Hmm, interesting discussion. First off lets start off with England, the media is always hyping this so called talented crop of players. And they always fail to deliver against the top teams. The term world class is used too liberally these days (Michael Owen is still the only player in this squad to have won European Player of the Year). We do have some great players, but i feel they are a group of individuals rather than an organic team. Rooney is vastly overrated, but can still produce some magic. Owen is not what he used to be, but still produces in the big games (3 times against Argentina, Brazil, Portugal), Stevie G and Lampard just cant play together or if they can then its to the detriment of Stevie, J. Cole has made the left side his own, Becks is just overrated full stop, but can still deliver a a good cross, personally i prefer SWP down the right. Defense is pretty solid, Rio lacks concentration at times, Terry will get caught out with a quick a turn, A. Cole and Neville are fairly solid, Becks does leave Neville exposed on many occasions though. In goal Robinson is good but i feel that players like himself and James are only in the team because we have no body else. And finally a manager who is tactically incapable of making a big decision, however, this is his final swansong so he may go all in on the flop.
All in all, a good set of players but no better than the likes of Spain, Portugal, maybe even Holland (France are also dark horses). Above this group are Brazil and Argentina. We all know about Brazil, so i'll keep it short. Some of their players may have had poor domestic seasons and are approaching their 3rd and 4th finals, but Brazil have reached the last 3 finals and won 2. Cafu and Carlos may be old, but we need to remember at their age they have the energy of 25 year olds. Never compare our players to Brazilians as they are superior in every way (control, technique, balance, speed, skill, etc). A quick word about Dida, some aren't convinced about him, but he won't be required to do much, as Brazil will have the ball most of the time. In terms of motivation, in England we hope our boys can do well, in Brazil anything other the winning the Cup will be regarded as failure. Also, after winning the Jules Rimet trophy 3 times they got to keep it, the current version of the trophy has been won twice, one more win and its theres to keep, that should be motivation enough.
As for the USA, i feel they have some useful players, who play in Europe so they won't be overawed, McBride, Reyna, Beesley and Donavon are all relatively experienced not sure who's in goal though (Howard or Friedel). However, i feel they are up against and i can only see Italy and Czech Republic getting out of that group.
Also, expect the unexpected, at every WC there's always one or two teams that rise to the occasion (02 S. Korea and Turkey).
And finally the ball, it will be a big factor at these WC as it swerves like mad, so expect keepers to stuggle with those long range efforts.
In all, im looking forward to these finals immensely and just hope that the BBC and ITV realise this a World Cup and not England or Rooney Cup, i know enough about our lads, i want good even attention displayed to all teams. Also, i bet that any game that Motson commmentates on he'll make constant reference to either Rooney's foot or Beckham's free kick against Greece.
So far apart from the England game, all the matches have very good watch, some high quality football being played by Argentina and Ivory Coast. But England are traditionally slow starters, they'll get better as they progress. Stevie G must be allowed more freedom to go up, he's being wasted as a defensive midfielder, Sven seems to pick his best players where as Sir Alf Ramsey in 66 said that he may not pick his best players but he'll pick his best team!
Anyway, i hope you enjoy my thoughts, i dont claim to be a football expert but this how i see it.
C'MON ENGLAND !!!!
PS. Awwwww Marriaaaaaa, Owaaaaa Owaaaa Owaaaaa
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