Beat me too it. That Japan result only mattered because of Maya playing. Great to see his joy with the younger players.
Not as good as domestic football though. World Cup and Euro's, yes, I can see that but not Nations League.
I honestly don't think it's in any doubt. Domestic football in any form just doesn't compare in any way to the WC and Euros. It means more to the players and the motivations are purer.
The high I felt as a 12 year old as Geoff Hurst’s 3rd went in in 1966 has never been surpassed, not even on May 1st 1976.
I meant just in terms of entertainment value and as a neutral rather than any specific feelings myself. I'd rather watch Serbia vs Switzerland tonight than any PL/CL match up. Football is so rotten now and with so much money in the game I find watching players play for their country far more enjoyable. It means more to them and feels a purer form of the game that the agents have no influence over and a throwback almost. Speaking personally then I've probably had bigger highs with Saints but that's because I've been attending live which I don't do with England. When watching on TV I still think Dier's pen v Colombia beats Shane at Anfield for me.
Fair enough. It is enjoyable as a neutral. I find myself invested in what initially feels like a random or unattractive game. It is purer yes, I see that, putting fifa aside obviously!
Absolutely spot on. The “purer” side of it can’t be overstated. It’s class to see players doing it for love instead of money. It’s one of the reasons that this current England team is so likeable. You can see it means loads to them all. It’s nice to see that passion for the country and fans instead of a bunch of weird prima donnas like the “golden generation”
Even the nations league is better than domestic football. Teams not just buying all the best players, having to win due to good management and tactics rather than having a bigger cheque book than the other teams, shirts not covered with ****ty betting company logos, players who are playing for pride and for their nation. Let's be honest most Southampton players probably don't care about the city they represent, they just see the club as a gig and a stepping stone on their career. Don't get me wrong, it'll be the same with most of Portsmouth's players too. Though with the nations league part of it is how seriously a manager takes it. We took it pretty seriously the first time round, not so much this time. Also the concept of an international team getting relegated is quite amusing to me.
I was thinking that. There was a point where that golden generation didn’t seem to care, where at least Gareth has galvanised a team ethic amongst this bunch, and there is some real quality there.
I think though with Saints, what is trying to be achieved, and what we see at times, is a backs against the wall ‘we’ll show them mentality’ given this new ethos we have wit SR, and I find that satisfying and purer in some senses. Anyway, back to international!
