Who says the Germans have no sense of humour?

[Herr Tubthumper]

England are contenders for Euro 2016 crown, says Germany’s Joachim Löw

He's a joker isn't he?

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/22/england-contenders-euro-2016-germany-joachim-low

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Happy Easter everyone, have a nice and long weekend

 

[rool]

Probably not likely but it is possible to do a Denmark/Greece

 

[Saladpack Seagull]

Well, they are "contenders", but so are all the teams there. It's a question of whether England can "contend" at the sharp end of the tournament. More "fingers crossed" than any real expectation of winning.

 

[nicko31]

England have encouraging players now, but they have to overcome the cycle of failure.

They have still yet to knock out a big team from the Euros or World Cup on foreign soil. FACT

 

[OzMike]

He's not allowed to say what he really thinks, it wouldn't be considered diplomatic.

 

[mejonaNO12 aka riskit]

I didn't think almost-relegated Leicester City were a threat to win the prem this year.

 

[The Andy Naylor Fan Club]

I didn't think almost-relegated Leicester City were a threat to win the prem this year.

I didn't think almost relegated Brighton and Hove Albion were a threat to win the Championship this year.

 

[rool]

Just curious Herr Tubthumper but do you have some family connection to Germany or are you an English person who has nailed his flag to a more successful footballing nation? I know Man of Harvey's falls into the first category but I never really understand the disdain towards England from someone who seems, well, so English.

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

England have encouraging players now, but they have to overcome the cycle of failure.

They have still yet to knock out a big team from the Euros or World Cup on foreign soil. FACT

What about Argentina in 2002?

Appreciate it's all a matter of opinions but you'd be hard pressed to disqualify them as a big team surely?

 

[Bakero]

What about Argentina in 2002?

Appreciate it's all a matter of opinions but you'd be hard pressed to disqualify them as a big team surely?

We beat them in the group stage not a knock out round.

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

We beat them in the group stage not a knock out round.

Well blow me down, so we did. I'm putting that one down to poor memory!

 

[Simster]

Just curious Herr Tubthumper but do you have some family connection to Germany or are you an English person who has nailed his flag to a more successful footballing nation? I know Man of Harvey's falls into the first category but I never really understand the disdain towards England from someone who seems, well, so English.

MoH is indeed half-German and shows absolutely no disdain towards England. Herr Tubthumper has this stupid mentality where he can't bring himself to praise Germany without knocking this country. I don't understand why he can't praise other countries and cultures without constantly knocking our own. It's incredibly boring.

That said, I don't think we have a notable chance in the Euros - we are way, way behind. Take France as an example - Kante, who has basically run the show for champions-elect, Leicester, is only their FIFTH choice midfielder. Germany and Spain are a different class. We do have goalscorers but our defence and midfield are nowhere near the required standard. And whilst our keeper is adequate, we don't have much in the way of cover.

 

[Triggaaar]

They have still yet to knock out a big team from the Euros or World Cup on foreign soil. FACT

Not quite. We have knocked big teams out, just not in the knockout stages.

 

[Triggaaar]

We beat them in the group stage not a knock out round.

Well blow me down, so we did. I'm putting that one down to poor memory!

Wo, don't give in so easily! No one said anything about it being in a knock out round.

 

[Easy 10]

We have choked at every single Finals tournament in my life. I see no reason why this one will be any different.

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

Wo, don't give in so easily! No one said anything about it being in a knock out round.

Huh. So they didn't. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!

We beat them in the group stage not a knock out round.

As Argentina didn't win that World Cup, I'm going to suggest that the mental anguish caused by losing to the power of the Mighty Beckham's right foot was a direct cause of their eventual failure to best Sweden.

To whit; we knocked them out.

 

[Triggaaar]

Huh. So they didn't. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!

Always glad to be of service.

As Argentina didn't win that World Cup, I'm going to suggest that the mental anguish caused by losing to the power of the Mighty Beckham's right foot was a direct cause of their eventual failure to best Sweden.

To whit; we knocked them out.

And had we have lost to Nigeria, Argentine could have qualified. We got a point from Nigeria, taking 2nd place in the group from Argentina, this knocking them out.

 

[Triggaaar]

We have choked at every single Finals tournament in my life.

Then you must be a whippersnapper. We didn't choke in 1990 or 1996 or 1998. I might add 1986 too.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Probably not likely but it is possible to do a Denmark/Greece

I don't think it's the same though. No matter how crap we are, teams always play us like we're a top team, never taking playing England likely. Even if we are logically an underdog, we're never treated as one.