Round 16 and Beyond

[marc71178]

I think Sven has made that clear, hence his resting Gerrard against Sweden.

It's a difficult choice between 442 and 451 - I'm not sure which camp I fall into to be honest, how about 352?!

[GIMH]

In an ideal world 3-5-2 would suit us well, but it's a bit late ot be playing with new formations.

Plus it would probably mean Beckham playing at wing-back, which I'm not sure I would like.

[luckyeddie]

I am talking about people outside of the internet..

Expats are likely to give you a glowingly false impression, I should imagine.

Here at Ground Zero much of the optimism to which you refer dissipated with a loud 'Pop' the day Rooney got injured. The rest went with a feeble balloon-emptying squeak the day the squad was announced.

I should imagine that Owen's departure has caused people to actually choke on the shredded bits of balloon now.

[Scaly piscine]

Playing any formation bar 4-4-2 against Ecuador just gives Ecuador a much greater chance of pulling off a 1-0 type victory. England have to impose their style of play on teams and play to their own strengths, it's no good playing to their weaknesses - you won't win the World Cup consistently playing rubbish unless you're Germany.

Owen had been fairly rubbish anyway, whilst Crouch had been better and Rooney is Rooney - I don't see why all of a sudden England should switch to 1 up front. Hargreaves had one decent game, but gives away too many needless free kicks which would cost England sooner or later.

[luckyeddie]

In an ideal world 3-5-2 would suit us well, but it's a bit late ot be playing with new formations.

Plus it would probably mean Beckham playing at wing-back, which I'm not sure I would like.

It'd mean bringing Mark Wright coming out of retirement

(last decent English 'libero' when we played 3 at the back)

[GIMH]

**** Mark Wright, the man's a scumbag

[Pedro Delgado]

**** Mark Wright, the man's a scumbag

You're as bad as me with LFC.

[luckyeddie]

You're as bad as me with LFC.

Or me with Dirtyleeds

[GIMH]

LOL I do go on about it everytime his name comes up

I'd advise you not to get me going on Bolton Wanderers. Or Allan Gunn. or Mark Bosnich.

[aussie]

I think France and Switzerland is probably more likely, from that group. Otherwise I agree.

looking at the Koreans i'm pretty sure they will win that group, dont think the swiss even though are group leaders currently will beat them & even though France have been relatively poor i'd back them to beat Togo.

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Forza Ghana!

[Pedro Delgado]

Forza Ghana!

Word.

[Pedro Delgado]

What a great days football.

[Samuel_Vimes]

Word.

Aye.

(and Italy...)

[Cloete]

looking at the Koreans i'm pretty sure they will win that group, dont think the swiss even though are group leaders currently will beat them & even though France have been relatively poor i'd back them to beat Togo.

I'm going to be filthy if the Koreans get through. I want to punch the TV every time I see them play, let alone every time they get an unwarranted free kick

Playing any formation bar 4-4-2 against Ecuador just gives Ecuador a much greater chance of pulling off a 1-0 type victory. England have to impose their style of play on teams and play to their own strengths, it's no good playing to their weaknesses - you won't win the World Cup consistently playing rubbish unless you're Germany.

Owen had been fairly rubbish anyway, whilst Crouch had been better and Rooney is Rooney - I don't see why all of a sudden England should switch to 1 up front. Hargreaves had one decent game, but gives away too many needless free kicks which would cost England sooner or later.

Shoot me. I agree with that entirely. Very well said I must say. The only thing I don't agree with is Hargreaves giving away to many free kicks. He'll prove his worth against Ecuador IMO. A solid defensive mid. England must play a 4-4-2 Diamond though. It's so stereotypical and perhaps so "boring" (in terms of their tactical changes) but it's what they know and what they're good at.

Now that Aus are through I can stop feeling jealousy towards England and support a team that I do like. I'll just celebrate a bit then stick cotton wool in my ears if they win it