ENGLAND TO WIN THE WORLD CUP

[the ringmaster]

Right who's with me and thinking the unthinkable that England might actually repeat that heinous act of 66 and win the world cup , I know its a horrible thought but cant help but think that they might just do it if the boy ROONEY stays injury free . Well at least if they do it we will spared the constant 66 references and a new generation will feel our pain
Are we all going to be supporting our neigbours from across the border in there glorious quest ?

[Govangirl]

Honestly? I really don't think they have a chance in Hell! But you've raised a really important question when you ask if we should be supporting them. I just can not in exactly the same way as I can't support any other team but I feel I should be supportive. I also work with a large group of kids that desperately want their national team to win and I don't want them to be disappointed. I'm really interested in what people think!

[shipyard blues]

I`m sorry to say england have no chance of winning the world cup.The team consists of 11 players not just one (Rooney).
They are struggling big time in the goalkeeping department,and only one decent midfield player in Lampard,Gerrard doesnt give the same comittment to england than he does for liverpool.
So here`s hoping it goes to penalties again and they go out on theyre ar**.and the tory rag "the sun" builds them right up,then when it goes wrong again swipes the legs from them.Bring it on.
Get your money on Spain

[Sheik Yir Erse]

Interesting point Ringmaster, whilst I do believe they have a decent chance of progressing to the semis with the draw they got, I can't remember a team ever winning a Major Tournament without a decent keeper:

Did a wee bit of research (to save everyone the bother):

EC 2008: Casillas v Lehmann
WC 2006: Buffon v Barthez
EC 2004: Nicopilidis v Ricardo
WC 2002: Marcos v Kahn
EC 2000: Barthez v Toldo
WC 1998: Barthez v Tafarel
EC 1996: Kopke v Kouba
WC 1994:Tafarel v Pagliuca
EC 1992: Schmeichel v Illgner
WC 1990: Illgner v Goycochea
EC 1988: Van Breukelen v Dasayev
WC 1986: Pumpido v Schumacher

The losing keepers is quite a list, never mind the winning ones! (if you accept the anomaly which was Greece in 2004!) I simply can't see David James or Paul Robinson being quoted alongside those illustrious names.

Will I be supporng them? No, but only for the same reason I won't be supporting Germany i.e. I don't have any allegiance to them, and I don't particularly like their brand of football. Nothing any more sinister than that. M'on the Spain

[bill]

NO,NEVER HAVE,NEVER WILL

CHANCES OF WINNING...NIL.

[Rabmacd]

Ringmaster,

I agree with you. I think that the introduction of Capello has made a vast difference to the England team. They will go a long way, cos they have good players and a guy that knows how to manage them.

Sheik, the goalkeeper thing means a lot at that level, but not crucial, as all good defences should stop the ball getting to them. The case in point, Tafarel. I was in Paris when John Collins slotted one past him. And Brazil got to the final. They won it four years before, when Franco and Roberto, couldn't even make him force a save.

My wife being half German, making my kids quarter German, I know who I will be supporting, though

Uber Alles

[Govangirl]

Saw the Master on the news today - just watch his face after he reassures 'the nation' - classic!

http://www.itv.com/news/rooney-out-for-3-weeks56412/

[Ninja Mania]

Im a Scot, but I can honestly say and mean it from the bottom of my heart, I want England to win.
The only problem is, I want them to win ................fock all.
Sorry I really tried hard to write it and mean it, but I could'nt manage to do it.

[Govangirl]

Saw this advert today:

http://www.toshiba.co.uk/england/tvs.php

Sorry but I think Toshiba know their money is safe!!!!!

[bill]

Just seen the advert for Currys where they are offering £10 cash back on every goal England score in the World Cup,on any item over £599.I hope in Scotland and Corby stores they will be offering £10 on every goal England concede.

[Govangirl]

I hope in Scotland and Corby stores they will be offering £10 on every goal England concede.

Now that's an idea!

[bill]

THE YANKS ARE COMING.

THEY DID IT BEFORE,29 June 1950,AND THEY CAN DO IT AGAIN

[WC1]

I noticed today that the prefects have hung a large Stars and Stripes in their corner of the canteen. What can this signify?!

[bill]

I noticed today that the prefects have hung a large Stars and Stripes in their corner of the canteen. What can this signify?!

If your senior pupils are as clever as they should be then there will be an Algerian and Slovenian flag to follow.

[Govangirl]

Erm . . . I hope they're going to play better than that in the final?