England World Cup Thread

[wooloomooloo]

I'm trying extremely hard to keep my eyes open and aiming for at least the first half.

If I'm honest I prefer to watch the big games and not too fussed if I miss England's games. Too much past disappointment.

I have a feeling tonight's game will be a cracker and along with a small, ahem, vested interest.

Come on Germany.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[P45Mustang]

SchadenFreude hatrick.

Guarantee it.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Joe Hart's reaction after Pirlo's free kick...

He's passionate if nothing else

[iancnx]

Agree.

(On a side issue, Falcao is injured, doesn't play for Colombia, and a lot of people in the know say because he's missing the others play better. No Lampard, no Rooney, )

Germany-Portugal should be entertaining.

I bet the Portuguese are crapping themselves.... Get ready for a German display of Audi ..... Cannot spell DVSPTK....

Far too easy. Portugal will not get beyond the next round. Germany in the semi's for sure. Sorry for Rinaldo - it should have been his year, but surrounded by too many half wits this time around.

[P45Mustang]

Yes. Portugal very disappointing.

Muller hatrick.

[smokie36]

I write as an Englishman. I'm a Brit and I'm from the UK. Also, I support Wales, Scotland and Ireland, no matter the sport, whenever they are playing any other country, except England. I played football and still enjoy golf and it just so happens that in addition to the World Cup I've been keeping an eye on the US Open Golf which finished yesterday. That well known Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie OBE was 'guesting' on TV coverage of the US Open as a UK 'expert' to impart his wisdom and punditory skills. At the start of the chat/show he was asked how he was feeling. His response left me shocked and saddened. Forgive the pun, but he said ( with a smirk) he was feeling 'chipper' because he'd heard England had lost to Italy. Towards the end of the show/chat he was asked who he thought would win the World Cup. His reply..."Brazil, the hosts, but definitely not England"!! This from a man whose worldwide golfing stature was elevated by the golfing skills and perseverance of several Englishmen and other Europeans, when he captained the winning Team in 2010 Ryder Cup. Sadly, I've noticed this 'anti -English' trait in many Scotsmen I've known, even though most of them have moved 'south of the border' to England to better themselves. Is it a touch of jealousy because of Scotlands habitual failure to qualify for the World Cup finals? Whatever it is you Scots should be ashamed of this negative attitude towards England FC. Even more shame on you Colin Montgomerie for demonstrating this petty isolationist attitude on worldwide TV coverage.

Agree with this....while we like to take the piss out of our neighbours over the football, exhibiting outright xenophobia towards the English on TV is just stupid.

I suggest he might have had a few sherbets before hand......

[Chicog]

I write as an Englishman. I'm a Brit and I'm from the UK. Also, I support Wales, Scotland and Ireland, no matter the sport, whenever they are playing any other country, except England. I played football and still enjoy golf and it just so happens that in addition to the World Cup I've been keeping an eye on the US Open Golf which finished yesterday. That well known Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie OBE was 'guesting' on TV coverage of the US Open as a UK 'expert' to impart his wisdom and punditory skills. At the start of the chat/show he was asked how he was feeling. His response left me shocked and saddened. Forgive the pun, but he said ( with a smirk) he was feeling 'chipper' because he'd heard England had lost to Italy. Towards the end of the show/chat he was asked who he thought would win the World Cup. His reply..."Brazil, the hosts, but definitely not England"!! This from a man whose worldwide golfing stature was elevated by the golfing skills and perseverance of several Englishmen and other Europeans, when he captained the winning Team in 2010 Ryder Cup. Sadly, I've noticed this 'anti -English' trait in many Scotsmen I've known, even though most of them have moved 'south of the border' to England to better themselves. Is it a touch of jealousy because of Scotlands habitual failure to qualify for the World Cup finals? Whatever it is you Scots should be ashamed of this negative attitude towards England FC. Even more shame on you Colin Montgomerie for demonstrating this petty isolationist attitude on worldwide TV coverage.

I had the misfortune to have to walk around a golf course with this pompous ass. Not only do most of the players not like him, but the Sky Sports team said that of all of the tour players, he is by far the worst for blaming sound, cameramen, stewards, etc. for his latest crap shot.

I wouldn't consider anything that tool says as being worth listening to.

[iancnx]

I'm an Englishman and enjoy the good hearted banter from the jocks. All the Brits should rally around the representative of the Isles whoever it may be. That said I am bordering on a smidgins of hypocrisy here..... Watching the Scottish referendum keenly. If they get independence I might well buy a place North of the border to ensure any future return in my old age will be out of reach of the loonies in Westminster. Not sure if the Jocks will allow that? Maybe will have to apply for a non Imm o?

[stevenl]

I must say that I'd miss the petty bickering about everything if England were eliminated. That alone would be a reason to keep England's hopes alive for at least 1 more game.

[nev]

All the Rooney bashing is way over the top, he was played out of position on the left and had a ok game, but the english darling StevieG played in is natural position and was woeful but he does not get any criticism at all, Pirlo showed him what a real world class midfielder is!!!.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

All the Rooney bashing is way over the top, he was played out of position on the left and had a ok game, but the english darling StevieG played in is natural position and was woeful but he does not get any criticism at all, Pirlo showed him what a real world class midfielder is!!!.

I was critical of Rooney after game but I agree that the criticisim has now gone too far. We have an obsession to get on players backs, and it's always on player in particular each tournament. We need a scapegoat, always.

Gary Neville makes some good points about the subject here: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/world-cup-2014-gary-neville-7278153

[Chicog]

Gary Neville is his mate, so it's logical that he'll defend him.

Unfortunately his performances do not merit the support. If there is no room for him other than playing on the left, put Oxtail Chamberpot in there, at least he has the pace to attack and chase back to help out Baines.

[mrbojangles]

All the Rooney bashing is way over the top,

Come on nev, this time we haven't slated him about his hair transplant or called him Shrek. He's got off lightly this year

[P45Mustang]

Anyway. Before you get in to the detail of Rooney's haircut...

Germany won't win it.

[P45Mustang]

Let's hope we see a better game between Brazil and Mexico.

C'mon Phil.

[7by7]

Gary Neville makes some good points about the subject here: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/world-cup-2014-gary-neville-7278153

Shame about his brother's performance on the Beeb.

Though some people did get a tad confused!

World Cup: Wrong Phil Neville receives Twitter abuse

[P45Mustang]

All the Rooney bashing is way over the top, he was played out of position on the left and had a ok game, but the english darling StevieG played in is natural position and was woeful but he does not get any criticism at all, Pirlo showed him what a real world class midfielder is!!!.

I was critical of Rooney after game but I agree that the criticisim has now gone too far. We have an obsession to get on players backs, and it's always on player in particular each tournament. We need a scapegoat, always.

Gary Neville makes some good points about the subject here: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/world-cup-2014-gary-neville-7278153

Who is your team Scarf?

Go on. Tell us from your heart.

( You've got a bit of work to do mind, before you convince me of your credentials. )

[metisdead]

Inflammatory posts have been removed.

[bigbamboo]

I write as an Englishman. I'm a Brit and I'm from the UK. Also, I support Wales, Scotland and Ireland, no matter the sport, whenever they are playing any other country, except England. I played football and still enjoy golf and it just so happens that in addition to the World Cup I've been keeping an eye on the US Open Golf which finished yesterday. That well known Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie OBE was 'guesting' on TV coverage of the US Open as a UK 'expert' to impart his wisdom and punditory skills. At the start of the chat/show he was asked how he was feeling. His response left me shocked and saddened. Forgive the pun, but he said ( with a smirk) he was feeling 'chipper' because he'd heard England had lost to Italy. Towards the end of the show/chat he was asked who he thought would win the World Cup. His reply..."Brazil, the hosts, but definitely not England"!! This from a man whose worldwide golfing stature was elevated by the golfing skills and perseverance of several Englishmen and other Europeans, when he captained the winning Team in 2010 Ryder Cup. Sadly, I've noticed this 'anti -English' trait in many Scotsmen I've known, even though most of them have moved 'south of the border' to England to better themselves. Is it a touch of jealousy because of Scotlands habitual failure to qualify for the World Cup finals? Whatever it is you Scots should be ashamed of this negative attitude towards England FC. Even more shame on you Colin Montgomerie for demonstrating this petty isolationist attitude on worldwide TV coverage.

Agree with this....while we like to take the piss out of our neighbours over the football, exhibiting outright xenophobia towards the English on TV is just stupid.

I suggest he might have had a few sherbets before hand......

Poor old Mrs Doubtfire is a troubled soul. Never been able to get over not winning a major and not being born English.

[P45Mustang]

C'mon Phil. Need some style against Mehico.

[nev]

All the Rooney bashing is way over the top,

Come on nev, this time we haven't slated him about his hair transplant or called him Shrek. He's got off lightly this year

Thats all fair game mate, but he is being used as the scapegoat because England lost when i am pointing out there was worse players on the pitch.

[P45Mustang]

[iancnx]

I stand by my assessment. Rooney and his kebab stand, great partners for at least the first 60 mins of the

game v Uraguay

[Squeegee]

Gary Neville makes some good points about the subject here: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/world-cup-2014-gary-neville-7278153

Shame about his brother's performance on the Beeb.

Though some people did get a tad confused!

World Cup: Wrong Phil Neville receives Twitter abuse

People posting "I hope you die" to Neville just show what utter animals they are. No wonder they couldn't even send it to the right person.

Anyway, I think he did alright. There's already plenty of "passionate" ex-players in the job like Robbie Savage and Ian Wright, if Neville can find his own voice before these idiots destroy his potential football broadcasting might be better for it.

Seems anyone who goes anywhere near a World Cup football field these days without paying for their ticket is ripe for crucifixion.

[mrbojangles]

All the Rooney bashing is way over the top,

Come on nev, this time we haven't slated him about his hair transplant or called him Shrek. He's got off lightly this year

Thats all fair game mate, but he is being used as the scapegoat because England lost when i am pointing out there was worse players on the pitch.

I know buddy. You may or may not have noticed but I haven't been one of those slating him. But he and the rest of them better have the game of their lives against Uruguay.

[bigbamboo]

United pay Rooney 300k a week. So he must be a good player, right....?

[Travel2003]

United pay Rooney 300k a week. So he must be a good player, right....?

That is an idiot's argument!!

What it your PM's salary?

Right, you need to check it up. Silly boy!

Leave your boy's room boy, and see what the world is actually about.!!

If someone managed to sell 50 000 expensive tickets just to see me sing karaoke. Would I be worth it?

If someone paid a lot for a painting made by a serial killer. Would it be worth it?

If someone paid a lot for something hip, would it be worth it?

If someone paid a lot of money for the first ever, signed Beatles (I hate them) album. Would it be worth it?

If someone became the most scoring person in one of the most successful teams ever played in Europe. Would he be worth it?

If someone was the most scoring person in the history of England's national team. Would he be worth it?

Maybe not.

But do NOT EVER say that that kind of person is not good stuff!!

[P45Mustang]

Probably play Rooney behind Sturridge with Raheem right.

Not sure about left hand side. Maybe Lallana can do that?

I'd play Shaw , but Roy will probably play LB at LB I would have thought.

Ox for impact maybe/hopefully.

Still a big question mark about RB.

Not sure we've got options.

[Squeegee]

Despite starting slowly/losing their first group game they went on to....

This is a common thing said in football about teams like Italy and even the classic 80s Brasil. Germany too. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Spain turn things around. OK this is England and not those teams who generally are able to deliver, but this time I think England actually have a good chance... not necessarily to win it, but to give us something to enjoy as footy fans. Gary Neville said that England performance is the best he's seen in 15 years and I can understand what he means.

I don't remember the last time I saw so much exciting play coming from so many players. Back in the day it was always about Beckham set pieces or life revolved around Gazza. Now we have a number of plucky attackers.

No matter what happens in this tournament, I think the future is brighter than the pre-match pessimism around our chances, as long as we can tighten up our defense. It's great that the traditional nonsense hype was mostly eliminated this time around, but I do think a lot of England fans have jumped into an opposite extreme of having no hope and playing blame games before or after kick-off, of the manager and certain players.

Pulling all the above together, I'd say we are probably in the best situation as England supporters than we've had since Euro '96: no hype, little pressure, young exciting players with no fear and a team that's actually playing a bit of foootball rather than relying on individual's ability to deliver long balls or stay off the source.

None of what I am saying has anything to do with thinking we can win a world cup right now, but it has everything to do with this being an opportunity for England fans to enjoy their own team as football fans rather than waiting for our team to get on the plane before being able to actually enjoy the football of the competition.

I'll just try to enjoy it, it's not often we have a situation like this where the team can give Italy a good match despite getting out of the group not necessarily being expected. Normally if there was no expectation one would imagine it's because our team have nothing to offer, and that's not the case at the moment.

Young England may have no more than two games left for us to enjoy, but this time around we can enjoy the football without having to wait for our team to go home first.

Edited June 18, 2014 by Squeegee

[P45Mustang]

Hear Hear old chap.

Excellent post if I may say so.

Holland-Australia could be entertaining btw.