WORLD CUP

[sussexdiamond]

if we do get out of the group whoever we play in round of 32 I would expect us to beat them as Colombia are the best team in that group.

[BartonRaz]

I don't think our group is as tough as is being made out, however I still don't think we'll get out of it. I think our hopes rest on Italy choking as they did in 2010. The opening game for us is going to be very important.

Argentina are my tip to win it - ridiculously easy group and if the likes of Messi, Aguero and Higuain bang some goals in and get some confidence they could be hard to stop. Placed my world cup bets earlier for a bit of fun:

Group with least goals: Group D - 9/2
England V Italy: Final score 0-0 - 5/1
World Cup Winner: Argentina - 4/1
21+ Goals in Group G - 11/2
World Cup winner to come from Group B - 18/5
Australia to fail to score in tournament - 7/2
Lowest scoring team: Australia - 4/1
World Cup Top Goalscorer: Sergio Aguero - 14/1
World Cup Top Goalscorer: Lionel Messi - 7/1
Belgium to reach the Semi-Finals - 7/2

[jimbobjaw]

We'll do better than the scots :lol:

Seriously though, can't see us getting out of the group. If a middle eastern bookmaker offered me a penalties defeat in the QF's, I would bite his hand off.

[RiK2006]

How much are you lumping on each of those BartonRaz? ;)

Watching all the friendly games I would suggest that Barkley, Sterling and Lallana are the only players that offer anything different and they seem to be a breath of fresh air, espeically Barkley who is a very exciting player.

I'd go with Barkley and Sterling and also Lambert, we need a striker that can finish..

[dazSRJFC]

No-one expects us to do well, so the pressure is off, so they should go out and enjoy it.
We won`t get many opportunities to score, and it`s vital that we take them in order to progress.
Defence will wilt against some of the top sides even though Cahill has come on leaps and bounds.Glen Johnson has 52 caps....let me just let that fact sit there a moment......
Looking forward to see how our younger players get on. At best, this is a staging post for them to have a proper crack at it in 4 and 8 years time. No nerves, just enjoy. Brazil or Argentina will win it.

[Trek]

Glen Johnson has 52 caps....let me just let that fact sit there a moment......

I once heard some pundit say that Phil Neal was the luckiest player in the world to get 50 international caps. I think that award has now gone to Johnson.

[The Godfather]

I've just put a crazy 14 team accumulator on. 50p returns over £1,000!

[therushden]

Glen Johnson has 52 caps....let me just let that fact sit there a moment......

I once heard some pundit say that Phil Neal was the luckiest player in the world to get 50 international caps. I think that award has now gone to Johnson.

scary. ive never seen wellbeck play well, in any match. yet he seems to be well thought of for england and man united.

[sussexdiamond]

I agree about Welbeck. He has scored a few goals but does not contribute that much.
We have 2/3 players that seem to be on Roys Love List.

If Welbeck is injured then his replacement will be the scintillating James Milner.

[sussexdiamond]

What is the point of playing another 63 games to find a winner?
Brazil must be the luckiest team ever.

Home advantage AND totally biased big decisions by the referee, they cant fail to win.

Where is the Brazil of old. They have too many average Premiership players.

Shame about the penalty decisions because the ref was actually quite good.
Will UCL refs remember to bring along their shaving cream to draw out the 10 yards line.