The Official English National Football Team Thread

[STFC will rule again]

Anyone seen the breaking news on Sky about a fan confronting Beckham in the England dressing room? Complete idiot, how was it Beckham's fault? he actually looked bothered about us doing badly on the bench.

[why?]

I think the press will slaugher us for scraping a win as well. I really don't think I've seen us play as bad in a WC game as we did today.

It's debatable whether or not we've played worse, but what's most depressing is that we never learn. People say we're a quarter-final team, and that's correct. But we're only a quarter-final team when we play well. By then our lack of quality and inability to keep the ball catch up with us and a superior side send us packing. But when we don't play well, as we're seeing now, we're actually one of the most ordinary sides in international football, we're a group stage/first knockout round team. This should be a wakeup call, but i'm old enough now to know that it won't be.

[davehanson]

Don't know if it has been mentioned or not, but a fan entered the England dressing room after the game tonight.

All I have read so far is that the FA have reported the incident to Fifa and that the fan was escorted out after a 'few verbals'.

[PaulHartman71]

Anyone seen the breaking news on Sky about a fan confronting Beckham in the England dressing room? Complete idiot, how was it Beckham's fault? he actually looked bothered about us doing badly on the bench.

more concerned at how a fan managed to get in the England dressing room tbh

[Gr81]

Major lol at this http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8749232.stm

Rooney can **** off. He's not fit and not in the right frame of mind. Cant see us winning wednesday. Really cant.

[brett.spurs]

Is there a reason why England aren't trying to get to the byline on the wings and hit crosses over? Seems like they are playing right thru the middle most of the time and it is clearly not working. Oh, and Crouch in already. Dawson will do a job.

Because we don't get the ball to them quick enough, which is why Carrick should be in there.

[STFC will rule again]

Carrick the sideways passer?

[McMaster#28]

I didn't know a fan had managed to get into the dressing room.

[Jason the Yank]

you know what, it felt like one of those fm games where your superstar players play against an average team and nothing happens in the match, whatever you try.

sort it out si!

[glory utd]

Because we don't get the ball to them quick enough, which is why Carrick should be in there.

Agree with Brett in that if you give a wide player the ball in a slow passing move 40 yards from the byline you can't expect them to beat everyone and get to the byline and put in a cross. Was a shocking piece of play towards the end tonight where Gerrard played it to Lamps and stopped, marked. Lamps played it wide to Johnson then stopped and just stood there. Left Johnson to try to beat the two people closing him down as he had no passing option to anyone. He failed obviously.

That's kinda why I'd like to see Rooney playing in midfield / behind a striker with a free role or whatever. He's the one player who'll do something first time and whip a ball out to the on rushing winger etc. He actually has urgency in his passing. Lamps and Gerrard are slow and laboured, or at least have been so far.

[Smallen]

I think after the world cup it's time a few players retired from international football regardless of how far we get, and I mean the ones who will be too old for the next world cup. Then, in the Euro qualifiers, we can get the players together and work out our starting 11. Once we've worked that out we stick with it. At least then by the time major tournaments come up we may start to resemble a team. Today we looked like a group of strangers. Many of the passes were misplaced not only because they were poor, but because the players had no idea where their team mates were moving to. This is not helped, of course, by Capello naming the team 2 hours before KO.

Successful national teams (Brazil in particular) know their starting team way in advance as it is normally the same every time if everyone's fit. I reckon we need to take that approach to get our players working on the same wavelength

[Rio_V]

Because we don't get the ball to them quick enough, which is why Carrick should be in there.

It is a good point. I just don't understand why even bothering with Lennon then. Play Gerrard on the right and Joe Cole on the left. Otherwise, use Lennon's speed and hit those early balls. That is the style you play best. Play it!!!!

[aggressive minor]

@ Jason the Yank

You know FM, so unrealistic! I predict the superbug GK problem in the next game!

[aggressive minor]

I think after the world cup it's time a few players retired from international football regardless of how far we get, and I mean the ones who will be too old for the next world cup. Then, in the Euro qualifiers, we can get the players together and work out our starting 11. Once we've worked that out we stick with it. At least then by the time major tournaments come up we may start to resemble a team. Today we looked like a group of strangers. Many of the passes were misplaced not only because they were poor, but because the players had no idea where their team mates were moving to. This is not helped, of course, by Capello naming the team 2 hours before KO.

Successful national teams (Brazil in particular) know their starting team way in advance as it is normally the same every time if everyone's fit. I reckon we need to take that approach to get our players working on the same wavelength

The press have suddenly started to pick on it now, it wasn't an issue when we won all those games in the qualifiers, or when Capello won the CL or all those Serie A/La Liga titles. The point is thats Capello and the way he runs things, not having a go at you in particular but the fans and media can be far too fickle about things like this. Alf Ramsey was the same, the players would never know the team until just before.

[Paul Bacon]

I think after the world cup it's time a few players retired from international football regardless of how far we get, and I mean the ones who will be too old for the next world cup. Then, in the Euro qualifiers, we can get the players together and work out our starting 11. Once we've worked that out we stick with it. At least then by the time major tournaments come up we may start to resemble a team. Today we looked like a group of strangers. Many of the passes were misplaced not only because they were poor, but because the players had no idea where their team mates were moving to. This is not helped, of course, by Capello naming the team 2 hours before KO.

Successful national teams (Brazil in particular) know their starting team way in advance as it is normally the same every time if everyone's fit. I reckon we need to take that approach to get our players working on the same wavelength

What i didnt get with the naming of the team, is that Barry knew he was playing yesterday. So how come he knew but no one else did?

[Paul Bacon]

The press have suddenly started to pick on it now, it wasn't an issue when we won all those games in the qualifiers, or when Capello won the CL or all those Serie A/La Liga titles. The point is thats Capello and the way he runs things, not having a go at you in particular but the fans and media can be far too fickle about things like this. Alf Ramsey was the same, the players would never know the team until just before.

Media only moan because they cant sell papers by putting the lineup in the night before

[Ruud van Nistelrooy]

Don't think any of the England players, with the possible exception of James, would have been remotely surprised that they were starting or who they were starting alongside.

[brett.spurs]

It is a good point. I just don't understand why even bothering with Lennon then. Play Gerrard on the right and Joe Cole on the left. Otherwise, use Lennon's speed and hit those early balls. That is the style you play best. Play it!!!!

I love Lennon for Spurs but as you said, there's just no point of him being in the side. It takes us about 5 passes to do what someone like Scholes would do in one. May aswell just stick 4 CM's in there and hope for the best.

[Deltaroad]

Not really buying waiting on selection being a factor.

In all honestly England players lack passion. First game against USA they started well then got carried away. You see Capello shouting and screaming at them to calm down.

Capello did the same thing today when our passing was not connecting and there was too much urgency. Just hoofing the ball to Heskey hoping he can run past 5 players.

Its seems that the players have listen to Capello and let their pride get in the way.

I don't think Capello set out to play long balls. It's not his style. I don't think he has a high tempo style either. Yet the players still play long ball and rush to try to catch up with it. They spent most of the game chasing bass that they gave way.

[titchuk]

Thought we were really poor tonight. Rooney seemed to have forgotten how to control a football, Gerrard and Lampard were rubbish. Everyone seems to hate Heskey, but for me he played better than Rooney and I wouldn't have minded Defoe on for Rooney instead. Gerrard can't play on the left, I wonder how a 4-3-2-1 would work with Heskey the target man, Gerrard and Rooney playing off him in free roles and then Barry, Lampard and...someone else...behind them. It could work, but probably a bit too risky to do it mid-world cup.

Still expect us to beat Slovenia.

[aggressive minor]

I don't think they lacked passion or effort. It's just seems to be the sheer pressure, you can see it on their faces.

[Stu Coleman]

Are we REALLY the only nation that have a demanding media and public?

[samba23]

What i didnt get with the naming of the team, is that Barry knew he was playing yesterday. So how come he knew but no one else did?

You really think that Johnson, Terry, Carragher, A. Cole, Gerrard, Lampard & Rooney didn't know that they were going to play?

All of this "the manager not telling us who's in the team is great becuase it keeps us on our toes" talk from the players is nonsense sucking up to the manager in the hope that they don't get dropped. In the same way that when McClaren was in charge all the players said "the manager's great, he's doing a terrific job" because no-one wanted to speak out against the manager for fear of being dropped.

I'm not saying there's is any friction between the manager and the players but no player would ever speak out about it, they only say what is in their best interests to say.

[Smallen]

So frustrated with Capello.

4-5-1, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 are obviously the best way to get the best out of our three best attacking players (Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney). I just really don't understand why none of these formations have been used. Capello is a stubborn idiot. He strikes me as the sort of person that wouldn't play Joe Cole just because he'd see it as the media (who want him to be included) beating him. Rooney up top on his own means he has to stay up there and use his movement in the box to score goals. Lampard and Gerrard can both push on with Gerrard looking to help create for Rooney and himself, and Lampard looking to make the late runs into the box that he's famous for whilst still having defensive cover left in there in the form of Barry/Carrick.

I wish Hargreaves was fit as he'd do a much better disciplined defensive role than Barry

[Paul Bacon]

You really think that Johnson, Terry, Carragher, A. Cole, Gerrard, Lampard & Rooney didn't know that they were going to play?

All of this "the manager not telling us who's in the team is great becuase it keeps us on our toes" talk from the players is nonsense sucking up to the manager in the hope that they don't get dropped. In the same way that when McClaren was in charge all the players said "the manager's great, he's doing a terrific job" because no-one wanted to speak out against the manager for fear of being dropped.

I'm not saying there's is any friction between the manager and the players but no player would ever speak out about it, they only say what is in their best interests to say.

Yea ofc they know, but iirc Barry was publically told he was in. The only player to be

[Jason the Yank]

@ Jason the Yank

You know FM, so unrealistic! I predict the superbug GK problem in the next game!

Tim Howard was that.

[Deltaroad]

I don't think they lacked passion or effort. It's just seems to be the sheer pressure, you can see it on their faces.

Maybe passion isn't the right word. I dunno they don't seem to be listening or communicating with each other and Capello.

So frustrated with Capello.

4-5-1, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 are obviously the best way to get the best out of our three best attacking players (Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney). I just really don't understand why none of these formations have been used. Capello is a stubborn idiot. He strikes me as the sort of person that wouldn't play Joe Cole just because he'd see it as the media (who want him to be included) beating him. Rooney up top on his own means he has to stay up there and use his movement in the box to score goals. Lampard and Gerrard can both push on with Gerrard looking to help create for Rooney and himself, and Lampard looking to make the late runs into the box that he's famous for whilst still having defensive cover left in there in the form of Barry/Carrick.

I wish Hargreaves was fit as he'd do a much better disciplined defensive role than Barry

We played 451 before and ended up with Rooney isolated on his own upfront. He started to drift into midfield and we had a problem of nothing to aim for. When ball did reach Rooney upfront he had no one supporting him.

Rooney seems to be more productive with Heskey or someone next to him.

[gaga_4_parma]

I learnt to ignore gaga quite a while ago. It's amazing how much **** he comes out with and then sprouts as gospel. I don't think he actually watches football.

A good WC for Lampard will finally shut up those critics, which sadly still remain. Probably didn't help when he was so poor at the last WC, but at the moment he is our miost in-form player, high expectations of him.

lampard overrated? oh deary me

Oh dear. I'm suprised you didn't bring out the "he only scores by deflections" line.

Nobody scores and assists that many goals year in year out without talent.

My gosh, Lampard has been a class act for like the last 6 years now. Pure ignorance not to realise that.

HAHAHAHA!:D:D

Lampard has and always be the most-over-rated player English football ever dreamt of labelling "World Class"...

Was he even playing tonight? He was a ghost!

All of you are so naive and blind...

[foolsgold]

You can't play badly for 6 years and be bad. Lampard is clearly a good player.

The team looks unbalanced. Rooney and Heskey kept drifting to the right side of the pitch, meaning Lennon was brought into the centre, and Glen Johnson moved further up the right wing to compensate. I.e. not a proper team.

Joe Cole on the left, Lennon on the right, and Carrick in the middle with Gerrard in his natural position please.

Honestly, would solve all the midfield and creativity problems we have now imo.

[tdpatriots12]

Are we REALLY the only nation that have a demanding media and public?

Likely not. Though the only comparable experience we have in the States is Olympic basketball. Our team was panned for its failings in the early part of this century, but we seem to have righted the ship fairly quickly.

Other nations with comparable expectations and pedigree - and this is probably a bit harsh, but fair - had the air let out of the angst balloon more than once since 1966.

History weighs heavy.

I wouldn't be shocked if England breaks through when they least expect it, kind of like my Red Sox in '04 going 86 years between championships. Required some really flukey stuff, luck going our way, truly inspired play, and a group of self described "idiots" who just went out there to have fun.

A group of athletes taking themselves seriously with a lot of pressure and a history of not living up to expectations is a lot to have riding on a game. Especially one that seems to ride on confidence and instinct.

On a personal note if you notice I keep bringing other sports into it it's because my football watching experience is limited, so I try to bring it back to what I know when it seems appropriate. A lot of the issues are very similar. Just the rules of the game change. People are still people.

[brett.spurs]

I still stand by my point that Johnson/Lennon doesn't work btw. Shame Brown or even Neville aren't in the squad.

[gaga_4_parma]

You can't play badly for 6 years and be bad. Lampard is clearly a good player..

[Rio_V]

I simply cannot imagine the pressue on the Brazilians.

[gunner4eva]

I just wish Capello actually grew a pair and decided to drop Lampard to the bench so we could play Barry and Gerrard together in the middle. Unfortunately he lacks a pair of testicals.

[Rio_V]

I still stand by my point that Johnson/Lennon doesn't work btw. Shame Brown or even Neville aren't in the squad.

I don't think it makes much sense to completely change at this point. Too scary. But was listening to a caller in the States suggesting playing

Defoe Crouch

-----Rooney

Gerrard Lampard

-----Barry

Cole Terry Dawson Johnson

James

I was stuck in traffic, but still intrigued.

[Ruud van Nistelrooy]

Didn't go by the name of Woodmansee did he?

[CaptainPlanet]

Gerrard/Lampard just isn't working imo. No idea what the solution is though.

[Rio_V]

Didn't go by the name of Woodmansee did he?

Don't know, but he was English living in the US.

[gaga_4_parma]

Gerrard/Lampard just isn't working imo. No idea what the solution is though.

Gerrard is and always was the better and more talented player. How any sane person could have ever thought otherwise is disturbing...

Lampard needs dropping...

Having balanced team is more important then trying to fulfill Lampards dream of being able to put in decent performances for England.

[Ruud van Nistelrooy]

Gerrard/Lampard just isn't working imo. No idea what the solution is though.

Drop Gerrard and/or Lampard?

[Zaitsev]

Frank Lampard has scored 20 goals a season for the past five seasons running. This England team should be built around him.

[brett.spurs]

Shame he's **** for England then.

[CaptainPlanet]

Been a while since Lamps has pulled it out of the bag for England tbh. Although he's not alone in that list.

[gaga_4_parma]

Frank Lampard has scored 20 goals a season for the past five seasons running. This England team should be built around him.

It's easy when you get given no actual duties and have the likes of Essien and Makelele covering your ass all over the pitch...

When he plays for England he gets shown up for what he really is... He's utterly lost...

[Zaitsev]

It's easy when you get given no actual duties and have the likes of Essien and Makelele covering your ass all over the pitch...

When he plays for England he gets shown up for what he really is... He's utterly lost...

100 goals in five seasons, nevermind the assists. I would have no problem having somebody in the team to cover his arse.

[CaptainPlanet]

Sadly, club form does not always translate onto the international stage

[Zaitsev]

it doesn't always, but that level of consistency deserves a chance to see if it can work. And now it has the merits of 4-3-3 also suiting Rooney. But it'll never happen, Michelangelo Bassetto will continue with his tried and trusted and England will labour on.

[Hamenaglar]

How many goals has rooney scored in competitive matches since Bayern away?

[Smallen]

some really bad trolling from gaga in this thread

[gaga_4_parma]

some really bad trolling from gaga in this thread

HA! Trolling? Naa I'm gloating. I participated in this thread before tonight which is why I posted up all those comments by people who called me a fool for saying Lampard is over-rated.

Hell there were people in this thread who said England are better then Holland...