The Official *England's Journey to Brazil 2014* Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

"There is a forgotten, nay almost forbidden word, which means more to me than any other. That word is England."
Sir Winston Churchill

Yes, it's nearly that time. Time for England to begin their Qualifying Campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Those promising, encouraging, and brave displays witnessed during Euro 2012 will have to be built on as the long road to Brazil starts. Along the way, they will play in London, Podgorica, Kiev, Warsaw, Chisinau and Serravale. The aim is simply to top the group and make it to Brazil with a minimum of fuss.

"Ask any man what nationality he would prefer to be, and ninety nine out of a hundred will tell you that they would prefer to be Englishmen."
Cecil John Rhodes

England have been drawn in Group H with Montengro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino. I don't even need to be insanely optimistic this time round. England will top that group. Moldova and San Marino will be the whipping boys. Montengro, Ukraine and Poland will only prove a challenge in their own ground. Wembley will be deemed a fortress.

"Remember that you are an Englishman, and have consequently won first place in the lottery of life."
Cecil John Rhodes

The fixture list for those Qualifiers is the following:

Moldova v England (7th September 2012)
England v Ukraine (11th September 2012)
England v San Marino (12th October 2012)
Poland v England (16th October 2012)
San Marino v England (22nd March 2013)
Montenegro v England (26th March 2013)
England v Moldova (6th September 2013)
Ukraine v England (10th September 2013)
England v Montenegro (11th October 2013)
England v Poland (15th October 2013)

Lovely, simple, finishing with a Wembley double-header. I predict we'll get 28 out of 30 points, perhaps getting a draw in either Warsaw or Kiev.

"Follow your spirit; and upon this charge,
Cry "God for Harry! England and Saint George"."
William Shakespeare

Of course, while England's fate will be defined by those 10 games, the ever important International Friendly will hone the team against more quality opposition. The friendlies currently scheduled are:

Italy v England (15th August 2012)
Sweden v England (14th November 2012)
England v Scotland (14th August 2013)

So let's get the England train rolling, starting on Wednesday, build up momentum before landing in Brazil in nearly 2 years time. Come on England!

“The English are so filled with their own greatness and have won so many big victories that they have come to believe they cannot lose. In battle they are the most confident nation in the world."
Unknown

[GSC]

Someone please tell me what Redknapps done other than spending so much 3 teams went down the crapper

[Dolphin Ziggler]

He did say Bale should be a left back, and I think the fact Gareth has scored no Premier League goals this season proves him right

[owen10ozzy]

He spent money which he was told was available...something any manager would do if they could! Hardly his fault...

Lest we forget he also proved himself at a pretty big team...something Hodgson has never done! Took Spurs to a Champions League position twice and consistently finished top 6...oh didn't he also win The FA Cup with Pompey?

That's more than any other English manager has done in recent times, and far more than Hodgson has done in the last 10 years!

[Ent]

Not like he could do much worse than Hodgson and his stock was pretty high at the time when he was expecting to be offered the job.

[NickisBHAFC]

Awful performance.

Good goal.

Biggest let downs. Rooney, Johnson, Henderson, Whilshere (really bad), Sterling wasn't great.

Much improvement needed. Thought Lallana played well when he came on. Hart did fine. Cahill and Smalling were decent, having said that they were up against a terrible terrible striker. Luke Shaw played well, Sturridge took his goal well and did ok. Gerrard MOTM for me.

[Duty281]

Why do people continue to doubt Roy Hodgson?

The preparation going on behind the scenes now is greater than any English side in history. As a manager, he's the best since Bobby Robson.

If England shall ascend to the summit in the near-future, it will be down to Roy Hodgson. He is the hope beyond despair.

I can imagine 'Arry getting the England job. And it would have been McClaren all over again, with slightly less umbrellas and some more tactical naiveity.

Hodgson's got it right.

[Ent]

Awful performance.

Good goal.

Biggest let downs. Rooney, Johnson, Henderson, Whilshere (really bad), Sterling wasn't great.

Much improvement needed. Thought Lallana played well when he came on. Hart did fine. Cahill and Smalling were decent, having said that they were up against a terrible terrible striker. Luke Shaw played well, Sturridge took his goal well and did ok. Gerrard MOTM for me.

Thought Wilshere was terrible, thinks he is a better player than he is and does stupid things and gives the ball away.

Thought Gerrard was poor too despite your motm award.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Fulham in UEFA Cup Final > Spurs Champions League run

Pretty much the whole of Hodgson's career and mass of experience > Harry's career

Hodgson's Tax Record > Harry's Dog's Tax Record > 'Arry's Tax Record

The myth of Redknapp is hilarious. His football is exactly what England fans decry, he was reasonably happily waved off by a lot of Tottenham fans (although they can't judge anything with their expectations), he's intensely egotistical and short term, hes failed quite a lot.

I tell you what, Harry Redknapp wouldnt have been heralded with the same respect Hodgson gets at Inter. I find it interesting to read up about Hodgson there. It wasnt success like you'd call it black and white, but it takes a lot to be welcomed back for a second stint at a club in Italy.

Speaking about Hodgson's time at Inter, club president Massimo Moratti said: "Roy Hodgson was an ­important person in the ­development of Inter Milan to the point we have reached today. He saved us at the right time. When he came we were in trouble and things appeared dark. He didn’t panic, he was calm and made us calm. Disaster was averted at the most important time. Everyone at Inter will remember him for that and his contribution. He is considered by us all as an important person in our history. He left an endowment to this club that’s important in our history."

I'd tell you which man's CV I'd like to have both overall and in modern times, and it wouldnt be the melted face tax fraud

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Fulham in UEFA Cup Final > Spurs Champions League run

Pretty much the whole of Hodgson's career and mass of experience > Harry's career

Hodgson's Tax Record > Harry's Dog's Tax Record > 'Arry's Tax Record

The myth of Redknapp is hilarious. His football is exactly what England fans decry, he was reasonably happily waved off by a lot of Tottenham fans (although they can't judge anything with their expectations), he's intensely egotistical and short term, hes failed quite a lot.

I tell you what, Harry Redknapp wouldnt have been heralded with the same respect Hodgson gets at Inter. I find it interesting to read up about Hodgson there. It wasnt success like you'd call it black and white, but it takes a lot to be welcomed back for a second stint at a club in Italy.

Speaking about Hodgson's time at Inter, club president Massimo Moratti said: "Roy Hodgson was an ­important person in the ­development of Inter Milan to the point we have reached today. He saved us at the right time. When he came we were in trouble and things appeared dark. He didn’t panic, he was calm and made us calm. Disaster was averted at the most important time. Everyone at Inter will remember him for that and his contribution. He is considered by us all as an important person in our history. He left an endowment to this club that’s important in our history."

I'd tell you which man's CV I'd like to have both overall and in modern times, and it wouldnt be the melted face tax fraud

Nail. Head. Hit   

[NickisBHAFC]

Awful performance.

Good goal.

Biggest let downs. Rooney, Johnson, Henderson, Whilshere (really bad), Sterling wasn't great.

Much improvement needed. Thought Lallana played well when he came on. Hart did fine. Cahill and Smalling were decent, having said that they were up against a terrible terrible striker. Luke Shaw played well, Sturridge took his goal well and did ok. Gerrard MOTM for me.

Thought Wilshere was terrible, thinks he is a better player than he is and does stupid things and gives the ball away.

Thought Gerrard was poor too despite your motm award.

I think Wilshere is class, but tonight he was just beyond terrible. Didn't try, gave the ball away for fun, and just didn't look a good player. Still when we name the midfield for Brazil, he will still be the first name on the sheet.

Gerrard did fine, had to bail out Whilshere a lot, and Henderson seemed to of disappeared from the game.

[GSC]

If Arry was in charge Lampard, Parker, Cole and Defoe would be regular

[Riggs]

Having watched England I can see decent individual players coming together as a team and getting the win, however, I am doubtful that England will get past the semi-finals, this is the usual path of England over the years so I don't expect them to go far...............but I'd love to be proven wrong!

Will we beat Italy...........doubtful

Will we beat Uruguay......no

Will we beat Costa Rica...probably yes

therefore, imo, we might not go through but again we can always depend on others to lose.


IF we beat Italy then I'll be surprised to say the least, the same can be said for Uruguay.

I'm not putting my hopes up high, I want to see the lads put in 100% and enjoy themselves because the atmosphere will be buzzing.

I simply wish England the best.

[Duty281]

Uruguay have a p!ss poor team beyond Suarez and Cavani. Defence weak, midfield suspect - England will be fine.

Italy sideways since Euro 2012, when England, injury-ravaged and ill-prepared, nearly took 'em. England have improved since then..we can win that.

Costa Rica should be fine as long as England don't underestimate them.

I think it's worth betting on England getting a full quota of nine points - has that ever happened to this land of hope and glory?

Ah hope and glory...that's just what awaits England this summer. In that order. Don't let the doubts creep in. Let the belief seep into every pore and sinew of your being.

Come on England...

[Ent]

A semi final would have you as one of the best 4 sides in the tournament in a southern hemisphere world cup - it would probably be Englands best showing at a WC bar 66.

Everyone will bang the drum as it is worth millions to the economy, then England will play crap and squeeze through the group - going out in with the last 16 or 1/4s when they play the first decent side they meet. If both Uruguay and Italy happen to have decent sides/tournaments they will go out in the first round, but I expect one of those 2 to have a nightmare tournament.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Wilshere was a little lost in midfield but when he got in the right areas his willingness combined with lovely little touches show why hes a big big player.

Regular posters will know I'm not a Henderson fan and I didnt enjoy watching him tonight either.

Odd performances up top. Lallana was good for his spell but fresh legs in a turgid game. Rooney/Sturridge still yet to work and I think both players look better with Welbeck on the pitch.

Sterling got MOTM and I don't get why. Was poor, loose touches and poor crossing plus his lack of goalscoring instinct.

Conundrums all over. I'd fancy Carrick and Wilshere both better in Henderson's position tonight, I think the team is better with Welbeck in it, I think Lallana has bags of quality but not sure on his work rate or lack of pace in our side.

[Ent]

I thought Wilshire was poor and don't really get why people rate him, he is good at diving and thats about it. These little touches and intricacy about the box people go on about is nonsense, he tries it multiple times every game and it comes off once or twice a season.

Henderson probably had the best little touch of the night putting Welbeck in on goal, I don't particularly rate him either but you've got to be fair.

[Riggs]

Uruguay have a p!ss poor team beyond Suarez and Cavani. Defence weak, midfield suspect - England will be fine.

Italy sideways since Euro 2012, when England, injury-ravaged and ill-prepared, nearly took 'em. England have improved since then..we can win that.

Costa Rica should be fine as long as England don't underestimate them.

I think it's worth betting on England getting a full quota of nine points - has that ever happened to this land of hope and glory?

Ah hope and glory...that's just what awaits England this summer. In that order. Don't let the doubts creep in. Let the belief seep into every pore and sinew of your being.

Come on England...

Duty281, I like your sense of humour with your comments on the Italy and Uruguay sides and I admire your enthusiasm......but I've seen it all before and I've felt the pain(which is why I really don't like penalties). My heart beats England but my brain says "are we ready, here we go again".

Your comments could be accurate about Uruguay, they've drawn 1-1 against Austria
Italy have drawn 2-2 against Nigeria last year and 1-1 against Germany also last year and have lost to Spain 1-0, so things could be looking that bit better for England......I can only hope so.

What else could go Englands way?

[Ent]

Uruguay came 5th in a south american qualifying group lacking Brazil.

They certainly aren't fantastic, but in a tournament setting in Brazil Suarez and Cavani could present enough trouble for England.

[Duty281]

I do think that England are the best team in their group for this summer.

Of course, I thought that at Euro 2012 but was laughed at. We topped that group you know. We should do the same this year.

Then it's Colombia or Ivory Coast in the last 16. Can England win that? Of course they can.

Let's not go any further just yet, but I certainly don't think we've seen the best of Roy's England so far. England will be the most underrated team in the world in June - will that turn the current this way?

Maybe, just maybe. But I really would be happy with a semi-final.

[Ent]

You'd want to be avoiding that Colombia side, they handled Belgium handily enough 2-0 recently IIRC.

Italy are a funny nation, they could turn up and be awful or very good and go deep in the tournament.

Costa Rica won't be straightforward either, England could easily win this group, but they could go out equally as easily - think that is why everyone was so worried about the draw.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I thought Wilshire was poor and don't really get why people rate him, he is good at diving and thats about it. These little touches and intricacy about the box people go on about is nonsense, he tries it multiple times every game and it comes off once or twice a season.

Henderson probably had the best little touch of the night putting Welbeck in on goal, I don't particularly rate him either but you've got to be fair.

I think its something you're missing in him Ent, lovely little player. Not sure he was used correctly last night mind you, too many players tried to occupy one space and when he tried to drop out of that Henderson was in his way. I still think Wilshere should be taught to play deeper, being more mobile and going into attacks occasionally where his midfield partner is definitely staying deep.

[Duty281]

Think I'd go for:

Goalkeepers: Hart, Forster, Ruddy

Defence: Johnson (might be injured though), Walker, Cahill, Jagielka, Jones, Smalling, Baines, and Cole.

Midfield: Gerrard(C), Barkley, Wilshere, Carrick, Milner, Oxlade, Sterling, and Townsend.

Strikers: Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck, Carroll.

I think it's a 23 man squad, so that's what I'd go for. Lampard just missing out.

Just give this a minor tweak after last night - Lallana in for Townsend.

[Stella]

I would leave out Walker and take an extra forward. Smalling can fill in at RB if needed.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Hardest decisions would be whether to take Henderson and whether Sterling is worthy of a place over Townsend.

Literally couldnt care less about who backs up Hart, Forster and Ruddy probably but Foster is one of Woy's boys.

[monty junior]

England are better off without Rooney, they improved imeasurably when he went off and Sturridge went back to his normal position. Of course having the guts to drop Rooney from the starting lineup is probably out of the question.

On a side note what was the point in playing Hart in goal, why not give Forster or Ruddy a go to establish who really is no.2 and give them a bit more experience.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Better in a spell, not sure you can relate it to dropping him for big games. Especially as I think Rooney is a better striker than Sturridge, so I'd rather drop Sturridge and play Rooney fully up top.

[Duty281]

England are not better off with Rooney, it's just that last night the shape was all wrong.

Sturridge should not be out wide; he has a lack of defensive nous. Rooney should not be up top on his own; it surrenders the high workrate that he possesses.

Rooney just behind Sturridge, 2 wide midfielders (Oxlade and Milner probably, with Sterling and Lallana off the bench) and 2 central midfielders (Gerrard and Carrick probably, with Wilshere and, maybe, Barkley off the bench). It's the way forward.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I see today that old arry spends more on wages than Dortmund do.

Quality manager that man

[Geordie]

Milner? He's just does absolutely nothing for me.

England for too long have been slow boring and predictable. Time to spice it up a bit.

                 Sturridge

Llana       Rooney Townsend

            Gerrard Barkley

Baines  - Cahill – Jagielka - Walker
                 
                    Hart

[dyrewolfe]

Hard to judge England in friendlies, unless its against top opposition...and even then it depends on how hard the opposition tries.

They can harp on about it being an honour to pull on an England shirt all they like, but I bet most of them are more worried about picking up an injury and not being available for their clubs.

I reckon we'll struggle with the heat/humidity and altitude (even with time to prepare), while at least 2 of the teams we'll face in Brazil will be more used to it. I can also see the tourist hotspots and nightclubs of Rio being quite a distraction for the players, despite the management's best efforts. To be honest, I don't even expect us to win our group. Still, as long as we put on half-decent performances, I won't be too disappointed.

[owen10ozzy]

England are not better off with Rooney, it's just that last night the shape was all wrong.

Sturridge should not be out wide; he has a lack of defensive nous. Rooney should not be up top on his own; it surrenders the high workrate that he possesses.

Rooney just behind Sturridge, 2 wide midfielders (Oxlade and Milner probably, with Sterling and Lallana off the bench) and 2 central midfielders (Gerrard and Carrick probably, with Wilshere and, maybe, Barkley off the bench). It's the way forward.

This is exactly why England won't go anywhere...are you mad?! Milner wide midfield?! Gerrard & Carrick in the Center.. talk about a lack of pace.

We saw what happened with Milner against Germany in 2010...he was taken to town all game. He may very well work hard but he hasn't got the pace to get forward and if he is beaten by his man or caught out of position he hasn't the pace to get back...anyone with pace on the wings will have a field day with him. Add to that the fact he just doesn't bring enough creativity or ability to get past defenders and he is a dinosaur in the modern game.

We all know what happens when Gerrard and Carrick play together...England are thread bare between midfield and attack...thus leaving Rooney isolated up front and the wide men with no one to find in the box because neither have the legs to get forward quick enough...Gerrard isnt what he used to be...gone are the days of him bombing box to box.

As for Rooney, I actually agree with the call that we may be best off leaving him out of the team..may induce some spark in him. Too long now I have heard how he is our World beater and can change a game in a split second...he hasn't done anything in a major tournament since he burst onto the scene in 2004 against Croatia...his impact on the biggest stage internationally/against the best teams has been next to nothing!

[Geordie]

I reckon we'll struggle with the heat/humidity and altitude (even with time to prepare), while at least 2 of the teams we'll face in Brazil will be more used to it

And surely in that scenario we need to be looking at playmakers, cultured passers who can make the ball do the work...not skill less workhorses that we continuously flood the team with like Milner.

Players like Barkley, Llana are players who can make things happen..but shouldnt exert themselves to collapse.

Player like Townsend who are direct and cause terror to teams with their pace can work their socks off for 60 mins before being replace by Sterling or Vice versa.

[Duty281]

Oh I wouldn't go for Gerrard and Carrick, I'd go for Gerrard and Wilshere.

Think Roy will plump for the former option though; it protects England from a counter-attack.

Milner out wide? Yes. Very underrated player. He can cross a ball, unlike Townsend who I don't think should even be on the plane.

And Walker at full-back? I wouldn't do that unless, for some odd reason, you wanted to lose every game. Defensive liability.

[Geordie]

Milner shouldnt be on the plane Duty. Hes an average club player with a good engine and limited pace simple as that.
At least Townsend has that sheer pace and directness that scares the life out of defenders.

England have continued to fail abjectly due to playing players like him (Milner).

I notice you dont want Walker yet you are happy for Johnson to play. Hes even more of a winger playing a right back?

[Duty281]

Townsend has had about three good weeks this season. That's all. He's very one-dimensional as a player, and I can't imagine too many defenders being scared of him.

Milner covers all of midfield, holding and attacking, and, probably, the right full-back option as well. He's a very underrated player. He won't scare defenders either, but he will keep the right flank secure and can cross the ball. That's something which escapes Townsend.

If Milner doesn't work out, then there is always Sterling and Lallana to trouble opposing full-backs from the bench. Lest we forget, England's first choice man for the right side, the ever beautiful Theo Walcott, is injured thusly creating quite a problem.

But it is a problem that Milner solves.

And Johnson's easily better than Walker. Much more experienced and less of a liability.

[Stella]

Milner like Smalling is a good squad player. Jack of all trades if you like.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Milner is very much underrated. I wouldnt start him, but hes the only English wideman who can cross the ball. Let alone he does work hard, he isnt ludicrously slow, he is a better overall footballer than a lot of our options too. Ignoring the fact that also isnt the last line of defence and protects his full back better than anyone else too.

I'd play Carrick and Gerrard too, with Wilshere to supplement. Who else is playing in there? Henderson? Not exactly blindingly fast nor with the positional sense. As much as Barry got mugged for pace in that midfield, its far easier to pull out a clip of someone getting done for pace than it is to highlight how many times nous and positioning stopped easier breaks.

Id also rather pace of mind than just pure pace. Who do I want playing Sterling or Lallana?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Townsend has had about three good weeks this season. That's all. He's very one-dimensional as a player, and I can't imagine too many defenders being scared of him.

For Townsend say Sterling and the point remains. One of these has been fantastic in an England shirt though, yet hes being slated now because got injured and people forgot about him.

We have one standout winger, Walcott (and even hes brainless) and he's out. Whisper it quietly on here, but I'd play Welbeck over any of our options.

[Geordie]

Townsend has had about three good weeks this season. That's all. He's very one-dimensional as a player, and I can't imagine too many defenders being scared of him.

Milner covers all of midfield, holding and attacking, and, probably, the right full-back option as well. He's a very underrated player. He won't scare defenders either, but he will keep the right flank secure and can cross the ball. That's something which escapes Townsend.

If Milner doesn't work out, then there is always Sterling and Lallana to trouble opposing full-backs from the bench. Lest we forget, England's first choice man for the right side, the ever beautiful Theo Walcott, is injured thusly creating quite a problem.

But it is a problem that Milner solves.

And Johnson's easily better than Walker. Much more experienced and less of a liability.

Townsend has had more than 3 weeks...hes been injured and is now on his way back just needs to find his form. Id play him over the other wingers and Sturridge must play up front...he's not a winger.

Fine have Milner in the squad as back up..but nothing more.
Im not sold on Walcott either.

Johson offers much going forward but he also has his defensive issues...in fact in all honesty the whole back line concerns me..including Hart.

[Duty281]

Townsend has had about three good weeks this season. That's all. He's very one-dimensional as a player, and I can't imagine too many defenders being scared of him.

For Townsend say Sterling and the point remains. One of these has been fantastic in an England shirt though, yet hes being slated now because got injured and people forgot about him.

We have one standout winger, Walcott (and even hes brainless) and he's out. Whisper it quietly on here, but I'd play Welbeck over any of our options.

From what I've seen of Sterling, though, is that he's a far greater threat than Townsend on the ball, and has much higher potential.

Welbeck on the left? He's not the worst option there, but I'd much rather play Oxlade.

[Duty281]

Townsend has had about three good weeks this season. That's all. He's very one-dimensional as a player, and I can't imagine too many defenders being scared of him.

Milner covers all of midfield, holding and attacking, and, probably, the right full-back option as well. He's a very underrated player. He won't scare defenders either, but he will keep the right flank secure and can cross the ball. That's something which escapes Townsend.

If Milner doesn't work out, then there is always Sterling and Lallana to trouble opposing full-backs from the bench. Lest we forget, England's first choice man for the right side, the ever beautiful Theo Walcott, is injured thusly creating quite a problem.

But it is a problem that Milner solves.

And Johnson's easily better than Walker. Much more experienced and less of a liability.

Townsend has had more than 3 weeks...hes been injured and is now on his way back just needs to find his form. Id play him over the other wingers and Sturridge must play up front...he's not a winger.

Fine have Milner in the squad as back up..but nothing more.
Im not sold on Walcott either.

Johson offers much going forward but he also has his defensive issues...in fact in all honesty the whole back line concerns me..including Hart.  

Oxlade left, Milner right, Sturridge up top, Rooney in the number ten position.

It's the perfect mix. Lallana and Sterling will be fantastic options off the bench, as will Andy Carroll.

Can't see a case for Townsend. He barely got any game time yesterday so it would appear he's behind Lallana and Sterling in the reckoning. In truth, I'd rather take Adam Johnson.

I think we're good defensively. Hart's a great keeper back in form. Cahill and Jagielka have formed a good, if not great, partnership at the heart of defence. Baines and Johnson as full-backs? No worries there. Oh it would be greatly helped if John Terry could return, though.

-------

https://www.606v2.com/viewtopic.forum?t=53383

[hampo17]

GK - Hart, Forster, Ruddy
Defenders - Johnson, Smalling, Cahill, Jagielka, Jones, Baines, Cole
Midfielders - Chamberlain, Milner, Gerrard, Whilshere, Carrick, Barkley, Lampard, Sterling, Lallana
Strikers - Rooney, Sturridge, Wellbeck and Carroll/Lambert. 

Shout out to Jordan Henderson, really unlucky not to make my squad, as i feel he has been superb this season. Also Luke Shaw, but if Baines pulls up with an injury in the 70th minute, think id prefer to see an experince Ashley Cole come on than a very inexperienced Luke Shaw. Shaw will be our starter at the Euro 2016 for sure. 

Starting 11

GK Hart
RB Johnson
LB Baines
CB Cahill
CB Jagelka
RCM Whilshere
CM Gerrard
LCM Carrick
ARM Sturridge
ST Rooney
ALM Sterling

Henderson should be in that squad ahead of Carrick and Lampard everyday of the week and twice on a Sunday.

[hampo17]

What do you think Duty?

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