Two of the first names on the team sheet and best of luck to them. Lads will be desperate to play…and qualify.
Same as Hume being rested in their last game. They knew they had a play off booked so why risk key players in a dead rubber match? Keep them back for the play off. It's a tough draw, no doubt, but they'll give it a go. If they play like they did against Germany and beating Slovakia and Italy aren't on their game, they have a chance.
Hume and Ballard will take their spirit into that game against Italy ... ... if I wouldn't be taking a better supporter's place I'd be going and taking @RTB with me Scotland showed they could disrupt a better team and Italy will be under massive pressure.
England can only meet another top 4 nation in the semi finals. Seeded for first time. Hate the idea personally. But better in the top 4 than out. Haway England. This is our time.
Me as well mate. It is like nothing else in football for me. I know it isnt everyones cup of tea, but it is like my christmas and birthday. My dad reckons when I was a bairn I was more excited when the world cup started than on christmas morning. Just the best.
So long as we win the group... Honestly l, there's some excellent teams out there, but no one really head and shoulders above anyone else. They all have strengths and weaknesses and we're as good as anyone else who you'd consider one of the top 10 teams in the world. I still feel with England it's a mental thing, a bizarre mix of over confidence, lack of confidence because of lack of success/experience of winning things, a slight inferiority complex and a mind of belief that we'll mess up some how.
