Euro 2012 - Who will win it.

[Southend Neil]

The French weren't anywhere near good enough last night(apart from a brief period at the beginning of the second half).I would agree that Portugal will cause Spain a lot more problems but I still think they'll get through to the final where Germany might well beat them.
Have to laugh about Carlos Puyol.For years now Alan Hansen has been saying he's far too slow for a centre back.Gets injured and suddenly he's irreplacable.

I wasn't accounting for the disgraceful French team selection, leaving out Nasri and playing 2 right backs. Served Blanc right when the goal came down that side. Spain are a remarkable team but again they were a little careless in the 2nd half. I still think Puyol is better than Ramos though, if the other team can somehow get the ball and have a go then they are vulnerable.

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

That smiley is PRECISELY why so many on here think you are an utter c unit

IF you had left the statement as it was, or put a downbeat smiley you'd get half as much grief as you do

and the utter delight you'll probably show if (as expected by me at least) Italy do turn us over tonight will be plain for all to see

I used to enjoy watching Spain play but now simply hope they lose every match just so as to shut you up

[h=1]Who said I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it?[/h]

I have stated that on the Zone numerous times over the years when people have moaned about poster's comments.

On a different thread but they're still relevant comments here,IMO.
(Spain have now won their last 18 matches, btw).:winking:

 

[canveyshrimper]

(Spain have now won their last 18 matches, btw).:winking:

.....and? :unsure:

 

[BrettieAngell]

Come on england!!!!

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Come on england!!!!

Agreed. It's sad when you have members on here that support another country. I feel quite sorry for people like that, they clearly have something missing somewhere along the line.

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

.....and? :unsure:

Two more to go?:thumbsup::unsure:

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

Agreed. It's sad when you have members on here that support another country. I feel quite sorry for people like that, they clearly have something missing somewhere along the line.

"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." Doctor Johnson.

 

[Another Surrey Shrimper]

"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." Doctor Johnson.

I have about as little respect respect for nationalism as its possible to have but with international football not supporting England would make the concept of international football pretty pointless really. Accident of birth but we've been lumbered with Southend United and England, may as well hope for the best from each even though the best is generally unexpected from both.

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

I have about as little respect respect for nationalism as its possible to have but with international football not supporting England would make the concept of international football pretty pointless really. Accident of birth but we've been lumbered with Southend United and England, may as well hope for the best from each even though the best is generally unexpected from both.

Agreed.:thumbsup:

 

[MK Shrimper]

Well not England who suddenly play like a sunday league pub side (well apart from the defence).

 

[BrettieAngell]

again shown up when we play one of the top nations.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Embarrasing really. Spent most of the game giving the ball away and then chasing after far superior players.

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

Methinks the honourable Sir Rusty owes SZ ten quid.:winking:

 

[canveyshrimper]

Well played Italy and in particular Pirlo, what would England give to have a player of his ability pulling the strings in midfield. Can always spot a pass with both feet and rarely if ever gives the ball away.

England probably exceeded expectations by winning the group and fair play to Roy Hodgson in putting a team together that on the evidence of Euro 2012 may not be pretty to watch were bloody difficult to beat. The Italians may have dominated last night but England didn't concede. Hodgson was obviously vindicated in selecting Terry over Ferdinand, Terry was excellent throughout.

Also many called for the introduction of younger players, and the likes of Carroll, Wellbeck, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hart & possibly Henderson will benefit from the experience, and go on to form the backbone of the England side for a few years to come.

Overall it's probably time for the likes of Gerrard, Terry, the injured Lampard & Barry to step gradually aside and let younger players come through for the qualifiers for for the next World Cup in Brazil 2014.

 

[Napster]

Well played Italy and in particular Pirlo, what would England give to have a player of his ability pulling the strings in midfield. Can always spot a pass with both feet and rarely if ever gives the ball away.

Like Scholes?

 

[OldBlueLady]

Like Scholes?

Yes, much as I dislike him, a player in the mould of Scholes was exactly what we were missing. As Harry says, Hodgson was totally vindicated in selecting Terry, probably our best player of the tournament alongside Gerrard, but I think it is now time to put the old war horses out to pasture and to build a new England focussed on youth. Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Hart have all done fairly well, Milner, Young and Rooney all need to take a hard look at themselves and ask if they contributed much of any note. I don't rate Milner, never have, and Hodgson would do well to cast him, Downing and Barry aside and building a new midfield in my opinion. Parker did ok but I'm not sure he'd feature in a newly built team, his age will always count against him.

Ashley Cole is still the best left back in the world in my opinion and he's the only one of the old guard I'd consider retaining.

As for last night, how did the Italians get away time and time again with grabbing handfuls of our players' shirts at corners? Terry was clearly fouled several times, as were others and yet those extra officials behind the goal line or the regular ones never showed any interest. Not to take anything away from the Italians, they deserved their win, we couldn't create much and the defence can't win on their own.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Yes someone mentioned last night Scholes couldve been that role if he hadnt been wasted by successive managers who seemed convinced that Gerrard and Lampard were the better players and could work together. Maybe Wilshere can be that in the future but he already seems to be rather injury prone.

 

[Pubey]

Like Scholes?

Like Carrick?

 

[MK Shrimper]

And can we dump Rooney with his "god given right" to be in the England team.

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

Like Scholes?

Someone who can't tackle,is way too old and wanted out of the England set up anyway.