World Cup 2018

[MegaSteve]

Experts say it is quite easy to win the world cup when you are the home nation, just might be Russia then.

Unfortunately we don't have any of our lino's out there to return the favour...

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Unfortunately we don't have any of our lino's out there to return the favour...

It seems normal practice for FIFA to only have refs and Lino’s from those smaller countries who’s standards equates to 4th div footy.
It’s rediculous to have such an important footy tournament controlled by officials more used to schools boy matches.

 

[MegaSteve]

It seems normal practice for FIFA to only have refs and Lino’s from those smaller countries who’s standards equates to 4th div footy.
It’s rediculous to have such an important footy tournament controlled by officials more used to schools boy matches.

I thought none of 'our' officials got the nod, to attend, as they were not up to the job...
However, it's now looking more the case of because of being over qualified ...

 

[Orikoru]

One of my mates said to me, Russia will probably win the cup, then in a few months it will come out that they were all doping. I laughed but then thought, that doesn't sound completely implausible does it...

 

[User62651]

One of my mates said to me, Russia will probably win the cup, then in a few months it will come out that they were all doping. I laughed but then thought, that doesn't sound completely implausible does it...

With Putins FSB meddling with opponents food or air conditoning or door handles, anything could happen!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I thought none of 'our' officials got the nod, to attend, as they were not up to the job...
However, it's now looking more the case of because of being over qualified ...

The refs were selected in 2016. Mark Clattenburg was our representative but he dropped out to take the money in Saudi, Dubai or wherever. Our FA asked if we could replace him and they said no. I presume Clattenburg had a team, him and linesman, but they all must have missed out.

 

[Pathetic Shark]

Can we get Stan Collymore in the team for Saturday? I've heard he's good at knocking out Swedes.

 

[pbrown7582]

I recall someone on here having a right pop at me after the first game when I said that Maguire was England's best player.
He is a superb find, probably England's first 'World Class' player for quite a while.

He wasn't in the first match looked uncomfortable playing left side. He has played well since but is far from world Class!

 

[pbrown7582]

The squad has a lot of players who are playing in their first tournament , the GK hasn’t even had double figure caps , I think Henderson must be the most expirenced out there and he isn’t exact a veteran

You forgot Ashley Young.....

 

[pbrown7582]

Though defensively we look better and better, once more a dead ball situation cost us and Sweeden will do there best to expose that.
Alli is not playing at 70%. Cannot understand why he never bought on Loftus cheek.
Dier, oh dear, he scored the winning penalty but everything goes back. There is no fluidity when he is on. When Sterling,Young and Alli went off creativity went off with it. The subs coming on when they are the wrong subs worry me.
Think Pickford and Maguire have come on leaps and bounds. Had a close look at Maguire in the first game when he played alongside Walker and Stones thinking that could be City's back three. I was impressed. I am even more impressed the more they have played.
Trippier, would be easy to say he is one that got away from City, but he was never gonna get in City's first eleven ahead of Zabaleta. He went away to play regular football and not for the money. It was the right decision for him and now England. I think that right hand side looks solid with him and walker there.
overall I think the England team is the most down to earth set of lads I have seen for decades. Not living on the back of media superstar reputations and for once letting there football do the talking.

Got to watch those lapse in concentration walker nearly cost a goal again last night

 

[pbrown7582]

Mate, he posted a picture of Ramos crying when Spain went out and stated Karma.
What’s the CL Final got to do with the WC :rofl:

It ok i've got my Ramos shirt ready for the new season just to remind them..

 

[pbrown7582]

I know they divide opinion, but our best football in the tournament has been played when Sterling, Lingaard and Young have been on the pitch.

I firmly believe Southgate is happy with his strongest 11, I don’t believe anyone is letting him down.

Good test last night and again Southgate will of learnt a lot.

Majority of people wanted/expected England to at least reach the QF, we’ve done it, now to sit back and enjoy the ride, who knows, we could just reach the SF or beyond.

The best 3 players that fit the system GS wants to use and thats why they are first choice.

 

[pbrown7582]

I thought none of 'our' officials got the nod, to attend, as they were not up to the job...
However, it's now looking more the case of because of being over qualified ...

Its Clattenburgs fault he was due to go before he ran off to Dubai chasing $$$$

 

[pbrown7582]

One of my mates said to me, Russia will probably win the cup, then in a few months it will come out that they were all doping. I laughed but then thought, that doesn't sound completely implausible does it...

A leading anti doping doctor has stated Russia should be getting heavily tested due to the rapid increase in results.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

The best 3 players that fit the system GS wants to use and thats why they are first choice.

But has he read this thread and really give it any thought?

 

[IanM]

Got to watch those lapse in concentration walker nearly cost a goal again last night

It was worse than that! Phew!

 

[Orikoru]

It was worse than that! Phew!

We are not going to keep many clean sheets with our defence, we knew that coming into the tournament. They are growing with each game though - we nearly got it last night but for a corner when they had overloaded the box in added time. Walker has always had brain farts and will continue to do so, but he's there because his pace is invaluable. Maguire is inexperienced but is growing in each game, and he's absolutely key to our set pieces as he's been the target every time. Stones can't defend, but he's there because Southgate values his passing from the back. Almost every player is key to the system in their own way.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

We are not going to keep many clean sheets with our defence, we knew that coming into the tournament. They are growing with each game though - we nearly got it last night but for a corner when they had overloaded the box in added time. Walker has always had brain farts and will continue to do so, but he's there because his pace is invaluable. Maguire is inexperienced but is growing in each game, and he's absolutely key to our set pieces as he's been the target every time. Stones can't defend, but he's there because Southgate values his passing from the back. Almost every player is key to the system in their own way.

Are you sure we knew that about our defence?
Southgate’s teams had only conceded 3 goals in qualifying matches from when he took over and 6 in friendlies (5 of those coming in 2 games)

Stones is more than just a decent passer of a ball, yes he’s young and still developing but his positional sense and his pace are also his strength, Maguire is the bonus on the back of a great season, 6 months ago he was not first choice.

 

[IanM]

Isn't this the youngest average age of team we've ever had at a Tournament? (and Young is the oldest! ) Bodes well for 4 years time in Qatar! Incidentally, its 44c there today! Daft place for a Tournament....

 

[Kellfire]

Isn't this the youngest average age of team we've ever had at a Tournament? (and Young is the oldest! ) Bodes well for 4 years time in Qatar! Incidentally, its 44c there today! Daft place for a Tournament....

At least it'll be in winter if it goes ahead.