Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Group A... France ... Switzerland Group B... England ... Russia ... Wales Group C... Germany ... Poland Group D... Spain ... Turkey ... Croatia Group E... Italy ... Belgium ... Sweden Group F... Portugal ... Iceland ... Austria
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Mertens has been effective at Napoli and Nainggolan was one of Roma's stand out players this year. Carrasco has impressed a heck of lot of people in Spain.
Not saying they're top class but you're only considering players who play in England.
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
Don't think I really need to add to that, however, nobody really rates Englands chances and IMO also are not an outstanding side, however, Id prob only take De Bruyne and Hazard and maybe Vetonghen to add to our side from Belgium.
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
So from that list:
Spain 5 Germany 3 France 2 Austria 1 Belgium 1 Croatia 1 Poland 1 Portugal 1 Sweden 1
Of the teams with 1 'great player' Belgium have easily the strongest squad imo, and a few other players that may well be in the French, German or Spanish squads if they were the right nationality. Don't see what's wrong with my assertion they are the best of the dark horses behind France, Spain and Germany who are the stand-out contenders (none of them without their issues, mind you).
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
So from that list:
Spain 5 Germany 3 France 2 Austria 1 Belgium 1 Croatia 1 Poland 1 Portugal 1 Sweden 1
Of the teams with 1 'great player' Belgium have easily the strongest squad imo, and a few other players that may well be in the French, German or Spanish squads if they were the right nationality. Don't see what's wrong with my assertion they are the best of the dark horses behind France, Spain and Germany who are the stand-out contenders (none of them without their issues, mind you).
I think the thing is mate that people have spoken about them as dark horses for about 6 years.
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
Don't think I really need to add to that, however, nobody really rates Englands chances and IMO also are not an outstanding side, however, Id prob only take De Bruyne and Hazard and maybe Vetonghen to add to our side from Belgium.
Just my opinion mind.
Dembele, Vertonghen, Alderweireld? The three of them have just had fantastic seasons for Spurs. The centre back pair in particular woul be a significant upgrade on Smalling/Cahil/Stones.
Much as I like Milner, Dembele is a better player than either him or Henderson.
There really is an interesting narrative going into this tournament regarding France. The people are obviously still reeling after what they have been going through socially over the last year or so, and this tournament is being looked at as an opportunity for them to all be brought together again.
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
So from that list:
Spain 5 Germany 3 France 2 Austria 1 Belgium 1 Croatia 1 Poland 1 Portugal 1 Sweden 1
Of the teams with 1 'great player' Belgium have easily the strongest squad imo, and a few other players that may well be in the French, German or Spanish squads if they were the right nationality. Don't see what's wrong with my assertion they are the best of the dark horses behind France, Spain and Germany who are the stand-out contenders (none of them without their issues, mind you).
Maybe this will be the tournament when it all comes together for them. A lot worse squads have won this tournament. Ive just never seen them play well.
Who are their 'great' players though? Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Really rather depends what you have to do to qualify as 'great'. I'll flip the question back to you and ask you who you think are the great players at the tournament.
Ronaldo Ibra De Bruyne Modric David Silva Muller Hummels Greizmann Pogba Neuer De Gea Pique Ramos Alba Iniesta Lewandowski Bale
So from that list:
Spain 5 Germany 3 France 2 Austria 1 Belgium 1 Croatia 1 Poland 1 Portugal 1 Sweden 1
Of the teams with 1 'great player' Belgium have easily the strongest squad imo, and a few other players that may well be in the French, German or Spanish squads if they were the right nationality. Don't see what's wrong with my assertion they are the best of the dark horses behind France, Spain and Germany who are the stand-out contenders (none of them without their issues, mind you).
I think the thing is mate that people have spoken about them as dark horses for about 6 years.
Not much come to fruition though, as per England.
Not really, they were first talked about before the last world cup, so 2 years ago. They didn't even qualify for Euro 2012 so can hardly have been talked about then. Most of the sensible punditry I heard about them last time centred on their potential but marked them out as being too young - for example Courtois and De Bruyne were 22, Hazard 23, Lukaku 21. They didn't really impress, I know, but they got to the quarter finals and only Netherlands and Germany went further from Europe and the Dutch aren't here this time.
Dembele, Vertonghen, Alderweireld? The three of them have just had fantastic seasons for Spurs. The centre back pair in particular woul be a significant upgrade on Smalling/Cahil/Stones.
Much as I like Milner, Dembele is a better player than either him or Henderson.
Totally agree. IMO, All three of them would walk straight into the current England squad and likely starting XI.
Can't bloody wait for tomorrow. I'm out in Marseille at the moment and got here on Tuesday. Pleasantly surprised would be an understatement, Really loved the city so far. Cannot wait for the football to get started now though! Going to our first game and it's a must win and I think we'll do it. Also got my mug on ITV this morning which was a laugh!
Was out there this time last year....agree lovely city the views from the hill with the church on it are well worth the walk....it was 80c+ when we were out there. Plenty of decent bars around the Vieux Port and the area called Le Panier is well worth a wander. If you get the chance (and have the time) Cassis is well worth the 20-25min train ride out from St Charles station.
I bloody hope it wasn't 80c+ when you were there !
Sounds amazing, we'll end up in Marseille next weekend after visiting Nice & Lyon, can't wait to see it.
According to BBC weather it's in the low 80's now....better pack some sun screen. Nice is a fantastic city...enjoy.
Maybe being biased here but you can certainly add Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli to that list of great players.
Italy will have the best defence at the tournament, having your goalkeeper and defence all playing for the same club is a massive advantage, given teams meet up maybe 10 times a year with ever changing defences, I'm surprised the media has declined to mention it so far. That said I'm really not sure how Italy will fare this year I think the Conte factor is what gives me some optimism but that huge advantage definitely shouldn't be overlooked.
Maybe being biased here but you can certainly add Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli to that list of great players.
Italy will have the best defence at the tournament, having your goalkeeper and defence all playing for the same club is a massive advantage, given teams meet up maybe 10 times a year with ever changing defences, I'm surprised the media has declined to mention it so far. That said I'm really not sure how Italy will fare this year I think the Conte factor is what gives me some optimism but that huge advantage definitely shouldn't be overlooked.
Buffon and Chiellini are good shouts. Buffon is like a million years old, but still probably one of the three best keepers at the tournament and to have been at his level for so long makes him a genuine great imo.
Kane is definitely a great player. Certainly ahead of Silva and Hummels at least from that list.
If he has a really good tournament we might be able to add him to the list, but he hasn't justified the tag just yet. I wouldn't necessarily have Silva on the list either though.
Buffon and Chiellini are good shouts. Buffon is like a million years old, but still probably one of the three best keepers at the tournament and to have been at his level for so long makes him a genuine great imo.
Buffon is the best ever.
Bonucci and Barazgli are underrated still in some circles those two along with Chiellini are easily the best centrebacks there.
After the season of utter crap we have gone though I can't frickin wait for some decent football to kick off. Got England, Slovakia and Slovenia in betting comps at work. Got a good feeling about our chances and feel we have plenty of attacking options within our ranks. Harry Kane for golden boot. Come On England!
Think this is the first time I've got excited about football for a few years. I hope that excitement lasts more than a few days as falling out of love with football, which has happened to me over the last few years, has left me pretty much with zero interests outside of watching occasional boxing and athletics.
I've a feeling the winner will come from either France or Belgium.
Unlike the poster above who thinks the lesser teams will pack defences, I'm hopeful the increase in teams and wider margins in ability will hopefully lead to more goals.
Hazard - Been arguably shite all season Lukaku - Good Striker but Kenwyn Jones had a couple of outstanding seasons Benteke - Ditto above Feilani - Again arguably just above average Prem Midfielder last 2 seasons Be Bruyne - I would class him as a Very good Player, amongst a side of Superstars, possibly their one World Class Player IMO Cortois - Very good but wasn't outstanding last season, again, IMO wasn't in top 3 Prem Keepers last year.
Id love to be proved wrong but as per a few on here I believe they are overated.
Mertens has been effective at Napoli and Nainggolan was one of Roma's stand out players this year. Carrasco has impressed a heck of lot of people in Spain.
Not saying they're top class but you're only considering players who play in England.
I think nainggolan will be one of the stand out players
Think this is the first time I've got excited about football for a few years. I hope that excitement lasts more than a few days as falling out of love with football, which has happened to me over the last few years, has left me pretty much with zero interests outside of watching occasional boxing and athletics.
I've a feeling the winner will come from either France or Belgium.
Unlike the poster above who thinks the lesser teams will pack defences, I'm hopeful the increase in teams and wider margins in ability will hopefully lead to more goals.
A chance for a name check from the great leader and all I get is misquoted and dismissed as "poster above".
I did say I think it'll be a high scoring tournament, it's just that several of the less fancied teams made it through qualifying mostly by not conceding many. Plus 3 draws may well get you out of the groups. Once some of the defensive teams are out of the way, I think the better sides are stronger in attack, so we might get a few high scoring knockout games.
I'm almost scared to put this up cos I'll probably get pelters off you lot for my terrible punditry, but the missus is running a sweepstake at work and most of her colleagues, being Canadians, ain't got a Scooby about who is who so she asked me to knock up a, hastily researched, guide, if anyone is interested in reading my ramblings.
Comments
Group A... France ... Switzerland
Group B... England ... Russia ... Wales
Group C... Germany ... Poland
Group D... Spain ... Turkey ... Croatia
Group E... Italy ... Belgium ... Sweden
Group F... Portugal ... Iceland ... Austria
Ibra
De Bruyne
Modric
David Silva
Muller
Hummels
Greizmann
Pogba
Neuer
De Gea
Pique
Ramos
Alba
Iniesta
Lewandowski
Bale
Not saying they're top class but you're only considering players who play in England.
Don't think I really need to add to that, however, nobody really rates Englands chances and IMO also are not an outstanding side, however, Id prob only take De Bruyne and Hazard and maybe Vetonghen to add to our side from Belgium.
Just my opinion mind.
Spain 5
Germany 3
France 2
Austria 1
Belgium 1
Croatia 1
Poland 1
Portugal 1
Sweden 1
Of the teams with 1 'great player' Belgium have easily the strongest squad imo, and a few other players that may well be in the French, German or Spanish squads if they were the right nationality. Don't see what's wrong with my assertion they are the best of the dark horses behind France, Spain and Germany who are the stand-out contenders (none of them without their issues, mind you).
Not much come to fruition though, as per England.
Much as I like Milner, Dembele is a better player than either him or Henderson.
There really is an interesting narrative going into this tournament regarding France. The people are obviously still reeling after what they have been going through socially over the last year or so, and this tournament is being looked at as an opportunity for them to all be brought together again.
Sorry, forgot to take off my kippah...
Italy will have the best defence at the tournament, having your goalkeeper and defence all playing for the same club is a massive advantage, given teams meet up maybe 10 times a year with ever changing defences, I'm surprised the media has declined to mention it so far. That said I'm really not sure how Italy will fare this year I think the Conte factor is what gives me some optimism but that huge advantage definitely shouldn't be overlooked.
Bonucci and Barazgli are underrated still in some circles those two along with Chiellini are easily the best centrebacks there.
Think this is the first time I've got excited about football for a few years. I hope that excitement lasts more than a few days as falling out of love with football, which has happened to me over the last few years, has left me pretty much with zero interests outside of watching occasional boxing and athletics.
I've a feeling the winner will come from either France or Belgium.
Unlike the poster above who thinks the lesser teams will pack defences, I'm hopeful the increase in teams and wider margins in ability will hopefully lead to more goals.
I did say I think it'll be a high scoring tournament, it's just that several of the less fancied teams made it through qualifying mostly by not conceding many. Plus 3 draws may well get you out of the groups. Once some of the defensive teams are out of the way, I think the better sides are stronger in attack, so we might get a few high scoring knockout games.
I'm almost scared to put this up cos I'll probably get pelters off you lot for my terrible punditry, but the missus is running a sweepstake at work and most of her colleagues, being Canadians, ain't got a Scooby about who is who so she asked me to knock up a, hastily researched, guide, if anyone is interested in reading my ramblings.