Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Portugal's play seemed to characterise foreign football - lack of professionalism, sportsmanship and general decency. I had the strong impression that Portugal's game plan was remove our top players - by injury or other means - and hold out for penalties. The wink and ssssh that Ronaldo gave after encouraging the ref to red card Rooney - bit of a give-away. It's everything that's wrong with the game. Greed for money and titles at the expense of the game. I've no interest in football at all - just ugly. My mum watched the match, so my dad and I had little choice.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I've said it before, but in my opinion England will never again have a world class football team, while our premier league is dominated by foreign players.

Not enough elegible English players are getting suitable experience at the top level, so I believe our strength in depth is poor.

It was a gritty performance after Beckham's injury & Rooney's red mist, but then ultimately spoilt by terrible penalty taking - although I won't detract from an inspired display by Portugal's keeper.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Gaz, I agree. I said this to some friends ans was poo pood, but it stands to reason that unless the Premiereship clubs do start using more UK players, then our home teams (and I count Scotland, Wales and Ireland as well as England) will suffer a reduced supply of experienced players. This will only harm their chances in any competition.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

So what would you say to a Great britain team?
Do you think it would be viable?

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well done France. Truly world class performance.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

thanks Stu :tu:

- & tw2001, welcome back from honeymoon & all I can say is we manage to put together the 'British Lions' for Rugby Union, why not a British football team??

(dons nomex just in case ;) )

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Thank **** Eriksson is going after this fiasco!!!!!!!!
He should Never have been allowed to manage the team before and during this tournament.
His idea`s and tactics and also pulling key players off at certain times were not ideal.
He has never had a passion for English football or had the motivation to push the players to do their best.
I still say that the standard of refereeing so far should be scrutinised and sorted out before the semi finals .
Do you think its about time we stopped paying our players so much and started making it a performance related pay thing instead?

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I think a Great Britain team would be great - obviously it would be made up primarily of English players but at least 'God Save the Queen" would finally be an appropriate anthem :D

Mind you, can't see the Scots ever agreeing :eek:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Or the Welsh! :D :erm:

Lol@Russ.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I think you'll find a lot of support for that idea around here - how else are we going to get to a final? :disturbd:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

True...but would any Welsh player go though?

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Oh yes ;)

Probably all of them. Seriously. If Giggs had been given the chance 5 years ago to join a GB team I'm sure he'd have taken it.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

So, what was Walcott selected for again?

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

...and you called English fans delusional! :rofl: ;)

Giggs would be the only one...if he was a few years younger...

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Ah! Right! Now I understand what you meant - I thought you were asking would any of them be willing to join Team GB :D

Giggs would have taken care of England's left wing deficiencies in the days BC (Before Cole).