BristolUK

https://www.theguardian.com/music/20...em-footballers


So now that we're all in the mood, are we looking forward to it?

BristolUK

Spain squad isolating after Busquets tests positive for something or other.
So far, so good for them with negative tests. Their final tune-up match was called off.
(although the under 21s will apparently play it instead)

Bizarre prediction - more Spanish players test positive and the Spanish FA is given special dispensation to replace the squad with that from the under 21s, who promptly do a Denmark and win it all.

kimilseung

It will fill the whole until the new season, and as I will be off work for all but the first few days I will get to see a lot of the games (as long as I remember to switch from Sling Orange to Sling Blue) I think a

team with Marx on their side will win.

BristolUK

Has Lion seen it?

kimilseung

It has been drawn to my attention that in Scotland, they hate the English so much, that the biggest selling footy shirt is for one of England group rivals!!!!! (not sure if they know or not? Its Poes law)

BristolUK

I don't suppose many people are happy with the idea of this one being spread around but looking on the bright side, in the event any hosting country comes down with a severe outbreak, nothing would stop things going ahead unchanged for 20 of the 24 teams and even for the group affected, an alternative venue for three games would solve it.

A little more complicated for St Petersburg, hosting games from two groups...

kimilseung

England don't want to win the group as they then have to play whoever is second from this lot
Portugal
France
Germany
If they come second its probably (assuming Spain win the group)
Sweden
Poland
Slovakia
England just might be in the position of trying to throw the game against the Czechs,

BristolUK

This is one of the reasons why I like best 3rds to go though inn a 24 team tournament. Apart from second chances for teams suffering some bit of bad luck, it throws the draw completely out of whack when one or two teams finish in unexpected qualifying positions.

kimilseung

Now you've made me sad, I hadn't really thought about England coming third, but it could happen.

Scamp

You've reminded me. I need a wallchart. I wonder if the newsagent downstairs has Match or FourFourTwo on the shelves...

Former Lancastrian

You could always download it and print one off

https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/featu...-free-download

https://news.paddypower.com/wp-conte...b-A2-IRLUK.pdf

Maste

I know France are favorites, but I don't think they'll win it. I can see Belgium doing well (sounding like the 'golden generation' we had with England though with repeated expectations of success).

I am hopeful with England.

Defence is well sketchy, but throw on our best attacking players and I think we can do well.

What do you guys see as Englands best XI for the Croatia game?

For me:

Pickford
James Stones Mings Shaws
Philips Rice
Foden Mount Grealish
Kane

I do prefer a 4-3-3 with the players we have, dropping philips for Bellingham or someone more attack minded. I imagine we will see the 4-2-3-1 because of the midfield threat Croatia possess. I hope Grealish starts - that man has impressed me a lot with his game and he draws in a lot of fouls which we should capitalize on. I hope Rashford doesn't start ahead of him, but I feel he will.

BristolUK

Former Lancastrian

Cant wait for thousands of Scottish fans breaking into Yes Sir I Can Boogie before the kick off.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ir-Boogie.html

civilservant

Thought I would have to stream it all though VPN iPlayer which our crummy 2Mb internet out in the sticks, but just found it's mostly all going to be shown in US ESPN - score!