No, I actually go into the tournament quite interested in watching the England team because I know more of the players than in other nations. And then the **** performances kick in and all the drama and the fans kicking off and it's so much more fun than the football.
I've learned to manage my expectations over the many years I've had watching England - initial problem was that I witnessed a World Cup win at 6 years old (rather vague cloudy memories - but we ran an off-licence and I do recall the 'buzz' from the customers) ... As a 10 year old I was totally into all the hype and expectation at Mexico in 1970 - we were very good but went out in a rather epic QF to West Germany when, at one point, we looked to be cruising through with legends like the 2 Bobbys in the side. However, I did get to see the then amazing Brazilians which gave me a better appreciation of the beautiful game and that other countries could possibly have better footballers than ours. (blasphemy!) My England expectations have been quite modest since the dawn of what I'll call the 'modern era' but actually the influx of foreign players into our leagues. It's become obvious over the years that 'our best' tend to be optimised by those foreign players in their club sides and, more lately, by foreign managers .... and that, whilst very good players individually, they aren't as good at the highest level as our fans tend to think (or hope) ... This tournament has, for me, been very disappointing from an England perspective, but not that surprising... our 'Golden generation(s)' have tended to be more gold plated rather than 24 carat ... I do however think there is hope for the future through our academy structures and coaches with more technical emphasis than just producing athletes ...
My old dear finally came out of hospital yesterday. She's pretty frail and this fall has really knocked her confidence and mobility. We've got a short term care package in place to help her at home, but I really think this is going to need a long term solution. My head is full trying to sort out carers, OT and physio appointments, visits to the GP, diabetic clinic, fracture clinic etc. You do it coz it's your folks, but ****ing hell man it's draining trying to juggle everything...
All the best with it Pinkie, we're lucky doing it with a few of us, must be really challenging on yer own mate
I've got my brother helping me, so it's not all down to me thankfully. Think I would have lobbed myself off of a cliff if it was. And I'm eternally grateful to the carers and healthcare team that are now involved too !
You could if you wanted to. You don't strike me as a guy being short of a few bob, buy yourself an instrument and learn.
Going on the names on the pumps, otherwise I know nothing about them, I'd probably opt for the first one, although the 6.4% is putting me off a bit, so I'd need to see what it poured like. Otherwise I'd go for what looks like the safe option, number two. Anything with the name Tiny Rebel on (number three) puts me off a bit and if that turns out the best one then my judgement has badly failed me lol.
