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Will England freeze in Moscow?
Will they slip up, or will they be snow k?
It can’t be much fun playing in freezing temperatures on an artificial surface, a million miles from home. My worry is that England may not be up for this and the motivation skills of the management will play an extremely important role.
I will stick by my prediction of a draw, which will leave Russia needing to win their last 2 games and hope England fail at home to Croatia in order to qualify.
Come on England, and good luck to Scotland also.
Mike
Why shouldn’t they be up for this? £100,000 a week for a part-time job, first class travel, top dieticians, physios and coaches all working to maintain them in perfect health and no need ever to work again when they retire. If any one of the idle little buggers so much as hints that they might not be enjoying it on Wednesday, they should be dropped, sacked or de-registered, whatever it is you do to footballers.
Mind you, I won’t be watching them.
I totally agree Andrew, there is no reason for them not to be up for this, and I could be way off the mark – but i’ve seen it a million times and I am sure you have too, not just in football but in other sports.
I’ve always maintained that when teams/players are evenly matched ability wise, then mentality plays a far greater role than people think.
Russia showed more than enough at Wembley (especially the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half) to suggest they can cause England problems. With Russia having home advantage, on a pitch they are used to, in conditions they are suited to, then England will have to roll thier sleves up and grit their teeth – and if just 2 or 3 of our players don’t fancy it, it could be a tough afternoon.
I will definitely be watching it, and hoping for a 0-0
Mike
Of course, you’re right, I’m just a bit fed up of football at the moment, well top flight football that is. All the hype, the whinging, the diving, the over-celebrating, the screaming at the referee, all of that and they aren’t actually much good.
But yes, I know what you mean, when two teams are closely matched, whoever wants it more will often win, as demonstrated by England in Sri Lanka recently
And in the Rugby recently.
I’m not knocking England, as I have seen no evidence of ‘non-triers’ in recent months – but tomorrow will be a completely different test.
I know exacty where you are coming from with the circus that is top flight football, it does my head in also, despite my love for the sport.
Mike
I’m looking forward to the game. As a patriot I want England to win, but as a punter I’d be looking to lay England (at the right price of course).
Like Mikky said, Russia showed enough at Wembley to suggest they can give England a problem. Their manager is shrewd enough to have learnt a lesson from that game.
I don’t think Michael Owen is 100% fit, and Rooney for all his talent is not a prolific goalscorer. Robinson is a very good goalkeeper – but not at the moment. England currently 6/4 on Betfair. I’d happily lay them at 5/4.I’m sure we can all agree that the biggest hoot will be if England get fu*cked in both the footy and the peanut-hugging.
Get on correct score 3-0 to England… Just noticed they’ve won there last five games 3-0… May as well make it six..
Get on correct score 3-0 to England… Just noticed they’ve won there last five games 3-0… May as well make it six..
Lol, why not. They have certainly started well and are currently 1-0 up.
Mike
I could just be watching the worst England second half performance I have ever seen. Shambolic in every way…
Yep, my worst fears confirmed – some players simply went missing for about 20 minutes.
I think Michael Owen was more bothered about getting the result of the 5:00 at Lingfield, did he have a kick in the 2nd half.
Unfair to single out one player I know, and I’m not, as I actually think we played well for long spells. But for that 20 minutes, Owen never got a kick, Gerrard and Barry went missing in the middle of the park etc.
The Russians 2nd goal says a lot about who wanted it more – the ball was parried out, two England defenders were ahead of the Russian, yet the Russian muscled his way through to get there first.
I may be being harsh, but i’m just a bit miffed that England have blew it again lol.
Mike
Disappointing sure, but a bit harsh Mikky to finger Barry and Gerrard. It’s impossible to be at the centre of things throughout the game; they’ve got to let their team-mates get a kick!
Gerrard missed a good chance in the second half but apart from that couldn’t be blamed for anything. In fact, had the ref not awarded a penalty they’d all be heroes tonght.
Agree that Owen did nowt in second half. Lescott looked a little out of his depth and Robinson could have done better in turning the shot he saved out of harms way rather than back into the goalmouth.On the plus side (if there is one), Micah Richards continues to impress.
Anyway, must go now and listen to Ray Charles singing… "Georgia on my mind" of course.
I thought Chris Waddle summed it up on Radio 5. Yet again we were unable to shut out a game and then lacked the nous to chase it. We play at one tempo, fast and have not the faintest idea how to keep the ball. Consequently any team always has a chance of getting back into the game against us.I don’t rate McClaren, but he is just the latest manager to be handed the ceremonial pig ear, needle and thread.
England are now around 13/8 to qualify for 2008. Seems a bit short.
Scotland, who are masters of their own destiny, are 5/2 to qualify.
Quite generous odds considering they are at home (albeit against world champions, Italy).
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
England are now around 13/8 to qualify for 2008. Seems a bit short.
Scotland, who are masters of their own destiny, are 5/2 to qualify.
Quite generous odds considering they are at home (albeit against world champions, Italy).
I don’t fancy the Russians to beat Israel which will put qualification back in England’s hands. Israel are very tough to beat over there. Their last 9 home competitive matches are:
Israel 2 – 1 Cyprus
Israel 2 – 2 Switzerland
Israel 1 – 1 Ireland
Israel 1 – 1 France
Israel 2 – 1 Faroe Islands
Israel 4 – 1 Andorra
Israel 3 – 4 Croatia
Israel 0 – 0 England
Israel 4 – 0 EstoniaI’m on England at 3.15 to qualify
I hope you’re right David as i’m on at much shorter odds
I think I read somewhere that Israel and Russia have a very friendly relationship though – without wanting to sound controversial
….. and Roman’s millions can make a lot of difference you know
Mike
(It was in Gary Speed’s column at betfair where I read about the politics)
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