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Posted by: Mack. Jul 5 2018, 08:56 AM

It is a repeat of their 2006 group stage fixture between Sweden v England in this quarter-final. The third match of the quarter-final.

After our first penalty shoot-out win in a World Cup, first in 22 years. First that I can remember as I was only 2 when we won against Spain. It was probably the first time since 2006 that we've celebrated at a major tournament.

The game is live on BBC1. Please use this thread for speculation, pre and post match chat on the England game.


How do you see this going for England?

Posted by: Mack. Jul 5 2018, 09:54 AM

Head 2 Head (The last 10 meetings of Sweden vs England)

Posted by: Dobbo Jul 5 2018, 10:07 AM

We really do have a lousy record against the Swedes, even that victory in Euro 2012 was fortuitous as we had to come from behind. That said I hope the penalty win will spur the players on to play much better in regulation time & not get complacent at the end!

But this is England so I sense another slugfest, might nick it in ET but I won't hold my breath.

Posted by: The Snake Jul 5 2018, 10:17 AM

England will probably be able to have most of the possession, like Switzerland did against the rather negative Swedes.

Posted by: awardinary Jul 5 2018, 10:48 AM

Can I just share this iconic song in preparation for our games against the Swedes!

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 5 2018, 10:53 AM

8-2 to Sweden

Posted by: dandy* Jul 5 2018, 11:13 AM

I find it amusing that I’m getting Ikea adverts on this page.

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jul 5 2018, 12:55 PM

I think this will be a close match but England will win. Quite gutted that I wont be able to watch this live but I'll catch the highlights later on.

Posted by: Rooney Jul 5 2018, 11:06 PM

England have far more quality that Sweden, it's just whether we can convert that quality in to a win. Can see a tight game.. probably decided by a set piece again.

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 6 2018, 05:07 PM

If England do the 500-1 impossible and win, in 2022 would the eorld cup only be in England? As without a United Kingdom team, they cannot use Scottish and Welsh stadiums etc. Hardly any England stadiums have the infrastructure for a world cup!

Posted by: Dobbo Jul 6 2018, 05:13 PM

Na the venue has already been decided for 2022 - a country rich of football history no less, Qatar!

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 6 2018, 10:15 PM

Not forgetting the next World Cup 2022 will commence in the middle of November instead of June/July. Can't wait to see how the other league / European games in that year, will be panned out

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 6 2018, 10:18 PM

On a different note, I think England could win 2-1 in 90 minutes, plus Sweden struggled in their last match, and it was such a chore to watch, I can't see this be any different for Sweden.

Posted by: Oliver Jul 6 2018, 10:21 PM

If Russia can host with their stadiums then we should definitely be able to?

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jul 6 2018, 10:50 PM

Leaving aside the fact that the hosts for the next two World Cups have already been decided, England is one of the few countries that could hold the tournament with almost no notice.

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jul 6 2018, 10:58 PM

I'd guess that the club football season will finish in June 2023 instead of May like it usually does. There will probably be a month long break from all of the leagues around the World.

Posted by: Rooney Jul 6 2018, 11:37 PM

Going to be a strange one - you'd imagine they would scrap the international break in September.. not quite sure how it's going to work at all. Going to be totally bizzare.. still can't actually believe it's happening.

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 11:16 AM

England JUST scraped past Colombia and they were missing their best player!!

Engoand is comin home ... tomorra on an Easyjet flight, maybe ryanair if the donors are all in a mood

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 11:32 AM

It will be quite a bit of a reshuffle, you also got the Champions and Europa League, mind you they usually take a break around Dec/Jan. And the UEFA Nations League starting up later this year (I don't know if this is happening every year or every 3 years or something its new to me), and bearing in mind the UEFA qualifications (Euros: 2024) is usually running around that time of the year, my guess they will be running more frequently later the following year. Its going to be crazy.

Posted by: Severin Jul 7 2018, 11:43 AM

Stadia wise we have more than most countries, Wembley, Etihad, Anfield, Emirates, Stadium of Light, St James' Park, Olympic Stadium, all have a capacity over 40,000 and then there would be probable expansions to lower capacity stadia like Elland Road, Villa Park, Hillsborough.

England would have no trouble hosting it, that's why they keep bidding for it.

Additionally Euro 96 was in England and was well received. The stadiums are even bigger now than then.


As for today's game - a tight, cagey one with a low scoreline again. I can see Sweden happy to let us play the ball around midfield all day, with a stubborn back line. Probably mosr threats will be from set pieces for both sides. If England can actually use their creative players well it might be more interesting.
England have the better players but Sweden just might be the better team. We'll see

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 11:53 AM

And the hotels etc for the people who come with the world cup? Sunderland might have a big stadium of light but does NOT have the infrastructure. Only Manchester, London, Newcastle, Liverpool and Birmingham can handle the volume.

Posted by: Rooney Jul 7 2018, 12:08 PM

We would be absolutely fine holding a World Cup, there are plenty of hotels across the country and excellent transport links. Of course extra infastructure would likely need to be built, but that is the same for just about every World Cup. I mean we are going to have a World Cup in the USA AGAIN and while they have plenty of stadiums, literally all of their big ones are an absolute pain to get to and not serviced by public transport at all.

All out big stadiums are pretty central or serviced by public transport. The beauty with England is your could stay in London and be up north in 2 hours by train so hotels aren't really an issue as it's pretty easy to get around the country.

Posted by: Iz Jul 7 2018, 12:20 PM

The 2026 WC will have fans travelling across half a continent if they want to go to more than one game. Hosting it in England, with all the stadia and a relatively advanced network would be possibly the breeziest and easy hosting there is for all concerned. I honestly think a real effort should be made to get 2030 there.

Anyway, I'm all ready for a fun game and win, I'll get more hyped, lose, as long as we go down respectably, it'll be okay.

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 12:40 PM

2 hours to Newcastle or Sunderland by train?! No. Manchester 2.5.

Posted by: mdh Jul 7 2018, 12:44 PM

By the time there's next a vacant World Cup that we could host, HS2 would be finished - so cross country transport would be considerably faster

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 12:45 PM

Anyho... back on today's game, I don't think we lose against Sweden, both teams are evenly matched, most of the Swedish players play in the Premier League, worst case scenario it could lead to extra time and penalties, I'm sticking with my prediction of 2-1 to England in 90 minutes.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 12:55 PM

I think the reason behind this was the extension of the groups, as there only be 3 countries to a group if I remember rightly from the next WC competition. And if smaller nations want to compete in hosting, they have to club together to host them, it seems thats how I'm reading it and the reasoning of USA, Canada and Mexico hosting it. I may be wrong of thinking that way, as I prefer just one country hosting it.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 12:57 PM

I'm thinking yes a 2-1 win to England.

Posted by: Oliver Jul 7 2018, 01:05 PM

I also think it’ll be 2-1 to England

Posted by: The Snake Jul 7 2018, 01:08 PM

I was about to suggest Britain and Ireland putting in a joint bid to host, but then I remembered that would mean too many host nations.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 01:16 PM

England remain unchanged.

Posted by: Rooney Jul 7 2018, 01:25 PM

Bit surprised at that to be honest, thought he might have swapped Dele out.

Posted by: Brett-Butler Jul 7 2018, 01:37 PM

A Republic of Ireland/Scotland joint bid was submitted for Euro 2008, but wasn't selected. I imagine 3 nations would be the absolute maximum that they would consider.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 01:45 PM

I want a Gareth Southgate waistcoat, but they seem to be out of stock has everyone gone mad and purchased one

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 02:09 PM

It will be 2030 by the time England would post a World Cup.

Please can we talk about the match. The waistcoats were sold out in my local M&S.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 02:11 PM

So far, England look nervy.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jul 7 2018, 02:19 PM

So close for England there. A few more opportunities like that please.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 02:20 PM

First half chance and Kane goes wide.

Posted by: Oliver Jul 7 2018, 02:25 PM

Sterling is an incredibly blinkered and selfish player sometimes, that’s two times in quick succession he’s kept the ball FAR beyond what was necessary and failed to pass to teammates who are screaming.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 02:30 PM

Maguire!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jul 7 2018, 02:31 PM

1-0 England! Kings of set pieces

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 02:31 PM

Well done McGuire long time coming for him

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jul 7 2018, 02:39 PM

There are some leagues still going on at the moment. Obviously all the major leagues will have to have a break and some Champions League dates changed.

Posted by: Brett-Butler Jul 7 2018, 02:40 PM

One step closer to getting an additional bank holiday.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 02:44 PM

Should have put that away

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 02:45 PM

FFS.. sterling get that ball in

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 02:45 PM

Dearie me Sterling.

Posted by: Oliver Jul 7 2018, 02:46 PM

He’s atrocious sometimes, honestly!

Posted by: Iz Jul 7 2018, 02:47 PM

England are all over this Sweden side. If Stirling was a bit better at finishing I’d feel very safe but hopefully they’ll just remain focused for the second half and put it all away.

Posted by: Red Blooded Man Jul 7 2018, 02:48 PM

The first one I couldn't really blame Sterling since it's offside anyway...

But the second one... I thought Harry Kane should've been there...

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 02:51 PM

I can't believe it though, they are 1 game away from the final, just hope they don't lose it in the final minutes of the game. I would prefer to play Russia though in the semis

Posted by: Rooney Jul 7 2018, 02:51 PM

Sterling is fine, he's been by far our best attacking player. He's making the right runs and Sweden fear his pace as they drop off all the time. The first one where he was offside he should have done better, but that 2nd one was a great move by the keeper. That's what you would want your keeper to do in that situation. Just a shame he tried to take it round the keeper.

Posted by: The Snake Jul 7 2018, 02:55 PM

Sweden have been pretty much awful and if they don't get better in the second half, I can see England getting a few more goals.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 03:07 PM

What a save from Pickford. Don't mess up England.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 03:15 PM

Yessss

Posted by: Brett-Butler Jul 7 2018, 03:15 PM

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 03:17 PM

I think maybe I can take back what I said about England being overrated.

Posted by: WhoOdyssey Jul 7 2018, 03:18 PM

What a fantastic save!

Posted by: Envoirment Jul 7 2018, 03:19 PM

Can't believe England are looking likely to get into the semis *_* Come on England!

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 03:20 PM

Really?? :S

The referees will be so biased vs England in a Russia match!!

Posted by: Jade Jul 7 2018, 03:21 PM

So impressed with Pickford's saves today! *.* As well as the goals of course, I'm glad that my dad and brother are at the formula 1 today because they would be going absolutely mental and I can't deal with a headache on top of being ill already C'MON ENGLAND!!!

Posted by: WhoOdyssey Jul 7 2018, 03:22 PM

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 03:25 PM

Huh

I guess this might be an England v France finale

France will win, but comin 2nd after yeaara of crap results will be a massive accomplishment

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 03:28 PM

That's if Russia win.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 03:28 PM

Man of the match: Pickford

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 03:37 PM

Last 10 minutes, I'm not tempting fate yet.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 03:44 PM

Where has Kane been in this match?

Posted by: Crazy Chris Jul 7 2018, 03:46 PM

I'm going for an England- Belgium final with Belgium beating us.

Posted by: Dexton Jul 7 2018, 03:50 PM

https://twitter.com/RossKemp/status/1015616870744027137

Posted by: Brett-Butler Jul 7 2018, 03:50 PM

The commentator just mentioned "A New England".

Any excuse...

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jul 7 2018, 03:52 PM

If England beat Russia then it's probably best to steer clear of the Salisbury area for a little while.

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jul 7 2018, 03:53 PM

I'm sure even William Bloke won't mind you posting that version.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 03:53 PM

First time in my lifetime, that England will play in a World Cup semi-final.

Posted by: Brett-Butler Jul 7 2018, 03:54 PM

*tinfoil hat on*

When I first heard about the latest poisoning, I actually thought that it was a Russian plot to destabilise the English team ahead of their game, or at the very least cause England to pull out of the tournament on principle.

*tinfoil hat off*

Posted by: Jade Jul 7 2018, 03:54 PM

This feels so unreal *.* amazing for us to be in the semi-finals of the World Cup after so long (first time in my lifetime ) and with a clean sheet for this match at that.

Bravo England.

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jul 7 2018, 03:56 PM

OK, someone has to say this. The last time England reached a World Cup semi-final, the woman PM was gone within less than six months

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 03:57 PM

Gettin rid of the old, famous players has done wonders

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 03:57 PM

Yes please!!!

Posted by: Dexton Jul 7 2018, 04:03 PM

Posted by: Iz Jul 7 2018, 04:03 PM

Pickford you beauty!

What a game, I'm so proud of England. Now, we can just go get ourselves into the final, maybe. Either way, what a campaign.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 04:04 PM

Well done England, they were in the easiest draw, we didn't play Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Spain and Portugal, losing them early was perfect for us.

Remind me to throw my beer in the semis when we score

Posted by: Chez Wombat Jul 7 2018, 04:04 PM

Really impressive play from us today, put pressure when we needed to and created more chances and effectively dominated that match and Pickford was ofc. just perfect. The winning team tonight should definitely give us more of a problem, but if we stick like this, we've certainly got a chance of losing to France or Belgium getting to the final! *.

Posted by: Red Blooded Man Jul 7 2018, 04:05 PM

I remember one of the members here who said that he didn't rate Pickford at all.

Posted by: sm1ffj Jul 7 2018, 04:07 PM

The UK Chart last time England played in the Semi Final, 4th July 1990

http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19900701/7501/

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 04:07 PM

Outstanding performance from Pickford there. An comfortable performance from England.

Posted by: The Snake Jul 7 2018, 04:12 PM

Well done to England, but England mustn't get carried away with themselves: Sweden played pretty poorly, and the next match will be harder, whether against a fast paced Croatia or a Russia with home advantage.

Posted by: WhoOdyssey Jul 7 2018, 04:14 PM

I think the final will be France vs England, with England winning!

Posted by: mdh Jul 7 2018, 04:16 PM

Another wrong prediction

Posted by: Rooney Jul 7 2018, 04:17 PM

Sweden were absolute garbage, England were very good in patches and average in others.

I think what is exciting is this is just the beginning for this England team. If we qualify for Euro 2020 then while the makeup of the squad will stay the same, I think there are better players coming through who are either injured right now or just missed out. First time in my lifetime we have reached the semi-finals, win or lose it's an amazing achievement.

Henderson was man of the match for me. Pickford made some crucial saves, but the majority were ones you would expect your keeper to make. Thought some of his kicking was horrendous.

Posted by: T Boy Jul 7 2018, 04:18 PM

I honestly think England could win it, and the way they’ve been playing, as an actual team, they would deserve to.

It’ll be a little annoying this week working in a school on the border of England and Wales being the Welsh teacher. Despite the fact I’ve made it clear that I have no objections to England doing well in the tournemant, the kids will still try to chant all sorts at me because I represent their ‘enemy’ which isn’t great since I’m holding an Eisteddfod this week but I’ll just have to grin a bear it.

I fully support Gareth Southgate getting England to win the World Cup, after all the grief he got 22 years ago.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 04:22 PM

We could meet Belgium again, if we beat Russia or Croatia, I think most likely it will be Croatia.

Posted by: Klumzee Jul 7 2018, 04:26 PM

Quite incredible that we've made it to the semi finals - would've have laughed off anyone who predicted that at the beginning of this tournament! I've been quite the pessimist so far - I predicted Colombia would defeat us but our performance today along with a bit of penalty luck against Colombia has changed my mind! Think we've got a better chance than ever to reach the final. Russia and Croatia are both teams we could beat even if both are stronger than Sweden. The team did seem stronger than ever today and Pickford and Lingard were both fantastic and Sterling looked very dangerous even if he didn't finish off his chances!

#itscominghome

Posted by: LewisGT Jul 7 2018, 04:28 PM

I can't believe we're in a World Cup semi-finals. This is the only time since I've been alive that we've had an England squad worth cheering about.

I was sceptical about Southgate originally but he's done an amazing job to create such a harmonious squad and it's paying dividends.

Posted by: King Rollo Jul 7 2018, 04:44 PM

What a fantastic performance by the whole England team. They have a genuine chance of reaching a World Cup final which is something I never thought I would see. I was only one year old in 1966 so I remember nothing about the last one.

Don't forget Gareth Southgate only got the job because of a newspaper sting on Sam Allardyce. It's funny how events conspire to lead to an outcome. The easier half of the draw,no injuries (except Alli for one match) and no suspensions have all led to this situation as well.

Posted by: Doctor Blind Jul 7 2018, 04:53 PM

Good job he didn't!

A pretty good game to watch, though as others have pointed out Sweden weren't exactly great and apart from a few chances never really looked like scoring. We have a really strong chance at getting to the final for the first time in almost 3 decades but I don't want to jinx it. Whatever happens from now on, this performance at the WC will go down in history and that is something that the team fully deserve all the credit and support they are receiving, credit due also to Pickford who many were quick to write-off earlier in the tournament - he's certainly silenced the critics and earned his place in the squad.

Sterling was the only disappointment for me, he really should have scored on more than one occasion. Hopefully he is saving it as Lineker suggested for a critical moment later on.

Also - England are GUARANTEED* two more games whatever happens so hopefully Kane has a good shout for the golden boot! : )

*Third place playoff game on 14 July if they lose the semi-final.

Posted by: Queef of Skreech Jul 7 2018, 04:57 PM

I will be right when it counts!!

England v France final, France winning. Mark my words!

Posted by: T Boy Jul 7 2018, 05:05 PM

England winning would now make my year.

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jul 7 2018, 05:13 PM

I said after the first two group games that, perhaps for the only time, we should be thankful to the Telegraph. Under Lllardyce we would have had to sit through a scrappy
0-0 against Tunisia followed by a 1-0 win over Panama with the goal coming in the last ten minutes.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 7 2018, 05:23 PM

I just hope win or lose Gareth Southgate does not leave after this World Cup, we seem to be above the rest at the moment and the whole team seem to be comfortable under Gareth as a manager, but we haven't played any of the big countries like Germany etc etc, as they were in the other draw, we haven't really been tested apart from Belgium. It seems we just had a easy route to the final and avoided all the big hitters I suppose. You just have to give them credit when due.

Posted by: Severin Jul 7 2018, 05:49 PM

You can say all you like that we haven't played any of the big teams but Belgium are a big team right now and although both sides didn't play their strongest 11 it was reasonably even for long stretches.
Additionally all the so-called big nations in this tournament have been shadows of past sides. Germany have the players but didn't perform, Brazil are nothing compared to those sides of the 70s-90s, Spain are clearly in decline, Argentina and Portugal are on the way down too and too reliant on certain gifted individuals. France are certainly capable but seem to be struggling. Frankly, the Czech Republic or Croatia side of the late 90s would've beaten most of them.

England have dealt well with everything in front of them and made Sweden look bad, not the other way around.

Also, all those people saying how they weren't alive last time England made the WC semis - stop making me feel old!! And enjoy it while you can - that '30 years of hurt line' is there for a reason

Posted by: ML Hammer95 Jul 7 2018, 05:50 PM

Going back to the first page, I imagine an England hosted World Cup would look something like this...

Two stadiums in London (Wembley and one other)
Manchester (probably Old Trafford)
Liverpool
Birmingham
Newcastle
Leeds
Sheffield
Nottingham
Bristol
Sunderland
and one Southern stadium (e.g. Southampton or Brighton or Plymouth)

Good spread of big cities able to handle loads of World Cup fans, a mix of big stadiums and more compact ones (not every game needs a 60k venue) and spread across most of the country. In 2030, cities such as Cardiff, Glasgow and Edinburgh would probably be added too.


Today, a more comfortable match than the Colombia one and one England deserved to win... bring on Wednesday!!

Posted by: Doctor Blind Jul 7 2018, 05:53 PM

Yes, that's true - imagine now waiting until 2046 for another shot at a World Cup semi-final.

If there is still a habitable planet by then of course.

Posted by: Severin Jul 7 2018, 06:07 PM

I suspect in 1966 a fair few people thought the 2046 World Cup would be played on the Moon

Posted by: Bré Jul 7 2018, 07:05 PM

Really never thought I'd see the day England makes a semi-final again (am another one who wasn't alive the last time it happened ) This was a refreshingly 'comfortable' match as well after the tension against Colombia as well. Jordan Pickford is a god. x

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2018, 07:17 PM

Wednesday 's match could quite easily peak at over 25 million viewers. The biggest England game for 22 years.

Gareth Southgate man what a job he has done.

Posted by: Dobbo Jul 8 2018, 02:03 AM

Brilliant performance today, looked totally in control throughout. Sterling is absolutely f***ING w*** (surprise surprise) but aside from that the team bossed it.

Pickford was absolutely magnificent.

Posted by: Rooney Jul 8 2018, 08:40 AM

Unpopular opinion but I thought Sterling was our best attacking player. Reminded me a lot of Bobby Firmino at times, creating lots of space and making the right runs. His finishing has always been suspect, was only really the one where he was offside that he should have done better.

Posted by: Steve201 Jul 8 2018, 09:48 AM

World inMotion was no1 in June then?

Posted by: Steve201 Jul 8 2018, 09:53 AM

Thing about Southgate that I like is that he's not part of the cool gang that's always been popular like becks/Gerrard/Rio which is why I like him!

Posted by: Steve201 Jul 8 2018, 10:00 AM

I will miss after the World Cup when it's just back to me Mack Rooney Houdini dobbo etc in here talking about football.

Posted by: Rooney Jul 8 2018, 10:32 AM

Glory supporters

It's different when it's the national team though, like I feel nowhere near the same levels of emotional attachment to England as I do to my club team. If we win, great - if we don't then while it's annoying for a while, you get over it quickly. A defeat for Liverpool and it leaves a bitter, lingering taste for a while.

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jul 8 2018, 10:43 AM

I feel the same. The people who don't normally post in the Sports forum have really contributed well here over the last few weeks and I will miss them being here.

Posted by: Dobbo Jul 8 2018, 10:43 AM

Making the right runs is all well as good but when he's contributing literally nothing else it becomes a concern. As soon as he comes within sight of goal he turns into a complete donkey & his brain goes into meltdown (reminds me in a way of Gabby Agbonlahor ) - I just know that at some point in the next game he'll miss another sitter & this time it'll cost us. And I would bet a lot of money of him screwing up a penalty.

He had a brilliant season for City of course but when 95% of your goals are set up with a support cast consisting of De Bruyne, Silva, Sane, Aguero etc. it's not that spectacular.



Thing is I completely felt the same way up until this World Cup! I have go SO into the matches this time round (more than any with United game I care to remember) - if we actually win the whole thing I would happier about that than at any point supporting United.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jul 8 2018, 10:50 AM

I'm sure I've said this before but the thing is that the World Cup is all done and dusted in less than two months which is enough to maintain my attention span, whilst the local league takes a full year to get any form of result, so I don't pay much attention until the final weeks. Plus, having your local team in the Championship and not looking to go anywhere else any time soon isn't exactly enthralling.

Posted by: Doctor Blind Jul 8 2018, 11:11 AM

You must be used to that then!

Posted by: Steve201 Jul 8 2018, 11:39 AM

That's because united have become just another side since Fergie left - a lot of my united supporting mates are the same now!

Posted by: Steve201 Jul 8 2018, 11:40 AM

Maybe it'll encourage them to come in more often, the figures for the forum over the past month have been brillant!

Posted by: Rooney Jul 8 2018, 03:26 PM

Unfortunately so, our recent final appearances have been dreadful. But part of the fun of it all is the dreaming!

Posted by: Iz Jul 8 2018, 03:29 PM

I mean, I do often pay a little more attention to the football leagues in the months following a major tournament... before forgetting about it until the league has almost concluded.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 8 2018, 04:29 PM

Indeed, the figures in recent weeks have surpassed my expectations.

Posted by: ML Hammer95 Jul 8 2018, 04:41 PM

I'm so used to West Ham losing that a defeat rarely lingers for too long... even if I'm at the match I'll just smile ruefully and enjoy the day out. Obviously there are still a few matches where I'm a nervous wreck (usually important cup games) but even the thought of relegation doesn't have much of an effect... I've seen them in the lower leagues before and the away days are often better anyway.

But with England this time, I have felt tense and emotionally invested.

Posted by: The Snake Jul 8 2018, 05:11 PM

I don't really support any Premier League teams, but I would suppose if you are supporting a Premier League team a few losses don't matter as much, as long as it isn't near the end of the season and relegation or (at the other end of the table) a Europa/Champions League place or Premier League title isn't at stake!

Whereas with knockout football like the Champions/Europa league it obviously means a lot more to lose even once.

Posted by: Rooney Jul 8 2018, 05:24 PM

Well usually as a Premier League fan you expect your team to get beat probably 4-5 teams throughout the season, to a rival it really hurts. While one loss in the grand scheme of things is not that significant, realistically you cannot afford to drop too many points throughout the season if you want to win the league.

The good thing about cup football is anyone can beat anyone so it can lead to surprising winners, whereas 99 times out of 100 the best team usually wins the league.

Posted by: LewisGT Jul 8 2018, 07:35 PM

Even as a season ticket holder at Chester, I'm so much more emotionally invested in the national team than club football.

When Chester lose I'm very emotionally at the match but I'm over it by the time I get home. To be fair it was happing twice a week last season

I think international football just feels more important, maybe due to the fact that players have more of an attachment to their countries because they represent their homeland and not like club football where players constantly move teams.

Posted by: Dobbo Jul 8 2018, 08:19 PM

Another reason for me is that the big international tournaments occur less frequently. If United lose the Champions League final, there's always next season (well, not so much these days but you get what I mean) whereas if England lose the World Cup final (or indeed any KO match) it's another four years to wait.

Posted by: Steve201 Jul 8 2018, 08:29 PM

^^Yeh that is exactly right plus as was also stated above players play because of a love for their country whereas with clubs players are playing for their own career.

It's also the case that a lot of England flags have smaller clubs on them like Chester and not Man united!

As I said to my mates when Chickarito started crying after beating Ze Germans I said he wouldn't have cried if he'd won for West Ham!

Posted by: Dobbo Jul 8 2018, 08:53 PM

And the last few England squads down the years, full of the egos most certainly cared more about their club than their country. Number of times they'd mysteriously "pull out" of friendlies or qualifiers because of an important cup tie coming up. The current crop (mostly) give me the impression they show pride & revel in wearing the shirt!

Posted by: Steve201 Jul 8 2018, 09:03 PM

They look like Lions on a mission to succeed!

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jul 8 2018, 10:36 PM

With club football it's the defeats in the early part of the season before Christmas that feel more painful because that's usually the stage when you're more full of hope for the team that you support and as Rooney said these are the things that can cost a team winning a league or even surviving relegation. Man United losing to Huddersfield was the worst defeat of the past season for me and losing to Manchester City at Old Trafford just before Christmas changed a lot of our fans (and perhaps the players as well) mentality towards the rest of the season.



I think with International football expectations are generally lower because there's only a certain amount of players that each team can call up into their side and it's all about heritage rather than how much money a team has or which competitions they're likely to play in. When it comes to the fans they can choose which club team they want to support but they cant choose which ethnicity and nationality they're from.

Posted by: Red Blooded Man Jul 9 2018, 04:44 AM

That's the impression people have been having in the last few major WC/Euro tournament, not just England but other strong teams like France, Portugal and Spain. I suspect this is also one of the reasons why those favourites were eliminated so early. The players just don't have any pride in representing their countries, their hearts weren't really into it.