A thread about the English national football team.

[Red Dog]

I think that there should be a thread dedicated to the England football team. For the World Cup and beyond. As the World Cup is too massive to contain in one thread and the main football thread can be used for Premiership discussion.

People mocked me for the football league thread..... “What are you doing Red Dog, You’re off you’re rocker, It will never work” they said.

Well it did. Just trust me and believe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_football_team (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_football_team)

http://www.tat2-u.com/images/england%20badge.jpg

x

[Simon]

"You're off your rocker" :lol: brilliant.

I think we will reach the semis then get knocked out, and probably lose the third-place playoff as well. No shame in that.

We will lose as soon as we play Spain, Brazil or Germany. Anyone else I'd fancy us to beat.

[The Rosk]

James Milner will be our second best player of the tournament but will also miss the crucial penalty in the shootout in either the quarter-final or semi-final. If I could find odds for this I would put £50 on it like I did Portsmouth and Mik didn't.

[turdpower]

Can we do a thread for every game in the Asylum again? For old times?

[Simon]

Nothing stopping you. In the words of Pele, "Aiiiii wooooood"

[MichaelC]

"You're off your rocker" :lol: brilliant.

I think we will reach the semis then get knocked out, and probably lose the third-place playoff as well. No shame in that.

We will lose as soon as we play Spain, Brazil or Germany. Anyone else I'd fancy us to beat.

I could honestly see England beating Germany at this point.

[Chris Scott]

Get behind Carragher everyone.

[Gangers]

So that when he gets burned by someone with pace we're behind him to clean up.

[Second City Saint]

Nice tat Red Dog

[Red Dog]

YouTube- 'The Squad' Presents Three Lions 2010

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[turdpower]

I hope the video is decent.

[Brennino]

Ordinary squad filled with ordinary players. Their progress will depend on who they play.

[MMH]

Can we do a thread for every game in the Asylum again? For old times?

Of course you can.

But I dont see why that cant be done here either.

[Simon]

Would it be possible to link to the football forum from the Asylum to see if we can catch a few regulars that otherwise wouldn't post in there? Or have match threads appear in both forums?

[MMH]

Would it be possible to link to the football forum from the Asylum to see if we can catch a few regulars that otherwise wouldn't post in there? Or have match threads appear in both forums?

Interesting thought.

Ill look into that.

[Simon]

Consider me a creative consultant.

[Bluemoon]

So that when he gets burned by someone with pace we're behind him to clean up.

At least it won't be Ferdinand behind him.

[Red Dog]

Would it be possible to link to the football forum from the Asylum to see if we can catch a few regulars that otherwise wouldn't post in there? Or have match threads appear in both forums?
All that will do it encourage people who don't know much about football to post.

And I like the fact that here, everyone is pretty clued up.

Why dilute that?

[RFF Champ]

Last World Cup we had an individual match thread In the asylum for every game which encouraged some decent discussion. It was good fun, even the yanks and Aussies know enough to handle World Cup chat.

[da_man]

They're better off going in the Asylum. More traffic in there and you'll get those people posting in there who don't venture in here - particularly the Aussie posters. I remember them getting quite into it last time; those boys get competitive over any sport - a game of conkers sends them nuts.

[Lazurus]

Shame that they're so shit at every sport under the sun these days though.

That said in my FM2010 game they won the fucking thing.

[Gangers]

It wouldn't be the same without all the Americans complainnig about the number of soccerball threads, and us retorting 'Why do you call it football when you use your hands?'

[Lazurus]

Why do they call it football when they use their hands?

[Second City Saint]

Do you guys have anything else to say about Americans & football beyond that?

...

Red Dog, football discussion is not an invitation only ordeal. Don't be a fucking cunt.

[Bad Collin]

Why do they though?

[Second City Saint]

Why do they though?Because the game begins with the ball being kicked.

THAT'S A FUCKING SHIT REASON, YOU YANK CUNTS ARE BLOODY RETARDED, IT'S NOT EVEN A BALL FFS...CALL IT HAND-EGG

...

Yes I'm aware it's not a particularly strong reason to name a sport, especially when that name was already in place for a far more deserving & popular sport. But it's not like I was a member of the committee that made the decision. Now that that's all settled can we just move on?

[Bad Collin]

The real reason is that the game is a mockery of our football...the best sport in the world.

[Chris Scott]

Jamie Carragher believes he has it all to prove to England coach Fabio Capello – both on and off the pitch - if he is to ensure he is part of the 23-man World Cup squad.

The Liverpool defender ended his international exile after being named in the Three Lions' provisional pool of 30 recently - but he accepts there is still plenty of work to be done before he can start dreaming of South Africa.

''The manager has never seen me before, although he knows what I'm like on a day-to-day basis,'' said Carra.

''He has seen me for Liverpool as a player but it's different how you integrate with the squad, so hopefully in the next two weeks I can impress him off the pitch and be part of the 23.''

England will contest friendlies against Mexico and Japan before Capello names his final squad.

Carragher added: ''I think people are trying to impress in training and be on the plane to South Africa. It's quite intense in training because people know what's at stake.

''We all keep things to ourselves at the dinner table but every training session you want to impress the manager and the coaching staff.

''There's a bit of an edge because you don't know you are in the squad - but that only helps the training and the players.''

Carragher's return to the international fold three years on from announcing his retirement from England duty came as a surprise to some after Capello's previous attempts to coax the 32-year-old back into the Three Lions' set up fell on deaf ears.

However, the Reds' vice-captain admits he couldn't turn down the opportunity when Italian tactician came calling this time around.

"'I was asked (by Capello) if I would reconsider my position and I said I would, then a few weeks later if the issues hadn't improved and a few players had knocks I was asked would I be part of the 30-man squad," he explained.

''I made the decision a few years ago for different reasons but the opportunity has come up now to get in the 23 and that is something I couldn't turn down. I've asked Stevie (Gerrard) what the manager was like when he has come back from England games.

''If you are a manager you want to get the best players available. I think he (Capello) has got to do what he thinks best.''

From our website.

[Keano's Magic Hat]

Had a bit of a debate today in the pub. If Darren Fletcher was English, how important would he be to the national side? Opinions were split pretty much 50/50, some argued that he'd be guarenteed starter and vital to the side, others deem him not good enough to get in the squad. Very little middle ground.

What do you think?

[da_man]

Definite starter imo. He's as good on the ball as Gareth Barry and more aggressive in the challenge. He'd just need to reign in his energy and rampaging style and just concrete on giving the back 4 a bit of protection.

[Red Dog]

Do you guys have anything else to say about Americans & football beyond that?

...

Red Dog, football discussion is not an invitation only ordeal. Don't be a fucking cunt.
Fucking hell.

You are like a piece of shit on a shoe that you just can't scrape off.

When did I say it was invitation only you utter fucking moron? The football forum is quite easy for anyone to click. Invites arn't required.

[Bluemoon]

Had a bit of a debate today in the pub. If Darren Fletcher was English, how important would he be to the national side? Opinions were split pretty much 50/50, some argued that he'd be guarenteed starter and vital to the side, others deem him not good enough to get in the squad. Very little middle ground.

What do you think?

Starter? Nah, in the squad yes.

[Andy]

I'd have him in the squad ahead of Carrick and Huddlestone.

[Darkoke]

I know people in Scotland who still maintain Fletcher is shit.

[Torn]

Would definitely start Fletcher ahead of Barry.

[Ringo]

Me too. Fletcher > Barry.

[Chris Scott]

I know people in Scotland who still maintain Fletcher is shit.

That's mad that.

[Andy]

Probably because he is usually shit for Scotland. I think that's more through mismanagement than anything else though.

[Darkoke]

That's part of it, because he plays for Man Utd there an expectation he should be a creative, goal scoring force.

[Aussie_Outlaw]

They're better off going in the Asylum. More traffic in there and you'll get those people posting in there who don't venture in here - particularly the Aussie posters. I remember them getting quite into it last time; those boys get competitive over any sport - a game of conkers sends them nuts.

Yeah the Aussies will follow the Cup when it starts. But we're not into soccer enough to venture into here. Our local competition sometimes gets discussed in our Asylum thread.

I'm sure there'll end up being some kind of WC thread when it begins soon enough. Down here we have two tv stations playing showing every game... and a fair smack of them live.

[Bluemoon]

So has everyone got those little flags hanging out the car windows (if you have one) and got you massive flags hanging out your house windows? Couple of houses by ours have really gone out on the whole doing your house up.

[Wiganer]

No.

[Bluemoon]

Spoilsport.

[Lazurus]

I've still got mine up from the election.

Let's hope they do more for the England football team than they did for the BNP.

[Wiganer]

Why did you put England flags up for the election? :wtf:

[Simon]

Wow Wiganer, you genuinely are a cretin aren't you!

[Wiganer]

Was he supporting the English Democrats?

[Red Dog]

My team for the first match:

Hart

Johnson
Cole
King
Ferdinand

Milner
Gerrard
Lampard
Lennon

Rooney
Crouch

[Red Dog]

My team for the first match:

Hart

Johnson
Cole
King
Ferdinand

Milner
Gerrard
Lampard
Lennon

Rooney
Crouch

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM FOR THE FIRST MATCH??? :mad:

[Lazurus]

WHAT IS YOUR TEAM FOR THE FIRST MATCH??? :mad:

Mexico.

[Red Dog]

Thank God for you Lazurus. :yes:

[Simmo Fortyone]

When did I say it was invitation only you utter fucking moron? The football forum is quite easy for anyone to click. Invites arn't required.


All that will do it encourage people who don't know much about football to post.

And I like the fact that here, everyone is pretty clued up.

Why dilute that?
derp derp derp

[Lazurus]

Squad numbers...

1 James
2 Johnson
3 A. Cole
4 Gerrard
5 Ferdinand
6 Terry
7 Lennon
8 Lampard
9 Crouch
10 Rooney
11 J Cole
12 Green
13 Warnock
14 Barry
15 Upson
16 Milner
17 SWP
18 Carragher
19 Defoe
20 King
21 Heskey
22 Carrick
23 Hart

[Red Dog]

I was hoping Terry would be 23 or something.

You know, as punishment for shagging his best mate's ex.

[Simon]

Altidore has a sprained ankle and is a doubt for the England game :chin:

[Red Dog]

YouTube- Rik Mayall's Noble England - World Cup Anthem 2010

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[Matthew]

Altidore has a sprained ankle and is a doubt for the England game :chin:pfft he is already back practicing

[Bad Collin]

I quite like it, it's catchy.

[Gary J]

It grows on you i hated it at first but quiet like it now.

[Beefy]

So has everyone got those little flags hanging out the car windows (if you have one) and got you massive flags hanging out your house windows? Couple of houses by ours have really gone out on the whole doing your house up.

I'm tempted to put a flag in my window but I don't really want a brick thrown through it.

[MMH]

I'm tempted to put a flag in my window but I don't really want a brick thrown through it.

Yeah...probably not the best place to do that.

Invest in some flag boxies then.

[The Rosk]

Lads - World Cup game of death. All you have to do is put your name forward. Get involved.

http://forums.rajah.com/showthread.php?p=6373216#post6373216

[Red Dog]

I got bought an England trumpet.

It's definitely not chavvy.

[The Wilf]

Who's in goal for the next game then lads?

Will Capello keep faith with Green, go with experience in James or take a chance on Hart? I honestly don't know who I'd pick at the moment.

[turdpower]

Change would be nice to see. I assume he'll go with Green again, but it really would show the rest of the team that you can't fuck up.

That and cripple Green psychologically.

[Beefy]

Capello seems to have decided that Green is his best keeper therefore I'd expect him to stick with him.

I'd have either James or Hart ahead of Green, and not just because of Saturday.

[Lazurus]

Capello seems to have decided that Green is his best keeper therefore I'd expect him to stick with him.

I'd have either James or Hart ahead of Green, and not just because of Saturday.

I'd have Robinson too. How Green's even at the World Cup is beyond me, and not just because of Saturday.

[JIJ]

Course not Lazurus :yes:

[Gary J]

When did Paul Robinson suddenly become one of the three best English keepers. Yeah he's been Ok at Blackburn but he's still the same average keeper he's always been.

[Simon]

Laz has a few set points that he has to address a number of times each day. Ekotto is poop, Robinson is the best English keeper, the Jews control the media etc.

[Simon]

Hart

Johnson - Terry - Upson - A. Cole

Lampard - Barry

Lennon - Rooney - Gerrard

Heskey

Please.

[Murphy]

He'll stick with Green. And he'll be shit.

I'd go with James or Hart.

Meh.

[Lazurus]

Laz has a few set points that he has to address a number of times each day. Ekotto is poop, Robinson is the best English keeper, the Jews control the media etc.

I never mention that the Jews control the media.

Well I do but the Jews get in and edit the comments out.

I'd have James before Robinson right now but surely his season's a country mile ahead of Greens.

[Bad Collin]

Hart

Johnson - Terry - Upson - A. Cole

Lampard - Barry

Lennon - Rooney - Gerrard

Heskey

Please.

Cole in for Lennon and I agree.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Robinson's confidence as an England player was obliterated. In 2006 he was a walking disaster and spread the shits throughout his defence, the Croatia backpass just put him out of his misery.

[Red Dog]

You see this is why I don't get emotionally involved with England.

I already have one team that lets me down and disappoints me, I don't need another.

[Beefy]

Anyone watch the press conference with JT on Sky earlier?

It's actually got me feeling a little bit better about things.

[Murphy]

Indeed. Me too, Sir. Lets get things sorted.

[Beefy]

Sod it, why not?

[Invi]

Anyone watch the press conference with JT on Sky earlier?
I wonder if maybe the twat who isn't fazed by anything is what we need as a captain. Gerrard comes across as a far more likeable guy, but equally you'd bet on him cracking first. Can't picture him standing up to Capello either.

I'd settle for Cole on the left and Gerrard behind Rooney or the other way around - anything to bridge that gap between the midfield and the forwards.

Fabio can come out and say he doesn't understand because they're better in training (yes, that's because the opposition are there and have figured out how to counter 4-4-fucking-2, Fabs), but he's now got one game left to try and salvage this debacle. Throw caution to the wind and try something that hasn't been proven as crap.

[Simon]

I wonder if maybe the twat who isn't fazed by anything is what we need as a captain. Gerrard comes across as a far more likeable guy, but equally you'd bet on him cracking first. Can't picture him standing up to Capello either.
I actually think Terry usually comes across as a decent and level-headed guy in interviews, he certainly did there. It's his actions that show him up as a cunt. Gerrard comes across in interviews as exactly what he is, ie an arsehole.

The press conference didn't really lift my spirits but I didn't expect it to. They will come out of the blocks now with everyone betting against them, and I think the fact that they are just one of a number of struggling teams should take the pressure off a touch.

[Crazy_Vasey]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8750672.stm

"Capello 'to quit if England fail to reach last 16'"

Because a new manager will make all the difference, won't it? It's not like he's the fifth different manager this decade and a bit who's not exactly set the world alight with England.

[Beefy]

I usually hate this tendency that fans have to punish the manager when things don't go well but in this case I don't see how he can stay. His tactics in the first two matches have been appalling, the team selections and substitutions don't make sense and if reports are true he's close to losing the confidence of the players.

It's not the results it's the manner of the performances. I don't think this is an over-reaction at all.

[Crazy_Vasey]

It's pointless. I've heard this with every single England manager since Hoddle. Tactics aren't right, selections are weird, substitutions are stupid. Then we eventually bin them and get a new one and what changes? Nothing much. We scrape through till we run into a quality team and then we get bounced out. If we're lucky, we'll get a good backs to the wall performance and go out on penalties; if we're not, it'll be like the Brazil game in 2002 and we'll go out with a whimper; if we're really unlucky, we don't even manage to scrape past the lesser teams. Whatever way it goes we still fail.

Might have heard it with Hoddle, too, but I can't remember. He made such a dick of himself that tactical issues rather fall by the wayside.

[Beefy]

If you think that Friday's performance was acceptable then we'll have to agree to disagree.

This willingness to accept abject failure is more more damaging than trying to do something to change it.

[Crazy_Vasey]

Friday's performance was dire. I just don't think changing the manager will make any substantial difference. We won't get anywhere with this generation of players - they've failed too many times under too many difference managers at international level for me to think otherwise - and I don't see much in the next generation to feel any more optimistic about them. The English game is in a dire state and that's been masked by the top clubs being able to use their financial muscle to buy in foreign talent.

[Alf]

http://www.zonalmarking.net/

Excellent website this... look at their write up of the England game.

[Beefy]

This generation of players are more than capable of turning in a better performance than they did on Friday. That they didn't was down to their morale/efforts (which can be put down to the man management of the squad) and some appalling tactics.

[da_man]

We'll always produce competent defenders and a striker or two who can put the ball in the net, what we lack is talented ball-playing midfielders - that is what is behind our constant failures. It'll be interesting to see what progress Rodwell and Wilshire over the next two years ahead of the 2012 Euros.

[Alf]

It's the lack of brains that does us in. All across the pitch really... you rarely see players making intelligent and unselfish runs to pull opposition players our of position. And the lack of creativity is down to that too. They can't see more than one pass ahead of them and it's because they are all pretty fucking thick.

[MMH]

This generation of players are more than capable of turning in a better performance than they did on Friday. That they didn't was down to their morale/efforts (which can be put down to the man management of the squad) and some appalling tactics.

How often do they do it though? Their perfomances are generally shoddy but they always manage to do enough. On the big stage they never do coz they keep coasting and never change anything. Thats not all down to the manager.

Worst part is there doesnt seem to be anyone in the next generation of player who will change that.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

Delph :yes:

Seriously. Head and shoulders above anyone in our squad bar Young, ability wise. Desperately hoping the injury doesn't ruin him.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

That was to Topping's post, not MMH's. Not saying he's 'the answer' or anything.

[MMH]

We'll always produce competent defenders and a striker or two who can put the ball in the net, what we lack is talented ball-playing midfielders - that is what is behind our constant failures. It'll be interesting to see what progress Rodwell and Wilshire over the next two years ahead of the 2012 Euros.

Rodwell will probably end up being a Gerrard clone. Which is not a bad thing at all but wont change anything either.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

It's the lack of brains that does us in. All across the pitch really... you rarely see players making intelligent and unselfish runs to pull opposition players our of position. And the lack of creativity is down to that too. They can't see more than one pass ahead of them and it's because they are all pretty fucking thick.

It's been like watching Villa at home. Teams sit deep and negate our pace, power, athleticism (/Hansen) and we're fucked. Zero movement off the ball ad we end up not having a scooby what to do, to the point where we get worse and worse. Is it a coincidence that MON shuns technically gifted foreign players in favour of, in general, Brits?

[Beefy]

The Xabi Alonso comments about Carrick mentioned in that write-up (cheers for the find there, Alf) were interesting. I wouldn't be opposed to a Carrick Barry central midfield. At least we'd have a chance of retaining some possession.

[da_man]

Big Sam for England

It won't be pretty but it'll be effective. Crouch up front. Fat Robbo pinging every single free kick we get awarded into the mixer.

[Alf]

Spurs used to play like that years ago and it used to drive me mental. Carrick/Jenas would have the ball... look up... and everyone would be standing still.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

All this bollocks about the players being bored is really driving me insane. This should be the pinnacle of their fucking careers. Surely they can handle a bit of seclusion? If we were living 50 years ago I could understand a BIT more but it's 2010 for fuck sake. They've got DVD's, computer games, limitless ad top of the range exercise facilities, a golf course, pub games etc. If it was me I would probably have got a few bloody good books out on long term loans before jetting off, can they not read?

[Alf]

The Xabi Alonso comments about Carrick mentioned in that write-up (cheers for the find there, Alf) were interesting. I wouldn't be opposed to a Carrick Barry central midfield. At least we'd have a chance of retaining some possession.

What's interesting about that Alonso comment is that it also applies to Spurs (sorry to keep banging on about it). But as soon as Palacios was out and we had a ballplaying player there we suddenly looked a lot better.

Perhaps the answer is to do a Spain and have a more passing minded midfielder in there.

That site is superb. It does write-ups for every prem game too. I think it covers lower leagues as well. It is very informative.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

The Xabi Alonso comments about Carrick mentioned in that write-up (cheers for the find there, Alf) were interesting. I wouldn't be opposed to a Carrick Barry central midfield. At least we'd have a chance of retaining some possession.

That would be horrific. We would probably go the whole match without either making a tackle.

I agree that Carrick could have been a big player for England, but with his form this season he shouldn't be anywhere near the team.

Lampard for Milner, Cole for Heskey. Done.

[da_man]

All this bollocks about the players being bored is really driving me insane. This should be the pinnacle of their fucking careers. Surely they can handle a bit of seclusion? If we were living 50 years ago I could understand a BIT more but it's 2010 for fuck sake. They've got DVD's, computer games, limitless ad top of the range exercise facilities, a golf course, pub games etc. If it was me I would probably have got a few bloody good books out on long term loans before jetting off, can they not read?

Exactly. Plus, there's THREE games of footy a day on for them to watch (and learn from).

[Alf]

All this bollocks about the players being bored is really driving me insane. This should be the pinnacle of their fucking careers. Surely they can handle a bit of seclusion? If we were living 50 years ago I could understand a BIT more but it's 2010 for fuck sake. They've got DVD's, computer games, limitless ad top of the range exercise facilities, a golf course, pub games etc. If it was me I would probably have got a few bloody good books out on long term loans before jetting off, can they not read?

Exactly...

People who get cripplingly bored tend to be unintelligent. The fact they need their playstations and dvds to keep entertained speaks volumes. Apparently Capello has been trying to get them to play snooker and table tennis but they find it too boring...

You know, a game where you have to think about what you are doing, and what you are going to do next, and one where you have to think and react quickly... two things the England team aren't capable of... no wonder he was trying to get them to play them.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

Spurs used to play like that years ago and it used to drive me mental. Carrick/Jenas would have the ball... look up... and everyone would be standing still.

I don't recall you stuggling to score goals though. Did your fans get on the teams back at all? Obviously we're not allowed to think of such a thing or we're all terrible scummy supporters, but after 2 years of inability to create anything or score goals at home it does begin to get on your tits.

[Beefy]

Becks should organise a big Risk tournament.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

Exactly...

People who get cripplingly bored tend to be unintelligent. The fact they need their playstations and dvds to keep entertained speaks volumes. Apparently Capello has been trying to get them to play snooker and table tennis but they find it too boring...

You know, a game where you have to think about what you are doing, and what you are going to do next, and one where you have to think and react quickly... two things the England team aren't capable of... no wonder he was trying to get them to play them.

haha. I feel quite sorry for Capello. Get the impression these cunts in our team are so arrogant they genuinely believe it must all be his fault. We'll have to pay 12m to get anyone decent in for the next tournament. Ultimate poisioned chalice.

[da_man]

Michael Owen would have a high-stakes betting ring going.

[Red Dog]

If it was me I would probably have got a few bloody good books out on long term loans before jetting off, can they not read?
I reckon they can probably afford to buy brand new books outright mate.

[Gary J]

It's the lack of brains that does us in. All across the pitch really... you rarely see players making intelligent and unselfish runs to pull opposition players our of position. And the lack of creativity is down to that too. They can't see more than one pass ahead of them and it's because they are all pretty fucking thick.

:yes:

That is why Hargreaves is a must if fit he is our most intelligent player by a mile.

[Torn]

That would be horrific. We would probably go the whole match without either making a tackle.

They played together in a friendly this season at some point and they kept possession better than any combination since and it worked well.

[Beefy]

They played together in a friendly this season at some point and they kept possession better than any combination since and it worked well.

Yeah it was the second half against Egypt and it worked very well.

[Red Dog]

Why close that thread Beefy mate?

It wasn't doing anyone any harm.

I bet at least 12 people will have reported posts by JIJ. Sad but true.

[BBF]

:mad: I was in the middle of a post Beefy.

Who do you think reported posts, RedDoggyDogg?

[1_Pablo_Angel]

What's going on?

[Red Dog]

:mad: I was in the middle of a post Beefy.

Who do you think reported posts, RedDoggyDogg?
No idea mate.

But I can't believe that Beefy and MMH have the time or inclination to read every single post in here so it stands to reason some people like to wave the imaginary red card.

:\

[BBF]

Those people are silly billys.

[Torn]

some people like to wave the imaginary red card.

Ahaha great comparison.

[Simon]

Capello making a point of saying Terry made a "big mistake" made him sound like a mafia don. John Terry sleeps with the fish.

[Simon]

But I can't believe that Beefy and MMH have the time or inclination to read every single post in here so it stands to reason some people like to wave the imaginary red card.

:\
Ahaha excellent work.

[Beefy]

I read every word that you wonderful people type.

[Simon]

Oh yeah? Read THIS:

Hey man, what's up?

[MMH]

I dont, I hate every single one of you.

Twats

[MMH]

Also what thread?

[Beefy]

I shut the England vs Algeria thread because it was boring me shitless.

I'm not sure if that is entirely in the rules but fuck it....

[MMH]

I shut the England vs Algeria thread because it was boring me shitless.

I'm not sure if that is entirely in the rules but fuck it....

We ARE the rules. :cool:

[Simon]

More like FOOLS (!!!)

[Wiganer]

England should buy Ronaldo, we'd be better then. :freak:

[The Rosk]

:yes:

That is why Hargreaves is a must if fit he is our most intelligent player by a mile.

SHUT THE FUCK UP

[Red Dog]

I shut the England vs Algeria thread because it was boring me shitless.

I'm not sure if that is entirely in the rules but fuck it....
If there is something on telly that you find boring do you simply turn over to one of the million other channels or do you smash the tv up?

[Gary J]

SHUT THE FUCK UP

Thats exactly the same thought i had when you made the thread about how Gareth Barry was the answer to England's midfield problem.

[The Rosk]

Barry has done more than Hargreaves in an England shirt. Fact. :cool:

Oh wait he ran around a bit in two games and scored a penalty. Well done. He was never all that even before his legs became frozen twigs.

[Keano's Magic Hat]

Barry has done more than Hargreaves in an England shirt. Fact. :cool:

Oh wait he ran around a bit in two games and scored a penalty. Well done. He was never all that even before his legs became frozen twigs.

Barry is shit.

[The Rosk]

So is Hargreaves, but at least Barry isn't injured all of the time.

[jesus sucks]

i hate both players. neither are any good.

[The Rosk]

Neither are world-beaters. But Barry is the only player really to have been a solid answer in years to breaking up the Lampard and Gerrard "conundrum". Can't really be debated.

[Beefy]

If there is something on telly that you find boring do you simply turn over to one of the million other channels or do you smash the tv up?

If you have a problem with a Moderating decision I'd ask you to take it up using the traditional Rajah.com procedure for these cases, ie whining about it in The Asylum.

Thanks.

[Brennino]

Boooooooooooooooooring.

[Red Dog]

If you have a problem with a Moderating decision I'd ask you to take it up using the traditional Rajah.com procedure for these cases, ie whining about it in The Asylum.

Thanks.
Can I not just whine about it in here instead?

I like to be a maverick.

[turdpower]

I've noticed a lot of people suddenly having a go at Rooney, the people I watched the Algeria game with certainly were and now a few people in the media are calling for his head. He's hardly been the worst player. Sure, he hasn't been anywhere near good enough, but neither have quite a few of the England players.

Watching Tony Cascarino on SSN, has tipped me over the bloody edge.

[Red Dog]

I've noticed a lot of people suddenly having a go at Rooney, the people I watched the Algeria game with certainly were and now a few people in the media are calling for his head. He's hardly been the worst player. Sure, he hasn't been anywhere near good enough, but neither have quite a few of the England players.

Watching Tony Cascarino on SSN, has tipped me over the bloody edge.
It is probably because he slagged the fans off.

People don't really like that.

If Terry had done the same he would probably have been lynched by now.

[Bluemoon]

With Rooney I just think it's more to do with what he said afterwards. I mean he had a really shit game and came out with what he said.

He should know better being a scally growing up in a council estate, I obviously wouldn't drop him.

[The Rosk]

Yes.

Terry would have probably been sent home.

[Bluemoon]

If it was Gerrard you probably would have went into meltdown.

[The Rosk]

I would have burned England.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

I hope Gerrard dies.

[Simon]

I've noticed a lot of people suddenly having a go at Rooney, the people I watched the Algeria game with certainly were and now a few people in the media are calling for his head. He's hardly been the worst player. Sure, he hasn't been anywhere near good enough, but neither have quite a few of the England players.

Watching Tony Cascarino on SSN, has tipped me over the bloody edge.
He was certainly the worst player on the pitch against the Algerians. Against the USA he wasn't the worst but he was very quiet. In terms of ability compared to performance he has been the worst, for sure. Against Algeria he was dreadful.

[turdpower]

But the talk of him being dropped is ludicrous surely?

[Simon]

Oh yeah of course it is. Both in terms of it being a shit idea and in terms of bothering to suggest that Capello might consider it. If he doesn't improve tomorrow though then it would have to become a consideration as it would suggest that it's a fitness issue rather than a form issue.

[Beefy]

If it doesn't improve tomorrow then chances are it won't be an issue any more.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

We need a bit of power and bite up top, personally i'd go with the DOUBLE-WHAMMY of Kevin Davies and Geoff Horsefield. POWER POWER POWER.

[turdpower]

They should keep him in a cage for 24 hours before the game and prod him with sticks telling him that Carlos Tevez is better.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

Then after that 24 hours he'd be in the fetal position crying to himself because he knows it's true.

Oh and he'd have written a little swear word on his shoe too.

[Keano's Magic Hat]

Tevez is a cunt. He's not in Rooney's class.

[Simon]

Tell that to the 2010 World Cup.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

Haha, i genuinely only posted that to see how long it'd take you to bite :D COME AND MEET ME FOR A FIGHT!!

[MMH]

But the talk of him being dropped is ludicrous surely?

Why not? No other nation would keep a player in the team who wasnt performing.

Personally I wouldnt drop him either but its pathetic that some players are deemed untouchable. England never use a squad to its full potential. They bring players who never will likely get a game unless someone dies or something.

[Gary J]

Barry has done more than Hargreaves in an England shirt. Fact. :cool:

Oh wait he ran around a bit in two games and scored a penalty. Well done. He was never all that even before his legs became frozen twigs.

Yeah Barry has done far more even if all Hargreaves had done was run around in two games and scored a penalty which is wrong by the way. Since he did well in the World cup 2002 and he also did well at Euro 2004.

Even if your two games assessment was true it is still more then Gareth Barry who has only ever played well in our 3-0 win over Russia.

[Keano's Magic Hat]

Tell that to the 2010 World Cup.

yeah, because Tevez has been brilliant :rolleyes: He's been as shite as Rooney despite playing in a much better team.

[The Rosk]

Yeah Barry has done far more even if all Hargreaves had done was run around in two games and scored a penalty which is wrong by the way. Since he did well in the World cup 2002 and he also did well at Euro 2004.

Even if your two games assessment was true it is still more then Gareth Barry who has only ever played well in our 3-0 win over Russia.

Hmmm I will have to disagree considering everyone was clamouring for Barry to come back until just before the Algeria game.

You have this weird obsession with Hargreaves. The man had two good seasons for Bayern out of seven and has played 171 club games in his entire career. Seriously, you need to get over him. He was booed and seen as a joke for years as an England player until 2006 when he basically ran around the pitch non-stop in two games. He is worth nothing now.

[Red Dog]

Why not? No other nation would keep a player in the team who wasnt performing.

Personally I wouldnt drop him either but its pathetic that some players are deemed untouchable. England never use a squad to its full potential. They bring players who never will likely get a game unless someone dies or something.
Dunno mate.

Brazil kept Ronaldo in the team about an hour after he had had a fit.

[Simon]

yeah, because Tevez has been brilliant :rolleyes: He's been as shite as Rooney despite playing in a much better team.

You are wrong.

[Bluemoon]

Tevez is a cunt. He's not in Rooney's class.

He's still having a better tournament at the biggest stage of them all.

[Gary J]

Hmmm I will have to disagree considering everyone was clamouring for Barry to come back until just before the Algeria game.

You have this weird obsession with Hargreaves. The man had two good seasons for Bayern out of seven and has played 171 club games in his entire career. Seriously, you need to get over him. He was booed and seen as a joke for years as an England player until 2006 when he basically ran around the pitch non-stop in two games. He is worth nothing now.

Fair enough you disagree.

I think the thing with all the clamour for Barry is the same as the Joe Cole situation now. People who know very little about football or those who have suddenly picked up an interest due to the world cup have heard some-one they know say why isn't Joe Cole playing and he's built up into making him this super player. The same happened with Barry after our so-so performance against USA with people saying if Barry had been there we'd have better.

Also if we are going to down the clamour route i seem to remember McClaren getting slated for leaving Hargreaves out of the Croatia game which meant we didn't qualify for Euro 2008 and who was Hargreaves place and completely out of his depth in this game. Oh yeah Gareth Barry.

[The Rosk]

Don't remember that at all. Go ahead and find me the vitriol.

[Simon]

He's still having a better tournament at the biggest stage of them all.

He's having a good tournament anyway :dunno: he was very good against Korea.

[Bluemoon]

yeah, because Tevez has been brilliant :rolleyes: He's been as shite as Rooney despite playing in a much better team.

Really mate? I think he been fine. He's been a better team player but yes I know England have been shite and Argies haven't. But individual Tevez also has been much much better. He holds the ball up better, tracks back when he loses the ball and he's certainly controlled the ball better.

In those England games Rooney has lacked them all.

[Gary J]

Don't remember that at all. Go ahead and find me the vitriol.


The only reports i seem able to find at the moment are ones criticising McClaren for picking Scott Carson. But i do remember people asking why didn't Hargreaves play and i would know since i have the weird obsession.

[The Rosk]

Were these three people also in Hargreaves' immediate family.

[Gary J]

No they were too busy writing Mr Men books.

[MMH]

Dunno mate.

Brazil kept Ronaldo in the team about an hour after he had had a fit.

True but he was in form at the time. And it was a World Cup final of course.

Im sure that there are instances of it happening but not untouchable as such (mainly because most nations have players who can fill the roles vacated, Englands drop off in talent between the first 11 and the rest is poor)

They also drop players based on formations which England never do, they try and squeeze the best players into positions that dont suit them (Gerrard on the left for example)

[Beefy]

I was at the England Croatia game and I seem to remember that most of the controversy before kick off centred around the decisions to play Carson, Crouch and Wright-Phillips. Don't think too much was said about not playing Hargreaves.

[Simon]

It says a lot that 90% of the time our best player is "whoever isn't playing".

[Gary J]

Yeah it was more the aftermath of the game when the Hargreaves thing came up. He probably wasn't fullly fit at the time (surprise , surprise) but even then he probably wouldn't have played as Barry at this point was a £18m player and supposedly our saviour due to one decent game against Russia.

[Beefy]

Barry didn't get the attention after the Russia game. Emile Heskey and Michael Owen did.

Maybe some of the press latched onto the breaking up of the Lampard/Gerrard combo in the middle but the public seemed to be more interested in the recall of the two strikers.

[Gary J]

Barry got a fair bit of attention as he had supposedly brought balance to our midfield since he was left footed and Gerrard was right footed. I don't think Lampard played that night although i can't be certain of this. All of a sudden he was being linked with Liverpool , Chelsea and Arsenal and become a £18m player.

[jesus sucks]

and thank god we didn't sign him. i remember the sheer hatred aimed at rick parry by a section of our fans for that deal falling through, and him releasing a press statement saying 'in this instance, liverpool football club feel the price for gareth barry is simply too high'. and loads were up in arms. world war 3. rick parry this, going over Rafa's head that, thinks he knows more about football than Rafa. and it turns out all along he did!!! hahahahahahaaaa. because benitez is a fucking fat little nobhead!!!!

[Bluemoon]

Yeah and thanks to Hughes we signed the fat slow paced Rhino didn't we.

[Keano's Magic Hat]

:D Has he been that shite for City, BlueMoon?

[1_Pablo_Angel]

I wonder where Simon is to defend Barry now? I remember being castigated for claiming that while he was very good at certain things, he was a seriously limited player. Some people put this down to bias. Funny how my position hasn't changed a jot.

Barry is technically decent, a good passer and a calm head. His positioning his good. A side such as England, which is lacking in players of this nature, generally benefit from him in the side along with our PACE PASSION POWER players like Lampard and Gerrard who run all over the place trying to score goals. Barry's not great, but he is very good at what he does. Sadly for England we are a nation almost bereft of such players; Huddlestone and Carrick are basically the options. Of those one has been such a peripheral figure for his club that Gareth is almost there by default.

He is not shit though. BlueMoon probably notices his limitations enormously because he's being played with De Jong (who he claims is better). Funny how we all said the same in his last season alongside Petrov. A player that limited needs to be complimented with guys who offer what he lacks; pace, creativity, an engine, shooting.

[Bluemoon]

:D Has he been that shite for City, BlueMoon?

Yes he has.

Honestly he offers nothing to the team, we have better players then him. The only 1 good game he had was the 4-3 defeat to your lot.

[da_man]

Just seen Emile Heskey smashing a volley into the net on SSN!

It appears he's crap at tennis as well...

:muahaha:

[Red Dog]

http://twitter.com/fabio_capello_

Some of these made me laugh.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

Not sure if this has been posted, but fucking poor little Stuart Pearce at 1:15'ish.

Nice little video, although not much in English.

YouTube- EL SHOW DI CAPELLO.flv

[turdpower]

:lol:

[Keano's Magic Hat]

I LOVE Capello

[JIJ]

I wonder where Simon is to defend Barry now? I remember being castigated for claiming that while he was very good at certain things, he was a seriously limited player. Some people put this down to bias. Funny how my position hasn't changed a jot.

Barry is technically decent, a good passer and a calm head. His positioning his good. A side such as England, which is lacking in players of this nature, generally benefit from him in the side along with our PACE PASSION POWER players like Lampard and Gerrard who run all over the place trying to score goals. Barry's not great, but he is very good at what he does. Sadly for England we are a nation almost bereft of such players; Huddlestone and Carrick are basically the options. Of those one has been such a peripheral figure for his club that Gareth is almost there by default.

He is not shit though. BlueMoon probably notices his limitations enormously because he's being played with De Jong (who he claims is better). Funny how we all said the same in his last season alongside Petrov. A player that limited needs to be complimented with guys who offer what he lacks; pace, creativity, an engine, shooting.

It's been 3 games?? Nobody has been amazing.

Calm down.

[Alf]

YouTube- El show de Capello.

I think I love Capello a bit more after seeing this.

EDIT: Cuncha Winkle beat me to it.

[Red Dog]

YouTube- El show de Capello. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8C2S59szyI&)

I think I love Capello a bit more after seeing this.

EDIT: Cuncha Winkle beat me to it.
I'd love Pearce to just turn round and lamp him in his crinkly, creased face.

Although he would probably end up with a horse's head in his bed.

[ruudjase]

What will our starting xi be in euro 2012, IF WE QUALIFY?

[Winkle van Tinkle]

well we has a youngs team, so the likes of van der vaart, van persie, sneijder will stills be around. We will finish this world cup as champion winners and i hope other English fans suport me and you to glory!!

[ruudjase]

lol im not dutch :), but i wish you guys all the best!

[Winkle van Tinkle]

hahas thanks you very wanker!! :)

[Lazurus]

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k252/t_a_gibson/ok.jpg

[Red Dog]

Next World Cup.

HART

JOHNSON
COLE
DAWSON
CAHILL

MILNER
LENNON
HUDDLESTONE
JOHNSON

ROONEY
AGBONLAHOR



Wow, what a team.

[Gary J]

KIRKLAND

GOSLING
DAWSON
CAHILL
COLE

AGBONLAHOR
CATTERMOLE
NOBLE
JOHNSON

ROONEY
C.COLE

[Andy]

Hart

Richards
Cahill
Rodwell
Gibbs

Walcott
Milner
Cattermole
Wilshere
Johnson

Rooney

Mon the youth.

[Ringo]

Yes Andy, let's drop Ashley Cole for Kieran Gibbs.

[Andy]

It's 2014 mate, I don't think it's a crazy idea. Cole will be 33.

[Wiganer]

The next crop of players are just going to be as bad and as wankerish as this lot. We're not going to be able to change the set-up of English football for at least 10/15 years. We should be looking at developing players for 2018 or 2022 rather than 2014. If we do ok at 2014 it's a bonus.

[Gary J]

We are developing players just fine our u-21's have been doing well in tournaments.

The u-19's have finished runners up in the 2009 european championship.

The u-17's have won the algarve tournament in 2007 and 2009. The Nordic tournament in 2009. They also won the european championship in 2010.

The u-16's reached the final of their tournament in 2006 and won it in 2008.

[Grimario]

But youth comps are hardly indicative of senior development. Australia do pretty well at youth level because the focus on being a meathead translates well at that level. If England are in the same boat, battering other youth teams purely because of physical presence, isn't that the exact problem you are trying to avoid?

[Gary J]

A lot of the trouble is probably more down to the attitudes. They get hyped believe all the good press get paid shitloads and then just don't give a fuck because they think it's just gonna be so easy for them.

Joe Cole was hyped up and we heard he was going to be one of the greatest talents we had ever produced. Jermaine Pennant was going to be a world beater when he broke into the notts county team at 15. David Bentley was labelled the new Bergkamp. Man utd had some youngster called John Curtis who was gonna be a future international. Neil Mellor at liverpool was another one and he was supposedly going to follow the footsteps of Fowler and Owen.

The talent is there a lot of it is down to attitude of people in this country who just expect everything to just e handed to them and not having to work for it.

[Grimario]

But is the talent really there? Do you really have people with the technical ability to play at the same level as Spain, Brazil or Argentina... hell, even Germany?

[jesus sucks]

despite all this talk of talent pool and a crisis. if rob green doesn't let that shot in against america then we qualify from the group as winners. probably after winning all 3 games because the Alrgeria game is a result of the nerves and pressure from drawing the first match. we'd have beaten ghana and uruguay and ended up in the Semis after building some momentum. individual errors are more costly than people think imo. win as a team lose as a team isn't really true.

[Alf]

YouTube- Roy keane on England world cup exit

Roy Keane on the England team.

He makes some very good points.

[Brennino]

Roy the boss is mental. I love him.

[Alf]

He makes a great point about these 'sources' and how the players have chums in the media.

[Brennino]

It's when he runs through the whole team at the end. He really is a funny bastard.

[1_Pablo_Angel]

That was absolutely spot on, and it's why I thought we'd do badly before the World Cup started. Every one of our 'big players' struggling for form and or fitness.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I'd like him to have gone on a bit more about the player's chums in the media. It's pretty obvious the players are going to use the media to stick the knife into Capello and make him take the fall for the World Cup performances.

[Gary J]

But is the talent really there? Do you really have people with the technical ability to play at the same level as Spain, Brazil or Argentina... hell, even Germany?

We've never had people with the same technical abilities as the teams you've mentioned but then neither have a lot of other countries.

The press can go on and on like the bird that babbled on in a philosophical vein in the galoshes of fortune about how we have all thse world class players. The truth is in my life-time we have only had one truly world-class player Bryan Robson.

[Red Dog]

Did anyone see the picture of 9 England players sat around DRINKING after the Germany match?

Aaron Lennon was smoking a CIGAR.

STRING THEM UP!!!!!!!!!

[Wiganer]

Why, what are they supposed to do? whip themselves into a frenzy like some medieval monks?

[Red Dog]

Why, what are they supposed to do? whip themselves into a frenzy like some medieval monks?
As is often the case, I don't know what the fuck you are wittering on about, sorry.

[Glen]

Am I the only one who is in on this Gerrard knocking up another bird rumour that sent JT off the deep end in the World Cup? I thought it would be doing the rounds on here...

[Hlebsfall]

Get your grill all up in the official football thread you clart.

[Glen]

Mu'ha;fuh;ha.

Found it.

Ace story.

[Gangers]

Cuncha posted about it earlier today.

[Glen]

Well, there you go.

[Wiganer]

As is often the case, I don't know what the fuck you are wittering on about, sorry.


That is because you're an idiot.

[turdpower]

I saw the picture, wasn't there just one bottle of beer on the table?

And knowing that Lennon is a wannabe gangsta, it was probably one of those fake cigarettes that you blow talcum power out of.

[Wiganer]

What's the point in castigating them for having a drink?

[Red Dog]

Yeah when I said "STRING THEM UP!!!" I was being sarcastic.

I thought that would be obvious to anyone with a modicum of sense.

Oh, wait...

[Wiganer]

Yes, because sarcasm is easy to detect from keystrokes. Putting something in upper case isn't indicating that you're being sarcastic you spakker

[JIJ]

To be fair I reckon the majority on here wouldve got that

[Alf]

It was pretty obvious he wasn't suggesting they should acually be strung up.

[Wiganer]

No, it wasn't alf, you bean-bag.

[Glen]

yeah, actually, it was pretty obvious.

[Gary J]

It was as obvious as The Princess and the pea. We all knew she was going to marry the prince in the end just like we all knew Red Dog was being sarcastic.

[Chris Scott]

What's with the name changing mate?

[Chris Scott]

:lol:

Cheers mate

[Alf]

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2010/07/01/fabio-capello-stay-or-go-big-rons-verdict/

Big Ron saying what everyone else down every pub across the land has been saying.

[Red Dog]

Yes, because sarcasm is easy to detect from keystrokes. Putting something in upper case isn't indicating that you're being sarcastic you spakker
If you genuinely think that I think Aaron Lennon should be "strung up" (ie: hung) for smoking a cigar then you are a bigger spastic than I first feared.

Do you have downs syndrome?

[Alf]

YouTube- John Sitton sacks player and offers out two more

This is the team talk England needed...

"And bring your fucking dinner..."

[Bad Collin]

That video highlights one of the main issues in the English game.


Orient went on to lose the match 1-0, and after winning only one of the next 15 games, both Sitton and Turner were sacked two months later. Orient won just seven of 47 games under the pair. After the pair left, the side lost the following three games and finished bottom of the table.

[Red Dog]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8814195.stm

Fifa 2010 World Cup standings:
1 Spain, 2 Netherlands, 3 Germany, 4 Uruguay, 5 Argentina, 6 Brazil, 7 Ghana, 8 Paraguay
9 Japan, 10 Chile, 11 Portugal, 12 United States, 13 England, 14 Mexico, 15 South Korea, 16 Slovakia
17 Ivory Coast, 18 Slovenia, 19 Switzerland, 20 South Africa, 21 Australia, 22 New Zealand, 23 Serbia, 24 Denmark
25 Greece, 26 Italy, 27 Nigeria, 28 Algeria, 29 France, 30 Honduras, 31 Cameroon, 32 North Korea
England's past World Cup rankings:
1950 (8th), 1954 (6th), 1958 (11th), 1962 (8th), 1966 (1st), 1970 (8th), 1982 (6th), 1986 (8th), 1990 (4th), 1998 (9th), 2002 (6th), 2006 (7th)

Basically, its the worst ever.

Apart from the years we didnt qualify.

[turdpower]

The Capello index appaz:

Robert Green 51.67
David James 59.28
Glen Johnson 57.18
John Terry 60.48
Ledley King 57.50
Jamie Carragher 59.04
Matthew Upson 60.21
Ashley Cole 59.58
Aaron Lennon 57.64
Frank Lampard 58.58
Steven Gerrard 60.98
James Milner 59.40
Gareth Barry 57.50
Shaun Wright-Phillips 61.09
Joe Cole 55.45
Wayne Rooney 58.87
Emile Heskey 60.15
Jermain Defoe 62.47

It appeared online for 2 hours or something, then got pulled.

[Simon]

So Shaun Wright-Phillips is our best player?

[BBF]

And Simon can't read numbers.

[turdpower]

Probably Defoe, mate.

[Simon]

MERRRRRRRRR

[Winkle van Tinkle]

I dont think the defoe number is correct, because i watched it on SSN, and SWP was rated as the best player.

It is all bullshit though, and people are suggesting Capello has rated the players with these marks. He hasn't. He just came up with a way of marking players using a different set of parameters etc, and these are the results using those guides. He hasn't just said "Uhh Cole...55 and give him a .45 too".

[BBF]

Still seems to be online... (http://www.capelloindex.com/en/search.aspx?q=Defoe)

[1_Pablo_Angel]

I dont think the defoe number is correct, because i watched it on SSN, and SWP was rated as the best player.

It is all bullshit though, and people are suggesting Capello has rated the players with these marks. He hasn't. He just came up with a way of marking players using a different set of parameters etc, and these are the results using those guides. He hasn't just said "Uhh Cole...55 and give him a .45 too".

YES. And no-one is pointing this out in the media. It's fucking retarded, they were reading out E-mails on SSN the other day that said stuff like 'WHY DOESN'T HE RANK HIMSELF SEEN AS HE HAD SUCH A DREADFUL WORLD CUP! I'D GIVE HIM A 0!!!' and 'CAPELLO IS A JOKE GET HIM OUT AND GET SOMEONE WITH A BIT OF PASSION IN LIKE ARRY REDKNAPP!!!'. When the simple facts are the 'Capello Index' is basically no different to the Actim Index with Fabio's name stuck on it.

[Bluemoon]

I see that dickhead Barton has opened his mouth and weighed in about the WC, he said he can rescue England and is the man for midfield now.

I nearly spat my cup of tea at work out this aftenoon.

[MMH]

YES! Thats exactly what England need, another average hard working limited midfielder.

I totally forgot that Barton existed whilst Newcastle were in the Championship.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

"For me, first and foremost, I want to do well for Newcastle United, but watching some of the performances in the World Cup over the summer I think, that on form, I'm as good as anybody in this country," Barton, 27, said.

"I don't say that lightly, and I have to go out and prove that, but surely every midfielder in this country should be thinking like that. They should be looking at it and saying 'that's where I want to be and that's where I can go'"


There's nothing at all wrong with what he has said. The guy is 27, and has played for England before. There's no reason why he shouldn't be setting himself them targets. He's clearly been asked about England, and responded.

Is he good enough? Probably not. But any ambitious and confident person would have the belief that they are good enough.

[Chris Scott]

I hope they ask Danny Mills the same question then.

[Bad Collin]

Fucking hell, Shearer in good point shocker:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9213404.stm

I know he is stating the obvious but at least the majority of the media seem to now realise that the problem is serious and goes deeper than the manager.

The new national football centre is a good start and hopefully this is the first step in producing some proper footballers who can control and pass the ball. I still think it will be a bleak decade for us however, perhaps not as bad as the seventies but we certainly won't qualify for everything.

[da_man]

I think the national football centre is a massive waste of money. Any youngster over 7 years old gets snapped up by a club and goes to play at an Academy with fantastic facilities anyway. We had Lilleshall for years.