Forum Topic

England's Euro Cup 2016 attempt.

England haven't been beatened in any of their qualifying matches so far and only had 1 goal scored against them. I think Mr.Hodgson's doing well. Will England do well in 2016?

Gerry Tan ● 4185d48 Comments

There are undoubtedly some cracking players in The Championship who will not get a look in without the Premiership 'membership badge'. Again, reform the FA, develop the grass roots, it takes time, we have that; the money, not a problem; and the will, ah, that's where it falls apart.

Nigel Brooks ● 4180d

Some of the teams who did better than England at the last World Cup ( not difficult I know!) like Chile and Colombia had players from the second tier of their football but that category of player here isn't even considered. Some players,Gerrard, Lampard, Johnson amongst them, seemed to almost have an exclusion zone around them for years when it came to being dropped , even when it was plain to see that their best years were behind them.

Keith Iddon ● 4180d

All I can add is 'thank God for Burnley' who only had one overseas player last season.it is nonsensical to believe that the game will progress in England while more money is spent on importing talent that 'growing our own'.The FA needs root and branch reform and to stop kowtowing to the Premier League. Do that and in twenty years or so we may have an England team that isn't the usual suspects.

Nigel Brooks ● 4180d

Pretty sure England stink at football, although I can't stand the game now that it is virtually non-contact.As I understand it, the English Premier League has hindered the national side in the same way the French Top 14 (rugby) league has. Teams spend money getting foreigners in instead of developing young English talent. Hope that will do Keith?

John Bodman ● 4181d

ONE opinion by either about the op might be useful tho'...:-)

Keith Iddon ● 4181d

John B. and Nigel B., whether you know each other inside or outside this excellent forum or if you're Welsh or whatever, you both post some excellent opinions - which I enjoy reading.  Please don't stop your interesting banter and continue to talk to each other please.

Gerry Tan ● 4181d

Cymru Am Byth Mr. Bodman, as you know well :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 4181d

Perhaps I should clarify that I know Nigel outside of this forum.

John Bodman ● 4181d

Phil, I know Nigel and that particular comment was tongue in cheek because he is Welsh.

John Bodman ● 4181d

From a personal perspective, I don't really care if threads veer off-topic - that seems to me to be how people communicate, especially in a deliberately informal setting such as this forum.However, I find a comment like Try backing your country peculiar.It implies that criticising or commenting on decisions made by those currently in charge of sporting teams somehow reduces the chance that those teams will succeed.  In my opinion, that's rubbish.On a similar note, I know a few people who have been or remain in the army and I am proud of their contribution to our country.  I remain astounded, however, that our political leaders send them into pointless battles again and again.

Phil Kay ● 4181d

Yawn.

Keith Iddon ● 4181d

The England team now are light years away from where they were 4 years ago. Can only agree, but then again it would have been difficult to have sunk any lower.I did say 'perceived deficiencies'  isn't that the same as an opinion?One stat, just the one and I complimented Lancaster at that juncture.

Nigel Brooks ● 4181d

All rivettingly interesting but what do you guys think about England's Euro 2016 campaign, the subject of this thread?

Keith Iddon ● 4181d

High horse? For defending the current position of the England team? Strange turn of phrase.You haven't pointed out any deficiencies...you have just stated your opinion. You said you are sick of Lancaster using the excuse he is building for the future (your opinion), whereas Lancaster has said he intends to win next year. You chuck stats about to defend your post....but the fact is his win percentage IS better than Johnson's and he has faced much harder games (Wales, Ireland, France and Scotland would BEG to face NZ as often as England have). The actual issue with Johnson's reign was discipline rather than performances - you can stomach a team only making the quarter finals (Woodward's famous 'Judge me on the World Cup' statement springs to mind), but you cannot forgive a coach who let players go out drinking, jumping off ferries and most importantly get stuck in positions in which they are accused of assault. Lancaster cleared all that up, got rid of the ring leaders (Easter) and took the squad back to the basics. The England team now are light years away from where they were 4 years ago and are, despite recent results, improving. It's this 'football' mentality of ditching coaches who don't get results immediately that causes problems.The last time England were in this situation was in 98 when they went on the tour of hell to Australia and got their backsides handed to them. A year later they were knocked out in the 1/4 finals of the RWC. They stuck with their coach and that team became the World #1 ranked team and then won the RWC in 03.

John Bodman ● 4181d

It's a long way down from that high horse John.I am not 'Bomber bashing' merely observing the deficiencies I perceive.  Wells won, as I said, despite a team denuded for England duty (nine of the 1st XV were at one point 'away') and long term injuries to Harry Ellis (the start of his problems), Julian White, and Geordan Murphy.Lancaster's win rate is actually only 5% better than Johnson's BTW but I wouldn't use that against him given his sterling work after the RWC 2011 disaster!I will indeed be backing my country which, as you know, lays across the other side of the Severn Bridge, don't get me started on their injury problems and the 'Regions' debacle.

Nigel Brooks ● 4181d

Don't let facts get in the way of your Bomber bashing!FACT: Richards was dismissed in 2004 which was the same season England won the RWC with a team built around Johnson, Back, Kay et al. So claiming that Wells promptly won the league is a bit off because Tigers were missing the core of their team who then returned. As for saying Lancaster pitched for a long term contract is completely incorrect. Lancaster was indeed offered a long term contract based on the fact that he managed to mop up the mess created by Johnson at RWC 2011. For the record, as part of his contract, his performance is assessed at the end of each season. His is actually a rolling contract based on not only building for the future but also current performances. If the RFU decide at the end of season that Lancaster isn't up to the job, then they walk away from each other with a minimal pay off.Lancaster is by far the best English coach around. There is NOBODY better qualified to take England through to the RWC next year. All coaches need a bit of luck to win tournaments and 2014 has been filled with injuries for England. But make no bones about it - being injured can be a blessing for the squad because it's mostly lions who are out because they have played so much rugby over the last 18 months. The injury lay offs are giving those guys much needed rest. They will come back fitter and fresher - just in time for the tournament. Try backing your country.

John Bodman ● 4181d

Of course Lancaster said that he was aiming to win next year but he was clear on his pitch for a lengthy contract extension (source The Rugby Paper and RFU website) that he was focussed on the long term to Japan 2019 and beyond. Now that the extension to 2020 is in place I would like to hear a lot less of the long term and a focus on 'next match'.Richards was sacked in 2004 not only because of a poor run of results but because he had also lost the changing room the support of his fellow coaches. This is pretty evident when his assistant John Wells stepped up and won the league, progressed to the Premiership final and made the semi of the Heineken with a largely unchanged squad still with many absentees on international duty and and many ageing players.I hope England progress but I do feel that there are some strange loyalties to underperforming players which will mitigate against this.

Nigel Brooks ● 4181d

Lancaster isn't claiming that at all. He has publicly said his aim is to win next year! Where are you finding all these claims? 'England are missing 6 key players....so what?' are you for real? Any team missing that amount will struggle....as a Tigers fan you'll remember Dean Richards was fired for missing that amount during a RWC year (when said players were representing their country)! Strangely the reason Cockers HASN'T been sacked this year after a bad start is because Tigers learnt their lesson! As for lack of strength in depth...again you leave me shocked. Take Joe Marler...he is THIRD choice loosehead! Dave Attwood...THIRD choice lock. Brad Barritt...third or fourth choice centre. We lost the last two games...but a try would have done it for us against the ABs and if Care hadn't been intercepted against SA we wouldn't have lost. Test match rugby is about fine margins, England have just under a year to turn minimal losses into wins. With a fit squad they can and will do it.

John Bodman ● 4182d

We lack bite, end of and I am sick to the back teeth of Lancaster claiming that he is planning for the future. That's the same old tired excuse trolled out by failing football managers week in and week out.I agree we have lost against the #1 and #2 ranked sides but back to six nations and the scraped victory against Ireland and the defeat to a woeful French who simply showed a greater will to win over 80 minutes.So, England are missing six key players, so what?Any head coach worth his salt would have a team around him that could identify strength in depth, why is he paid £350,000 a year otherwise? A pittance by football standards but a fair  whack all the same

Nigel Brooks ● 4182d

Ha Ha Ha. Loving the misinformed comments about England Rugby. Almost all could have been cut and pasted from the media.Basic facts; England have lost 5 games in a row....4 against the team who have been ranked #1 for the last 5 years and also one game against the current #2 side.The main reasons for the losses in NZ were simply the schedule. That is NOT Bomber's fault, but that of the RFU who put the £ before results. How can you send your national side into a test match when your top two domestic teams had played a final against each other just 6 days before (with travel to be included)?Laughable.So then we come to the team itself....Robshaw describe as 'lacking authority' when in fact he is just a different type of leader. He tops all the RFU's fitness stats, he tops all of England's tackle counts, tops all of England's carries and often steps in as first receiver to create space for the 10.The simple fact is.....England are missing;Mako Vunipola, Tom Youngs, Geoff Parling, Alex Corbesiero, Dan Cole and Manu Tuilagi. For those not in the know, that's SIX British Lions. But if you listen to what the media say and write then you'll believe Bomber doesn't have a clue what his first team is!!!Add to all that Sam Burgess - the new Bath signing from The Rabbitohs in Rugby League. For those who don't know him, this guy is the best rugby league player, in the best league (NRL) in the world. The guy played in the NRL Grand Final and shattered his cheekbone in the first tackle (10 seconds in) but played on and won the Man of the Match award. He is the first non-Aussie to win that!Get yourself on YouTube and see him push Sonny Bill Williams backwards into a roly poly WITH ONE HAND!If you think he won't make the transition to Union....he will. The RFU have funded his move and they are VERY careful with their cash.England may or may not win the RWC, but there is nothing wrong with the journey the squad are taking and despite their group I am 100% sure they will make the final.

John Bodman ● 4182d

Yes, Welbeck's a better player imo.  Sterling is full of promise but doesn't produce the goods when it counts - maybe he's yet to develop.

Gerry Tan ● 4182d

Can't agree about Sterling Gerry...Welbeck much better.

Keith Iddon ● 4182d

Agreed Keith, England played well - Rooney, Wilshere, Chamberlain and Sterling did the business.  Thought Scotland looked a touch tired and slow - all round an enjoyable friendly in the end.

Gerry Tan ● 4182d

Yes the idiots usurped the band's tune.

Keith Iddon ● 4182d

They were chanting anti IRA slogans to a song called 'Follow England Away'

Fred Hunt ● 4182d

It isn't necessarily but what has it got to do with football and although we all know the historical links between Ireland and Scotland, Ireland were not even involved? The easy reason why the news doesn't show the content is that they don't want other idiots to think it's clever to chant it and rightly so.

Keith Iddon ● 4182d

I am curious. Why put it in the news without content and why oh why is something anti IRA objectionable?

Graham Weeks ● 4182d

Why would you want to highlight what a few idiots masquerading s England fans were singing. Better that e don't know imo.

Keith Iddon ● 4182d

Does anyone know what the anti-IRA chant was saying?

Graham Weeks ● 4182d

I hope Sterling doesn't listen to everyone who is telling him how good he is. People often stop trying when told that they are already excellent.He is some way off the finished article imo and needs to get stronger and more tactically aware. That Liverpool have put a £60m buy out clause on a player who has won nothing, isn't a regular scorer and who has the potential to be very good is giving him the wrong message.

Keith Iddon ● 4182d

Scotland were awful, thankfully.I have been disappointed overall with Lallana but I get the connection. What was Sterling doing for their goal?

Simon Wycombe ● 4182d

Good England performance and a very average one by Scotland. Anyone else think Lallana has a look of Martin Peters about him?

Keith Iddon ● 4183d

Current odds Scotland  v  England 11/4 Scots11/5 draw6/5 England

Graham Weeks ● 4183d

I'm not sure the quality of the football will be great Gerry. These games are often hard fought but don't ooze great football.

Keith Iddon ● 4183d

"...I won't be surprised if the Jocks win."You could be right Keith. Whatever the outcome, its always a good game. I have a "feeling in m'water" England will triumph, despite having had my secondary and higher education in Scotland and being an ardent Scottish supporter!  I'll go and have my deep fried Mars Bar now!  Any other result predictions?

Gerry Tan ● 4183d

Nigel, Perhaps your comments are just as relevant to the round ball players as those with the oval; if nothing else 15 players might, just might, give them an edge when up against the better teams

Philip Coe ● 4185d

Close for sure Gerry and I won't be surprised if the Jocks win. They have a very good centre forward in Steven Naismith. I saw him play for Spain v. Scotland a few years ago in a World  Cup qualifier and he was man of the match for Scotland imo. He ran the two Spanish centre halves ragged the entire game and led the line brilliantly.They are also at home and certainly get fired up to play the Sassenachs!

Keith Iddon ● 4185d

I know this is a 'friendly', but it'll be a chance for Mr.Hodgson to try some 'young Turks' of the England team. It's always a good fixture - against the Auld Enemy!  Can't wait!  Predict the result anyone please?

Gerry Tan ● 4185d

I think he is a work in progress when it comes to international football. I am not sure he is strong enough right now. Certainly not as strong as the Ox or Townsend. Phil Jones will be Cahill's long term partner imo...he was messed about too much by Fergie,playing him in the midfield and then at full back before giving him the odd game at centre half. For a big strong lad he does get a lot of injuries tho'.

Keith Iddon ● 4185d

Yeah wouldn`t disagree with either Townsend or the Ox. the latter is a better player than Walcott imo . Townsend is more a right sided midfielder than an orthodox winger, he likes to cut in just before reaching the opposition`s box , he scored a great goal for us while on loan at QPR , I was hoping that Harry was going to add him to his ex. Spurs collection , he seemed to be out of favour at Tottenham at the time , I forget who was their manager that week. I can`t see Sterling being a work in progress , he .practically carried Liverpool at Loftus Road a few weeks ago. In my view our ( Englands)biggest problem is central defence , if Cahill and Jagielka are out , we are left with alas. Smalling and Jones

Dave Burke ● 4185d

We are not exactly blessed with many credible alternatives to the players in or around the squad now. Otherwise, how would Jordan Henderson ever get a cap? Roy should have shown more faith in Rooney at the World Cup, instead of playing him wide on the left and Sturridge (greedy with little awareness of those around him)down the middle. Rooney has nearly 300 ( and counting)goals in his career and the attack should be built to suit him imo.

Keith Iddon ● 4185d

Sadly Dave it's down to four things with the England XVA lack of basic 'nastiness'A coach who keeps banging on about long-term plans rather than planning for the next match.A captain who is being pulled from pillar to post and exerts no authority.Some pretty basic handling errors.All of these can be fixed with a few personnel changes and sending the under-performers back to 'train-out' with their clubs before they don an England shirt again.

Nigel Brooks ● 4185d

I prefer Townsend and Oxlade -Chamberlain out wide myself. Both are direct, dangerous, tricky and strong. Sterling is very much a work in progress imo as is Barkley.Both need to get the leather in the onion bag more often if they want to be no. 10.

Keith Iddon ● 4185d

Although England are in a comparatively easy group , I think that there are grounds for optimism . Roy Hodgson seems keen to blood younger players , Sterling ( he looks like he`s been playing on the wing for years although still only nineteen )lallana , Clyne looks promising - what an academy Southampton must have - and the player I`m most looking forward to seeing in an England shirt - Ross Barkley , tremendous prospect , even Wayne Rooney is showing a new maturity ,maybe even Charlie Austen with his current form for the Rs will get a look in. Don`t know about the egg chasers, maybe they need to get back in the gym and pump it up a bit more!

Dave Burke ● 4185d

It's not about bottle but it's about quality...and we don't have the required amount of quality players for us to do well imho.

Keith Iddon ● 4185d

I see you on the wing Gerry, assuming we can get you past the barbecues other food  in the car park.

Nigel Brooks ● 4185d

Yes I agree with you Nigel.  I think the England rugby team would benefit from beefing-up their three quarter line, by adding the likes of you, Jim Lawes and moi!  How about that eh?

Gerry Tan ● 4185d

No Gerry, they will bottle it as usual.Of greater concern is the appalling form of the England rugby union team (lost the last five internationals) ahead of the Rug World Cup next year.

Nigel Brooks ● 4185d