I've been here so many times before....I honestly don't care.
I've been here so many times before....I honestly don't care.
Well that was fun.....
let's all do it again Saturday afternoon...
Nic Barber. Downhill Dandy
The minute we play a top rank side we are going to get absolutely bent over and shafted.
But still in it, that's what cup football is about.
Crap game, good goal.
1-0 England after 40 minutes
2-0 winner's
What would you say is a quality side, Germany? Spain? Switzerland? Argentina? Brazil? Portugal?
I agree France are probably favoutites but I would say that all the remaining sides are beatable on the day..
I reckon croatia are tired where we are getting better...France v England Final
The youth are playing with their hearts and that might give them an edge we need..
I understand your point, that we are still in the competition, and those teams are not. But it's a cup competition, and stuff like that happens. We fully deserve to be in the semi final, based on the performances we've displayed, but we have been very fortunate with the draw and how things have panned out.
Were Greece the best side in Europe in 2004...? Not a chance. What about Portugal in the last Euros... they didn't win a match in 90mins until the final (i stand to be corrected on that fact).
You don't have to be the best side in a cup to win it. Which gives us every chance. But Croatia is a huge step up in quality to who we've played so far, and should we get through that, Belgium/France an even bigger step.
I've just re read the comment I made exactly 9 months ago on this thread.
"But when was Southgate ever a good manager? His record is not inspiring. He was just the safe choice made by the FA. Somebody who doesn't say or do anything controversial. He has managed to inherit the team that lost so miserably to Iceland and make them look even less impressive. A remarkable feat".
Hmmm, have to admit I might have got this a little bit wrong. A great achievement by the England team to get this far no matter what happens now.
A good point Travs that it is not always the best team that wins the major tournaments. Teams that are well organised with a bit of talent like the 2004 Greek side can overcome the odds. The German team that got to the 2002 world cup final (although didn't win it) was very ordinary indeed. In fact they had been thrashed by England 5-1 the previous autumn. Saying that I still expect the winner to be Belgium or France. But if England do manage it I will be more than happy to eat humble pie again.
Progress is progress.
You get a format, then a draw takes place.
You then play who's in the group.
I agree that the opposition have not been of any great quality but confidence is a wonderful thing in sport and should the shock happen and they reach the final, i wouldn't be surprised to win it.
There is a good game in every side. Its just when you play it.
At least we could move on from 66.