England v Italy, Quarter Final, Build up and Match Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

England v Italy (Sunday 24th June, 19:45 KO, BBC 1)

On the back of good defence, England have notched up 2 wins and a draw, confounding the majority of expectations along the way. The unexpected bonus of topping Group D has given them a game against Italy, not Spain, and England have a glorious chance of reaching their first semi-final in 16 years. Italy haven't really started yet and their sole win was against a poor Ireland team but they did manage an impressive draw against the Spanish. The winners will play Germany.......or maybe Greece.

My prediction: England 1-0 Italy

Come on England!

[Guest]

Aggressive tackle? What!!

[Leff]

First yellow card, Barzagli, who had no prior criminal record.

[mystiroakey]

cheating- cheating italian

[Guest]

Young is trying, but his accuracy is poor.

[azania]

Good old agricultural football from England. Someone please shoot Lawrenson also.

[Guest]

England's movement is non-existant. They are too static.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Parker cannot pass jesus christ, and he's a professional. A 70k per WEEK professional..

[Guest]

England's movement is non-existant. They are too static.

It's been this way ever since Hoddle was sacked. It's no surprise anymore.

[Guest]

Balotelli is having a great game. Also seems to be playing fairly unlike many of his team mates.

[Leff]

Rooney looks like he is sleepwalking. Walcott hasn't made an impact yet.

[azania]

The premier league may be the most exciting in the world (some say the best), but that's because the quality comes from the European players. Rooney has been cack all game. £250k per week?

[azania]

No-one has given the ball to Walcott with any accuracy. Take the lump Parker off and bring on Ox. Let Gerrard stay in front of the back 4,

[Josiah Maiestas]

I'd say when they had Sven in 2002 was the last time England had any real quality about their play. The likes of Gerrard, Parker, Young need to be moved out.

[Leff]

Who predicted 0-0, et, and pks? Many, many?

[mystiroakey]

arrrrrrggggggggg that would have been class

[Guest]

Who predicted 0-0, et, and pks? Many, many?

I did.

[Guest]

Now that would have been a great winner!

[azania]

Boring boring England.

[Leff]

Finally, one premeditated attempt by England, but no.

We go into extra time.

[monty junior]

who is more exciting Greece or England?

[Josiah Maiestas]

Leff: Whatever you do, please don't trace my prediction. I was in a colourful mood.

[Guest]

... but these are Englands best players - others are injured and others lack experience / grit.

[Guest]

England are "losing" it in the mid-field.

[Guest]

Leff: Whatever you do, please don't trace my prediction. I was in a colourful mood.

What the 3-1 England? I'll have what you are having!

[Leff]

Who predicted 0-0, et, and pks? Many, many?

I did.

You and Swanny Cat. There might have been one or two more.

[Josiah Maiestas]

I'm really puzzled how these players have not looked at Spain and Germany and taken something from how they play. Ridiculous tactics.

[mystiroakey]

rooney was 100% better last 10 mins. i predict the winner from him..

come on england

[Guest]

Well Englands defence has been great. That's something to build from...

England certainly should have been given a few penalties - the Italians grab the shirts of John Terry (twice) and Julian Lescott and judo throw them.

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Young needs to come off. He's been woeful all tournament

[Leff]

Bacon buttie vs Spaghetti and meatballs.

3-1 England

Walcott x2
Carroll
--------
Di Natale for Italy, assisted by Milner

Couldn't help but dig it.

[Guest]

Italy have nullified Englands set play chances - by fouling England in the penalty area.

[Guest]

Roy Hodgson looks strangely passive.

[Guest]

Hmmm looks like Young pulled a fast one - but difficult to tell.

[Guest]

Henderson played poorly then - he should have made himself available for the return pass from Cole.

[Leff]

Pirlo and Gerrard look like they have aged by 10 years with that sado-masochistic battle.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Bacon buttie vs Spaghetti and meatballs.

3-1 England

Walcott x2
Carroll
--------
Di Natale for Italy, assisted by Milner

Couldn't help but dig it.

Ambitious wasn't I?

[Josiah Maiestas]

I hate using the word "luck" in any sports, but tonite England are too lucky in keeping the goals out..

[Leff]

My goodness, that Diamanti shot almost went in.

[Guest]

I hate using the word "luck" in any sports, but tonite England are too lucky in keeping the goals out..

It has been a great defensive display from England. But they have lost the midfield.

[GG]

HOOF

[mystiroakey]

My goodness, that Diamanti shotcross almost went in.

fixed for ya

josh i hope your right. because england will only be lucky if we win!!

[Leff]

If this goes into PKs, I hope it won't be decided because of Pirlo missing his. That would be sad end to a long career. Reminds me of the time Baggio missed in the 1994 WC final vs Brasil.

[Liam]

I've said it before, keeping hold of the ball is crucial. It allows you to rest and make the opponents chase for a change. England have given the ball away cheaply and created very little as a result. Unfortunately, i think england need pens to win. c'mon england!!

[Guest]

I like Theo and Carroll - they just need a solid midfield to supply the ball to them.

[monty junior]

Really hope for the sake of football the Italian's take this

[Josiah Maiestas]

You can tell Diamanti used to play for West Ham, look at that attempted cross LOL

[Liam]

Well this is horrendous to watch, poor football but more importantly the tension is unbearable!!

[Guest]

Both teams are very tired.

[Guest]

I can imagine the mood has been pass the Fooking ball like many of my neighbours have cried.

I would say as a positive is that England's shape has been superb. The banks of 4 and I know it is dull to watch, but we are still in this. C'mon the lads.

[Guest]

I have been very impressed with Englands concentration in defence.

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