!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 19, 2022, 12:52:29 PM
Not just England fans, but a selection of nations. The organisers deserve this tournament to flop. I fully expect to see these stand-ins at some games. You can spot them a mile off. Pathetic!

Very true costa. The public will soon see through this.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 19, 2022, 01:44:55 PM
Southgate has said he will decide if he speaks or not, not Fifa in regards to any political statements
Just watched a clip of Matt Le Tissier he summed up Southgate perfectly , would Southgate be so stupid as to upset his paymasters and offer an honest opinion on this corrupt World Cup not a chance .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 19, 2022, 01:58:56 PM
Kane has said he will wear his 'one love' armband for every game despite not being told to
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 19, 2022, 02:24:51 PM
Been watching on Facebook the embarrassing attempt by the Qataries showing fake England fans. Truly laughable. Interviewing a 'fan' claiming 'England have a great back line'. I think someone one stated they asked a 'fan' who was their favourite English player and the answer was Steven Gerrard ;D.

The truest sign of fakery.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 19, 2022, 03:46:00 PM
The truest sign of fakery.

SmethDan it's so bad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 19, 2022, 10:20:51 PM
Benzema injured in training. Out for the tourney apparently.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 20, 2022, 10:17:20 AM
Benzema injured in training. Out for the tourney apparently.

Big miss but still a lot of quality in that squad.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 20, 2022, 11:36:25 AM
There is but for me this WC there is no standout team. I reckon any of 4-6 teams have a reasonable chance
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 20, 2022, 10:32:05 PM
Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Mount; Sterling, Kane, Saka

This is the team apparently.

Somehow thought it would be precisely that whilst Phillips isn’t fully fit, as he would be his other go to starter over Bellingham. The only selection issue I foresaw was whether he would start with a 5 at the back and play Dier instead of Saka, otherwise that is exactly how I knew he’d line up.

No Foden. Sickener.

In terms of personnel I’ve no major issues with it. I guess my reservation with GS will be the same that I had with Bruce, in that you can put whatever players on the pitch you want, if the coaching they have had isn’t up to it then personnel doesn’t overly matter, within reason

I hope to be proven very wrong as the tournament progresses and he has learned massively from the mistakes made in the past two tournaments

Would always have Foden in regardless, mind, because he’s just an utterly brilliant footballer
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boinging_along on November 21, 2022, 12:49:36 AM
My problem with Southgate is he's too reserved.  It's fine when we're getting the odd goal here and there to take us ahead in games but when we face someone better and go a goal down he just doesn't know how to go for the attack.

Which is a massive shame considering the attacking talent we have in our squad in comparison to how poor we are at defending.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 21, 2022, 06:47:14 AM
Part of me thinks Foden offers more against a low block, but then I've never been impressed by him in an England shirt and Saka is quite possibly Foden's equal now at table topping Arsenal.

I look at the team and for me it still lacks a player who can operate in front of a deep lying defence, somebody who can work the ball in tighter spaces and make something happen ala Grealish or Maddison, but I understand why Southgate goes for Saka and Sterling who suit a side who play on the counter attack.

Bellingham and Rice probably our strongest midfield combination. That in itself shows our weaknesses as the very top sides like France and Spain have 2 or 3 world class central options, while we only have 1.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 21, 2022, 12:03:14 PM
England team confirmed as one that was leaked.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 21, 2022, 12:17:54 PM
Ridiculous. Sterling, Maguire, Mount all very very lucky to be on the plane let alone be first choices based on performances at club level this season !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 21, 2022, 12:31:10 PM
England team confirmed as one that was leaked.

Do I now get ITK status?  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 21, 2022, 12:34:52 PM
Do I now get ITK status?  ;D

Only if you say it is but might not be thus covering all bases  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 21, 2022, 02:32:36 PM
Wow. And i thought Qatar were poor.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on November 21, 2022, 03:16:52 PM
Ridiculous. Sterling, Maguire, Mount all very very lucky to be on the plane let alone be first choices based on performances at club level this season !

I think it depends on the formation. I've never seen Maguire play poorly for England yet looks bad at Man Utd. I believe he's like a better version of Bartley where a basic back 4 with little responsibility on the ball helps him, whereas getting him to play from the back or in a back 3 makes him look poor. He certainly did no wrong today.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 21, 2022, 03:22:53 PM
Well done England! Happy for Saka and they couldn’t do much more. And if that’s a penalty then why isn’t the foul on Maguire first half a pen? There are going to be a lot of penalties in this World Cup if that is one.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boinging_along on November 21, 2022, 04:20:42 PM
I think it depends on the formation. I've never seen Maguire play poorly for England yet looks bad at Man Utd. I believe he's like a better version of Bartley where a basic back 4 with little responsibility on the ball helps him, whereas getting him to play from the back or in a back 3 makes him look poor. He certainly did no wrong today.

He was decent when we had the ball - it was his pass that set us on the front foot for the first goal - but he was at fault for their first, was caught ball watching, and there were a few moments throughout where he needed some awkward lunge to recover the ball.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on November 21, 2022, 04:59:20 PM
What good is Grealish hes on hi backside for almost everytime he has the ball and mostly going backwards to our defensive players the only time he could be dangerous is if hes in the penalty box then go down
Also his goal was on a plate if i had been the striker who cut it back for him i would have gone for goal myself
His celebration after his goal, please dont get me started on that, is he a simpleton or what?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on November 21, 2022, 05:18:23 PM
What good is Grealish hes on hi backside for almost everytime he has the ball and mostly going backwards to our defensive players the only time he could be dangerous is if hes in the penalty box then go down
Also his goal was on a plate if i had been the striker who cut it back for him i would have gone for goal myself
His celebration after his goal, please dont get me started on that, is he a simpleton or what?

He was doing it in tribute to a lad he'd met through a charity event.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mank baggie on November 21, 2022, 05:19:54 PM
What good is Grealish hes on hi backside for almost everytime he has the ball and mostly going backwards to our defensive players the only time he could be dangerous is if hes in the penalty box then go down
Also his goal was on a plate if i had been the striker who cut it back for him i would have gone for goal myself
His celebration after his goal, please dont get me started on that, is he a simpleton or what?
Apparently he promised a lad who is ill he would do it for him
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 21, 2022, 05:22:56 PM
Yeah Grealish was doing it for a kid he made a promise too at a charity match.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 21, 2022, 06:46:48 PM
They couldn't do much more, nice to see the young lads do well. Bellingham looks a proper player as does Sako.
Well done England first points under their belts
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on November 21, 2022, 06:54:18 PM
You can only beat what’s in front of you and it was great to see us sweep them away. Hopefully a few more positive comments will follow. Well done England!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 21, 2022, 07:02:49 PM
What good is Grealish hes on hi backside for almost everytime he has the ball and mostly going backwards to our defensive players the only time he could be dangerous is if hes in the penalty box then go down
Also his goal was on a plate if i had been the striker who cut it back for him i would have gone for goal myself
His celebration after his goal, please dont get me started on that, is he a simpleton or what?
Not a fan are you ?
If you watch his run in to the area for his goal…the awareness to stop and make that instant space for Wilson to aim at was first class and the sort of awareness that Rush/Lineker/batistuta would have done in their prime .
I don’t care what he does to celebrate,but it was after scoring a goal for England at a World Cup …so what’s the problem.
That match was played over almost 2 hours…and he came on into the last 30 mins,and was the second most fouled player of the match
THATS why he ends up on the floor a lot


Aside from that and hopefully not making it about politics
I salute those Iranian players…then taking a decision to not sing their national anthem in front of a global audience could/will be met with a much more serious consequence than a fine ….sometimes you just have to do the right thing and hold your conviction.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on November 21, 2022, 07:14:50 PM
Well said.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 21, 2022, 07:26:41 PM
Thought England were excellent myself.

Bellingham and Saka in particular. Kane was no goal threat but ran the line supremely and did a great job for the team.

Grealish was doing what he did for a lad with cerebral palsy, it was a lovely thing to do especially as it came on the world stage. Can’t believe someone is criticising him for it..poor that is, guy can’t do anything right in some peoples eyes  :-X

It’s a great way to start the tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 21, 2022, 08:53:22 PM
Credit to the Iran players for their protest and for their fans making their feelings known as well.

A shame Carlos Queiroz has called them out post game, shilling for the oppressive government over there.

Brilliant England performance, turning a slight blind eye to the 2 goals conceded.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on November 21, 2022, 10:11:40 PM
I know we scored 6 and it was a fun game but we also got screwed by VAR (surprisingly... ::))
Maguire should have won a penalty but it didn't even get looked at, then their late penalty was far softer. It's irrelevant against Iran but I hope the officials don't have it in for us later on in the tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 22, 2022, 08:38:55 AM
What good is Grealish hes on hi backside for almost everytime he has the ball and mostly going backwards to our defensive players the only time he could be dangerous is if hes in the penalty box then go down
Also his goal was on a plate if i had been the striker who cut it back for him i would have gone for goal myself
His celebration after his goal, please dont get me started on that, is he a simpleton or what?

That’s a poor post liver, I expected better from you to be honest
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 22, 2022, 08:47:59 AM
That’s a poor post liver, I expected better from you to be honest

Did you? Really?  :o

On the game, I felt we looked handy. Opposition were what they were, but we never looked like they’d stifle us which was always the worry. We have so much attacking talent it’s frightening, just need to make sure we continue to use it as we did in that game. Praying he does not revert back to 5 at the back at any stage, particularly when Walker is fit, defence is our weakest suit so play on the front foot
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 22, 2022, 09:18:05 AM
Did you? Really?  :o

On the game, I felt we looked handy. Opposition were what they were, but we never looked like they’d stifle us which was always the worry. We have so much attacking talent it’s frightening, just need to make sure we continue to use it as we did in that game. Praying he does not revert back to 5 at the back at any stage, particularly when Walker is fit, defence is our weakest suit so play on the front foot

Really Fritz, I do

The post was just moaning about Grealish, how easy his goal was, and his ‘celebration’ for a child with cerebral palsy.

It’s easy to point out how easy he goes down, and that is true, but we once had a player called Periera who hit the deck pretty quickly too
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 22, 2022, 09:22:53 AM
Really Fritz, I do

The post was just moaning about Grealish, how easy his goal was, and his ‘celebration’ for a child with cerebral palsy.

It’s easy to point out how easy he goes down, and that is true, but we once had a player called Periera who hit the deck pretty quickly too

I meant were you really shocked at a post like that coming from Liverbaggie? His opinions expressed in the past suggested to me that is exactly the sort of post I would expect from him.

I had seen the video before the tournament on Twitter where he had met with the lad, Finley, who requested he did that celebration and fully support him doing it. Strangely enough, ever since he left the Villa, I have truly warmed to our Jack  ;D

No idea why Liver would be criticising him being chopped down by Iranian players who were scared of him running at them directly and committing men which, while we have the likes of Maguire on the pitch, gives us a great advantage at the many set pieces he wins.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on November 22, 2022, 09:35:17 AM
Im not a grealish fan really but it was a great performance by england,
I apologise regarding grealish celebration i was not aware of his dedication to a child with celebral palsy, i didnt realise that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 22, 2022, 09:39:27 AM
Might just be me but much as I rate Rice I thought there were times he was very casual in possession. While both had good moments and we scored six (which is obviously great) Stones and McGuire will need to up their game moving forward.

We were vulnerable to balls over the top when Iran actually showed ambition. Given our general dominance three goals wouldn't have flattered them. Good start yet we need to be sharper and more focused against tougher opponents.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 22, 2022, 10:28:53 AM
I thought Rice was the weakest link yesterday. His passing wasn’t too good and several times his first touch was awful ball just bouncing off him .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on November 22, 2022, 10:42:22 AM
I meant were you really shocked at a post like that coming from Liverbaggie? His opinions expressed in the past suggested to me that is exactly the sort of post I would expect from him.

I had seen the video before the tournament on Twitter where he had met with the lad, Finley, who requested he did that celebration and fully support him doing it. Strangely enough, ever since he left the Villa, I have truly warmed to our Jack  ;D

No idea why Liver would be criticising him being chopped down by Iranian players who were scared of him running at them directly and committing men which, while we have the likes of Maguire on the pitch, gives us a great advantage at the many set pieces he wins.

I am sort of warming to him too, looks like he has grown up since he left Witton wanderers.

Grealish scares a lot of players, whilst we were anti a little while ago I would like to think the we can recognise his talent
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 22, 2022, 10:43:13 AM
I thought Rice was the weakest link yesterday. His passing wasn’t too good and several times his first touch was awful ball just bouncing off him .


and yet all i heard from the talkosporto commentator how good he was and vital for breaking up play
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 22, 2022, 10:50:35 AM
Breaking up play !! Iran barely had the ball. Obviously adhering to the 11th commandment . Thou shalt not criticise a player from the previous World Cup winners that are West Ham !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 25, 2022, 07:49:58 PM
Poor performance so far. USA took over mod way through the half and we only regained some semblance of shape in the final 5 mins.

The defensive press has been very poor, they look like they ha e so much time to pick passes and shots around the box.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 25, 2022, 07:51:12 PM
It's like watching the Albion under Bruce, superior players but no coaching or tactical aptitude going into them
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 08:15:35 PM
Proper Southgate this
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 08:23:46 PM
Henderson coming on to slow it down. Proper Southgate
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 08:27:10 PM
Absolutely. The entire country screaming for Foden and Grealish.,
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 08:33:00 PM
Anyone explained to Southgate that a draw does NOT guarantee progression
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 08:40:48 PM
Anyone explained to Southgate that a draw does NOT guarantee progression

It pretty much does though. He’s a cowardly manager.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 08:44:03 PM
It pretty much does though. He’s a cowardly manager.


Not guaranteed though. Totally agree Southgate is a coward however.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 25, 2022, 08:46:17 PM
He will have to rely on a very lucky draw again to get to the latter stages. Such a poor manager
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 08:47:51 PM

Not guaranteed though. Totally agree Southgate is a coward however.

It’s not guaranteed no, but what odds wales beat us by 6?

It’s virtually guaranteed if we don’t lose, which is exactly why Southgate’s first thought was Henderson.  If we can stutter through until a big nation beats us, Southgate will have his excuses.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 08:48:20 PM
Imagine if we got tonked by Wales.


Get this bloke gone
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on November 25, 2022, 08:50:51 PM
Makes me sick how we have our best player on the bench time and time again
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 08:53:53 PM
I think Kanes carrying an injury. He’s got previous for playing unfit when it may be in the teams interest to admit it (Spurs champions league final). Wouldn’t be surprised if it comes out after the tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 25, 2022, 09:01:34 PM
For me that game was crying out for Foden and Grealish. It wasn’t happening for Saka and Sterling.

There is trepidation going into the Wales game now and they’ll be up for it. Could end up 2nd which makes life harder.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 25, 2022, 09:05:17 PM
Southgate too reliant on players like Henderson, Sterling, Mount and even Rashford, players who have been good for him but are no longer performing and are only there through loyalty.

Phil Foden plays regularly for arguably the best side in world football but can't get minutes for Southgate. Surely he should be ahead of a few of those players by now.

Also a lack of luck with injuries and players development stalling. It's hurt our depth at this tournament. I was hoping players like Delap, Sancho, Skipp, Elliott, Smith Rowe and the disgraced Greenwood would now have been in and around the squad but instead we are left with a thinner set of options.

We're near enough qualified now, but if we play likebthat vs Wales then a last 16 exit to the Netherlands or Equador beckons.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 09:10:06 PM
Southgate too reliant on players like Henderson, Sterling, Mount and even Rashford, players who have been good for him but are no longer performing and are only there through loyalty.

Phil Foden plays regularly for arguably the best side in world football but can't get minutes for Southgate. Surely he should be ahead of a few of those players by now.

Also a lack of luck with injuries and players development stalling. It's hurt our depth at this tournament. I was hoping players like Delap, Sancho, Skipp, Elliott, Smith Rowe and the disgraced Greenwood would now have been in and around the squad but instead we are left with a thinner set of options.

We're near enough qualified now, but if we play likebthat vs Wales then a last 16 exit to the Netherlands or Equador beckons.

Neville was spot on. A France, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, even the Germans and the Dutch back themselves to win that and TAA and Foden both play.

Unpopular opinion but we got to the World Cup semi and euro final in spite of Southgate not because of him. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 09:13:12 PM
Southgate - exactly the sort of game I thought it would be.

Well that’s because you set it up to be that way.

He won’t ever change, in-fact it seems to only strengthen his position.

You can bet he’ll put Foden on at some point when we are in trouble though. Which defies logic.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 09:15:37 PM
Southgate is the massive hindrance he always has been and always will be.

He knows no one will ever pay him anything near the salary we do and will continue to milk it as long as he can.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 25, 2022, 09:17:14 PM
Southgate is the massive hindrance he always has been and always will be.

He knows no one will ever pay him anything near the salary we do and will continue to milk it as long as he can.

No club side in the Premier League would touch him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 09:17:43 PM
Southgate is the massive hindrance he always has been and always will be.

He knows no one will ever pay him anything near the salary we do and will continue to milk it as long as he can.

I don’t agree it’s about money. I think as a man he’s got principles and I have no reason to question his integrity. That’s a cheap shot IMO.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 25, 2022, 09:33:47 PM
Worth saying, this is the 5th game in the last 8 since March where we have failed to score. 1 win and  3 losses, including the 2 worst performances I've seen under Southgate in Hungary and then again tonight.

Southgate must know this. Surely he looks to shake things up now, else his England career is in danger of peetering out. He has done an incredible job getting us to the last 4 of a tournament 3 times, but it would be a waste not to take advantage this year, mid season when players aren't knackered and with a set of players who even now are still packed full of talent.

Hopefully we see a change of shape next game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 09:40:33 PM
Worth saying, this is the 5th game in the last 8 since March where we have failed to score. 1 win and  3 losses, including the 2 worst performances I've seen under Southgate in Hungary and then again tonight.

Southgate must know this. Surely he looks to shake things up now, else his England career is in danger of peetering out. He has done an incredible job getting us to the last 4 of a tournament 3 times, but it would be a waste not to take advantage this year, mid season when players aren't knackered and with a set of players who even now are still packed full of talent.

Hopefully we see a change of shape next game.

I don’t think you’ll see much of a change.  He knows anything but a hammering is good enough to get through so he’ll be cautious. If we cautiously win great, draw or a minor defeat he can say we’ve achieved what we set out to do.

Knowing wales have to go all out at us will also help him justify a defensive set up. Whereas id argue that should make them ripe for better players to pick off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 25, 2022, 09:44:12 PM
I fear you are correct, but it's his own career death sentence. Surely there is no way the FA stick with Southgate if we go out early, not after our poor form this last 12 months. Too much potential in this set of players to waste another cycle.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 10:16:48 PM
I fear you are correct, but it's his own career death sentence. Surely there is no way the FA stick with Southgate if we go out early, not after our poor form this last 12 months. Too much potential in this set of players to waste another cycle.

The worst thing is, it may not be.

It could work well for him next week. Wales could go for it and we could pick them off and take the lead  before going on to convincingly beating a demoralised wales really comfortably and with freedom.

The performance will then be praised and the tactic lorded as the right one.  7 points, undefeated, etc etc.  A sign of a positive long term though, no not for me.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 25, 2022, 10:33:50 PM
Everybody very keen to pin the blame on the manager and yet he wasn’t the one who missed chances , nor did he fail to find a teammate with a 5 yard pass , or run up a blind alley when a comfortable pass was available . Yes a more progressive coach may get more in terms of performance out of these but win it with this lot I don’t think so
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 10:58:25 PM
Everybody very keen to pin the blame on the manager and yet he wasn’t the one who missed chances , nor did he fail to find a teammate with a 5 yard pass , or run up a blind alley when a comfortable pass was available . Yes a more progressive coach may get more in terms of performance out of these but win it with this lot I don’t think so

We’ve literally seen the difference a manager can make at our own club
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 11:01:50 PM
I don’t agree it’s about money. I think as a man he’s got principles and I have no reason to question his integrity. That’s a cheap shot IMO.

He's not a Steve Bruce 'come for the payoff' type but who do you think will pay him what we do?

Its not a cheap shot. He's a coward

If he drags the team to quarter finals or more he doesn't look like a poor manager. He's a manager of public expectations regardless of how well we should do.

In short he does the least acceptable to prolong his pay.


I believe he's on 5-7m here. Who do you think will pay him that?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 25, 2022, 11:34:11 PM
He's not a Steve Bruce 'come for the payoff' type but who do you think will pay him what we do?

Its not a cheap shot. He's a coward

If he drags the team to quarter finals or more he doesn't look like a poor manager. He's a manager of public expectations regardless of how well we should do.

In short he does the least acceptable to prolong his pay.


I believe he's on 5-7m here. Who do you think will pay him that?

No I don’t believe he will get the salary he does with England, or a job at anywhere near this  level. Doesn’t mean he is hanging around for the money either. I think he’s proud to be England manager and doing the job as he thinks is best.

I think he’s a cowardly manager as I said, but I don’t think he’s a coward generally speaking.

None of that means it’s about the money for him. As I don’t think it actually was for Bruce either.

It’s a lazy swipe. Similar to claims  players don’t care or are lazy at times. Sometimes it’s true, but too often it’s too easy. Good team / player = care and effort , bad team = doesn’t care and lazy. Sometimes you just aren’t good enough despite the right intentions.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 25, 2022, 11:41:00 PM
Ultimately JC it boils down to he won't change. I don't think he's a s stupid or ignorant as suggested. He will do what he can get away with for as long as he can ultimately.

If he's forced out it looks much better than him walking ala Bruce.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 26, 2022, 12:09:56 AM
I've just seen Southgates post match comments. Bit baffled to be honest.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: The Black Pearl on November 26, 2022, 11:14:48 AM
Never going to win it with our defence, Southgate will play the percentages untill the percentages are against us and then we will go out.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 26, 2022, 03:59:25 PM
I've just seen Southgates post match comments. Bit baffled to be honest.

They were fairly odd, either designed to show in house that he he publicly back his players (so disingenuous and not worth listening to) or he genuinely believes that was a good performance.

We were out played by a side who probably won't get past the last 16. It's a bigger concern than ĺast years Scotland result was.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 28, 2022, 07:57:12 AM
what a bore fest that game was, southgate will cost us again, just like in the final last year
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on November 28, 2022, 09:33:40 AM
Not to worried by the result. Think the US are better than people give them credit for.

Thought they looked good v Wales, and wasn't as surprised as some by their performance v England.

Even though we were not at our best we still could, and should,have probably should have won by 2-3 goals.

Beat Wales and its a good group perfomance.



Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 28, 2022, 01:23:53 PM
Rumours Henderson replacing Bellingham. Not quite the change I had envisaged.

I guess Southgate has earned the right to do things on his terms and how he sees it, but with 1 win in 8, it's disappointing not to see him being a bit more radical than that. Bellingham is arguably the one elite level youngster we have. Henderson is a 32 year old premier league squad player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 28, 2022, 01:58:48 PM
Rumours Henderson replacing Bellingham. Not quite the change I had envisaged.

I guess Southgate has earned the right to do things on his terms and how he sees it, but with 1 win in 8, it's disappointing not to see him being a bit more radical than that. Bellingham is arguably the one elite level youngster we have. Henderson is a 32 year old premier league squad player.

That's quite disappointing to read. I'll reserve judgement until after the game but we've struggling attacking of late (Iran aside, and Bellingham was actually a big part of our success in that game) and this won't address that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 28, 2022, 02:01:21 PM
what a bore fest that game was, southgate will cost us again, just like in the final last year

Started dozing in the first half and finally drifted off to sleep during the second. The Mrs.was out for the count before half time. I woke up as the final whistle blew and felt quite blessed to have missed so much of the game. Best I'd slept in days though so there's a silver lining in every cloud. Even the stats looked boring.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 28, 2022, 02:18:43 PM
Rumours Henderson replacing Bellingham. Not quite the change I had envisaged.

I guess Southgate has earned the right to do things on his terms and how he sees it, but with 1 win in 8, it's disappointing not to see him being a bit more radical than that. Bellingham is arguably the one elite level youngster we have. Henderson is a 32 year old premier league squad player.


Good grief. Southgate is a real downer on this squad
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 28, 2022, 02:19:45 PM
Rumours Henderson replacing Bellingham. Not quite the change I had envisaged.

I guess Southgate has earned the right to do things on his terms and how he sees it, but with 1 win in 8, it's disappointing not to see him being a bit more radical than that. Bellingham is arguably the one elite level youngster we have. Henderson is a 32 year old premier league squad player.

About right.
I would expect Mr Imagination to set up not to lose.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 28, 2022, 02:29:55 PM
About right.
I would expect Mr Imagination to set up not to lose.

Just had a flashback to when Pulis did exactly that for the nil nil bore draw with the Vile during their relegation season when we could and should have put the boot in.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 28, 2022, 02:56:01 PM
Standard Southgate, sadly.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 29, 2022, 07:40:18 AM
Score predictions tonight then?

Wales know they need to win by 3 goals tonight (or atleast score 3 and hope the other result goes their way). In theory, they will go for kit and attack us, but while Wales winning isn't impossible, they must know in their heart of hearts that it's improbable they will go from struggling against us for years to suddenly going full Hungary on us. There is a real chance they have written off the world cup now and may instead play for pride, defend against us and look to nick a goal to get a famous win.

Rumours from the England camp suggest Henderson and Walker may return. That would suggest a very defensive 4 man defence, 2 defensive midfield with little mobility.

I'm going myself for a 1-1 draw, with Wales taking the lead.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 29, 2022, 08:09:09 AM
Wouldn't mind having a bet on a draw. This is Wales World Cup final.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on November 29, 2022, 09:43:11 AM
Read something earlier about the air conditioning being turned off in the stadium an hour before the game with the USA on Friday. They monitor things like temperature and humidity etc. to manage the timings on a game by game basis.

A number of England players have apparently complained about excessive heat in that fixture. Given we'll be kicking off at the same time against Wales tonight it'll be interesting to see what happens re the aircon. They did look very leggy the other night.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 29, 2022, 06:21:28 PM
4 changes, that feels a lot of first look. Kyle Walker goes in at right back, I thought he was great at centre back last year for England, haven't watched enough of him at right back for City in recent years to have an opinion.

Southgate's beloved Henderson comes in next to Rice to anchor the midfield. I get it to a degree but it shows how England are crying out for a new midfield game manager.

A diamond up front, with Bellingham behind Kane and Rashford and Foden either side. Pleased to see Foden back in as Gary Neville's comments were right - we need to make Foden work. I'd have preferred Saka to Rashford but maybe Southgate feels Kane isn't at full fitness so he needs another goal scorer in the pitch.

Glad Sterling has been dropped. He has been a brilliant servant but his club form has long been on a downward curve and his international form has now started to follow. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 29, 2022, 07:52:43 PM
Dull game so far. We are uninventive and Wales are dogged in defence but so lacking in ability.

We are currently going through as group leaders, with a very winnable last 16, but this isn't the performance of a side who have much to offer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 29, 2022, 08:05:41 PM
Solid with a couple of flashes of excellence, I would sub rashford with freakish coming on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 29, 2022, 08:06:07 PM
I think we all expected us to get out of the group stages, but we need to up our game if as expected we come up against Senegal on Sunday
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 29, 2022, 08:07:01 PM
Not the best is it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 29, 2022, 08:08:39 PM
Solid with a couple of flashes of excellence, I would sub rashford with freakish coming on
Rashfords been poor IMO, Grealish would cause them more problems, hopefully get him om on 60 mins
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 29, 2022, 08:11:51 PM
Rashfords been poor IMO, Grealish would cause them more problems, hopefully get him om on 60 mins

lol told you he should have been substituted  :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 29, 2022, 08:12:35 PM
Rashfords been poor IMO, Grealish would cause them more problems, hopefully get him om on 60 mins
As I said tel I’m off, now get kane off 😁
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 29, 2022, 08:12:37 PM
2-0, 2 goals in 2 minutes
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 29, 2022, 08:12:52 PM
Game over
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 29, 2022, 08:29:25 PM
Rashford on fire, 3-0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 29, 2022, 08:31:24 PM
Wales goalkeeper having a mare.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 29, 2022, 08:35:07 PM
Wales goalkeeper having a mare.

at least he's progressed from sheep
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Adder on November 29, 2022, 10:14:16 PM
OK Wales outclassed, predictably. Wales will wish they could start this competition all over again and play with more game plan and energy against USA and Iran. Been 2nd best against all 3 sides so can't have any grumbles to be leaving at this stage.

England are well in the shake-up.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 29, 2022, 10:56:17 PM
18 months too far in the end for the greatest team in Wales (modern) history. Bale and Ramsey admirably want to continue and they may be useful as squad players for the Euro qualifiers but Wales need to build their midfield and attack around Wilson, Johnson, Ampadu, James, Colwill, Roberts and maybe Matondo, Woodburn, Savage, Jordan James and Popov (the defence should still be very good for another 2-3 tournament cycles).

Very good second half from England, Southgate’s Rashford inclusion justified in the end. I still think we looked a bit pedestrian until the first goal and the make up of the side could be improved but hopefully we are just starting to get into some rhythm now. 7 points and 9 goals from qualifying will be just about as good as any side in the group stages so on paper it’s a job well done, it just hasn’t felt it all of the time.

On to Senegal, we have never lost to an African side, hopefully that won’t change now. The champions of Africa, Senegal are well coached with Cisse hopefully earning a top club job now after his latest achievement with Senegal of making the last 16. I fancy our chances more now than I would have against Netherlands.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on November 29, 2022, 11:23:43 PM
We will beat Senegal, some of our players are stepping up, looking better after USA game grest performance tonight
Next up is france assuming they get through
Mbappe v walker, no problem eh?
Is it coming home, maybe
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on November 29, 2022, 11:59:26 PM
We will beat Senegal, some of our players are stepping up, looking better after USA game grest performance tonight
Next up is france assuming they get through
Mbappe v walker, no problem eh?
Is it coming home, maybe
It definitely isn't
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on November 30, 2022, 04:09:04 AM
OK Wales outclassed, predictably. Wales will wish they could start this competition all over again and play with more game plan and energy against USA and Iran. Been 2nd best against all 3 sides so can't have any grumbles to be leaving at this stage.

England are well in the shake-up.

Correct. Wales were talking about stopping England qualifying but forgot about USA and Iran. Got what they deserved.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on November 30, 2022, 06:10:01 AM
Correct. Wales were talking about stopping England qualifying but forgot about USA and Iran. Got what they deserved.

It was their world cup final last night, England A v England B
Most of their team are English anyway and only qualify for Wales because their grannies used to have a coal fire
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Adder on November 30, 2022, 08:55:04 AM
It was their world cup final last night, England A v England B
Most of their team are English anyway and only qualify for Wales because their grannies used to have a coal fire
That's not statistically true - Bale, Ramsey, Ben Davis, Joe Allen, Danny Ward, Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Roberts, Colwill, Wilson all Welsh and all on the field last night at some stage. Hennesey also Welsh. James and Ampadu qualify through Welsh parents which is pretty decent grounds for playing. You don't have to sound like Max Boyce to be Welsh. There are some others who qualify through the extended rules at work admittedly.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 30, 2022, 09:50:03 AM
That's not statistically true - Bale, Ramsey, Ben Davis, Joe Allen, Danny Ward, Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Roberts, Colwill, Wilson all Welsh and all on the field last night at some stage. Hennesey also Welsh. James and Ampadu qualify through Welsh parents which is pretty decent grounds for playing. You don't have to sound like Max Boyce to be Welsh. There are some others who qualify through the extended rules at work admittedly.

I think I read that 16 of the Welsh 26 were born in Wales. Pretty good for a country of that size really. I suspect most countries have at least a couple of players born outside the nation they represent. 


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Adder on November 30, 2022, 10:06:57 AM
I think I read that 16 of the Welsh 26 were born in Wales. Pretty good for a country of that size really. I suspect most countries have at least a couple of players born outside the nation they represent.
Yes sure you're right there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 30, 2022, 10:34:49 AM
its not coming home neither is the Turkey
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on November 30, 2022, 11:54:03 AM
Yes sure you're right there.

Too true. Plenty of players born outside of England have represented England. Sterling & Chalobah from the current crop. Terry Butcher, John Barnes and our very own Cyrille Regis amongst others.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 30, 2022, 11:58:05 AM
Trust me to be awkward but I think players should only be able to play for the country in which they were born.

If you are born in England you're English. Never mind ancestry , if you go back far enough there would be no European teams.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 30, 2022, 11:59:46 AM
You have to be very careful. What about kids of service personnel etc ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on November 30, 2022, 12:12:03 PM
Trust me to be awkward but I think players should only be able to play for the country in which they were born.

If you are born in England you're English. Never mind ancestry , if you go back far enough there would be no European teams.

It's an interesting view. Most developed, western countries (with one notable exception) do not follow this view, also know as jus soli (right of the soil).

The exception is the United States. If you're born in the states, you have the right to citizenship under the 14th Amendment. You could just be on holiday, or even on a layover from a flight through America, but you'd be able to apply for citizenship.

Jus sanguinis (right of blood) is generally how many countries operate. It varies by country, but usually if you have a parent of one country, the child of that parent can claim citizenship.

Many countries practice a bit of both. The US for example, as well as allowing jus soli, also says that the child of an American born abroad can be given US citizenship.

You'd have thought it would be so complicated, eh?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on November 30, 2022, 12:38:13 PM
It's an interesting view. Most developed, western countries (with one notable exception) do not follow this view, also know as jus soli (right of the soil).

The exception is the United States. If you're born in the states, you have the right to citizenship under the 14th Amendment. You could just be on holiday, or even on a layover from a flight through America, but you'd be able to apply for citizenship.

Jus sanguinis (right of blood) is generally how many countries operate. It varies by country, but usually if you have a parent of one country, the child of that parent can claim citizenship.

Many countries practice a bit of both. The US for example, as well as allowing jus soli, also says that the child of an American born abroad can be given US citizenship.

You'd have thought it would be so complicated, eh?

It shouldn't be complicated though should it? It's made complicated by human beings and man made laws.

Like most things if you strip it right down to basics it's quite simple, if you are born in Italy (random example) then you are Italian. Easy and factually correct.

No?


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on November 30, 2022, 12:45:39 PM
Going back to our performances to date, I dont think we can be anything but pleased to have qualified with 7 points out of a possible 9. Despite some of the gloom, and anti Southgate comments, we are doing fine in my view.. Here's hoping it continues  8)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 30, 2022, 01:14:58 PM
It shouldn't be complicated though should it? It's made complicated by human beings and man made laws.

Like most things if you strip it right down to basics it's quite simple, if you are born in Italy (random example) then you are Italian. Easy and factually correct.

No?

I think it should be where you or born or raised. I would be strict on 'raised' though. 5+ years in a country between 0-16. We know childhood has a greater impact than any other time of life. If you spend 5 years plus somewhere before 16 its safe to think that a person would feel very connected (culture, beliefs, upbringing, friends etc etc).  Sterling has been here since he was 2/3. It would seem harsh to say he can only play for Jamaica who he may not be that connected to.

Forget grandparents and parents. The worst of all is citizenship. Struggling to think of a football example in England but this idea a New Zealander comes to England / Scotland as a professional player and by sticking around long enough and not being good enough for New Zealand they later play internationally is a joke.


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 30, 2022, 01:23:34 PM
Going back to our performances to date, I dont think we can be anything but pleased to have qualified with 7 points out of a possible 9. Despite some of the gloom, and anti Southgate comments, we are doing fine in my view.. Here's hoping it continues  8)

We are doing fine. If you take it in isolation, drawing with the US was not a big issue, and they are a decent side. However if we are going to look at group stages for validation, we are never likely to see an issue unless we have real disaster.

Southgate could win a major tournament. The last two have proven it as we were a bit of good fortune away from doing so. However does he give us the best chance? I don't think so and I expect when we come up against a challenge, we will be found wanting again.


 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on November 30, 2022, 03:52:05 PM
We are doing fine. If you take it in isolation, drawing with the US was not a big issue, and they are a decent side. However if we are going to look at group stages for validation, we are never likely to see an issue unless we have real disaster.

Southgate could win a major tournament. The last two have proven it as we were a bit of good fortune away from doing so. However does he give us the best chance? I don't think so and I expect when we come up against a challenge, we will be found wanting again.

You may well be right Johnny. I just get a bit tired of all the 'it's the manager's fault' whenever we are less than perfect. If it was an easy job, we would all be doing it. Im not sure anyone would have bettered his achievements over the 2 major tournaments prior to the current one. Just a personal view.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Adder on November 30, 2022, 06:17:17 PM
Trust me to be awkward but I think players should only be able to play for the country in which they were born.

If you are born in England you're English. Never mind ancestry , if you go back far enough there would be no European teams.
Trouble is you'd get the farcical situation that Yorkshire County Cricket club had - fathers rushing their heavily pregnant wives back into the county so they would be eligible to play for Yorkshire. Think we've moved on a bit from that with people moving around the country and world for work and other things.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 30, 2022, 07:50:22 PM
Ben White has returned back to England and won't take part in the WC for personal reasons
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggiebof on November 30, 2022, 08:02:29 PM
It shouldn't be complicated though should it? It's made complicated by human beings and man made laws.

Like most things if you strip it right down to basics it's quite simple, if you are born in Italy (random example) then you are Italian. Easy and factually correct.

No?

Have enjoyed reading the views on this. Not a criticism here Atomic, just posing a question, if an African elephant is brought to a zoo here in England and has an offspring, is that now an English elephant? I think place of birth is far too simplistic personally.

I agree that some of the current rules, such as the ones johnnycash has referenced are far too easy to manipulate however place of birth for me isn't right. I'm from Cypriot heritage with my grandparents coming to England in the 50s. I would feel equally proud to represent England or Cyprus; growing up and still to this day Cypriot culture and family are a big part of my life, I can speak Greek and because I wasn't born in Cyprus, it doesn't feel right to me that I'd be ineligible to play for Cyprus (moot point as I'm definitely not international grade at anything!).

It's a complicated subject matter that's for sure, I'm not sure what the rules should be but I'd say somewhere between country of birth and citizenship for being in a country for 5 years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on December 01, 2022, 08:25:45 AM
Trouble is you'd get the farcical situation that Yorkshire County Cricket club had - fathers rushing their heavily pregnant wives back into the county so they would be eligible to play for Yorkshire. Think we've moved on a bit from that with people moving around the country and world for work and other things.

Imagine how angry you'd be being born in Yorkshire, when you could have been born somewhere else!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on December 01, 2022, 09:32:56 AM
Have enjoyed reading the views on this. Not a criticism here Atomic, just posing a question, if an African elephant is brought to a zoo here in England and has an offspring, is that now an English elephant? I think place of birth is far too simplistic personally.

I agree that some of the current rules, such as the ones johnnycash has referenced are far too easy to manipulate however place of birth for me isn't right. I'm from Cypriot heritage with my grandparents coming to England in the 50s. I would feel equally proud to represent England or Cyprus; growing up and still to this day Cypriot culture and family are a big part of my life, I can speak Greek and because I wasn't born in Cyprus, it doesn't feel right to me that I'd be ineligible to play for Cyprus (moot point as I'm definitely not international grade at anything!).

It's a complicated subject matter that's for sure, I'm not sure what the rules should be but I'd say somewhere between country of birth and citizenship for being in a country for 5 years.

If the elephant is born in Dudley zoo then it's a yam yam regardless of where mummy and daddy elephant came from. It has a straight choice Albion or the Dingles, no one born in Dudley should support anyone else. OK, Walsall but who's going to choose them?

I accept it may be a bit simplistic to go solely on birthplace. Maybe you should be able to play for whatever country you live in under the age five, something like that?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on December 01, 2022, 12:32:25 PM
Have enjoyed reading the views on this. Not a criticism here Atomic, just posing a question, if an African elephant is brought to a zoo here in England and has an offspring, is that now an English elephant? I think place of birth is far too simplistic personally.

I agree that some of the current rules, such as the ones johnnycash has referenced are far too easy to manipulate however place of birth for me isn't right. I'm from Cypriot heritage with my grandparents coming to England in the 50s. I would feel equally proud to represent England or Cyprus; growing up and still to this day Cypriot culture and family are a big part of my life, I can speak Greek and because I wasn't born in Cyprus, it doesn't feel right to me that I'd be ineligible to play for Cyprus (moot point as I'm definitely not international grade at anything!).

It's a complicated subject matter that's for sure, I'm not sure what the rules should be but I'd say somewhere between country of birth and citizenship for being in a country for 5 years.

Turkish ay ya ?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on December 01, 2022, 02:23:10 PM
If the elephant is born in Dudley zoo then it's a yam yam regardless of where mummy and daddy elephant came from. It has a straight choice Albion or the Dingles, no one born in Dudley should support anyone else. OK, Walsall but who's going to choose them?

I accept it may be a bit simplistic to go solely on birthplace. Maybe you should be able to play for whatever country you live in under the age five, something like that?
Elephants are very intelligent and I'm yet to meet a single one who was born in Dudley zoo who supports the dingles.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on December 01, 2022, 03:48:19 PM
If the elephant is born in Dudley zoo then it's a yam yam regardless of where mummy and daddy elephant came from. It has a straight choice Albion or the Dingles, no one born in Dudley should support anyone else. OK, Walsall but who's going to choose them?

I accept it may be a bit simplistic to go solely on birthplace. Maybe you should be able to play for whatever country you live in under the age five, something like that?

Point of order, point of order. Dudley Zoo hasn't had elephants since 2003 when the two in residence were repatriated to Africa. Flawed line of argument........ and they were both female anyway so there's no 'is' about it. It's as though you make this stuff up as you go along. Booooooo.

(Question: why is this World Cup being held in Qatar during the months of November and December instead of during the summer when I'd actually watch the bloody thing instead of Google searching the former elephants of Dudley Zoo? Answer: because the oil rich state of Qatar paid more money for it than anyone else. Booooooo, boooooo and booooooo again).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 01, 2022, 08:13:19 PM
Time for my most controversial football opinion  ;D. I think nationality, in a globalised world, is fairly complex with so many people moving around and having dual heritage kids. For that reason, I'd personally make football eligibility rules more akin to Rugby League (look up Michael McIlorum). In essence, I think somebody like Raheem Sterling should, if he wishes, be allowed to represent Jamaica before he retires. I think it would better represent modern nationality and it might make international football more interesting and help the less well off nations benefit.

Would be awful for England mind.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on December 03, 2022, 06:05:28 AM
I think Country of birth is less significant to a player when they consider which nation they can play for, more significant will be the best chance they have of playing international football.
Hence why you get an average player born in the UK who has a a grandmother of a different nationality, but knows he will never be good enough to play for England, decides to play for the country of his grandmothers birth.
Matty Cash a prime example

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 04, 2022, 04:10:32 PM
O'Rourke saying it's likely Foden and Saka to start tonight, Sterling, Rashford on bench.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on December 04, 2022, 04:24:05 PM
Big call to drop Rashford, thought he’d have gone Sterling as well Southgate seems to have his core of players that always play the big games & Sterling’s in that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 04, 2022, 06:24:57 PM
A brave decision, I'm not sure it's one I'd have made given Rashford's goals vs Wales but I do like Saka.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: mank baggie on December 04, 2022, 07:07:52 PM
Come on England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 04, 2022, 07:50:50 PM
Bellingham's already world class isn't he.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on December 04, 2022, 07:52:23 PM
Bellingham's already world class isn't he.

Without a doubt. So clever with the ball, strong, creative. A new Bryan Robson?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on December 04, 2022, 08:01:25 PM
Bellingham's already world class isn't he.

Different gravy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on December 04, 2022, 09:48:25 PM
Better than Robbo was at 19, which is phenomenally good
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on December 04, 2022, 10:13:50 PM
Good win tonight albeit expected.

The true test is saturday. We need France to be off it. If both teams are at their best I still think we fall short, but with a bit of luck we are certainly capable of beating them on the day.

If we can win, we can beat everyone else.

As for Bellingham, he’s good at everything. He also has what some one like Pogba (who’s should have perhaps been the best midfielder of his generation)… desire!

Him and Pedri could be the best midfielders in the world for the next 10 years (Gavi is good, but I think Bellinghams physical attributes are a differentiator)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on December 04, 2022, 10:46:11 PM
The best three England central midfielders in my lifetime are in no particular order Robson, Gascoigne  and a name that may surprise a few and who sadly had his career cut short by injury , Colin Bell . Bellingham is up there with these three. Just remember though by the time he was twenty Robson could have played just about anywhere on the pitch and had broken his leg god knows how many times !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 05, 2022, 08:32:13 AM
Think any of the 4 from England, Brazil, France and Argentina could lift the trophy. There is no standout team at this WC for me.


Bellingham is insanely good.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on December 05, 2022, 09:55:14 AM
Think any of the 4 from England, Brazil, France and Argentina could lift the trophy. There is no standout team at this WC for me.



The winners of the England v France game are favourites for me.

The overall standard is pretty average to say the least.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 05, 2022, 11:18:34 AM

The winners of the England v France game are favourites for me.

The overall standard is pretty average to say the least.


Really is. Will be interesting to see who gets it. I'd probably agree with you regarding the England/France game
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gerry m on December 05, 2022, 11:59:45 AM
As my dear old mum used to say 'A faint heart never won a fair maiden'. Hope Gareth Southgate gives it a real go.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on December 05, 2022, 12:14:54 PM
I anticipate he will return to 5 at the back for this one. Cannot see him being willing to try and attack them. If we play anything like we did in the first half an hour last night, the game will be lost already, we were lucky the players on the pitch were able to take control and get us through it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on December 05, 2022, 12:36:49 PM
Better than Robbo was at 19, which is phenomenally good

We will agree to disagree here.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on December 05, 2022, 12:40:37 PM
We will agree to disagree here.

Me too. Robson could do it all. Score goals, be the best player at left back, at centre half. Bellingham is a good player (though people are going OTT) but Robson was better 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on December 05, 2022, 12:42:43 PM
Me too. Robson could do it all. Score goals, be the best player at left back, at centre half. Bellingham is a very good player but Robson was better
is that because he was so good or because the standard was comparatively lower at that time?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on December 05, 2022, 12:49:15 PM
is that because he was so good or because the standard was comparatively lower at that time?

Have you seen the teams in this world cup? They'd struggle in the Championship. Poland, USA, Australia, Senegal, Japan would be lucky not to go down from the Championship not to mention Iran, Qatar and others. Jackson Irvine is upfront for Australia FFS.

The footballing landscape has changed, international football is now way inferior to club football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on December 05, 2022, 12:52:55 PM
Me too. Robson could do it all. Score goals, be the best player at left back, at centre half. Bellingham is a very good player but Robson was better

You'll never settle generational comparisons. Nostalgia seems to make everyone better and it seems like nobody can possibly be as good as many 60's/70's/80's players.  Personally I find it hard to believe footballers peaked 50 years ago and haven't been better at any time since. Particularly when most older players will freely admit how much foreigner players increased the skills levels, fitness and professionalism when they came over in the 90's.

Also, I don't think I'd be wrong to say the top division in England must have been made up mostly of Brits in the 60's and 70's for instance.   So if you took all the foreigners out now, how many brits on prem benches would be in first teams and how many brits in the championship would be in prem squads? That would obviously mean the quality was lower and then your current England players would look better still because the skill gap would be wider.

 


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Atomic on December 05, 2022, 01:05:56 PM
You'll never settle generational comparisons. Nostalgia seems to make everyone better and it seems like nobody can possibly be as good as many 60's/70's/80's players.  Personally I find it hard to believe footballers peaked 50 years ago and haven't been better at any time since. Particularly when most older players will freely admit how much foreigner players increased the skills levels, fitness and professionalism when they came over in the 90's.

Also, I don't think I'd be wrong to say the top division in England must have been made up mostly of Brits in the 60's and 70's for instance.   So if you took all the foreigners out now, how many brits on prem benches would be in first teams and how many brits in the championship would be in prem squads? That would obviously mean the quality was lower and then your current England players would look better still because the skill gap would be wider.

It's worth remembering that British clubs absolutely dominated European competitions in the 70's and 80's. Numerous British clubs won European competitions.

The game is different now, different laws, different equipment, different science etc so it's hard to compare.

However, Robson was the best midfielder in Europe along with Platini. Is Bellingham really better than Busquets or Modric or Pedri or Pogba etc. He's not even an automatic choice for England yet and how do his stats stack up? Is he more versatile than Robson? No.

Robson came back from three leg breaks which destroyed his development yet he STILL became the best CM I've seen.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on December 05, 2022, 02:44:47 PM

However, Robson was the best midfielder in Europe along with Platini. Is Bellingham really better than Busquets or Modric or Pedri or Pogba etc. He's not even an automatic choice for England yet and how do his stats stack up? Is he more versatile than Robson? No.


I'd take him over Busquets now, not sure about Modric. I haven't seen much of him recently.  I'd certainly take him over Pogba although as I said earlier I think Pogba has everything but the attitude. He isn't the best midfielder in the world though but maybe he could be.

Is he better at 19 than Robson, I couldn't say. However I do think there is often a reluctance from people older enough to see those players to accept anyone is better than their childhood heroes.

I think you can debate the talent of each as (if the same talent had same upbringing, opportunities and challenges) and that is perhaps slightly different argument. The best should still be one of the best whichever era.

However I do think if you could lift and drop a 1980's footballer into todays football and vice versa, the 80s footballer ultimately finds it harder and would be worse relatively than the current player.  (Personal opinion of course).
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: alex1 on December 05, 2022, 03:06:00 PM
Think any of the 4 from England, Brazil, France and Argentina could lift the trophy. There is no standout team at this WC for me.

Holland getting better every game. Although van Gaal 's system, not exactly free flowing 'total football',  it seems to be working.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 05, 2022, 03:16:14 PM
Holland getting better every game. Although van Gaal 's system, not exactly free flowing 'total football',  it seems to be working.

I think Holland are an ok team but for me they are outside that pack of 4 personally. I'd have Spain as my 5th team then Holland behind them i guess.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on December 05, 2022, 05:02:06 PM
Too often in the past, the pressure of playing for England has been too much for some players who failed to show their best form for the three lions.
Bellingham and I think Foden are such confident players that they relish playing for England and are able to show their best form and who knows what that could lead to.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 05, 2022, 06:22:13 PM
I think Holland are an ok team but for me they are outside that pack of 4 personally. I'd have Spain as my 5th team then Holland behind them i guess.

Personally, my top 4 is France, Brazil, Spain and Argentina, with us sitting on the fringes of that group (alongside Italy, Netherlands, Croatia, Belgium, Portugal and Denmark). Until I see us beating other top sides regularly then I don't put us in the big 4 bracket.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on December 05, 2022, 07:06:45 PM
Personally, my top 4 is France, Brazil, Spain and Argentina, with us sitting on the fringes of that group (alongside Italy, Netherlands, Croatia, Belgium, Portugal and Denmark). Until I see us beating other top sides regularly then I don't put us in the big 4 bracket.

I wouldn’t be worried about Argentina particularly. I’ve not seen anything from them to justify their status coming in to this tournament. Not to say we would win, but I’ve been very underwhelmed. 

France and Brazil the two favourites in that order
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 06, 2022, 04:14:59 PM
Spain not impressing against Morocco. Expected them to brush them aside. I'll keep them in 5th spot.


Agree with JC that Argentina are not impressive however Messi seems determined to drag them through in his last WC
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on December 07, 2022, 12:47:25 PM
is that because he was so good or because the standard was comparatively lower at that time?

It is because he was that good, 100%
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 09, 2022, 09:31:21 PM
With all of these close, tight quarter finals, I've a bad feeling France are going to stuff us tomorrow. One of the favourites need to keep their bottle and the French do have the experience.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 10, 2022, 08:53:15 AM
Southgate set to name unchanged team from multiple journalists
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on December 10, 2022, 12:20:24 PM
In past 3 games we've had a couple of early scares but fortunately the opposition has fluffed its shooting.  Given such chances the French will not miss; our defence must learn that they cannot become alert after 10 minutes.  A bit like another team I know early this season.

In our last cup finals, we have surrendered the initiative having gone ahead.  I think that the best tactic for this squad might be to keep attacking and preoccupy the French in their own half. 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on December 13, 2022, 06:33:35 PM
Heard earlier that Southgate has had 24 matches against teams ranked in top 10.

We have won……. 4.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on December 13, 2022, 08:24:01 PM
Heard earlier that Southgate has had 24 matches against teams ranked in top 10.

We have won……. 4.

Totally out coached vs the better sides. He needs to go. France this time italy in euros final and croatia in wc 2018 all there for taking but slow reactive subs ment the games passed us by
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 13, 2022, 09:06:43 PM
Heard earlier that Southgate has had 24 matches against teams ranked in top 10.

We have won……. 4.

Its might not be Southgate, as I posted in the world cup thread a few days ago, our history is littered with poor results vs the top sides. It might be a big of mental weakness, it might be that the pressure to beat the best has created a cross generational mental block or it could be that even now, the players we are developing still lack the variety and technical level the other top nations are able to develop, but I'd atleast like to know either way if a different manager might be able to get this talented generation to find that next level.

He has been a brilliant servant whatever happens.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on December 14, 2022, 09:42:33 AM
Its might not be Southgate, as I posted in the world cup thread a few days ago, our history is littered with poor results vs the top sides. It might be a big of mental weakness, it might be that the pressure to beat the best has created a cross generational mental block or it could be that even now, the players we are developing still lack the variety and technical level the other top nations are able to develop, but I'd atleast like to know either way if a different manager might be able to get this talented generation to find that next level.

He has been a brilliant servant whatever happens.

If his managerial skills matched his skill in diplomacy, we would be World and European Champions currently. He has done extremely poorly with the players available to him given the favourable routes through tournaments he has had.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 14, 2022, 10:49:45 AM
I think "extremely poorly" is a very harsh assessment Fritzl, even if we both agree a new manager is the best way to go.

If you look through our record from 1998-2018, there are very few convincing overall tournament performances, even with some very good players. 1998 and 2002 were both difficult group stage qualifications, Euro 2000 we didn't even get out of the group, we failed to qualify with a decent squad in 2008 while 2010, 2014 and 2016 were all poor tournament showings.

Southgate managed to get comfortable knockout stage qualifications in all 3 of his major tournaments, for the first time in my lifetime. That was on the back of 2014 and 2016's poor offerings as well so he hardly had a squad with a winning mentality that year, yet got us to a semi final. His 2021 and 2022 squads look on the face of it to be very strong but even then, he only lost the Euros final on penalties which is typical for English football and this year we have gone out to the dominant football nation of the last 30-40 years after a good group stage.

I think a fairer assessment of Southgate would be that he pulled English international football out of a rut in 2016, has created a much more conducive atmosphere for players coming to play for England and has put us on the road to potentially achieving something, but ultimately fell short of getting us over the line in the ganes that really mattered.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on December 14, 2022, 11:39:10 AM
The style of recent tournament winners is charmingly being referred to as "Sufferball".

France at the last World Cup, Portugal at the Euros in 2016, Southgate's England...even Tite at Brazil is using these methods.

The idea is to not lose, rather than to win. Tournament football is a different beast - teams have less time together, and so there's a longer term focus regarding squad building. There's a focus on keeping control of the ball and the space. Keeping a structured rest defence even when attacking is prioritised, so as to force the opposition through an organised defence instead of giving counter attack opportunities.

Personally, I think that Southgate has been on the extreme end of Sufferball, and there's room for this team to be better in attack, but I think it's worth noting the ponderous nature is to balance risk and reward in a setting where a cheap turnover can result in a goal and a tournament exit.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: darbolina on December 14, 2022, 02:00:47 PM
Southgate has done a fantastic job at stabilising things, bringing through some genuine World class players and has made us into a hard to beat team at major tournaments and we've moved up a level or three in his time. However, in my view, we won't win a tournament with him in charge though. Some coaches, some teams just find a way (Italy, Germany, even Argentina) at times and England don't look like that sort of team who will do anything to win. Southgate seems almost passive in major games when maybe a more decisive approach could've helped (vs Croatia in 2018 and Italy in the Euro final in particular and maybe less so against France recently). You feel with a bit more bravery , these games could've changed in our favour?

The biggest problem is that there is no obvious successor to Southgate who you think could push us on that extra step. Howe or Potter would take time to acclimatise to international football and probably wouldn't want the job at the moment and there you look to foreign coaches. I can remember the fanfare which accompanied Eriksson and Capello well and we know how badly that turned out. Just because a coach has won things elsewhere doesn't mean he'll win things at international level.

It's a tough one. I'd like to see us make a change but to who? Maybe Southgate should stay until Dec 24 to give him one last crack at becoming a winner................?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 17, 2022, 08:26:24 PM
Southgate says he is staying as england manager. No shock there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 17, 2022, 08:48:58 PM
It's not 100% confirmed, but the media seem confident. We will see.

It's a mistake for me, one tournament too many. Likely to see little real change, the likes of TAA, Tomori, Abraham, Maddison and potentially now Ben White will remain peripheral figures while Southgate continues to use loyal foot soldiers with diminishing returns like Maguire and Shaw.

I was hoping we would get another crack at it in 18 months time but I just don't see us beating top level opposition when it matters under Southgate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on December 17, 2022, 08:56:18 PM
He wants to stay till 2024 so that;s just time wasted for me. As you say the younger, defensive players won't feature much.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 18, 2022, 01:09:03 PM
Confirmed now by the FA that he will be staying.

I just hope he is prepared to shake up his approach going  into this cycle. Give some different players a go and be prepared to try a slightly different approach to games, particularly changing mid match.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on December 18, 2022, 04:12:22 PM
Super duper. I look forward to us beating a couple of poor sides before crashing out to any side deemed to be 'good' at the first opportunity yet again.

Looks like West Brom will remain my only interest for another couple of years
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on December 19, 2022, 09:44:31 AM
rewarding failure, great. i won't be watching
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: phbaggies on December 19, 2022, 12:01:27 PM
Unpopular opinion maybe but I am more than happy that he is staying, he has done more than most before him. People say he is negative but he changed his approach this world cup and banged in a fair few goals, we lost a toss of a coin match by the finest of margins. The players speak highly of him too, I think our fans expect us to win every tournament, which is bizarre as we have won nothing for 56 years and counting.....
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 27, 2022, 01:57:18 PM
For those keeping an eye on England Mens sides of the future, there are a ton of international tournaments in 2023 (the majority in May and June) where England could bring home some silverware. England's youth record in recent years has been very good and the sides who have won things have tended to produce 1 or 2 England first team regulars in future years, so success would be a good sign of a strong national team to come.

The (confirmed) big one is the Under 20 world cup in May. England qualify having won the under 19's Euros in 2022. Carney Chukwuemeka was the star player this year and earned a big money deal to Chelsea in the process. Charlie Patino, Tim Ireogbunam, Aaron Ramsey, Harvey Vale, Liam Delap and Dane Scarlett will also feature. England last won the world's in 2017 with Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dean Henderson, Kyle Walker-Peters, Lewis Cook, Ashley Maitland Niles, Ademola Lookman and Dominic Solanke amongst the ranks.

In June, the Under 21 Euros will include our own Josh Griffiths, exciting defenders Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Levi Colwill, Djed Spence, Ryan Sessegnon, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Elliott, Anthony Gordon, Folarin Balogun, Keane Lewis-Potter, Cameron Archer, Cole Palmer and likely a couple of additions like Sam Greenwood. It will be one of the best Under 21 sides I've seen us enter so hope we can finally get a win in the tournament for the first time in a very long time.

Under 17's Euros in May - England look well positioned to qualify for the tournament currently topping their qualfication group. Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are the top young prodigies in the age group, with Albion also having representation with Jimoh Jamaldeen.

Under 17s World Cup in November - a strong performance at the Euros would qualify us for the more prestigious World's next winter - the tournament we won in 2017 with a side containing Phil Foden, Jason Sancho, Marc Guehi, Connor Gallagher, Callum Hudson Odoi, Emile Smith Rowe, Morgan Gibbs-White and a few other current pros.

The Under 19's Euros are also due to take place in May and again we currently sit top of our qualficiation group. We are defending champions and this year's crop contains the likes of Rico Lewis at Man City (who I expect to be promoted as far up as the under 21's), George Hall at Blues and Lewis Hall at Chelsea, plus Kaide Gordon at Liverpool and Charlie Webster at Chelsea.

With such strong squads, I'm expecting us to reach atleast 1 final, with silverware in 1 or 2 not out of the question.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 15, 2023, 05:34:38 PM
Rob Dorsett
@RobDorsettSky

Full exclusive story here, as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in advanced talks to join Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff with #england. Chris Powell will leave his role, now that the cycle leading up to the World Cup is over.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 18, 2023, 09:27:09 PM
England squad selection for the Euro qualifiers was tedious and dull. After a poor Cricket ODI series and an awful Rugby Union six nations, I was hoping for the Football to give me some cheer, but that squad announcement was depressing.

Despite falling short yet again in the first time we are tested vs a top side at a major tournament in December, Southgate's squad shows no sign of any evolution or a change of tack. Trent Alexander Arnold fails to make the cut, the one player who may have heralded a different approach for this 2 year cycle. Also out is Arsenal's Ben White who fell out with Southgate's right hand man Steve Holland at the world cup. 2 players there who would under a different manager be starters and in most international line ups. No place either for Folarin Balgoun despite his 16 goals in France, or Fikayo Tomori at AC Milan and Tammy Abraham at Roma (Southgate doesn't seem to have a passport to look at the exciting English players who play abroad).

One bright spot is that Ivan Toney made the squad despite his impending lengthy ban. A failure to pick him this time may well have led to him opting to play for Jamaica, who have made efforts to court him in the past. There are a few reasons to be worried about the pull of Jamaica, not least that they are actively recruiting dual national English players. When Mason Greenwood eventually accepts their approaches they could potentially have a decent side for the next world cup cycle and so getting Toney nailed down is a good thing given out lack of depth behind Harry Kane.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 21, 2023, 10:04:05 AM
i cant get excited with England anymore, maybe sacking Southgate this year will improve things
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on March 21, 2023, 08:04:19 PM
i cant get excited with England anymore, maybe sacking Southgate this year will improve things

Southgate took them as far as he could. Bottled the chance at a world cup final v France in Russia 2018. Bottled a euro final v Italy and never really went for it v France in last world cup. Shouldn't continue to reward failure. He's been incredibly lucky with draws. Wc goes to larger format makes it even harder to win
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 21, 2023, 11:18:31 PM
i cant get excited with England anymore, maybe sacking Southgate this year will improve things

I'm quietly indifferent as to whether he stays or goes but a good lynching always gets the juices flowing. So I'm told. Anyone remember where the rope is? Just asking  ;D .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 23, 2023, 07:59:56 PM
Declan Rice scores to give us a 1-0 lead in Italy
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 23, 2023, 08:28:53 PM
Handball surely?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 23, 2023, 08:30:48 PM
Yep, penalty given and Kane scores. 2-0
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 23, 2023, 08:31:30 PM
His 54th goal for England and now our all-time record top goalscorer.

Brilliant achievement. Well done Harry.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on March 23, 2023, 08:33:10 PM
Can’t believe how poor Italy look considering they are an elite football nation (yes I know they missed the World Cup).

Born late 87 and Growing up in the 90s with Italian sides doing well in Europe and Seria A on channel 4 the nostalgia / romanticism sort of makes me want to see a strong Italy with an amazing defence.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on March 23, 2023, 09:28:43 PM
Not sure ‘time wasting’ was long enough to warrant Shaws first yellow but the second one is. My issue with the second is how long the ref took. That’s clearly been decided from the touchline which I’m not sure is allowed for a yellow.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 23, 2023, 09:32:57 PM
Refs been looking for a chance to do them a favour since the penalty ! Doesnt excuse how poor we’ve been in second half though !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on March 23, 2023, 09:37:26 PM
Refs been looking for a chance to do them a favour since the penalty ! Doesnt excuse how poor we’ve been in second half though !

True. Can’t help think it’s Southgate would have put the breaks on at half time which contributes to player mentality
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 23, 2023, 10:35:53 PM
The lunge from Big Hal and the 'balloon boots' moment from 'Manly (quiff boy) Jack' hardly helped proceedings. Look at that forehead and those calf muscles though. Positively mouth dribble worthy. Or not. Ingerland Ingerland Ingerland, Ingerland........
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on March 23, 2023, 10:38:53 PM
Excellent win for England tonight and a fantastic achievement by Kane who will surely go on to add many more to his tally. Pity we had the nervous second half, due only to mr grealish missing an absolute sitter.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 24, 2023, 08:05:37 AM
A great win, not one I expected.  Southgate's qualification record (and England's in general) continues to be a juggernaut, we're one of the toughest sides to face in a qualficiation tournament anywhere in the world.

Pleased for Kane, in 10 years time he will be in the conversation for England's best ever forward. Annoyed Grealish missed that sitter, meant the game was much closer than it could have been.

On to Ukraine this weekend where a win would put us in a very commanding position with ganes vs the 1st and 3rd seeds in the group already out of the way.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tuamigos on March 24, 2023, 12:32:48 PM
Good first half, Bellingham starting to look the real deal.
Maquire  :-X WTF. shouldn't be anywhere near international football.
Don't know what Gareth said to them in the interval but a completely different second half where we allowed them to push us back.
Much to deep second half.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 24, 2023, 02:49:13 PM
A good win, but  England will not get anywhere till the inferiority complex is got rid of. There are no teams in Europe significantly better than England, there's no excuse for the second half tactics to be all out defence, hoofing it away and complete panic on the ball.

If England want to get anywhere, we need to beat these big name nations consistently - and you won't do very often trying to hold onto the lead in the manner we did. Decades of England internationals have shown us that, England are probably the worst "top" team at being able to dig in and hold leads against the top nations - due to tactics like yesterday.

I have my doubts it'll be remedied, but we've seemingly dropped the awful 5 man defence against decent sides, so the next stage to actually competing with Europe's best consistently is being willing to go toe to toe with them over the full game. We can still go a bit more defensive and simultaneously also have a counter attacking threat, rather than just aimlessly hoofing it for the entire half and inviting pressure.

Still, it must be said Italy are probably our biggest jinx, hopefully some confidence will be gained going forward to actually compete not just with them but the rest of Europe's historic nations.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on March 24, 2023, 05:19:26 PM
If only he played that side in the world cup and didn't bottle it.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 24, 2023, 05:53:17 PM
If only he played that side in the world cup and didn't bottle it.

We did basically play that side though, the only changes were Phillips for Henderson, and Grealish for Foden. Neither of which could be said to be upgrades based on yesterdays performance.

Despite my above post, I don't think there's really much evidence Southgate did anything wrong in the France game. His selection was fine, England were on the front foot for most the game, France just edged the big moments, whereas the pressure got to Kane. Not really on the manager there.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on March 24, 2023, 06:45:36 PM
The second half display had as much to do with Italy's dramatic improvement as our so called hanging on tactics. A very good win in my view.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 24, 2023, 07:52:18 PM
We did basically play that side though, the only changes were Phillips for Henderson, and Grealish for Foden. Neither of which could be said to be upgrades based on yesterdays performance.

Despite my above post, I don't think there's really much evidence Southgate did anything wrong in the France game. His selection was fine, England were on the front foot for most the game, France just edged the big moments, whereas the pressure got to Kane. Not really on the manager there.
Foden finishes that chance.
I’m not anti freakish, but foden just offers much more ….I wanted to be amazed that he took foden off instead of Phillips…but it’s Southgate.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on March 24, 2023, 10:04:30 PM
Foden is a must instead of Grealish and i thought Phillips played poorly quite a few reckless passes, still a good win though
2nd half you dont sit back and defend and invite them to attack because they will score, why didnt the coach change it as soon as he saw what was happening?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 24, 2023, 10:40:56 PM
Foden is well ahead of Grealish for me as well and as for Harry maguire, well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 26, 2023, 05:45:39 PM
Quality finish from Saka makes it 2-0 England. Look very comfortable here.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 26, 2023, 05:57:17 PM
Saka head and shoulders above any other player on the pitch so far


Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on March 26, 2023, 08:20:58 PM
Two games, two wins. Well done England. Can’t ask for better than that. Quality goal from Saka.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 27, 2023, 01:34:16 PM
An impressive international break, puts us in a commanding position in arguably the toughest group of the lot (the less said about the ridiculously unbalanced groups, the better). It's even better when you consider players like Rashford, Foden, Mount, James and Shaw were missing for some or all of the games.

In more positive news, England under 21s beat France under 21s 4-0 in a friendly at the weekend. Noni Madueke who recently joined Chelsea for £30m scored 1 and assisted 2 more after coming in as a sub. The side contained the likes of Djed Spence, exciting Chelsea/Brighton defender Levi Colwill, Harvey Elliott, Oliver Skipp, Morgan Gibbs-White, Emile Smith-Rowe and Cameron Archer, while on the bench we had the likes of Madueke, Cole Palmer, Jacob Ramsey, and Man City prodigy Rico Lewis among others. It's a far cry from the days where Luke Moore and Ishmael Miller would be playing in draws with Poland.

The downside is who was missing. Folarin Balogun appears to have decided to sit this one out, apparantly due to injury but I have some doubts. He is unhappy at not being called up to the first team and is understood to be in talks with the USA who are "aggressively courting" his services from what Southgate has said. Behind Harry Kane, we have very little in the pipeline up front. Liam Delap and Mason Greenwood have fell away and it leaves us with Balogun as the obvious hope. If he does join the USA it will be bad news for our chances going forward.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 27, 2023, 07:54:53 PM
An impressive international break, puts us in a commanding position in arguably the toughest group of the lot (the less said about the ridiculously unbalanced groups, the better). It's even better when you consider players like Rashford, Foden, Mount, James and Shaw were missing for some or all of the games.

In more positive news, England under 21s beat France under 21s 4-0 in a friendly at the weekend. Noni Madueke who recently joined Chelsea for £30m scored 1 and assisted 2 more after coming in as a sub. The side contained the likes of Djed Spence, exciting Chelsea/Brighton defender Levi Colwill, Harvey Elliott, Oliver Skipp, Morgan Gibbs-White, Emile Smith-Rowe and Cameron Archer, while on the bench we had the likes of Madueke, Cole Palmer, Jacob Ramsey, and Man City prodigy Rico Lewis among others. It's a far cry from the days where Luke Moore and Ishmael Miller would be playing in draws with Poland.

The downside is who was missing. Folarin Balogun appears to have decided to sit this one out, apparantly due to injury but I have some doubts. He is unhappy at not being called up to the first team and is understood to be in talks with the USA who are "aggressively courting" his services from what Southgate has said. Behind Harry Kane, we have very little in the pipeline up front. Liam Delap and Mason Greenwood have fell away and it leaves us with Balogun as the obvious hope. If he does join the USA it will be bad news for our chances going forward.
Rashford has got plenty of legs left …
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 27, 2023, 08:37:38 PM
Eddie Nketia would be ahead of Balogun surely !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 27, 2023, 08:45:48 PM
Eddie Nketia would be ahead of Balogun surely !
Kane
Rashford
Toney
Nketia
Abraham
Wilson

Should be ok for 18 months ??
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 28, 2023, 01:14:22 PM
Eddie Nketia would be ahead of Balogun surely !

There's an argument to be made that Nketiah should be coming under consideration, I think Southgate has name checked him personally, but with him turning 24 next month and only having 7 goals in all competitions this season, I'd be surprised if he was anything more than a lower half prem striker by the age of 28.

Balogun at 21 has 17 goals while playing in less competitions. It is arguably a lower level than the prem but he has more league goals than Messi this year and the fellow names in the top 5 French scorers are all big name strikers.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 28, 2023, 01:29:34 PM
Kane
Rashford
Toney
Nketia
Abraham
Wilson

Should be ok for 18 months ??

I think this issue is longer term, Kane will be 30 in the summer so has maybe 3 years left at the top level, albeit players like Zlatan, Ronaldo, Messi and Dzeko are defying their ages.

Of the current crop, I like Abraham at 25 but Southgate doesn't seem to rate him, the rest all seem more like Europa League level forwards, which might get you by at international level but would be a drop down from the levels we have had continuously since the 80's.

Kane and Rooney had a transition period
Rooney and Owen had a transition period
Owen and Shearer had a transition period
Shearer and Linekar had a shorter transition period but were bridged by an exceptional David Platt period

We're just running out of time for Kane to share a transition period with a replacement elite level centre forward.

Rashford of course might be the saving grace. If he can continue his form this year, albeit as a wide forward, he might be the one to make up for us having a slight drop off in the centre forward ranks.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 28, 2023, 04:14:38 PM
Elite centre forwards are almost a dying breed in football. Haaland of course is breaking all sorts of records this season, and Osmihen is getting a lot of hype in Italy but these are very much exceptions to the rule.

If you look at the top ranked nations - how many of the main competitors - Brazil, Argentina, France, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Croatia have a world class centre forward? I would say none. Most - if they even play a traditional forward - are functional centre forwards who are more team players than anything. Wide forwards have replaced centre forwards as the main source of goals for most teams.

So I don't think the inevitable decline of Kane with no "world class" replacement is necessarily crucial, though it may be a case that England have to think much less traditionally over the hero number 9 role.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 29, 2023, 01:36:15 PM
Definitely some credibility in what you say about the role changing/becoming less of the key player, although i'd argue the likes of Belgium and Italy have had elite level centre forwards in recent years while Germany and Spain have struggled due to their lack of one.

If you don't have a top centre forward though you need to substitute it with a top, top all round forward, see Messi, Mbappe, Ronaldo and Neymar who were the defacto lead forward who negated the need for a goalscoring striker for their country. That's why if we don't get a Kane replacement, we're going to need Rashford to become our version of that, which means he needs to consistently do what he has done this season.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on May 16, 2023, 11:13:56 PM
Folarin Balogun has officially switched allegiance to play for the USA. One of the slightly more farcical international switches given the fact he was born there while his parents were on holiday, would have been a bit more understanding had he chosen Nigeria.

Leaves England with a bit of a gaping hole appearing once Kane retires.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on July 02, 2023, 05:44:44 PM
England u21s beating Portugal in the quarter final of u21 euros. We play some nice stuff but also take a lot of chances at the back.  We haven’t conceded a goal yet in the tournament though mind.

Harwood-Bellis and Jacob Ramsey look the most likely to get near the first team squad some time soon imo

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on July 02, 2023, 05:51:43 PM
Folarin Balogun has officially switched allegiance to play for the USA. One of the slightly more farcical international switches given the fact he was born there while his parents were on holiday, would have been a bit more understanding had he chosen Nigeria.

Leaves England with a bit of a gaping hole appearing once Kane retires.

The u21s don’t even play with a recognised striker so yeah it’s potentially a big problem when Kane starts to fade.  Toney might be a decent stop gap for a tournament or two but we need someone to emerge for 2028.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 02, 2023, 07:28:42 PM
Only watched the second half of the U21s. On that second half performance I feel we can consider ourselves very fortunate to have progressed to the semis.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on July 02, 2023, 07:46:58 PM
Only watched the second half of the U21s. On that second half performance I feel we can consider ourselves very fortunate to have progressed to the semis.

Agreed. We were the better side first half but not dominate. Portugal were far better in the second and certainly deserved to at least take it to extra times
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on July 03, 2023, 10:27:53 AM
There's an argument to say it was what some analysts call "gane state". I heard that referenced a few times post world cuo, when England lost to France. We dominated the game, but how much of that was down to France having the lead and looking to manage the lead that way? It was still a bit too hairy, but international football can be like that I guess.

What is promising is that we haven't conceeded a goal, hinting that the defence is doing well. We have a weakness at the back at international level, with only John Stones being in the world class category in Central defence (especially with Southgate not rating Tomori, Maguire going backwards and Guehi still having a way to go). Colwill and Harwood-Bellis both had amazing seasons just gone and could be England's defence within 5 years. That's promising.

Hopefully Harvey Elliot is back for the semi final, we have a few players out suspended.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 03, 2023, 10:41:59 AM
Difficult to see how we've managed to not concede based on that second half performance. The defence was all over the place at times. Luckily for us their forwards looked like they'd struggle to finish an icecream before it melted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on July 05, 2023, 09:14:38 PM
The u21s best Israel 3-0 to get to the final. At present it’ll be vs Spain who are beating Ukraine 3-1.


I didn’t see it but stats make the England win look quite dominant. We also missed a penalty in the first half.  Finals Saturday at 5pm.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 06, 2023, 02:09:28 PM
The u21s best Israel 3-0 to get to the final. At present it’ll be vs Spain who are beating Ukraine 3-1.


I didn’t see it but stats make the England win look quite dominant. We also missed a penalty in the first half.  Finals Saturday at 5pm.

I'll have a gander at the final on the UEFA channel..... provided I remember we're on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 08, 2023, 05:17:55 PM
I'll have a gander at the final on the UEFA channel..... provided I remember we're on.

U21 Euro Final between England and Spain currently live on Channel Four.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on July 08, 2023, 07:01:37 PM
A minute away from going the whole tournament without conceeding and we concede a penalty
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on July 08, 2023, 07:02:53 PM
Trafford saves!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on July 09, 2023, 09:34:41 AM
Trafford saves!

....... and England win...... but how much diving, play acting and gamesmanship? I know a win's a win and we're trying to promote a winning mentality but that was a hard watch at times. Still, there were some good performances so onwards  8) .
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on July 09, 2023, 05:03:39 PM
I would be interested to know how many under 21s played in the final
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 16, 2023, 10:47:34 AM
come on the lionesses
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on August 16, 2023, 12:55:15 PM
Fair play, 3-1 win. On to Spain in the final.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 16, 2023, 01:09:13 PM
Another final, another chance to continue the growing winning culture in English football. That's the biggest positive of all of this for me. Hemp sensational again.

Attention has to turn to Sarina Weigman now though.

Took a second division Dutch side to a cup final win, then had a league and Cup double at Ado Den Haag.

Takes over an unfancied Dutch side and they win the Euros, following it up with a World Cup final loss 2 years later. Next tournament, another underperforming side in England, wins the Euros, and onto her 4th tournament, a world cup, another final. 4 out of 4. No manager I know of in world football has that sort of record in the modern game.

At some point, a top mens side are going to take the gamble on a manager who has a quite freakish record now. 6 jobs, 6 major successes.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on August 16, 2023, 01:23:56 PM
What a team to beat Aussied on their home ground, if thry ein on Sunday and i think they will, they go fown in history as true greats, outplsyed Australia, brilliant goals, love Hemp
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on August 16, 2023, 02:05:21 PM
What a team to beat Aussied on their home ground, if thry ein on Sunday and i think they will, they go fown in history as true greats, outplsyed Australia, brilliant goals, love Hemp

judging by your spelling, you've been smoking it!  :D


that's a joke by the way.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on August 16, 2023, 02:40:59 PM
judging by your spelling, you've been smoking it!  :D


that's a joke by the way.


Bill and Ben liked "Weed".
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on August 16, 2023, 03:45:42 PM


Bill and Ben liked "Weed".
Anyone under the age of  55 is thinking  I wonder who Bill and Ben are and why they like weed.
There was a shorter reply but needs must!
Congrats to the ladies a great performance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on August 16, 2023, 03:47:04 PM
Predictives for you Hill!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on August 16, 2023, 05:23:36 PM
Another final, another chance to continue the growing winning culture in English football. That's the biggest positive of all of this for me. Hemp sensational again.

Attention has to turn to Sarina Weigman now though.

Took a second division Dutch side to a cup final win, then had a league and Cup double at Ado Den Haag.

Takes over an unfancied Dutch side and they win the Euros, following it up with a World Cup final loss 2 years later. Next tournament, another underperforming side in England, wins the Euros, and onto her 4th tournament, a world cup, another final. 4 out of 4. No manager I know of in world football has that sort of record in the modern game.

At some point, a top mens side are going to take the gamble on a manager who has a quite freakish record now. 6 jobs, 6 major successes.

Without sounding disrespectful, I don't think it really works like that. Women's football is worse than non-league in terms of quality and it's much easier for managers to break records and look incredible at the lower levels where understandably the game has less talented managers. I remember the Cowley brothers looked incredible in the lower leagues but are league one managers at best. Even Chris Wilder's CV is really incredible at a lower level and he's probably a solid Championship manager but no more.

My point being, perhaps a league one or two club may go after her but in terms of top clubs, I highly doubt it. And rightly so. As said, I hope that doesn't sound rude and it's not to take away from her achievements either.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 16, 2023, 07:20:23 PM
I think if a manager is able to achieve incredible results at every step of the ladder, and 4 major tournament finals in a row, that probably does need to be looked at and respected. I'm not 100% sure how to judge managing in the womens game. I understand players would struggle in the mens game to biological reasons, but managing at the top level of the Women's game and at non league level strike me as having differences in proffesionality, pressure and in scope.


As I say, at some point, a record like that is going to get too hard to ignore for a club like Brentford, Ajax, or even maybe the Netherlands mens national team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 17, 2023, 09:03:26 AM
I think if a manager is able to achieve incredible results at every step of the ladder, and 4 major tournament finals in a row, that probably does need to be looked at and respected. I'm not 100% sure how to judge managing in the womens game. I understand players would struggle in the mens game to biological reasons, but managing at the top level of the Women's game and at non league level strike me as having differences in proffesionality, pressure and in scope.


As I say, at some point, a record like that is going to get too hard to ignore for a club like Brentford, Ajax, or even maybe the Netherlands mens national team.

I think some are getting way too carried away here. The depth in quality in the men's game is far greater than in the women's. The gap between the best ranked and worst ranked side in the Women's World Cup is enormous compared to the men's. The Lionesses are only able to beat what's in front of them, but the men face far tougher opposition earlier in the tournament.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 17, 2023, 10:32:47 AM
I think some are getting way too carried away here. The depth in quality in the men's game is far greater than in the women's. The gap between the best ranked and worst ranked side in the Women's World Cup is enormous compared to the men's. The Lionesses are only able to beat what's in front of them, but the men face far tougher opposition earlier in the tournament.

They do, although this tournament has seen a real closing of the gap between the top sides and the also rans. Germany, Canada and Brazil being knocked out in the group stages, USA nearly joining them, Nigeria dominating England and only losing on penalties.

You then consider that if the other top nations are not as good as the men,  well neither are our side. Yet Weigman has found a way to take her sides to 4 finals in 4 Euros and World  Cups. The managerial side of things won't change hugely between men's and womens international football, other than there being a bit more strength in depth.

I'm not saying she is a slam dunk to translate to a top mens side, but with her track record, somebody is going to want to test the water at some stage. My hunch would be a Dutch side, maybe even their international men's side. It will be fascinating to see.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on August 17, 2023, 12:29:16 PM
Dyou know what i find appalling? Its the fact that neither Mr Sunak nor Prince William, he of FA Cchairman? Dont think its worth going ove to OZ to cheer on the lionesses! I think its insulting to the womens game and frankly quite an insult to me im embarrassed that our so called elite cant be bothered to support the women, i bet if we win and return home theyll be all over them with praise and honours its pathetic, also ive seen no england flags, bunting etc in the streets or supermarkets no lioness tea shirts for little girls who would wear them with pride and joy, shocking
What about the King popping over to support them he loves oz, i really am annoyed that they cant be bothered to jump on a plane for a couple of days, i bet king Carlos of Spain or their leaders will be, would surprise me if Starmer went just to get the jump on his opponents
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on August 17, 2023, 02:23:58 PM
Dyou know what i find appalling? Its the fact that neither Mr Sunak nor Prince William, he of FA Cchairman? Dont think its worth going ove to OZ to cheer on the lionesses! I think its insulting to the womens game and frankly quite an insult to me im embarrassed that our so called elite cant be bothered to support the women, i bet if we win and return home theyll be all over them with praise and honours its pathetic, also ive seen no england flags, bunting etc in the streets or supermarkets no lioness tea shirts for little girls who would wear them with pride and joy, shocking
What about the King popping over to support them he loves oz, i really am annoyed that they cant be bothered to jump on a plane for a couple of days, i bet king Carlos of Spain or their leaders will be, would surprise me if Starmer went just to get the jump on his opponents
Surprisingly people like Prince William and the Prime Minister have quite busy schedules William normally goes on holiday  this time of year when the kids have finished school like many other Brits!
One other thing can you imagine the media reaction to Prime Minister Sunak swanning off to the other side of the world to watch or congratulate the team I can hear the derision now from the usual suspects.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on August 17, 2023, 03:39:17 PM
i was taken aback that the shirt providers (cough Nike) have declined to make goalkeeper shirts with EARPS available for sale, but have made all the outfield players available.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on August 17, 2023, 05:46:04 PM
There's a lot of republican sentiment in parts of Oz and the royal family would not want to make matters worse by going over and supporting Lionesses.  Politics eh?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on August 17, 2023, 08:12:51 PM
There's a lot of republican sentiment in parts of Oz and the royal family would not want to make matters worse by going over and supporting Lionesses.  Politics eh?

To be honest I don't think it's that bad. It's hardly Northern Ireland in the 80s. I think it's more out of laziness than wanting to offend the Aussies.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 17, 2023, 08:40:10 PM
As no-one knows what prior engagements Royalty or Prime Minsters have then its all guesswork as to where they will be or why they are not going so to get back on track can we stick to football please.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on August 17, 2023, 09:43:53 PM
After listening to an Aussie podcast, one guy seemed to think they were subjected to some 'rough play' from our lot, and it would forever rile him. He should try living with the 'hand of god' haunting him.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: skyclad99 on August 17, 2023, 10:17:06 PM
After listening to an Aussie podcast, one guy seemed to think they were subjected to some 'rough play' from our lot, and it would forever rile him. He should try living with the 'hand of god' haunting him.

As Clive Dunn used to say ‘they don’t like it up ‘em’  ;)
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: swad35 on August 17, 2023, 10:41:51 PM
The support for the Matilda’s over here in Australia was unprecedented, tv viewing record figures, crowd attendance records and a general love for the game. The battle over here is always between ‘soccer’ and Aussie rules football. There is a real struggle for dominance with soccer becoming the most played sport here. Any chance some of the media can get to knock the sport is taken hence the English where rough housing and Australia to soft.

I think the majority of people I’ve spoken to here accept English women’s football was another level, they looked strong, drilled and very competitive something Australian sport is known for. So yes lots of disappointment but acceptance better team won and excitement the game is the winner long term.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 19, 2023, 07:20:26 AM
Kane scored and assisted in debut last night for Bayern. Alongside Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, that's 2 decent starts for ourvstar players.

Also having a quick look through the interesting English prospects news:

Lewis Hall is leaving Chelses to go to Newcastle on a loan to permanent deal, worth around £28m. Only 18, can play right back and defensive midfield, highly rated by Chelsea fans after last season.

Further down, 18 year old former England youth ijternati9nal Emran Soglo scored on his league debit for Marseille last night. He moved here aged 10-11 from France, so it remains to be seen who he will choose to represent should the chance come, but it's good to see English academy products doing well as it shows the system is starting to work.

18 yesr old Tudor Mensel-Idowu also scored on debut for Anderlecht B team in what seems to have been a televised game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on August 20, 2023, 12:30:16 PM
Spain just missed a pen in the women’s World Cup final.

Awful attempt to be honest and might just change the game momentum for England
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on August 20, 2023, 01:52:08 PM
Just ran out of steam, bad day at the office, bad luck girls but done country proud getting to final
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 20, 2023, 02:08:51 PM
Good effort, was always going to be tough winning the world cup with 3 key injuries, a few big retirements and a few in tournament injuries/suspensions as well. Still some potential for us to build on for the next 2 major tournaments, while Spain have a few young generations coming through themselves.

At senior level in team sports, we do seem go have a bit of a mental block with big world and continental finals. 2 major football finals between the men and women, 7 major finals for the Rugby Union sides, a Rugby League world cup final and Netball world cup final all lost in the last 20 or so years. Luckily the Cricket sides are showing everyone how its done.

[Edit - just clocked that in our 4 most played Women's sports, Football, Netball, Cricket and Rugby Union, the Women have lost a world cup final in each one over the course of the last 2 years]
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: east-stand-nick on August 20, 2023, 03:09:08 PM
The media build up in the last few days has been arrogant to the max. You'd think our name was already on the trophy before the final. Guessing the bank holiday and damehoods are off now?

I also never want to hear "you don't get the same cheating and rolling around that you do in the men's game" again. The Spanish women are as bad as any men's team I've seen.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 21, 2023, 12:42:26 PM
John Stones is out of the important away leg qualifier vs Ukraine next month and the anniversary friendly vs Scotland.

It's a potentially huge blow, Stones and the seemingly semi retired Maguire are our current starting pair and Stones is ultimately now the key bit of that partnership. How a non-playing Maguire will cope next to an inexperienced Marc Guehi remains to be seen against this level of opposition. With Mings also out, it might mean call ups for Colwill and Tomori, with Chalobah another outside possibility.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on August 21, 2023, 06:32:04 PM

I'm not saying she is a slam dunk to translate to a top mens side, but with her track record, somebody is going to want to test the water at some stage. My hunch would be a Dutch side, maybe even their international men's side. It will be fascinating to see.

The telegraph reporting tonight that the Dutch FA are considering Weigman for their men's national team side.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on August 21, 2023, 11:50:27 PM
The telegraph reporting tonight that the Dutch FA are considering Weigman for their men's national team side.

I'd genuinely love to know Louis van Gaal's thoughts on this. Could prove very entertaining.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: alex1 on August 23, 2023, 12:39:51 PM
I'd genuinely love to know Louis van Gaal's thoughts on this. Could prove very entertaining.
I think van Gaal's thoughts are best summed up by his comment on taking the Dutch manager job. "well if I don't take it, who else is there?"
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 05, 2023, 09:07:40 AM
Bellingham needs to be given the same attacking role he gets with Real Madrid but we all know Southgate will but the brakes on
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 09, 2023, 04:15:36 PM
Maguire and Henderson start. Gareth's faves.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on September 09, 2023, 10:00:15 PM
The draw in Ukraine was a decent enough result at the point the whistle blew, but with Italy failing to beat Macedonia tonight, we are in a really strong position to qualify.

We have 3 games left, an easy win vs Malta sandwiched in between tough games vs Italy at home and Macedonia away, but you would think 4 points should see us get one of the two automatic qualfiication spots. Ukraine would then need to win all 4 of their games to go above us, which would mean we would qualify anyway as that would see Italy dropping 6 points.

Provided we can avoid defeat in one of those 2 tougher fixtures, we should be going to Germany next summer.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on September 09, 2023, 11:13:36 PM
The draw in Ukraine was a decent enough result at the point the whistle bleeding, but with Italy failing to beat Macedonia tonight, we are in a really strong position to qualify.

We have 3 games left, an easy win vs Malta sandwiched in between tough games vs Italy at home and Macedonia away, but you would think 4 points should see us get one of the two automatic qualfiication spots. Ukraine would then need to win all 4 of their games to go above us, which would mean we would qualify anyway as that would see Italy dropping 6 points.

Provided we can avoid defeat in one of those 2 tougher fixtures, we should be going to Germany next summer.

Don’t think there’s much doubt about that.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on September 10, 2023, 12:09:03 PM
Seems to be a lot of talk about Scotland flying and England struggling in the media which seems over the top.

Whilst I do see that Scotland’s 11 is much stronger than it has been for years, with a much better balance of premier league quality over championship than it’s had in the past, I would expect England to beat Cyprus by at least 3 clear goals even on our worst day.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on September 12, 2023, 09:35:55 PM
Fairly comfortable against Scotland tonight who do seem much improved TBF.

MAguire doing Maguire things brought them back into it for a bit but job done.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on September 12, 2023, 09:43:40 PM
See mozza is part of jock coaching staff, I thought he was still with us
What a display by Bellingham, we must build the England team around him for the next 3 world cups
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on September 12, 2023, 09:59:52 PM
England quality and class, scots nowhere
Easy victory tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on September 12, 2023, 10:04:27 PM
See mozza is part of jock coaching staff, I thought he was still with us
What a display by Bellingham, we must build the England team around him for the next 3 world cups

No longer part of our first team staff but I believe he's still involved with our U23s. Or at least that's what I remember reading on the OS when it was announced he was joining up with those over the wall.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggies_24 on September 13, 2023, 03:30:52 AM
Bellingham is some player, I’ve not seen an England midfielder glide past players with such ease since Gazza.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Hull Baggie on September 13, 2023, 08:19:14 AM
Really disappointed with Scotland, never got going really but England played very well.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on September 13, 2023, 12:35:42 PM
Really disappointed with Scotland, never got going really but England played very well.

Yes, Scotland were poor but England were superb. Grudging but generous praise from Souness in the after match stuff. Loved it!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on September 13, 2023, 03:59:04 PM
Such a pity the keeper saved from Eze towards the end. That would have been the icing on the cake after the way he took the ball down. Never mind, we don't want to score all our goals in one game. There's always next time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 12, 2023, 10:06:08 PM
England Under 21 have beaten Serbia Under 21 9-1 tonight.

Some serious talent coming through English football right now. I know France and Spain probably still produce a bit more and I know you have to contend with Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Italy still producing good sides, but I'm sure it's coming home soon. It's got to.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on October 13, 2023, 08:20:10 PM
What does Grealish bring to the team? He passes back more than Furlong
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 13, 2023, 10:04:49 PM
You can never judge too much from an International friendly where you play a hybrid,Frankenstein second team.

Grealish was the highest marked player alongside Kyle Walker when the Marca newspaper rated the Man City v Real Madrid game a few months ago. He has proven to be a dangerous option for England the last few years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on October 13, 2023, 10:44:45 PM
Never watched it, a pointless excersise to me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on October 14, 2023, 09:54:43 AM
Never watched it, a pointless excersise to me

I did. Unfortunately. With a mixture of boredom and befuddlement as to why I bothered. Still, at least I only watched it on telly. So chuffed I didn't go in person. Exhales with relief.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on October 14, 2023, 11:32:17 AM
I watched it, I just find it odd how such a talented squad of players churn out such a borefest.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on October 15, 2023, 10:06:27 AM
I watched it, I just find it odd how such a talented squad of players churn out such a borefest.

I’m convinced it’s because we don’t have an elite level manager. I thank Southgate for nearly bringing us success but we’re no closer to winning anything than we were with any other manager in my 39 years.

Someone that releases the handbrake and gets the team playing to their talents will win something. Imagine Pep with this lot. Wouldn’t happen but just a hypothetical.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on October 15, 2023, 01:30:40 PM
I’m convinced it’s because we don’t have an elite level manager. I thank Southgate for nearly bringing us success but we’re no closer to winning anything than we were with any other manager in my 39 years.

Someone that releases the handbrake and gets the team playing to their talents will win something. Imagine Pep with this lot. Wouldn’t happen but just a hypothetical.


Fully agree, Southgate is holding the team back for me.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 17, 2023, 12:56:29 PM
i expect an England win tonight
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on October 17, 2023, 09:07:06 PM
Just channel surfing, forgot it was on ch4 now, England just netted a second, but before that the crowd was so quiet and I thought I was watching a walking football game!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on October 17, 2023, 11:03:43 PM
Superb performance and result tonight. Time to win a major tournament boys
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 18, 2023, 08:25:58 AM
bellingham will be the key to us winning it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 18, 2023, 09:24:49 AM
bellingham will be the key to us winning it

That lad is a generational talent, not seen anything like his all round performances since Robbo, and I think he could be better than Bryan.  Harry Kanes goal was a bit special too !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on October 18, 2023, 09:50:00 AM
Anything other than winning the Euro's will be failure with the attacking talent we have at our disposal now. France would be the only side, player for player, who should be able to live with us.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 18, 2023, 12:50:03 PM
Spain might argue otherwise Fritzl. I'd probably make us the third most talented squad in Europe now, question will be down to how cohesive we can become as a team at the point it matters most. We still struggle to get consistent results vs the top sides, although 2 wins on the trot vs Italy does help.

Still have some issues in defence, plus Kalvin Phillips/Jordan Henderson at the base of midfield is a weak link. Throw in France, Spain, Portugal who are all very good and the strength of Germany at home plus Belgium, Italy, Hungary and Netherlands. It won't be easy, but I do believe we will win something in the next 3 or 4 tournaments with the players we have and those coming through.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on October 18, 2023, 01:00:26 PM
We need players playing regularly in competitive leagues and Southgate did state when he took over players need to be in form and playing regularly however he ignores his own words.

Henderson is playing in a bit of a joke league and his international career should have been ended after the World Cup.

Phillips needs to be playing regular games and Maguire although never really letting us down again needs regular football.

Stones shouldn't have played last night due to recent injury and he was slow to react for their goal.

For us to win something we need to be better defensively as attacking wise we are blessed with quality when Southgate allows them to play
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 18, 2023, 01:35:21 PM
Kyle walker will take some replacing when the time comes, I assume that Trippier moves over and Luke Shaw comes back in.
I really don't like Terence Arnold as a defender, so hope Southgate doesnt bow to the media on that one.

I agree about Henderson / Kalvin Phillips, neither inspire confidence, of the two,  I prefer Henderson though.

A standout young english centre half would be a god send though

Apart from those concerns it looks extremely positive, all the more so with a talent like Bellingham to call on.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on October 18, 2023, 02:11:04 PM
Kyle walker will take some replacing when the time comes, I assume that Trippier moves over and Luke Shaw comes back in.
I really don't like Terence Arnold as a defender, so hope Southgate doesnt bow to the media on that one.

I agree about Henderson / Kalvin Phillips, neither inspire confidence, of the two,  I prefer Henderson though.

A standout young english centre half would be a god send though

Apart from those concerns it looks extremely positive, all the more so with a talent like Bellingham to call on.

Given Trippier is the same age as Walkerz I don't think he's the long term solution.

If Reece James can stay fit he'd definitely be in contention.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on October 18, 2023, 02:43:27 PM
Maguire is a very uninspiring player, last might he did a Bartley and passed 90% of the time along the back; he can't trust himself to get the ball to one of our midfielders.

Yesterday evening we had two players on the left of our defence who favour the right foot.  Colwill looks a far better prospect at LCB or LB.  Should have been him and Dunk last night.  Gueye made some important defensive contributions when he came on.  With such talent to call on why is Maguire there?

It's also a disgrace to pick Phillips, if he wanted to be in the England team more than collecting a huge pay-check for sitting on the bench, he'd be agitating for a move. 

It seems that Southgate wouldn't want to do something so cruel as dropping his favourites.

I'm still failing to see the effectiveness of Grealish yet he gets a cheer when he comes on for the last knocking of a game.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: caravanc58 on October 18, 2023, 02:57:10 PM
Maguire is a very uninspiring player, last might he did a Bartley and passed 90% of the time along the back; he can't trust himself to get the ball to one of our midfielders.

Yesterday evening we had two players on the left of our defence who favour the right foot.  Colwill looks a far better prospect at LCB or LB.  Should have been him and Dunk last night.  Gueye made some important defensive contributions when he came on.  With such talent to call on why is Maguire there?

It's also a disgrace to pick Phillips, if he wanted to be in the England team more than collecting a huge pay-check for sitting on the bench, he'd be agitating for a move. 

It seems that Southgate wouldn't want to do something so cruel as dropping his favourites.

I'm still failing to see the effectiveness of Grealish yet he gets a cheer when he comes on for the last knocking of a game.
I would have Tomori ahead of Maguire all the time,  midfield is an area that may be problematic with Gallagher, Henderson and Phillips not offering much. We need a really good Central midfielder to allow Bellingham to make these forward runs and not get exposed at the same time. Rice is the obvious choice but blows not and cold and lacks pace.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on October 18, 2023, 03:48:05 PM
Were due a win in the euros and i think we will win it
Currently the best team in europe, a bit of a masterclass in finishing last night all goals brilliantly taken
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 18, 2023, 04:27:00 PM
Given Trippier is the same age as Walkerz I don't think he's the long term solution.

If Reece James can stay fit he'd definitely be in contention.

didnt realise Trippier was that old, thanks for highlighting that
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: zippyandbungle on October 18, 2023, 05:09:04 PM
Were due a win in the euros and i think we will win it
Currently the best team in europe, a bit of a masterclass in finishing last night all goals brilliantly taken
I’m not sure that we are due a win,but we certainly do have enough talent to do so.
We have some really good players and some that get by/are carried by them
Geuhi,Dunk,tomori are all ahead of Maguire
We don’t appear hugely blessed in central midfield,Bellingham is the stand out and if he is played ahead of Rice (lacks pace and whilst good still overrated) and Gallagher ,stones or mount then that’s ok but Phillips isn’t great and Henderson is now just a comedy selection .
Keeper I’d actually play Sam Johnstone out of all the options
Foden, rashford,Saka Kane all very good players that deliver consistently
Grealish has gone backwards and that describes his general direction during a match

Ultimately we are stuck ,the good in the team get us quite far despite the manager,because we get so far they won’t get rid of him,keeping him restricts us from winning a tournament.

Let’s not forget that Italy had quite a few players out last night …
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on October 18, 2023, 05:29:25 PM
Get rid fo Southgate and we have a real chance.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 19, 2023, 12:50:40 AM
Surprised by the negativity towards Grealish. I don't pay much attention to the prem at the moment but I've seen it said that he has had a quiet start to the season (which is just the 2 months old), but last season Grealish was the starting option for Guardiola's treble winning front three. He was seen by neutrals in Spain as one of, if not the best players on the pitch as City demolished Real Madrid. He clearly has something and provides a great option alongside side our rich attacking options Saka, Rashford, Bellingham, Maddison, Foden and to a lesser extent Bowen and Eze.

Away from him, I'm still unsure on our core. Colwill has apparently had a good start to the season at Chelsea from a statistical point and fills in well at left centre half, but Southgate does seem frustrating set on Maguire for now. The other options Guehi, Tomori and Dunk are all reasonable but for me atleast, look unlikely to elevate their games to become cream of the crop defenders so were banking on Scales/Colwill. Once Walker retires, maybe it will be Rico Lewis or post Southgate - Ben White? There are a ton of full backs knocking around though, as much as I do love Walker.

Central midfield is the weak point though. It is unlikely to be fixed in time for next summer, of those not yet in contemtion, i doubt the likes of Longstaff, Ramsey, Ireogbunam or Elliott will come in and make much difference. By the 2026 world cup or the 2028 Euros, maybe we will be looking to Kobee Mainoo at Man Utd, Archie Grey at Leeds, Jobe Bellingham/Chris Rigg at Sunderland or Bobby Clark at Liverpool.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: robnewbold on October 19, 2023, 01:18:57 PM
With the worst European opposition ever, a poor Italian side, a rubbish German side we should expect to get to another final at least. Our choice of available players is currently  the best it has been in years. Unfortunately we have a timid, play safe Manager who will win us nothing. Philips and Maguire should be no where near the squad. He consistently makes the safest choice and we will win nothing with him at the helm.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on October 19, 2023, 04:17:48 PM
People give Southgate way too hard a time, he's not perfect but no manager is. The England team is good but not the incredible team people make it out to be. The centre back situation whichever way you cut it is not that great. Then the biggest problem with England remains the central midfield and lack of a controlling player. There just isn't a particularly desirable player there. It's a problem for England and one that usually rears its heads in tournaments. The usual cries of "release the handbrake" are always fairly naive. You can't have this version of attacking Bellingham and also think any other manager would be pairing him with Maddison, or TAA will be holding with Rice. That's just trying to cram all the attacking players into the side which isn't serious stuff. Hodgson actually did try that back in 2014 to horrible results, although fans quickly forgot him doing everything they wanted.

Right now its still probably the second best squad in Europe, after France, but its not that much better than Portugal, Spain, and Germany who would all be pretty even games.

It's pretty funny to see Germany mentioned as weak - they have been an actually poorly managed team - their actual players are very good. That's the difference between a team who's actually been poorly managed in recent years and England, who have not been poorly managed.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on October 19, 2023, 10:00:52 PM
People give Southgate way too hard a time, he's not perfect but no manager is. The England team is good but not the incredible team people make it out to be. The centre back situation whichever way you cut it is not that great. Then the biggest problem with England remains the central midfield and lack of a controlling player. There just isn't a particularly desirable player there. It's a problem for England and one that usually rears its heads in tournaments. The usual cries of "release the handbrake" are always fairly naive. You can't have this version of attacking Bellingham and also think any other manager would be pairing him with Maddison, or TAA will be holding with Rice. That's just trying to cram all the attacking players into the side which isn't serious stuff. Hodgson actually did try that back in 2014 to horrible results, although fans quickly forgot him doing everything they wanted.

Right now its still probably the second best squad in Europe, after France, but its not that much better than Portugal, Spain, and Germany who would all be pretty even games.

It's pretty funny to see Germany mentioned as weak - they have been an actually poorly managed team - their actual players are very good. That's the difference between a team who's actually been poorly managed in recent years and England, who have not been poorly managed.

The Spain midfield 3 of Gavi, Rodri and Pedri, paired with the exciting kids coming through like Lamine Yamal, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres still scare me as much as France, although the fact they have to play Joselu reminds me of their own issues.

As for our midfield, if the worst happens and the likes of Mainoo, Gray, Rigg, Clark, Lewis-Skelly, Webster etc don’t turn out to be able to operate at the very highest level, I wonder if the option will be for Jude Bellingham to go back in alongside Rice and operate in a Paul Pogba - France 2018 role? He is going to be good enough to play anywhere and England are finding it a lot easier to produce exciting attacking midfielders. Carney Chukwuemka at Chelsea might yet turn out to be a world beater while Ethan Nwaneri looks frighteningly good at Arsenal.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Standaman on October 20, 2023, 10:04:19 AM
There are 4 players whose fitness is essential if England are to have a good tournament next summer. Kane, Saka, Rice and Bellingham. All of whom will have to navigate 50 plus game seasons. They are not only the squads best players but in most cases there isn't very obvious stand-ins. If any of those players are absent with the possible exception of Saka there would be a noticeable drop off in quality.

Looking beyond the summer to the next World Cup  both Walker and Trippier are likely to need to be replaced and whether Kane has one last tournament in him is debatable. However aside from those players and Henderson who in my view shouldn't be in the squad now it lands at the World Cup in a reasonably healthy position.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on October 21, 2023, 07:32:01 PM
So sad to hear thst Sir Bobby Chsrlton has passed away
One of our  greatest ever players, a true gentleman and it was a pleasure to watch him play.
RIP Sir Bobby
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on October 23, 2023, 09:55:20 AM
Only just picked up on this RIP Bobby, class act on & off the pitch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on November 17, 2023, 09:20:42 PM
Falling asleep watching this England dross, borefest, yes it's only Malta but come on make it entertaining, H Kane makes it 2 with the 2nd shot on target!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 17, 2023, 09:21:31 PM
3 now, cracker from Rice
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 17, 2023, 09:23:02 PM
Nope, they ruled it out for offside i think
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on November 17, 2023, 09:29:11 PM
I know nowadays possession is everything, but all the sideways and backwards passing bores the pants off me. Even the so called progressive players won't take a chance on a forward pass.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KN22 on November 18, 2023, 02:42:59 PM
They didn’t have to extend themselves in any way and, as is often the case in those circumstances, you get a boring watch.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: baggie53 on November 19, 2023, 08:27:07 AM
They didn’t have to extend themselves in any way and, as is often the case in those circumstances, you get a boring watch.
But that is normal in most matches. A winger/wingback has space in front of him, but 9 times out of 10 he will pass back to the centre back
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: GlenGrant on November 19, 2023, 10:19:50 AM
Southgate was seen as a safe pair of hands. He's done a job, but alas he has no adventure. We could do with a change now. Selecting players like Henderson when your playing Malta says it all. The rest of the team played at a stroll it was a simple excuse to turn it off.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on November 20, 2023, 08:27:15 PM
Bizarre officiating tonight. Maguire looks like he fouls a player in the box as far as I’m concerned and he gets away with it, then the ref gives one against Rico Lewis for no reason at all
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 20, 2023, 08:32:08 PM
Ref was keen to give it i think, home fans giving him some grief.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on November 20, 2023, 08:43:37 PM
Rubbish performance by England, Grealish offers nothing, Watkins, is he playing?
Weve hit the post ok, young Rico looks ok but no shots on target, boring for me
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on November 20, 2023, 09:34:12 PM
Another borefest tonight, without a couple of certain players we look ordinary.
A word on the referee, very poor in my opinion, the standard of refereeing is getting worse at all levels!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on November 20, 2023, 09:34:17 PM
I like Trent, but he cant be in the first 11,hes not a midfielder nor good enough to replace Walker atm
A second poor performance on the trot, why cant we shoot at goal?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on November 20, 2023, 09:41:09 PM
I think that Rashford free kick sums up the performance, miles off target!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: HampshireBaggie on November 20, 2023, 10:34:35 PM
We always save our best form for the tournament proper.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on November 21, 2023, 09:57:12 AM
Don’t understand why any experimenting e.g Watkins wasn’t done in the easier home game v Malta. I do realise that would be meant Lewis playing both due to Trippiers withdrawal but what’s wrong with that !
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on November 21, 2023, 10:48:49 AM
Referee was shocking but the game was awful, the Midfield lacks something without Bellingham Although what was frustrating was Dion Dublin said it and I could see it Foden was getting into excellent space and you could see Maguire look up and see him but then instead decides to pass it to Walker on the side. Yes controlling the Ball is good but Man City don't pass it around the back they pass it around the Midfeild and Attack to try and work the defence and then they use Foden to create the space he receives it putting Haarland in and usually they create a chance. No disrespect to our defence last night. But only the two full backs can play out from the Back and are used to regularly under Pep. Maguire is good on the ball but Man Utd I don't know what thry try to do if I am being honest but Stones would add a third body who can play it safely. I don't like the passing around back anyway your inviting pressure and if Macedonia weren't well Macedonia and say France or someone then they would have cut off the Midfield and put pressure on the back and got in behind. Pass it around with no pressure but then work it forward. Also Grealish tried to do much sometimes it is frustrating, Rico Lewis was in behind him and I was calling for Grealish to pass it but he didn't, Saka was Good, Lewis had a decent game, Foden was good, Watkins hard to judge when you have Kane ahead of him and he didn't get much service. Thought Rice was ok, Trent wouldn't be playing there with our normal Midfield he tried but it didn't work. Why does Southgate pick Phillips, JWP is better to me I would keep Henserson for experience. Philips is always on the bench at City and even Bernardo Silva has played in his role. It was pretty poor and frustrating. And that is three awful refs I have seen Friday, Darlo on Saturday although Darlo won and Last night.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: royhan on November 26, 2023, 12:32:25 PM
Sad to hear that Terry Venables has passed away. He was a lovely person. RIP
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on November 26, 2023, 12:46:13 PM
RIP Terry. Liked him when I was a kid. Euro 96 was good fun, shame we couldnt win it
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: lewisant on November 26, 2023, 02:33:07 PM
The first England Manager I was really aware of and liked…actually, Graham Taylor was and he went recently too. Sad times.

Old El Tel seemed like a fun guy in person and that seemed to play out on the pitch too.

Rest In Peace.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on November 26, 2023, 04:47:07 PM
RIP Tell
Remember him as a very good player, am i right in saying he was the first player to get capped at all levels for England?
Could be wrong anyway he seemed s fun guy to be around, a top player top manager inc Barca
I think he ended up ss a hoyel owner abroad
Sad loss
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 26, 2023, 04:59:28 PM
Love Venables's attitude to football and so unlucky in 96.
 Thanks for the memories RIP.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on November 27, 2023, 01:47:58 PM
Was barely a twinkle in My Dad's eye during Euro 96 he was 16 turning 17, but I have watched the reruns during Covid on TV and there was something eventhough I knew how our journey would end that felt so good, the whole country backing the team no splits, no abuse when Southgate missed, no Negativity, just everyone enjoying the occasion, the Football we played was beautiful, it would look at place in Today's era and my dad said against the Dutch was either the Best performance or half he had ever seen from an England Team. Yet again the 90's did seem a fantastic era and I like the 90's despite not being there. But When I watched it I was amazed by how good the Football England played was. RIP Terry Venebles the man who gave everyone alive in England in 1996 pride and optimism for 3 weeks
.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: KYA on November 27, 2023, 01:56:37 PM
Was barely a twinkle in My Dad's eye during Euro 96 he was 16 turning 17, but I have watched the reruns during Covid on TV and there was something eventhough I knew how our journey would end that felt so good, the whole country backing the team no splits, no abuse when Southgate missed, no Negativity, just everyone enjoying the occasion, the Football we played was beautiful, it would look at place in Today's era and my dad said against the Dutch was either the Best performance or half he had ever seen from an England Team. Yet again the 90's did seem a fantastic era and I like the 90's despite not being there. But When I watched it I was amazed by how good the Football England played was. RIP Terry Venebles the man who gave everyone alive in England in 1996 pride and optimism for 3 weeks
.
It was beautiful the country was alive with football fever and a real belief this was our year Skinners song it's Coming Home only added to the mix, alas we all know how it turned out but it was geat while it lasted.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on November 27, 2023, 07:05:29 PM
It was beautiful the country was alive with football fever and a real belief this was our year Skinners song it's Coming Home only added to the mix, alas we all know how it turned out but it was geat while it lasted.
It was amazing how everyone ( football fans and non football fans alike) got caught up in the emotional side of that tournament. Beautiful football in beautiful weather, thank for the memories El Tel and RIP
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on November 27, 2023, 08:17:10 PM
Still astonishing it took 22 years to reach another semi final after his achievement. Rewatched the Dutch game this morning on BBC website, can't be many better Englanf performances in a major tournament. That Southgate pass for the 3rd - Chefs kiss.

Rest in Peace El Tel.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 02, 2023, 06:22:07 PM
50/50 Euros draw.

Highest ranked pot 2 side in Denmark, although I'd fear the Dutch more. Slovenia from pot 3 - maybe one of the weaker sides in that pot and then we get the third best from pot 4.

The two death groups are A and B with Germany, Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland drawn together and Spain, Italy  Croatia and Albania.

Ours and group D feel even - France, Netherlands, Austria and a play off team. I'd probably just take ours over France's but it is tight.

E and F - the Portugal and Belgium groups are really soft. Not only do they get the 2 groupings that have the easiest knock out route (guaranteed to avoid a group winner until atheist the semi finals), they also get the weakest opponents.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on December 05, 2023, 09:45:49 PM
England needed to beat Scotland by atleast 3 goals to qualify for the Women’s Olympics today and hope that the Dutch didn’t win. England won by 6 in the end, but a last minute Dutch goal sends us out of the Olympic competition next year.

A decent medal hope gone.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on January 11, 2024, 10:22:48 AM
As ex-England manager thought i would pop it in here but Sven-Goran Eriksson says he has “about a year” to live after being diagnosed with cancer.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67942943
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 22, 2024, 12:04:45 PM
What up with Nike with the New England Kit why would you even consider changing the flag of Saint George , wouldn’t do it with any other nation,
Also how the hell can they justify the prices they’re charging for them , supposedly a cost of living crisis
Simple really, if you don't like it don't buy it, if they are left with loads of inventory they will learn
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on March 24, 2024, 10:29:29 AM
Just got to say that if we dont shoot, we wont score a goal.
I thought it was a pre season type game, whats the point really?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on March 24, 2024, 10:37:32 AM
Just got to say that if we dont shoot, we wont score a goal.
I thought it was a pre season type game, whats the point really?

That’s how we would be in a competitive game against the likes of Brazil under this manager, sadly
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 24, 2024, 11:49:21 AM
I was at a gig so didn't see any of it.  Sounds like same old Southgate?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 24, 2024, 01:39:08 PM
England players have struggled for decades against the top nations, usually down to a lack of variety in the players we produce. I'm not sure if you can honestly say that with this squad though, there are several players now who look comfortable in possession and we have strong options in most positions. The fact we are still losing more than we win vs the top nations may well be on the manager this time. If we don't win the Euro's, or at the very least make the final having beaten top opposition, then I hope we say thank you and goodbye to Southgate.

This is an incredible generation of players with more still coming through, it would be a massive shame to waste it on a manager who isn't quite amongst the elite.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 24, 2024, 01:54:05 PM
On the talent point, interesting to see the names in the England under 2's and 20's sides this weekend, especially given the amount of injuries in the senior sides and promotions of youngsters (Mainoo, Gordon, Branthwaite).

Harvey Elliot got 2 goals, a regular now for Liverpool and another in the James Maddison mould, the exciting 18 year old Archie Gray also managed an assist, someone to rival Kobee Mainoo at the heart of England's future midfield. Rico Lewis and Nonr Madurke other stand out names in the starting line up, Dortkubds Bynoe-Gittens and Bournemouth's Alex Scott getting minutes from the bench, while Liverpool regular Jarrell Quansah didn't even get off the bench.

England under 20's featured Newcastle pair Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley - in another era they would have been with the under 21's , alongside Liverpool's Bobby Clark, Ireogbunam and our Tom Fellows.

There is so much depth coming through now, there really is very little excuse not to challenge for honours over the next ten years.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 24, 2024, 03:07:54 PM
On the talent point, interesting to see the names in the England under 2's and 20's sides this weekend, especially given the amount of injuries in the senior sides and promotions of youngsters (Mainoo, Gordon, Branthwaite).

Harvey Elliot got 2 goals, a regular now for Liverpool and another in the James Maddison mould, the exciting 18 year old Archie Gray also managed an assist, someone to rival Kobee Mainoo at the heart of England's future midfield. Rico Lewis and Nonr Madurke other stand out names in the starting line up, Dortkubds Bynoe-Gittens and Bournemouth's Alex Scott getting minutes from the bench, while Liverpool regular Jarrell Quansah didn't even get off the bench.

England under 20's featured Newcastle pair Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley - in another era they would have been with the under 21's , alongside Liverpool's Bobby Clark, Ireogbunam and our Tom Fellows.

There is so much depth coming through now, there really is very little excuse not to challenge for honours over the next ten years.
I’d pay good money to watch the under 2’s. Do they play on a regular sized pitch? :D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba_1996 on March 24, 2024, 05:12:46 PM
Sadly I just can't see us ever winning a major tournament under Southgate. He has won 5 out of 25 games against sides in the top 10 of the FIFA rankings. That is an abysmal record. Tactically he's so, so poor in comparison to most modern managers, and he's not a ruthless tournament manager like a Mourinho. You've got the likes of Jose available, and Mancini (who schooled him in 2020) managing the Saudi Arabia national team, whilst we go into another major tournament with a nice guy who's best managerial attribute is that he says the right things in interviews.

He should have gone after the final against Italy, 1-0 up after 3 mins against an inferior team and we played coward-ball for the next 117 mins failing to register another shot on target. You've got big problems when Carlos Corberan is managing West Brom in the Championship, and is several levels above the manager of the England team.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: timdon on March 24, 2024, 07:05:01 PM
I’d pay good money to watch the under 2’s. Do they play on a regular sized pitch? :D
Forget it mate. Some of them could barely walk by the end of the match. Come to think of it, some of them could barely walk at the beginning  ;D
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 24, 2024, 09:56:08 PM
Forget it mate. Some of them could barely walk by the end of the match. Come to think of it, some of them could barely walk at the beginning  ;D
Being as most games seem to be at walking pace, I don't think crawling pace is going to be entertaining. And I dread to think what the hissy fits would be like.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 24, 2024, 10:41:37 PM
Being as most games seem to be at walking pace, I don't think crawling pace is going to be entertaining. And I dread to think what the hissy fits would be like.

We would romper that, the opposition are a load of dummies
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: johnny Cash on March 25, 2024, 07:07:24 AM
England players have struggled for decades against the top nations, usually down to a lack of variety in the players we produce. I'm not sure if you can honestly say that with this squad though, there are several players now who look comfortable in possession and we have strong options in most positions. The fact we are still losing more than we win vs the top nations may well be on the manager this time. If we don't win the Euro's, or at the very least make the final having beaten top opposition, then I hope we say thank you and goodbye to Southgate.

This is an incredible generation of players with more still coming through, it would be a massive shame to waste it on a manager who isn't quite amongst the elite.


I keep hearing Southgate England teams have been / are the best ever in terms of talent. I agree it has depth and players are probably better on the ball on average, but best 11? I’m not sure. Maybe in a few years it will be but Take the 2004 team

James
Cole, Terry, Ferdinand
Gerrard, Rooney

That’s 6 who I think all definitely play in this 11. Rooney perhaps in a different way to how he did because of Kane but I think he gets worked in somehow. Then you’ve got players like Beckham, Scholes and Lampard, at least one more of which would probably forced their way in in the past (Southgate loved Mount so would have loved Lampard and I think in this Era becks plays centrally all his career and he was better than Henderson).

So 6 minimum and as many as 8 at times from 2004 would have been playing for Southgate in his 11 over his tenure.

Southgate is still managing them poorly though. He’s benefitted from a kind era where France have been the only nation not going through a transition of sorts, couple that with incredibly kind tournament draws and he’s failed every test he’s faced.  Said it before but 02/04/06/10 teams that beat us in tournaments all would have sent Southgate’s sides home. Does the 04 side win one of Southgate’s tournaments. I honestly think it does the final vs Italy.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: WBArgo on March 25, 2024, 08:40:55 PM
I would agree, Sven had the best England team in my life time and was even worse than Southgate. The teams that Hodgson, McLaren and Capello had were all miles worse. Overall, I would say Sven had a 10/10 side whereas Southgate's is probably a 9.5/10 with a bit less balance at the back.

Regardless, they should have done better.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 25, 2024, 09:14:12 PM
The discourse about England is so heightened and usually pretty ignorant of the rest of the world. The England side is good, no doubt about it, top 10 in the world. But the spine is pretty weak, and teams with weak spines are never going to be favourites for tournaments. Whichever way you cut it, England don't have a top centre back to pair with Stones, and neither do England have even a good midfielder to go with Rice in midfield.

It's a flawed team that people have overrated due to a good few years between 2010-2018 when the squad was largely straight up bad. Because its no longer that, people jumped from "worst squad ever" in 2018 to thinking we were the best squad on the planet a couple of years later. Doesn't stack up. At the moment France have clearly the best squad in Europe, England's squad isn't really better than Portugal or Germany's. Then Italy, Netherlands, Belgium are all a bit behind but none a gaping chasm to us.

Southgate did a good job in 2018 and 2021. Average in 2022. Remains to be seen for the Euro's. Overall he'll go down as a good England manager with flawed in game management, albeit people overrating the sides he had. The 2018 side got revised from "worst England squad ever" at the start of the tournament to people blaming him for losing the world cup semi final in extra time, which I guess shows the ridiculousness of it all.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on March 25, 2024, 09:28:08 PM
This is by no means the best england side in my life time but it is relative to the other nations. Think back to that 2002 and 2006 world cup the golden generation we were still comfortably miles worse than the Italians, French, Germans, Brazilians and Argentines possibly even the Dutch.

Now by relative terms arguably besides the French we are the best side on paper. [I know we don't play on paper] a lot of the big hitters the Germans and the Italians don't have the persdonel they have had over past years and even the south American giants aren't all that. Don't think a good side has won the world cup since Spain 2010 the last few it's all been very marginal

Edit: to the point we are not the best ever but we are relatively and Southgate is blowing our chances at using our slight advantage. Next world cup has even more sides and more knock out so becomes even harder to win. He should have gone after he fluffed it v Croatia in world cup and if anybody had any doubts he should have gone after surrendering a 1-0 lead to Italy that was awful
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Dan on March 25, 2024, 09:42:02 PM
This is by no means the best england side in my life time but it is relative to the other nations. Think back to that 2002 and 2006 world cup the golden generation we were still comfortably miles worse than the Italians, French, Germans, Brazilians and Argentines possibly even the Dutch.

Now by relative terms arguably besides the French we are the best side on paper. [I know we don't play on paper] a lot of the big hitters the Germans and the Italians don't have the persdonel they have had over past years and even the south American giants aren't all that. Don't think a good side has won the world cup since Spain 2010 the last few it's all been very marginal

Edit: to the point we are not the best ever but we are relatively and Southgate is blowing our chances at using our slight advantage. Next world cup has even more sides and more knock out so becomes even harder to win. He should have gone after he fluffed it v Croatia in world cup and if anybody had any doubts he should have gone after surrendering a 1-0 lead to Italy that was awful

This kind of proves my point about ignorance of the wider footballing world. That Croatia team had Brozovic - Modric - Rakitic in midfield, not one of England's midfielders in the squad was even close to their quality on the ball. You have that level of disparity in midfield you're going to be in trouble. But somehow, because its Croatia, and we're England, it was a crime we didn't beat the better team on paper.

The Italy game is a bit similar. It's not that we couldn't have won, or couldn't have done better but we lost on penalties to a team on a world record undefeated run with a midfield that was far superior to ours. You have the far superior midfield, you probably control the game. That's just the reality of football.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: MarkW on March 26, 2024, 03:57:50 AM
I agree with Dan up to a point. We barely qualified for 2018, with a late goal in Sam Allardyce's sole game in charge getting us there. Southgate came in as a caretaker and was then given the permanent job. He healed and unified the team, and our performance in 2018 galvanised the country. Let's not forget it wasn't long ago the England camp would have a Manchester United table at dinner, a Liverpool table, Chelsea etc. For all the talent the supposed "Golden Generation" had, there were always off-field distractions, e.g. Terry & Ferdinand's feud over Terry's alleged racism to Rio's brother.

What Southgate has done off the field deserves an enormous amount of credit. And the way he has evolved the team over his tenure also shows good development - in 2018 we tried to be solid, and generally relied on set pieces, which was sensible given little preparation time and the realities of tournament play. We then developed the possession-heavy style that I and others have termed "suffer-ball". It's exasperating to watch but again, did well over the Euros tournament. And from what I've seen Vs Brazil we trying to press more and play more expansively, though I'm not sure we did it very well.

All that said, I still am left with the feeling that we could have done better. I take Dan's point about the midfield of Croatia - you can add Lovren, Vrsaljko, Rebic, Mandzukic and Perisic as all solid players would would be in contention for England if they were English. But you can look at the substitutions in that game and you could argue they came too late (equally our subs bench was fairly dire).

Likewise the Italy team had Donnarumma, Bonucci and Chiellini, but I'm not sure any of their other players would be "stars"...Veratti probably? Jorginho is obviously a very solid player. The fact we tried to play Catanaccio Vs them after getting an early goal speaks volumes, but if not for some missed penalties, the narrative would be that Southgate "did enough" and his final subs for the pens were clever.

Returning to the here and now, Kane & Bellingham are good enough to go into any team in the world. Beyond that we have several players who do well for their clubs but I think tournament play is very different, and what they are asked to do by England is very different. I'd put Rice, Foden, Saka and maybe Trent Alexander-Arnold in there; perhaps John Stones too. As much as Maguire has had an enormous amount of faith out in him, and based on club form unjustifiably so, the fact no other English centre back has made themselves the undeniable partner to Stones says a lot. We've had a revolving door of "nearly men", such as Dunk, Mings, Guehi etc. Some more than others could feel harshly done by, but it's a glaring area of weakness, alongside left back.

I hope this is Southgate's last tournament for us, but I hope it ends on a high. I don't like his coaching team's in-game strategy or management, but he has moulded the national team into what it is, from working at U21 level all the way to now. He deserves credit for that, and for fans actually having an expectation for England to be competitive and not just assume we'll be dumped out at the first knock out round.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 26, 2024, 08:38:10 AM
England players won't have their names on their shirts for tonight's game to create awareness about dementia. Who most relies on being reminded who's who during the match? Unbelieveable!!
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba_1996 on March 26, 2024, 08:47:59 PM
On track to make it 4 wins from 26 against top 10 ranked sides. We have no hope of winning anything under this guy. This is probably the poorest Belgium side in a decade, with De Bruyne missing, and yet another manager who has done a job on him so far.

He’s lost Maguire and brought Lewis Dunk in to play a high line, who incidentally just got ragged by Lukaku in the Europa League. Same thing has happened again and it’s cost us, Lukaku isn’t even a particularly quick player.

If he gets the United job in the summer as has been rumoured, I genuinely think they become relegation candidates. Tactically he’s a couple of levels below every manager in the Prem, and the top 8 in the Championship.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 26, 2024, 08:49:31 PM
He's not a good manager for me, just a steady eddie type wasting the talent at his disposal. He is levels below our players.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on March 26, 2024, 09:08:25 PM
This kind of proves my point about ignorance of the wider footballing world. That Croatia team had Brozovic - Modric - Rakitic in midfield, not one of England's midfielders in the squad was even close to their quality on the ball. You have that level of disparity in midfield you're going to be in trouble. But somehow, because its Croatia, and we're England, it was a crime we didn't beat the better team on paper.

The Italy game is a bit similar. It's not that we couldn't have won, or couldn't have done better but we lost on penalties to a team on a world record undefeated run with a midfield that was far superior to ours. You have the far superior midfield, you probably control the game. That's just the reality of football.

The Croatia midfield 👌
However in both games I cited Southgate was slow and reactive and both opposition managers were bold and proactive. England should have gone for kill in both games but we sat off pulls esque and have nothing to show for either besides losing a final on penalties to a poor Italian outfit
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 26, 2024, 09:21:10 PM
I agree with the point about the spine of the team, it hasn't quite been there over the last few years, but that is starting to change now. The midfield trio tonight still need to develop,  but they have potential to be as good as any midfield trio in Europe. Bellingham in particular has future Ballon d'Or winner written all over him.

Kane, Saka, Walker, Forden would all be considered for any squad in world football, while the likes of Rashford, Tomori, Alexander-Arnold, Grealish, Stones and James have played at the top level for top sides. Throw in up and coming defenders like Colwill and Branthwaite could finally be the answer to our defensive issues.

I don't think there are any sides in international football that are perfect. France probably have 2 players for every position, but the rest rely on a mix of world class players and then filler, just like we do, the difference being we probably have more strength in depth than most.

We aren't in a great place with injury at the moment (plus a loss of form for a couple of players), but this is still a very talented group.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: beechyboy90 on March 26, 2024, 09:21:42 PM
And again losing to a top ranked side. I would hate to see his record against higher ranked opposition
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba_1996 on March 26, 2024, 09:39:26 PM
And again losing to a top ranked side. I would hate to see his record against higher ranked opposition

It’s 4 wins from 26. A 15% win rate when he’s not up against Moldovan plumbers.

He tried his best to win tonight as well. Leaving it 75 mins before making subs shows he was treating that as a knockout game rather than a friendly. And he came up short yet again, he’s nowhere near good enough and should have gone after the Italy game in 2020.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 26, 2024, 09:41:35 PM
Didn't he sign a new contract not too long ago?
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: wba_1996 on March 26, 2024, 09:44:10 PM
Didn't he sign a new contract not too long ago?

Expires in December but rumours he’s getting an extension.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: gazberg on March 26, 2024, 10:11:15 PM
Expires in December but rumours he’s getting an extension.

Oh lord no
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Baggies on March 26, 2024, 10:37:40 PM
Good effort to get the draw after a fairly dominant half, while Bellingham showed his class in the end, but it’s another disappointing turn out vs one of the elite sides. We had a hell of a lot of injuries, but Belgium were missing a few names as well today. Our record vs the elite, as has already been pointed out a few times, is just sub standard. A fairly ordinary Germany have beaten France and Netherlands this international break, could you imagine us doing the same? If you take the average “elite” side, they win as many as they lose vs other members of the elite. Sadly, we don’t under Southgate. I disagree that our squad doesn’t match up to the rest now. Time to start getting the results.

The bright side is that in the summer, we will hopefully have a full choice of players to pick from, including Kane, Saka, Walker and co, with the added advantage of young Mainoo, and hopefully Colwill. It will be a much stronger side than the one we’ve seen this week.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: hardtobeat on March 27, 2024, 08:48:57 AM
Picking the likes of Dunk & Maguire whilst not picking Tomori is ridiculous. He must have seen how Dunk struggled against Lukaku at club level recently. Poor defensive picks means more cautious choices further upfield leaving the team playing with the handbrake on 
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: NJS on March 27, 2024, 10:24:15 AM
I've been supportive of Southgate over the years but he timidly sticks with with players that aren't cutting it like Maguire.  Last night was a friendly, an opportunity to play Branthwaite when Stones was injured but he fielded Dunk who has already proved himself inadequate.  So what did he learn of his back four options?  Nothing.  A manager must not be afraid to fall out with players even if they have served him / her for a long time.

He has promoted Mainoo but I wouldn't be surprised if he started Phillips first game of the tournament.
Thought Konsa was OK - just sayin'.  But Toney wins over  Watkins every time.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on March 27, 2024, 11:37:28 AM
My dad said after last night his England Squad is made up, GK Pickford Second Choice primarily as he is playing or was before he was injured in Johnstone with Pope as 3rd choice as Ramsdale lacks confidence and Trafford is awful, Defence Shaw LB, Walker RB maybe with Trippier as a back up for either Defence Stones and Guehi with Maguire as Back Up, Midfield Rice, Mainoo, Henderson as back up, Bellingham and Madison as back up, Wingers Gordon/Foden who could back up at Number 10, Saka and Bowen and Kane and Toney no Chillwell to inconsistent, Grealish passes it back, Watkins wastes chances lacks physicality, Trent could also be a back up for that Midfield as the Attacking Midfielder or Defensive if needed. No Dunk or Tomori Southgate doesn't play Tomori, Konsa was named as he can back up Centre Back and Right Back. Reece James made of Glass, Phillips awful. Bowen is criminally underated my dad said if Kane got Injured and Bowen was played as a striker with the right time around him we could still win the Euros. How this guy is still at West Ham, Walker My dad thinks can do 2026 as he is still so quick, Stones is bordering World Class, Bellingham and Rice to, Bellingham will probably end up being World Class the next Bryan Robson, Saka and Foden are borderline but at the moment are Above Average, Kane is World Class. My Dad often says Right Back is our strongest area in defence alongside Stones and if we had Kyle Walker the Best Right Back in the World with Ashley Cole the Best Left Back in the World we would be 1 more good defender away alongside Stones to have a world class defence.

My Problem is we play 4-2-3-1 which Is fine but with our attacking talent we don't need to play so Defensive, we have some of the best players in the world and in Europe for playing in the attack if we wanted an extra man in defence 4-3-3 with Rice dropping into a Back four if we played Konsa alongside Stones he could move across to the right Mainoo could cover for Rice and Walker and Bellingham allowed to get it forward or Mainoo and Bellingham driving forward. We play to Defensive. If we used our attacking talent to press we wouldn't need to defend. Albion at times have been so dominate in attack that we very looked troubled of course we don't have the same quality, so Liverpool are the best example when Slozabai, Sarah, Diaz, Jota whoever get the ball they are dominant. The best example of Liverpool is when they had Fabhino he would often stay back to almost make a back 3 with Trent and Robertson pushing with Henderson and the other Midfielder to launch the attack. Trent often was the starting point pinging the pass into the channels or attacking Midfield area where Henderson back in his prime would look for a forward pass. When they did need to defend Robertson and Trent would drop back or Henderson would come back with Robertson in theory they would have 5 players defending and 5 players attacking or 6 defending and 4 attacking, England could do this. With Bellingham and our three other attacking players waiting for us to win the ball back or Kyle Walker who has more pace than Trent using the width to get the ball forward. It is frustrating seeing our attacking players dropping deep. We should have two styles Pressing and Possesion against weaker teams and then counter attack with the Press against top sides. You can play that back 4/5 if needed but still have the ability to pick a part the defence.

I like Southgate he has given me hope England can win something, I hope we win the Euros, but I Don't think we will because Southgate picks players who aren't good enough as they never let him down or he knows them we should take a gamble. So for me this Is like Belgium if we Don't win with our golden generation then he has to go. Jose has expressed interest in International Mangement or Newcastle because of Bobby Robson, he often said if not Portugal he would like to manage England because of his time here get him in, the Football wouldn't be pretty but with this talent and Jose's record he is winning things plus it would be absolutely funny to his antics on the touchline.

Going back to my Dad's point if we go up and stay up England third choice or second choice keeper, Alex Palmer he plays regularly, unless Ramsdale gers a move and Trafford improves and for that Winger position Tom Fellows (That's my own suggestion). Speaking of Fellows how has been doing for the U20's
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Fritzl Palace on March 27, 2024, 12:38:08 PM
Said it for the entirety of his tenure, awful manager now in charge of some of the worlds best players. Just have to hope the players can provide the magic to win us the tournament in spite of him and then pray Man Utd appoint Emery and the Villa appoint Southgate to replace him  ;D

Club legend etc.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: tommcneill on March 27, 2024, 01:15:47 PM
Actually thought England played ok against Brazil, and very well against Belgium personally.

My only gripe is that I would have given Branthwaite and Palmer minutes.

Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: SmethDan on March 27, 2024, 01:27:37 PM
Actually thought England played ok against Brazil, and very well against Belgium personally.

My only gripe is that I would have given Branthwaite and Palmer minutes.

Thought we were sloppy, disjointed and all over the place at times against Brazil. Much better last night but we still had too many 'pass the cigar' moments. Completely agree re Cole Palmer. Very good football player.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: liverbaggie on March 27, 2024, 03:16:36 PM
Gehui & Stones are my cb pairing
Maguire is finished at international level, Dunk should not be anywhere near the squad, ever! Pickford? Definately not our number1. Ramsdale for me. Henderson is finished. The defence needs fixing asap, the midfield/attack we have plenty to choose from
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: boinging_along on March 27, 2024, 03:40:06 PM
What abomination?

I thought we played alright against Brazil and pretty good against Belgium.  Lots of lovely link up play in action, especially between Bellingham and Foden.  With Kane in the team and some better defenders I think we'd have beat Belgium and got a better result against Brazil.  I don't think there's any international teams we should be scared of - that's for sure.
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: Albionic on March 27, 2024, 04:18:00 PM
The lad at liverpool "Jarell Amorin Quansah" age 21, he is the answer to our C-H partner for Stones problem.
He is learning from Van Dyke and looking a REAL prospect
Title: Re: Anything England Football
Post by: OldburyWBA on March 27, 2024, 04:43:55 PM
Can we keep this on the pitch football related and not about shirts or flags please.

And before anyone has a moan in the thread if you have an issue with this please dm me as your post will be removed.

You know its a football forum and it will stay that way without some diverting every possible thread in other directions.