Decided to get a ticket for today. Had also been put off in the past by the crowds being a bit too freebie / selfie stick heavy for these sorts of games.
Hopefully the performance at the Euros will encourage more regular football fans to come out and get behind the national team regularly.
Have a great time. Post some selfies later.
I would have done had I not been spending half the game trying to dodge paper airplanes!
The commentator mentioned this, more than he should've really. What was going on?
People were making and throwing paper air planes out of their match tickets (an A4 sheet of paper you print at home).
The aim was to try and get them onto the pitch from the top tier it seemed. Hundreds of people literally jumping out of their chairs and cheering whenever it succeeded. They were hardly interested in the actual football.
Might sound miserable, but it did my head in. Especially considering it went on for the entire first half.
Yeah you could hear em cheering every now and then. Spose that's the "carnival atmosphere" that is becoming part of moder football.
Times were, it was a ban for throwing a missile onto the field of play, no matter what it was.
Decided to get a ticket for today. Had also been put off in the past by the crowds being a bit too freebie / selfie stick heavy for these sorts of games.
Hopefully the performance at the Euros will encourage more regular football fans to come out and get behind the national team regularly.
Have a great time. Post some selfies later.
I would have done had I not been spending half the game trying to dodge paper airplanes!
The commentator mentioned this, more than he should've really. What was going on?
People were making and throwing paper air planes out of their match tickets (an A4 sheet of paper you print at home).
The aim was to try and get them onto the pitch from the top tier it seemed. Hundreds of people literally jumping out of their chairs and cheering whenever it succeeded. They were hardly interested in the actual football.
Might sound miserable, but it did my head in. Especially considering it went on for the entire first half.
Gave up sitting in the top tier when Harry Kane kept getting booed by Arsenal fans. Only ever sit behind the goal in Block 108 to Block 114. Seemed like an additional family atmosphere as it was a Sunday afternoon match in the school holidays.
Just have to accept that The FA do not want England games to be full of football supporters as it doesn’t create enough revenue for them inside Wembley.
Surely it's more that "passionate" supporters aren't that interested in games against "joke" opposition. It's hard to get worked up for a game against such a weak team
playing andorra is a complete waste of time - need to put all these nonsense nations in a separate tournament and if they win it, they can enter the proper one next time
Does that include Ireland at the moment. 1 point in 4 games. Just sneaked a 1-1 draw yesterday
lowest placed qualifying position should be relegated to the nonsense pot
This is what the nations league is addressing. Gives these nations meaningful games against similar rated teams and then qualify and get promoted to next level.
They are going to improve by having competitive matches rather than going in knowing they are gonna lose 5-0 every match.
Turkey were perennial whipping boys but they have reached two major semifinals in last 20 years.
its a nonsense - somebody somehow needs to take the bull by the horns and stick all the rubbish into a world cup 2 competition - if sport isn't competitive it is boring - just like the domestic cup competitions - not interested in these or world cup qualifiers against crap opposition
playing andorra is a complete waste of time - need to put all these nonsense nations in a separate tournament and if they win it, they can enter the proper one next time
Does that include Ireland at the moment. 1 point in 4 games. Just sneaked a 1-1 draw yesterday
lowest placed qualifying position should be relegated to the nonsense pot
This is what the nations league is addressing. Gives these nations meaningful games against similar rated teams and then qualify and get promoted to next level.
They are going to improve by having competitive matches rather than going in knowing they are gonna lose 5-0 every match.
Turkey were perennial whipping boys but they have reached two major semifinals in last 20 years.
its a nonsense - somebody somehow needs to take the bull by the horns and stick all the rubbish into a world cup 2 competition - if sport isn't competitive it is boring - just like the domestic cup competitions - not interested in these or world cup qualifiers against crap opposition
Decided to get a ticket for today. Had also been put off in the past by the crowds being a bit too freebie / selfie stick heavy for these sorts of games.
Hopefully the performance at the Euros will encourage more regular football fans to come out and get behind the national team regularly.
Have a great time. Post some selfies later.
I would have done had I not been spending half the game trying to dodge paper airplanes!
The commentator mentioned this, more than he should've really. What was going on?
Ive been to a few England friendlies over the years, typically wherever Ive sat its always been with tourists who are super casual football fans, or northerners on a big London day out.
I went yesterday and was surrounded by Leeds United fans - they didn’t know one another either!
Decided to get a ticket for today. Had also been put off in the past by the crowds being a bit too freebie / selfie stick heavy for these sorts of games.
Hopefully the performance at the Euros will encourage more regular football fans to come out and get behind the national team regularly.
Have a great time. Post some selfies later.
I would have done had I not been spending half the game trying to dodge paper airplanes!
The commentator mentioned this, more than he should've really. What was going on?
Ive been to a few England friendlies over the years, typically wherever Ive sat its always been with tourists who are super casual football fans, or northerners on a big London day out.
I went yesterday and was surrounded by Leeds United fans - they didn’t know one another either!
Had 3 leeds fans infront of me, the second Bamford went off they left 🤣🤣
playing andorra is a complete waste of time - need to put all these nonsense nations in a separate tournament and if they win it, they can enter the proper one next time
Does that include Ireland at the moment. 1 point in 4 games. Just sneaked a 1-1 draw yesterday
lowest placed qualifying position should be relegated to the nonsense pot
This is what the nations league is addressing. Gives these nations meaningful games against similar rated teams and then qualify and get promoted to next level.
They are going to improve by having competitive matches rather than going in knowing they are gonna lose 5-0 every match.
Turkey were perennial whipping boys but they have reached two major semifinals in last 20 years.
its a nonsense - somebody somehow needs to take the bull by the horns and stick all the rubbish into a world cup 2 competition - if sport isn't competitive it is boring - just like the domestic cup competitions - not interested in these or world cup qualifiers against crap opposition
If you’re going to try and call my suggestion ‘nonsense’ then it’s probably best to try and not then mention Ronaldo/Messi in the same debate at Marcus Rashford, mate.
The point I’m making is that there’s something about Rashford that doesn’t strike me as a player that’s going to fire big teams to glory.
Which I accept, if you don't rate Rashford that's fine, you're not the only one. I didn't call your suggestion nonsense, I said your claim that top players don't miss penalties, nonsense. Which it clearly is.
If you’re going to try and call my suggestion ‘nonsense’ then it’s probably best to try and not then mention Ronaldo/Messi in the same debate at Marcus Rashford, mate.
The point I’m making is that there’s something about Rashford that doesn’t strike me as a player that’s going to fire big teams to glory.
Which I accept, if you don't rate Rashford that's fine, you're not the only one. I didn't call your suggestion nonsense, I said your claim that top players don't miss penalties, nonsense. Which it clearly is.
Maybe you’re reading what I said literally, and I could have worded it better, but it’s a general point that the top players deliver in the big games.
For example when Harry Kane stepped up, I had no doubt in my mind that he was burying it. And he did. The same way that we all knew Clive Mendonca was burying it in 1998. Those players that you would put your house on in that situation.
Ironically the bit I don’t have a problem rating Rashford on is his penalty taking… it’s his wider game I have a problem with from open play.
I fully expected him to score. His technique is usually superb from the spot - games like the PSG champs league match is just one example where he buries them with conviction. Occasion got to him v Italy as it did loads of players
Ironically the bit I don’t have a problem rating Rashford on is his penalty taking… it’s his wider game I have a problem with from open play.
I fully expected him to score. His technique is usually superb from the spot - games like the PSG champs league match is just one example where he buries them with conviction. Occasion got to him v Italy as it did loads of players
Probably didn't help being brought on as a sub in the 119th minute.
I've always felt that if Southgate had them down as penalty takers, then he should've brought Rashford and Sancho on at least 10 minutes earlier to get them into the game.
Ironically the bit I don’t have a problem rating Rashford on is his penalty taking… it’s his wider game I have a problem with from open play.
I fully expected him to score. His technique is usually superb from the spot - games like the PSG champs league match is just one example where he buries them with conviction. Occasion got to him v Italy as it did loads of players
Probably didn't help being brought on as a sub in the 119th minute.
I've always felt that if Southgate had them down as penalty takers, then he should've brought Rashford and Sancho on at least 10 minutes earlier to get them into the game.
Probably, but that's the issue Southgate or anyone else would always face being the national team's manager - he got pretty much every other decision right, but the one right at the end he got wrong (as he would probably concede himself) and it risks overshadowing the others.
Ironically the bit I don’t have a problem rating Rashford on is his penalty taking… it’s his wider game I have a problem with from open play.
I fully expected him to score. His technique is usually superb from the spot - games like the PSG champs league match is just one example where he buries them with conviction. Occasion got to him v Italy as it did loads of players
Probably didn't help being brought on as a sub in the 119th minute.
I've always felt that if Southgate had them down as penalty takers, then he should've brought Rashford and Sancho on at least 10 minutes earlier to get them into the game.
Probably, but that's the issue Southgate or anyone else would always face being the national team's manager - he got pretty much every other decision right, but the one right at the end he got wrong (as he would probably concede himself) and it risks overshadowing the others.
Also if he brought Rashford on for Walker with 10 minutes to go and we conceded he would have got pelters.
If you’re going to try and call my suggestion ‘nonsense’ then it’s probably best to try and not then mention Ronaldo/Messi in the same debate at Marcus Rashford, mate.
The point I’m making is that there’s something about Rashford that doesn’t strike me as a player that’s going to fire big teams to glory.
Which I accept, if you don't rate Rashford that's fine, you're not the only one. I didn't call your suggestion nonsense, I said your claim that top players don't miss penalties, nonsense. Which it clearly is.
Maybe you’re reading what I said literally, and I could have worded it better, but it’s a general point that the top players deliver in the big games.
For example when Harry Kane stepped up, I had no doubt in my mind that he was burying it. And he did. The same way that we all knew Clive Mendonca was burying it in 1998. Those players that you would put your house on in that situation.
Rashford just doesn’t have that.
Fair enough mate. I don't think it helped that Rashford had a poor tournament generally as personally I would usually fancy him, doesn't take a bad penalty.
If you’re going to try and call my suggestion ‘nonsense’ then it’s probably best to try and not then mention Ronaldo/Messi in the same debate at Marcus Rashford, mate.
The point I’m making is that there’s something about Rashford that doesn’t strike me as a player that’s going to fire big teams to glory.
Which I accept, if you don't rate Rashford that's fine, you're not the only one. I didn't call your suggestion nonsense, I said your claim that top players don't miss penalties, nonsense. Which it clearly is.
For example when Harry Kane stepped up, I had no doubt in my mind that he was burying it.
Tbf, he missed the pen in the Euros against Denmark, but was fortunate that the rebounded ball landed back at him.
If you’re going to try and call my suggestion ‘nonsense’ then it’s probably best to try and not then mention Ronaldo/Messi in the same debate at Marcus Rashford, mate.
The point I’m making is that there’s something about Rashford that doesn’t strike me as a player that’s going to fire big teams to glory.
Which I accept, if you don't rate Rashford that's fine, you're not the only one. I didn't call your suggestion nonsense, I said your claim that top players don't miss penalties, nonsense. Which it clearly is.
For example when Harry Kane stepped up, I had no doubt in my mind that he was burying it.
Tbf, he missed the pen in the Euros against Denmark, but was fortunate that the rebounded ball landed back at him.
Mark of a good taker. Rather than stand there and watch, he followed up and was ready.
Decided to get a ticket for today. Had also been put off in the past by the crowds being a bit too freebie / selfie stick heavy for these sorts of games.
Hopefully the performance at the Euros will encourage more regular football fans to come out and get behind the national team regularly.
Have a great time. Post some selfies later.
I would have done had I not been spending half the game trying to dodge paper airplanes!
It could have been worse…the Mexican fucking annoying wave!
Rashford should have been nowhere near that Euros squad. Had been injured and/or shite for the entire season, and took now penalty like someone who had barely locked a ball all season.
Picked because of who he plays for, and fits Southgate's preferred personality profile for the squad.
Rashford should have been nowhere near that Euros squad. Had been injured and/or shite for the entire season, and took now penalty like someone who had barely locked a ball all season.
Picked because of who he plays for, and fits Southgate's preferred personality profile for the squad.
Agree 100% with the first part. First sentence of the second part is utter tosh.
The problem with Rashford isn't to do with penalty taking, or his play on the wing. It's his height. He's far too short to play in his position. He may be quick and skillful, but that's not really what England are looking for in his position. He needs height, power, strength and the ability to win the ball in the tackle. That's what counts. I can see him as a future England captain.
As long as he can secure the ball at line-outs, prevent the opposition winning easy ball when it's their throw, can use his presence at the break-down and can avoid giving away stupid penalties in either half, then he's doing exactly what he should do.
And second-row is a very good position from which to captain the side, because you're in the heat of the battle for all eighty minutes.
At least, that's what Gavin Williamson told me anyway.
Rashford should have been nowhere near that Euros squad. Had been injured and/or shite for the entire season, and took now penalty like someone who had barely locked a ball all season.
Picked because of who he plays for, and fits Southgate's preferred personality profile for the squad.
Agree 100% with the first part. First sentence of the second part is utter tosh.
Re the second part - I got caught out with the same assumption. When I found out he had scored 21 goals I was really surprised and even more so that he was involved in 57 club games. Shit pen or not - he had the bollocks to take one. Thing with him is, he doesn’t really fit in to the England squad - there are too many better options.
Rashford should have been nowhere near that Euros squad. Had been injured and/or shite for the entire season, and took now penalty like someone who had barely locked a ball all season.
Picked because of who he plays for, and fits Southgate's preferred personality profile for the squad.
Personally, I would say Rashford is behind the following players in the pecking order; Sterling, Sancho, Grealish, Foden & Saka. Won’t be long until Greenwood is ahead of him.
I don't blame Rashford for missing a pen for one minute, ditto Saka and Sancho. I just ask the question why Stering didn't step up, seeing as he's "world class", and why Grealish wasn't chosen even though he supposedly volunteered?
Rashford should have been nowhere near that Euros squad. Had been injured and/or shite for the entire season, and took now penalty like someone who had barely locked a ball all season.
Picked because of who he plays for, and fits Southgate's preferred personality profile for the squad.
Personally, I would say Rashford is behind the following players in the pecking order; Sterling, Sancho, Grealish, Foden & Saka. Won’t be long until Greenwood is ahead of him.
Yes and all of them started before him in the Euros, bar Greenwood.
I don't get the Rashford hate, he isn't keeping someone better out of the squad, he isn't starting games. He probably won't be in another England squad this year.
I don't blame Rashford for missing a pen for one minute, ditto Saka and Sancho. I just ask the question why Stering didn't step up, seeing as he's "world class", and why Grealish wasn't chosen even though he supposedly volunteered?
Grealish has said that he did want to take one, and that all the crap about him after the game was a load of typical BS from the press.
Saw an interview with him prior to the Hungary game last week saying that was down to take the sixth penalty and one after Saka.
Rashford should have been nowhere near that Euros squad. Had been injured and/or shite for the entire season, and took now penalty like someone who had barely locked a ball all season.
Picked because of who he plays for, and fits Southgate's preferred personality profile for the squad.
Agree 100% with the first part. First sentence of the second part is utter tosh.
If Rashford had a season with the same stats and performances at a West Ham or an Everton, he doesn't make the squad.
Anyway, on to tonight. A good squad and I think a comfortable 2-0 win.
Comments
Times were, it was a ban for throwing a missile onto the field of play, no matter what it was.
I would like to officially apologise for this comment and take it back.
Lets hope its his one and only England cap
I fully expected him to score. His technique is usually superb from the spot - games like the PSG champs league match is just one example where he buries them with conviction. Occasion got to him v Italy as it did loads of players
I've always felt that if Southgate had them down as penalty takers, then he should've brought Rashford and Sancho on at least 10 minutes earlier to get them into the game.
Picked because of who he plays for, and fits Southgate's preferred personality profile for the squad.
As long as he can secure the ball at line-outs, prevent the opposition winning easy ball when it's their throw, can use his presence at the break-down and can avoid giving away stupid penalties in either half, then he's doing exactly what he should do.
And second-row is a very good position from which to captain the side, because you're in the heat of the battle for all eighty minutes.
At least, that's what Gavin Williamson told me anyway.
And whilst it’s a very early prediction to make considering his age - I absolutely expect Jude Bellingham to be a captain in time to come.
WTF where is Rashford and Sancho I can't believe so and so isn't playing.
Am I doing this right?
I don't get the Rashford hate, he isn't keeping someone better out of the squad, he isn't starting games. He probably won't be in another England squad this year.
Saw an interview with him prior to the Hungary game last week saying that was down to take the sixth penalty and one after Saka.
Anyway, on to tonight. A good squad and I think a comfortable 2-0 win.