Euro 2016

[Lee]

Ronaldo's having a shit day. :D

[Bernanke]

Hahhahahahahahah asafsdgsdgfd

[Max Power]

Ronaldos tournament has been pure jokes. Please score Austria

[Browning]

All it needs is a red card for him now. :D

[Ian]

Commentators not going to mention that he was about three miles offside like a mongo?

[Danny]

He is gonna kill himself

[Boydy]

What happened?

[Disco]

Ronaldo missed a penalty.

[SincereTheRebel]

Disallowed robaldo goal. Cunt missed a peno

[Max Power]

Laughing at Ronaldo aside this has been another poor quality game. I need some better action

[Spikey M]

What happened?

Ronaldo mossed a penalty then had a goal dissalowed.

[Ian]

Laughing at Ronaldo aside this has been another poor quality game. I need some better action

It just hasn't been a very good tournament so far.

Too many crap teams. Admittedly the likes of Portugal and England get to every tournament and have lots of shit games so maybe that's less the issue than the format.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It just hasn't been a very good tournament so far.

Too many crap teams. Admittedly the likes of Portugal and England get to every tournament and have lots of shit games so maybe that's less the issue than the format.
I wouldn't say it's the crap teams, it's the crap system and teams are looking to not lose in an attempt to get a top three spot.

[Byron]

Haha fuck off 'Ronny'

[Spikey M]

That was fucking brilliant. :*)

[Spoonsky]

0-0 ronaldo

[GS]

Half the teams in Europe qualified for this, when you exclude the absolute time wasters like San Marino and Scotland. Inevitably the quality just isn't going to be there in a lot of games, and the tournament is suffering as a result. The third place finish (and the mathematics involved) inevitably leads to some hi-jinks as well.

The format was fine, really. It's good if your country get to it, I suppose, but whether that's worth diminishing the quality of the whole tournament is a different matter. Ironically, Northern Ireland would have qualified regardless under the old system as we won our fucking group. :moop:

[Kikó]

The game was crap because Portugal didn't have a forward. Nothing to do retry the format.

[Shindig]

Its one of those things were these sides meet for qualifiers so often that you'd be expecting the same results. Neutral territory and tournament conditions just bring out the best and worst. Its sort of compelling to watch, if you're willing to suffer through some dross. Plus, as Kiko eludes to, Portugal have been shit for a decade.

[Magic]

Lol @ Hungary putting Portugal out.

[Lee]

Half the teams in Europe qualified for this, when you exclude the absolute time wasters like San Marino and Scotland. Inevitably the quality just isn't going to be there in a lot of games, and the tournament is suffering as a result. The third place finish (and the mathematics involved) inevitably leads to some hi-jinks as well.

The format was fine, really. It's good if your country get to it, I suppose, but whether that's worth diminishing the quality of the whole tournament is a different matter. Ironically, Northern Ireland would have qualified regardless under the old system as we won our fucking group. :moop:

I don't like the format because of the third place qualifying but I don't think the quality has been terrible as a result of the expansion. Yeah, it's diluted as there are only three or four really good sides (if that) and they've added more average sides, but I don't think there is a big difference between the 16th and 24th best national teams in Europe. No big thrashings and I've quite enjoyed watching the likes of Albania, Iceland and Hungary play.

[Spoonsky]

I don't like the format because of the third place qualifying but I don't think the quality has been terrible as a result of the expansion. Yeah, it's diluted as there are only three or four really good sides (if that) and they've added more average sides, but I don't think there is a big difference between the 16th and 24th best national teams in Europe. No big thrashings and I've quite enjoyed watching the likes of Albania, Iceland and Hungary play.

The difference is that the proportion of shit teams is larger.

[Serj]

:D We might just be the worst team at the whole tournament. Thanks, Ronaldo.

[Pleb]

Ronaldo's having a shite tournament isn't he? :harold:

[Lee]

The difference is that the proportion of shit teams is larger.

That's what I said, although obviously not very clearly.

Anyway, my basic message is it means more football and it's an international tournament, so stop fucking moaning.

Is there much excitement about your upcoming semi final?

[Reg]

It kinda sucks sitting down for a game and it turning out to be crap, though. I would rather have less matches with a higher percentage of them being entertaining. Last World Cup's group stages were fantastic.

[GS]

The WC has a novelty factor - you might never see, say, Albania v Paraguay in a competitive fixture again. Plus you know they're not completely shit teams if they've managed to qualify (well, when they're from a major confederation).

Here, you're looking at games like Romania v Switzerland or Austria v Hungary - they don't have that novelty factor, irrespective of the tournament setting.

[Lee]

The number of goals has picked up since the first round and I think the games have generally become more entertaining. It started dull but I think that's format rather than the teams involved. It's already a million times better than World Cup 2010, which will do for me.

[Reg]

The styles are more varied as well. You see unusual teams like Chile.

[Lee]

Yeah, I prefer World Cups (although would contest that styles are becoming more uniform), I just don't think this has been a bad tournament so far.

I do find it quite hard not to enjoy a football match though.

[Serj]

The quality of play today from Austria, Hungary and Iceland was absolutely woeful at times. That aside, I think it's been okayish, but certainly one of the less entertaining tournament I've seen. The pitches have almost all been terrible too, I can't help but feel that if this were held outside of Europe, the organisers would be getting a lot more flak for that.

[Spoonsky]

That's what I said, although obviously not very clearly.

Anyway, my basic message is it means more football and it's an international tournament, so stop fucking moaning.

Is there much excitement about your upcoming semi final?

I don't think the general public really cares, it's World Cup or bust for them. But yeah, it is exciting, especially if we play Argentina.

[Lee]

Fuck that, Venezuela means you're in the final.

[Davgooner]

Booked some flights out for the semis and final. It's on. :nodd:

[Shindig]

I've been thinking that having the likes of the smaller nations might improve their talent pools in the long term. Like situations where you might see a player with dual nationality pick the smaller nation because they'll now make tournaments.

[niko_cee]

If Portugal had a decent a striker they could have a chance. As it is, it's wingers trying to be forwards.

Hasn't this always been the case? Well, since Eusebio? What's Pauleta up to these days?


Booked some flights out for the semis and final. It's on. :nodd:

Lyon/Marseille meet?

[Magic]

What isn't helping is the amount of games the good players are playing. They either won't commit because of a potential big move or because they're knackered.

[Pepe]

You're just a bunch of moaners/getting old.

[ItalAussie]

It has to be noted that if the last two World Cups have taught us anything, it's that matches between "big" sides aren't a guarantee of entertainment either.

[Yevrah]

Are we on course to get Portugal in the 2nd round now? If so, we're going out in the most horrible way imaginable.

[Byron]

So if we finish 1st we'll probably get Romania, Northern Ireland or Czech Republic

If we finish 2nd we'll probably get Portugal or Iceland.

If we finish 3rd we'll probably get Germany or Spain.

A knockout match against Northern Ireland :drool:

[Mellberg]

Fuck me. It has to be Northern Ireland.

[GS]

It does not.

[Lee]

It definitely does. It's the one I want. Then possibly Belgium or Portugal in the quarter final. Bad enough sides to go in with some hope, good enough that you know deep down it ends in penalty shoot-out defeat. The England way.

[Shindig]

Another thing about this third spot business is that there are no dead rubbers in the last round of games.

[GS]

It definitely does. It's the one I want. Then possibly Belgium or Portugal in the quarter final. Bad enough sides to go in with some hope, good enough that you know deep down it ends in penalty shoot-out defeat. The England way.

You're getting your referendum win - fuck off taking the football on me too.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We'd beat Belgium on penalties I reckon. They have even less bottle than us.

[Pepe]

Portugal must be pretty low on the bottle-o-meter too.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We have two previous shootout defeats to them and they usually dig up some otherwise shit goalkeeper who is a 'penalty saving specialist', so I wouldn't be confident at all.

[Waffdon]

Belgium/England wouldn't go to penalties. Either team would shit the bed and lose by 2+

[Pepe]

We have two previous shootout defeats to them and they usually dig up some otherwise shit goalkeeper who is a 'penalty saving specialist', so I wouldn't be confident at all.

Must just be Ronaldo then.

[Bartholomert]

Went to the Austria-Portugal last night.

Austrians have the best / most consistent fans I've ever seen, was very impressed. I think the sweet spot of Western European pedigree / organization with just enough of a hint of Slav to provide the requisite edge of irrational nationalism.

[Yevrah]

Portugal would knock us out and despite them being absolute bilge Roy would keep his job because, well, Ronaldo. Innit.

It would be horrible.

[Magic]

Match tonight, lads?

I'm thinking Rum v Alb might be an epic. The French v the Swiss is bound to end in disappointment.

[Waffdon]

Griezmann is scoring twice at least, so that for sure

[Lee]

French game for me.

[Magic]

Why not just do a 5pm and 8pm KO? I get the whole DRAMA AS IT HAPPENS but come on.

[Byron]

Surely Romania vs Albania, both teams need the win.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Gypsies for me.

[Byron]

Why not just do a 5pm and 8pm KO? I get the whole DRAMA AS IT HAPPENS but come on.

To stop an Algeria 1982 incident.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Why not just do a 5pm and 8pm KO? I get the whole DRAMA AS IT HAPPENS but come on.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disgrace_of_Gij%C3%B3n

[Yevrah]

It's nice that Gary Neville has passion, it'd be nicer still to know what he's actually doing.

[Shindig]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disgrace_of_Gij%C3%B3n

Scottish ref should've put his foot down, really.

[Browning]

Romania Vs Albania for me, hoping for the draw to move Northern Ireland closer.

[Lee]

That fan park's ripe for a bit of suicide bombing.

[SincereTheRebel]

Evra has been piss poor first two games. I thought he was still the decent.

[Yevrah]

That fan park's ripe for a bit of suicide bombing.

Indeed. Maybe ISIS just like a good international football tournament.

[Shindig]

Romania's anthem sounds like a proper Soviet death march.

[Magic]

I've lost my HD channels on freeview ffs.

[Bernanke]

Indeed. Maybe ISIS just like a good international football tournament.

Why would that stop them from attacking this one?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Had to change to the French game, BBC Four isn't working on my box.

[Byron]

Was that 4 times he rolled over in pain? :D

[Shindig]

Football on BBC4 is the weirdest by-product of BBCThree's demise.

[Spikey M]

Evra has been piss poor first two games. I thought he was still the decent.

He plays in Italy. Probably the only league where you can afford to lose all of your pace and still look decent.

[Yevrah]

Why would that stop them from attacking this one?

It's an English turn of phrase, whereby 'good' doesn't actually mean good.

[Browning]

"Romania looking to get out of the group stages for the first time...."

How has he forgotten Euro 2000. :(

[Lewis]

Pogba is on it. Lazy cunt.

[Yevrah]

Given this is the current state of the 3rd placed league.

http://i65.tinypic.com/t6qb0j.jpg

And Northern Ireland can't possibly finish lower than third in their group, aren't they all but through?

Maybe I'm behind the curve on this one, but I'd have expected to see more bunting from GS if so.

It's remarkable.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's not getting the bunting out because there's a slight chance (they'd be incredibly unlucky) that they don't make it.

[Lee]

Given this is the current state of the 3rd placed league.

http://i65.tinypic.com/t6qb0j.jpg

And Northern Ireland can't possibly finish lower than third in their group, aren't they all but through?

Maybe I'm behind the curve on this one, but I'd have expected to see more bunting from GS if so.

It's remarkable.

It's hard to tell as there will be teams currently second who may drop into third with more points, and teams amongst those currently in third who will gain some points this week.

I really want England vs Northern Ireland. I think it's that prospect keeping GS quiet.

[Browning]

Given they are almost certainly going to lose to Germany, it's going to be tight whether they make it or not. If they lose by 1 they have a chance, but any heavier and they're in trouble.

[mugbull]

Kingsley Coman is something else

[Magic]

Guys still got my compass out with no channels.

[mugbull]

I also wish they wouldn't call every high boot. The one against Mehmedi was fair, but 70% of the ones called are stupid

[Yevrah]

Oh and looking at how the 3rd placed teams are drawn against their second round opponents, my betting opportunity alarms have gone fucking mental.

Not for any tangible reason you understand, but as the whole thing seems so incomprehensible there must be one in there somewhere.

If I'm reading it right there will be a whole host of teams who won't know who they'll play in the second round until the whole thing's wrapped up, which must be ripe for the teams finishing their group matches at the back end of this week to exploit.

[Yevrah]

More third placed reading led me to stumble upon this, which I don't remember, but lol.


The Euro 2016 system was used when the World Cup had 24 teams, between 1986 and 1994, and produced moments of farce, genius and heartbreak. When it comes to World Cup misery, all roads lead to Scotland. They were effectively eliminated from Italia 90 three times in a 24-hour period – first when they lost 1-0 to Brazil in Group C, after an astonishing injury-time save from Cláudio Taffarel; then when Uruguay scored an injury-time winner against South Korea in Group E (without which Scotland and Austria would have drawn lots to see who went through); and finally when Niall Quinn’s equaliser for the Republic of Ireland against Holland in Group F confirmed that Scotland would indeed be going home too soon. It’s not the despair; it’s the hope.

[Browning]

Albania. :drool:

[Shindig]

Third, third, third, third! Albmania running wild.

[niko_cee]

What is the deal with these Swiss shirts? Has this been happening in their other games?

[Davgooner]

At it stands Albania would be playing the winners of Group B. :arry:

[Disco]

Romania's anthem sounds like a proper Soviet death march.

Did you watch the start of the GP today? When they played the Azeri anthem it wouldn't have seemed out of place for Sauron to walk onto the grid.

[Browning]

At it stands Albania would be playing the winners of Group B. :arry:

Their goal difference is going to still be minus 2, so not sure it'd be enough. They probably need at least another goal.

Third Place in group A could also play the winners of Group C. Not sure how it's decided.

[Kikó]

Albania have been good value for the lead. Can't wait to hear what Dion, Trev and Mannish make of it.

[Davgooner]

Listen mate, I've downloaded a Euro 2016 spreadsheet and that's what it's saying.

:uhoh:

[-james-]

Northern Ireland might be out of luck if they get a pasting off the Germans. Albania in with a shot of qualifying if they get another.

[Shindig]

Did you watch the start of the GP today? When they played the Azeri anthem it wouldn't have seemed out of place for Sauron to walk onto the grid.
You weren't kidding. :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6aQZn02AJ0

[Boydy]

There's four colours in that flag.

[Yevrah]

Lawrenson is so good. :D

[Magic]

PANIC OVER.

I absolutely nailed my bearings for the aerial but still was getting jack shit, so I checked my cable that I made up and it wasn't even in the socket (lol workmanship) so I've re-terminated it and am getting tonnes of freeview HD channels. :drool:

[Lewis]

Lawrenson is so good. :D

I was about to post that. He said more in that highlights package than the rest have over every game I've seen.

[-james-]

Had a go on the predictor thing:

http://i.imgur.com/HYdib4L.png

Third places in groups B, C & F look likely to qualify. The last spot is a bit of a lottery. England get Albania or Czech Republic/Turkey if they qualify, or Northern Ireland if the last qualifier is from group E.

[Browning]

Well Northern Ireland isn't happening then. Not unless Italy really throw the game with the Republic.

[Magic]

Why is it so fucking complicated to figure out who is playing who? What a load of shit.

[Raoul Duke]

Burst ball :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Wales in the quarter-finals? Give me strength.

[Yevrah]

This is how the last 16 would have looked after 2 group games each. If I've got it right that is.

Switerland vs. Poland
Spain vs. Portugal
England vs. Czech Republic
Hungary vs. Belgium

Germany vs. Slovakia
Italy vs. Croatia
France vs. Northern Ireland
Wales vs. Iceland

And if we win the group and results stay as they are tonight it'll take something reasonably special for England to get anyone other than Albania, Czech Republic or Turkey in the last 16.

[Kikó]

That stocky Romanian has definitely done his knee ligaments. Looked a bad one.

[Yevrah]

Well Northern Ireland isn't happening then. Not unless Italy really throw the game with the Republic.

Sweden could beat Belgium as well, but there's only one combination of best four groups that leads us to Northern Ireland (and that has group F in the 4 best ranked groups). Not that we've won the group yet mind, but every other combination means we play either the 3rd placed team in group A (Albania) or D (Czech Republic, Turkey or actually, not that unlikely now, Croatia).

[Lee]

This is how the last 16 would have looked after 2 group games each. If I've got it right that is.

Switerland vs. Poland
Spain vs. Portugal
England vs. Czech Republic
Hungary vs. Belgium

Germany vs. Slovakia
Italy vs. Croatia
France vs. Northern Ireland
Wales vs. Iceland

And if we win the group and results stay as they are tonight it'll take something reasonably special for England to get anyone other than Albania, Czech Republic or Turkey in the last 16.

Followed by Hungary or Belgium in the last eight? Fuck me, Roy's going to accidentally get us to the semis and be offered a life contract.

In more joyful news:

http://i68.tinypic.com/1425188.jpg

Tirana tonight. Brilliant.

[mugbull]

Breel has been pretty shit.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Breel has been pretty shit.

I've never been impressed by him, if he was white he wouldn't be so highly rated.

[Yevrah]

Followed by Hungary or Belgium in the last eight? Fuck me, Roy's going to accidentally get us to the semis and be offered a life contract.

Yep. Dyke was saying only this weekend that the semi's would be a success, not that I think we'd beat Belgium mind and Hungary really should be replaced with Portugal by the time three games are up.

[John]

Shaqiri scampering after the ball will always make me laugh.

[Lee]

Yep. Dyke was saying only this weekend that the semi's would be a success, not that I think we'd beat Belgium mind and Hungary really should be replaced with Portugal by the time three games are up.

He did caveat it with "or we go out in the quarters against someone good" which betrays the level of ambition.

Not sure about losing to Belgium. Think that's a 50/50 on account of both coaches being fucking awful.

[Pepe]

Just tuned in. Needs more Giroud.

[Yevrah]

Gutted that didn't go in.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

If that was a few inches lower, christ.

Payet is so much better than the rest of the French team.

[Manc]

Lawro running riot. Tournament highlight thus far.

[Pepe]

What a goal that would have been.

[SvN]

Payet is surely off once the Euros are done with.

[Magic]

Can we prefix posts with what game we're watching or have some sort of list.

[Pepe]

What a goal that would have been.

+1

[Byron]

This is the kind of time wasting that South Americans would be proud of.

[Pepe]

The fuck is wrong with those tricots?

[Ian]

Pearce desperate to pre-empt a Payet goal here. Hope he puts it forty yards over.

[Ian]

Lol.

[Yevrah]

Top bants there from the BBC1 commentary team.

[Reg]

Payet is surely off once the Euros are done with.
Deeney is worth more than £25m so Payet presumably will go for around £6481246064640m.

[Browning]

Despite Romania being denied a goal by an awful offside call, Albania have defended really well here. It feels harsh on Romania but.... Albania :cool:

[Bob Sacamano]

So Albania just have to sit and wait now until Wednesday night to see if they go through?

[Byron]

What is this ref doing?

[Byron]

And I count that as the 5th shot Stanciu has booted into Row Z

[Yevrah]

Thierry Henry is such a shit pundit.

[Browning]

So Albania just have to sit and wait now until Wednesday night to see if they go through?

Indeed.

[Boydy]

Why does Shaqiri look so out of proportion? Are his legs too short? His torso too wide? Both? He's so odd looking.

[Kikó]

Albania :cool:

[Boydy]

I need to stop putting any money on Griezmann to score, the fucking useless twat.

[Spikey M]

Terry Henry, lads.

https://twitter.com/footbalIfights/status/744623139305455617

[Magic]

MANISH looking a lot like Bobby Kardashian these days im9

[Reg]

Thierry Henry is such a shit pundit.
I had hopes for him being good. Turned out to be pretty awful.

[Reg]

I don't get that Albania open goal miss. Does he slip?

[randomlegend]

I need to stop putting any money on Griezmann to score, the fucking useless twat.

I've only ever seen him play in these games, but considering he's like the BEST THING EVAR at the moment I think he's looked pretty shit.

[Yevrah]

I had hopes for him being good. Turned out to be pretty awful.

Honestly, if he was an ex England type we and others would be ripping lumps out of him every time he's on. He's just so so shit.

[Max Power]

I think Griezmann, like Kane actually, is just fucking knackered after a long season. He's played nearly 60 games I think.

Great scenes in the Albania game. The celebrations after the goal and FT were lovely.

[Lewis]

Don't Sky pay Thierry Henry four million quid a year? I doubt even Sven could chance himself into that cushy a job (he probably could and has).

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Why does Shaqiri look so out of proportion? Are his legs too short? His torso too wide? Both? He's so odd looking.

Doesn't help that his thighs are probably fucking wider than his legs are long.

[Reg]

Honestly, if he was an ex England type we and others would be ripping lumps out of him every time he's on. He's just so so shit.
Yep, the bad pundits typically say nothing. He just says nothing pretentiously.

[Foe]

That fan park's ripe for a bit of suicide bombing.

Made it out of the Bordeaux one in
One piece. Cracking cheerleaders too. :drool:

[Lee]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/19/england-vs-slovakia-wayne-rooney-rested-as-roy-hodgson-gambles-w/

Who is this new risk-taking Roy.

Dropping Rooney. :drool:

Playing Vardy and Sturridge. :drool:

Playing Henderson. :(

[Raoul Duke]

The France game was pretty entertaining for a 0-0. Like Roy, Deschamps doesn't know his best team.

Spain looking the favourites overall for me, by some distance. Then probably Italy followed by Germany, if they decide to stop dicking about playing Goatse up-front.

[Waffdon]

France's team is fairly obvious just like Belgium. At least their manager had the sense to change it.

[Browning]

If that England team is accurate it's a shambles. Top of the group is too important to chuck the reserves out, even if that squad SHOULD still win.

[Lee]

If that England team is accurate it's a shambles. Top of the group is too important to chuck the reserves out, even if that squad SHOULD still win.

I'd argue that the proposed line up is stronger than the one we've turned out so far. Certainly more likely to get us goals.

[Browning]

Rooney and the full backs have been our best 3 players. Dropping all 3 of those is madness, even if it does bring in Vardy and Sturridge.

[GS]

This entire discussion needs to be conducted with the over-arching understanding that Roy Hodgson is, in fact, not a very good coach.

Once you accept that, anything is possible in terms of what he might or might not do.

[Lee]

Rooney and the full backs have been our best 3 players. Dropping all 3 of those is madness, even if it does bring in Vardy and Sturridge.

The full backs will be knackered. Pochettino rotated them a lot too and, anyway, I think all four full backs are much of a muchness. Rooney has passed well but has slowed attacks down whilst Ali has looked shattered. Wilshere will be more incisive than either. I'm not keen in Henderson though.

[Raoul Duke]

The fullbacks are pretty much the same. Rooney for Wilshere is roughly equal, style-wise. I'd probably switch Lallana for Milner (as he's looked knackered when coming off in both games after putting a shift in) and actually keep Alli in - he's the one most hampered by Rooney being wedged into the team and I reckon he'd link up well with the replacement strikers.

[niko_cee]

I still don't really get how the second round pairings work for this (not that I have looked all that closely). There aren't enough 3rd placed teams to go around for all the group winners are there - so are some group winners going to play a 2nd placed team? Is that done on anything other than grouping (ie is there a 1st placed and 2nd placed league table to go with this 3rd placed one)?

[Browning]

I still don't really get how the second round pairings work for this (not that I have looked all that closely). There aren't enough 3rd placed teams to go around for all the group winners are there - so are some group winners going to play a 2nd placed team? Is that done on anything other than grouping (ie is there a 1st placed and 2nd placed league table to go with this 3rd placed one)?

It was decided somehow pre-tournament. The winners of E (Italy) and F are facing runners up.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yeah, it's pre-fixed, so I think the winners of E and F get runners-up, whilst some runners-up luck out and get other runners-up.

[Davgooner]

Seriously lads, download the spreadsheet.

[Magic]

Fucking lol, just seen Mexico got beat by Chile 7-0.

[Bartholomert]

Not having three games today is tangibly lowering my quality of life / happiness.

[Browning]

Not having three games today is tangibly lowering my quality of life / happiness.

Don't worry, we get 4 a day for the next two days.

[Foe]

Wales better not fuck this up. If Russia finish third i might end up seeing them. Fuck that.

Allez les rouges.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Can England go out or are we through?

I make it that a heavy defeat to Slovakia puts us in some form of vague jeopardy.

[SincereTheRebel]

This 3rd place bullshit needs to die.

[phonics]

We've secured qualification just depends on where.

[wullie]

It's possible we can go out, but in the same way Man Utd still had a chance of fourth when they played Bournemouth.

[Andy]

The fullbacks are pretty much the same. Rooney for Wilshere is roughly equal, style-wise. I'd probably switch Lallana for Milner (as he's looked knackered when coming off in both games after putting a shift in) and actually keep Alli in - he's the one most hampered by Rooney being wedged into the team and I reckon he'd link up well with the replacement strikers.

Lallana is always knackered after 60-70 mins. Hardly ever finishes games.

[Spikey M]

Lallana's brand of headless chickenery would make him so much more effective coming on as a sub against tired legs.

[Yevrah]

Right, so I'm pretty sure Wales are going to fuck it against Russia and lose, which will leave it up to us to shit our way to a 1-0 against the Slovaks to see Wales get third.

[Yevrah]

Team confirmed as expected.

Given Hodgson doesn't know what he's doing, I'm really not sure what to make of it all.

[Waffdon]

Jordan Henderson :sick:

Sturridge is wasted on the wing as well

[Lee]

Sturridge is more capable of playing wide than Vardy is.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I hope Rashford is sent on when Sturridge breaks down.

[Jeet]

Does Roy have a thing for Lama?

Sturridge, Vardy wide and Kane centre, Jack the deep lying midfielder and Rooney as the attacking mid - AVE IT!!!!

[Davgooner]

Massive liberties being taken. If we don't end up topping the group tonight I'll be vexed and Roy will be looking for new employment.

[Reg]

It'll probably be a diamond with Vardy and Sturridge up front.

[Yevrah]

Well Dixon's convinced me on the fullbacks being a terrible idea. Rooney not being in midfield doesn't bother me and the two up top should have started after the Wales game anyway.

[Reg]

What was Dixon's reason?

[Lee]

Martin Samuel has a good article in the Mail today, pointing out how we always manage to fuck ourselves by finishing second. We know that we go out when we face a good team. It would be nice if we could delay that until the semis though.

[Yevrah]

Martin Samuel has a good article in the Mail today, pointing out how we always manage to fuck ourselves by finishing second. We know that we go out when we face a good team. It would be nice if we could delay that until the semis though.

Yeah, I've banged on about that for years now. It's been fucking infuriating.

[Yevrah]

What was Dixon's reason?

Just that from a defensive perspective continuity is key.

As an aside, the competition for places argument (that Roy was just citing) can do one as well. It's the last group game in the European Championships, not a fucking third round FA Cup tie against Walsall.

[Disco]

Do fans of other countries have the same impression of us? If for example we come up against Italy or even Portugal we'd be assuring each other of abject failure (probably rightly).

[Spikey M]

That team. :harold:

[Disco]

Just that from a defensive perspective continuity is key.

As an aside, the competition for places argument (that Roy was just citing) can do one as well. It's the last group game in the European Championships, not a fucking third round FA Cup tie against Walsall.

Involving squad players is a great way to foster drive and competition, there's nothing more likely to kill motivation than knowing you're only going to be putting out cones for a fortnight. I also realise I'm saying this about a Roy Hodgson managed England squad so who the fuck knows.

[Yevrah]

Involving squad players is a great way to foster drive and competition, there's nothing more likely to kill motivation than knowing you're only going to be putting out cones for a fortnight. I also realise I'm saying this about a Roy Hodgson managed England squad so who the fuck knows.

International tournaments aren't long enough for the drive and competition to be fostered.

[Disco]

Perhaps not, we're definitely going to win the world cup though.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I really do love Slaven, getting him as a pundit is easily the best thing ITV have done for a long time.

[Lee]

What I would say is that I don't think there's much of a difference (if any, actually) in quality between this line up and the team that faced Russia and Wales. I'm not worried.

[Magic]

Wales Slovakia double. :drool:

[Mazuuurk]

I half feel like this is a better team that England is fielding almost.

Rooney has looked good as a central midfielder, but honestly Wilshere has something that Rooney doesn't, and Henderson is starting to look more and more solid as a player to me. Up front Sterling hasn't looked up to much and Kane even less. The fullbacks could probably have remained the same as before but that's it.

[Amigo]

That support though.

[Spoonsky]

Jogi Low fucked things up for Germany in 2012 by fielding the squad players against Greece in the quarterfinals.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

If Wales do indeed finish top :harold:

[Yevrah]

Cracking start for Wales.

[Spoonsky]

Joe Pirlo.

[Magic]

Watching the Wales game now. England are just so fucking boring.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I've just spotted that only Rooney has double figures for international goals in the England 23.

The next closest is Sturridge on 6.

[SvN]

Why the fuck did the keeper stay on his line then?

[Spikey M]

That is where Vardy is dangerous. More of that, please.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's not the elbow, well maybe slightly the elbow.

Hoddle :harold:

[Davgooner]

We're fucking this up.

[Magic]

Hamsik having more international goals for fucking Slovakia than the entire England team combined. :harold:

[Magic]

OMG that Wales goal. :D

[Yevrah]

Ok, Russia look an absolute shambles.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Wales are running riot.

Akinfeev showing his World Cup form there.

[Magic]

Russia are fucking abysmal.

[Waffdon]

That pass from Bale had me wet

[Spoonsky]

How are Russia so bad?

[Spoonsky]

That pass from Bale had me wet

The Russian lad kicked it.

[Pepe]

Did the track and field crew use up all the drugs?

[Yevrah]

We're fucking this up.

We're just so ineffectual going forward. It's fucking painful.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Just switched to the Wales game, this could be a fucking rout.

Russia's defence can't be arsed.

[Magic]

Roy should be sacked for not winning with the most expensive squad at the Euros.

[Byron]

Putin is going to be organising a few disappearances tomorrow.

[Waffdon]

The Russian lad kicked it.

Ah. That makes sense

[Yevrah]

This is rapidly entering shitfest territory.

[Mazuuurk]

Agreed. Very slow game.

[Luke Emia]

So having not learnt the lesson of just trying to crowbar all his best players in the team no matter where they play Roy is extending the experiment by playing Sturridge on the wing. I swear he must be the biggest owl faced spastic ever.

[Waffdon]

Fools are acting as if Clyne isn't an upgrade on Kyle Walker.

[Amigo]

An England win means we'll only need a draw against the Austrians to advance.

Please win.

[Byron]

Yawwwwwwn.

Only England could play so many attacking players and still serve up the same bilge we've been subjected to for the last 15 years.

[Magic]

Russia's defence. :D

Every time they go forward it feels like their will be a goal. Shows how shit England are.

[Lewis]

Raheem Sterling should be playing in this. He can't get any worse, so why not keep playing him in the hope that he gets a bit of confidence back?

[SincereTheRebel]

"Sturridge shoots and he scuffs his shot unusually" :D

[Spikey M]

Why do we need three times the number of chances other sides do to actually score?

[Yevrah]

Why is Adam Lallana incapable of striking a ball anywhere other than straight at the fucking opposition keeper?

[Lee]

Fucking Henderson.

[Ian]

I dunno what's better, that Lallana is worse at shooting than I am or that Sturridge insists on doing it seemingly every time he gets the ball.

Hopefully God tells the cunt to pass.

[Davgooner]

We're just so ineffectual going forward. It's fucking painful.

Two great chances though.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Biggest win in a Euro game is 5-0, if Wales go for this they could break that.

[Byron]

I dunno what's better, that Lallana is worse at shooting than I am or that Sturridge insists on doing it seemingly every time he gets the ball.

Hopefully God breaks his limbs so we never have to see that dance again.

Fixed.

[randomlegend]

Really don't think we've looked that bad since I've been watching (about 20 minutes I guess).

[Raoul Duke]

This is like an FM game where the match engine over-favours the right-back.

[Magic]

Bale = hot knife
Russian defence = butter.

[Kikó]

Henderson can't kick the fucking thing.

[Disco]

We've been ok, but I think we'll massively regret not getting anything out of the last 20 mins.

[Bartholomert]

Is England traditionally this shit at finishing or is this just a recent / random development? They seem to dominate games superficially and then at best score a bullshit goal.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Henderson and Wilshere have both been absolutely horrendous. Everyone else quite good although we continue to suffer from the affliction of being unable to strike a ball properly under pressure.

[randomlegend]

Henderson can't kick the fucking thing.

Henderson is absolutely shit.

[Magic]

There's no talisman, nobody to look to for inspiration. Just a load of overpriced egos.

[Byron]

You could have ended the sentence at poor and the answer would be yes.

Mert

[Yevrah]

It's a good job possession statistics are what really get me hard.

That said, if we start the second half as we finished the first we should see to this lot.

[Lewis]

Henderson and Wilshere have both been absolutely horrendous. Everyone else quite good although we continue to suffer from the affliction of being unable to strike a ball properly under pressure.

Has anybody got those Man of the Match stats to hand?

[Yevrah]

The ridiculous thing about the possession is that as soon as we play anyone half decent (this group is fucking wank) we'll revert to playing like a shit Fulham.

[Reg]

Clyne has been good, that's about it. Vardy should have scored, Lallana should have scored, everyone's crap at set pieces. Every time we get the ball it's "what do we do now?" Same as against Wales. Rooney on please.

[Byron]

I'd just take Henderson off for Rooney, then swap out Wilshere for Rashford if we need a goal later on.

[Lee]

The ridiculous thing about the possession is that as soon as we play anyone half decent (this group is fucking wank) we'll revert to playing like a shit Fulham.

I dunno; we might win the whole thing by boring our opponents to death.

Pretty sure Glenn Hoddle thinks we ought to be installed as world champions instantly.