Surprised some people agree, also agree Germany have just been efficient. But whilst Spain may not have hit top gear, I don't think Germany have either and the difference between the 2 is that Germany have a striker who looks at the top of his game, whilst Del Bosque seems content on playing without one at all. I know we're supposed to have 'low expectations' for this tournament but I don't think anyone is as far ahead of us as was made out pre-tournament.
Spain are playing average but will win it imo. It's highly likely to be spain germany again and I think spain are just too good. They will improve along the way. TOnight i'd like to see --------------Hart-------------- johnson- lescott- terry- cole -------Parker---Gerrard------- Milner-----------------Oxlade -----------Rooney------------- -----------Welbeck------------ Bring walcott for milner, young for oxlade and carroll for welbeck in second half... PS: just realised it's the same line up as the OP. otherwise alternative for me, all attack, show some intent --------------Hart-------------- johnson- lescott- terry- cole -------Parker---Gerrard------- ------------Rooney--------- Walcott---Welbeck-----Oxlade I wonder if we'll ever see sturridge, I like him a lot, untried for england but I'd like to think roy would bring him on for speed up front. I think we have a great team... people disagree but I'm more excited about this team than I have in a while.
At times against the Swedes England players looked like rabbits staring into headlights. Lescott always seems to be in a semi-panic to me and Glen Johnson doesn't look like an International player. I'm just hoping that generally the team can develop some confidence against Ukraine (and get through of course).
I think Lescott has played well. Johnson is a disaster waiting to happen and shouldn't even be in the squad - not as a RB, anyway.
We'll get through but I think England will put us through the wringer. I don't think we'll win the group though, and I don't think Spain are going to continue to play as **** as last night. I wouldn't put it past us to beat Spain, but I think even if we did it'd be a long, tortuous ordeal with us having to defend like mad. Think we'll edge it 2-1 tonight.
Agreed. Spain are the only team who are much better than us on paper, their bench is just ridiculous. There's a lot of fuss about Germany but their whole team is built on a couple of stars. Schweinsteiger in particular is to them like Koren is to us, different type of player I know but he's a talisman and I reckon they'd be a lot worse off without him. Ozil is the only player of really outstanding quality in there. Others like Khedira, Muller, Podolski, etc. are no better than what we have. My team would be: Hart Johnson Terry Lescott Cole Walcott Parker Gerrard Young Rooney Carroll That might be harsh on Welbeck but it's a good thing we have this competition. I wouldn't mind seeing Oxlade or Milner start either, but the two wingers I've chosen are just the two I think might give Carroll the best service.
Milner is starting tonight and Rooney replacing Carroll, I fancy Ashley Young to have a good game, he's not as bad as been made out on here, deserves a bad rep for being a cheating bastard though
Milner supporters saying hes run 1.4k more than any other player and put twice as many crosses in, shame 95percent of the crosses are ****e, got to be the least charismatic winger ive seen pull on an England shirt, just saw Chrissy Waddle on News24 he was the sort of guy you need on the wing not no-neck
if us and france finish level on points, it is simple goal difference isnt it? not something like most throw ins go top?
Your getting as bad as Tickler for ridiculous sweeping statements. Podolski is 27 and has 100 caps for Germany. He has scored 43 goals for Germany. Yes thats definitely not better than anything we have is it!!!
I think he means in terms of ability rather than international stats. For example, I think Young is technically a better player than Podolski even if he hasn't shown it at international level yet.
44, actually! His record is nothing less than outstanding. istplt also conveniently didn't mention the excellent Neuer and Lahm or the emerging Hummels, who looks fantastic. I agree that Muller is overrated but don't think Khedira is - he balances the midfield well.
Geovanni couldn't get into our team in our 2nd prem season, Bullard in our first season back in the championship, Richards can't get into the England squad whatsoever. Is that how good we are?
Spain played **** last night and should have been out. Two penaltys for Croatia the referee diddn't see.
