ENGLAND

[CANV EFM]

so what do we think? are we going to make it out of the group? do we need to win the group to have any chance of getting close to the semis (if we finish second we are seeded to play france in the next round <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> ).. and predictions for england sweden? ...

i think italy will win it..

im erring on the side of pessimism for our chances of getting past the first stage, or even getting 11 players out on the pitch..

and i think we draw 1-1 with sweden...

 

no doubt blind optimism will be back in full working order when i reach the pub on sunday morning to watch our first game

[Guest]

If Freddie Ljunberg and that Aston Villa bloke have anymore bust up's I dont think Sweden will get very far, let alone beat us. Bit of a tacky result against Korea, but, we didnt have our full team. Perhaps if we had Jermaine DeFoe and Alan Smith upfront we would of been a bit more successful <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> . I think Portugal will get quite far, but to win it, im not sure. Possibly Portugal, possibly Italy. With Figo and numerous other decent players they're bound to get far. With Brazil playing Ronaldinho, a quality young player, I think they might do quite well, but then again, they could do terrible. But footballs full of suprises, it's more than just a game <img border="0" title="" alt="[smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> There's up's and down's cheer's and booZE. Im pretty glad Roy Keane's gone home, if we ever have to play Northern Ireland ( if they get that far, they might try scoring own goals anyway <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ) I predict 12-0 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> .

Anyway, I think this has to be my longest post ever, and i'm pround to devote it to the world cup <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> .

[Captain Haddock]

Hate to be the pessimist but I cannot see us winning any of the 1st round games. Regretably I think the Argies will have us over and we'll grab draws against the other two. Too many injuries and not enough quality or 'in form' backup. Predictably I see the Brazilians or Argies winning the Final, but I agree the Italians will be the dark horses and at least reach the semis. Hopefully I'II be proved totally wrong of course - not a first. <img border="0" title="" alt="[smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

Just hope those filthy Hun come unstuck bigtime.

[Captain Haddock]

Ok......maybe I'll stick to my filleting fish day job and leave the expert footie analysis to Trev Brooking.

[Wilf]

Have seen games so far and on Friday was driving to Yorkshire and listening to Five Live analysis. Without exception, their "experts" (all quality ex-pros) made the same comment - what the hell is Heskey doing out there, let alone starting a match?

Couldn't agree more - bring back Vassell or Sherry, and bring on Nigeria on Wednesday

 

<small>[ 10 June 2002, 10:28 AM: This message was edited by: Wilf ]</small>

[Guest]

yeah i do agree Heskey is a waste of space, but his strength and ball holding skills may be a good option against Nigeria.

[Guest]

One thing for sure came out the game; Sinclair seems to fill that void on the left very well. I find it hard to believe that he will be left out of another game!

[CANV EFM]

i agree hesky is a waste of space..(watch him score 3 on weds now <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> ) would rather see sheringham start and when his legs go bring on vassel or hesky or fowler!! (shock horror).. also butt n scholes have to stay together in midfield, having scholes on the left would be a real waste

[CANV EFM]

well that leaves things nicely set up for a great saturday in the pub as opposed to sunday morning...looking further ahead tho the draw has really opened up for sweden, cant help thinking that if we had won that game the semis would have been a real possibility... still roll on saturday and then hopefully brazil!! that game would be on friday week at 7.30 am get yer holiday slips in early!!

[Guest]

I think we'll go through to the second round, the group standings will be

 

Sweden

England

Argentina

Nigeria

 

A nice psycic report there, I reckon Batistuta will start crying his eyes out when he finds out Argentina aint through <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> . Anyone wanna bet me £5000 this wont happen?