Euro 2024 - Group Stage: This format is bollocks

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He hasn't even attempted to win the ball, he just swiped his ankles.

[Spikey M]

After the replay, that's a dive, surely?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Did he save the pen with his face?

[Adramelch]

He milked it for all that it was worth, but Rodri knocks his left foot at first.

[Shindig]

Yeah, he clipped his own ankle and went down. Although I haven't seen the full replay.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

lol.

So much lol.

[Spikey M]

Well, they're getting all the bad luck Lewis ordered. :D

[Pepe]

This is dogshit.

[Spikey M]

Spain and Germany turning up I'm form is not good news for England. We need the equivalent of the year that Leicester won the league if we're to win it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Spain and Germany turning up I'm form is not good news for England. We need the equivalent of the year that Leicester won the league if we're to win it.

Mate, you're one of the favourites according to James.

It doesn't matter that he says that at every tournament now, IT'S COMING HOME.

[Pepe]

He has STATISTICS on his side though.

[Magic]

Don't think Spain look that great defensively.

[Spikey M]

Neither will England.

[-james-]

All I've ever said about England is that they have a very good generation of players and are perfectly capable of winning a tournament. They've correctly been among the favourites since I started saying this in 2018.

"But they haven't won one!!". STATISTICS innit.

[niko_cee]

Neither will England.

It's alright, Joe Hart says it's not a problem, although his reasoning was a bit left school at 14.

[Giggles]

England are more than capable of winning this, even with the defence, their attackers are miles ahead of anyone else. It'll be only Southgate that stops them if they are stopped.

[igor_balis]

Yeah the old school engerrrlund arrogance was always a bit much, but people acting like we're fucking Austria or something every tournament are retarded. Saying we'll fuck it up cus we always fuck it up is one thing, but to knowingly scoff at the bookies making us one of the favourites when we do genuinely have one of the best teams is fucking stupid.

And if it's being done as a deliberate reverse jinx, grow up.

[igor_balis]

Also using previous tournaments as some kind of pretend evidence is even more fucking stupid, they're different fucking players.

It's like when commentators say something like ohhh stoke have real trouble against crewe, and it turns out they've not played each other since 1997.

[Baz]

Frattesi and Pellegrini both playing is surely curtains for Albania if it wasn’t already. Coming out all guns blazing.

[Waffdon]

I know I’m a weirdo but 3 lefties in your back 4 gives me the fear

[igor_balis]

Hahahahahah

[Adramelch]

That's fucking amazing. I'd be losing my mind if I was Albanian.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:harold:

What a start.

[Shindig]

Quality assist.

[Waffdon]

I know I’m a weirdo but 3 lefties in your back 4 gives me the fear

Turns right the fear was validated. Look at the body position

[randomlegend]

Rluldiger.

Itloly

[Lewis]

That pleb who threw trying to cover his bald patch by bleaching a triangle into his hair is a novel approach.

[Yevrah]

Also using previous tournaments as some kind of pretend evidence is even more fucking stupid, they're different fucking players.

It really isn't - there's something that runs through the national psyche of major international football teams and far more often than not it's very evident.

It's like Spurs always being a joke. Different teams, but still the same old lolfest.

[igor_balis]

It really isn't - there's something that runs through the national psyche of major international football teams and far more often than not it's very evident.

It's like Spurs always being a joke. Different teams, but still the same old lolfest.

I do think there's some truth to this, but it's massively overstated.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Well worked corner.

[-james-]

It really isn't - there's something that runs through the national psyche of major international football teams and far more often than not it's very evident.

It's like Spurs always being a joke. Different teams, but still the same old lolfest.

Or it's just a descriptor that's applied to teams that go on runs of not winning anything. Then they win something and nobody ever mentions it again.

[igor_balis]

Yea and in international football the sample size is even smaller.

[Lewis]

It really isn't - there's something that runs through the national psyche of major international football teams and far more often than not it's very evident.

It's like Spurs always being a joke. Different teams, but still the same old lolfest.

I think this is the case if teams are roughly as good as each other across the years, i.e. all of those good but not great Spanish teams BOTTLING IT across generations. The players we have now are miles better, across the full pitch/bench at least, than we've had before.

[Adramelch]

This feels like a golden generation of sorts for Albania. I remember recognizing one or two players in their squad, but now most of their squad is playing in the big leagues.

[Yevrah]

Or it's just a descriptor that's applied to teams that go on runs of not winning anything. Then they win something and nobody ever mentions it again.

It's applied to far more than just teams that haven't won for a while. Germans being obscene at penalties, us not. South American teams always having a complete shithouse in the side. The Dutch being excellent at self destructing. Etc.

[niko_cee]

They're not miles better, but they are good enough to win a major tournament.

[Yevrah]

This group stage set up should be dogshit, but once again it's producing some really good games.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Poor Albania :(

[Yevrah]

The players we have now are miles better, across the full pitch/bench at least, than we've had before.

Relative to the quality of other teams, I'd probably agree with that. However, the team is lopsided (like what is our actual defence going to be?) and we have a manager who has consistently proven he simply does not have what it takes to take the team to the next level.

He's also built a style of play that relies on a defence being vaguely competent (as we're not attacking enough to go toe to toe and outscore teams) and banking that we have enough quality up the pitch to score a goal or two. We definitely have the latter this time, but if our defence is as bad as it might be Sir Gareth will have nowhere to go - he's not suddenly going to become Jurgen Klopp overnight.

[igor_balis]

It's applied to far more than just teams that haven't won for a while. Germans being obscene at penalties, us not. South American teams always having a complete shithouse in the side. The Dutch being excellent at self destructing. Etc.

Yeah but this is just descriptive, it's a bit of a logical fallacy to use it to predict future events. Its also easy to see England's tournament failures through the lens of some kind of national bottling mentality, but like - we lost against brazil cus David Seaman had a mare, we lost against Argentina cus Beckham got sent off, see also Rooney against Portugal. We failed to qualify in 2008 cus we were just a bit shit. 2012 - lost on pens, it happens. And so on and so on. Some bad luck, some poor sides, and in recent years we've actually done pretty well. Lost on pens in a final that we should have probably won - again, poor management by Southgate imo, not cus England always bottle it.

I know humans have evolved to try to see patterns in everything, but sometimes you have to try to ignore the ape inside you, you get me.

[Lewis]

Yeah the manager is toilet, and likely to be the main reason for us not winning this, but recent tournaments defeats have been squarely on him making crap decisions rather than the team being vaguely bollocks for some innate cultural reason like in 2004 or 2006. We would have done France and Italy with better substitutions, but those knock-outs against Portugal were almost inevitable in hindsight.

[igor_balis]

Yeah exactly

[Lewis]

Was Sven actually that useless at game management or did he just have nothing on the bench? I know he single-handedly ruined England friendlies with his dogshit rotations, but when Rooney got injured in 2004 he brought Darius Vassell on, and when he got sent off in 2006 he brought Peter Crouch on for Joe Cole. Vassell on for Michael Owen in 2002 as well fucking hell.

[Yevrah]

Yeah but this is just descriptive, it's a bit of a logical fallacy to use it to predict future events. Its also easy to see England's tournament failures through the lens of some kind of national bottling mentality, but like - we lost against brazil cus David Seaman had a mare, we lost against Argentina cus Beckham got sent off, see also Rooney against Portugal. We failed to qualify in 2008 cus we were just a bit shit. 2012 - lost on pens, it happens. And so on and so on. Some bad luck, some poor sides, and in recent years we've actually done pretty well. Lost on pens in a final that we should have probably won - again, poor management by Southgate imo, not cus England always bottle it.

I know humans have evolved to try to see patterns in everything, but sometimes you have to try to ignore the ape inside you, you get me.

I can see where you're coming from but our defeats over the years tend to boil down to doing just enough to lose (I mean, look at those you've listed for a kick off). Now I wouldn't go so far as to say we're bottlers, but there's been something missing time and time again that stops us being winners and it isn't just the players and managers. Look at the apologist nonsense that came out after the France defeat - "the boys did well", "we could have won". I've had enough of the could, or that we're among the favourites. If we're that good let's just fucking do it, as all of the other larger nations with great players in relatively recent history have done.

EDIT: It's not like we haven't had the opportunities either.

[Yevrah]

Yeah the manager is toilet, and likely to be the main reason for us not winning this, but recent tournaments defeats have been squarely on him making crap decisions rather than the team being vaguely bollocks for some innate cultural reason like in 2004

I mean, the top scorer in our nation's history (and by some distance now I may add) missed a penalty. We'd have lost anyway, as it's what we do, but had he not completely fucked that it would have at least given Sir Gareth another opportunity to do something horrific from the sidelines.

And then, rather unbelievably, a narrative developed that it was somehow a bad decision (or even unfair on Kane) to expect him to take and score two penalties in the same game. It's proper loser talk.

[igor_balis]

Was Sven actually that useless at game management or did he just have nothing on the bench? I know he single-handedly ruined England friendlies with his dogshit rotations, but when Rooney got injured in 2004 he brought Darius Vassell on, and when he got sent off in 2006 he brought Peter Crouch on for Joe Cole. Vassell on for Michael Owen in 2002 as well fucking hell.

When I think back to watching England as a kid, it feels like Darius Vassell was always playing.

[Yevrah]

Sven did have a thing for Darius. Pace was a relatively recent thing back then, so I'm guessing that was what was driving it.

[igor_balis]

Sven did have a thing for Darius. Pace was a relatively recent thing back then, so I'm guessing that was what was driving it.

Obviously played a lot of llm on FM.

[Dquincy]

I'd put Ollie Watson and Ivan Toney in the Vassell bracket. If Kane gets crocked, we are not blessed with a decent back up.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Who is Ollie Watson?

[Adramelch]

I know it's Albania and all, but Italy are playing some really good stuff offensively.

[igor_balis]

I'd put Ollie Watson and Ivan Toney in the Vassell bracket. If Kane gets crocked, we are not blessed with a decent back up.

Are you racist as well as retarded, then? Interesting.

[Dquincy]

Who is Ollie Watson?

What's the fellas name them? The one for Villa.

[Shindig]

We've got nobody who can compare to Kane. Toney and Watkins just haven't had the run in the national side to give me any kind of confidence.

[Baz]

Good to have a game on BBC purely for Micah Richards.

[Giggles]

Ollie is such a cuntish name.

[Dquincy]

Are you racist as well as retarded, then? Interesting.

Huh? What's your problem shorty?

[Baz]

Jimmy in the mud.

[Giggles]

Huh? What's your problem shorty?

He's produced a pair recently. It's a refreshing change of pace.

[Lewis]

Obviously played a lot of llm on FM.

He was shit hot on one of them. Which one was pace laughably over-powered on? Championship Manager 03/04 or FM 2005 I think.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Are you racist as well as retarded, then? Interesting.

https://i.imgur.com/ne6ZHr9.png

Obviously.

[Giggles]

What sort of a skin is that?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What sort of a skin is that?

Dugout retro.

[Lewis]

Good to hear that Southgate doesn't reflect on defeats that were all his fault. Not like the same thing has happened three times or anything.

[niko_cee]

but recent tournaments defeats have been squarely on him making crap decisions rather than the team being vaguely bollocks for some innate cultural reason like in 2004 or 2006

The 2018 side featured the banter midfield of Lingard and Dele Alli didn't it come the end? It may not have been an innate cultural reason, but that side wasn't that great.

This current side has some superb players, but many of the England teams over the years have. It also has some glaring inadequacies. Do either of the reserve goalkeepers even get a game for their club? Literally no left back. Sketchy at best in the middle of defence. Better players in attack, maybe, but let's not pretend that the likes of Foden and Saka are light years better than Gascoigne and McManaman. It all comes down to Bellingham, can he be Rooney 2004, without getting injured? That 2004 team was/should have been absolute mustard, although it does feel like we haven't had an actually good goalkeeper for decades, no offence to Pickford who has almost always stood up and been better than expected.

[Yevrah]

If Rooney stays fit we win 2004. I'm convinced of that to this day.

[igor_balis]

https://i.imgur.com/ne6ZHr9.png

Obviously.

That's what I had in mind as very heavily supporting evidence.

[Shindig]

I err ... think Pope is very good, thanks.

[igor_balis]

He was shit hot on one of them. Which one was pace laughably over-powered on? Championship Manager 03/04 or FM 2005 I think.

All of them, really

[igor_balis]

I err ... think Pope is very good, thanks.

Celtic fan, aye

[niko_cee]

I err ... think Pope is very good, thanks.

I was assuming it was Henderson and Ramsdale, the former having confused me with his presence in the pre-squad thing.

[Magic]

What sort of a skin is that?

The correct one.

[igor_balis]

Should have just brought Ben Foster and Scott Carson for the bantz and vibez.

[Dquincy]

That's what I had in mind as very heavily supporting evidence.

That politics quiz and because I don’t know the name of a Villa striker. Fucking hell. :D

[Dquincy]

The correct one.
I was going to start a thread asking about this. Genuinely wonder if more people use the modern mobile version or the old school PC version on their phone.

I'm in the modern camp.

[igor_balis]

That politics quiz and because I don’t know the name of a Villa striker. Fucking hell. :D

A politics quiz that said you are in line with actual facists on a significant majority of policy is a bit more of a red flag than if you'd done a BuzzFeed quiz that said you were like Chandler, you dumb cracker.

[igor_balis]

I mean I was being facetious, but I think perpetuating a forum-wide belief that you're an actual racist is quite funny.

[Shindig]

I was assuming it was Henderson and Ramsdale, the former having confused me with his presence in the pre-squad thing.

It's tricky because it seems our best keepers spend most of their time not at top clubs. Ramsdale gets passed over at club level in favour of a fancy Spaniard. Even then, it's not like we're historically known for giving 2nd/3rd choice keepers a run in the national side.

[Giggles]

I was going to start a thread asking about this. Genuinely wonder if more people use the modern mobile version or the old school PC version on their phone.

I'm in the modern camp.

The desktop the same colour as the mobile is the correct answer.

[Giggles]

I mean I was being facetious, but I think perpetuating a forum-wide belief that you're an actual racist is quite funny.

That's what you lot do to be fair.

[Dquincy]

I mean I was being facetious, but I think perpetuating a forum-wide belief that you're an actual racist is quite funny.

Cracking sense of humour. You're lucky you're white.

[igor_balis]

It's tricky because it seems our best keepers spend most of their time not at top clubs. Ramsdale gets passed over at club level in favour of a fancy Spaniard. Even then, it's not like we're historically known for giving 2nd/3rd choice keepers a run in the national side.

I think you'd be proper gutted if you were Ramsdale, probably assumed he was nailed on Arsenal starter for at least the medium-term, and in turn would have a decent shot with England at some point. I don't really know if he's any good though.

[igor_balis]

Cracking sense of humour. You're lucky you're white.

Why? Cus if not you'd lynch me?

[Spikey M]

Yeah the old school engerrrlund arrogance was always a bit much, but people acting like we're fucking Austria or something every tournament are retarded.

It would be. That's probably why nobody is saying anything remotely like that. grow up.

[igor_balis]

It would be. That's probably why nobody is saying anything remotely like that. grow up.

Mate I don't care about that anymore, we're talking about Quincy doing hate crimes now

[Giggles]

Definitely lost it a touch.

[Baz]

If Rooney stays fit we win 2004. I'm convinced of that to this day.
Cannot wait for the documentary at 10:30.

[Spikey M]

Mate I don't care about that anymore, we're talking about Quincy doing hate crimes now

Apologies I've been eating a curry* so I'm a bit behind.

*No offence, Quince.

[randomlegend]

The 2018 side featured the banter midfield of Lingard and Dele Alli didn't it come the end? It may not have been an innate cultural reason, but that side wasn't that great.

This current side has some superb players, but many of the England teams over the years have. It also has some glaring inadequacies. Do either of the reserve goalkeepers even get a game for their club? Literally no left back. Sketchy at best in the middle of defence. Better players in attack, maybe, but let's not pretend that the likes of Foden and Saka are light years better than Gascoigne and McManaman. It all comes down to Bellingham, can he be Rooney 2004, without getting injured? That 2004 team was/should have been absolute mustard, although it does feel like we haven't had an actually good goalkeeper for decades, no offence to Pickford who has almost always stood up and been better than expected.

Virtually all international teams have weak points though, that's just the nature of having a limited pool of players to choose from.

England has easily one of the best squads in the tournament and knowing Southgate is going to use it to play the worst brand of football known to man trying to grind out painful 1-0 wins or 0-0 draws is miserable.

[igor_balis]

It's a relief that everyone on here realises Southgate is a bit shit. Everyone on other places I frequent not only disagree, but act like being anti-Southgate is some kind of childish, idiotic take. A bit like how Jimmy regards any opinion Waff has about Chelsea.

[igor_balis]

dquincy just called me the n word in a private message

[randomlegend]

Also, congratulations on the racism quincy :thbup:

[Adramelch]

dquincy just called me the n word in a private message

Did he start his sentence with "I'm not racist, but..."?

[Dquincy]

dquincy just called me the n word in a private message

Hope I spelt it right. I know that's important to you chaps.

[Kikó]

Southgate has been a good international manager and was a very poor domestic one. Maybe he's good at creating good vibes in an international team.

[Dquincy]

Southgate has been a good international manager and was a very poor domestic one. Maybe he's good at creating good vibes in an international team.
This take is worse than racism.

He's tactically inept. And taking Lewis Dunk over slabhead was a mistake.

[Spikey M]

Maguire is injured, isn't he?

[Kikó]

He's taken England to a semi final and a final. He's clearly been a good international coach.

[Lewis]

It's a relief that everyone on here realises Southgate is a bit shit. Everyone on other places I frequent not only disagree, but act like being anti-Southgate is some kind of childish, idiotic take. A bit like how Jimmy regards any opinion Waff has about Chelsea.

Putting his name to those boilerplate press releases about diversity or whatever they were was the best cover he could have ever given himself. If you call him a tosser you are immediately Nigel Farage.

[Magic]

He's taken England to a semi final and a final. He's clearly been a good international coach.

Had the best squads whilst other nations were going through transitions.

[Spikey M]

Had the best squads whilst other nations were going through transitions.

Exactly this. Italy were Leicester. Which makes us Spurs. :happycry:

[Kikó]

Yeah it's all just luck and circumstance.

[Spikey M]

Kiko's just called me the N word on WhatsApp.

[Dquincy]

Maguire is injured, isn't he?

Ah, did not know that.

Back to your vindaloo please.

[Kikó]

Kiko's just called me the N word on WhatsApp.

You are a numpty.

[igor_balis]

Putting his name to those boilerplate press releases about diversity or whatever they were was the best cover he could have ever given himself. If you call him a tosser you are immediately Nigel Farage.

Someone on another place online said I didn't like Southgate because I think he's too woke.

[Shindig]

It's perplexing. Southgate has done very well but I wouldn't trust him with whatever his next job is. He lacks those key decision-making moments. Honestly, it was weird to see the squad feature some big gambles.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Who is Folorunsho?

[Magic]

It's perplexing. Southgate has done very well but I wouldn't trust him with whatever his next job is. He lacks those key decision-making moments. Honestly, it was weird to see the squad feature some big gambles.

He's a fluffer, nothing more. Needs to step aside and let the alpha in.

[Lewis]

Someone on another place online said I didn't like Southgate because I think he's too woke.

Probably some bender with random tattoos up their arms who refers to 'this England team' as 'likeable' to justify only caring now that we're threatening to win something and not wanting to be left out of the conversation with normal decent people.

[Lewis]

Normal decent people like us and Nigel Farage.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'd love a footie chat with Nigel Farage. We could agree that it was better in the 80s when proper tackles went in, and that referees seem to be getting younger these days.

[Shindig]

He's a fluffer, nothing more. Needs to step aside and let the alpha in.

Who's that? I do think this is his last hurrah but who do the FA court after that? Howe? Potter? Moyes is Scotland bound so we can rule that out. :drool:

[Ben]

No way do the FA appoint someone with a personality so Potter is probably the ceiling.

[Shindig]

It's probably Howe with Tindall and Jones joining up with him. I think the latter's already been part of the setup before. EDIT: He was Southgate's assistant briefly.

[igor_balis]

Probably some bender with random tattoos up their arms who refers to 'this England team' as 'likeable' to justify only caring now that we're threatening to win something and not wanting to be left out of the conversation with normal decent people.

One of my mates is literally this. He finally relented and got into football in his early mid-20s. When watching the women's world cup about ten years ago he said "the American women's team would beat the men's team" and I had to have a gentle word. I don't think he was being performatively woke though, he was genuinely shocked when i explained even Lincoln city would beat the USWNT.

I kind of respect it though, more than people who maintain that not- liking-football-as-personality-trait thing into middle age.

[Baz]

Cannot wait for the documentary at 10:30.

It is ASTONISHING how fat and old Rooney is nowadays.

[Lewis]

I'd love a footie chat with Nigel Farage. We could agree that it was better in the 80s when proper tackles went in, and that referees seem to be getting younger these days.

I bet he refers to 'the football' when he's pretending to support Crystal Palace and doing that weird flappy hand thing he does during that shit song they have.

'And we - well, you know who we support - we support the Palace (*hands*), the Palace (*hands*), the PALACE (*hands*)...'

[igor_balis]

Obligatory mention of the Hamiltons' world cup song

[Yevrah]

It's perplexing. Southgate has done very well but I wouldn't trust him with whatever his next job is. He lacks those key decision-making moments. Honestly, it was weird to see the squad feature some big gambles.

The reason nobody trusts him with their club is because he hasn't done very well and deep down people know that, but they struggle to reconcile it with him reaching a semi and a final. It's like the Lizzo being beautiful thing.

He's at best achieved par and the only thing he's done that we arguably shouldn't have done was knock Germany out of Euro 2020 (weight of history/an actual name in knockout football). Everything else has either been what we should have achieved given the players we have, or worse.

[Yevrah]

And the Saka substitution against France should have seen him executed on the spot for high treason.

[Lewis]

One of my mates is literally this. He finally relented and got into football in his early mid-20s. When watching the women's world cup about ten years ago he said "the American women's team would beat the men's team" and I had to have a gentle word. I don't think he was being performatively woke though, he was genuinely shocked when i explained even Lincoln city would beat the USWNT.

I kind of respect it though, more than people who maintain that not- liking-football-as-personality-trait thing into middle age.

The same nonce demographic trying to erase 'tragedy chanting' from our rich cultural fabric.

[Yevrah]

Completely forgot we missed a penalty against France in Euro 2004 as well. FFS.

Actually, fucking look at this shit. A proper bottle job.

[igor_balis]

Completely forgot we missed a penalty against France in Euro 2004 as well. FFS.

Actually, fucking look at this shit. A proper bottle job.

Yeah watching that I was thinking "Christ maybe Yev was right after all" :D

[Yevrah]

Yeah watching that I was thinking "Christ maybe Yev was right after all" :D

I've had 34 very vivid years of this shit in one guise or another. :D

[niko_cee]

That team was so much better than the current one.

[Yevrah]

That team was so much better than the current one.

It was, but relative to the quality of other teams around at the time vs. now, not so much.

[Yevrah]

The fucking state of Beckham on penalties. In hindsight I should have been much harder on the dickhead insisting on taking them and the manager indulging it.

[niko_cee]

It's mostly that, having less interest now I've perhaps let myself be swept up in the current mania that this England team is somehow uniquely brilliant, and then you go through the squad/team and realise that it's just about the same, if not a bit worse. And then there's the manager.

[igor_balis]

Looking at the 90s-00s international teams, my instict is that they're MUCH better, but that can't be right, can it? Is it? I can never really work it out.

[Shindig]

I think this current lot competes better against the big sides. We've still been helped massively by draws opening up in our favour. The mentality might be better around the camp, too.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Looking at the 90s-00s international teams, my instict is that they're MUCH better, but that can't be right, can it? Is it? I can never really work it out.

There was a lot more virtuosity and 'football' then, now it's just hard running and exploiting space, for the most part. The modern teams would win in a match, but the older ones were better footballers.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1802063067846750541

Parlour has had to apologise and delete the video :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

We're going to batter these Orange nonces.

[SincereTheRebel]

Depay looks like a SoundCloud rapper . Dressing like that, should be banned unless your have Dinho pedigree.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Here. We. Go.

[Shindig]

Keown's not been impressed by Virgil.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Why him FFS?

[Yevrah]

Are we actually 3/1 to win the tournament? That is utterly fucking mental.

[Waffdon]

Are we actually 3/1 to win the tournament? That is utterly fucking mental.

Joint 4/1 with the French

[Yevrah]

Yeah, that's a joke.

I'd assumed "one of the favourites" meant 6 or 7/1. Not 4/1 or 7/2. And level with France? Rofl, and while we're at it, copter.

[John Arne]

Listening to Martin Keown tell strikers how they should have hit the ball really is quite annoying.

[Yevrah]

This match is balls and Poland are an absolute eyesore. Again.

[Ian]

Wout. :cool:

[Waffdon]

Big time player :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:(

[Ian]

Wout. :cool:

:cool:

[Danny]

Commentator on the US feed said “that’s what he does” when he scored. As someone who watched a lot of him last season, it fucking isn’t.

[Adramelch]

He also did it against Argentina, and seeing as those are the only two games they've probably watched him play, it's what he does for them.

[Danny]

He also did it against Argentina, and seeing as those are the only two games they've probably watched him play, it's what he does for them.

It was Ian Darke and Rob Lee so I would have expected better.

[Adramelch]

I have no idea who they are, but you should never expect anything from any football commentator.

[Raoul Duke]

My main two observations from the tournament so far:

- Loads of teams playing 3-at-the-back
- Loads of teams wearing a single colour kit

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Eriksen :cool:

[Waffdon]

That’s a lovely goal after Sesko nearly scored that thundercunt

[Ben]

Ally McCoist :cool:

[Adramelch]

Every game has had an (at least one) early goal so far.

[niko_cee]

Is that not going to be a pen? He just booted him.

[Ben]

Every game has had an (at least one) early goal so far.

Probably means nothing but I’ve noticed in most games that teams are shooting towards their own fans in the first half, whereas we normally see that in the second half.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Sesko can wallop the ball, shame he hit the post.

Set up nicely now though.

[Waffdon]

Sesko to score a worldie to win this

[Waffdon]

They haven’t half done a 180 with their added time this tournament. Was it the World Cup where they made a point to add 7+ every half?

[Bernanke]

Sesko looks an absolute beast.

[niko_cee]

At least Micah Richards isn't the England manager.


For the midfield line-up I would put Jude Bellingham deeper next to Declan Rice and have Phil Foden as the number 10.

[Waffdon]

At least Micah Richards isn't the England manager.

Better than trusting Alexander Arnold in midfield.

England should have more than enough to win today but the Serbs front two should be able to bully that left side of England’s defence in the air. Declan Rice is also going to have to play the most disciplined football of his life

[Gray Fox]

England have a hell of a lot of good options for the roles in behind Kane. Also Anthony Gordon.

It will be the defence or the waistcoat that will stop them.

[niko_cee]

Better than trusting Alexander Arnold in midfield.


This is true.

Maybe he's going for the renegade 4-1-4-1 with defensive wide men to free up Foden and Bellingham. Doubtful though.

[Spikey M]

TAA in midfield ffs

[Shindig]

I think his logic was to simply give Bellingham more time on the ball. I can ... sort of see it but he's not that type of water carrier, is he? I dunno, I don't see him every week.

[niko_cee]

Quarterback! Quarterback! Quarterback! :sick:

[-james-]

Cheer up lads ffs

[igor_balis]

I quite like TAA as a cm in theory. Rather that than having Bellingham deeper, and it's better than the likes of Henderson and Phillips.

[Spikey M]

It's just a bit baffling that he'd send Maddison home, only to end up having to play a right back in Central midfield because of his passing range.

[igor_balis]

Id much rather Trent than an out of form j madz as a centre mid, honestly.

[Yevrah]

No left back and a right back in midfield. Just play Mainoo there FFS.

[igor_balis]

Not having a proper left back is more of a problem for me. I will say that I have more faith in Trent as a midfielder than I do in Joe Hart as a pundit, bloody hell.

[Spikey M]

Yeah, "media" is not your future, Joe.

[Bernanke]

All streams I can find are Fox Sports, and what a dire broadcast it is.

[Spikey M]

It's on BBC1 over here. If you can find a VPN that let's you pretend to be here you should be able to watch it on the BBC website / iPlayer.

[niko_cee]

No left back and a right back in midfield. Just play Mainoo there FFS.

Mainoo isn't ready and is no more a holding midfielder than dear old 'Trent'.

At least this is theoretically attacking, although it would be better if he just played Alexander-Arnold at right back. He's the best one we have available and was much better when he went there in whatever warm-up game it was.

[-james-]

Not having a proper left back is more of a problem for me. I will say that I have more faith in Trent as a midfielder than I do in Joe Hart as a pundit, bloody hell.

Shaw will be back for the knockouts. It's coming home.

[Ben]

Can’t believe the negativity in here. We’ve got this, it’s our time.

[Yevrah]

Mainoo isn't ready

Why isn't he ready? What level are most of the players we're up against today operating at?

[niko_cee]

I've not heard three lions yet, what's going on? Or does that only usually manifest once the feel good factor is established?

[Bernanke]

It's on BBC1 over here. If you can find a VPN that let's you pretend to be here you should be able to watch it on the BBC website / iPlayer.

Cheers, much better.

[Pepe]

All streams I can find are Fox Sports, and what a dire broadcast it is.

Latifi streams.

[Shindig]

Someone shut those mascots up.

[Waffdon]

Why isn't he ready? What level are most of the players we're up against today operating at?

Wharton is your best option alongside Rice

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Today, I am Serbian.

[niko_cee]

Today, I am Serbian.

:face:

[Shindig]

Serb-boo-a.

[Dark Soldier]

Can’t believe the negativity in here. We’ve got this, it’s our time.

Bunch of middle aged accountants who've given up on joy, mate. Up the three lions.

[Dan]

SMS with the hipster moustache means he’s either gonna score or get sent off.

[Waffdon]

Spot the northerns. INGERLAND INGERLAND INGERLAND

[Lofty]

10 seconds in and bullied off a long ball punt :eyemouth:

[Spikey M]

Serbia must have an average height of about 6' 7" and each and every one of them is a unit.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm good with Trent in the middle. It's the defence that worries me against this Yugoslav frontline.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:face:

Going to have to pretend I'm an England fan at the gym and my tennis lesson tomorrow as I'm too much of a coward to tell real people I hate the England side :(

[Pepe]

Send him to Rwanda.

[Spikey M]

All this because some bloke said he doesn't see him as English 20 years ago. What a fanny.

[Yevrah]

Bunch of middle aged accountants who've given up on joy, mate. Up the three lions.

As opposed to deluded man-children who still have the unjustified optimism of youth?

[Pepe]

Lol at tennis lessons.

[Dark Soldier]

As opposed to deluded man-children who still have the unjustified optimism of youth?

Back in ya wankshed and simmer

[Pepe]

Is that some sort of polo with a zipper neck under his spotscoat? :harold:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lol at tennis lessons.

Group tennis lessons :cool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm a bit surprised they've used one of their best couple of refs on this game. Maybe they think it's going to be a punch-up.

[Pepe]

Group tennis lessons :cool:

:checkit:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1802319338281611361

:D

Lol.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Damn.

[Shindig]

Lift off.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This guy is the fucking guy. So well-taken.

[Spikey M]

1802319338281611361

:D

Lol.
:D

[Yevrah]

Jude. :cool:

[Magic]

Bellingham is a monster. Fucking glorious football player.

[Waffdon]

This might be about 4 or 5 nil. Huge difference in quality all over

[Yevrah]

This guy is the fucking guy. So well-taken.

He really is, isn't he.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He really is, isn't he.

It's been so long since an England player felt like this. Early Rooney.

[Danny]

Why isn't he ready? What level are most of the players we're up against today operating at?

He’s ready. They really should have had him starting with Rice so they can get more time together before tougher opponents

[Gray Fox]

As the kids say these days. Jude is HIM.

[Ben]

Weather’s finally turning next week, Tories are getting obliterated and Jude has us on his back already. Strap in men, great summer ahead.

[Adramelch]

Decent player. He's no McTominay, but he will function.

[Magic]

It's been so long since an England player felt like this. Early Rooney.

Nah he was explosive but a thick clown. Bellingham reminds me of Zidane.

[Lofty]

Lol what the fuck was that.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Trent almost punished.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Serbia acting like Quincy when Saka is near them.

[Spikey M]

The fuck was that from Rice?

[Pepe]

Nah he was explosive but a thick clown. Bellingham reminds me of Zidane.

I've only watched him play for like ten minutes, but I am going to lol at that.

[Spikey M]

Jude :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Shame the drugs Walker is on don't give him any decision-making ability.

[Magic]

I've only watched him play for like ten minutes, but I am going to lol at that.

There's loads of clips of him on YouTube even though he's a 90s God.

[Adramelch]

He just doesn't really remind me of Zidane in terms of playstyle, so not sure where these comparisons came from.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That volleyed pass was pure Zidane as it happens. In general though he's more of a product of his own time.

[Shindig]

Zidane was all about his pirouettes and taking the ball under control from the sky. Jude is not that.

[Magic]

He just doesn't really remind me of Zidane in terms of playstyle, so not sure where these comparisons came from.

His touch, his vision, the way he moves even. Maybe it's just a visual thing.

[-james-]

As opposed to deluded man-children who still have the unjustified optimism of youth?

Oof. Loss of youthful optimism is basically death.

[Lofty]

Serbia's manager looks like a Bob Mortimer character.

[Magic]

What is with Boden and Barry Bane? Miles behind.

[Waffdon]

Vlahovic has been absolutely dreadful so far this half

[Waffdon]

Saka is so much more fun to watch for England. Arteta has the ‘Pep’ gene of stopping his wingers playing like wingers

[Yevrah]

This is shit.

[Spikey M]

I'd put Eze on for Foden in the second half. They already can't deal with Saka.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jude is taking the piss.

[Adramelch]

His touch, his vision, the way he moves even. Maybe it's just a visual thing.

I would say he reminds me more of Kaka in his Milan days, although that comparison is still a bit of a stretch. I think in general he's his own thing really.

[igor_balis]

Terrible touch from Bellingham there tbf :D

[Yevrah]

Oof. Loss of youthful optimism is basically death.

That sounds like some 'life bollocks' the Diary of the CEO would pump out. You should email him.

[-james-]

It's giving France energy. Concede random half chances but score randomly every now and then cos good players.

[-james-]

That sounds like some 'life bollocks' the Diary of the CEO would pump out. You should email him.

Yeah I was immediately embarrassed upon posting

[Magic]

I would say he reminds me more of Kaka in his Milan days, although that comparison is still a bit of a stretch. I think in general he's his own thing really.

Yeah, that's fair. Although Jude is slower.

[Bernanke]

Peak Kaka might honestly be my favourite player in all my years of watching football.

[Waffdon]

England doing that thing they normally do against better opposition after taking a lead

[Yevrah]

England doing that thing they normally do against better opposition after taking a lead

We've been abysmal. A proper rant is brewing.