World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

[SCP]

The core of that era Chelsea side was Terry and Lampard, they were the identity, as were Carragher and Gerard at Liverpool. At United it was probably less pronounced and yes Arsenal didn't have an English core but the dominance of the CL wouldn't have happened without English players, their value was reflected in the individual honours their fellow pros awarded them, that is real and as tangible evidence as you can get, the largest consensus of professional opinion available, comprehensive. I would be interested to hear how you would discredit that objectively?

Eh, as I said, maybe I didn't expressed better my arguments, I said that I don't see current England under Southgate worse than under McClaren, then you mentioned the individual quality, ok 1 need to put into account of course Terry and Carragher would be the center backs today, but better ask to McClaren what was he doing with the selection of those players, and still forgot about mentioning Ferdinad, so in question of center backs no discussion about that.

Then if you ask me do I like more Dier or Hargreaves? Hargreaves. Dier or Carrick? Carrick. Problem was that he probably liked more Gareth Barry, is it my fault, after all the men when was eliminated was under the umbrella looking to the rain, maybe he was a genius?

More seriously, of course if one looks to the names of that era available you can say there was more individual quality available, even if I sometimes do not agree on those eras England should have been European Champion or World Champion, but those are just individual opinions.

Problem is, and that is not my fault, if you check some of the lineups, and it is not only against Croatia, the same against Hiddink Russia you can see some good names, and some other world class players like Wright Phillips or Downing there, don't get angry with an opinion, better ask McClaren what was he doing.

I keep my opinion that ok probably England had a large number of players available on that era, but still some names of the current team would perfectly fit on those teams, why not Kane, Delle Alli, Walker, Dier, Rashford and others?

The truth is they are almost qualified with 2 matches to go, and with all the moaning and complaints they have their job done, I would like to be already qualified and I am not.

 

[Ian Reus]

Fantastic result for wee norn iron.
Whats Russian for, "any good coke about, mate?"

 

[Red Dreams]

England will be making up the numbers at next year's World Cup. We'll do well to
even get out of the group stages. We simply lack quality, in midfield in particular. That's why over the months leading up to the finales I'd certainly have a look at Tom Davies for example, he's the type of player with the attributes we're missing.

There is no coaching to speak of. Southgate is scrapping the bottom of the barrel. We will have street parties if we get out of the group stage.

 

[JustFootballFan]

England will be making up the numbers at next year's World Cup. We'll do well to
even get out of the group stages. We simply lack quality, in midfield in particular. That's why over the months leading up to the finales I'd certainly have a look at Tom Davies for example, he's the type of player with the attributes we're missing.

This is a young team. They are in a tough group. They are qualifying comfortably. They are just learning how to be the best players on a team. They have potential to be much better in 10-12 months.

 

[K2K]

This is a young team. They are in a tough group. They are qualifying comfortably. They are just learning how to be the best players on a team. They have potential to be much better in 10-12 months.

England are poor because there is simply no plan with them.

It's just about chucking the best 11 at the time and hoping for the best.

 

[JustFootballFan]

England are poor because there is simply no plan with them.

It's just about chucking the best 11 at the time and hoping for the best.

Possible. Tough to judge Southgate at the moment. Would be have nominated Rooney, if he did not retire? Was this a silent agreement between them to let Rooney leave gracefully on his terms?

Otherwise I would look at it very negatively, cause Rooney is

1) simply not good enough anymore
2) a horrible leader as shown by his latest incident

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Eh, as I said, maybe I didn't expressed better my arguments, I said that I don't see current England under Southgate worse than under McClaren, then you mentioned the individual quality, ok 1 need to put into account of course Terry and Carragher would be the center backs today, but better ask to McClaren what was he doing with the selection of those players, and still forgot about mentioning Ferdinad, so in question of center backs no discussion about that.

Then if you ask me do I like more Dier or Hargreaves? Hargreaves. Dier or Carrick? Carrick. Problem was that he probably liked more Gareth Barry, is it my fault, after all the men when was eliminated was under the umbrella looking to the rain, maybe he was a genius?

More seriously, of course if one looks to the names of that era available you can say there was more individual quality available, even if I sometimes do not agree on those eras England should have been European Champion or World Champion, but those are just individual opinions.

Problem is, and that is not my fault, if you check some of the lineups, and it is not only against Croatia, the same against Hiddink Russia you can see some good names, and some other world class players like Wright Phillips or Downing there, don't get angry with an opinion, better ask McClaren what was he doing.

I keep my opinion that ok probably England had a large number of players available on that era, but still some names of the current team would perfectly fit on those teams, why not Kane, Delle Alli, Walker, Dier, Rashford and others?

The truth is they are almost qualified with 2 matches to go, and with all the moaning and complaints they have their job done, I would like to be already qualified and I am not.

That campaign was a total bodge job. Firstly no one fancied McClaren from the start, not the press the fans or the players it seemed. There was a bad feeling round it all. We drew at home against Macedonia in that group, an appalling result, a victory in that game would have seen us qualify.

If all the 2008 team were fit then only Kane and Walker would start from this group, incidentally Kane was the only English player shortlisted for the UEFA player of season this year.

You won't hear me moaning about this qualifying campaign but we do have an easy group, there are no live dogs in it.

The main problem with this side is a lack in quality in midfield. I am of the opinion that Loftus-Cheek is better than all our current midfield players and will go to the world cup but the options generally are terrible.

 

[ryadmahrez]

As of right now, Denmark are on 16 points.

Should Montenegro beat Romania, they will also be on 16 points. 1 less in GD right now.

Let's say that Montenegro beats Denmark 2-1, they will be 3 points ahead of them.

But should Denmark win against Romania and Poland beat Montegro, its likely that Denmark will finish 2nd on GD.

A draw in Montenegro would be a great result.

If that happens, Montenegro beating Denmark. Means that poland and Montenegro can draw the last match and they both go through. If Poland doesn't mess up against Armenië, Denmark cant lose against Montenegro or its over for them.

 

[horsechoker]

Fantastic result for wee norn iron.
Whats Russian for, "any good coke about, mate?"

lyuboy khoroshiy koks o mate?

 

[RoyH1]

Germany treats qualification games like other countries treat light training sessions. Still the overwhelming favorite to win the WC in Russia. At the moment I can only see Spain being a serious threat to them repeating.

 

[Schneckerl]

This is a young team. They are in a tough group. They are qualifying comfortably. They are just learning how to be the best players on a team. They have potential to be much better in 10-12 months.

Is it? Slovakia and Scotland are middle of the pack among pot 2 & 3 teams. Slovenia might be one of the better pot 4 nations.

 

[lysglimt]

As a Norwegian - I am not going to excuse my countries performance. But in fairness - the Germans were scary! There isn't a single team in Europe (apart from maybe Spain) who wouldn't have lost big in that match. The tempo of the ball was unlike anything I have ever seen before. It's basically like they are shooting the ball at each others feet with perfect accuracy.

 

[Redondo_Pirri]

This is a young team. They are in a tough group. They are qualifying comfortably. They are just learning how to be the best players on a team. They have potential to be much better in 10-12 months.

England 13

Slovakia 22
Slovenia 51
Scotland 58
Lithuania 99
Malta 190

How is that a tough group? The only player from Slovakia that could be considered a top player is Hamsik.

 

[Redondo_Pirri]

As a Norwegian - I am not going to excuse my countries performance. But in fairness - the Germans were scary! There isn't a single team in Europe (apart from maybe Spain) who wouldn't have lost big in that match. The tempo of the ball was unlike anything I have ever seen before. It's basically like they are shooting the ball at each others feet with perfect accuracy.

You see Kroos' midfield numbers holy crapoli. Not much you can do against the juggernaut that is Germany atm.

 

[giorno]

As a Norwegian - I am not going to excuse my countries performance. But in fairness - the Germans were scary! There isn't a single team in Europe (apart from maybe Spain) who wouldn't have lost big in that match. The tempo of the ball was unlike anything I have ever seen before. It's basically like they are shooting the ball at each others feet with perfect accuracy.

We wouldn't have lost either. Though that's more down to hoodoo than football

 

[K2K]

Germany treats qualification games like other countries treat light training sessions. Still the overwhelming favorite to win the WC in Russia. At the moment I can only see Spain being a serious threat to them repeating.

As good as Germany are, if they meet Italy in the world cup I know who my money would be on.

And it wouldn't be the Germans.

 

[Cal?]

As good as Germany are, if they meet Italy in the world cup I know who my money would be on.

And it wouldn't be the Germans.

I was about to say that. Germany to win it as long as they avoid Italy.

 

[Gaz.]

You see Kroos' midfield numbers holy crapoli. Not much you can do against the juggernaut that is Germany atm.

I was about to say that. Germany to win it as long as they avoid Italy.

They have to beat Northern Ireland first!

 

[André Dominguez]

As a Norwegian - I am not going to excuse my countries performance. But in fairness - the Germans were scary! There isn't a single team in Europe (apart from maybe Spain) who wouldn't have lost big in that match. The tempo of the ball was unlike anything I have ever seen before. It's basically like they are shooting the ball at each others feet with perfect accuracy.

That was a really poorly prepared team in the field, IMHO. I know the norwegiam NT has some gelling problems. I do follow norwegian league from times to times (kinda support RBK), and though defeat was expected, Norway has the potential talent to do 100 times better.

Young players with great potential Rossbach, Berge, Vebjørn Hoff, Fredrik Midtsjø, Sander Svendsen and Banggaard just to mention the ones I am remembering right now.

What's stopping you from stepping up? You guys clearly have enough talent to be a pot 3 team.

 

[GhastlyHun]

Really people, we were shit against Czech and good against a really poor Norway team. As we say in German: 'keep the ball low' (stop the f*cking hype train)

 

[Kostur]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Quite shite scenes from before the match between Denmark and Poland. Apparently there were too many tickets sold to Poles (7.5k tickets, the 'away' stand can hold 2k, other 5k sat with the Danes, 500 didn't make it in) and the authorities said that Poles couldn't sit in the D3 stand which neighboured the Danish stand, which resulted in about 500 people not being able to enter the stadium because some of the stewards at the turnstiles/gates wouldn't let you in if you were Polish. 35 Poles in custody but just 5 charged with an assault on a police officer, our FA, fans and journos all complaining about shit organistion of things.

Pretty sad scenes given that there were no animosities between the fans or some hooligan stuff.

source: http://weszlo.com/2017/09/04/najgorzej-zorganizowany-mecz-reprezentacyjny/

 

[lysglimt]

That was a really poorly prepared team in the field, IMHO. I know the norwegiam NT has some gelling problems. I do follow norwegian league from times to times (kinda support RBK), and though defeat was expected, Norway has the potential talent to do 100 times better.

Young players with great potential Rossbach, Berge, Vebjørn Hoff, Fredrik Midtsjø, Sander Svendsen and Banggaard just to mention the ones I am remembering right now.

What's stopping you from stepping up? You guys clearly have enough talent to be a pot 3 team.

We have a lot of offensive talent, but few good defenders

 

[fcbforever]

The best thing is, and yesterday showed it: we finally seem to have a proper striker again. I really feel that is what we lacked in 2016. the offensive was disjointed without a striker which can actually play some football, which is something that Gomez will never be.

 

[Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87]

We should be able to beat Israel today @giorno

 

[Cal?]

They have to beat Northern Ireland first!

Actually they don't.

A draw will do, and even if they lost, they only need to draw with Azerbaijan at home (who they beat 4-1 away).

 

[Cal?]

So Australia have made it so hard for themselves against Thailand, their qualification now hinges on what Japan (who have nothing to play for) feel like doing.

 

[SCP]

The main problem with this side is a lack in quality in midfield.

True, but as he plays 4/2/3/1 I don't see much better options atm, unless Barkley starts playing for Everton or Loftus Cheek develops well this season, but then you watch Palace play would Southgate take Dier or Henderson off the team?

You know what will be the answer, better wait and see.

If it was my option I would replace imediately Hart and put Pickford and take Cahill out of the team and replace him with Keane, it would make the team better, the problem of lack of creativity has to be solved by Alli, cannot see Sterling better for the future than Rashford, and also not a big fan of Oxlade, maybe Klopp can improve his performances.

 

[VP89]

I don't know how we will progress with this team. Our midfield is dier.

Pls it took me 2 hours to think of that.

 

[mayurr]

England play so disjointed, players like alli, Sterling, rashford, kane ...good individually but dont really look like they are playing for same team when they play together.

Why can't England find a good manager? Roy, big sam, now this. No playing philosophy or system, no plan, just disjointed ultra defensive approach.

 

[GhastlyHun]

The best thing is, and yesterday showed it: we finally seem to have a proper striker again. I really feel that is what we lacked in 2016. the offensive was disjointed without a striker which can actually play some football, which is something that Gomez will never be.

Very true.

 

[Ian Reus]

lyuboy khoroshiy koks o mate?

You sure that isn't something you would say to the stragglers outside a gay Russian bar at the end of the night?

 

[2ndTouch]

As good as Germany are, if they meet Italy in the world cup I know who my money would be on.

And it wouldn't be the Germans.

We broke that cycle at the last Euro though
I agree with what my fellow Germans said, Werner has transformed us up front. If he stays fit until the WC, we have a shot at defending the thing.

 

[Peyroteo]

Syria score! 2-2

 

[Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87]

Syria score! 2-2

Amazing! Their dream is still alive!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/41167416

 

[Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87]

4-2-4 again. It should be ok against Israel

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[syrian_scholes]

Syria score! 2-2

Al Somah <3

 

[giorno]

We broke that cycle at the last Euro though
I agree with what my fellow Germans said, Werner has transformed us up front. If he stays fit until the WC, we have a shot at defending the thing.

You needed penalties to get past the worst italy team ever

 

[Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87]

Al Somah <3

Well-done mate! Hope you can qualify in the end

 

[syrian_scholes]

Well-done mate! Hope you can qualify in the end

Thank you! Hope so too.

 

[freeurmind]

South Africa disappointing again. Why can't there be transformation with the football side and transform some of these players into ones who actually know how to play football.