England - Euro 2004

[packt up]

I know its kinda early but I just wanted to know who everyone would pick in their England team for Euro 2004 from the current number of players available (Woodgate :(). I just saw this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3700935.stm) article about Gerrard apparently being used for the problematic left hand side and potentially Beckham being used infield. Who would you play on the left? Who in goal? And which strikers to take eh? What formation?? Here's what I would play even though I know it has no chance in hell of actualyl appearing.

GK - Robinson
DL - Bridge
DR - Johnson
DC - Campbell
DC - Terry
ML - Cole
MR - Beckham
MC - Lampard
MC - Gerrard
F - Owen (get in form you bastard)
F - Rooney (ditto)

[Wengerland]

I would say a lot of the team picks itself,it's a shame we don't have a quality goalkeeper (other than Walker :shifty: ).

Mine would be:

GK - James
DL - A.Cole
DR- G.Neville
DC- Terry
DC- Campbell
ML- Scholes,making in field runs to behind the front two
MR- Beckham
MC - Lampard
MC - Gerrard
F - Owen
F - Rooney

I prefer Rooney to Heskey but if Heskey can keep up the partnership with Owen going well in the last game then maybe him.

[packt up]

Heskey amazed me against Birmingham - played very well. I'd never thought I'd say this but he might be the best we have :(. Sad that. Rooney's done **** all all season but then maybe foreign defenders won't know so much about him.

Scholes has had a pretty dire season in my opinion. I don't get what the whole thing with Gary Neville is what makes him so much better that he's undisputed first choice when he isn't anything special. He used to have that "link" with Beckham but now they don't even play together so thats probably over. James is an accident waiting to happen. And Ashley Cole can't defend too well hence him on the wing (left footer on the wing :eek: :roll:)

Thing is I know the team will look way more like yours than mine :(.

[Wengerland]

Ohhhhh,thought you meant Joe Cole on the wing.:$ But Ashley Cole has improved a lot defensively over the past few months imo.

Thinking about it i'd much rather have Carragher right back,but that's unlikely to happen.I'd think Neville and Beckham would still have that link going on,given how many years they played together and,seeing as Neville is the likely left back,that can only be good for us.

Personally i think a lot of people under-estimate how good we have it going,but if only we had a forward in really good form....:'(

[Cactus Sid]

GK - Robinson
DR - Carragher (has been one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing season)
DL - Bridge
DC - Terry
DC - Campbell
ML - A. Cole
MR - Beckham
DMC - Gerrard
AMC - Lampard
FC - Owen
FC - Defoe

To explain

James, despite playing ok recently, has been dire this season, he has made way too many mistakes. Robinson is just a class act, he's been really unlucky with such a poor defence in front of him, but he should be Number 1. Bridge at Left Back with Cole at Left Wing to me is an obvious route. If Thompson doesn't go (which he won't) England have no natural left-footed players, and Cole going forward is superb, while Bridge has had a great season, and is good both going forward and coming back. It also gives them natural cover if Bridge goes forward.

Carragher over Gary Neville, purely because Neville hasn't had his usual consistency, while Carragher has. Both sides have had poor seasons, but I think Carragher, apart from Gerrard, has been Liverpool's best player. My only reason for playing Neville would be experience.

Terry and Campbell pick themselves, I'd have these 2 in even if Ferdinand was available.

I think Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard would give England 3 hard working midfielders, who can all play in each others positions, and are creative, furthermore, they can send balls over the top for 2 pacey forwards. Owen and Defoe, if given the ball on the ground, could destroy defences

[Cactus Sid]

Also, David James, Gary Neville, Gareth Southgate, Joe Cole, Owen Hargreaves, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney as subs, with Emile Heskey, Alan Smith, Scott Parker, another defender and a goalkeeper going

[Wengerland]

I'd take Defoe with the squad but he hasn't been good enough form wise to start for me,i'd see how he does in the warm up games before contemplating that.

Robinson for me has been a bit lucky,because Leeds' defence has been criticised and taken the blame for most things.I don't think every goal can be put down to bad defending and Robinson could have done better on Charlton's equaliser and i think 2 of Bolton's goals to name a few recent ones.James however (aside from the Sweden game) seems to up his performance for England,and even though he shouldn't be in the side for those games i think he should be in anyway.

[Dazz]

GK - Robinson
LB - A. Cole
CB - Terry
CB - Campbell
RB - Carragher
LM - Dyer (Worth giving him a try)
CM - Lampard
CM - Gerrard
RM - Beckham
ST - Owen
ST - Smith

Subs - James, Bridge, Southgate, Hargreaves, J. Cole, Defoe, Scholes,


Not sure out of Smith and Defoe up front, but Defoe is a pussy, but at least theres no danger of him being sent off.

[Rob Ban Fan]

GK - James
LB - Scummer Bridge
CB - Terry
CB - Campbell
RB - Gary Neville
LM - Joe Cole
CM - Gerrard
CM - Lampard
RM - Beckham
F - Owen
F - Heskey

Scholes, Southgate, Hargreaves, Defoe etc on the bench.

Defoe and Hargreaves both looked class in the recent friendly but I wouldn't start them yet. Scholes is an intellegent player and passes well but id pick Lampard and Gerrard ahead of him on recent form.

I honestly wouldn't let Robinson anywhere near the England squad. Yes he's had a piss poor defence infront of him this season and he's had a lot to deal with because of that but he has made a lot of mistakes, in the game where we put 6 past him, I think about 4 of them he could've done better on. Again this is because of the defence he's had infront of him and he's low on confidence but thats even more reason not to let him near the England squad. Next year hopefull he'll move to a new club and play with some people who could actually pass as defenders (Duberry :|) and he'll be good enough for the next tournament. But right now, James is the best we've got.

Heskey wont be a popular choice but he holds the ball up well and him and Owen know eachothers games. Plus I hate Rooney.

Joe Cole on the left is something to try i spose. He'll roam around, put himself about, worth a try.

[Ogen]

GK: James - Robinson has nore ability but ain't ready for this yet.
DL Cole
DC Campbell
DC Terry
DR: Out of nessicity I'll go wtih Neville but hes sh</>it
ML: Barry
MC Gerrard
MC: Lampard
MR: Beckham
FC: Scholes behind Owen
Striker: Owen

[The Ravishing One]

I don't rate Rooney. Don't feel he's ready yet imo.

[packt up]

I'd prefer Defoe over Vassel (what exactly has he done for Villa this season?!) but like most I think a place on the bench is enough as opposed to starting.

Hadn't really thought of Caragher at RB to be honest. I remember for the World Cup I was thinking yeah he would really do a job for us there and then he got injured :(. This year though I've hardly seen him so I guess I'll have to take Cactus' word on that he's had a good season :p. My problem with Carragher is that he doesn't offer a lot going forward. My liverpool supporter friends at uni say its an occasion if he even gets over the half way line! Johnson sure hasn't held down a regular first team place but when he's up against Carragher and bloody Neville I don't think he has to.

I think both Dyer and J Cole have proved that they can't really cut it on the left hand side. Dyer hasn't had a particularly good season to be honest :(. Joe Cole I think is the kind of player better suited to the subs bench anyway doing all his tricks and stuff when everyone's tired.

Wouldn't mind Barry going with the squad (which seems to be highly unlikely) but as a left winger I wouldn't know cos I haven't seen him play there really.

And Rooney's already done quite well at international level why would he not be ready. He's practically been heaped under all of this pressure of "England's great hope" and hasn't done too bad so I think he's ready.

[Wengerland]

Personally i wouldn't even take Glen Johnson.:$ For me he looks a liability defensively and even if Carragher doesn't get forward as much,we'd already have Ashley Cole(probably) going forward and Bridge if he plays.Gary Neville can put a good cross in but hasn't had his best season from a defensive point of view,but Johnson would be one for the future.

Looking at the attacking talent in the midfield i don't think we desperately need an attacking full back,it's just that on the left the best and most likely to be picked offer that option.

[Dazz]

Yeah Glenn Johnson has an attitude problem, and he is a liability, like you say. Anyone who gets sent off for 2 bookable offences, both time wasting, when 4-0 up with 5 minutes to go, is an idiot. He also enjoys arguing with refs, but is good going forward. I wouldn't take him, but I would rather see him play then Gary Neville.

[Razor Rybek]

Gary Neville has been exposed for the rubbish that he is this year, without Beckham in front of him, he's nothing. They would always work well together and Becks would fill in when Neville went forward. Ronaldo just aint the same....
As for the squad, its pretty much all been said in this thread, I will only add...

Joe Cole - Overated in a big way, not international class
Glen Johnson - NO
Lampard - Better than Scholes by the preverbial country mile(this season at least)
Vassell - It just seems to happen for him when he pulls on the three lions, why not just roll with it?
Smith - Will give his all, but is that enough?

Lastly, I would not oppose a last run for the man, the myth, the legend that is.............WISEY!!! He's only four foot four, he'll break your ****ing jaw.......

I live in hope

[Dazz]

He's small,
he's hard,
he gets a yellow card,
Dennis Wise
Dennis Wise

[The Duck]

Scholes MUST play. He's big match experience (3 major international competitions, 8 years top-level European experience scoring goals against the best defences) is unparalled in his position. Sure his form's been pretty lackluster at stages this season, but don't kid yourself to thinking there's much better than him (I'll get to Lampard later and remember he's extremely unproven at THIS level).

Here's my team:-

1. David James
2. Gary Neville (best English right back - a great talker, leader and his partnership with Beckham may come to good effect; still a consistent performer (though anti-MUFC bias will have you believe otherwise))
3. Wayne Bridge (a better left-back option IMO. Cole will get the nod, but Bridge is a more solid defender)
4. Steven Gerrard (best use of England on the left side of the diamond; his goal on the weekend proved he could of threat and there really isn't much of a better option)
5. Jon Terry (best option)
6. Sol Campbell (ditto)
7. David Beckham (right side of diamond with license to roam)
8. Paul Scholes (box to box, late runs into the area - his best position)
9. Wayne Rooney
10. Michael Owen
11. Frank Lampard or Nicky Butt (depends on the game; if attack and goal are needed that Lampard is a great option for his form, goals and attacking box to box play; against France for instance Butt may be the better option to steralise the likes of Zidane and being the anchor man - admitally his form has been wank this season and he hasn't played a lot but his England form in the World Cup two years ago has to be acknowledged)

[El Capitano Gatisto]

If I was picked the England side it'd be:

GK: Robinson

DR: G. Neville
DC: Terry
DC: Campbell
DL: Samuel



MR: Beckham
MC: Gerrard
MC: Scholes
ML: Thompson

FC: Owen
FC: Rooney

Alan Thompson should have been given a good run in the team long ago. The diamond formation is shite. Paul Scholes is better than Lampard. Lampard has had a good season, but he hasn't impressed me when it has come to the matches against the Arsenal midfield. I think he is a good domestic player having a good season. Scholes is truly world class.

J'Llord Samuel is more impressive than either Bridge or Ashley Cole. Cole is a liability, too, in that he gets wound up easily and international referees will punish him.

Sven should quit the long ball, direct tactics, and look to play through Gerrard and Scholes, through the midfield. Give Scholes a chance to get into the box and amongst the goals, rather than looking for the shitty ball over the top to Owen.

[Rob Ban Fan]

<font face=verdana size=3 color="#ff6600">I would've used the recent friendlies to look at the likes of Thompson, Samuel and Robinson.

I still stand by what I said about Robinson and I wouldn't take Thompson and Samuel along simply because they haven't played enough in friendlies and what have you to prove they're good enough.

Thompson played one half and didnt have the best game and I think Bridge and Cole would be better than Samuel and I agree with you about the diamond being shit. Lampard or Gerrard would be wasted on the left side of a diamond too.</font>

[Mr. Monday Morning]

James
G Neville
Campbell
Terry
Bridge
Beckham
Gerrard
Lampard
Barry
Owen
Heskey

I really dunno about Rooney...talent is unquestioned but his temprament is still in question and he hasn't had the greatest of seasons this year. Barry has played a major, major part in Villa's good season and if he'd actually been given the chance to play the LM in a few friendlies I'd wager he would have the spot locked down by now. As it is he's probably not even going to be in the squad :-\

[Dazz]

If I was picked the England side it'd be:

GK: Robinson

DR: G. Neville
DC: Terry
DC: Campbell
DL: Samuel



MR: Beckham
MC: Gerrard
MC: Scholes
ML: Thompson

FC: Owen
FC: Rooney

Alan Thompson should have been given a good run in the team long ago. The diamond formation is shite. Paul Scholes is better than Lampard. Lampard has had a good season, but he hasn't impressed me when it has come to the matches against the Arsenal midfield. I think he is a good domestic player having a good season. Scholes is truly world class.

J'Llord Samuel is more impressive than either Bridge or Ashley Cole. Cole is a liability, too, in that he gets wound up easily and international referees will punish him.

Sven should quit the long ball, direct tactics, and look to play through Gerrard and Scholes, through the midfield. Give Scholes a chance to get into the box and amongst the goals, rather than looking for the shitty ball over the top to Owen.

Samuel's problem is that playing with Villa he hasn't got the experience, I think he will be great in years to come, and has played extremely well at Villa this season, and it has gone pretty much unnoticed by everyone except Villa fans, but when it comes to any form of European match, his experience is sweet F.A.

Lampard didn't play badly against the Arse, but Vieira did kinda shit all over the whole midfield :$. He also scored the first goal in the Champions League Quarters 2nd leg, and scored a good goal against monaco. If your talking about performances soley against big clubs this season, his pass to Joe Cole for his goal against Newcastle was top draw, he scored against Newcastle at the Bridge, and against United at the Bridge. He has by far been our best player this season, and has been vital in many matches, and unlike Scholes he doesn't dive in the box, and he doesn't do stupid challenges, he should be given a go, Scholes has not had the most impressive season, and Lampard deserves a spot more then Scholes IMO.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Scholes has been shoved around the United midfield by Alex Ferguson. Last season, he was the best player in the Premiership. He has still scored plenty of goals this season in an overall underpar United side. I just think that if you've got world class players, you have to play them because they have the ability to turn it on in the big games. Scholes can. You have to start him, because he is one of England's few genuinely world class performers.

[Dazz]

But the point is, he is not in form at the moment, Super Franky Lampard is. Did youw watch the match on Saturday? who would you rather have had playing for you in that game, Scholes or Lamps?

[El Capitano Gatisto]

If I was England manager, I'd have Scholes every time. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Scholes has class.

I bet if you asked most foreign players who they fear most in the England side, they'll say Scholes.

[Dazz]

I agree, Scholes is better then Lampard, but the point is, when someone is clearly in form, like Lampard, then I would rather have him then Scholes, who clearly isn't in form. Scholes can be the man all he wants, but recently he has not been very impressive.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Yeah but you start him anyway. It's like the last World Cup, when Beckham clearly wasn't fit to play, but he is such a presence it is better to put him in anyway. Or like Euro 2000, when Shearer missed most of the season before it.

You just have to play your talisman players, no matter what. Shearer didn't score for 3 years, or something silly, for England before Euro 1996. Sometimes giving them the chance is worth it, when you know the class is there.

Lampard has had a very good season. I think they could both fit in the side, to be honest, if Sven wanted to try Scholes playing off Owen, with a right footer playing on the left. Plenty of sides use right footers on the left, like Portugal with Figo and France with pires.

[Dazz]

You know, there were some very good points your brough up there.

Lampard can only play in the centre, and as Man United proved, 4-5-1 with Schole splaying off an attacker is far from impressive, I think use either one or the other, although having said thta our attack is shit, so anythings worth a try.

Joey Cole hasn't been bad for Chelsea when given the chance on the left, trouble is, he is rarely given the chance to play anywhere at Chelsea. :(.

[The Mask]

we aren't going to do anything anyway. our attacking options are far too poor/inconsistant and our defense is average at best.

[Dazz]

Our defence down the centre is fine, its the ful; backs that let us down, Owen is overrated and we have no good attackers, so I would agree with you about the attack.

[The Mask]

our centre defense would be fine, if half of our players in that position weren't out.

[Dazz]

Defence*

And I think that Terry and Campbell should be our first choice centre backs anyway, and our full backs are all fully fit.

[The Mask]

cry about it

[Wengerland]

I would play Scholes and Lampard,ECG is right about Scholes as his class should get him a starting place but Lampard's form has been good enough to earn a starting spot on merit,or deserve much more than any other midfield candidate who is on the fringes.

Defence did well in Turkey,and even though i think they're overrated as a side,they restricted them the chances.

[Danny Electric]

GK - James
DR - Carragher
DL - Bridge
DC - Canmpbell
DC - Terry
MR - Beckham
ML - Lampard
MC - Gerrard
MC - Scholes
FC - Owen
FC - Heskey

[Cactus Sid]

Hadn't really thought of Caragher at RB to be honest. I remember for the World Cup I was thinking yeah he would really do a job for us there and then he got injured :(. This year though I've hardly seen him so I guess I'll have to take Cactus' word on that he's had a good season :p. My problem with Carragher is that he doesn't offer a lot going forward. My liverpool supporter friends at uni say its an occasion if he even gets over the half way line!

He doesn't come forward that often, because he hasn't been able to. Last couple of months (when he's not filling in for Henchoz) he's got forward and played really well.

[Wengerland]

Sven has hinted that Carragher will be in the squad because of his versatility,which is pretty good because he didn't look out of place at centre back on saturday.

[Team Sheep]

England now joint 12th in the world with Cameroon. :$

[Wengerland]

The Rankings are a bunch of crap though,like a lot of Fifa things.

I mean how can Wales be so low despite winning against Scotland (and they're below them) and Hungary and getting to the playoffs.Also with Spain having to qualify through the playoffs i don't understand how they're third.Turkey are somehow 7th and Mexico could be between by at least 10 of the top 15 yet are 6th.

*rant over*

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Carragher is shit. Seriously, Sven is joking if he considers players like Carragher or Nicky Butt to be European Championship winning calibre.

Jermaine Defoe should be in the squad too. Potential break-out player.

[The Duck]

Not all players in the squad need to be European Championship winning calibre. The fact is, if needs neccessitate a versatile player to fill in and if Carragher's our only real English utility player, then surely for the purpose of the squad he should be included?

Butt has been wank for two years now, though the lack of first team football and injuries have certainly contributed to that. You can't forget his immense performances in Japan & Korea two years ago and he's 'probably' still the best English anchor man we have. (name me another?)

& Yes, Defoe should be in the squad. The guy's class and I've thought that for years. United should have picked him up, along with Saha in the Transfer window to the load up the attack (whilst getting shot of Forlan in the Summer). Ah well...

[El Capitano Gatisto]

He was shit in Japan. People have been spouting that line for 2 years now, all because that dickhead Pele said Butt was England's best player at the World Cup. People tend to ignore the fact that Pele says crazy shit all the time. I'd always have Scott Parker in there ahead of Butt, because he is infinitely more dynamic. Butt is a poor man's David Batty. Slow, no imagination, not a particularly good passer, and always looks sideways or backwards.

Butt has been wank his whole career, There is a reason he has never broken into the United first team properly, and it's because he isn't good enough.

Phil Neville is a more useful utility player than Carragher. Utility players are overrated, anyway. You need two players per position, and a couple of goalkeepers, and that fills the squad. If Wes Brown goes, as he should, there is an extra option at full back. Gary Neville can also fill in at centre back.

If Sven wants versatility, he should be bringing Chris Sutton, because not only is Sutton quality, but he can play in attack, midfield and defence. In fact, Sutton should probably be considered as a striking option anyway, but that is a different story.

[Rob Ban Fan]

<font face=verdana size=3 color="#ff6600">Pele had El Hadji Diouf in his top 100 living players.</font>

[Dazz]

LOL ^ :lol:

If Sven wants versatility, he should be bringing Chris Sutton, because not only is Sutton quality, but he can play in attack, midfield and defence. In fact, Sutton should probably be considered as a striking option anyway, but that is a different story.

Chris Sutton is rubbish up front, scoring against Scottish keepers is neither big nor clever, and is not worth being pleased about.

He plays well at centre back, but truth is, playing in the Scottish league has turned him shitter then when he left the English league, and he will be off the pace.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

LOL ^ :lol:



Chris Sutton is rubbish up front, scoring against Scottish keepers is neither big nor clever, and is not worth being pleased about.

He plays well at centre back, but truth is, playing in the Scottish league has turned him shitter then when he left the English league, and he will be off the pace.

Shut up Dazz. Sutton is a great striker. He's played better in Europe over the past couple of seasons that any other English striker too. You talked about how good Flo was for Chelsea, and he was absolute shit in Scotland.

Can't argue with his scoring record in the Premiership. He had a bad season at Chelsea, but then if we wrote off every player who has went through bad times, there wouldn't be any good players in this world.

[Dazz]

No, Sutton was shit for Blackburn the season before, and if you look at fat bastards like John Hartson who can make it in the Scottish League, then you know the league is for jobbers.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

John Hartson finished top goalscorer in the Premiership before he went to Wimbledon from West Ham.

Going to Scotland doesn't make a good player rubbish.

Also, the reason Chelsea signed him was because he was playing so well for Blackburn.

[Dazz]

I said before the season it was a bad move signing him, the guy is overrated. If he was good upfront, he would have been regulary playing for England. As it happens, he is not good upfront, and was better in the few games he played at centre back.

[packt up]

When I think of Chris Sutton I just think he's a cock because he turned down England B. And then he whines about not getting chances at international level. Maybe if you ****ing took them instead of being a whiney bitch about it when you had the chance you would be playing now.

Dick.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I said before the season it was a bad move signing him, the guy is overrated. If he was good upfront, he would have been regulary playing for England. As it happens, he is not good upfront, and was better in the few games he played at centre back.

Ok.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

When I think of Chris Sutton I just think he's a cock because he turned down England B. And then he whines about not getting chances at international level. Maybe if you ****ing took them instead of being a whiney bitch about it when you had the chance you would be playing now.

Dick.

I don't think he whines about not getting chances at international level, and considering that basically no one who played a B international under Hoddle ever got a real chance out of it, no matter how well they played, then there is hardly much point anyway.

Lee Bowyer did the same thing.

[Dazz]

Sutton did whine. But in all fairness, remember the time Le Tissier scored a hat trick for England B, and he was still overlooked for the A team? Whats the point of having a B team if they are not going to be given a chance in the A's.

[Team Sheep]

The Rankings are a bunch of crap though,like a lot of Fifa things.

I mean how can Wales be so low despite winning against Scotland (and they're below them) and Hungary and getting to the playoffs.Also with Spain having to qualify through the playoffs i don't understand how they're third.Turkey are somehow 7th and Mexico could be between by at least 10 of the top 15 yet are 6th.

*rant over*

That is so true :y:

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Sutton did whine. But in all fairness, remember the time Le Tissier scored a hat trick for England B, and he was still overlooked for the A team? Whats the point of having a B team if they are not going to be given a chance in the A's.

I don't believe he did whine. Whining would be going to newspapers and saying "why aren't I being picked?"

Sutton was asked what he thought his chances were of being picked, and he quite rightly, and honestly, said he didn't think at this stage of his career he had any chance, considering he hadn't been looked at before now.

He said he thought Alan Thompson might have a better chance, because of where he played.

[packt up]

Looks like he's being a bit of a whiny twat here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3516219.stm) and when he says things like this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/1576322.stm) and this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2002/1576343.stm) then who the f</>uck expects him to get a call up.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Looks like he's being a bit of a whiny twat here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3516219.stm) and when he says things like this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/1576322.stm) and this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2002/1576343.stm) then who the f</>uck expects him to get a call up.

The second two are both Sutton's agent speaking.

The first one is what I was talking about. A journalist asked Sutton what his chances were of being picked by England. You'd do well to read the articles rather than the headlines. Everything Sutton said in that article is true. It's not whining, it's just the truth.

[packt up]

And I don't give a shit about the crappness of the B-Team. Playing for country is an honour at any level and refusing to represent them and then going off sulking saying I won't play for the "proper" team strikes me as childish and immature. He sounds like some kid who didn't get the right Power Ranger toy or something. If he wanted an international career why turn your back on England and then say "HOLY SHIT I'M NOT BEING SELECTED".

Its the same when the whole England team were thinking of pulling out of Rio. Playing for your country is a priveledge not a right.

[Dazz]

Read the very bottom of the third link, about Sutton being no stranger to controversy, after refusing to play for England B against Chile in 98

[packt up]

The second two are both Sutton's agent speaking.

The first one is what I was talking about. A journalist asked Sutton what his chances were of being picked by England. You'd do well to read the articles rather than the headlines. Everything Sutton said in that article is true. It's not whining, it's just the truth.

Yeah and his agent represents him. If his agent says that then what does he expect.

And hey maybe there isn't an "arrogance" in England... maybe he's just not good enough. That's not truth - thats his opinon.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Yeah and his agent represents him. If his agent says that then what does he expect.

And hey maybe there isn't an "arrogance" in England... maybe he's just not good enough. That's not truth - thats his opinon.

There quite clearly is an arrogance when it comes to the English looking at Scotland. The Scottish league isn't close to the English in strength, but the fact is, Celtic got to the UEFA Cup final last season, knocking out two Premiership sides along the way. They also got to the quarters this season, knocking out Barcelona, who were in the midst of an incredible unbeaten run of form, with Ronaldinho playing some of the best football seen by any player around.

There is an obvious arrogance that sees people like Dazz, and alot of others like him, assuming that any player who goes to Scotland immediately becomes rubbish and not worth considering. As average as Scottish sides are, the quality of Celtic's side cannot be argued and they would hold their own against any Premiership side, as they've shown repeatedly.

[packt up]

It's not arrogance though. Its fact.

Is the Scottish league weaker than the English one? Yes Fact.

Therefore is it easier for a player to succeed in the Scottish league? Yes Fact.

Its not that Sutton becomes shit when he moves to Scotland its just that all of his achievements are lessened by the fact that he's against weaker opposition.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

His achievements in the UEFA Cup? How do they become lessened? In fact, surely they become strengthened.

[Dazz]

Hey I never doubted Thompson, but yes IMO Scotland is home of English failures, and people who are not good enough, the ones who are good enough leave as soon as they get the chance.

And its more Sutton I cnanot stand because of how rubbish he was for Chelsea, if you had to watch him that much for Chelsea in a season when he scored one home goal, you would hate him too. Not to mention him being a prick to Leboeuf the season before, for no reason. The guy is a prick and the sooner he realises he doesn't deserve to play for England the better. Like I say he isn't bad at the back, but England have better to play there, and we already have enough good midfielders too, I do not think that because of his veristality he should get into the squad, unless of course, he was at least half decent.

[packt up]

His achievements in the UEFA Cup? How do they become lessened? In fact, surely they become strengthened.

Obviously his UEFA cup achievements are still seen in the same light. But scoring 19, 15, 4 and 11 goals in a weaker league hardly set the world on fire.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I don't think Sutton is all about goals. What he gives is hard work, great technique, a good target man option, and he knows how to bully defenders. Heskey is a shite goalscorer, especially for England, but he is in there because of a supposed ability to bully defenders, which he doesn't have. Sutton can also be relied upon to finish a chance when he gets it.

Is anyone going to doubt the goal Sutton scored on Saturday? I don't care what league it was in, it was beautiful.

You also have to bear in mind with Sutton's scoring record is that he has spent alot of his time in Scotland playing behind a front two, as a defender, or in midfield.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I can understand actually why Dazz doesn't like Sutton, because he was wretched at Chelsea.

I remember getting the nickname "Sutton" in school that year from a Chelsea supporter, because I kept missing shitloads of chances. He was the butt of alot of jokes.

[Dazz]

Exactly, thats what I was trying to say in my last post, that I will never forgive him for being one of the biggest wastes of money in Chelsea's history, and £10million was a very big price tag at the time.

[Wengerland]

Well i was watching the Leicester game today but from what i saw of the Villa game i saw why J'Lloyd Samuel shouldn't be in the side right now.

Ronaldo just seemed to run him ragged more often than not and if he can't deal with players like that then he definetly isn't ready to take on the better wingers out there.

[Rob Ban Fan]

People have been spouting that line for 2 years now, all because that dickhead Pele said Butt was England's best player at the World Cup. People tend to ignore the fact that Pele says crazy shit all the time.

<font face=verdana size=3 color="#ff6600">the more I read that, the more i laugh :lol:</font>

[The Mask]

rio ferdinand was by far england's best player at the world cup, then we signed him. that was pretty awesome.

[Kronik]

My Team....

GK - James - He's the best we've currently got, yep he makes mistakes (although his concentration has vastly improved over the past few years). He's been terrific for England, he commands the box well and has a presence about him. Big strong athlete. Robinson has been very poor this season, I know the Leeds have a poor defence and have taken all the blame but some of Robinsons goalkeeping has been incredibly poor, plus he lacks experience, and is overweight. If only Kirkland was available, he is a very good prospect, as is Matt Murray of Wolves.

LB - Ashely Cole - Fast & quick on the turn. Usually exposed for England due to lack of midfield cover and thus usually blamed by pundits and commentators for all of England's problem which in my opinion is unfair as when Bridge plays he is usually exposed too, yet this goes unoticed - this problem is down to poor midfield play and bad tactics on behalf of Sven. Bridge is good cover for Cole and I rate him highly, but Cole get the nods. Samuel has improved greatly this year and should be third in line.

RB - G. Neville - Based on experience and his overall awareness, the nod has to go to Neville. Yes, he's not perfect and it would be a lot better if he stopped hoofing long hopeless balls forward for England - again probably down to poor tactics from Sven. Johnson should be taken as a back up to Neville, and be taken for the experience, not quite ready for first choice but he will be Englands future right back in years to come.

CB's - Terry, Campbell - Campbell picks himself, rock solid defender with good pace, his only downfall is his poor ability on the ball, but this is not essentail as long as he does his job well. Terry has to be first choice because there is no one better available, very overrated by the media, he will get better as the years go by but is prone to lapses in concentration and is not as quick as you'd like your centre back to be, but still a good defender. Back up defenders should be Carragher & L.King. Carragher for his versatility and his great defensive ability and King because when used as centre back can be a great defender (as proved against Portugal). Southgate & Gardner shoudl not be taken, Gardner because he's quite simply a terrible defender although he has the ability to improve - he has pace & is big and strong. Southgate shouldnt be taken because all he does in moan, everytime he is not picked for England he runs of to the papers complaining. Face it son, your not as good as you think.

Defensively we have pretty good cover everywhere even with Ferdinand & Woodgate unavilable. Now the midfield and the strikeforce are quite a problem. In all honesty I think Sven should drop his "favourites" and play people who will die for the England shirt. People playing shit should not automatically be first choice. I'm looking at you Scholes & Butt. Scholes has not even played well for England for years, who cares about the lack of goals, if he was trying and playing well I wouldnt be too bothered, but Scholes looks like he'd rather be somewhere else when he plays for England. The diamond will not work in every game and I would say it is alot safer to play a straight 4 accross the midfield, that way, the full back should get appropraite cover.

MC - Gerard - Been brilliant for Liverpool this season, carried them single handidly. England's first choice center midfielder, no doubt. Used to think he was over-rated because all he did was play hopeful long balls and get praised for it, but he's definatly reduced them this season.

MC - Hargreaves - Now this is where Sven has to be brave, he has to ditch the United duo and play someone who can help sit in front of the defence. The Gerard/Scholes partnership will never work, never has, never will. I can see this, why cant Sven? Scholes cant defend and playing them together restricts Gerard's attacking strengths, infact if Gerard try's to attack (see Macadonia) the entire midfield loses shape and the opposition teams can cut through it like a knife through butter (again see Macedonia). Butt wont be match fit and has been terrible since his performance in Japan 2 years ago. Hargreaves is the best option, he can defend and he creative on the ball. Playing Lampard/Gerard/Scholes against France is suicide.

RM - Beckham - The most overrated player in the world, hit his peak a few years ago and I dont think he's been the same since. Although he is the tick of the England team and probably needs to play, if only he'd cut out most of the long balls.

LM - Dyer - Hasnt had his best season but has electric pace, so what if he cant cross with his left foot? England havent got the perfect left sided midfielder and we should quit moaning about it. The best team in the currently Arsenal (Lost-0), they have no left footed left winger, does it bother them? No. Dyer should play like Ljungerg, he has the pace, he's better on the ball then Ljungberg, and can attack with good flair and pace, something which the England midfield currently lack.

FW - Heskey - He's had a poor season, he's got a crap touch and a poor goal scoring record. Unfortunatly England have no one better, Ameobi is the the next best thing in line but lacks the necessery experience. If Newcastle had played him more often this season he could have been in the England squad. Look at the positives, Heskey has pace, strength and is a good team player with a great work rate and played a stormer against Birmingham, now if he could do that in Euro 2004.

AM - Lampard - Just behind Heskey I would play Lampard, he was voted the best English player in the league this season by his fellow professionals, he was only beaten to the best player in the league by the almighty Henry. If Lampard cant get in teh England side, what does that say to other trying to break into the team? That it doesnt matter how well they play because people playing worse then them are first choice? Owen should be dropped because he's lost it. His pace, his ability to dribble - no longer there. Now he's just an average striker that misses too many chances. These days he's so poor you barely notice that he is playing. He's gone stale at Liverpool, leave Owen... before its too late.

[Danny Electric]

You wouldn't play Owen. Our most consistent striker, if we don't play him I'll personally shoot Erikson muself for free.

[Sephiroth]

Sucks that Shearer isn't in the team.

[Wengerland]

Owen does miss a lot of chances but he's the best forward we have,so he should play.

[Rob Ban Fan]

<font face=verdana size=3 color="#ff6600">If Kirkland could go 5 minutes without breaking something id definatly have him in the squad ahead of Robinson. He's big and athletic. He's got a big presence. He's better than Robinson.</font>

[The Mask]

Well i was watching the Leicester game today but from what i saw of the Villa game i saw why J'Lloyd Samuel shouldn't be in the side right now.

Ronaldo just seemed to run him ragged more often than not and if he can't deal with players like that then he definetly isn't ready to take on the better wingers out there.

what are you implying, you c</>unt :mad:

[Goldbird]

what are you implying, you c</>unt :mad:

He probably means that ronaldo will run samuel ragged in the euro 2004. :kiss:

[Wengerland]

what are you implying, you c</>unt :mad:

That Ronaldo isn't the best winger in the world yet,you bastard.:mad:

[Dazz]

I would only play Owen because we have no one better, but he is rubbish.

I read the News Of The World's little section about it, and our four likel attackers to be picked (well that NOTW think, which includes Rooney :wtf: ) have scored just 11 more then Henry on his own this season. If you look at what France have to offer, in terms of just their Premierhsip people of Gallas, Vieira, Pires and Henry then it looks bad for England. But LOL at NOTW saying the only thing that helps England is the fact that Desailly will prolly be centre back for France, so true :'(.

[Wengerland]

Rooney will definetly be going.

I think it's just Vieira and Henry who we'll need to be weary of as we have players just as good as Gallas and Pires imo.

[The Duck]

That Ronaldo isn't the best winger in the world yet,you bastard.:mad:

He will be though, mark my words. :) :cool:

[Wengerland]

Probably,hence the "yet". ;)

[packt up]

Sucks that Shearer isn't in the team.

For England definitely yes.

For Newcaslte definitely not :D

[packt up]

<font face=verdana size=3 color="#ff6600">If Kirkland could go 5 minutes without breaking something id definatly have him in the squad ahead of Robinson. He's big and athletic. He's got a big presence. He's better than Robinson.</font>

Hell yes.

[packt up]

Oh and I would be well pissed off if Owen doesn't start even if I generally don't think he's that good - he proves me wrong most of the time :).

[Cactus Sid]

I would only play Owen because we have no one better, but he is rubbish.


LOL

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Rooney will definetly be going.

I think it's just Vieira and Henry who we'll need to be weary of as we have players just as good as Gallas and Pires imo.

ahahahaha

Ok.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

rio ferdinand was by far england's best player at the world cup, then we signed him. that was pretty awesome.

This is true. Rio was far and way England's best player, and probably the best defender at the 2002 World Cup.

Big miss for England. As well as Terry has done this season, I'm not entirely convinced by him yet. Just don't know if he is up to it against world class opposition.

[Wengerland]

ahahahaha

Ok.

Pires has been marked out of games before without too much trouble,the majority of his goals are well set up for him so if he is kept under control then he won't be as problematic as Henry.

I don't even think Gallas is the best defender at Chelsea,behind Terry,and i don't really see how a defence including Desailly that will have been exposed one time or another at club level could be unbeatable.

Vieira just runs the midfield and theres not much i can say about Henry that hasn't already been said about his talents.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

No way. Put your brain on. Pires is world class. Gerrard and Scholes are world class too, but France have Vieira, Makalele, Pires and Zidane in midfield. There is none better.

Gallas is brilliant. He is the best defender at Chelsea, on a par with John Terry. It's just that he got shifted about to full back quite alot, and tends not to get the attention Terry does because he is not English.

[packt up]

The French own England in practically every department :(.

[The Mask]

at least fabien barthez sucks :shifty:

[packt up]

England Squad (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3714245.stm) Vassel, King and Caragher in. Cole over Parker too.

[Wengerland]

At least Defoe is on first standby.:-\

[Wengerland]

No way. Put your brain on. Pires is world class. Gerrard and Scholes are world class too, but France have Vieira, Makalele, Pires and Zidane in midfield. There is none better.

Gallas is brilliant. He is the best defender at Chelsea, on a par with John Terry. It's just that he got shifted about to full back quite alot, and tends not to get the attention Terry does because he is not English.

I didn't say Pires and Gallas weren't good and weren't threats,just that i would be more concerned about Henry and Vieira out of those mentioned by Dazz.Collectively they're a great side but i think England's midfield can almost match theirs.I'm pretty sure 3 out of 4 in their defence are over 30,but Thuram and to a lesser extent Lizarazu are still good.Barthez has seemingly improved but the keepers for both sides look like the weakest area for both.

[toxic rooster]

Just thought I'd bump this thread, considering that apart from the Champs League final, the club football season is over and Euro 2004 is the next big thing as far as football goes.

I was brought up as an Arsenal fan (due to my grandfather), but I'm in no way English. I'm an Aussie, and thus have no real allegiance to any particular European country.

It's going to be great to sit back for a while and finally watch some great football as a neutral.

Yeah, continue discussing.

[Wengerland]

Oh yeah i meant to say how the hell is Richard Wright on standby? :|

I mean he's a good keeper but he hasn't played any first team games in months,there must be some better,more regular playing keepers out there.

[toxic rooster]

No Niemi or Hoult?

Sorry, not up on the squad :o

[toxic rooster]

PS Is Niemi English? I heard he was :o

[Wengerland]

lol no,he's Finnish,unfortunately :(

Dunno about Hoult,i'd rather have Robert Green (Norwich keeper) on standby though.

[toxic rooster]

Hey yeah, funny story. This guy sent me this 3-page long argument the other day spouting this shit about how Niemi should be England's next keeper.

Man, if only I didn't clear out my inbox :(

Is Hoult still with West Brom?

[Wengerland]

Yeah Hoult is with West Brom.

Cudicini can play for England soon,but i think he doesn't want to:'(

[toxic rooster]

I remember that headline from when Cudicini got injured and couldn't play against Arsenal: "Carlo can't get his hands on Arse"...

[Rob Ban Fan]

<font face=verdana size=3 color="#ff6600">yeah, Niemi is first choice for Finland :o

I read somewhere that Nigel Martyn has turned down the chance. To be honest though, we'd have to be VERY unlucky to need to use our standby keeper.

I dunno if id really want Cudicini to play for England. It was like when Edu started saying he wanted to play on the left for England because he wasn't getting picked for Brazil. Neither are English, if they arent getting picked for their own countries thats their problem.

But Cudicini has said he doesn't feel English and doesn't want to play for England so good on him.</font>

[Dazz]

Yeah I wouldn't like to see Cudicini play for England, because he is in no way English.

Like Wengerland said, Green from Norwich should be standy, if the guy does get called up for whatever reason, he still wont play, but it would be good experience for him, and I think he is a future England keeper. I would actually probably rather have Green then Walker, and he is dodgy, its bad enough having a calamity like James in the squad, but not Walker too.

[Rob]

I'd rather put Heskey in my goal instead of Walker.

[Wengerland]

Walker has been much better than Robinson this season,imo.

Thats even considering the bad 4-5 games he had at one stage.

[Rob]

What always gets me about Walker is when he makes a howler, he has a smirk on his face constantly. And that fu</>cking gay boy haircut too.

[Wengerland]

lol yeah,can't cover for that.:$

[Oxstar]

I would'nt go that far

[Kronik]

And that fu</>cking gay boy haircut too.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Wengerland]

wow,can't believe he didn't give Defoe a chance tonight,considering the squad has to be finalised tomorrow.:|

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Man, that Japanese goal was a thing of beauty.

Why the f</>uck can't we play like that :'(

[packt up]

Ha saw the highlights.

England looked fairly shambolic second half Japan seemed to be all over us.

The defence was so narrow at one point it was insane. Midfield pressure/cover nowhere to be seen.

Having said that looked alright first half.

If we play like that (or indeed that midfield 4) against France we will get fucked badly.

Scholes looked terrible. Butt is fairly terrible and I would prefer Hargreaves but we definitely need one holding midfielder.

AND THATS A PROPER ONE SVEN :mad:

[Wengerland]

I would go with the same midfield,just drop the diamond.In the world cup (specifically against Argentina) we had Scholes helping Butt out defensively and did well.Lampard isn't an out and out attacking player either and when Chelsea are without Makelele he helps back too,so i'd just go with a flat 4 accross the midfield.

I'd like to see Gerrard in the middle though,he's more of a playmaking influence than Scholes and just had a better season in that position.

[packt up]

Theres no way you can play a midfield without a holding one in my opinion against any team never mind against France.

Hello Mr Zidane right this way.

[Wengerland]

Apart from out and out attacking midfielders they should track back anyway.Don't know the French team but if Makelele is still in then Zidane would probably be playing more out wide anyway.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

England's midfield from the current squad should have Dyer on the left and Gerrard back in the middle replacing Lampard, and a flat 4 across. Dyer has something none of the rest of them have and that is the ability to carry the ball at pace.

The diamond formation is a joke. It;s obviously to stop Beckham whining about playing out on the right. He should leave central midfield to people who are good at it, like Scholes and Gerrard.

[Ricky]

OK serious question, when does Euro 2004 start?

I haven't really been following football outside of Bristol City lately so I honestly haven't got a clue.

[Wengerland]

Starts next saturday,June 12th.

England/France is on the Sunday.

[packt up]

Yeah midfielders should track back but they don't always.

Miscomunication and all that.

Every good team at the moment has a quality holding midfielder England should be no different.

[packt up]

Besides the fact that we don't have one so Butt will have to do.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

England don't have any quality holding midfielders.

Nicky Butt: he's shite, and Zidane would laugh in his ugly face.

You got in there quickly.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Anyway, no team with Steven Gerrard in it needs a holding midfielder. He's a box to box man. Teams with a player like that can cope easily without someone shit like Butt.

Holding midfielders are needed for sides like Portugal where their talent is seperated into all out silky attackers and defensive sitting players who can spread the play about.

[packt up]

If he's a box to box man then he goes up to France's box you can bet your ass Zidane won't track him back.

He maybe box to box but thats no good when Zidane is 20 yards infront of him.

Even if you say well one of them sit back thats crap because we saw Lampard can't sit back for shit and Scholes cant tackle something which is dead.

Having Becks or Gerrard sit back is a waste of them seems as though they are two most dynamic midfielders by a mile.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

It isn't that simple. You can't man mark Zidane, because Henry will tear you a new arse, and Vieira and Makalele will dominate. Pires will also be free to roam around where he wants.

Sometimes you have to take the game to a team, rather than try to neutralise them. Play to your own strengths, in other words.

Sacrificing your best players for Nicky Butt, in the vague hope that he'll mildly irritate Zidane is idiotic.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

And no holding midfielder, not even Nicky Butt, sits in front of his defence the whole time without getting forward. If you want that, you may as well play 3 men at the back.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

News today seems to indicate against Iceland England will play a straight 4-4-2 with Lampard and Gerrard in the centre.

Presumably this means Scholes won't play and there'll be someone else (Dyer?) on the left wing.

Maybe we'll get more than a good half hour this time :'(

[The Mask]

I read scholes is playing on the left :|

[The Duck]

Scholes playing on the left is a fucking joke - pure and simple. As for all this Butt negativity - tell me when Lampard has done it for England? He hasn't, not at the top level. I don't care if he's played out of his skin for Chelsea, he still has to prove himself in my eyes as a top quality International midfielder.

We should play a team that has players suited to the jobs they are asked to fufill. Granted the left-side role is a problem area, but any United fan can testify that using Scholes out there is an absolute waste of his ability and has certainly affected him this season. Being shoved around the midfield has hindered Scholesy's form and doing so for England will not help.

The best individuals do not always make the best team. To go into Euro 2004 without a real holding player in midfield against France is ridiculous in my eyes. Sven, in my eyes, has just followed what the Press have been banging on about and by suddenly picking Lampard has totally fucked up the system he's been playing for years now. Well done Sven.

[Wengerland]

Sven can't really win to be fair,he's told he can't leave Lampard out because he's had such a good season but after he plays everyone is saying bring back Butt.

I don't agree with the England form argument,otherwise Vassell should be certain to be in the squad and most i've spoken to (myself included) would rather have Defoe.

This,in my opinion,is for the best.Lampard and Gerrard help out defensively,with the former in particular often coming back to collect the ball and playmake at Liverpool.Afer all,if Butt was in then it would only be Gerrard on the left,which is another waste.

[The Mask]

Personally, i'd probably play

Cole Lampard Gerrard Beckham

across the midfield. Or phil neville, which whilst he sucks, I imagine he'd be more effective cause at least he can play on the left.

[Rob]

Scholes has played on the left for United this season and did well.

[The Duck]

Scholes has played on the left for United this season and did well.

I beg to differ and there's no way he's remotely as effective there as he is in the middle.

[The Mask]

Scholes has played on the left for United this season and did well.

who against?

[Dazz]

I don't think I have ever seen Wayne Rooney pass the ball for England, he is way too fucking greedy, not just today but he always is.

[Danny Electric]

3-0 up against Iceland
I wish I had Sky Sports, so bored.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Dunno, Scholes hasn't really been on the left at all and has just drifted infield as and when he wants and it seems to be working ok...only problem is that'll leave Cole horribly exposed against a decent team and we'll be f</>ucked :$

[Wengerland]

Finished 6-1

[El Capitano Gatisto]

First half England looked good. Scholes was very dangerous coming in off the left, and MMM, against a good side, they'll probably be more worried about none of their midfielders or defenders being able to pick Scholes up when he makes those runs, rather than getting at Ashley Cole.

[Dazz]

Wayne Bridge WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. That boy has skill.

That goes for Lampard and Cole too, notice how the ball bobble just before Cole's chance in the second half :shifty:.

As I have said for a while Neville is better going forwards then he is defending, what a fucking girl, seriously, did you see the little poof put his hands over his face when the Iclandic player went for the overhead. Campbell was hardly marking his man tight, and as for Scholes at the back post :|. That was about the only thing Scholes did wrong, pretty hot performance, based on that I can see Lampard only being on the bench, but we will see.

[Wengerland]

I thought Lampard did ok,who would replace him then? cause Butt certainly wasn't great.

Gudjohnsen isn't the fastest player but when he picked it up on the half way line that time and just ran Butt only caught him when he slowed,i'm pretty sure Gerrard and Lampard could tackle him much quicker.

[Dazz]

Lampard is not a left midfielder, Joe Cole would do a better job out there then Lampard, seriously.

Scholes showed today why England have to play him and Gerrard in the centre, Becks will be on the right hand side, Lampard should be on the bench.

[LK]

My team if I were Sven would:
Robinson
G Neville
Bridge
Terry
Campbell
Lampard
Gerrard
Scholes
Beckham
Owen
Beattie

Sven should have taken Defoe and Beattie instead of Heskey and Vassell. Lampard deserves to be in the team more than anyone because he was the best english player in the premiership last season.

[Danny Electric]

Not about England but has anyone just seen Robbie Keane's goal for Ireland on channel 5.
Fucking amazing.

[Wengerland]

shit,didn't realise the Ireland game was on.

[Danny Electric]

1-0 ireland

[yianni]

Out of interest, have the authorities stamped down on potential English hooligans, taking away their passports to prevent them going to Portugal? I brought this up because I was just watching TV and they had a highlights package of the ugly scenes between the English lads and the Germans at Euro 2000. Hopefully there will be no crowd trouble but it's difficult to see it not happening considering the tension between some European countries. I would definately have expected riots between Greek and Turkish fans had Turkey made it, but they didn't. :D LATVIA! :love:

[Mr. Monday Morning]

They reckon they've confiscated the passports of a ton of people but they said the same thing before Euro 2000. I imagine if someone really wanted to get to Portugal to start something it wouldn't be too difficult for them to get a fake or find some other way of getting there.

I hope it doesn't all blow up but unf. there's always some retards who live for a fight :(

[Rob]

English fans get the worst rap. I've seen the Turks do far worse and not get punished. England are already being threatened of being kicked out the championships if the fans misbehave.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Oh we're not the only ones by a long shot. The Germans and Turks to name but two are just as bad.

[Rob]

The Dutch are mad bastards too.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Yeah I was gonna put the Dutch but I couldn't remember if they were or not :$ But now I remember that absolute shitstorm that went down when they played Germany IIRC, and...yeah.

<font size=1>Watch out for those crazy Latvians too :shifty:</font>

[yianni]

English fans get the worst rap. I've seen the Turks do far worse and not get punished. England are already being threatened of being kicked out the championships if the fans misbehave.

That's a fair call, there are fans who are just as bad as the English. I know for one thing that in the Greek league away fans have been banned from all venues cos of increasing crowd problems which have been in existence for several years though. I'm not sure how the fans behave when the national team plays, I haven't seen much footage of games or anything, so I can't really say much about Greece, but yeah, I've seen some Turkey games (both the national team and their teams in Europe) and some of their fans are shocking too.

But yeah, I can understand how it's a bit unfair how it's the English who get a bad reputation and not others as well. Oh well, hopefully not that many hooligans get into Portugal and disrupt what looks to be a really interesting tournament. By the way, Portugal 1-2 Greece. :shifty:

[Kronik]

My team if I were Sven would:
Robinson
G Neville
Bridge
Terry
Campbell
Lampard
Gerrard
Scholes
Beckham
Owen
Beattie

Sven should have taken Defoe and Beattie instead of Heskey and Vassell. Lampard deserves to be in the team more than anyone because he was the best english player in the premiership last season.

Heskey & Vassell showed why they were in the team yesterday, especially Vassell, the guy is class for England. :y: