madthatter

So having watched England limp out of another tournament on penalties i'm having to ask myself a question i've been thinking for a good few years now. Are we really that crap? I know our squad was a little thin and Roy hadn't much time but against Italy it was clearly apparent that the gap in quality and effectiveness between our style and the 'top' teams' is vast. Don't get me wrong, I think Roy did a good job all considered and it was a geniune pleasure to see England players giving their all for the cause and each other. But it's clearly not enough. Our ball retention was embarrasing and let's be honest we've been that way as long as I can remember. Maybe there have been spells under Hoddle/Venables when we've upped it a bit but overall we're just not at the same level as Spain, Germany, Italy, a good few South American sides and . . you know the rest! Now is this a culture thing? I've heard many people noting that the lack of skills based coaching at youth level and the emphasis on winning at all costs scuppers technical development. I think this is valid but how do we realistically change it? Also I don't believe that English players are naturally any less 'technical' or 'gifted' than Euro players. Yet time and time again I see us hoofing up to a target man in the hope it will lead to something. So is this a tactics thing, confidence, style or simply ability? We have champions league winners in our team and players we see week in week out performing at a very high level but just don't seem to be able to do it for England for some reason. Rooney would be a prime example although to be fair he has had his injury probs/fitness issues at Tournaments. A bit of a rant I know so apologies but I think its a case of not wanting to admit that maybe we are just a bit shit! The thing that really frustrates me though is that Im sure we have the talent to do so much better yet we never do! Why? FWIW I really like the model Germany and Klinsman adopted where they seemed to target youth and carry it through with a long term plan. The rewards are there for all to see. I don't believe that we couldn't produce equal if not greater talent but we don't! I'd be interested to see what other folk think because although I've enjoyed this tournament having any serious expectations for England is becoming a bit of a joke.

I know i shouldn't laugh but . . . Crazy mare! Im glad she's been made an example of for that, can you imagine if the sexes were swapped? He'd be up there with that Moat fella with wanted posters in the Sun. Seriously, blaming it on hormones?? Right Ok, I'm really angry so take a pick axe to a strangers head . . . repeatedly mind - 'No no your Honour, i was suffering from high levels of testosterone that turned me temporarily into the Hulk! get t f*^" !!

Very true! Sol Campbell said he'd give his caps back if it turns out to be because of race. . .

Yep pretty much my thoughts as well See that's the only bit i'm not sure about. I read old Joey Holts nose said he shouldn't be picked due to recovery time and i'd like to think that's the reason why. Like you say though Daz both of them going was never really an option so it does cast a doubt. Personally I think Roy dealt with it very well and made the right call. Pleasantly surprised by the back bone he (the FA?!) showed.

Pretty much till my Doc informed me I had a high uric acid content in my blood and so should cut back on meat (esp red), beer, red wine, cheese, coffee and basically anything else that's good to eat or drink! I try to eat 2 veggy meals a week and have fish 2-3 times. It's bloody hard work if im honest. Eating lentils/chick peas in curries is Ok but if i don't have eggs or cheese in the meal an hour or so later im hungry again. None of that 'cheese whizz boy' shite either! I like the programme but by the christ I bet he can go through War and Peace when attempting to curl all that out

Just wondering what folk think of Roy leaving Mr wobbly lips out? The press seem to be making a massive issue out of it when in my opinion I think he's made the right call (but I am slightly biased;). If this was an Italian coach, say, i'm sure we'd praise him for being direct and decisive and trying to keep the dressing room spirit intact. He's been very unlucky with Cahill's injury although im not sure the scouser was the way forward. Saying that, it's planning for the future i suppose. The press here really wind me up, They seem to do all they can to unsettle the squad time and time again. Apologies if this is discussed elsewhere, had a quick scan and couldn't see it.

I was fancying France as the dark horse but I think they're pretty much one of the faves now, although Mr Blanc seems to think there defence is a bit suspect. I'll have to be a sheep and say Germany as outright fave with England as my outsider. Little expectation n all that and I never learn.

In one

Fuck Hoff

A very, very fit bird called Stacey H from our year at school. She still makes an 'appearance' for the fuzzy tingle times

Im an 'ironic' fan of the Hoff. Surely he's an honorary German by now?

Nice one! Hoping to see that this weekend.

That film (Drive) was utter shite and i'll watch pretty much anything. Christ it wer bad. Did Daz say he'd watched it twice? Glutten. Absolute glutten;) Don't quite agree with Boothy though . . .Shawshank is immense. It's one of those thats gets better with each watch. Not seen it yet but that Prometheus looks like the bollocks. Out Fri i think.

Duly noted my friend!! Personal favourite(s)?

Seriously . . . that's better but . . I don't know just does not do it for me at all. Would I? well yeah, from back with that Nutall lasses baps blockin me view Any ginge porn stars? Sure ive seen a few but cant er 'access' the data presently

I've heard somethin like that but I swear my body needs something before bed or I just do not sleep. I know it's not always that easy but I reckon listenin to your body and eating when your hungry is pretty fail safe. Sayin that if I was 10 stone overweight with heart probs I might change me tune. Also . . . . . . that can't be good;) Never start a giant toblerone either or instead of being off to dream land it's off to Dundee int bare feet!

I can't sleep without somethin in me stomach. If I over do it then I skip breakfast. It's all about calories consumed surely? Can't see how the time matters.

You say potato

Fuck me On the other hand, never ever saw the attraction. I know shes not ginger but my mates all loved that Buffy vampire bird. Never got that either.

That's the spirit! Seriously, for those who haven't tried it give it a whirl, if you like brown it's a must. Mustard isn't a bad shout though and was my preferred condiment. Hmmm . . . that might be worth a shout. Big fan of the pastie barm mind, with brown sauce of course! Jeanette's in LL used to do a belter.

Did he use the words 'Klasnic, workrate and stamina' in the same sentence!? I honestly don't/didn't see folks beef with the man. He's just so endearing and warm. Only a cold hearted, stubborn yorkshire bummer couldn't fall in love.

Im glad someone noticed that;) He was pullin em out from everywhere

Funnily enough it was because we had no pickle that she put the sauce on there. Diddles, brown sauce makes a tatty ash! BBQs OK but only really have it when i venture to BK or McDs though. Mustard on a burger surely?

If you like brown give it a go you'll not be disappointed! I hadn't had a pork pie in a while due to being away, Melton Mowbray, tremendous fodder! How is that possible? I mean i'll eat red sauce. maybe on fries (not chips mind) but HP sauce is epic! get some on a pork pie lad!