England v Italy 2300BST

OK the big game tonight on what looks a poor pitch. Lets hope that England can get off to a winning start and Adam gets a game. Italy will be difficult to beat and the humidity probably means the game will be played at a slow pace which should suit them a lot more than us.

I'm going for a 1-1 draw but would love Rickie to come on as sub and score a late winner!

Lawro says

Lawrenson: "This is not the Italy of old and they are not a team that frightens me.
"The humidity in Manaus will be a factor but I think England will win. I also think they will top the group and will have a decent tournament.
"Without getting ahead of myself, the fact they know a team from Group C is waiting for them in the last 16 is a big positive. Whoever they get, it will be a winnable tie and I think England will get to the quarter-finals, at least."
Lawro's prediction: England 1-0 Italy


Come on England!

 

A cautious match settled by a refereeing mistake, that's my prediction. 1-0 Italy

 

I find myself, worryingly, in agreement with that colossus of the pundits chair, Lawro. 1-0 England.

Go for it Roy, you have to play the youth because anyone over 27 will need oxygen after half time. Let's gamble and win. And if we can't win, let's be entertained.

 

Think he will start cautiously. Can't see a lot of goals but hope I'm wrong. In their net of course.

 

2-0 England win Sturridge and Gerrard pen......you heard it here first

 

0-0

 

Just starting to feel a little "stoked" for this now. I actually think whatever team Roy puts out should be the equal or better of Italy. This really is a game where all the subs will be needed and the team managed around the conditions as much as the opposition.
Am I the only old fogey who's having to manage my own performance by having a man nap this afternoon before heading off t'pub? Otherwise I'd never make 11pm kickoff + beer + adrenaline without mishap.

Gut prediction 2-2 after England take a 2-0 lead we wilt in the heat

 

0-0

 

Hopefully Milner starts in midfield with Gerrard.. Sterling ahead of Welbeck. Lambert, Barkley and Henderson off the bench.

2:0 England

 

Not for me. Milner is pretty reliable in several positions, so works as a utility player off the bench or covering for injuries. Henderson alongside Gerard for me for starters.

Doesn't really bother me who wins this one. It's a Win-Win match up for me. Just hope it's entertaining, as I'll be home by then.

 

Oxygen!!! That's for Mexico City and the last WC played in South Africa. But come half-time they will be suffering unless they have learnt to adapt to the high humidity very quickly!!

 

2-0 England.

 

As an outsider, I look and I read and I know English fans and the media, for about four years, have been a bit depressed about the national team and have very little expectations.

But then the World Cup arrives and all of a sudden you start talking about semi-finals, the final and how this is the strongest team you've had in the World Cup for years. It's quite funny.
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I think Gianluca Vialli sums it up quite well. People saying Sterling could be our most important player in this World Cup. Sweating over the fitness of Welbeck. Rooney is ready this time (yeah right).
I have to say, this is the most uninspiring England team I think we have ever had. At least when Adam Rickie & Luke we're breaking through it felt fun, not now for me.

 

There's only one international team (other than Croatia, of course) that I like more that England - and it's Italy. Sorry guys.


But whoever wins, I'll be content.


Tough if Rickie scores the winner, I'd be estatic.

 

Cheeky little preview of Italy in prep for the game today:

http://theboar.org/2014/06/14/england-v-italy-world-cup-preview/#.U5wsrCiPNLB

I'm thinking we have a real shot at getting something out of the game today. I'm pretty sure we won't lose but a draw might be on the cards. 2-2?

 

Yesterday I saw many 0-0 predictions ahead of the Spain - Netherlands game. So I'm expecting a high tempo game, at least 7 goals and Lallana and Rooney sent off for retaliation! I need a good reason to stay up til 2 o'clock, not the usual England borefest.

 

4-1 England to get expectations back to unacceptable levels

 

Buffon out. Unfortunately Sirigu is also good.

 

Disappointed about Buffon's injury. I want the best players to play in the World Cup.

 

Not in the same class. That's a blow for Italy.