This squad is no better man for man than the squads of 1990 or 1996 and 2006. But it looks to be a team, one based on working for each other (like France) and having individuals who can win a game
If Southgate can win the world cup for England, he is going to be knighted. Sir Southgate. Big Sam's loss is Southgate's gain.
Its a lot worse IMO. I think it needs to be tested to says its working for each other rather than pissing through easier games frankly. Must be said. Colombia was hardest test and they just kicked lumps out of england having lost james. They blew their chance playing the game that way and it was gleefully accepted yet it still ended up at pens. Yes France displayed a team ethic last night and real discipline to execute a game plan. IMo about the only players who would make to 2006 team would be pickford - robinson was in goal in 2006. Kane - maybe.. michael owen played up front for england, crouch too. MAYBE someone would take the left wing slow as that was weak. England had the back 4 nevile ferdinand terry cole, midfield beckham gerrad lampard cole, up front crouch owen none of them would get in in 1996. who would you drop for them there? 1990 is linekere etc etc. again struggling to think. This is the thing about going further in the tournament. national heros are being made... but that won't turn walker in to any more of a CB will it. RWB is his position. It won't stop man city moving stones on cos he is error prone. It won't stop jimmy saying henderson should be replaced
As I said, I don't think any of the players in this squad would make 1990, 1996 or 2006 sides. But at this time they have equaled or surpassed those sides. The game against Colombia was a real test, one little slip by Henderson who reacted to the provocation dished out but I can forgive him that. For players at club level, im not sure what relevance that has as at this time they are a club side at International level (not just players thrown together)
please log in to view this image McClaren was dubbed the "wally with the brolly" after England's failure to reach Euro 2008 please log in to view this image Lawro's prediction for the game
I might catch some of the second half if I am lucky. I have to visit a cannabis farm job at 5pm so will listen to what I can on the radio travelling back. I have not done a visit at 5pm for about 10 years
You jest, but you're almost certainly right The British Beer and Pub Association predicts that the number of pints bought will soar by 10 million during tonight's semi-final, and it could bring a boost to the economy of up to £30m. One of my old university mates is FD there
when you are wining this all sounds great. Go out and then all the same not together, divisions in camp stuff would come out. For me i'm sure we could hear the same guff the day of the QF in 2006. Its only after when rio ferdinand etc admitted stupidly what they were at that it really became the excuse For me the tournament starts now. Great draw, did the job, scraped by colobia who were shameful, sweden was a dolly of a QF and they did the job then. After croatia tore into argentina they looked good but since they have looked good in possession but with little cutting edge and right now they should be tired, their forwards suit england style and their set peice tactics don't look capable of stopping england. Great chance here.
