17 May 2018 19:46:23
I’m going to go out on a limb here, I think England will surprise us at the World Cup. For years we have been disappointing noted even when we had a golden generation who simply didn’t perform. But Southgate, despite the stick he gets, knows what he wants. He has picked players he knows and trusts and I think has created a culture that didn’t exist before. Stories have emerged from England squads of historic club cliques and a paralysing fear for failure but by picking such a young squad I think we might surprise a few.

I don think we’ll win it but I think we will play without fear. We have youth and pace and if the environment and culture is right then we will damage any team in the world. For the first time I can remember I am looking forward to seeing England play.

1.) 17 May 2018
17 May 2018 22:39:37
I’ve got the same feeling as well AJH. England are an unknown quantity so could surprise few. Not getting any hopes up but if they can work hard, find a system that works then there is no reason why they cannot go far. But there is a serious lack of quality in midfield.

2.) 17 May 2018
17 May 2018 22:40:43
The defence is awful and the medfield is mediocre, the only position I say could argue to be the best in the tournement is the striker postion with Harry Kane- can’t see us getting past the quarters.

3.) 17 May 2018
17 May 2018 22:45:53
Won't pass the quarters for me.
An average side.

4.) 17 May 2018
17 May 2018 22:51:18
Fair play to Southgate for selecting the squad he has but he’s got a free pass this tournament so why not. We are playing better football now but it’s not effective enough and the defence and mids are dreadful.

5.) 18 May 2018
17 May 2018 23:43:07
He has made some big calls not pandered to egos picked players he trusts and has had under him in tournaments before disgarded senior pros despite reputation. I hope it goes well for him.

6.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 01:17:55
I mentioned this months ago, Tony. I think with less expectation, and more of a team rather than a side of big names, they might just surprise. They could hardly do worse than the so-called Golden Generation.

7.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 08:42:59
Having 35 defenders in the squad will help defend a 1-0 over panama I guess 😉 don’t like international football at all tbh, the welsh run was great but as we tend not to qualify for them I’ve little interest.

8.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 08:51:51
Fsi and leahy, I think most England fans would enjoy a run to the QF, that would be a good achievement.