The 2014 World Cup thread

[StraferJack]

The speech Gerrard is reported to have given in the papers today exemplifies all thats' wrong with the golden generation

negative, full of worry and woe betide

Then again his inspirational speech to Liverpool teammates didn't help much either

[Jah Lush]

He doesn't look fit either. He struggled in the second half of the last match. I'd prefer to see Wilshire in his place even though I hate the little shit.

[El Pibe]

"losing is the natural order of the univers"

 

[maxxi]

If he's injured then he's injured but I'd love to see Ox-C along with ALL the newer caps run at the Uruguayans - could be sensational. They can do the same without him - be positive and let Spain be the lesson for cautious keep-ball. Suarez is still unfit - attack, attack, attack-attack-attack.

[Otta]

Apparently the Ox has no chance for tonight. Basically if we don't get through the groups he probably won't get on the field this WC.

[Alan Medic]

I predict England to win comfortably and Rooney to score.

[steveo]

That's put the kibosh on it

[Mick Mac]

Jah Lush Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> He doesn't look fit either. He struggled in the

> second half of the last match.

Gerrard great with the ball, and I thought he passed it very well against Italy.

But without the ball - contribution to winning the ball back is pretty low...

Henderson helps the midfield a lot, more effective than Lampard in terms of defence.

I think England can do it.

[Jah Lush]

I think we'll win two-nil. There, I've said it.

[titch juicy]

I appreciate Henderson's contribution, especially for Liverpool this season, but would love to see Ross Barclay given a proper midfield berth in a slight change of system.

For me, RB is one of very few England players with genuine world class potential in the England set up. Poise and guile on the ball.

[DaveR]

Interesting article from the FT:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c7df3466-f6fa-11e3-9e9d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz355n1B3Bo

The thing that really jumped out at me was Italy's pass completion percentage - the highest ever recorded - and what that said about England's lack of a ball winner in central midfield, but also (not in the article) that Italy played very, very well, and England's performance should be seen in that context.

All irrelevant now - we just have to beat Uruguay. My prediction - Suarez to be sent off for knifing Gerrard off the ball.

PS - Paul Mariner interesting fact - he played Lancashire youth cricket with Bill Beaumont, later Grand Slam winning England rugby captain.

[Mick Mac]

titch juicy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I appreciate Henderson's contribution, especially

> for Liverpool this season, but would love to see

> Ross Barclay given a proper midfield berth in a

> slight change of system.

>

> For me, RB is one of very few England players with

> genuine world class potential in the England set

> up. Poise and guile on the ball.

England need to avoid falling into the same old trap of prioritising attacking midfielders above all else - this has blighted England's progress for a decade.

[Alan Medic]

steveo Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> That's put the kibosh on it

I'm a foreigner so it doesn't count. You can blame Mr.Lush though if it goes wrong.

[steveo]

I might have gone off early

Painkiller

[titch juicy]

Mick Mac Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> titch juicy Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > I appreciate Henderson's contribution,

> especially

> > for Liverpool this season, but would love to

> see

> > Ross Barclay given a proper midfield berth in a

> > slight change of system.

> >

> > For me, RB is one of very few England players

> with

> > genuine world class potential in the England

> set

> > up. Poise and guile on the ball.

>

> England need to avoid falling into the same old

> trap of prioritising attacking midfielders above

> all else - this has blighted England's progress

> for a decade.

I think it was trying to find room for two attacking central midfielders (Gerrard and. Lampard) that was the problem. Now Gerrard looks comfortable in the deeper lying role, a more attacking all round midfielder like Barclay should fit well.

I think we're seeing the novelty factor of Sterling wearing off here. Uruguay look like they have him Sussed on the first half evidence.

[aquarius moon]

El Pibe Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

>

> AQ I think it's an utterly ludicrous position to

> hate Spaniards based on a single facet if their

> society, but that's your right. I started a long

> and boring post about the hypocrisy of this but

> lost the will to live, We'll just take each other

> off our Christmas card lists shall we.

Only just seen this.

I didn't say I hated all Spaniards EP. Just dislike Spain as a country, generally speaking, so was obviously quite pleased by last night's result.

Nothing personal.

I certainly won't be removing you from my Christmas card list!

[the-e-dealer]

It ought to be call Thiefa!

[Mick Mac]

Hmmmm. Suarez.

Missed tackle from Gerrard.

Cmon England. Sturridge to equalise.

[titch juicy]

We have to see Barkley second half. We need some control in the middle. It was missing in the Italy game and is missing now.

[titch juicy]

Rooney's deserved that- our best player tonight

[StraferJack]

Gerrard. Feck sake

[titch juicy]

Inspirational Captaincy from Gerrard on the biggest stage once again. What is his problem with England?

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Wow. Thought their keeper was excellent. Cahill was pretty dammned good. Curse Suarez, bless Rooney.

[Otta]

I feel sorry for Gerrard right now, and not because I support Liverpool.

[maxxi]

Much as expected if we're honest about it. Lack of... well everything. No one player to blame - just not up to it really.