FIFA World Cup 2014

Just out of interest are any posters on this forum going. Was talking to CdeBs minder in the gym yesterday. He has been to Brazil about 8 times and says some areas are right dodgy to go anywhere near.

Mista h

A friend of mine - a Southampton supporter - is going (missing the Italy game though).

He has tickets for every other game England play - so to borrow a comment from another thread - both of them 

There will be tremendous home support too

Chaps,

Here's the England squad, if you have not seen it yet.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).

I make that; 5 Liverpool players. + 1 Standby.

                    4 Man U players.        2 Standby.

                    3 Everton players.      1Standby.

                    3 Southampton players.

                    2 Man City players.  

                    2 Arsenal players.

                    2 Chelsea players.

                    1 Celtic player.

                    1 West Brom player.

                       West Ham.               1 Standby.

                       Norwich.                   1Standby.

                       Toronto.                    1Standby.

In general, a fresh, young and inexperienced team, exactly what we need. This team is a quarter final team at best, but only if they can beat Italy. The problem is, Italy are a very canny and tough team to beat. We need them to have a really bad day at the office.

The lack of Chelsea and Man City players in the squad just underlines the age of current England players in the former and a lack of any England players in the latter. I am also surprised that Hodgson still persists with the average Milner, IMO.

Anyway, any thoughts from the floor.

Jason.

Yes, this squad has the benefit of youth but it doesn't exactly set pulses running.  Not sure I can see who is going to turn a game for us.  Wilshere, maybe. Would be nice to think Barkley might step up. Altitude and heat will be new to the youngsters, too. That said, I'd struggle to suggest who better ought to be on the plane. 

Maybe, just maybe, if Hodgson has the courage to go with youth and they play with no fear they will surprise a few teams but I think I'm clutching at straws.  Hope I'm proved wrong though.

We had Hodgson as manager for a couple of seasons and IMHO he was no more than average,

Charming man who did a good talk but thats where it ended. Everything was played down the middle of the pitch,wingers were almost surplus to his requirements.

Mista h

I think all England will win is an Essex mansion called Fcuk Hall.

Mista dolan as you are running this show can we all make a prediction as to who will win the W/C.

Mista H

Well I already have. Although the draw is actually very unkind for Brazil - logic dictates that they will win.

Argentina however have a very easy draw in terms of distance of travel in particular.

So a Brazil v Argentina final

Anyone else????

In how many reams in the Premiership is the BEST player English?

This may sound simplistic but mostly the English players are competent - and it is up to the real "star" players to perform. When England play they are pretty average.

Rooney has flattered to deceive for England - perhaps he can't step up. Barkley has looked promising though.

Slippy G tries but apart from long quarterback balls and free kicks he is pretty much past his use by date - as is Lumpalard

Unfair?

PS Don't be mean to Boring James Milner - it's not his fault that he gets picked 

Is footer a 12 month thing? I was hoping for some peace and some decent coverage of Cricket!

ATB from George

As for support for other teams - the Portuguese share the language 

Unfortunately we cannot tell if the hair cut was Brazilian!

And she is rather common as she has a piecing in the naval ... really ...

ATB from George

Good thing Ireland aren't going.

Dont know where you live George,but the Surrey first team are playing a 20/20 match at my sports club today(purley sports club) start 11.00 am....FREE to watch.

Carn`t stand cricket myself.

Mista H

Personally I will be supporting Holland

I guess because you like the colors, right ?

I've never been a great fan of James Milner but he has really improved for City this year and was a key player in the defeat of Bayern Munich. I think the team will benefit from his physical strength and tenacity which are attributes not normally found in most of the youngbloods in the team.

Partly - and partly the manager and lead striker 

Miles Jedinak lead Crystal Palace to a "top 11" position this year (aka close to top ten but no banana).  

If he can get Australia to a round of 16 position in the World Cup we would have pulled off a major  coup.  

I just want to watch us play Spain. I think it will be on at about 2am in the morning on a work night, but it will be worth it.  It may not be pretty, but doesn't everyone love an underdog and our new coach has promised we are not going to Brazil to park the bus.   Score line.................well I reckon we can at least get a goal and keep them under 10.   :-)

Nice kit, but £90?

Jason.

Hi Briz - so us is Australia?

I'm thinking of suggesting some rules of support - such as a compulsory sign off as to who you support - and pre-approved by me obviously (subject to Forum rules of course) 

Chris

LvG's Orange Army

Jason - oh dear. Then again how much would you pay?    - 

PS - who are the two on the right of Wayne?

Guinea pig anyone ?

Italia!

Spain