The Football.....

[Smokin Joe]

Which is why Hodgson made a massive blunder in not bringing John Terry back into defence. I doubt Terry would have let Suarez score either of his goals.

For that matter, I'd also have brought back Ashley Cole as well. Terry, Cole, and Cahill were arguably part of the best defence in the Premiership last season, and while you have got to bring on young talent, you still need your experienced players in defence for big games.

I'd agree on Terry and Cole, but didn't Terry retire from international football and not want to be considered for the tournament?

 

[Smokin Joe]

I'm quite happy he left the racist **** at home, though I expect most of the England team were phoning their wives each night - just to check.

Terry isn't racist. He reacted to some very personal taunting by Anton Ferdinand who had no right to complain under the "If you can't take it, don't dish it" rule.

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

Terry isn't racist. He reacted to some very personal taunting by Anton Ferdinand who had no right to complain under the "If you can't take it, don't dish it" rule.

 

[AndyRM]

So, in footballing terms, England are the new Scotland, which makes Scotland the new Isle of Man.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

So, in footballing terms, England are the new Scotland, which makes Scotland the new Isle of Man.

Scotland are the new Scotland

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Scotland are the new Scotland

Wait a minute...

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Anyway, we have charitable fans, who not only help cheer on other teams but help others (by giving them football kits...):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-27939845

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Good to see a green aspect to England's exit:

 

[Danny]

I'd agree on Terry and Cole, but didn't Terry retire from international football and not want to be considered for the tournament?

He retired because he was unhappy with the way he was treated by the FA after the clash with Ferdinand. I'm not claiming he was hard done by, but he did serve his punishment and I suspect he would have come out of retirement if asked to do so by Hodgson.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Gotta love that Didier Deschamps guy.

 

[Danny]

Maybe, but I remember the England defence including Terry and Cole were run ragged by Germany in the last world cup. One of their goals was even worse than the goal kick that Gerrard headed back for Suarez to score. The German goalie hoofed it up field, it bounced once before a German player put it away.

True - but the whole team played crap that year.

 

[Piemaster]

True - but the whole team played crap that every year.

FTFY

 

[MarkF]

So, in footballing terms, England are the new Scotland, which makes Scotland the new Isle of Man.

I think England have to not lose by more than one goal v Costa Rica for Scotland not to claim another head to head record.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

<Fred Elliot> I'll tell you what, I say I'll tell you what <Fred Elliot> you can stick your technically excellent defending right up your árse, give me open flowing football with lots of goals any day of the week! That's what football is all about, not dull 0-0 draws with nobber pundits telling us how "tight" and "technically excellent" the game was.

This is the best opening week to a major tournament I can remember. It would be better if Scotland were there (obviously) but I have come to accept that I'll maybe never see that again - unless Mr Strachan has other ideas!

 

[MarkF]

And fouls, you forgot fouls, they have added immensely to my enjoyment, fouls & goals, that's what it's about.