Dark Munster

Indeed. It could've been Mane.

And practice. In the 1998 World Cup finals when England lost to Argentina on penalties, England coach Glenn Hoddle admitted they hadn't even practiced them in training. The penalty that knocked England out was taken by David Batty, who had never taken a penalty in his life.

Whoosh! Seriously, I've long been an advocate for the goalie sub being independent of the 3 outfield subs. What's wrong with allowing 3 outfield subs PLUS a goalie sub for injuries? A team could use 3 subs, due to a couple of injuries and maybe one tactical, and then unfairly get screwed when their goalie gets injured. Given the current rules, the team should have at least two emergency goalies, with at least one a regular in the team. Not much point having the emergency goalie and the reserve goalie both on the bench when disaster strikes.

I think we should do what we did at St James Park, namely bully a junior player into doing it, even if he has absolutely no desire to do so. Having an outfield player prepare for such an emergency is a waste of time, and totally unnecessary. Just like practicing penalties for a World Cup, which is just a lottery anyway.

Didn't one of the posters here meet up with Italian friends some time ago, and when he asked about Pelle they made donkey noises? I wonder if those Italian fans still think the same way?

This. How about 7 groups of 5 teams, top 2 from each group qualify, plus some 3rd place playoff spots to make up the numbers. The groups consist of the top ranked European teams, plus one wild card (who have to win a preliminary knockout with the rest of the lower ranked crap to qualify for the last spot in one of the groups).

Fair enough. I'm a cynical bastard who thought he was referring to what may happen to Hart in this match.

"It is important as you never know what may happen to Joe Hart," he added.

Good news, Ryan is indeed on the bench. Former England captain Terry Butcher has agreed with Roy Hodgson's decision to make so many changes in Lithuania tonight. "This is the one game he could have experimented in and given other players a chance," Butcher told Sky Sports News. In particular, Butcher is happy to see Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland given his first competitive start for his country. "It is important as you never know what may happen to Joe Hart," he added. I'm sure Stoke fans will be delighted to know that Butland will start, in order to protect Hart from doing a Krul on the artificial turf.

Comment: "If you were the Southampton of the racing world then every time you got anywhere near the front of the race you'd have to sell your horse to Brendan Rogers."

Any news on Fonte and Long?

Yes, Gibbs is from a big club, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's protected. Let's hope Ryan doesn't play, it would be madness if he does. So there's a good chance he will. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/13840942.Southampton_s_Bertrand_determined_to_seize_England_chance/?ref=mac

I'm worried about Bertand's knees if he plays on the artificial turf tomorrow.

Netherlands needs to win and Turkey lose, I think. If Turkey gets a point the Dutch will be out on head to head. I'm sure our Dutch friends will correct me if I'm wrong.

"I thought Harry Kane's performance at centre forward despite the fact he didn't actually score was good. He did some fantastic work, setting things up. Jamie Vardy's only been on the pitch a few minutes before he sets something up." -Woy

Also it's very unfair that they have to play while all their stars are away on international duty.

Indeed it was. No injudicious referees please. Ok, that's probably asking too much.

I wonder who they will sign first, Ronaldinho or Riquelme? Exciting times. Steady on, old chap. There's no room for such gushing praise on this thread.

It surely can't just be based on the first 8 games, otherwise how would it predict Chelsea finishing 4th? They must be using last seasons results too. Or, more likely, they had a few beers, came up with a final table, and claimed their "super computer" did it.

Sensationalist headline: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/165/10018807/southampton-boss-ronald-koeman-prepares-for-sadio-mane-exit

I'm trying hard but I can't seem to find any sympathy for him.

Surprised he didn't wait until the 88th minute. Or maybe that's when he'll score the winner.