The International Football Thread

[OneMoSalah 8,616]

Delighted that Scotland beat Macedonia! Got there eventually despite controlling much of the game. Strachans done well so far.

[Badboy 1,526]

HOLLAND HAVE QUALIFIED AND WE WILL BE IN BRAZIL WITH OUR ORANGE BALLOOOOOOOOOOONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

HOLLAND HAVE QUALIFIED AND WE WILL BE IN BRAZIL WITH OUR ORANGE BALLOOOOOOOOOOONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What are your expectations?

[English Freak 456]

True. But at least they have the optimism op youth and will just keep on running and trying. The guys in the actual team realise we are shit, and all their optimism dried up in 2006.

I think England's current youngsters are alright...if you play the right formation.

I wouldn't mind seeing this sort of team play for England:

Butland

Johnson - CB - Jones - Baines

CM ---- Barkley ---- CM

Zaha ------ Sturridge ----- Redmond/Sterling

At the very least, this team would be energetic, and have some decent pace on the wings.

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

Cavani's work rates are just

[Tomo 21,681]

I think England's current youngsters are alright...if you play the right formation.

I wouldn't mind seeing this sort of team play for England:

Butland

Johnson - CB - Jones - Baines

CM ---- Barkley ---- CM

Zaha ------ Sturridge ----- Redmond/Sterling

At the very least, this team would be energetic, and have some decent pace on the wings.

I would rather play Ross Turnbull than Butland.

[Magic Lamps 11,452]

I would rather play Ross Turnbull than Butland.

Hart will be around long enough anyway.

[OneMoSalah 8,616]

I think England's current youngsters are alright...if you play the right formation.

I wouldn't mind seeing this sort of team play for England:

Butland

Johnson - CB - Jones - Baines

CM ---- Barkley ---- CM

Zaha ------ Sturridge ----- Redmond/Sterling

At the very least, this team would be energetic, and have some decent pace on the wings.

Englands problems are in midfield and defence I feel. Lampard - Gerrard just doesn't work and it hasn't done for nearly 10 years or so. Wilshere cannot carry that midfield by himself. Carrick must be included, hes been the brains of that United midfield for however many years now, he's more or less been the best central midfield player they've had recently but still can't get a look in. Absolutely shocking. If Hodgson wants England to improve in possession then they need to play Carrick, who we've all seen how good he is on the ball, picking passes and controlling the tempo.

I think England should go for 3 men in the middle of the park, something like this:

Wilshere - Carrick - Lampard/Gerrard/Cleverly/Milner/whoever

Sure Hodgson likes to play 4-4-1-1 with a #10 but perhaps a 3 man midfield wouldn't hurt. Or just picking Carrick in general and playing Wilshere slightly further up where he isn't going to expose his partner as much.

Don't even want to speak about the English defence, sometimes it performs well but then there are just nights where it is abysmal. Need someone to take charge in there and fast.

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

Brazilians about to get their ass kicked

[Barbara 15,149]

Brazilians about to get their ass kicked

hey

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

hey

Shhh no tears

[Amblève. 4,995]

Wilshere - Carrick

Walcott - Rooney - Ox

Sturridge

Personally, I think that's the best offense that England has to offer atm, which still is not really that good at all compared to teams like Spain, Germany and Brazil.

[Magic Lamps 11,452]

There is only one team to kick Brazilian asses next summer...

[Barbara 15,149]

Shhh no tears

we don't cry, we assist to Raul

Luiz asked Maicon to head it back to Julio, he did it

[Magic Lamps 11,452]

Wilshere - Carrick

Walcott - Rooney - Ox

Sturridge

Personally, I think that's the best offense that England has to offer atm, which still is not really that good at all compared to teams like Spain, Germany and Brazil.

I think in terms of individual class England has always been up with the top teams. The problem is the they never turn up for England and the tactics are so old fashioned. The fatigue adds its bit, so England never has a chance to even rach a semifinal at a big tournament

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

we don't cry, we assist to Raul

Luiz asked Maicon to head it back to Julio, he did it

Our defense just gave that back -.-

[Barbara 15,149]

Meireles is a frigging legend!

and Brazil's defense with the exception of Silva is a hot mess

[JDY 1,290]

Lovely