The Knockout Stages

I think we are on about Par having got to the quarters and anything extra will be a big big bonus. Last time we made the semis was back in '96 where we lost on penalties to Germany. Revenge anybody?

Ooops just realised that. Oh well, spain to sneak another final...1-0

I know Spain are good but I don't think they will win it twice

Italy used to be good like Holland used to be good. I really think this is the opportunity to roll them. England v Germany in the semis and England v Spain in the final.

I think the best way to play Balotelli is to niggle him and wind him up until he self destructs.

agree with lingy,young has been poorish,milner little better,chamberlain has raw talent,and walcott chomping at the bit,play them both i say

Am I alone in thinking that the France v Spain match was a complete and utter bore for 90 % of the match?
The "Digital" ultra efficient football from the Spanish, passing the ball around in perpetual circles often without any attacking intent, the object being to mesmerise and hypnotise the opposition, just doesn't do it for me. Individually and as a team they are streets above most in the competition and I suppose if I were Spanish I would be praising and celebrating this world beating team.
How the game has moved on since we last won a major competition.
I sat and watched the whole of the 1966 World Cup Final last weekend for the first time in probably twenty years.
Tactical and player skill levels have have changed enormously, some would say for the better and in many respects that's true.
The "Analogue" football of the sixties and seventies had so many other qualities that made it just as entertaining, exciting and enjoyable. to watch. What surprised me was the space players had and end to end attacking intent from both sides for over two hours on a hot summers day. There was nothing else on the players minds other than to get the ball i the oppositions box.
If the Spanish way really is the future of the game, (Imagine both teams playing this way) its going to get lost on me.

Sorry but for me its a turntable and black vinyl at a speed of 33 rpm with the odd digital track thrown in if the national game is to retain my interest.

Oh yeh REAL wingers who can get past defenders every time for me.