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Thread: England Squad. OPTIMISTIC thread.

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  1. #1
    Master woodacre1983's Avatar
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    England Squad. OPTIMISTIC thread.

    Ok guys heard and looked at the squad. And I’m pleased. Not saying we are gonna win it and the like. But looked at it and for once I can see a manager that has picked on form rather than this name has to be here.

    So guys on the squad we have as well as the stand by players let’s have an optimistic viewpoint!!




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  2. #2
    Master ordo's Avatar
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    ENGLAND WILL WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

    WOW! IS THIS WHAT OPTIMISM FEELS LIKE! YEAH!!!!

    Am I doing it right ?

  3. #3
    Master MakeColdplayHistory's Avatar
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    Can it just be over quickly please?
    Then things can get back to normal.

    (Premier League fixtures released June 14th with first matches Aug 11th)

  4. #4
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    I’m omptomistic that the two LCFC lads won’t be over tired or overwhelmed by the occasion as they won’t be selected above inferior options

  5. #5
    Master thegoat's Avatar
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    Fly Goalie
    Back two of Walker and Stones
    Delph on his own in midfield and Razzer solo, banging them in up top.
    That should get us to the semis .

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Wolfie View Post
    I’m omptomistic that the two LCFC lads won’t be over tired or overwhelmed by the occasion as they won’t be selected above inferior options
    There was a lot of talk on this on talksport regarding having one striker or two. The general opinion being that it should be Kane with Vardy as a sub. That being the case its hard not to pick Kane as first choice considering his goal scoring this season though I suppose it all depends on what formation England play in.

    The other main topic driving into work today was predictions from the group stages, win one draw one lose one was the consensus.

  7. #7
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by robert75 View Post
    There was a lot of talk on this on talksport regarding having one striker or two. The general opinion being that it should be Kane with Vardy as a sub. That being the case its hard not to pick Kane as first choice considering his goal scoring this season though I suppose it all depends on what formation England play in.

    The other main topic driving into work today was predictions from the group stages, win one draw one lose one was the consensus.
    Vardy has always done well for England, but, I even I wouldn’t suggest he should be ahead of Kane..!

    They’ll play one striker and Vardy for impact...

  8. #8
    Master woodacre1983's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by robert75 View Post
    There was a lot of talk on this on talksport regarding having one striker or two. The general opinion being that it should be Kane with Vardy as a sub. That being the case its hard not to pick Kane as first choice considering his goal scoring this season though I suppose it all depends on what formation England play in.

    The other main topic driving into work today was predictions from the group stages, win one draw one lose one was the consensus.
    See, I’d start with Kane against Panama and Tunisia but come the Belgium game where we are less likely to see as much of the ball and likely to be more on the counter attack I would be tempted to start Vardy. As his pace is more likely to get in behind. I’d play the horses for courses game there and Vardy is more suited to a counter attacking game.


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  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by MakeColdplayHistory View Post
    Can it just be over quickly please?
    Then things can get back to normal.

    (Premier League fixtures released June 14th with first matches Aug 11th)
    Ideally past the group stages so we can watch some decent games in the pub.

  10. #10
    Master luckywatch's Avatar
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    I'm always optimistic.


  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by luckywatch View Post
    I'm always optimistic.

    Good man !

  12. #12
    Personally I think its impossible to predict where England will finish I don't think its lack of quality players when you look at the players we have they all put a shift in for their teams I have always felt it may be more simply a lack of togetherness really working as a team and a real pride in playing for England. You look at countries from Portugal to Argentina and there seems to be a real pride in playing for their country. Say what you will about Ronaldo but he does seem to put a real shift in when he puts on his national colours and players who may otherwise be mid table players play with a togetherness that stronger teams may not have, bit like a Burnley on an international stage.

    The only thing that does concern me is we always seem to have one player who has a head wobble in major tournaments and Dele Alli seems to be one who is partial to letting the red mist take over.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by woodacre1983 View Post
    Ok guys heard and looked at the squad. And I’m pleased. Not saying we are gonna win it and the like. But looked at it and for once I can see a manager that has picked on form rather than this name has to be here.

    So guys on the squad we have as well as the stand by players let’s have an optimistic viewpoint!!
    Totally agree! I think it's great that we are picking players who are in form - it makes a refreshing change. However, even with my optimistic hat on ... getting out of our group is an achievement. This squad is noticeably weaker than the 'golden balls' generation and they could only manage the quarters at their very best!

  14. #14
    Master woodacre1983's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnGeorge View Post
    Totally agree! I think it's great that we are picking players who are in form - it makes a refreshing change. However, even with my optimistic hat on ... getting out of our group is an achievement. This squad is noticeably weaker than the 'golden balls' generation and they could only manage the quarters at their very best!
    I honestly believe the quarters is the best and yet worst we should expect. Even this weaker generation is more than capable of beating Tunisia and panama. And the last 16 is more than beatable...


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  15. #15
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    Been playing around with predictor websites and no matter which way you cut the scores and results we are more than likely to meet Portugal or Germany at Quarters (the 2 that normally knock us out), the other of that pair in Semi's and if we by some miracle do a Greece (I know that was Euro's) and get to the final then it would be Argentina/Brazil from the other side of the draw.

    I'm postive about getting to Quarters....

  16. #16
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    The quarters is doable I think. Then the draw gives us teams we normally lose against in tournaments.

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by woodacre1983 View Post
    I honestly believe the quarters is the best and yet worst we should expect. Even this weaker generation is more than capable of beating Tunisia and panama. And the last 16 is more than beatable...


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    On the radio they were saying we should beat Tunisia and draw against Panama as they are the big unknown, what worries me is we tend to do badly against teams we are "Supposed to beat" I mean does anyone know anything about either of those two teams? I honestly think we will do better against Belgium a team many "expect" us to lose against but in reality, at least our players know a fair few of them and know what they are up against.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by woodacre1983 View Post
    Ok guys heard and looked at the squad. And I’m pleased. Not saying we are gonna win it and the like. But looked at it and for once I can see a manager that has picked on form rather than this name has to be here.

    So guys on the squad we have as well as the stand by players let’s have an optimistic viewpoint!!




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    Agreed ! Well done Mr Southgate.

    On the plus side, the roads in Peterborough will be quiet whilst the Poland matches are on and I can get some miles in on my pushbike

  19. #19
    Master j0hnbarker's Avatar
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    This tournament will see Loftus-Cheek emerge as the new Gazza, a la Italia ‘90.

    That’s me being optimistic.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by j0hnbarker View Post
    This tournament will see Loftus-Cheek emerge as the new Gazza, a la Italia ‘90.

    That’s me being optimistic.
    Its you being something…. Optimistic was not the first word that sprung to mind!!!

  21. #21
    Optimistic: Not too bad in the first half against Nigeria.

    (but when the going gets tough Raheem reverts to form, aimless runs and too easily to ground.)


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  22. #22
    Maybe it is just me but this year there seems to be zero expectation for the England team.

    I find it rather refreshing and I am excited to see how this young team fares. I think it is an adventurous squad and fingers crossed!

  23. #23
    Quote Originally Posted by proby24 View Post
    Maybe it is just me but this year there seems to be zero expectation for the England team.

    I find it rather refreshing and I am excited to see how this young team fares. I think it is an adventurous squad and fingers crossed!
    Exactly my thoughts although I don’t think there has been much hope since 2006...

  24. #24
    Grand Master andrewcregan's Avatar
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    I think the Quarters is definitely doable, and if you want to be optimistic the Semis.
    Being pessimistic, as suggested above, how long before Deli Alli goes silly and gets sent off?

    Just wondering, if it goes to Pens, can Southgate take one?!

  25. #25
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    At the same time: Germany vs Austria: 1-2. Jürgen Löw was totally unhappy with the performance of every player but Neuer. We all know what this means: Germany will be the next WC... 'Die Mannschaft' will step up at the right time and will overrun all opposition.

    Since we're not participating, my support goes to Belgium. Sorry guys (same group as England).

  26. #26
    Master thegoat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    Optimistic: Not too bad in the first half against Nigeria.

    (but when the going gets tough Raheem reverts to form, aimless runs and too easily to ground.)


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    Englands best player yesterday and , if he remains fit, will be England's player of the tournament.
    An easy target for folk who can't form their own opinion but need Glenn Hoddle to provide it for them.
    Frankly, I'd be delighted if he just withdrew from the squad.

  27. #27
    I really think there are definite grounds for a decent run none of the other powerhouses look particularly threatening but knowing De Manneschaft,they will be there or thereabouts do not discount France as well or as an outside bet,Spain again.For Us i think the Quarters is not beyond the realms of achievability.

  28. #28
    Quote Originally Posted by thegoat View Post
    Frankly, I'd be delighted if he just withdrew from the squad.

    That would be a shame, RS would be a useful understudy for Rashford or Welbeck!



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  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    That would be a shame, RS would be a useful understudy for Rashford or Welbeck!



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    True
    He d still get the blame somehow for Ingerlunds early exit even if he was on the bench .
    Case in point tonight. Rashford scored an absolute belter, then proceeded to give the ball away at more or less every opportunity. End result MOTM 😂😂. Personally, I think Rashford is brilliant . Id actually love to see him at a top team soon but Hoddles fawning over him is cringeworthy.

  30. #30
    Quote Originally Posted by thegoat View Post
    True
    He d still get the blame somehow for Ingerlunds early exit even if he was on the bench .
    Case in point tonight. Rashford scored an absolute belter, then proceeded to give the ball away at more or less every opportunity. End result MOTM . Personally, I think Rashford is brilliant . Id actually love to see him at a top team soon but Hoddles fawning over him is cringeworthy.
    Now, being honest about it, I think RS and MR are both pretty bad at losing the ball. Omens are not good. And, I just can’t see United making much progress on City next season, unfortunately. City are settling down nicely, United all over the place.


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  31. #31
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    Harry kean golden boot 16/1?

  32. #32
    Master senwar's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dandandanman View Post
    Harry kean golden boot 16/1?
    Terrible odds, not kean on that at all..... he's absolutely no chance.....

  33. #33
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    It’s an interesting squad this time around, full of youth and pace. I’d play Rashford over Sterling because Sterling goes down too many blind alleys, loses possession too often, can’t cross a ball, doesn’t have any heart to win a 50/50 and misses too many chances.

    Henderson isn’t the answer in CM but we’re really weak there so I’d play him as the best of a bad bunch.

  34. #34
    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    It’s an interesting squad this time around, full of youth and pace. I’d play Rashford over Sterling because Sterling goes down too many blind alleys, loses possession too often, can’t cross a ball, doesn’t have any heart to win a 50/50 and misses too many chances.

    Henderson isn’t the answer in CM but we’re really weak there so I’d play him as the best of a bad bunch.
    I still don’t know what the best line up is, there’s debate on goalkeeper, who makes up the back three, the five in midfield and the two up front.


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  35. #35
    Master woodacre1983's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    It’s an interesting squad this time around, full of youth and pace. I’d play Rashford over Sterling because Sterling goes down too many blind alleys, loses possession too often, can’t cross a ball, doesn’t have any heart to win a 50/50 and misses too many chances.

    Henderson isn’t the answer in CM but we’re really weak there so I’d play him as the best of a bad bunch.
    With Henderson in CM where would you play Dier? Center Back? I’d play both Henderson and Dier in CM against the bigger sides but Tunisia and Panama you only need one holding midfielder. Personally I’d give that Dier.


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  36. #36
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    I would have thought from last night Henderson, Rashford, Trent-Alexander, Rose and Macguire would be a good bet for starters. With most likely Trent-Alexander for the dead ball stuff and Rose for being left footed and able to whip the ball in rather than cut back in. Delph did really well too but might suffer from be able to play a number of positions. I'd play Macguire, Cahill and Walker over having Stones as he always seems an expensive sloppy pass mistake in the offing. Vardy got very little chance but with the right oppo or vs a team having to chase a result he would be much more effective. But Kane is a shoe in anyway.

  37. #37
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  38. #38
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    I will remain reasonably optimistic following last night’s game as long as Sterling doesn’t play again this tournament. Last night he showed everything I’ve ever said about him; terrible in front of goal, runs down blind alleys, can’t cross a ball and worst of all he gave the ball away or lost possession every time he got the ball. He’s an utter liability and cannot play again in Russia.

    I thought Stones and Walker were excellent and Henderson played well in a very unselfish role. Rashford showed more quality, intent and ability in fifteen minutes than Sterling did all game. Rashford must start from now.

    Maguire was average but clearly has ability and will grow into the role and the team. Alli was poor again for England.
    Last edited by TaketheCannoli; 19th June 2018 at 09:34.

  39. #39
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    Alli and Sterling can warm the bench for the next 5 weeks for me thanks. Pity, because Sterling has started to show promise for the international side but yesterday he floundered.

    Fantastic start to the campaign, but why on earth couldn't they keep up the momentum from the first half? There was an awful lot of halfway line tippy-tappy arsing about in the second - fine for friendlies but we are on the main stage now! The next England player to pass the ball BACKWARDS while in their own half should be strung from the floodlights as an example to the rest. Get the ball to the front, trust your attacking midfielders to get it in the box and the forwards to put it in the net.

    Rashford looks like the key to this for me, he needed a more central role yesterday instead of being confined to the wing, put him in the centre with the ball at his feet and magic will happen.

    Kane is going to be dangerous now he has two under his belt, not as much pressure to prove his form.

    The result didn't reflect the game I fear - we played Tunisia off the pitch, they were scrappy at times and downright dirty at others, but a strong defense and a couple of good saves kept their spirits up. England are to blame for the scoreline though, there were a couple of absolute sitters which were criminal to miss.

    Good result, hard fought but well deserved. Panama should be a walk in the park leaving England V's belgium to decide the group winner and runner up. If we draw they'll take it on goal difference.

  40. #40
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    As far as I'm concerned, Ashley Young can sit alongside Sterling on the bench. What happened to his desire to run at people and attack down the wing???? Nobody was as guilty as Young last night when it came to passing the ball backwards. Soooooo frustrating, I used to love to watch him play.

  41. #41
    Some of the poor performance is likely due to nerves. Given the weak opposition next time round, I'd start Sterling giving him a last chance to impress. Southgate will want to see goals - I'd be setting a target of at least 3.

    I would like to see Delph instead of Alli, I think he plays better in that deeper role than Alli does. Young was really poor but lets put that down to a bad game. We don't want to chop and change too much and I don't think Southgate will do that either.

  42. #42
    Master thegoat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    I will remain reasonably optimistic following last night’s game as long as Sterling doesn’t play again this tournament. Last night he showed everything I’ve ever said about him; terrible in front of goal, runs down blind alleys, can’t cross a ball and worst of all he gave the ball away or lost possession every time he got the ball. He’s an utter liability and cannot play again in Russia.

    I thought Stones and Walker were excellent and Henderson played well in a very unselfish role. Rashford showed more quality, intent and ability in fifteen minutes than Sterling did all game. Rashford must start from now.

    Maguire was average but clearly has ability and will grow into the role and the team. Alli was poor again for England.
    Thank goodness that somebody with an inkling is picking the team then. It's fairly obvious you had made up your mind about Sterling before a ball was kicked. I'd imagine that you probably enjoyed his struggle yesterday despite him playing in an unfamiliar role and dropping deep to receive the ball with his back to goal. Despite his decent start and a role in England's dominant display, the game changed dramatically when Alli was injured but chose to continue, slowing the play down . He kept plugging away, generally with two or three Tunisians around him.
    Raheem was poor yesterday, but was he any worse than Lingard? Alli? Young ? Even Rashford when he came on kept giving the ball away. Loftus Cheek was far more productive and dangerous but all the armchair pundits choose to look at Rashfords performance.
    Just to echo your thoughts though, I too would love Raheem not to play again in this tournament. He might need his strength to defend his PL trophy next season.

  43. #43
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    ^^^^I’m sorry but you’re deluded. Every single football fan I’ve spoken to agrees that he’s an absolute liability. He offered nothing last night as per usual. He’s completely ineffective all the time. You’re never going to see it but the rest of the country does.

  44. #44
    Master thegoat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    ^^^^I’m sorry but you’re deluded. Every single football fan I’ve spoken to agrees that he’s an absolute liability. He offered nothing last night as per usual. He’s completely ineffective all the time. You’re never going to see it but the rest of the country does.
    Could you point out my delusion?
    Was it the bit where I said Raheem was poor perhaps ?

  45. #45
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    Lingard had an off day for finishing but got himself into the right places many times. Keep him in for the next and hopefully goals will come.
    Sterling was poor. We were much better with Rashford.
    Ashley Young was poor and negative. Get rid.
    Alli was injured and not performing. Loftus-Cheek did well so use him.
    Walker needs CB training. Dier would be better (and he has forgotten the role) use Cahill.


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    Last edited by mangoosian; 19th June 2018 at 21:44.

  46. #46
    Master woodacre1983's Avatar
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    I’m quietly gaining in confidence with this squad and also a manager who when appointed I’ll admit I rolled my eyes and thought here we go again!

    The discipline they have shown under the attack of Panama fouls is something we haven’t had in past tournaments.

    IMO though we will not learn much from the Belgium game now as this is a dead rubber and one Martinez has said he is resting and rotating for.


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  47. #47
    Master woodacre1983's Avatar
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    Bit more cause for some optimism now! Though I’m missing fingernails and shaking needing more beer! COME ON ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿!!


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  48. #48
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    Brilliant! Nail biting penalties but a brilliant result.

  49. #49
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    Happy that pickford got a boost with the penalties and the stop in extra time.
    Still unsure about his normal saves being pushed out in to danger.

    Still also a bit concerned with walker and right centreback has made a couple of bad errors over the 3 games.

    Great to finally get over the psychological barrier of penalty shootouts. Even hendersons penalty was pretty good if a little high.
    No more balloon it over the bar from our lot.

    Sweden should be an easier game but hope we score first as they can defend.

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