In no particular order.

Stones and Maguire are too slow. They don't turn quick enough and don't have the vision to get the ball into midfield quick enough - something that is needed if we're to be more potent.

Jermaine Jenas doesn't really know what's going on. Often makes a decision and then the replay shows him completely wrong.

Andros Townsend similar to Jenas but it's with offsides. He keeps saying a player is on or offside and then the immediate replay shows the play to be clearly on or offside and it's not even close and the main commentator has to correct him. I can see in real time that the player was on/off side.

Not heard a female commentator yet who is palatable. Way too much screeching.

If Walker can keep Mbappe quiet like he's done in the Champions League, we have a very very good chance.

Rightly so mbappe is getting highlighted but don't get it twisted France still have an inform greizzman and giroud. A brick wall in tchoumane or whatever his name is.

Like how the majority of your thoughts are nothing to do with the football that’s been played.

My thoughts haven’t changed. Not watched it. Don’t intend to. Don’t really care how we are doing as we shouldn’t be there.

houseboy wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 3:28 pm

My thoughts haven’t changed. Not watched it. Don’t intend to. Don’t really care how we are doing as we shouldn’t be there.

Can somebody give houseboy a bit of love.

Loving seeing some of the guys and girls in fancy dress ... the Japanese fans have some way out costumes ... especially the one who goes to games as a 10 pin bowling pin

burnleychris wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 3:28 pm

Can somebody give houseboy a bit of love.

I’m a man of few principles () but I think it is easy to stand firm on this. I can’t even be bothered with the reasons any more. Many on here said they wouldn’t watch it but I wonder how many have changed because England have beaten a few poor teams. Don’t get me wrong I’ll be sick if we did win it and didn’t watch it but I just feel so anti about I really just don’t care.
But I’m happy enough and feeling the love every day.

houseboy wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 3:42 pm

I’m a man of few principles () but I think it is easy to stand firm on this. I can’t even be bothered with the reasons any more. Many on here said they wouldn’t watch it but I wonder how many have changed because England have beaten a few poor teams. Don’t get me wrong I’ll be sick if we did win it and didn’t watch it but I just feel so anti about I really just don’t care.
But I’m happy enough and feeling the love every day.

I don't care.

houseboy wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 3:42 pm

I’m a man of few principles () but I think it is easy to stand firm on this. I can’t even be bothered with the reasons any more. Many on here said they wouldn’t watch it but I wonder how many have changed because England have beaten a few poor teams. Don’t get me wrong I’ll be sick if we did win it and didn’t watch it but I just feel so anti about I really just don’t care.
But I’m happy enough and feeling the love every day.

Must admit Ian I wasn't going to bother too much (apart from England) but have been watching bits of a lot of matches and like I just said spotting the fancy dress fans has been fun. But I wouldn't criticise those who don't watch for whatever reasons anyone might have.

Anyone who says they aren’t watching if England reach the final are either liars or Scottish/Welsh…..

gandhisflipflop wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 3:46 pm

Anyone who says they aren’t watching if England reach the final are either liars or Scottish/Welsh…..

Or attention-seekers. You forgot that one.

How many usernames is it now Frank?

Quality of football : 7/10 but improving

Atmosphere : 2/10 from TV but empty seats and most games sound like a friendly

Passion:6/10 teams don't really seem as fired up ans aggressive, in my opinion.

Organisation : seems v slick on and around the pitch

Excitement (from me) : 1/10 yeah it is good England are doing OK but I cannot rouse myself for it. Not really sure why.

I've really enjoyed this WC so far. There's been some great games.

groove wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 3:55 pm

I've really enjoyed this WC so far. There's been some great games.

Same. Some superb games.

I'm enjoying the fact some of the smaller nations are catching up tbh

Just snap mbappe in 2 and wel be fine

The emergence of nations like Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Japan has shown how the game has spread from what used to be Europe v South American countries.
The 2022 World Cup is now a truly 'World' contest and more diverse than its ever been. It's been a treat to watch it.

mikeS wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:09 pm

The emergence of nations like Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Japan has shown how the game has spread from what used to be Europe v South American countries.
The 2022 World Cup is now a truly 'World' contest and more diverse than its ever been. It's been a treat to watch it.

I've loved it so far. Sure, we know those on here who say they aren't watching are doing it for attention and they are watching, but for the very few elsewhere who aren't watching, they are missing out.

It’s been brilliant.

It's picked up over the last week or so with some cracking games, there was a few tedious games in the early group stages, but that's not unusual.

England if we can get past France have every chance as no team have yet stood out as outstanding that I have seen.

Also good to see the emerging nations rapidly closing the gap on the established countries makes for a more exciting watch when you get a few shocks.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:25 pm

England if we can get past France have every chance as no team have yet stood out as outstanding that I have seen.

I agree with this bit. One thing that has stood out is that no team has stood out

I haven’t watched a match. Like houseboy, I don’t think this WC should be taking place where, and when, it is. (apologies if I’ve inferred motivation incorrectly).
I’m pleased that England have done so well so far.
And from the little I’ve seen in the way of highlights on the news, etc, my favourite bit, by a country mile, has been Suarez’s reaction to Uruguay being knocked out

I think that the general standard is quite low this time. If you're going to want to win a world cup then this is going to be the best chance.

I wouldn't say that there are any standout teams so far. Perhaps France are the best team but only by a small margin. England at their best are better than anything I've seen from France.

I'll stick my neck out, and I know this will come me back to haunt me , but I think that the winner of England/France will go on to win the tournament.

Croydon Claret wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:29 pm

I'll stick my neck out, and I know this will come me back to haunt me , but I think that the winner of England/France will go on to watch the tournament.

I disagree with your first bit, as it's been of a good standard. Spain and Brazil have played excellent football. But this bit caught my eye - I also think the winner will go on and win it.

The bright sparks who said the smaller, so called, nations shouldn’t be at a World Cup have had their reasoning smashed.

The footy has been excellent!

Great entertainment.
Andros Townsend is very very good.
Maguire has been one of England's best performers so far, showed why he's been included.

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:18 pm

Great entertainment.
Andros Townsend is very very good.
Maguire has been one of England's best performers so far, showed why he's been included.

Townsend getting decisions wrong.
Maguire slow in defence.

But I agree with it being great entertainment.

Really enjoying it especially the Croation model with the big bazookas, she certainly caused a stir

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:18 pm

Great entertainment.
Andros Townsend is very very good.
Maguire has been one of England's best performers so far, showed why he's been included.

Yep both Stones and Maguire have been excellent so far.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:27 pm

Yep both Stones and Maguire have been excellent so far.

I hope they speed up vs France.

Some of the refs are good. The guy yesterday in our game was really good not booking players all the time. Interestingly the majority of refs talk to players in the box before a corner or free kick, presumably they’re saying , no holding, shirt grabbing etc and so far it seems to have worked, can our refs adopt that policy I wonder.

Matches have been entertaining in the main
Refereeing has been very good. No crazy red cards given for nothing, like in previous world cups
Auto offside has worked well.
Play acting has not been too bad.
I like the increased injury time, hope Rotherham aren't watching
Pitches have been poor, and are starting to have loads of ruts / bobbles on them
The ball seems too light and the crossing in general has been poor.
England have as good a chance as any

Not bothered about the pundits as I don't really listen to what they say much anyway.

burnleychris wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:28 pm

I hope they speed up vs France.

Kyle Walker he can handle Mbappe.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:31 pm

Kyle Walker he can handle Mbappe.

It's more central defence I'm referring to - way too slow. But I do agree that Walker can handle Mbappe, as he did in the Champions League. Cut out Mbappe you basically cut out France.

burnleychris wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:33 pm

Cut out Mbappe you basically cut out France.

I’m not exactly sure about that but agree he’s the main threat.

burnleychris wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:28 pm

I hope they speed up vs France.

Won’t they be marking Giroud? I’d say he’s slower than both of them.

Ric_C wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:31 pm

Matches have been entertaining in the main
Refereeing has been very good. No crazy red cards given for nothing, like in previous world cups
Auto offside has worked well.
Play acting has not been too bad.
I like the increased injury time, hope Rotherham aren't watching
Pitches have been poor, and are starting to have loads of ruts / bobbles on them
The ball seems too light and the crossing in general has been poor.
England have as good a chance as any

Not bothered about the pundits as I don't really listen to what they say much anyway.

Tend to agree with all of this, plus notwithstanding that the WC should never have ended up in this desert fiefdom and subtracting all the bribery and human rights issues which dogged it in the lead up and early days, the footballers (and officials) have produced some great stuff and there's been plenty of excellent matches and more than a few shocks. The gap between the continents and the traditional footballing nations and the relative newcomers is clearly narrowing. It's actually been very good watching and I think that "condensing" it all which has happened by accident should be a blueprint for the future.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:47 pm

Won’t they be marking Giroud? I’d say he’s slower than both of them.

Who said anything about marking? Walker will handle Mbappe as he's done in the Champions League.

No. I'm on about when the ball is in play. We take too long to get the ball into midfield. We need to speed it up.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:47 pm

Won’t they be marking Giroud? I’d say he’s slower than both of them.

Giroud they should be able to handle as both are strong in the air.

There’s no character to this tournament. Knowing that they are playing in temporary stadiums, doesn’t seem to show the beginning of a legacy to me.

It’s reminds me of playing video games and selecting generic stadium number 4. Everything looks the same.

It’s clear to me now that World Cups need to be played in iconic cities where there’s footballing hotbeds and cultures that are embraced and celebrated. This World Cup doesn’t have any of that.

claptrappers_union wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:54 pm

There’s no character to this tournament. Knowing that they are playing in temporary stadiums, doesn’t seem to show the beginning of a legacy to me.

It’s reminds me of playing video games and selecting generic stadium number 4. Everything looks the same.

It’s clear to me now that World Cups need to be played in iconic cities where there’s footballing hotbeds and cultures that are embraced and celebrated. This World Cup doesn’t have any of that.

So you mean having games at stadiums such as Old Trafford? It's an interesting point, but not one I think would be shared by many. But I get it.

Isn't it more about the fans that are inside the stadium rather than that are outside?

Where’s the unprovoked violence…! I’m missing the chairs being thrown and England fans being blamed for everything…!



On a serious note, I think we could learn a little about fan behaviour. Is it just a coincidence that the absence of alcohol at games means zero trouble?

Zlatan wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 6:11 pm

Where’s the unprovoked violence…! I’m missing the chairs being thrown and England fans being blamed for everything…!



On a serious note, I think we could learn a little about fan behaviour. Is it just a coincidence that the absence of alcohol at games means zero trouble?

Thing is, selling beer at grounds is a good revenue stream for smaller clubs down the leagues.

Spijed wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 6:14 pm

Thing is, selling beer at grounds is a good revenue stream for smaller clubs down the leagues.

Fair comment.

Zlatan wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 6:11 pm

Is it just a coincidence that the absence of alcohol at games means zero trouble?

People are scared of being locked up for 30 years for sneezing twice.

Zlatan wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 6:11 pm

Where’s the unprovoked violence…! I’m missing the chairs being thrown and England fans being blamed for everything…!



On a serious note, I think we could learn a little about fan behaviour. Is it just a coincidence that the absence of alcohol at games means zero trouble?

Football fans are all big and tough when they know they won't receive a public flogging for their behaviour or 10yrs in jail....

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 6:24 pm

Football fans are all big and tough when they know they won't receive a public flogging for their behaviour or 10yrs in jail....

Not 10 years in luxury either. Watch "60 days in" - you're basically sharing **** with 90 other people.

Tall Paul wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 05, 2022 3:48 pm

How many usernames is it now Frank?

I can tell it’s a previous poster through the tone, I’m just not sure who yet, could be Arthur Shelby