BS: Football ... poor old England ...

Subject: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Lox
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 08:50 PM

Not being English, I still feel a lot of sympathy for English footie fans this year.

Two months ago they were strong contenders for the World Cup, fielding the strongest team they have had available in years.

And now, after Beckhams international career ending injury today, they seem to be inescapably riven by injury and scandal.

The Tabloids are just gonna love it this summer!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 09:33 PM

Are they playing the Cubs or something?

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 03:27 AM

I don't care too much as long as Heskey isn't picked. He is a total waste of space.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Stu
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 04:14 AM

Nit strictly true Villan, he's useful for bouncing balls off as he stands in the box deciding what to do next.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 04:30 AM

I was on a flight back from Antigua sat next to his granddad once. Lovely man, and lovely Leicester family. (I have no idea what Heskey is like as a footballer, except that LC fans seemed to rate him.)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 05:32 AM

LOL I like that one Jack.

Ruth, he is a nice person, but considering he is supposed to be a centre forward, who in my opinion should score lots of goals. He sadly lacks that.

He has appeared in 17 games this season and scored 5 goals and he is classed as a striker and plays for England.

Last season he appeared in 11 games and scored 2 goals.

This compares with John Carew who has appeared 15 times and scored 11 goals and mainly as substitute in order to make way for Heskey to get in the England team.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Acorn4
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 06:10 AM

I've always been in two minds about Heskey - perhaps if they removed the
tag "striker" from him it would solve his problems, but there isn't a position called "provider", which is his best role.

I don't think he's ever actually taken a penalty and you'd have to worry about that in a World Cup. Plus the fact that for a big strong player he gets an awful lot of injuries.

I'm a bit worried by all this talk of playing Rooney in this "hole" behind the strikers - sure to limit his mobility a bit - how deep are they thinking of making the hole?

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Arnie
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 06:33 AM

Beckham was never guaranteed a place on the England squad anyway. In fact his injury may have made Fabio Capello's squad selection a bit easier. Even had Beckham gone to SA, he would only be a sub, albeit a 'supersub' as his legs can no longer last a whole match. And whilst I'm sorry he's got injured, imagine if that had happened in SA? - the rules do not allow for a replacement once the squad has been selected. He didn't do much when he came off the bench for AC Milan against Man Utd last week - his long-range shot on goal looked spectacular but was easily fended away by the goalie. There are plenty of younger midfielders vying for Beckham's slot and it's time for one of them to make his mark on the right midfield. Agree about Heskey though - Crouch is a big enough target man and can actually score goals. There are a number of goal-scoring centre-halfs who deserve a chance ahead of Heskey. I'd take Jermaine Beckford, but then again I might be a little biased.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Arnie
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 06:36 AM

Whoops - that last sentence should read 'centre-forwards' not centre-halfs'. Although the thought of Heskey playing in defence is worth further consideration.....

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Stu
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 07:14 AM

I've no problem with Heskey as a person, I've never met him but as a lifelong Villa fan I do have an opinion on him as a footballer.

I think he lacks any ability to finish, and this is the flaw in his game. He's got a lot better at not falling over which has made more useful on the edge of the area but as he isn't a finisher his uses are (in my opinion) limited. To be fair to the lad, he does have a good work rate though and as he's built like a brick shithouse he can intimidate defenders.

I certainly wouldn't take him to SA over Crouch though, as I think he works well with Rooney who is going to be the focus of our attack. Shame Agbonlahor and Young aren't playing to their best as they could make a difference . . . can't see Fabio taking them both, if either at the moment though.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 07:25 AM

hi

Beckham may not have been picked but now that's out of the question the time has come to decide who will go.

I believe that there are a number of contenders with Milner probably the favourite.

If last week's game against Egypt was anything to go by Milner should get in above Lampard. I know that this is almost sacriledge but he never reproduces his Chelsea form in an England shirt.

With regard to Heskey or Crouch....I wouldn't pick either of them Defoe is sharp and scores goal and Carlton Cole is dtrong and scores goals.

Mind you if Rooney keeps this season's form we won't need another centreforward.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 08:54 AM

Milner and Beckford should be automatic selections for the squad.
Shame the former plays for an unfashionable club and the latter for a Div. 1 side. If they both played for Chelsea or Man. U. they'd be straight in the starting line up.
IMHO, of course. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Folkiedave
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 09:17 AM

Seems the excuses are starting already.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 10:42 AM

Crouch should be in. How he does I will never know, but he sure knows where the net is. Probably one of the best goalscoreers for England at this moment in time.

Agbonlahor would be on the bench for me. Each season he gets better and stronger. He is just biding his time. I would substitute Crouch for him.

So I would go with Rooney and Crouch up front, with Agbonlahor substituting..

Milner would definately be in my side. He is a workaholic and doesn't know when to give in, and besides that he has come on tremendously since MON played him in his new role.

You won't hear any excuses from me Dave. This is one of England's better teams.

I would expect them to at least get to the semi's.

I really don't know what all the huff and puff is for Beckham. His England career finished ages ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Arnie
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 11:38 AM

I also hope that Milner is in the final squad - and not just because he started out at Leeds, but because he's an intelligent reader of the game whose running on the ball usually ends up with a positive result. Unlike Shaun W-P, Milner uses the ball productively in the final third, whether crossing or shooting. Although I like the way SWP dribbles round half a dozen defenders, he often seems to lose his way once he reaches the box.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 11:46 AM

My sympathy lies with the man - I expect it hurts!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 12:14 PM

Hi bonzo

Course it hurts....we are talking about Beckham ain't we??

Remember footballers never knew what metatarsals were until Beckham broke one.....and then it was a national disaster.


Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 12:21 PM

hi Villan

Hope your event went well on Saturday.

I agree about Crouch. Very unusual and a times a very unco-ordinated player but he does score goals.

However I would prefer him to come on as an impact player as a sub.

Abonlahor is real pacy and as you say is improving....we do need pace up front.....something that both Crouch and heskey lack.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: bubblyrat
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 12:59 PM

As usual, English football is NOT a team game,but rather a total reliance on one or two "celebrities",without whom the rest of the side will be totally impotent. Good !! I hope they go out in the first round !! (until they learn the values of mutual respect,duty,national pride and gamesmanship )---yes, it's just a GAME,for God's sake !!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 01:46 PM

Piss off Bubblyrat :-) ENGLAND ENGLAND

Mike - it was an excellent evening, with over 90 people there. Sooz the wonderful mudcatter from Cottingham near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire did a couple of video's and here are the links.

Fiddler's Green by John Conolly (Which he wrote) with Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher assisting.

Miracle Of Life by Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher which was written by mudcatter George Papavgeris. Note Bill's play toy :-)

Agree with your other comments.

I see MON believes Young and Downing should be on the plane and that they are as good as Beckham.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 03:30 PM

I am quite baffled as to how SWP could have been left out while Beckham was to be on the plane for twenty minute cameos at best. It is on the right hand side that England are most likely to need real speed, so if Downing and Lennon are not there, I should have thought that a thirty-four year old, most remarkable for his dead ball kicking, would have been the least likely option.
England have looked more disciplined under Capello and are starting to give each other passing options. They still do not have an automatic first choice goalkeeper and both the outside backs are likely to be second or third choices. To some extent, bubblyrat is right. What is more important is that the team gels and works together. On cool, damp pitches in a South African winter, they could be tricky opposition for many sides. However, the likelihood is that Germany will put them out in the second round. (Both teams will qualify, but they are unlikely both to win their groups).
Another thing to bear in mind is that England resolutely refuse to practise penalty kicks properly. Nowadays it is virtually unthinkable to expect a side to progress through the World Cup without winning penalty shoot outs. That fact alone is likely to ensure England's failure to make their talent count. Otherwise, given sensible tactics, good motivation and a bit of luck, they would have a reasonable chance against anyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 03:36 PM

hi villan

Glad Faldingworth went well. Looks a great venue. Many thanks for the links. They were great.
Good to hear Fiddlers Green again. Used to be in my repetoire some years ago.

MON is a much better judge of a footballer tham me ( and most of the Premier League) but I don't think that either of them have proved themselves yet. I thik they are both very good footballers but both are a bit inconsistent.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 04:04 PM

>>Good to hear Fiddlers Green again. Used to be in my repetoire some years ago.<<

I think in many people's repetoire who like to sing traditional songs :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Acorn4
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 04:39 PM

The press is hyping up Rooney at the moment which is probably the prelude to him getting injured.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Lox
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 05:53 PM

"The press is hyping up Rooney at the moment which is probably the prelude to him getting injured."

Or getting caught by colleen in a brothel ...

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 04:27 AM

"Sooz the wonderful mudcatter from Cottingham near Gainsborough"

Has she moved to the Hull area, Les? :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 04:51 AM

I hope she doesn't see that LOL
Thanks for putting me right John.

"Sooz the wonderful mudcatter from Corringham near Gainsborough, in Lincolnshire" :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 04:52 AM

Mind you, they wouldn't find a big enough one to put the gum from Alex ferguson's gob in.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 04:54 AM

Ooops that was mean't for the Spittoon thread :-)

I am off to Specsavers.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Acorn4
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 05:37 AM

I think you should definitely take up refereeing if you don't do so already, Villain!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 11:58 AM

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 03:21 PM

I should have added that in June I am 65 and suffer with arthritic knees. I would make a damn fine referee LOL :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: alanabit
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:03 AM

Nah, you have got to have defective vision too!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:27 AM

hi alan

doh !! yer just beat me to it.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Lox
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:31 AM

While I completely missed it ...

... hey ... maybe I could apply!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 08:42 AM

I have defective vision as well and my eyes only see claret and blue :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:02 AM

Bloody hell, I didn't realise you were that bad Les! :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 12:35 PM

hi villan

What you support Burnley ???? !!!!!! lol

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 03:51 PM

That bad John :-)

I am glad I am not a Burnley supporter at the moment Mike :-)

After Villa's match last night, I am more than ever convinced that James Millner should be in the England team.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Lox
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:12 PM

Villa are going to rock the boat next season ... its been coming a long time but it will happen!

Even this season they are not out of the running for a champions league spot yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Lox
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:31 PM

So why Villan would support West Ham is beyond me ... ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 05:16 PM

Or even Scunny!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Acorn4
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:10 PM

Martin O' Neill is a great manager, as all Leicester City supporters will tell you.

It was once suggested during his time here though that someone buy him a dictionary of synonyms, to avoid repeating the word "fantastic" - have a count next time you listen to him interviewed!

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Lox
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:55 PM

"as all Leicester City supporters will tell you."

And Celtic ...

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:04 PM

Don't beleive them :-)

He will only be a great manager if Villa win the Premiership and go on to win the European cup and get rid of Heskey :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 07:19 AM

Hi Villan

I see that MO'N is already thinking about a replacement for pesky Heskey.

He is reported to be "chasing" Rodallega from Wigan.

I have seen him twice this year and in one game he looked very very good....in the other he just didn't play.

But MO'N would soon fix that.

Drogba might be on the market too......!!!

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 07:57 AM

Thats right Mike. He is seemingly also interested in on loan Robbie Keane.
Les

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 10:43 AM

hi villan

Interested in Keane ?? Course MO'N knows him well. If Keane's scoring lately for Celtic is anything to go by it would be a good deal.

Strikers are all news at the moment. Seems Chelsea are trying once again to persuade Torres to move to them.

And the other day Fergie was saying that Ronaldo might be on his way back to Man U. Don't it myself but I suppose the media have to create some headlines.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 11:05 AM

It's just a GAME fellas!

Unless of course it's Leeds United, then it's Life And Death. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football ... poor old England ...
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 11:08 AM

hi bwn

Or if you are Bill Shankley and "it's much more important than that"......

cheers

MikeL2