England could win this world cup.

[Wile E Coyote]

what exactly constitutes world class ?

is it exemplary discipline allied to talent, is it ball skill, or being able to beat opponents, trickery, set pieces, or great agility and reflexes as a keeper?

zidane was outsanding , then decided to head butt an opponent in a fairly big match (idiot)

it is impossible to define in my view.

[boatshed bill]

OK, who does guardiola favour more? Sterling starts more regularly..

You have a fair point. I think Guardiola is getting the very best out of Sterling, and I'm not saying he's a bad player.
I think he thrives in his role at Man City, hence the goal tally. However, he has a very poor conversion rate at international level.
I think Sane would get in the England side, though (if he was English, of course )

[SGr]

Sterling’s performances may define how far we go. Kane will score goals when given the chances, but Sterling is the creator in this team.

[South West Claret.]

Even our cricket team’s pretty useless now as well https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/44431264" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Loosing to Scotland I ask ya

What are we like at professional wrestling on the world stage

[Japebe43]

Sterling’s performances may define how far we go. Kane will score goals when given the chances, but Sterling is the creator in this team.

As I keep saying, he along with others have this opportunity. We know he has the ability, he's proven it with city..

[Japebe43]

No Rooney this time either, dropping deep into midfield, pretending he's good enough to dictate play..

That's a bonus straight away.

Was Rooney EVER world class? That's a debate and a half!

[Steve1956]

Three games and home,I suppose it takes us a month nearer the football season though...rollon

[FactualFrank]

Was Rooney EVER world class? That's a debate and a half!

IMO, yes. But it was in his earliest days, 16-19.

He scored the belter against Arsenal on his debut.. "Remember the name" - then was superb when he signed for Man United. At his best in his very younger days.

The same can be said for Michael Owen - there or there abouts when he was 17-18.

[Japebe43]

The records will show Rooney utd and England's top scorer.. That suggests world class.. But you have to consider the length of his career.. That covers up his faults.

[Wile E Coyote]

seems appropriate to revive this now in light of the success last night, and with only the swedes in the way of a semi final spot, it is looking highly likely england will go even further.

[Tall Paul]

[edison]

seems appropriate to revive this now in light of the success last night, and with only the swedes in the way of a semi final spot, it is looking highly likely england will go even further.

Only the Swedes

[Down_Rover]

Be careful of the Swedes. Our turnip was useless

[Millertime v1.7]

Mate, this thread is DELUSIONAL

[jlup1980]

The favourite is still whoever survives from the other half of the draw; whether that be Brazil, Belgium, France or Uruguay. If I was a betting man I'd have money on an England vs Croatia semi-final but this World Cup has been far from predictable. We have a chance though - there is no doubting that.

[Dyched]

I think we will win it.

Sport/football can be weird sometimes. Things come back around full circle. Hoodoos go, heartbreaks turn to triumph.

I watched this yesterday before the game

https://youtu.be/oyoy2_7FegI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

“Gareth Southgate the all of England is with you” gave me goosebumps.

[tiger76]

Wasn't that enthused about this World Cup,but with so many big names falling by the wayside,there is a real chance for the remaining nations which won't happen again for a generation,i'd love England to go all the way just to see the look on Sturgeon's face,still a tough ask but definitely achievable.
The sweaty socks up here are remarkably quiet about last night's result,can't imagine why

[edison]

"i'd love England to go all the way just to see the look on Sturgeon's face"

Whatever floats your boat i suppose