The Official *England's Journey to the Promised Land* Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

"And here comes Hurst, he's got...some people are on the pitch, they think it's all over! It is now! It's four!"
England, despite drastically underachieving, are one of only eight nations to win the World Cup.

So here we are then, the eve of yet another FIFA World Cup, the grandest sporting tournament of them all. For the under-hyped England team, it's another chance to add to their one solitary World Cup and bring football home.

"Oh and he left Cooper standing...Pele! What a save! Gordon Banks!"
The greatest goalkeeper of all time makes the greatest save of all time.

The conception is that England will be lucky to make it past the group stage. The reality is that 2014 is the best chance of winning the World Cup since 1970, for the Three Lions. It is a squad largely unburdened by previous failure. It is a squad free of expectation. It is a squad that has the perfect balance between youth and experience. It is a squad fantastically prepared, tactically fluid in its play-making and with a wonderful manager at the helm.

"And Moore stops him! What a player this fellow is."
Now that was simply the greatest challenge of all time, made by the greatest centre-half of all time.

England are ready to win the World Cup.

"There's a header in there, and a great chance for the goal and it's there! Bryan Robson!"
Captain Marvel scores the quickest meaningful World Cup goal of all time.

In defence, Joe Hart has bounced back from his early season failings better than ever, and is all set to prove himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers this summer. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are a good partnership at the heart of the defence. Leighton Baines is solid, and Glen Johnson is...um..not the worst full-back in the world. The English shield wall won't concede many goals this summer, they never do; qualifying and history shows us that. And the depth remains solid.

Now is the time, that everyone sees/You never give up, that's how it should be/Don't get caught, make your own break/Express yourself, don't give it away.
That might bring back memories of when England last made a World Cup Semi-Final.

In the centre of midfield, Steven Gerrard has come off one of his best seasons for many years, fully enjoying his new holding role. Accompanying him will be his club team-mate, Jordan Henderson, who has rapidly settled into the England set-up despite not playing a single minute of qualifying. Frank Lampard adds the experience, and Jack Wilshere gives the style and energy of youth, both from the bench.

Three Lions on the shirt/Jules Rimet still gleaming/No more years of hurt/No more need for dreaming.
And this classic still resonates loud and true.

On the wings, England's main strength this year, Hodgson's team have a vast array of options. Danny Welbeck is as capable as ever out wide. Raheem Sterling is a superb talent with an eye for goal, plus enough pace and skill to trouble any defence in the world. Adam Lallana is as deft as they come: so very crafty, so skilled, so clever. And Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might just have the greatest potential of the lot, combining all the aforementioned assets. Not forgetting James Milner, who gives England crucial depth and brilliant crossing ability.

"Here's Gascoigne..oh brilliant! Oh yes! Oh yes!"
Just technically brilliant.

Up front, Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney together means England have, at the very least, a good strike pairing. Such a strike pairing haven't been seen for the England team since the days of Owen and Rooney at Euro 2004...or perhaps Shearer and Sheringham in Euro '96. Both Sturridge and Rooney have had great seasons for their clubs; the former is still in form, the latter is working hard to find his. And Rickie Lambert, who has also had a great season for his club, completes the striking package by offering a more-than-decent goalscoring threat from the bench. And he's not too shabby from twelve yards, either.

"Oh Owen's through again for England, what a chance for the hat-trick here. Owen! Oh this is getting better and better and better!"
England stuff the Germans in Munich..O happy day.

Then there's Roy Hodgson. A fabulous manager who has given England direction, tactical improvement and has improved their reputation off-the-field massively in the short space of two years. He's integrated many new players into the team, prepared them superbly and, after not being a million miles away from shocking the footballing world at Euro 2012, strolled through qualifying. A man with World Cup experience, he's certainly the best manager England have had since, at least, Sir Bobby Robson.

"Captain's example, David Beckham. England lead Argentina - those three little words that mean so much!"
And that was the last time England had a major win at a tournament.

After the humilation in South Africa, it's difficult to believe that England would be standing on the precipice of world glory just four years later. And here we are. England are seven games from winning their second World Cup. Football's greatest prize has, for too long, been absent from England's green and pleasant land.

"And Gerrard has found a way into the box, and he has found the net! And England are heading to the World Cup Finals!"
England seal qualification with a 2-0 win.

Bring her home, Roy, bring football home. Back to where she belongs.

[kingraf]

It's wise to remember that Moses never did make the journey to the promised land.

[GSC]

Honestly, I kinda feel sorry for you. World Cup is a special event and you spend it.being ultra negative.

And this is coming from one of the most critical on England's chances pre tournament

[Duty281]

Ah...your primary emotion after watching that is disappointment, and a horrible sense of what might have been. England's intensity was superb against Italy, but they didn't replicate that tonight as one would have hoped, and instead reverted to a more defensive, less direct way of doing things. End result? A disjointed performance.

Even more irritating is that Uruguay weren't that good, little better than when they played Costa Rica, and were there to be beaten. Two of their goals coming from two errors; both were mainly from Gerrard. First up, he gave the ball away cheaply, one good cross and perfect header later and England are one down.

The second goal was just a long ball sealed with a smart finish - just not good enough at this level. Other than that, Uruguay rarely threatened, and only exerted continued pressure at the start of the second half.

In attack, Welbeck was largely absent, while Stering was quieter than his first game. Rooney showed up in flashes, should have scored earlier than he did, but mainly his touch let him down once again. Sturridge was good, but lacked support. Crossing and set-pieces largely poor again.

Suarez was the difference in the end - it was always going to be him or Rooney making the headlines tomorrow. Well done to the Uruguyan.

Suarez and, perhaps, experience being the difference. England were far too loose after the equaliser, and needed some cooler heads to maintain possession in that period of play.

Possible sour grapes coming up, but I thought the refereeing performance was an absolute travesty. The majority of 50-50s went Uruguay's way, he wasn't strict enough on persistent and cynical fouling by his Latin American cousins, and, worst of all, he failed to send Godin off when it was clear to all the world watching that he had to go.

Disappointment on the pitch, with a light dose of sh!te officiating - England's motto for the last few tournaments, surely?

Hey ho, we must always focus on the positives. Wazza finally broke his duck, England are still in the World Cup, and Uruguay's goalkeeper was really cute, even moreso in HD.

And yes, England aren't out of the World Cup yet. And it isn't the most ludicrous scenario that Italy will beat Costa Rica and Uruguay, with England defeating Costa Rica as well, and the marginal swing in goal difference to occur that will see England through to the knockout stages..and only four games from the greatest prize of them all.

A comeback, perhaps, cut in the same mould as the 2007 rugby team, and one to rival 1981. Maybe.

It's not over yet. Well done Uruguay.

[Guest]

Delusional.

[owen10ozzy]

I spend it being negative about England...and it's hardly negative. It doesn't get me down, it doesn't worry my life. I come on here and chat about and then go off and enjoy and watch the rest of the tournament loving the football, entertainment and drama on show.

I love this ideal that because one simply dismisses England's chances or chooses to see the negatives rather positives in the England team they can't enjoy the game.

Maybe that's where our managers and set up is going wrong. We keep coming out and saying what could have gone have right if such and such happened, what we did do well and how we can still go through....instead of pointing fingers, saying what went wrong and trying to rectify the things that we continue to c*ck up with!

[The Special Juan]

Bye.

[Duty281]

Delusional.

Really? I thought Muslera was rather cute, but you're free to disagree.

[Duty281]

Italy 2-0 Costa Rica
Italy 1-0 Uruguay
England 2-0 Costa Rica

We're through!

[Dolphin Ziggler]

For what its worth Duty, I have very much enjoyed your contribution. Game for a laugh and not far wrong with a lot of stuff. Maybe I take you with the pinch of salt that others completely forget too and with which I think you often intend, maybe I actually shouldnt and they are getting you spot on, who knows.

To a lot of people, the England national team is such a weird thing to watch. Fans of teams who are always winning and don't really quite get supporting a team that isn't always on the top of the pile or thereabouts. Others who follow England with more of a sense of mass glory than they could ever get from their team.

I called out a mate today who said he doesnt really support England that much, I said I do and always have. I am used to hope that turns to disappointment. I support West Ham, a team that England probably are nowadays on the global stage. Not that good, not that bad, eternally disappointing and never as good as they once were. I'm used to losing some games but not being totally cack. You don't really get to choose who you support but part of the deal is that you support them anyway.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

The sun have put a PIC of Rooney's crying four year old on the front page

Honestly the scummiest thing going that paper

[super_realist]

Well, England went in with very little expectation and they certainly fulfilled it.

This result was not a surprise, so why the consternation, shock, disappointment?

We knew England were a second tier, second rate team, with no stand out players who can perform at this level and who can't cope with the players who can. It's simply been confirmed.

Hard luck, but time to get the broom out and get rid of some deadwood. Gerrard for example has never really been decent in an England shirt. One or two performances in over a hundred appearances is a shiversomely bad return.

Stop picking on name and club reputation, and pick on players who actually fit into a team.

[Geordie]

Well we always said we wanted to play like Spain.....

[Geordie]

Well, England went in with very little expectation and they certainly fulfilled it.

This result was not a surprise, so why the consternation, shock, disappointment?

We knew England were a second tier, second rate team, with no stand out players who can perform at this level and who can't cope with the players who can. It's simply been confirmed.

Hard luck, but time to get the broom out and get rid of some deadwood. Gerrard for example has never really been decent in an England shirt. One or two performances in over a hundred appearances is a shiversomely bad return.

Stop picking on name and club reputation, and pick on players who actually fit into a team.

I agree with this.

On one of the other threads someone made an example of Gary Medel of Chile. Never taken the premier league by storm with Cardiff who were relegated, yet in the Chile side he looks top class as they play for the team and it works.

We never seem to achieve that.

[Ent]

Medel had 80 appearances for Sevilla and had over 60 caps for chile.

He isn't some randomer who they've plucked out of nowhere- he made a bad choice joining Cardiff.

Vidal and Sanchez certainly make up for chiles lesser players.

[GSC]

Medel was seen as a real coup when Cardiff signed him, as Ent says, its not like Gonzalo Jara being 2nd choice for us and 1st for Chile.

[Guest]

Reminds me of my old school reports, "Dave has low standards and consistently fails to live up to them!"

[Duty281]

I've always said it as I've seen it. And, in the run-up to this World Cup, I thought England had a decent chance of going all the way in a wide open competition.

And, for what it's worth, I do still believe England will make it through in second place. I make Italy favourites for their games against Costa Rica and Uruguay, and if England manage to replicate the intensity against Italy, I think they'll get past Costa Rica. Crucially, Italy have something to play for in both games, so you can be assured they won't be slacking off..even if they win today, they aren't actually through to the last sixteen.

The swing in goal difference that would be required is very minute. Costa Rica are currently plus two, Uruguay minus one, England minus two. If England win by two, and Italy win both of their games, then England will be through..and if Italy win by three or more today (unlikely), then a one goal win will do.

I'll be keen to point out England's mistakes, but only when it's all over. And it isn't yet.

And Owen...are you changing my username soon?!

[compelling and rich]

dont let owen take all the credit fro saying england are rubbish, ive been saying it for ages!

[DirectView2]

I have a feeling England will make it to next round, coz i trust Italy's team more than English team, it could be 3-0 for Italy today.

[roverstdt]

I find we need to enjoy the occasion more. I am not putting pressure on England and going into the tournament I wouldn't have minded if we got knocked out at the group stages as long as I saw some sort of sign of progress in terms of team performance.

Italy we played well, hell the best I have seen us play in a while, unfortunately we got caught out twice defensively because other than Cahill the rest is average. However we need to realise and understand we are no longer a super power in International Football. Sooner we realise that the better, as it will take the pressure off the up coming players and let us enjoy the moment.

WIth all this talk of B teams I think that the FA have taken the wrong approach their should implement a rule that means between 4-6 of the starting 11 must be English or British. It wouldn't stop the world best players coming to England. Means we would see more british players on the pitch, see Man City finally bring some through, while also seeing the likes of Phil Jones, Michael Keane, Zaha all given a chance to develop further as a player. This is coming from a Blackburn fan. Jones is a fantastic defender but for too long he has been played out of position and been dubbed as Mr.Versatile. Put him back in defense and let him grow into the defender he was suppose to be rather than constantly changing his position.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I do worry that Jones is going the way of Micah Richards. Stuck at a club that doesnt dare play him but doesnt want to lose him.

[owen10ozzy]

I agree with you there Dolphin; Michah Richards should have progressed to become England's best RB for a good 10 year period..sadly not to be.

We are also for some reason fascinated in this need to have 'versatile' players to the detriment of their progress at times.

Welbeck....Milner...Jones...Smalling...and I can see it happening with the likes of Oxlade, Sterling, Lallana, Barkley, Stones and I'm sure plenty more.

[Guest]

I find we need to enjoy the occasion more. I am not putting pressure on England and going into the tournament I wouldn't have minded if we got knocked out at the group stages as long as I saw some sort of sign of progress in terms of team performance.

Italy we played well, hell the best I have seen us play in a while, unfortunately we got caught out twice defensively because other than Cahill the rest is average. However we need to realise and understand we are no longer a super power in International Football. Sooner we realise that the better, as it will take the pressure off the up coming players and let us enjoy the moment.

WIth all this talk of B teams I think that the FA have taken the wrong approach their should implement a rule that means between 4-6 of the starting 11 must be English or British. It wouldn't stop the world best players coming to England. Means we would see more british players on the pitch, see Man City finally bring some through, while also seeing the likes of Phil Jones, Michael Keane, Zaha all given a chance to develop further as a player. This is coming from a Blackburn fan. Jones is a fantastic defender but for too long he has been played out of position and been dubbed as Mr.Versatile. Put him back in defense and let him grow into the defender he was suppose to be rather than constantly changing his position.

I must have missed that particular meeting. I'm nearly 43 and I've yet to see England considered a super power in international football

[Ent]

I do worry that Jones is going the way of Micah Richards. Stuck at a club that doesnt dare play him but doesnt want to lose him.

We'd love to play him but;

he is injury prone (due to how reckless he is) and a pretty poor footballer.

Richards is an athlete, not a footballer - should have done track and field.

[No9]

We can still lose and qualify, given Italy win all their remaining games, so this isn't our last competitive game.

That's right, you keep the faith... keep that candle of hope flickering...

Prediction, England to lose 3-1, and BBC and ITV lose interest in covering the World Cup, moving the games they are contractually obliged to cover to BBC3/4 and ITV2/3/4...

Just a few toffs playing bat and ball in London to cover then for BBC, and we can get back to normal service...

Still something to play for, win, draw, or lose tonight, IF Italy win, so I will 'keep the faith'

Oh well the candle of hope is well and truly out now...

[No9]

Only a few more hours before England's LAST COMPETITIVE game in the 2014 World Cup. .. so savor the moments guys.  
 
All together now...you know the tune..
 
 
Your coming home,
Your coming home... Englands coming home...
 
 
C'MON URRRRRUUGGGUAAAYYY !!!!

Dont like to say I told you so... but...   

I TOLD YOU SO...   

[Dave.]

First time since 58 England fail to make it out of Round 1 for a WC they have qualified for.

Still could be worse. Youse still get there!

One thing I never got, the 70s was considered a golden decade for English club football. Yet England couldn't qualify for a World Cup. (Yes they were in 70 but that was automatic).

Why was this?

[Duty281]

Right it is all over. What went wrong, then?

1) Lack of leadership. Sorry Steven, I don't think you've ever been a good captain of England, nor has your heart ever truly been in it. He's never struck me as a leader. Which brings me to...

2) John Terry. One half of the best central defensive combination in the Premier League was in Brazil. The other half was retired, leaving England without their best defender and their true captain. You know, the fella who was captain in all but name and armband at Euro 2012. He may not have come back, but there was no attempt to bring him back into the fold.

3) Ashley Cole. I said it at the time, I'll say it again: not picking Ashley Cole was poor. True, he was perhaps lacking in game-time for his club, but he would have been an experienced and more than capable option for England. The place of Baines should have come into question after the Italy match, but it didn't because an 18 year-old rookie was the back-up..and he was never going to play unless there was an emergency.

4) No Andy Carroll? He would have offered a different option for England, a good option from the bench. This was something else I were saying before the World Cup - off the bench I would rather have Carroll than Lambert. The last 20-25 minutes against Italy were a time where England needed an aerial option, a player to make a physical presence in the box against the tiring Italians..silly Roy, he left that very option at home. Lambert was ineffectual for the short time he did play versus Uruguay.

5) Still accomodating Wayne? Raheem Sterling was England's best player versus Italy in that number ten role, so what does Roy do? Shifts him out wide against Uruguay to accomodate an out-of-form Rooney. He did have a good game, Rooney, but not as good as Sterling on Saturday. Poor.

6) Poor defence, and poor off the ball. Now this has to be a coaching error of some description. England have gone from a decent team off-the-ball, who were well-organised, to a team who look weak defensively. It doesn't have to be this way, it's not like England are a gung-ho, Kevin Keegan side. All four goals England have conceded thus far have been avoidable.

7) Set-pieces. These were once a strength of England. Attacking-wise, both corners and free-kicks, they were woeful. Defending was sub-standard; no better way to highlight that fact than Italy's opening goal.

8) Inexperience/naivety. 1-1 against Uruguay, and England continue to chase the game, leaving spaces at the back. That was the time to retain possession, take stock, and apply pressure to Uruguay. Not take the exact same approach as when they were one nil down. Poor.

9) Not being clinical. Despite everything, England had numerous chances in both games. They weren't taken, and it dearly cost England.

10) Those bloody, bloody referees. England should have had a penalty against Italy, and Uruguay's captain should have been sent off in the first half. Key, match-turning decisions once again not going England's way.

So England need to rebuild again, as two years of hard work go out the window in three hours. I'm glad Hodgson's staying, but England need to strike the right balance between defence and attack in the run-up to Euro 2016. The qualifying group is one England should get through simply enough.

On the players front, Johnson, Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney need to say bon voyage. Johnson isn't international class, I'm sorry to say. Gerrard and Lampard are too old. Rooney is not worth the sideshow he comes with, and I wouldn't be surprised if he retires from international duty after Brazil.

There are seeds of hope with regards to the young players coming through, though. Stones, Shaw, Barkley, Oxlade, and Sterling the most prominent ones. Then of course we consider Walcott's imminent return from injury, and the other young players that may burst through - Ward-Prowse, Berahino, Redmond etc.

It's not all doom and gloom, but England have drastically underachieved once more. And, one other thing to consider, the Golden Generation may well be dead now. Long live the next generation!

Onwards it shall be then, on the march to Paris.

We can dance Nobby's dance, we can dance it in France!

[Guest]

The glass is never half empty Duty!

Love your spirit kidda   

[Knowsit17]

England just aren't a very good side and haven't been in decades (this isn't really news, this choke was just slightly worse than some of the past)

[GSC]

Sturridge

Sterling--------------Oxlaide

Barkley

Henderson-Wilshere

Shaw-Jones-Cahill-Johnson

Hart

Team for tues

[sportform]

Of the teams through to the second round, they have players playing at Wigan, Nott'm Forest, Aston Villa, Man United, Norwich, Newcastle and West Ham.

[Guest]

Of the teams through to the second round, they have players playing at Wigan, Nott'm Forest, Aston Villa, Man United, Norwich, Newcastle and West Ham.

Fascinating.

[sportform]

4) No Andy Carroll? He would have offered a different option for England, a good option from the bench. This was something else I were saying before the World Cup - off the bench I would rather have Carroll than Lambert. The last 20-25 minutes against Italy were a time where England needed an aerial option, a player to make a physical presence in the box against the tiring Italians..silly Roy, he left that very option at home. Lambert was ineffectual for the short time he did play versus Uruguay.

Forget that. Before the World Cup I said I would have take and played Peter Crouch, purely because he occupies the centre backs and wants to get into the box to score crappy goals. I stand by that. Crouch is the nearest thing we have had to Lineker in the past 20 years.

[CFCNick]

Right it is all over. What went wrong, then?

2) John Terry. One half of the best central defensive combination in the Premier League was in Brazil. The other half was retired, leaving England without their best defender and their true captain. You know, the fella who was captain in all but name and armband at Euro 2012. He may not have come back, but there was no attempt to bring him back into the fold.

JT was busy anyway. Starting an Instagram account and going water skiing with his kids.

[Guest]

Neither Carroll or Crouch would've made one iota of difference.

England have slowly decayed. The game's moved on, we haven't.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Of the teams through to the second round, they have players playing at Wigan, Nott'm Forest, Aston Villa, Man United, Norwich, Newcastle and West Ham.

Fascinating.

Leroy represent #thenodge

[Champagne_Socialist]

Got to say this England team is one of the worst I have seen. I said all along our defence looks embarrassingly bad and I was proven right. I have no idea why Cole was not even in the team and why JT was not persuaded to come out of retirement.

Things are not looking good for the England football team as it seems we are going backwards.

[cherriesfna]

Should have taken Leroy lita, and bring dean Ashton out of retirement, while were at it we should have used the ability to use Manuel alumina

[Duty281]

Neither Carroll or Crouch would've made one iota of difference.

England have slowly decayed. The game's moved on, we haven't.

Still, that game against Italy was a step forward in terms of tactical fluidity and attacking play.

[cherriesfna]

Neither Carroll or Crouch would've made one iota of difference.

England have slowly decayed. The game's moved on, we haven't.

Still, that game against Italy was a step forward in terms of tactical fluidity and attacking play.

Then typical England crap vs Uruaguy ,
Also welbeck needs to be dropped ASAP

[Guest]

Neither Carroll or Crouch would've made one iota of difference.

England have slowly decayed. The game's moved on, we haven't.

Still, that game against Italy was a step forward in terms of tactical fluidity and attacking play.

Yet we still lost. A step forward, a step back and normal service resumes.

A guy at work called England a footballing superpower this week. He should sell it by the gram, whatever it is he's on.

You'll get used to it in the end Duty and expect nothing else   

[Duty281]

Neither Carroll or Crouch would've made one iota of difference.

England have slowly decayed. The game's moved on, we haven't.

Still, that game against Italy was a step forward in terms of tactical fluidity and attacking play.

Yet we still lost. A step forward, a step back and normal service resumes.

A guy at work called England a footballing superpower this week. He should sell it by the gram, whatever it is he's on.

You'll get used to it in the end Duty and expect nothing else   

Fifty years of hurt.

[Duty281]

Neither Carroll or Crouch would've made one iota of difference.

England have slowly decayed. The game's moved on, we haven't.

Still, that game against Italy was a step forward in terms of tactical fluidity and attacking play.

Then typical England crap vs Uruaguy ,
Also welbeck needs to be dropped ASAP

Well I thought it was average against Uruguay...mind you, with the exception of Suarez, Uruguay were average as well. It was a game that was there to be won.

[Champagne_Socialist]

Neither Carroll or Crouch would've made one iota of difference.

England have slowly decayed. The game's moved on, we haven't.

Still, that game against Italy was a step forward in terms of tactical fluidity and attacking play.

Then typical England crap vs Uruaguy ,
Also welbeck needs to be dropped ASAP

Well I thought it was average against Uruguay...mind you, with the exception of Suarez, Uruguay were average as well. It was a game that was there to be won.

But we didn't win and are bottom of our group.

[westisbest]

Of the teams through to the second round, they have players playing at Wigan, Nott'm Forest, Aston Villa, Man United, Norwich, Newcastle and West Ham.

And a Villa player will come back to the West Midlands as a world cup winner 

[invisiblecoolers]

I sincerely hope and wish Costa Rica beat us and beat us by a handful margin to make fans realize the actual state of English Soccer team and not to live in media hype, the very fact is we are one of the worst side as a team to take part in this world cup.

[Ent]

The problem was everyone thought England played well against Italy when they didn't- an average Italy side handled them with ease.

[GSC]

No they didn't Ent. It was an extremely even match until about 20 minutes before the end when Italy decided to set up shop. Failing to open up an Italian team protecting a league is hardly a massive badge of shame.

Rooneys really the only candidate to be captain I suppose. Unless Roy goes left field with Hart. Only issue is that like Gerrard, it forces his selection if hes fit.

[Stella]

Cahil as captain. He is as good as we've got at CB, and I do prefer a CB, or CM as captain.

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