[Football] The WC - I think I prefer it like this

[Simster]

The WC is just 3 days away and there are no England flags on cars, expectations are about realistic, the public has turned on The Sun after they tried to make something out of a tattoo, and the England players themselves aren't doing anything controversial. Furthermore, that nice Sussex fella is threatening to make the England team play better than he sum of it's parts. I'm even becoming convinced that concerns surrounding England fans being targeted by Russian (and other) hoolies (or indeed the other way round) are actually going to prove to be overplayed.

All in all, this WC might surprise us in a good way. I know the Russians bribed enough people to have it awarded to them, BUT at least Russia is a proper football nation. The irony is that this is the worst Russia/Soviet team in living memory. By contrast, I'm almost dreading Qatar.

 

[Lincoln Imp]

I thought this was going to be a thread about lavatories but yes, I'm pleased at the absence of faux and showey patriotism. Perhaps we've had enough of it lately.

 

[The red pepper kid]

No flags ...............yet , however if we start doing well , the feel good factor will avalanche--- at least I hope it will !, every couple of years a bit of red n white is ok
seriously though I hope now with the prima donna's gone ---( i class Rooney as the last of the money grabbing shits ) that we can just concentrate on playing football, well a man can dream

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

I thought this was going to be a thread about lavatories but yes, I'm pleased at the absence of faux and showey patriotism. Perhaps we've had enough of it lately.

I agree, and when patriotism descends into nationalism, it can be a very ugly thing indeed.

 

[AmexRuislip]

I hear that, the noise (band), which follows the England team during their matches, are performing at the Siberian deep mining concert hall.

 

[RandyWanger]

I forgot about those crap little plastic clip on flags that were on every car rolling out the estate they're terrible.

 

[MattBackHome]

The WC is just 3 days away and there are no England flags on cars, expectations are about realistic, the public has turned on The Sun after they tried to make something out of a tattoo, and the England players themselves aren't doing anything controversial. Furthermore, that nice Sussex fella is threatening to make the England team play better than he sum of it's parts. I'm even becoming convinced that concerns surrounding England fans being targeted by Russian (and other) hoolies (or indeed the other way round) are actually going to prove to be overplayed.

All in all, this WC might surprise us in a good way. I know the Russians bribed enough people to have it awarded to them, BUT at least Russia is a proper football nation. The irony is that this is the worst Russia/Soviet team in living memory. By contrast, I'm almost dreading Qatar.

I started thinking along similar lines over the weekend while driving here and there; that there are fewer plastic flags, that this Southgate fellow seems a very nice chap and also very good at his job, that the hoolie threat has been overstated and that this world cup month is going to be absolutely ruddy marvellous.

 

[Iggle Piggle]

By contrast, I'm almost dreading Qatar.

This is the last World Cup that will be played in a proper football country (yeah, I know the Russians bribed everyone but still) and has 32 teams. Remember the 1990 Leyland DAF cup with it's 3 team groups? Of course you don't but that's the format FIFA have decided to copy for its 48 team dogs breakfast tournament in 2026.

Enjoy this one because it's downhill from here on in.

 

[Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo]

According to the idiots of Facebook there are no England flags on cars as they’ve been banned because they offend immigrants and police are stopping cars with them and telling the driver to remove them. 1 share equals 1 prayer for little baby Jesus who died for our right to fly the flag.

Joking aside I’m personally more interested in how the Albion players going perform than I am in England’s chances. When England got knocked out of Euro 2016 I’d managed to get last minute tickets to see Bill Bailey perform instead of sitting at home watching the match, such is my apathy towards our national team. 10 years ago I’d consider all England games as must watch now I’m not really bothered and can take it or leave it. I’m not saying I won’t be delighted should we win something but I don’t think my euphoria will top anything I’ve felt watching Brighton over the last few seasons.

 

[Notters]

What, no toilet puns? Wee must try harder.

 

[Munkfish]

I ordered a retro shirt and a flag after the Costa Rica game last week, I dont think I have had a flag since 2004. Im now at the age where I couldnt care what people think and will be getting well into the World Cup Spirit.

 

[Triggaaar]

that nice Sussex fella is threatening to make the England team play better than he sum of it's parts.

this Southgate fellow seems a very nice chap and also very good at his job

You're rejoicing the lack of expectation, while accidentally getting your hopes up.

 

[MattBackHome]

You're rejoicing the lack of expectation, while accidentally getting your hopes up.

Yeah I know it's ridiculous. I had to stop myself from having an EW bet on England yesterday .

 

[madinthehead]

I ordered a retro shirt and a flag after the Costa Rica game last week, I dont think I have had a flag since 2004. Im now at the age where I couldnt care what people think and will be getting well into the World Cup Spirit.

I did the same a few months ago.. Also too old to give a shit what people think.. Also, living in Germany, it has to be done!

 

[casbom]

It certainly feels different this tournament, most people I've spoken to thinks we'll be knocked out in either the last 16 or not make it out of the group!

Apart from doing a sweepstake in the office you wouldn't know it was starting in 3 days time.
Strange really as I think the team we've got is better than the last 3 or 4 tournaments so I'm fully expecting us to reach the last 8, before inevitably being knocked out by the Germans on penalties.

 

[Munkfish]

It certainly feels different this tournament, most people I've spoken to thinks we'll be knocked out in either the last 16 or not make it out of the group!

Apart from doing a sweepstake in the office you wouldn't know it was starting in 3 days time.
Strange really as I think the team we've got is better than the last 3 or 4 tournaments so I'm fully expecting us to reach the last 8, before inevitably being knocked out by the Germans on penalties.

Most people you know think we will get knocked out in the last 16, I assume these people have no idea who are in Englands Group or who we are likely to get in the last 16. Crikey.

 

[casbom]

Most people you know think we will get knocked out in the last 16, I assume these people have no idea who are in Englands Group or who we are likely to get in the last 16. Crikey.

That's the level of expectancy that I'm hearing, let's hope they're wrong eh!

 

[studio150]

According to the idiots of Facebook there are no England flags on cars as they’ve been banned because they offend immigrants and police are stopping cars with them and telling the driver to remove them. 1 share equals 1 prayer for little baby Jesus who died for our right to fly the flag.

I thought people weren't putting flags up in case they were associated with the free Tommy Robinson campaign

 

[Dorset Seagull]

What, no toilet puns? Wee must try harder.

We will log that as the first

 

[Notters]

We will log that as the first

You just know we'll get knocked out by Germany again, what a pisser! Then they'll just paper over the cracks.