football | Wait until next year

June 28, 2010

Ten ways to take English football forward (World Cup Braindump #10)

England limp out of yet another tournament, and as much as I hate to say it, I’m glad. In particular I’m glad that it was a rout, rather than an ‘unlucky’ exit, Lampard’s phantom goal notwithstanding. Now we can begin to actually focus on the shortcomings of English football, rather than blame chance (or penalties) for us not being more successful.

So, what is there to hope for, what could/should we learn, and how can we take English football forward – in the short-term, and the long-term? Read the rest of this entry »

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June 26, 2010

England awaits

It seemed like Euro 96 was the beginning of St George’s flags, rather than Union Jacks for footballing tournaments. This year the feel is more village fete than last night of the proms.

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June 25, 2010

So Far…So Average (World Cup Braindump #9)

So, the group stage is nearly over. And we’re over half way through the tournament, at least in terms of games. This has not been a classic so far. In fact, the most memorable moments have generally involved New Zealand. And who would have thought that? Well, I did predict they might get a draw, but still, I didn’t think they would be the story of the group stage. Although now we have some big guns out – in the 2006 finalists France and Italy, and the knockout stage rapidly taking shape. Read the rest of this entry »

June 24, 2010

England Getting Better (World Cup Braindump #8)

England squeezed through. This was not an easy passage to the second round, and even if there were encouraging signs from yesterday’s game against Slovenia, England will need to step up considerably on Sunday against Germany. But we all know that, right? I mean it’s not as if England’s supporters are going to get carried away on a wave of jingoism and misplaced optimism is it? Oh. Well, anyway, here’s some more thoughts… Read the rest of this entry »

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June 23, 2010

Futile England Team Selection Exercise (World Cup Braindump #7)

It’s not going to be good is it? I can feel it in my water. D-Day for a lacklustre England team has arrived. A win and they stay in, anything else and they are packing their bags (barring unlikely mathematical permutations). Read the rest of this entry »

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