I agree. Those in positions of power in 2010, had the power to make change happen and didnt use it. FIFA, UEFA, The FA and all other national bodies should have resolved so much of what is now happening on the day of the game. 12 years ago Kane was 16 and 4 years from a Tottenham game. Southgate was 3 years from getting the job as u21 manager. They are doing what they feel is right, but like you say this is not of their making.
The FA have caved in over the One Love band, was this ever thought through properly. Can understand not wanting yellow cards before a balls been kicked but this is a complete joke now. No beer, no protests to pander to the hosts, 12 years to sort this all out, FIFA are playing a blinder here.
Harsh to say they have caved in in my opinion. 6 other FAs also made the decision jointly. Germany are a footballing powerhouse. This wont have been done lightly. FIFA must have made some pretty clear statements about on field punishments. To my knowledge that has never been threatened before. The armband was worn in the Nations League, without any reaction from FIFA. Seems like all along FIFA have decided not to engage on this subject, only to pull this stunt on the day of the match. Same with the beer. This is not something England, or Germany and the other 6 should be berated for IMHO.
Hear what your saying Fell but surly you do your homework before making a gesture like this. If all these European football Authorities can't get they're act together over a simple thing like this and being bullied at the 11 th hour then it's time we walked away from this totally corrupt organisation. De Fanti (spelling) had a dig at the Europeans in that ridiculous speech the other day and it's time to cut all ties with this shower of sh1t. Money it's all about money.
100 mins to kick off. Poss team of. Pickford Trippier, Maguire, Stones, Shaw Mount, Rice, Bellingham Saka, Kane, Sterling Iran will be very defensive you would imagine. Could be a tight one. Patience is key. Comon England.
I would love to cut ties with FIFA, but it cant just be England. We are a thorn in FIFAs side, they probably would love us out of the way. I think they have been trying to discuss the armband since sept, but FIFA have refused to respond until now. It has even been worn in international competition before. I dont know how anyone could have expected the threat of a yellow card. This is FIFA waiting until it is too late to debate. I doubt it is the end of it. The German federation will be angry you would imagine, and are likely to have as much clout, if not more than us. I do expect a reaction from the 7 left standing, lets see...
Just been on Sky Sports news the reporter is outside the stadium where England are playing in 90 mins time and there is nobody there outside the ground. No fanzones or anything.
Happy enough with that side. I'd have picked Foden ahead of Sterling but it's the right balance for this game otherwise. Iran are not the pushovers that Qatar were yesterday. They're Asia's best team and ranked 20th in the world. Their striker Taremi scored 20 goals for Porto last year and has 5 in 5 in the Champions League so far this season. Azmoun, The "Iranian Messi" is a transfer target for Arsenal and currently players at Leverkusen. He was prolific at Zenit and has scored 42 goals in 61 games for Iran. Iran will be dangerous if we give them a chance so I think it'll be cagey to start with before we wear them down and score a set piece or a late goal. 2-0 England, Kane to score both.
Happy with that line up. Probably what I would have done. Bellingham could be a huge player for us this world cup, the lad is on a different level. Saka instead of Foden probably about the direct running power. Him and Sterling need to get behind Iran for me.
My son has knocked off work and come round to watch the game. So much for my resolve and high principles
