Euro 2024

[CaptainKirk]

Not seen anybody mention this yet, unless I missed it.
This surprises me as England are far more important than Burnley.
Promotion and relegation come and go but an England win is a once in a generation thing (or more)!
I really think this time, more than any other time, it’s coming home!
Who do you think is going to win, if not us?

[sjb]

I stopped reading after your 2nd sentence.

[Burnley1989]

I stopped reading after your 2nd sentence.

Ditto

[Bosscat]

Not seen anybody mention this yet, unless I missed it.
This surprises me as England are far more important than Burnley.
Promotion and relegation come and go but an England win is a once in a generation thing (or more)!
I really think this time, more than any other time, it’s coming home!
Who do you think is going to win, if not us?

You need to give your head a wobble

[DCWat]

Defence concerns me. Southgate getting the most out of the embarrassment of riches that we have across midfield and to a lesser degree, up front, concerns me.

If I had to pick a side to win, it would probably be France although Portugal looks strong as well, though we should be there or thereabouts.

I hope that I’m wrong but I fear another so near, but yet so far, tournament.

[Lambo]

“England more important than Burnley” give your head a wobble, I couldn’t give a rats a**e about England, far more important is us getting the next manager appointment correct

[aclaretinstevenage]

I stopped reading after your 2nd sentence.

Excellent.

[equinox]

Great subject, stupid, clever arsed opening post though.

Really looking forward to the tournament, when England go deep in a tournament I genuinely feel the same emotions I get whilst watching Burnley, I love football, I love having a dog in the fight.

If the rumours are true that Jarrad Branthwaite is pushing for a starting berth then I'm all over this, Southgate isn't daft he will know where we're a bit short and this will be a huge statement.

[Aclaret]

Probably won't be watching much of it....but wouldn't it be great if Amdouni or Wout got the winner in the final !

[Rileybobs]

Love a summer international tournament, looking forward to it.

[ksrclaret]

I’ll give it a go, always good to have some tournament footy on telly when you get home from work.

[Ptangyangkipperbang]

I like watching the early stages when a shock or two can happen.I want England to do well but won't be bothered when they get beat which they will.And for the first time in my life im rooting for Scotland my younger self would not believe it

[CaptainKirk]

Great subject, stupid, clever arsed opening post though.

Really looking forward to the tournament, when England go deep in a tournament I genuinely feel the same emotions I get whilst watching Burnley, I love football, I love having a dog in the fight.

If the rumours are true that Jarrad Branthwaite is pushing for a starting berth then I'm all over this, Southgate isn't daft he will know where we're a bit short and this will be a huge statement.

I wasn’t trying to be a clever arse. As much as I love Burnley I must have been through twenty or so promotions or relegations, but never seen England win.
Anyway, I am definitely in the minority on that one but I can live with that.
As far as England are concerned, I think we might have to score two or three to win games as we are not secure at the back - could be a fun watch.

[equinox]

I wasn’t trying to be a clever arse.

You do it without trying, then?

[poolchutney]

Defence concerns me. Southgate getting the most out of the embarrassment of riches that we have across midfield and to a lesser degree, up front, concerns me.

If I had to pick a side to win, it would probably be France although Portugal looks strong as well, though we should be there or thereabouts.

I hope that I’m wrong but I fear another so near, but yet so far, tournament.

Wow. That's an awful lot of concerns, worry and pessimism. There are far many things in life to be concerned and worried about. If you're that concerned you'd be doing yourself a favour if you don't watch the Euros.

[DCWat]

Wow. That's an awful lot of concerns, worry and pessimism. There are far many things in life to be concerned and worried about. If you're that concerned you'd be doing yourself a favour if you don't watch the Euros.

A rather literal assessment of the points I raised - I think I’ll be fine watching the tournament, thank you.

[bobinho]

It will be underwhelming. England will spend far too much time trying not to lose and that will cost them dearly AGAIN. Such a shame to waste all that attacking talent, but I fear he (GS) will.

[equinox]

Englands biggest concern, at the moment..right now is getting Jude Bellingham through Saturdays European Cup final unscathed.

[claretburns]

GK: Pickford

DR: Walker
DCR: Stones
DCL: Branthwaite
DL: Shaw (Trippier if Shaw injured)

DM: Rice
DM: Wharton

AMR: Saka
AMC: Bellingham
AML: Foden

ST: Kane

[poolchutney]

Depends on the opposition. But for the first game, go for it.

Pickford
Walker Stones Maguire Shaw
Rice
Bellingham Foden
Saka Kane Palmer

[timshorts]

I suppose that I'm vaguely looking forward to it but disappointed that I am back to supporting the Netherlands following the play-off final exit.

As usual, the coverage will likely be greatly improved as soon as England get knocked out, so I'm hoping for their early exit. However, I have the feeling that if Southgate plays to their strengths that they ought to be pretty successful. It would be good if any team playing tippy tappy gets eliminated quickly too, as I've had enough of watching that crap this season......

[Loyalclaret]

Gutted I am away or booked up for almost all the matches, 2006 was amazing in Germany and I would love to be there. Friends are going and there would be opportunities to get tickets

Defence is only weak spot, should progress well

[Tw@]

At least we might have something good to look forward to this time after a forgettable season.
Why any fan shouldn’t want their national team to do well in a tournament is beyond me!

[poolchutney]

At least we might have something good to look forward to this time after a forgettable season.
Why any fan shouldn’t want their national team to do well in a tournament is beyond me!

My first major tournament would have been Italia 90 and for me this is definitely the strongest England squad I've seen.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane all World Class players with a few others not far behind.

[TheFamilyCat]

Probably won't be watching much of it....but wouldn't it be great if Amdouni or Wout got the winner in the final !

Or Trafford saved a penalty.

[THEWELLERNUT70]

I'm looking forward to it, it usually signals a few good weeks weather wise too when there's a summer tournament on.

England wise the defence concerns me as does the manager, anything less than a semi final place with the riches at Southgates disposal I'd class as a failure

It'll be interesting to see the gobshites on this very thread who claim to have no interest in England offer comment should we be knocked out early

[pauliopaulio]

Depends on the opposition. But for the first game, go for it.

Pickford
Walker Stones Maguire Shaw
Rice
Bellingham Foden
Saka Kane Palmer

That would be my pick. This will be the 3rd “golden generation” I’ve seen after 96/98 and 04/06 so well versed in “so near, so far” but that is one hell of a first XI.

[Stalbansclaret]

England surely have a real chance this time especially if Southgate can take the handbrake off. I’m English and hope we do well but it’s nowhere near as important as Burnley to me and I find the bandwagon jumping and over-exaggerated excitement that goes on when we win a game or two in a tournament a touch painful to behold.

[Pickles]

I'd rather Burnley win a throw in than England win a tournament.

But it's a brilliant squad. Maybe not as solid defensively as the team in the 00s but that team seemed to lack flair and pace and now we have that in abundance.

Difficult to look past France though, they could probably win it with the lads they've left at home!

[aclaretinstevenage]

I'm looking forward to tournament football again..........just not to the punditry!

There's always the mute button and time to make a brew while they spout their rubbish.

[Ric_C]

I want England to win the tournament, something I've never seen in my lifetime. Feel like we are really close, and if we do win it, it will probably be in spite of the current manager. Really looking forward to this tournament, as the last Euros were fragmented and the last World cup was in the winter and didn't feel like a proper tournament for some reason.

Also, what is with the weird undercurrent on this forum of saying you are not bothered about England winning anything. It's as if it is suddenly cool to be blasé on England for some reason.

[mikeS]

If you're anEngland fan, I can recommend
'Answererd Prayers by Duncan Hamilton.
Tells the story of Ramsay and the Boys of 66 and the aftermath.
How badly Ramsay was treated by the 'amateurs' of the FA.
An excellent read.

And also
All Played Out, by Pete Davies about Italia 90.
One of my favourite footie books.

[equinox]

Feel like we are really close, and if we do win it, it will probably be in spite of the current manager.

Give me strength, I've no words, honestly.

[exilecanada]

We have such a wealth of talent. Considering Southgate will be without his 'go to' defensive midfielders Phillips and Henderson, with a bit of luck Southgate may realize he has to loosen the reins. Possibly giving Braithwaite a chance to partner Stones? Left back is a problem area for sure, Shaw is solid if fit, Tripps never looks comfortable there. As has been mentioned in this thread, it's hard to look beyond France winning. A France/England final?

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Will be interesting to see how they get on

We’ve got some outstanding players, in top form and very experienced now at all levels of football, both club and international tournaments

That should hold them in good stead for this one
Semifinals is the minimum requirement now

[Winstonswhite]

We have such a wealth of talent. Considering Southgate will be without his 'go to' defensive midfielders Phillips and Henderson, with a bit of luck Southgate may realize he has to loosen the reins. Possibly giving Braithwaite a chance to partner Stones? Left back is a problem area for sure, Shaw is solid if fit, Tripps never looks comfortable there. As has been mentioned in this thread, it's hard to look beyond France winning. A France/England final?

I think if we win our groups (which is no gimme), we meet in the semis in Dortmund

[exilecanada]

I think if we win our groups (which is no gimme), we meet in the semis in Dortmund

Ok, thanks. I didn't know the brackets had been published yet.

[claretburns]

My first major tournament would have been Italia 90 and for me this is definitely the strongest England squad I've seen.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane all World Class players with a few others not far behind.

For their positions I would include Rice and Walker as well and Saka not far behind that level.

Then add in players like Stones around them and we have a decent side, even Pickford isn't that bad, just very weak at CB and LB.

[Pearcey]

Think we have a real chance but we always say that! Can’t wait for it to start.

[equinox]

We have such a wealth of talent. Considering Southgate will be without his 'go to' defensive midfielders Phillips and Henderson, with a bit of luck Southgate may realize he has to loosen the reins. Possibly giving Braithwaite a chance to partner Stones? Left back is a problem area for sure, Shaw is solid if fit, Tripps never looks comfortable there. As has been mentioned in this thread, it's hard to look beyond France winning. A France/England final?

Dreadful post, I felt sea sick reading it.

[equinox]

even Pickford isn't that bad.

What? Isn't that bad? Pickford is a brilliant tournament keeper, he loves this sh!t, he embraces it, watch this guy's enthusiasm spread.

[exilecanada]

Dreadful post, I felt sea sick reading it.

Well may I suggest you toddle off to your local Boots and pick up some Gravol?

[timshorts]

Also, what is with the weird undercurrent on this forum of saying you are not bothered about England winning anything. It's as if it is suddenly cool to be blasé on England for some reason.

England are the new eurovision.

[Burnley1989]

I suppose that I'm vaguely looking forward to it but disappointed that I am back to supporting the Netherlands following the play-off final exit.

As usual, the coverage will likely be greatly improved as soon as England get knocked out, so I'm hoping for their early exit. However, I have the feeling that if Southgate plays to their strengths that they ought to be pretty successful. It would be good if any team playing tippy tappy gets eliminated quickly too, as I've had enough of watching that crap this season......

Blows my mind sometimes does this place

[Bin Ont Turf]

With Southgate as manager with that tippy tappy shite around the opposition box, and Walker, Stones, Maguire and Shaw in defence, we're never going to win it.

But I'll be along for the ride as always. Come on England!

[Bin Ont Turf]

Blows my mind sometimes does this place

Bellends aplenty.

[Commy]

England surely have a real chance this time especially if Southgate can take the handbrake off. I’m English and hope we do well but it’s nowhere near as important as Burnley to me and I find the bandwagon jumping and over-exaggerated excitement that goes on when we win a game or two in a tournament a touch painful to behold.

And there lies the problem. Gareth's handbreak is stuck and there is nobody to fix it.

[claretfern]

If you're anEngland fan, I can recommend
'Answererd Prayers by Duncan Hamilton.
Tells the story of Ramsay and the Boys of 66 and the aftermath.
How badly Ramsay was treated by the 'amateurs' of the FA.
An excellent read.

And also
All Played Out, by Pete Davies about Italia 90.
One of my favourite footie books.

I read the Duncan Hamilton book last year. Agreed. Excellent.

[Clarets4me]

I read the Duncan Hamilton book last year. Agreed. Excellent.

Duncan Hamilton also wrote the definite biography of Harold Larwood, the " bodyline " bowler, another superb read ...

Hamilton is a 3 time winner of the " William Hill Sports Book of the year " award ..

[dougcollins]

Hard to believe that if Shaw is injured we don't have a left back. No better than Burnley.

I like Trippier at left back as much as I like Vitinho there - the full back positions are specialised and really not interchangeable. It's not like being a winger.