The Official *England's Journey to Brazil 2014* Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

"There is a forgotten, nay almost forbidden word, which means more to me than any other. That word is England."
Sir Winston Churchill

Yes, it's nearly that time. Time for England to begin their Qualifying Campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Those promising, encouraging, and brave displays witnessed during Euro 2012 will have to be built on as the long road to Brazil starts. Along the way, they will play in London, Podgorica, Kiev, Warsaw, Chisinau and Serravale. The aim is simply to top the group and make it to Brazil with a minimum of fuss.

"Ask any man what nationality he would prefer to be, and ninety nine out of a hundred will tell you that they would prefer to be Englishmen."
Cecil John Rhodes

England have been drawn in Group H with Montengro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino. I don't even need to be insanely optimistic this time round. England will top that group. Moldova and San Marino will be the whipping boys. Montengro, Ukraine and Poland will only prove a challenge in their own ground. Wembley will be deemed a fortress.

"Remember that you are an Englishman, and have consequently won first place in the lottery of life."
Cecil John Rhodes

The fixture list for those Qualifiers is the following:

Moldova v England (7th September 2012)
England v Ukraine (11th September 2012)
England v San Marino (12th October 2012)
Poland v England (16th October 2012)
San Marino v England (22nd March 2013)
Montenegro v England (26th March 2013)
England v Moldova (6th September 2013)
Ukraine v England (10th September 2013)
England v Montenegro (11th October 2013)
England v Poland (15th October 2013)

Lovely, simple, finishing with a Wembley double-header. I predict we'll get 28 out of 30 points, perhaps getting a draw in either Warsaw or Kiev.

"Follow your spirit; and upon this charge,
Cry "God for Harry! England and Saint George"."
William Shakespeare

Of course, while England's fate will be defined by those 10 games, the ever important International Friendly will hone the team against more quality opposition. The friendlies currently scheduled are:

Italy v England (15th August 2012)
Sweden v England (14th November 2012)
England v Scotland (14th August 2013)

So let's get the England train rolling, starting on Wednesday, build up momentum before landing in Brazil in nearly 2 years time. Come on England!

“The English are so filled with their own greatness and have won so many big victories that they have come to believe they cannot lose. In battle they are the most confident nation in the world."
Unknown

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Hopefully Defoe can come on at half time on the shoulders of the players and we can all wave him an emotional goodbye

[Kenny]

Does anyone know if the game is being played under ' friendly rule ' basis ie number of subs available ?

I would hope that the manager has a good idea of 80-90 % if not more of the players he would like to take to the finals , so i would like to see those on the fringes of the world cup squad given the opportunity to stake a claim on wednesday rather then just giving caps to players already on the plane .

[Duty281]

So 100 days to the World Cup, then.

The IT facilties aren't ready. Five out of twelve stadiums aren't ready. A main rail link from Culaba airport isn't ready. Nor is the airport. Anarchists are threatening to disrupt the tournament. Many deaths. Much violence. Crime rising.

Are you ready?

Because Brazil isn't.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Might do Qatar a favour - as Brazil have to host the first winter World Cup

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Wild interest tonight in the England game, forum is buzzing

#Woysoldboys #bigclubbias

[Duty281]

Expected England team for tonight, courtesy of the Times (although they may be guessing!):

Hart; Johnson, Smalling, Cahill, Cole; Henderson, Gerrard; Oxlade, Rooney, Lallana; Sturridge.

Come on England, revive the spirit of 1066! Or 2002, if you prefer.

In truth, I don't really give much of a toss for this game. I'll watch it, but I imagine I'll be perfectly bored. Whistling along to the England band at home will no doubt keep me awake.

A few goals please. Hope Oxlade does well. That's my interest.

[dyrewolfe]

So 100 days to the World Cup, then.

The IT facilties aren't ready. Five out of twelve stadiums aren't ready. A main rail link from Culaba airport isn't ready. Nor is the airport. Anarchists are threatening to disrupt the tournament. Many deaths. Much violence. Crime rising.

Are you ready?

Because Brazil isn't.

Maybe they should do a joint Ground Force / DIY SOS special. Send Alan Titchmarsh and Nick Knowles over to lend a hand?


And Ross Kemp can ride shotgun with the local police, covering the violence...


Can't say I'm particularly interested in the Denmark game and will probably give it a miss if there is anything else on worth watching. Will be happy with hearing the result on the news.

[compelling and rich]

looks like england are trying to copy liverpools success with the team tonight, only problem with that is we haven't got a certain mr suarez

most of denmarks threat has come down our right hand side, johnsen is a liability defending

[The Special Juan]

The last time Hodgson was in charge of this many Liverpool players it didn't work out too well!!

[compelling and rich]

at least we haven't got paul konchesky playing for us

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Sterling needs hooking

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I see Redderz scored and got MoTM for the U21's tonight #redderzforengland

[Guest]

Predictable. Knew the players wouldn't be able to replicate club form. Sterling looks lost, he`s playing like Walcott did for England. Sturridge doing more defending than attacking & his link up with Rooney is non-existent, as we knew already.

Denmark are terrible, yet we make them look a decent outfit. How Roy keeps his job is beyond me. I`m sure we will end up sneaking this but its hardly inspiring stuff is it?

[compelling and rich]

if this is how we play at home against weak opposition imagine how boring its going to be in brazil!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Hendo and Sterling have really not been good. Wilshere was good any time he got near Rooney

[sportform]

I just have two words to say:- 'Peter Crouch'.

Why Crouch isn't in the England squad, I don't know? He is technically good and mostly scored scrappy, six yard box goals for England. The type Gary Lineker used to. I'm sure Crouch would have been on the end of Luke Shaw's cross or Adam Lallana's.

Nothing against the likes of Sturridge and Welbeck but they are not golden boot/ poacher type strikers. Crouch is.

The fact that Crouch is not in the squad is purely down to heightism (had he been 6ft 2in he would have had plenty more caps) and that English players/ coaches aren't technical enough to have a tall player in the team without hoofing it up to him.

If England played like they have tonight with Crouch upfront he would have scored. He shown vs Portugal in the QF in the 2006 World Cup that he can lead the line at international level and he has a better scoring record than almost all current England strikers.

Roy you know it makes sense.

[Stella]

I've only seen the second half but imo, we've played ok. Creating a few chances at least, and not giving too much away.

[owen10ozzy]

The fact that this could be the first time England havent scored in 3 successive home games since 1981 tells you everything you need to know about the way we are set up to play and how predictable an outfit we are.

Two banks of 4...to large a gap between midfield & attack... = shots from range or ball out wide and whipped in with only 2/3 players in box to have a dig.

I said when he got the job that his tactics are in the dinosaur ages when it comes to international football...he may well be experienced at this level...but he is so 20 odd years ago...game has changed since then.

Anyone who says 'oh it's just a friendly....i will be sure to point you back in this direction when we play exactly the same way in Brazil and fail to get out of our group'

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I just have two words to say:- 'Peter Crouch'.

Why Crouch isn't in the England squad, I don't know? He is technically good and mostly scored scrappy, six yard box goals for England. The type Gary Lineker used to. I'm sure Crouch would have been on the end of Luke Shaw's cross or Adam Lallana's.

Nothing against the likes of Sturridge and Welbeck but they are not golden boot/ poacher type strikers. Crouch is.

The fact that Crouch is not in the squad is purely down to heightism and that English players/ coaches are technical enough to have a tall player in the team without hoofing it up to him.

If England played like they have tonight with Crouch upfront he would have scored. He should vs Portugal in the QF in the 2006 World Cup that he can lead the line and he has a better record than most of the England strikers.

Roy you know it makes sense.

You're taking the Mick surely?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

The fact that this could be the first time England havent scored in 3 successive home games since 1981 tells you everything you need to know about the way we are set up to play and how predictable an outfit we are.

Two banks of 4...to large a gap between midfield & attack... = shots from range or ball out wide and whipped in with only 2/3 players in box to have a dig.

I said when he got the job that his tactics are in the dinosaur ages when it comes to international football...he may well be experienced at this level...but he is so 20 odd years ago...game has changed since then.

Anyone who says 'oh it's just a friendly....i will be sure to point you back in this direction when we play exactly the same way in Brazil and fail to get out of our group'

Who should we have appointed then Owen?

[sportform]

You're taking the Mick surely?

No. With this squad we will probably go out of the World Cup after three 0-0's.

Also Adam Lallana has to start.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Goa! sturridge!

Good stuff from Lallana

[owen10ozzy]

Harry Redknapp ...say what you want about the man, he plays fast, expansive football and a style much better suited to where International football is heading which is quick, integrated passing on the counter attack ....see Germany..

England will never be Spain or dare I say it Italy...where we hold the ball and keep possession (can do it against small teams but not the best)..we don't have the players from front to back to do that...therefore you must play a system which is capable of beating those teams...that is fast, counter attacking football.. such as Germany.

[sportform]

England could play the Christmas three formation if they want to play three in midfield and get Rooney and Lallana on the pitch. They would probably need to go with the attacking full backs though.

Johnson--Cahill--Jagielka--Baines
--Henderson--Gerrard--Wilshere
---------Rooney--Lallana
------------Sturridge

[sportform]

Harry Redknapp ...say what you want about the man, he plays fast, expansive football and a style much better suited to where International football is heading which is quick, integrated passing on the counter attack ....see Germany...

You clearly haven't see much of the QPR bore-fest this season then.

[GSC]

You can play youth. It won't make a difference if the Manager isn't up to the job. Sturridge, Sterling an Gerrard central in a free flowing Liverpool, Rooney carrying United. And we make it a tough slog vs Denmark.

Can't see us getting out the group. And Roy has to go when we don't. On the evidence of 2 years he isn't taking this team anywhere

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Harry Redknapp ...say what you want about the man, he plays fast, expansive football and a style much better suited to where International football is heading which is quick, integrated passing on the counter attack ....see Germany..

England will never be Spain or dare I say it Italy...where we hold the ball and keep possession (can do it against small teams but not the best)..we don't have the players from front to back to do that...therefore you must play a system which is capable of beating those teams...that is fast, counter attacking football.. such as Germany.

Ah old 'arry, what sterling work he's doing at QPR BTW..........

[GSC]

What about Harry Redknapps career post England rejection makes you think he'd be any better. We need a younger modern manager

[Stella]

Moyes?   

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

What about Harry Redknapps career post England rejection makes you think he'd be any better. We need a younger modern manager

Pretty much nail on the head, although I think our talent levels restrict us as well. Do we have a world class player?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

HAHAHAH HARRY?! Do me a favour!

[GSC]

We'd do well to get someone in the mold of Martinez

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

#hughtonforengland

[sportform]

My current World Cup starting XI prediction:-
1. Hart
2. Johnson
3. Cole
4. Gerrard
5. Jagielka
6. Cahill
7. Lallana
8. Henderson
9. Sturridge
10. Rooney
11. Sterling

[owen10ozzy]

What sterling work Roy did at Liverpool...whats your point?

The Championship is probably one of, if not the toughest division to get out of in World football! Even with a big budget you aren't guaranteed anything. I would be confident that even the likes of Mourinho and Ferguson would find managing in the division an altogether different prospect to life in the Premier League!!

...anyone who genuinely sits here and says the way England play under Roy can lead us to winning a World Cup or is up to date enough to threaten the big teams in the world are either grossly uneducated in football or completely blinded by passion.

[Stella]

TBF, Harry deserved the job at the time.

When Roy goes, who then?

[GSC]

Roy sure as hell isn't the answer. Good old Arry ain't either

[sportform]

The highest placed English manager in the Premier League is Tim Sherwood. Next best is Alan Pardew  

[GSC]

Tbh I think it's time we forget past sins and bring back Hoddle

[GSC]

It's a shame Keanes working for ROI. Him ripping into this team would've been the best part of the night

[owen10ozzy]

I vote Adrian Chiles...just so I don't have to listen to him for as long on ITV!!

[Ent]

Surprised I was able to sit through the absolute garbage England just served up, then again I'd literally nothing else to do.

England don't have a great side and won't do well in the world cup but they have enough good players to offer up better than that limp performance.

Denmark are quite a poor side by international standards with no real stand out or quality players on display tonight and yet they could have had a couple of goals themselves with better finishing.

[sportform]

Tbh I think it's time we forget past sins and bring back Hoddle

I agree with that.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

One thing I'm pretty peeved at is that Hart played the full 90. Give one of the other lot at least some experience

[Steffan]

m happy with that result although not as much as lil ol' Wakes beating Iceland (the country not the food store)

Great result in the England game for me actually. Well done the mighty world beaters  

[sportform]

Kyle Walker should be nowhere near starting.

[Duty281]

Ah so Roy Hodgson leads England to another victory. Can't learn too much from this, obviously, but it was decent without being great, and sleep-inducing without bringing any dreams.

England lacked a lot of cohesion here, despite their plentiful supply of the ball. Sometimes a more direct approach is the best way. Don't think Roy should persist with Sturridge out wide. Disappointed that Oxlade didn't play more. Hart did well, couple of good saves. Lallana impressed coming off the bench.

I'm half-asleep here. No tempo, that was the main problem. Still should have won by three or four, but for a wonderful display from the Danish keeper.

Andy Townsend continues to embarrass himself as a commentator - I'm starting to think he's doing it on purpose. Clive, in that nasally-affected voice of his, still confuses players of *ahem* a non-white variety with others - the amount of times he would say "Sturridge" when Sterling was on the ball, or maybe Welbeck for instance - that's just as embarrassing.

Now Roy is the answer, but I'm beginning to think that we may all miss the World Cup win because we'll be asleep. Or watching Time Team.

Oh I'm rambling - well done England. You'll get it right next June, of that I'm sure.

[Stella]

I was hoping Dixon was referring to Des Walker?

[Ent]

Kyle Walker should be nowhere near starting.

Johnson was dreadful tonight.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Harry Frak Redknapp. The Sun have won, if you say something enough times people start to think its true.

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