.: Euro 2008 Thread :.

[backin-strachan]

Yes I know there already is one but its a bit of a shambles and anyway I cant find it.

However great results today for Scotland and England

6-0 Sco FT
5-0 ENG still playing

Gonnay be toug for us. We get drawn with BOTH World Cup finalists and a quarter finalist but could have asked for a better start and despite 4 scrappy goals some of the play was fantastic:)

DISCUSS GUYS:)

[WACCOE]

You beat me to it. :p I don't think there is one yet.

T'was a really good result for Scotland, a win's a win, I hope they get to the Euro finals.

England are playing well atm. Lennon made an instant impact when he came on and Hargreaves has played really really well again.

Northen Ireland lost 3-0 to Iceland earlier aswell, which is unfortunate.

R.O.I are playing Germany later aswell, although I am going to stream the Holland - Luxerbourg match instead, just so I can see a good few goals.

:cool:

:)

[backin-strachan]

LOL I had to make it when we won 6-0 and I can see England getting another one.

Here is the fixtures/results so far :)

Saturday, 02 September 2006


Belarus 2 - 1 Albania L
T Kalachev 1
M Romashchenko 23
E Skela (pen) 6


Bookings:
L Cana 27




England 5 - 0 Andorra L
P Crouch 4
S Gerrard 12
J Defoe 37
J Defoe 46
P Crouch 66


Bookings:
W Brown 44

Bookings:
TMP Sivera 68



Georgia 0 - 3 France L
F Malouda 6
L Saha 15
M Asatiani o.g. 45


Bookings:
L Kobiashvili 10
J Kankava 44
G Gogua 51
G Demetradze 80




Malta 1 - 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina L
J Pace 5
S Barbarez 3
M Hrgovic 9



Northern Ireland 0 - 3 Iceland R
G Thorvaldsson 12
H Hreidarsson 19
E Gudjohnsen 36

Bookings:
D Healy 45

Bookings:
I Sigurdsson 57


Romania 0 - 0 Bulgaria

Scotland 6 - 0 Faroe Islands R
D Fletcher 6
J McFadden 9
K Boyd (pen) 23
K Miller (pen) 29
K Boyd 37
G O'Connor 84


Bookings:
D Fletcher 39
K Miller 42

Bookings:
J Borg 22
F Benjaminsen 39
J Frederiksberg 50
O Johannesen 57

[AfroJoe]

Good stuff.

I'm very happy with the result today. The second half was hellishly boring after the excellent first, but I'm still delighted with the result.

:cool:

[RiLu@]

portugal played denmark yesterday lost 4-2

[backin-strachan]

Was that Euro or a Friendly???


I hear Norway beat Brazil in a friendly though:D

[AfroJoe]

portugal played denmark yesterday lost 4-2

Friendly.

Which is why that shouldn't be posted in here, Rilu, you big n00b. :D

[RiLu@]

Was that Euro or a Friendly???


I hear Norway beat Brazil in a friendly though:D

It was a draw a few weeks ago.

[RiLu@]

Friendly.

Which is why that shouldn't be posted in here, Rilu, you big n00b. :D

Euro 2008 it's about national teams.

[WACCOE]

Wales were very unlucky last night. Czech's 1st goal was blatantly offside. There wasn't even 1 defender between the attacker and the goal, never mind 2!

I streamed the Holland match, but it was really really boring. (N) They won 1-0.

[AfroJoe]

Euro 2008 it's about national teams.

Yes, but friendlies have nothing to do with Euro 2008...

It'd be like talking about a preseason friendly in the Champions League thread. :)

[backin-strachan]

Yeah no frendlies now. SCOTLAND v Lithuania on Wednesday.
If we can get 3 points then w00t

Italy DREW with them at the San Siro:o

[Raisedbyflames]

i dont watch friendlys with them been crap in all

[AfroJoe]

Lithuania match is going to be a dangerous one. Although their result against Italy is good news for us, it could actually turn out to be bad news for our match with Lithuania, considering they'll be on a big high after that result.

Hopefully we can sneak a 1-0 win or something.

[backin-strachan]

I think we can go for the jugular. 3 -5- 2

I think we have and abundance of talent in the midfield. Quasie Fletcher Hartley Mcfadden Brown Thompsen Fergushun Maloney :cool:

3 CBs well David Wier played not bad but Pressely almost gifted them two goals.

Kenny Miller is on his way to goals now and well Boydie is already there.

Quietly confident. These are the games that makes us a medicore side instead of a great side but good things to come:)

[WACCOE]

i dont watch friendlys with them been crap in all

Brazil - Argy's on Beeb1 later.

That should hopefully be a good friendly.

:)

Sorry, erm, yeah, Scotland, w00t.

[a7rtw]

yes these were good results

[WACCOE]

Lithunia - Scotland - 5PM
Macedonia - Enlgand - 8PM
Italy - France - 9PM

All on Sky Sports tonight. :cool:

[AfroJoe]

So is Russia-Croatia at 4pm if you want to be watching football for an extra hour. :D

[AfroJoe]

YAAAAAAAAS!

2-1 Scotland. Another great result!

England won 1-0 as well, although Macedonia were much better than I expected they'd be.

[JJBDude]

Grrrr Crouch has to be the git that scores again. Crap goal really, I could have scored that.

[WACCOE]

Im happy with tonight. 2 good results.

England and Scotland 4tw!

[backin-strachan]

I thought Crouchs goal was a very good one as in the technique he used to volley it.

Good results but the best was Northern Irelands beatin Spain 3-2

[JJBDude]

Anyone who is 6 foot 7 can reach out their leg and kick the ball towards goal from yards away.

But yeah congrats to Scotland too. (Y)

[WACCOE]

In other news. Germany beat San Marino 13-0.

Yes, that's right, 13-0! :o


http://static.flickr.com/31/42286519_ed0ea07b80.jpg
David Healy is my hero.

[JJBDude]

Heard bout the Germany thrashing from friends at school today, pretty cool.

And yeah Northen Ireland beating Spain!!! Good on Healy.

[backin-strachan]

But that was pretty expected I was thinking 8-0 but yeah 13 is pretty decent against any team.

[Jazza Blaze]

lol, you think :P

but hey, they were playing ..... er, i cant remember, some team, S..... & E...... lol, says it all

i want podolski at united :D

[Bigcon100]

england r gonna hav 2 work ther arses off 2 get last 8

[backin-strachan]

"When you hear the noise of the tartan army boys..."


Ya belter. Scotland 1 -0 France if you dont already. The whole of Scottish football is on the feel good factor, well I am anyway. Watching as a neutral it would not have been the best of games for Scotland footballing-wise but thats trivial as they didnt go out to play football they went out to defend. And they did it remarkably well. We did ride our luck but still Henry Govou Saha Trezeguet and Wiltord against our defence didnt produce much. If Vogts still manager :o I wouldnt even expect much more than the 9 points overalll never mind after 3games. A point against Ukraine and we are on our way:)

[AfroJoe]

If we take 6 points from Lithuania and the Faroes again, and then at least another 3 from Georgia, we've got a REALLY good chance, because I think we can at least draw with Italy and Ukraine at Hampden.

[WACCOE]

Ukraine away will be your toughest challenge yet I reckon.

I really hope Scotland do well, though. (Y)

[Killer 57]

Proof that England need Beckham.

[backin-strachan]

I was listening to some English phone-ins and it sounds as if its just 11 individuals playing for themselves. I would have personally kept Beckham anyway.

[WACCOE]

It will all be OK when Aaron Lennon get's back - he is the future of our country. We didn't have Hargreaves either.

And McLaren made a bad decision by playign Carrick instead of Parker. When Parker should of blatantly. played.

Andy Johnson injured didn't help.

Nevertheless, we were shocking. And G.Neville need's shooting. ¬_¬

[backin-strachan]

:o

The same Hargreaves everyone was slating before the WC.

[WACCOE]

Apart from me, yes, everyone was slating him.

I always said to my mates what a talent he is, and got laughed at, now they bum him.

I find it funny, to.

[backin-strachan]

Yeah I remember you defending him pre world cup. Id still have Beckham back.

[Killer 57]

Beckham was Englands best play in the world cup, dunno why he isn't playing.

[WACCOE]

Who knows why he isn't.


He may aswell play until Lennon gets back.

[Kalou]

McClaren just wanted some attention and considering Beckham is the most well known player in England if not the world, I ain't surprised he was left out.

Anyway I think it's funny when people say England use a 3-5-2 when it's CLEARLY a 5-3-2, the first tactic is attacking whereas the second is very defensive, I mean 5 defenders and a holding midfielder, hahahah.

Still, having Terry, Rio and King as the 3 CB's would be some team, shame King is injured though.

Croatia ain't lost in like 50 home games and England will flop as usual so I will go for a Croatia win.

[backin-strachan]

Mon the tartan army boiz:)


I really think we can get something from this game tonight. Starting in 20 mins.

[Kalou]

No it's no, it says they will cover the second half live on BBC1.

Hahaha just as expected England have suffered 35 minutes of murder, they have done zilch in attack and could easily be 2-0 down.

Infact wait, they have FIVE defenders and TWO holding midfielders, no wonder they are getting crushed when they only have 3 attacking players.

HAHAHAHAHAHA GO ON CROATIA WOOHOOOOO.

England have barely sniffed their goal hahahaha, a draw against Macedonia at home and a loss to Croatia lol :D:D:D:D:D:D

[Joe]

Damn it :(

[backin-strachan]

Eh first half BBC2 2nd half BBC1

Eng and Sco both go 1-0 at same time:(

We havent deserved much though. Come on Scotland

[Kalou]

It's amazing how a manager can choose a formation not many players know in a Euro 2008 qualifier, back 3? how many times have Terry, Rio and Jamie played in a back 3? how many times do you SEE a back 3? not that often, because it sucks.

Where is Gerrard? do England really need TWO holding midfielders? why use Crouch with no wingers? why use Rooney? you might aswell use Rob Hulse.

Rooney is that bad at the moment you can't even say he has any sort of form and he starts a Euro 2008 qualifier, ok then.

OMFG? 2-0 hahahahaha OMG..

Aye blame the pitch Paul.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOFL omg how did he miss that lol :D

This is toooo funny.

[backin-strachan]

It's amazing how a manager can choose a formation not many players know in a Euro 2008 qualifier, back 3? how many times have Terry, Rio and Jamie played in a back 3? how many times do you SEE a back 3? not that often, because it sucks.

Where is Gerrard? do England really need TWO holding midfielders? why use Crouch with no wingers? why use Rooney? you might aswell use Rob Hulse.

Rooney is that bad at the moment you can't even say he has any sort of form and he starts a Euro 2008 qualifier, ok then.
Are you a Scot or are you English living in Scotland???

[Kalou]

I am Scottish why? to be honest I don't know much about the Scottish squad so I talk more about England, plus I like watching them suck and get beat ;)

And Rooney stays on, no surprise when he's in this form, do I sniff a 3 goal thriller from big Rooney? or better yet, will he get a decent chance? or maybe do a decent pass?

I would love to be England manager, get lost Rooney, come to daddy Agbonlahor.

[backin-strachan]

Just wondering cos you seem like you know an awful lot more about England thats all.

2-0 England Neville OG

[Kalou]

I do sadly, I like watching English football more than Scottish, apart from the obvious matches like Hibs vs Hearts, well whenever the top 4 play eachother it's good :)

And before I hit the sheets I will make a prediction, EVERY home nation will lose tonight.

[AfroJoe]

Meh, beaten by the better team, but they needed Shevchenko's cheating to do it.

Meh.

[thePhenom]

It's amazing how a manager can choose a formation not many players know in a Euro 2008 qualifier, back 3? how many times have Terry, Rio and Jamie played in a back 3? how many times do you SEE a back 3? not that often, because it sucks.

Where is Gerrard? do England really need TWO holding midfielders? why use Crouch with no wingers? why use Rooney? you might aswell use Rob Hulse.

Rooney is that bad at the moment you can't even say he has any sort of form and he starts a Euro 2008 qualifier, ok then.

OMFG? 2-0 hahahahaha OMG..

Aye blame the pitch Paul.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOFL omg how did he miss that lol :D

This is toooo funny.

Gerrard is suspended, theres no way he wouldnt be playing if he wasnt.

And the pitch was to blame on the 2nd goal, didnt u see it bobble up infront of him, nothin he can do about that, hes been our best player anyway.

[Joe]

It's amazing how a manager can choose a formation not many players know in a Euro 2008 qualifier, back 3? how many times have Terry, Rio and Jamie played in a back 3? how many times do you SEE a back 3? not that often, because it sucks.

Where is Gerrard? do England really need TWO holding midfielders? why use Crouch with no wingers? why use Rooney? you might aswell use Rob Hulse.

Rooney is that bad at the moment you can't even say he has any sort of form and he starts a Euro 2008 qualifier, ok then.

OMFG? 2-0 hahahahaha OMG..

Aye blame the pitch Paul.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOFL omg how did he miss that lol :D

This is toooo funny.
How can you say it wasn't down to the pitch :\

[AfroJoe]

Ireland to lose at home to the Czechs + Northern Ireland to lose at home to Latvia + Wales to lose at home to Cyprus = awful night for British football.

I'm not even joking about Wales.

[backin-strachan]

Meh, beaten by the better team, but they needed Shevchenko's cheating to do it.

Meh.

A fat (stop using asterisks) of a ref. Never a sending off. Dont think their was any bookings so mistakes there again But we played ugly:'(

We cant go on forever winning though:p

[WACCOE]

It's amazing how a manager can choose a formation not many players know in a Euro 2008 qualifier, back 3? how many times have Terry, Rio and Jamie played in a back 3? how many times do you SEE a back 3? not that often, because it sucks.

Where is Gerrard? do England really need TWO holding midfielders? why use Crouch with no wingers? why use Rooney? you might aswell use Rob Hulse.

Rooney is that bad at the moment you can't even say he has any sort of form and he starts a Euro 2008 qualifier, ok then.

OMFG? 2-0 hahahahaha OMG..

Aye blame the pitch Paul.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOFL omg how did he miss that lol :D

This is toooo funny.

Gerrard is injured/suspended. One of the 2. Suspended me thinks.

Meh, Roone yand Crouch will never ever work. Especially the form Rooney is on, why is he even in the SQUAD?! Like you say, Rob Hulse, he deserves to be in the squad more than Rooney. It's pathetic.

The formation was STUPID! Bloody STUPID! What was wrong with 4-4-2?

Gary Neville was a joke. He does know its not Rugby and you can pass the ball forward, doesn't he?

We had no pace. Apart from Rooney, but he is playing terrible atm.

Wright-Phillips should probably of started instead of Neville. For 2 reasons. 1) Neville has NEVER played RWB before, SWP has, he played there for about 3 season with Man City, and was very good 2) SWP has pace. Something we needed. He could take players on, whip it in, the have the pace and energy to get back into position, Neville doesn't.

Lampard is a pillock. He hasn't performed since Day 1 of the World Cup. How he has even got a game since then it;s absolutely BEYOND me? He is a walking joke.

As soon as Lennon, Cole, and Hargreaves are back fit they need to be on the pitch asap.

Otherwise it will be goodbye with McLaren.

[SonicSix]

Croatia really wanted it more. As Thornbag says the system and players were used out of position. Give me 4-4-2 any day. For me Beckham was our most influential player at the world cup without his assists and goals we would not have progressed as far as we did. Not even including him in the 16 man squad is ludicrous!

[thePhenom]

Gerrard was suspended. As you said Rooney and Crouch wont work together, Rooney needs to play with someone who will make runs in behind the defence and stretch them, giving Rooney more space in front of the defence, Andy Johnson I think would of been perfect, shame he got injured before the Macedonia match.

I really dont know why he changed to the 3-5-2 formation in this match, against Croatia who havent lost in 12 years at home in a competitive game, we hadnt let a goal in since McClaren took over so why change it, especially in a game like that. No only that he played 2 defensive midfield players so we had basically 7 defensive players on the pitch.

[WACCOE]

Yeah, I wouldn't start Beckham tbh, over the past year, I don't think he's deserved to.

But you've GOT to have him in the squad. And thats coming from a person who doesn't even like beckham.

I loved the way though he brought on Richarson - who can't even get into the Man Utd team. SWP - who can't even get into the Chelsea team and Defoe - who can't even get into the Tottenham team.

G'thinking Macca. 8-)

[thePhenom]

Yea I would definately have Beckham in the squad, personally I think we really miss his set pieces, we used to look dangerous from free kicks and corners but not anymore with Lampard taking them.

Also if McClaren insists to keep playin Crouch then atleast Beckham is someone who can cross and pass it straight him.

[Dcontrol]

Ireland to lose at home to the Czechs + Northern Ireland to lose at home to Latvia + Wales to lose at home to Cyprus = awful night for British football.

I'm not even joking about Wales.

I am so glad that you are wrong AJ on all of them too :). Since Wales beat Cyprus :cool: 3 - 1, Eire and Czech Republic finished 1 - 1 and Northern Ireland beat Latvia 1 - 0.

Unlucky about Scotlands 2 - 0 defeat though. I thought they could have pulled off a draw. You can't grumble though they've had an exceptional start to the campaign (Y)

[Killer 57]

Nah I think they can grumble, UKraine dived almost the whole match and Sheva, ugh, he stomped on a Scottish players balls.

[Raisedbyflames]

killerwho you supporting for euro 2008 since your team carnt play

[Killer 57]

San Marino! Nah Scotland I guess.

[Raisedbyflames]

how about spain

[AfroJoe]

I am so glad that you are wrong AJ on all of them too :). Since Wales beat Cyprus :cool: 3 - 1, Eire and Czech Republic finished 1 - 1 and Northern Ireland beat Latvia 1 - 0.

Unlucky about Scotlands 2 - 0 defeat though. I thought they could have pulled off a draw. You can't grumble though they've had an exceptional start to the campaign (Y)

Yeah man, good to see you guys pull through. I thought Cyprus would be on a major high after thrashing Ireland, and then given Wales' recent form, a shock was on the cards. Well played, though.

But yeah, I'm not too bothered. If you'd offered me 9 points from 12 before the start, I'd have taken it. In fact, I'd have taken 6 or 7. :D Now we've just got to concentrate on beating Georgia in March. Going to be a tough one, but it's very winnable.

[Killer 57]

how about spain

You'd think I would, since I have close ties to Spain, but I have grown to dislike them for some reason, dunno, can't explain it.

[Kalou]

I think Bent and Crouch would be the best pairing myself, Bent is a worker, he makes great runs and can finish giving the chance, plus he is fast and can head the ball, he has everything.

Beckham should start on the right midfield, why have a beenpole up front when you can't direct a cross to his bent head?

Ah well it will be another dissapointing year for England, how many managers will it take? maybe they need to start cutting the flops such as Lampard and Rooney.

[Dcontrol]

I think its time that Andy Johnson had his chance. I think he would have had it too if it wasn't for his injury. He's in a rich vein of form for Everton so far this season yet Crouch plays for England regularly and can't even get in the Liverpool side at times.

You could say that England missed a few players for known reasons Gerrard (suspended) & J Cole (injured) in Zagreb but they need to be more consistent away from home. Yes it was a freak own goal granted but they didn't play well at all just like they didn't against Macedonia. Suddenly the group isn't as easy as was first thought.

[Killer 57]

I think, that they, the media and its fans need to realize one thing, they're not a World Class Team, They're a team full of overpaid stars, but not a World Class Team. They need to throw out the egos and begin to think about the Team, both Manager and the players need to realize this. The English Media doesn't help either, puts fear in the Manager if they make an unpopular decision. I know just the solution:

Hire Ricardo LaVolpe

Thats right, this man is a legend, He isn't afraid to make unpopular decisions, and thats an understatement!

Anyone who tells the media that they're noting but peices of crap and know nothing about football, has a place in my heart. He would drop Rooney and Lampard in a New York minute, He made the same sort of decision when he didn't include Blanco and Bofo in the squad, which both are the stars of their respective teams, which happen to be two of the, if not the, most popular clubs in Mexico and North America, Chivas and America.

He'll be perfect, I mean look at their past to Managers, Sven? McClaren? If I can picture you in a bright green vest with a white sweater tied around your neck, and drinking tea and eating crumpets, You Shpuldn't be managing.

[Dvx Uk]

... Cant we? 9 points from a possible 12! not bad!

[Dcontrol]

A bit premature this thread isn't it? There are lots of games to go yet and you have had more than an exceptional start. Good luck to Scotland anyhow.

[AfroJoe]

I'd have taken 9 from 12 before the start, absolutely.

So yeah, I'm still happy despite the loss in Ukraine.

[Raisedbyflames]

you will qualify 2nd at least

[thePhenom]

Still a long way to go but yea you have made a great start and have given yourselves a good chance of qualification aslong as you keep up the good results.

[damien©]

Sorry to dampen your Spirits but I find the World Cup and the Euro some what of an Anti-Climax, all the Home Nations are crap, the players aren't it just seems they stick them shirts on and everything goes balls up.

Yet the fans are too devoted to realise this, Sorry but even if you do get the chance to qualify, your team will mess it up in the last Game that will get them through. There just can't handle any kind of pressure and this seems to apply to all the Home Nations not just Scotland and England

Just a thought.

[Raisedbyflames]

was euro 96 scotlands the last time scotland qualified, i hope you get through its better when theirs afewbritish teams in the compotition

[AfroJoe]

Nah, World Cup 98.

[Kalou]

I just think international football is plain and simply dull these days, look at the WC, and ever since that I just don't enjoy internationals, Spain are struggling, England are struggling, hell even Holland struggle to beat Albania at HOME.

[backin-strachan]

Scotland will leave it to the last game - Home against Italy - and need a draw...You know whats going too happen.

[WACCOE]

they're not a World Class Team, They're a team full of overpaid stars, but not a World Class Team.

You are a joke.

[mattrix33]

I just think England are a bit of a rag-tag team at the moment.

Were missing too many key players and Rooney is yet to et back to his best..

With Joe cole,Hargreaves,Lennin and Owen missing the team looks disjointed.

They tried something different last night and it didn`t work.
Its not the end of the World.
We have pleanty of time to get it sorted out.

Though i feel that Beckham should be givin another chance in the sqaud.
We could of used him last night with so many key midfeild players being out.

[Kalou]

Joe Cole? the guy isn't THAT good, Lennon? again he is nothing special, Owen? hahaah the guy is a complete flop, ever since he left Madrid it's been downhill.

I just don't understand how England can concede 1 proper goal with 5 defenders and 2 holding midfielders. To be honest I don't like Rio, it should be Terry and King without doubt.

Put in a striker that can do something or better yet, put in two that can do something, ah well lets see what baldy Steve does in 5 months.

[WACCOE]

You are also a joke Kalou.

King instead of Rio? LOLOLOL!



Joe Cole - isn't THAT good? hahahaha. That's why he is one of the most regular players (when fit) for the best team in the country, and one of the best in the world. G' thinking guvna. 8-)

Also, I dunno if you've ever seen Owen's England record?

[thePhenom]

Joe Cole? the guy isn't THAT good, Lennon? again he is nothing special, Owen? hahaah the guy is a complete flop, ever since he left Madrid it's been downhill.

I just don't understand how England can concede 1 proper goal with 5 defenders and 2 holding midfielders. To be honest I don't like Rio, it should be Terry and King without doubt.

Put in a striker that can do something or better yet, put in two that can do something, ah well lets see what baldy Steve does in 5 months.

Joe Cole is that good, he has improved alot in the last couple of seasons especially with his end product, he has become a key player for both club and country.

Aaron Lennon is only 19 I dunno how special you expect a player to be at that age, but already he is showing in the premiership with Tottenham that he has the potential to become a very good player, he has something that England need, pace and the ability to take on and beat defenders.

Owen, ever since he left Madrid been a flop? I disagree with you there aswell, he played 11 games for Newcastle and scored 7 goals before getting injured, and yea he was disappointing at the world cup but that was because he hadnt played for like 6 months before that, bottom line is that he is a goal scorer and will get you goals.

:D

[Kalou]

Joe Cole is good, just not THAT good, meaning he isn't as good as you all make out, sure he can dribble, but he is far too greedy and tries to shoot from anywhere.

Yeah Rio is the best huh? whenever I see him play he looks edgy, he makes a few mistakes whereas King is solid as a rock.

Exactly, Lennon has the potential, he has pace and the ability to beat a defender, but can he "bend it like Beckham"?, no use having a winger who can't cross.

By flop I mainly mean injuries.

[Jazza Blaze]

Lennon is pure class, take the world cup for example, every time sven braught him onto the pitch the right wing lit up, he was up and down it, taking it past players, sending the ball in and winning free kicks. he even won us a few games, and the lad's only 19 ! he is pure tallent, hes gonna be one of our greatest players in the future.

As for joe, hes also a great player imo, still young so hes got a bit to go to be at his best, but personally i think hes going to improve a lot once he gets back from his injury.

Rio, well, you cant doubt that he is a world class defender, one of the best in the world, but yes he does have his moments. if you could slate him for anything its for being a bit to cocky when hes defending, hes allways trying to take the mick out of the person whos chasing the ball, but still he is great 90% of the time.

[WACCOE]

Joe Cole is good, just not THAT good, meaning he isn't as good as you all make out, sure he can dribble, but he is far too greedy and tries to shoot from anywhere.

Yeah Rio is the best huh? whenever I see him play he looks edgy, he makes a few mistakes whereas King is solid as a rock.

Exactly, Lennon has the potential, he has pace and the ability to beat a defender, but can he "bend it like Beckham"?, no use having a winger who can't cross.

By flop I mainly mean injuries.

Man, you never fail to amuse.

You are talking aboutthe Joe Cole from hisWest Ham days, when it comes to him been greedy, you wanna try and cathc up. Joe Cole hardly ever takes random shots from anywehre, unlik Lampard and Gerrard.

Rio is, clearly, one of the best central defenders in the world, that's probaly why he plays week in week out, and is one of the best players, for the biggest club in World Football ever, Man United. And 99.9% of people would agree.

What are you on about with Lennon bending it like Beckham. That is outrageous. Knowne can bend it like Beckham, hence why the term is used. What Lennon can do, unlike Beckham, is take players on (and most of the time beat them), he is an accurate passer along the floor, and it always a threat infront of goal.

[backin-strachan]

Cant say I agree with Kalou there. Maybe he has a point in saying Joe Cole plays greedy with England but I cant see your argument when hes with Chelsea.

I think England need a whole new line-up. By that I mean 4 or 5 players out. Get the performers for the Premiership mid-tablers who have a bit more urge in their game and see how they play. Pennant on the wing, Bent up front, the Aston Villa midfielder Garth Batty I think his name is has been phenomenal this season.

Players like these who play brillant each week for their club and would relish a cap and a future career and show what will happen to those who live of their reputation like Lampard and Rooney etc.

[Kalou]

I never seen Joe Cole at West Ham, when I see him for England he is too greedy, I ain't bothered what he does for Chelsea either, I am on about England.

He is a good player, as I already said, but I just hate greedy players who would rather shoot than pass.

Rio is one of the best in the world yes, did I deny this? he makes a few mistakes when I see him play, so I come to the conclusion that he isn't consistent enough for England, again I don't care what he does for Man UTD.

I like King, he is a solid player who I barely see make mistakes, I never said he was better than Rio, I never said King was amazing, I said I would rather have him over Rio.

Are you a retard? who said he COULD bend it like Beckham, I asked if he could, hence I know he couldn't so it was kinda sarcasm, my point was, you could have the best winger in the world, but if he can't cross what use is he? wingers beat defenders and cross the ball, ok?

Oh and 99.9% people would agree, I don't, get over it, and you seem to think everyone is demented because they don't agree with you, again get used to it or better yet, when you see my name just press back.

[WACCOE]

It's not just they don't agree with me.

It's when I agree with everyone else, and everyone else agrees with me, apart from 1 person.

Then they are clearly retarded.

Especially with some of the comments you made, you just proved it.

(Y)

[Kalou]

What comments, that Cole isn't as good as you all make him out to be? ok then, lets hope Cole gets back soon so he can set the world alight with his fantastic skills and teamplay, I mean he is THAT good huh?

And Rio, here is me thinking he makes a few mistakes, apparently he doesn't, again you might aswell say he is the best defender in the world with all this bs you type.

EVERYONE agrees with you? on what? that Cole is good? I agree too, I just said he wasn't THAT good, aka not one of the best in the world, nor is Lennon, but hey apparently they both are, which explains why England are as good as they are, oh wait, Joe Cole is injured, ah well atleast England will get back to winning with him playing.

We only have 5 months to wait.............

[WACCOE]

And our next Euro 2008 qualifier is when?