Over 30 players used in qualification. The thing we need to do well in a tournament is character, and I don't see much of it in this team. Joe Hart has it, Rooney sometimes (but the pressure on him to carry the team is massive, the criticism unfair and intolerable). I'm sure there are others, but names don't spring to mind. Nobody's fault, but I don't think Hodgson is the type to instill it, unlike, say, Bobby Robson. In France we desperately, desperately need a good start for once, some momentum.
Not necessarily, with 24 teams in six groups it'll be the top two plus four 3rd place teams. If we don't get out of the group stages with that format Woy should be shot...
Their defence is seriously inexperienced, I heard today that the back four have a total of 12 caps between them and if players like Fer can make it into their team their best days are long-gone...
I referenced the idiotic group system above. I'm talking about going a long way in the tournament, not coming third in the group, which will be good enough for those 4 teams. Of course Platini will fix the draw so we end up in a group with Germany, Spain and Ireland. The Dutch have been far from great for some time, Van Gaal did a great job with them at the world Cup by playing football which he hates, a bit like at United. Dutch teams play 4-3-3.
Dutch look f*cked, 2-0 down at home... My late dad would be beside himself, Cyprus could qualify for play-off and are 1-1 with Bosnia...
I think he's only used so many players because England have had a lot of injuries. I agree that a lack of leadership could be a problem. A price paid for bringing through youngsters I suppose. You're right about getting off to a good start because these youngsters could go a long way if they've full of confidence imo.
My hope is that we get far enough in the tournament to lose to Germany, but this time we give them a game. Could be round of 16, could be final, depends on the draw. Losing to Wales or Ireland if they get through would make me wish we hadn't qualified.
My dad was from Cyprus, he'd have loved last night, the first time Cyprus had been in with a chance of a qualification play-off. Sadly, they lost 3-2 and Bosnia got the play-off...
Further to the international break, the South Americans have been starting their World Cup qualifiers and last night Eduardo Vargas bagged another two goals for Chile in a 4-3 win over Peru. Is it just QPR that turn world-class strikers into misfiring wasters? And is it only Redcrapp that can get away with it without being lambasted in the press? The more I see this happen the angrier I get...
Before Vargas joined us I read on Wiki he had an excellent goal scoring record for Chile but not at Club level in Italy. Not sure this is Harry or QPR''s fault. Looked again now and he''s scored more goals at International than Club level and hasn't scored yet for Hoffenheim. Lots to blame Harry for but perhaps not this!
Vargas's? He underperformed compared to his International rep mostly with us, wherever he played. Or the Management of Chile have a way of getting goals out of him thst his Clubs haven't. According to Wiki he''s not played for Hoffenheim yet
Vargas is obviousy tailor made for a high tempo pressing all over the pitch game. If Klopp bought him he would flourish. We should have known this (it's true of Isla too) when we took them.
Good draw for Ireland but still think they'll be knocked out. If Bosnia are the outsiders to qualify it'll be worth backing
