I had the pleasure of seeing England win the world cup on a small black and white telly, it's a feeling I have enjoyed for many years. Now barring bad fortune of penalties I think this team could finally go all the way and lift the trophy. My only doubt is if we play too cautiously, my strategy is to go all out on the attack every game even if we play the good teams. Will I see us lift another trophy before I start forgetting. I hope so then kids of today can have that great feeling all their lives.
I know friendlies aren't the best measure of this sort of thing, but last year Germany only won 3 of the 11 they played. They've won 3 out of 4 this year, including against France in Lyon mind, and did beat France last year too, who I think will be the team to beat at the Euro's.
Our lack of class defenders will let us down Can't see Germany getting further than quarter's, don't fancy France. Spain or Portugal for me,, got a tenner on Portugal at 10/1. The Dutch at 18s a good e/w punt. Thank me later....
I get what you are saying but, we already have 2 class defenders, Walker(as good as any at right back), Stones(probably get in any euro side), so if these 2 keep fit we have a chance if we can successfully integrate 2 more into the back 4. Guehi needs to step up and make a name for himself and Trippier(ex red) needs to be solid. Be good if Shaw can play a part in later stages too.
I think I’d have to say France. Lots of their players have had many years & several tournaments playing together with a World Cup win & runners up medal to show for it. I can’t see England winning it. Whilst we have plenty of good individual talents they don’t have much experience of playing together. Foden, Saka & Bellingham are all still pretty new to international football & it’s only their second tournament as starters. There’s massive questions about the defence too. How many times have Stones & Guehi played together? 2 or 3 maybe? Both have spent most of the second half of the season injured. Big issue at left back too. I can’t imagine Shaw will get to anywhere near his best & I’m not keen on a right footer at left back. Trippier’s also had his worst season in many years. I also fear that Southgate will succumb to media pressure like Hodgson did & play too many attack minded players. International football is generally pretty dull & successful teams normally are the ones who are the most solid. I think trying to squeeze 5 attack minded players in because we want all of Kane, Bellingham, Foden, Saka & Palmer / Gordon to start will only end in tears. I’d have Wharton or Trent alongside Rice & would drop one of the attacking midfielders but I fear he’s going to try & play two attack minded 8’s either side of Rice leaving us vulnerable on the counter attack. I also hope he doesn’t play Mainoo. Talented lad but should be nowhere near the pitch unless he’s further up the field. I don’t think he’s got the defensive capabilities to sit alongside Rice.
Got 10s on Portugal just after the draw was made, p*$$ easy group for them.You'll struggle to get better than 8s now.
I thought Spain were the best side at the last Euro’s. They were by far the best side in the semi against Italy.
Agree about seemingly attractive odds of Netherlands. Depay is under rated and Gakpo is in good form. Also, Van Dijk is class.
Germany are usually well organised when it comes to tournaments And definitely think they'll make the moat of their home advantage.
I don’t really know enough about each nation to make a decision. I suspect Home advantage will work well for Germany. I don’t think England have much of a chance because we are not good enough defensively. I think Maguire will be a huge miss, as the stones partnership has worked well in recent years. I think for us to win it Foden, Kane, Saka and Bellingham would all have to be on the absolute top of their game to compensate for the defence.
Think the Germans will be at their strongest for the World cup in 2026. I can see Spain doing the biz this year. England Qtr finals this time and time will be called on Southgates tenure.
Reckon Southgate will go even if we win it. Announced as Man Ure's boss before plane lands back in Blighty....