[Westie]

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’.

[east-stand-nick]

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.

[Albionic]

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.

[SmethDan]

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    .

[leeiswba]

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!

[Westie]

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.

[Albionic]

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

[leeiswba]

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

[albion59]

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.

[leeiswba]

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.

[LiamTheBaggie]

Leave the politics please

[BoingFlyer]

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.

[LiamTheBaggie]

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.

[BaggieBoy04]

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

[WBAinDEVON]

Any England fans behave in Russia like they did in Amsterdam then expect the worse. your brave if you travel to Russia

[MarkW]

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

[tommcneill]

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

[Fritzl Palace]

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.

[kris_boing]

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.

[MarkW]

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.

[robbo_wba]

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.

[Atomic]

I watched them in their qualifies this is the worst Holand team I have ever seen by a long long way.

[darbolina]

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)?

[Albionic]

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"

[Droitwich Baggie]

Should England boycott the World Cup?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5547735/Australia-BOYCOTT-2018-Soccer-World-Cup.html?ito=social-facebook