We're playing Scotland (ranked same as Slovenia, twenty odd places above their 1-0 victims, ROI), everyone should be focussed on a win. Good chance both managers are trying to play the physicality down, but not much chance of that happening. This is what football is all about, The Auld Enemy, nothing less. This is the sort of friendly that means something; try the fringe players with a few steady heads and get them bloodied. We fell to the tedium of Slovenia and then woke up, a different game ensued. I hope Robinson plays, it's his Rite of Passage, we know he can light the game up, but will he leave a back door open; we know we have pace and push, too. Why not embrace this fixture and, just as all football fans should, hope for a good game and a step up in performances. But no, denigrate the manager and players, pull it apart, why not, it's only football.
An England game I genuinely look forward to, especially in Scotland. I really like and admire Scotland, had some great Scottish mates over the years too. But, the thing that does them down is their obsession with England. In my opinion, it’s held them back (as a country) over the years. I love it when England score in Scotland – heard it a few times when they have and you could hear a pin drop. I hate Hodgson and want him out and 5/2 on Scots is interesting – but I can’t be done with them dining off this for years. Besides, isn’t this the sort of 'in the face of adversity' game we usually end up winning?
Oh we're getting there; this time tomorrow the Hull City AFC Choral Society will be swaying to Sweet Chariot and the jocks starting to have that old self-doubt. Time for a foolish prediction: Sweaties 1 v 3 ENGLAND. Yes there is a difference in stature between us, no matter how much we shrink they strive to match us.
Is there REALLY a chance that England v Scotland, in Celtic Park, would be a contact-free game with players pulling out challenges all over the park? I'd vomit my ****ing ribcage out if that happened. It is not acceptable. It HAS to be physical. It's England v Scotland. I'm really looking forward to it, and I DO NOT want to see a soft game with loads of back-patting and joke-cracking off the ball. I want to see blood and thunder. This is a great opportunity for Woy to shut people like me up, to show he does has a clue and is actually capable of molding England into a team with some semblance of passion. His 'not physical' statement is disappointing, to say the least. Either that, or a supreme bluff. Scotland aren't that **** these days, it's at Celtic Park where anti-England feeling is high, and their fans will be determined to make it hell for us. All I want is for us to stand up to it, and give our utmost. Roy's talk, right now, is as disappointing as it gets. I hope he proves me wrong.
Isn't Chambers about 18? What an utterly ridiculous thing to say. The lad was very highly rated at Southampton, he has years and years of learning ahead of him. And incidentally, he also kept Clyne who you 'really like' out of the saints team last season. Go figure.
I disagree. England v Slovenia got 82K at the weekend at Wembley. It's hardly ramped up like it used to be in the last decade, but that's a good thing.
Based on the fact that not only is Woy still in charge, but that he was going to continue calling up players like Lampard and Gerrard if they hadn't retired as well as still calling up undeserving **** such as Carrick, Henderson and Smalling, I don't think the reality check was big enough.
Plated 4 won 4 in the qualifiers, yes the opposition is very average but you can only beat what's in front of you. For the quality of players we have available for selection at the moment and the level we are currently at, it's not to bad in my opinion.
I'd just like to point out a couple of things here: Firstly, the reason I made the original post was because I'm really looking forward to the game, but I fear that many of the England players might not be as up for it as much as their Jock counterparts nor the supporters on both sides. I will probably be rooting for England even more than usual in this one. Second, Mr Hat is a ****.
Oddschanger ‏@Oddschanger BREAKING: Stewart Downing is set to start for England against Scotland tonight. #WHUFC
FFS football isn't all about qualifying for this and staying up and getting top 8s.. some games you must give your all in no matter if there's no cup, trophy or qualification on line this is one of them
Agree, its a new concept for many, strip away all paraphernalia of modern football and just go out there in to the most hostile anti-English stadium in the UK with nothing but national pride to play for. England expects.
Tad harsh on henderson, he's looking a bit jaded so far true, but last season he was one of best english box to box midfielders.
2 months after the Indy Ref - does anyone else think the timing of this game is a little odd and has the potential for trouble ?
Your England's till you die England's till you die You know you are You vote you are You're England's till you die
You're the biggest poodle on this board, Twat. Nobody else abuses our own players or our own manager like you, you ****.
Your eloquence is matched by only a few on this board ... a shining example to us all. Your parents must be so very proud of you!
