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I think this year's winner will be a nation that hasn't won it before............. the Czech Republic could be dark horses. Outlandish call, I know.

If the winner isn't going to subscribe to that criterion, well, despite recent poor form, why not Italy?: hard to beat (NOBODY will beat them 2-0, and if they do go out, it will be usual script of extra time or botched penalties), and two strikers doing well in their domestic league where it is notoriously difficult to score. France are also right up there despite their presence being muffled by Brazil/ Argentina/ England hype.

Brazil? Obvious choice, but a leaky, attack-minded defence could haemorrage goals. Two genius strikers, though- but with going into the biggest footballing melting pot on the planet, we don't know if Ronaldo's fitness will hold out, likewise for Adriano's temperament.

The Argies: gifted, fleet-footed, tons of flair and hard as f*ck- but Riquelme and Messi are their shaky lynchpins. Riquelme, though sublime, hasn't responded well to the big stage as yet- he was ditched by Barca nad was poor against Arsenal in the CL SF lately- and Messi has been painted by the tainted, oft-used Argentinian 'the next Maradona' brush, which may be too much for the young lad, allied to recent injury woes.

England- as a Scot, hope not! Despite players who would easily walk into this generation's world XI (Gerrard, Rooney, Terry) their striking options could hamper them. Sure Crouch could have the tournament of his life, Walcott could be the ?60m man after the finals- but it's all up in the air. If there are no sure-fire means of goals, not only will Argentina and Brazil win, but France, Italy, Spain and the Czechs will fancy their chances against England. You'll beat the Dutch.

Who cares? As a neutral (!wink!), I just want to be entertained.......

...........and Christ, I think I will get my wish. Come on Sweden, give me one last dance my dear Henrik.............

Didn't mention France, or Czech Rep cos there's no way we can play these teams until the final. I wasn't talking contenders, only teams England may have to beat on the way to the final.

France will have to beat the Czech Republic & probably Argentina to get to another final with Brazil. I predicted France winning it in 1998 but not this year.

If they get through to the semi's and lose, they could be playing England in the 3rd place play offs!

SamSlater

Which ever way you look at it..football is the number 1 world sport.On their day this England team have the players to bring it home...they will need their luck but if they do win it it would be great for the country and what a fuckin' party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!One thing us Brits do is celebrate!!

Well as a Scotsman I feel I can offer a totally neutral point of view of England's chances (which seems sadly missing on this forum).

... Erm My findings are below:

I can say after much thought and consideration I would like to point out that I hope that Beckham's next shite is a hedgehog and that Sven does not have one more tactical blunder up his sleeve as the English press might have to admit that they maybe weren't good enough to see the job through.

Can somebody please explain to me why on supposed "National News" viewers from Ireland, Wales and Scotland are subjected to "wall to wall" coverage of England's Cricketers and all things Peter Crouch/Theo Walcott etc, ... don't you guys have local news?? (which is where this trivial shit belongs)

... Come on Paraguay ... T+T ... and Sweden - do us proud!!

and to think I cheered on Scotland & Ireland during USA 94!!

I agree with you about the TV though. I can't understand why english sport has to be shoved down welsh/scottish/irish throats. A lots been said about the english on these forums but I can assure everyone that most english people I know -regardless of class- felt gutted when Scotland/Ireland got knocked out of the 'world cups' they've been in.

I can understand 'rivalry', but I don't understand the 'spite'....

!confused!

Hi Sam, I have to say that your response is pretty typical of what might be expected ... ie might be miscrued as pretty patronising with regard to shouting on Scotland and Ireland ... especially when the Ireland that you refer to were the Republic of Ireland in 1994 - to the best of my knowledge not a part of Britain!!
... plus Scotland never qualified for those finals either!! (along with England)
are you confusing that year??

Hi crofter,

Yes, I forgot to add 98 alongside 94, sorry.

As for shouting on Scotland etc. Why would it be seen as patronising? It may be hard to believe but englishmen really do want Wales/Scotland/N. Ireland to do well in compatitions (maybe another englishman can give their views?). Of course -being english- they'd prefer England to do 'better' than other British teams, but if England get knocked out or didn't qualify then I'm sure 90% of the country would turn their support to whichever British team was still in with a chance.

I included Ireland as a team 'I cheered on', I never said they were British in my post. I only referred to Ireland because of the history of close ties we have with that country. Lets remember there's nearly as many irishmen living/working in the UK as in Ireland. Probably half of english families have someone of irish descent within the family, and 90% of the Irish squad live/play football in England! (married to english women, having kids born/being educated in England, having wages paid by engilsh fans through the turnstiles every week, becoming millionaires in the proccess.)

So why can't I 'cheer on' Scotland/Ireland if England have been knocked out, or haven't qualified, without being patronising? Because I happen to have been born in England, to english parents? How do you know I don't have Scottish/Irish descendants myself even?

Not 'having a go', like I said before, 'it's the spite I don't understand'. Maybe you can explain?

!drink!

Sam Slater wrote:

>>

Sam,

I'll second that emotion. It always puzzles me that, while Englishmen will happily cheer on Scotland (and either of the Irelands) in World Cups when England fail to qualify, the Scots (and to a lesser extent the Taffs and the Irish) will always cheer on England's opponents - whoever they may be. And it isn't just friendly rivalry either - there's real spite and malice in there.

All I can think of is that it's all down to historical injustices (real or perceived) perpetrated centuries ago by the likes of Edward I and during the Jacobite Rebellions.

Crofter - you're right about the "wall to wall" coverage of English sport (I absolutely detest cricket as well) but let's remember that if it was Scotland who'd qualified for the World Cup instead of England, the "national news" would doubtless have "blanket coverage" of all things Scottish and would be rallying behind the Scottish team. It's always been that way.