England World Cup Thread

[wilai]

So England have coined Razza as Sterling's new nickmame! Maybe to wind up Woy?

Hodgson: " Wazza Wazza over here son"......"ok boss"......"No not you Waheem, "Wazza, Wayne I said come over here"

[P45Mustang]

Reports from the training ground say Sterling is in Mint condition.

Let's hope Barkley's bank can deliver something for the boy.

[uptheos]

I think Hodgson made a big mistake not taking Coleman of Everton, who is a super right back. This position is currently one of England's weakest and I'm afraid Glen Johnson doesn't cut it for me ATM. He gets caught out of position far too much and his distribution isn't that good either.

I thought he was Irish.

No?

Is he Irish, or is he one of these who qualifies for it because his sisters aunties grandmothers best friends parrot once said "Slainte"?

The name Seamus may give a clue.

A bit of a giveaway indeed, except I have a friend named Seamus who was born in Hackney and has never set foot on The Emerald Isle.

[smokie36]

These games are meaningless....let's wait and see....the first real test is yet to come.

England will do OK I think....they have good players in most positions and plenty of pace available....I can't see any mailings really unless Hodgson totally blows it.

Of course I am praying he does xarms!!

[Travel2003]

These games are meaningless....let's wait and see....the first real test is yet to come.

England will do OK I think....they have good players in most positions and plenty of pace available....I can't see any mailings really unless Hodgson totally blows it.

Of course I am praying he does xarms!!

They will be number 2 in their group.

Then maybe advance the next stage, and then go out on penalty shoot out with Germany or Argentina.

[P45Mustang]

These games are meaningless....let's wait and see....the first real test is yet to come.

England will do OK I think....they have good players in most positions and plenty of pace available....I can't see any mailings really unless Hodgson totally blows it.

Of course I am praying he does xarms!!

They will be number 2 in their group.

Then maybe advance the next stage, and then go out on penalty shoot out with Germany or Argentina.

Referee may not notice us using Rickie Lambert for all 5 penalties though.

[StevieH]

These games are meaningless....let's wait and see....the first real test is yet to come.

England will do OK I think....they have good players in most positions and plenty of pace available....I can't see any mailings really unless Hodgson totally blows it.

Of course I am praying he does xarms!!

They will be number 2 in their group.

Then maybe advance the next stage, and then go out on penalty shoot out with Germany or Argentina.

Referee may not notice us using Rickie Lambert for all 5 penalties though.

depending on who is on the pitch at the time england should have a decent first five penalty takers. gerrard, baines, lambert, lallana, lampard?

[P45Mustang]

World Cup 2014: The hunger of England captain Steven Gerrard

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27681798

Yep. There's kids kicking oranges around in the back streets of Rio too.

Who will win?

Roy Hodgson or Phil Scolari?

[P45Mustang]

And the little Brazilian boy slips with the orange and his mother cuffs him round the ear.

Maybe it isn't rocket science.

[alfieconn]

These games are meaningless....let's wait and see....the first real test is yet to come.

England will do OK I think....they have good players in most positions and plenty of pace available....I can't see any mailings really unless Hodgson totally blows it.

Of course I am praying he does xarms!!

They will be number 2 in their group.

Then maybe advance the next stage, and then go out on penalty shoot out with Germany or Argentina.

Referee may not notice us using Rickie Lambert for all 5 penalties though.

depending on who is on the pitch at the time england should have a decent first five penalty takers. gerrard, baines, lambert, lallana, lampard?

Can see Lambert getting a place in the team if Sturridges finishing doesn't improve !

[StevieH]

England must pick Daniel Sturridge - every other team in Brazil would

Liverpool’s striker was the leading English scorer in the Premier League and his figures stack up to the best in the world

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jun/08/daniel-sturridge-england-world-cup-brazil-2014

Daniel Sturridge may not have been present in the flesh at Euro 2012, having failed to make the cut after a season in which he scored just three times for Chelsea after Christmas. But he was still a high-visibility presence across Poland and Ukraine’s host cities, peering down in Stalinist-scale reproduction – Sturridge awnings, vast scowling Sturridge tribute friezes – as part of a big budget series of car adverts.

If it seemed a little awkward that the chief goal threat for Team Hyundai Euro 2012 should end up spending his summer on the beach in Jamaica, it was tempting to see something apt about the whole affair. A genuine prodigy in his time – star of Manchester City’s youth team aged 16 – Sturridge still looked like a self-absorbed kind of talent two summers ago, a player with tricks and flicks and swerves who seemed every time he stepped out on to the pitch to be a little crowded, a little harried by the presence of all these other people, obstacles in his own private game of Sturridge-ball.

His progress in the last 18 months has been genuinely heartening. “I feel hurt, but maybe it is a blessing in disguise,” Sturridge told the Jamaica Observer during his Euros-summer beach holiday. “It’s going to spur me on to do better. It’s going to drive me to want more success and to be a better player.” So far: so footballer. And yet this is exactly what Sturridge has done, achieving the rare feat among Englishmen of improving dramatically as a footballer past his 23rd birthday after finding the right manager and the right system to explore consistently the outer reaches of his talent.

Sturridge was the leading English scorer in the Premier League last season. Last week he was bracketed in these pages by Zico alongside Oscar, Eden Hazard, Mario Götze, Paul Pogba and Thibaut Courtois as a young player to light up Brazil 2014. To date he has scored 39 goals in 56 matches since that £12m career-upgrade move to Liverpool and is only the third England player since 1966 – after Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney – to travel to a World Cup as a fully fit first choice striker with a 20-goal domestic season behind him. Indeed, in a team of few stars it seems reasonable to suggest Sturridge has a fair claim on being England’s best player right now.

Enter: the Sturridge Paradox. In outline it looks genuinely baffling a player this good should still be unsure of his starting place in a middle-tier international team. Even after his sublime opening goal against Peru at Wembley last week– a shot whipped into the far corner while facing almost away from the goal, and hit so well that Raúl Fernández saw the ball all the way but could do nothing at all about it – Sturridge was still talking about working hard in training and hoping to catch Roy Hodgson’s eye. In the last week there has been further talk that England’s most obvious cutting edge may be dropped from the lineup to incorporate more graft in midfield against Italy in Manaus.

It is hard to find the logic here. There are few points of genuine strength in this England team, few obvious areas of overload opponents will struggle to match. Sturridge is one in his own right, a striker who on current goalscoring form – and alone among England players – would be close to the first XI of almost every other team at Brazil 2014.

There is a game you can play with Sturridge’s figures here. Across Europe’s top four leagues only Luis Suárez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa, Lionel Messi and Ciro Immobile scored more goals last season. Of these two are genius-level roaming attackers. Two more – Suárez and Costa – are injury doubts. Immobile, another itinerant late-bloomer, is even more likely to start on the bench. At the end of which Sturridge looks from the right angle like the most productive fully fit first-choice centre forward at the World Cup. Note to Roy: perhaps that midfield can look after itself in Manaus.

Certainly his 21 domestic league goals compare favourably among the main contenders. Brazil have Fred, who scored eight goals last season for Fluminense and Hulk who scored 17 times in Russia. Germany have picked only Miroslav Klose (eight goals last season) as a centre forward, retained by Joachim Löw as a kind of retro-ironic nod to orthodoxy, like a bowler hat on an East London hipster. Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored 12 times apiece last season. Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano failed to make it past 14. Sturridge trumps them all, and yet even in a transitional team he is still to find himself cradled beneath Hodgson’s wing as a first choice among the first choices.

Some will point to the imbalance caused by the ongoing Rooney Supremacy. There is a perception out there that Rooney’s automatic selection and preference for playing as a straight No10 are inhibiting Sturridge’s progress, producing a mismatched marriage of attacking methods. Certainly Sturridge-Rooney has yet to flower as a genuine partnership, but if Sturridge does seem to drift at times with England this is surely more a case of systems. In Hodgson’s favoured 4-2-3-1 that lone central striker is required to work and ferret and direct the angle of attack, to play at times with his back to goal.

This is not Sturridge’s best side. He has instead looked most at home in Liverpool’s mobile 4-3-3, where he can interchange to good effect with Luis Suárez and Raheem Sterling. Sturridge can discomfit a defence in this system without having to wrestle with his markers. His speed facing goal forces defenders to be mindful of the space behind them, while his habit of making diagonal runs from right to left is always likely to open gaps or draw a foul. In this system it is Suárez who has provided the hustle, the sense of always nipping at a defender’s heels. There is no reason why Rooney couldn’t be asked to do something similar with England. It would require a change of starting positions. But Hodgson has already gone with the wind once, adopting the 4-2-3-1 that already looks like a pair of last year’s bloomers at the top level, but which is still an upgrade on the two-banks-of-four at Euro 2012. Plus it is a Sturridge-centred system, designed very sensibly to bring the best out of England’s outstanding goalscorer of the season just gone.

There will of course be those who say this is a redundant debate, that the age of the central striker has passed, that the more possession-savvy nations have looked “post-centre forward” for some time now. Germany will be more concerned with getting the best out of their assorted number tens and false nines than worrying about the lack of a Carsten Jancker. Against this: well, this is just how England play. Victories tend to come from isolated spikes of incision not a revolving weather front of finely-wrought pressure. The way England end up in tournament matches – deep defence against opponents who take more of the ball – might just suit a player who can choose his moment, a striker whose early swagger has settled down into a sense of stillness, an assassin’s patience.

When it comes to England centre forwards of the last 30 years there is a golden thread that runs through Gary Lineker (1984-1992), Alan Shearer (1992-2000), Michael Owen (1998-2008) and Rooney (2003 onwards). Right now Sturridge is out on his own as the next in line, a distinctly Lineker-ish figure with his fine-point craftsman’s finishing skills and that understated self-assurance. Currently he has four England goals. Lineker went to Mexico 86 with six, scored six more in three games and took the golden boot. It is of course too much to expect something similar. But more than any other player in England’s squad, Sturridge looks like a man ready to change gear.

[rijit]

italy and Uruguay 'famously' play non contact football? really!!!

somehow just cant see.that one, quicker to the ball, a touch more sly, but non contact?, i wish!!

[alfieconn]

Shock horror, a scouser posting an article about a Liverpool player on this thread

[StevieH]

Shock horror, a scouser posting an article about a Liverpool player on this thread

article wasn't written by a liverpool fan you berk.

just providing some context about sturridge's form and season.

[iancnx]

Starting 11.

I know most of you well learned experts will slate me but this is the way I see it v Italy

Hart

Johnson/Jones Cahill. Jakielka. Baines.

Gerard. Lampard.

Sterling. Lalana. Barkley.

Sturridge.

I think we have an excellent chance of topping the group. Both Italy and Uruguay have weaknesses that can be exploited, and if we are lucky both the Biter and that stroppy git Baliotelli can both be dealt with by the Ref in any of the games.

[rijit]

wow stevie but yep , I 'm a fan, touted spurs should have signed him from the chavs, his effectiveness in the box and instinct for goal is as good as I`ve seen seen.lets just hope he can replicate it for england.

[Chicog]

You seem to have forgotten the underlying fact that England are mostly rubbish.

There's a reason the Premiership mostly buys overseas.

[alfieconn]

Shock horror, a scouser posting an article about a Liverpool player on this thread

article wasn't written by a liverpool fan you berk.

just providing some context about sturridge's form and season.

Read what I said , who mentioned anything about the article being wrote by a Liverpool fan !

[jellydog]

Shock horror, a scouser posting an article about a Liverpool player on this thread

article wasn't written by a liverpool fan you berk.

just providing some context about sturridge's form and season.

Read what I said , who mentioned anything about the article being wrote by a Liverpool fan !

I offer this as an attempt to help everyone better understand Alfie.

[rijit]

Shock horror, a scouser posting an article about a Liverpool player on this thread

Lol, yeah why is it liverpool fans just cant get things in proportion with their own players?, for.example that sterling challenge, nearly everyone saw it as a red, but not our liverpool lads. Shame, takes away some credibilty 2 otherwise some well reasoned comment.

[alfieconn]

Referee may not notice us using Rickie Lambert for all 5 penalties though.

depending on who is on the pitch at the time england should have a decent first five penalty takers. gerrard, baines, lambert, lallana, lampard?

Can see Lambert getting a place in the team if Sturridges finishing doesn't improve !

Don't go all on the defensive Stevie, my thinking is that we ain't going to get many chances against the likes of Italy and Uruguay so the finishing from everyone has to be clinical !

[StevieH]

Referee may not notice us using Rickie Lambert for all 5 penalties though.

depending on who is on the pitch at the time england should have a decent first five penalty takers. gerrard, baines, lambert, lallana, lampard?

Can see Lambert getting a place in the team if Sturridges finishing doesn't improve !

Don't go all on the defensive Stevie, my thinking is that we ain't going to get many chances against the likes of Italy and Uruguay so the finishing from everyone has to be clinical !

and the article above pointed out that sturridge is the best finisher in the england squad and that he compares favourably to just about any striker in the world over the past twelve months. got bugger all to do with who he plays for. more a concern that england's moron of a manager won't actually pick him.

[StevieH]

Starting 11.

I know most of you well learned experts will slate me but this is the way I see it v Italy

Hart

Johnson/Jones Cahill. Jakielka. Baines.

Gerard. Lampard.

Sterling. Lalana. Barkley.

Sturridge.

I think we have an excellent chance of topping the group. Both Italy and Uruguay have weaknesses that can be exploited, and if we are lucky both the Biter and that stroppy git Baliotelli can both be dealt with by the Ref in any of the games.

bloody hell mate, what are you trying to do to gerrard and lampard? the two old boys in a midfield two rather than a three in that heat? ouch. oxygen tanks on the sidelines.

[iancnx]

Starting 11.

I know most of you well learned experts will slate me but this is the way I see it v Italy

Hart

Johnson/Jones Cahill. Jakielka. Baines.

Gerard. Lampard.

Sterling. Lalana. Barkley.

Sturridge.

I think we have an excellent chance of topping the group. Both Italy and Uruguay have weaknesses that can be exploited, and if we are lucky both the Biter and that stroppy git Baliotelli can both be dealt with by the Ref in any of the games.

bloody hell mate, what are you trying to do to gerrard and lampard? the two old boys in a midfield two rather than a three in that heat? ouch. oxygen tanks on the sidelines.

3-0 up after 60 mins, the old boys, Gerard and Lamps, can take a rest. Their grit, steel, determination, flair and leadership is what the youngsters need as a supporting role to our attack. No Rooney. He'll be polishing his nails and ramming another kebab down his fat useless lazy gullet. Just my take on things. This front four are gonna be the big big surprise of this World Cup. ...... I hope. Also Ox and Welbeck have a part to play. Wiltshire is a waste of space.... Ruckin lightweight. As for Milner, always hated the overrated lump of lard.

[jellydog]

Starting 11.

I know most of you well learned experts will slate me but this is the way I see it v Italy

Hart

Johnson/Jones Cahill. Jakielka. Baines.

Gerard. Lampard.

Sterling. Lalana. Barkley.

Sturridge.

I think we have an excellent chance of topping the group. Both Italy and Uruguay have weaknesses that can be exploited, and if we are lucky both the Biter and that stroppy git Baliotelli can both be dealt with by the Ref in any of the games.

bloody hell mate, what are you trying to do to gerrard and lampard? the two old boys in a midfield two rather than a three in that heat? ouch. oxygen tanks on the sidelines.

3-0 up after 60 mins, the old boys, Gerard and Lamps, can take a rest. Their grit, steel, determination, flair and leadership is what the youngsters need as a supporting role to our attack. No Rooney. He'll be polishing his nails and ramming another kebab down his fat useless lazy gullet. Just my take on things. This front four are gonna be the big big surprise of this World Cup. ...... I hope. Also Ox and Welbeck have a part to play. Wiltshire is a waste of space.... Ruckin lightweight. As for Milner, always hated the overrated lump of lard.

Blimey.

[smokie36]

Lol great to see such harmony on the thread eh Stevie

?

[StevieH]

Lol great to see such harmony on the thread eh Stevie

?

haha. you ever watched an england world cup match in a london pub mate? it's an experience. fifty drunk blokes, two hundred expert opinions.

[StevieH]

Starting 11.

I know most of you well learned experts will slate me but this is the way I see it v Italy

Hart

Johnson/Jones Cahill. Jakielka. Baines.

Gerard. Lampard.

Sterling. Lalana. Barkley.

Sturridge.

I think we have an excellent chance of topping the group. Both Italy and Uruguay have weaknesses that can be exploited, and if we are lucky both the Biter and that stroppy git Baliotelli can both be dealt with by the Ref in any of the games.

bloody hell mate, what are you trying to do to gerrard and lampard? the two old boys in a midfield two rather than a three in that heat? ouch. oxygen tanks on the sidelines.

3-0 up after 60 mins, the old boys, Gerard and Lamps, can take a rest. Their grit, steel, determination, flair and leadership is what the youngsters need as a supporting role to our attack. No Rooney. He'll be polishing his nails and ramming another kebab down his fat useless lazy gullet. Just my take on things. This front four are gonna be the big big surprise of this World Cup. ...... I hope. Also Ox and Welbeck have a part to play. Wiltshire is a waste of space.... Ruckin lightweight. As for Milner, always hated the overrated lump of lard.

it's a lovely theory mate. suspect andrea pirlo would be sat there grinning and rubbing his hands however.

[bigbamboo]

Starting 11.

I know most of you well learned experts will slate me but this is the way I see it v Italy

Hart

Johnson/Jones Cahill. Jakielka. Baines.

Gerard. Lampard.

Sterling. Lalana. Barkley.

Sturridge.

I think we have an excellent chance of topping the group. Both Italy and Uruguay have weaknesses that can be exploited, and if we are lucky both the Biter and that stroppy git Baliotelli can both be dealt with by the Ref in any of the games.

bloody hell mate, what are you trying to do to gerrard and lampard? the two old boys in a midfield two rather than a three in that heat? ouch. oxygen tanks on the sidelines.

3-0 up after 60 mins, the old boys, Gerard and Lamps, can take a rest. Their grit, steel, determination, flair and leadership is what the youngsters need as a supporting role to our attack. No Rooney. He'll be polishing his nails and ramming another kebab down his fat useless lazy gullet. Just my take on things. This front four are gonna be the big big surprise of this World Cup. ...... I hope. Also Ox and Welbeck have a part to play. Wiltshire is a waste of space.... Ruckin lightweight. As for Milner, always hated the overrated lump of lard.

Blimey.

At least Lamps is too slow to get in Gerrard's way these days.

England's draw could be interesting. The good news is IF we get out of the group stages we should avoid all the big guns until the semis. The bad news is we're likely to face either Argentina (who I think will win it) or Brazil for a place in the final.

[Chicog]

The good news is IF we get out of the group stages we should avoid all the big guns until the semis. The bad news is we're likely to face either Argentina (who I think will win it) or Brazil for a place in the final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w1g-idt-8U