3 Lions - The Pride of Europe!

[LTFC Atter]

THE WAY IT SHOULD BE PLAYED!

Well it was 3 in the morning here (AKL) and I woke my two sons up and their friend in order to watch the ENGLAND match LIVE on ESPN.

I first noticed the team sheet and the formation and it put a big smile on my face, full of many of our young guns. Gerrard was back and in were all 3 of Chelseas young stars (Terry, Lampard and Cole) plus Owen and Rooney up-front and Ferdinand and Cole at the back!

FAST & FLOWING!
Right from the whistle we knocked the ball about confidently and under pressure we still managed to control the affair. England looked relaxed and within the first 10 mins they were making a statement by controlling the game as Ireland found it difficult to get a look-in.

I am not sure about any other ENGLAND supporters out there but as for me it was one of the best games I have seen them play for quite some time. It was a case off all 1 and 2 touch, quickly into feet and built from the back. I know that the game is always different against a better quality opposition but at the end of the day we dominated and created chances, could have been 8 or 9 if you ask me.

GREAT TEAMWORK, GREAT SPIRIT and the result was GREAT FOOTBALL!

WORLD CUP here we come.

What was your best bit of the game?
Do YOU rate Englands chances?
When did you last see them play like that?
Who was your best player and why?

Well done Joe Cole, class act and he did some wonderful things with the ball. DESERVED HIS GOAL!

:D

ENGLAND TILL I DIE (just living on the other side of the world!) lol

[Caesar]

Moved to English Nats forum.

[Revelian]

Personellement, I'm not going to get caught up in any more Euphoria, until Beckham holds the trophy in his hands. I completely agree that England played fantastically, but, as you've already said, the quality of the opposition makes a hell of a difference. Quite frankly, should England have only won 1-0, the knives would have been out for Sven. When you consider that two goals were deflected, and that we were level at the half, not to mention the fact that one of their midfielders plays for Hull City, it does not seem like the glory story you seem so eager to report.

The proof of England's quality can only exist in the context of a major tournament. What is the point in hyping them up if they're not going be able to complete three straight passes against any top twenty team.

Whilst there is no doubt in my mind that England has the players that can win a major tourney, we still sruggle to play as a team against genuine quality. I have lived through too much hype and believed it myself too many times. All it takes is an Overmars dive, a Southgate penalty, a Beckham red, a Ronaldinho cross-come-shot to end four years of dreams. I admire any person who will eagerly awaken in the middle of the night to watch England. You obviously care as much for football as the many millions of others all over the world. Every football fan dreams, but only a few can have their dreams of glory come true. While it's right to believe England can win the World Cup, it would be foolish to make any sort of judgement based on a shallow victory against the minnows of the UK.

Revelian

[LTFC Atter]

DOWN TO EARTH WITH A THUD!

Cheers Rev, many valid points and I agree with most although in MY FAVOUR is a simple question to you. Even with opposition similar or worse than N.I. when have we looked so good.

SERIOUSLY, I could not remember the last time they played the game so fast, a lot of 1 & 2 touch

Lets see how Wednesday goes, and here is one for you - DOUBLE FIGURES!

Hey, we had to turn the corner sometime, I think its now. Even with many squards before the current NEW TEAM, you have to admit it has not lookeed this well balanced for quite some time .......

YOU WATCH, bloody injuries (lol)

0630 for me, Thur morning SKY 3 ESPN

[MtP07]

Personellement, I'm not going to get caught up in any more Euphoria, until Beckham holds the trophy in his hands. I completely agree that England played fantastically, but, as you've already said, the quality of the opposition makes a hell of a difference. Quite frankly, should England have only won 1-0, the knives would have been out for Sven. When you consider that two goals were deflected, and that we were level at the half, not to mention the fact that one of their midfielders plays for Hull City, it does not seem like the glory story you seem so eager to report.

The proof of England's quality can only exist in the context of a major tournament. What is the point in hyping them up if they're not going be able to complete three straight passes against any top twenty team.

Whilst there is no doubt in my mind that England has the players that can win a major tourney, we still sruggle to play as a team against genuine quality. I have lived through too much hype and believed it myself too many times. All it takes is an Overmars dive, a Southgate penalty, a Beckham red, a Ronaldinho cross-come-shot to end four years of dreams. I admire any person who will eagerly awaken in the middle of the night to watch England. You obviously care as much for football as the many millions of others all over the world. Every football fan dreams, but only a few can have their dreams of glory come true. While it's right to believe England can win the World Cup, it would be foolish to make any sort of judgement based on a shallow victory against the minnows of the UK.

Revelian
Well said! :)