FIFA World Cup 2022

[Adam]

Gary Lineker just said Mbappe basically won the World Cup on his own last time. Alright then.

The pundits all seem desperate for the World Cup only to be about the 5/6 individual superstars, it's annoying.

[Bobfoc]

If Southgate were to step down after this World Cup, who would be the most likely person to replace him? If the FA insists on an English manager again, they almost certainly won't be able to tempt Eddie Howe or Graham Potter away from their current jobs. I can imagine them going for Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard, which doesn't seem very exciting.

5 minutes ago, Adam said:

Gary Lineker just said Mbappe basically won the World Cup on his own last time. Alright then.

The pundits all seem desperate for the World Cup only to be about the 5/6 individual superstars, it's annoying.

There seems to be this extreme desire for the marquee names to be all that matter. It's always "Ronaldo's Portugal" and "Messi's Argentina". They're great players, but they also can't win a tournament without a decent team around them. It's like when people insist that Maradona single-handedly won the World Cup in 1986. Yes, he was outstanding, but it wasn't as if his teammates were all blokes they picked up at the pub.

[Matt]

As much as I don't like Southgate I don't think I'd physically be able to bring myself watch Fat Frank.

 

I'd love Poch but it won't happen.

[Captain Kirk]

45 minutes ago, Bobfoc said:

If Southgate were to step down after this World Cup, who would be the most likely person to replace him? If the FA insists on an English manager again, they almost certainly won't be able to tempt Eddie Howe or Graham Potter away from their current jobs. I can imagine them going for Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard, which doesn't seem very exciting.

There seems to be this extreme desire for the marquee names to be all that matter. It's always "Ronaldo's Portugal" and "Messi's Argentina". They're great players, but they also can't win a tournament without a decent team around them. It's like when people insist that Maradona single-handedly won the World Cup in 1986. Yes, he was outstanding, but it wasn't as if his teammates were all blokes they picked up at the pub.

Gerrard would be an awful appointment, looks like Beale was the brains behind the operation. Was widely reported when he was at Rangers then the stuff from Martinez. You never know how much to believe of that though.

1 hour ago, Dang117 said:

France still haven't convinced me enough that they win this tournament. I feel like the defence is shaky and they are a Lloris mistake away from losing a game 

They’re an injury to Mbappe or Giroud away from looking very beatable.

[TheGrandAvatar]

Nervous about the England game. I'm sure they can beat Senegal. France. Well that will be a good big test for Southgate. First we just need to get there. Would love an England win and a Harry Kane goal. 

[gunnar hendershow]

Regarding France, I don't think they have a lot of structure. It was honestly the same case in 2018, and they just used being more talented than any other team out there to their advantage. But this is a team that Switzerland put 3 past at the Euros. They're very susceptible due to the general lack of structure.

But on talent alone nobody is beating them except perhaps Brazil. I think England would have a very good shot if only because Southgate keeps his side very (too?) structured.

[Adam]

Rashford dropped to the bench tonight, that is a surprise. I hope we have enough to see off Senegal regardless but this is England, they do like to make hard work of things.

As for the suggestion of Gerrard or Lampard being the next England manager...oh boy. That would be awful.

[Bobfoc]

1 minute ago, Adam said:

As for the suggestion of Gerrard or Lampard being the next England manager...oh boy. That would be awful.

It's less of a suggestion and more a fear. I can just see the FA reasoning that they've both got over a hundred international caps and would therefore know all about passion. You know, the usual rubbish that some like to pretend is a credible substitute for tactical astuteness.

[Adam]

2 minutes ago, Bobfoc said:

It's less of a suggestion and more a fear. I can just see the FA reasoning that they've both got over a hundred international caps and would therefore know all about passion. You know, the usual rubbish that some like to pretend is a credible substitute for tactical astuteness.

Thankfully, I dont think England have hired a manager based on passion and status in living memory. They generally went for "best or nearly best performing English manager" with hires like Allardyce, McClaren, Hodgson and Keegan, or "elite foreign manager who fancies it" like Sven and Capello.

Southgate was a departure from this in a unique situation, so hopefully they learn from it next time around. For me personally, I'd not want Southgate to go anyway, even if we lost tonight. I think he has built a good culture and team, and I cannot see someone right now capable of stepping in and making us any better than we already are.

[9 to 5]

42 minutes ago, Captain Kirk said:

Gerrard would be an awful appointment, looks like Beale was the brains behind the operation. Was widely reported when he was at Rangers then the stuff from Martinez. You never know how much to believe of that though.

They’re an injury to Mbappe or Giroud away from looking very beatable.

France without Mbappe: 

 

[TheGrandAvatar]

Nice to see Del Boy and Dave in Qatar. Must be opening up a new branch. 

[Bobfoc]

Just now, TheGrandAvatar said:

Nice to see Del Boy and Dave in Qatar. Must be opening up a new branch. 

I could see them doing a full-length episode in which they try to sell bootleg alcohol to tourists and then have to flee the Qatari government on a dinghy.

[Chris2K]

26 minutes ago, 9 to 5 said:

France without Mbappe: 

 

To be fair, one of them was half-decent.

 

[Bobfoc]

I hate that they're also advertising tourism to Saudi Arabia on ITV.

[TheGrandAvatar]

Just now, Bobfoc said:

I could see them doing a full-length episode in which they try to sell bootleg alcohol to tourists and then have to flee the Qatari government on a dinghy.

Somehow bumping into the England Team and running around the stadium during a Penalty shootout. The Nags Head supplying all that bootleg alcohol. 

[DavidMarrio]

Not going to lie. Loads of people booing the anthem in an Irish bar in Lisbon had been a highlight 

[Colly]

To be honest at least that's a break from the constant betting ads. HAVE ALL THESE FREE BETS.

[Bobfoc]

Just now, TheGrandAvatar said:

Somehow bumping into the England Team and running around the stadium during a Penalty shootout. The Nags Head supplying all that bootleg alcohol. 

And there would no doubt be some case of mistaken identity that results in Trigger playing in central defence.

[Szumi]

33 minutes ago, 9 to 5 said:

France without Mbappe: 

 

Are you trying to insinuate the rest of the French team are just players from a farmers league!? 😉

[TheGrandAvatar]

4 minutes ago, Bobfoc said:

And there would no doubt be some case of mistaken identity that results in Trigger playing in central defence.

Boycie just laughing when Del and Rodney get arrested.

"Del we can't go to Qatar. They kill you if you get caught."

Del: "You mean only if you get caught Rodney. Who's name do you think all this is in. You are the one with the GCSE's."

Anyway thank you for the laugh. I would probably watch that episode to be fair. 

Very nervous with this game tonight. Should be a good watch I think. Long as England win.