Well that simplifies that then. TMNC on Radio 5 it is then and Poldark afterwards. Wish Steve Claridge would come back though. He'd have a field day with England. Obviously having far too much fun with Salisbury FC.
Talking about Steve Claridge and Salisbury City [and incidentally Winchester City], I've just spent the last 20 minutes clarifying where they are in the football league system. Level 7 [I think]. 2 levels below Eastleigh Spitfires is the easiest way for me to think about it.
Short answer: A bit Long answer: I think its sad that Wayne Rooney gets booed. The team are stuck between a useless, toothless FA, a Premiership with loadsamoney and loadsaselfinterests and a nation led by media donkeys who instill a constant sense of expectation in those that can't see we need to set our standards at a more appropriate level and cheer the team on a bit whatever happens. At least Southgate seems a decent chap with some idea of what he's doing. Already he's been criticised for being too nice. Who'd want the England managers job (aside from the £gazillions)? Who'd want the captain's job? The pressure on the players etc. is too much and we're constantly pitted against plucky well organised minnows who we need to beat by a zillion goals to get any slight credit. Its an easy life if you're Scottish because the fans expect very little and support their country however little they get. I think we should try a different approach and praise the team for beating anyone 2-0 and maybe then the players would relax a little and play a bit better. Additional comment: 2 defensive midfielders against Malta? I think this is because Southgate like any other England Mgr is so scared of us screwing up he ends up playing too safe. He should play the diamond Thank you for listening and I can't blame you if you didn't
I think it is sad that Rooney got booed....he has always given his best for his country and I'm sure he would walk over coals to get in the team. I say the same thing as I say when people pick on a Saints player...if he tries his best and it isn't good enough, it's the manager who picks him who is at fault, not him. Rooney wants to play, but he doesn't select himself. He's done a lot for England and certainly doesn't deserve boos.
Totally agree, Fran. I recall a near punch up at Preston when a group of Saints fans started abusing Ricardo Fuller. Booing a player is a sure fire way to get them to improve, of course!
Indeed and he didn't do anything wrong as such, just needed to be nearer the opposition goal. and btw Spain only beat Albania 2-0, Italy snuck a late win with Macedonia and conceded 2, Wales (Euro Semi-finalists) drew with Georgia, Turkey (Population 75mill) lost to Iceland 2-0, Scots drew with Lithuania (139th in World) I wonder if all those countries are in footballing meltdown? ... ok I guess there is probably blood on the streets of Istanbul And Germany won 3-0. Why can't we be more like the Germans
Couldnt agree more. Cant stand supporters who hurl abuse at their own team from the safety of the stands, gutless sods. Rooney always gives his all for Man Utd and for England. I remember when we won at OT season before last and Rooney was amazing for them, running all over the pitch to get the ball and encourage his team mates - but Tadic and the mighty Saints were just too good ! Rooney's form may have dipped and he should be dropped probably, but i would never boo him. And good on his wife for supporting him on social media today too, giving some of the internet heroes a blast.
One way of looking at it is he is now part of the 'second string' - for matches against Malta and then having the first string in for Slovenia. It's a step forward but he doesn't deserve to be there on form.
Rooney isn't a bad player. He is just a player with no position. We don't need a striker who plays dm, can't stay in position and who apparently knows better than his manager where he should play. Englamd, and Man Utd, are better when he isn't there.
Rooney like most English players is a victim of the hype machine & press. Interesting earlier to see Southgate saying he remembers Sven saying 'Rooney is this countrys future & you must look after him.' And saying looking back he doesn't think we have. Rashford & Alli will likely go the same way, build them up... knock em down .
Have just seen the depressing news that Ryan Giggs is going to be part of the ITV pundit team tomorrow...Ryan Giggs who won Sports Personality of the year, despite not actually having one. I wasn't going to lie there in bed tonight all excited and unable to sleep because England are playing tomorrow but the thought of listening to Giggs giving us his wisdom tomorrow has just about made my mind up that I should just read a book instead. If anybody needs surgery, schedule it for tomorrow and the sporific tones of Giggs should just about put you under in time for the knife.
I might have to do that Ides, I forget about radio commentaries and usually just put up with whichever numpty is spouting bollocks on the TV.
