World Cup 2026

[whelk]

9 hours ago, pingpong said:

Itv X is far superior to iPlayer.

If you are watching a stream via an App there is no difference 

[whelk]

7 hours ago, Polaroid Saint said:

despite all of our odd characters on this forum there's is a genuine sense that people here "know football

It was winding me up how all the experts were dismissing Spain before yesterday’s game. Paid to have so much more insights than us and given no thought to how Spain might nullify them.

Also Lineker’s podcast. Picked the combined France-Spain XI and had Kone and Pedri in it. Neither started yesterday’s game so not i even in their own best XI.

Although disagree with you on preference for playing Spain over France. 

Edited Wednesday at 06:47 by whelk

[Window Cleaner]

17 minutes ago, whelk said:

It was winding me up how all the experts were dismissing Spain before yesterday’s game. Paid to have so much more insights than us and given no thought to how Spain might nullify them.

Also Lineker’s podcast. Picked the combined France-Spain XI and had Kone and Pedri in it. Neither started yesterday’s game so not i even in their own best XI.

Although disagree with you on preference for playing Spain over France. 

Obviously don't see the same "experts"as most here but anyone who wrote Spain off is obviously an idiot.

France have no créative midfield, it's one of the main critics levied against Deschamps since always, his preference for brawn over brains. Spain just shut them down and that irks Mbappe because he's not the star of the show, him having the IQ of a packet of frozen peas.

[Willo of Whiteley]

Has Craig Hope done his pre-England game slagging off article yet?

[Turkish]

9 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Something the French are rather used to.

Not like the French to wave the white flag when the going gets tough is it

[redkeith]

1 hour ago, whelk said:

It was winding me up how all the experts were dismissing Spain before yesterday’s game. Paid to have so much more insights than us and given no thought to how Spain might nullify them.

Also Lineker’s podcast. Picked the combined France-Spain XI and had Kone and Pedri in it. Neither started yesterday’s game so not i even in their own best XI.

Although disagree with you on preference for playing Spain over France. 

The BBC summary on the News this morning dissed Oyarzabal because he is a one club man, and Sociedad only finished 10th last season ! As if that makes him a bad player!  It is also worth noting that Sociedad also won the Copa Del Rey last season and so qualified for Europe. They spent the last month of the season on the lash!   

Edited Wednesday at 07:58 by redkeith

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, whelk said:

It was winding me up how all the experts were dismissing Spain before yesterday’s game. Paid to have so much more insights than us and given no thought to how Spain might nullify them.

Also Lineker’s podcast. Picked the combined France-Spain XI and had Kone and Pedri in it. Neither started yesterday’s game so not i even in their own best XI.

Although disagree with you on preference for playing Spain over France. 

Thierry Henry gave a very good summary of Spain. He was saying it doesn't matter who plays, if its Yamal, Nico Williams etc, it doesn't matter if its their first cap or their 100th, Spanish player know what to do because the way they play has been drilled into them since they were 9 years old, pass, move, find space etc. I know some people find it boring to watch as they want to see pace, power, dribbling and skills but i really enjoy watching it, perhaps because i'm also a big futsal fan and that's a big part of their development. 

[Teamsaint1]

1 hour ago, Window Cleaner said:

Obviously don't see the same "experts"as most here but anyone who wrote Spain off is obviously an idiot.

France have no créative midfield, it's one of the main critics levied against Deschamps since always, his preference for brawn over brains. Spain just shut them down and that irks Mbappe because he's not the star of the show, him having the IQ of a packet of frozen peas.

That’s petit pois I would say.

[saintant]

Half expecting England to shoot themselves in the foot tonight. Seen it too many times in the big games. Hope they go out and prove me wrong.

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

55 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Thierry Henry gave a very good summary of Spain. He was saying it doesn't matter who plays, if its Yamal, Nico Williams etc, it doesn't matter if its their first cap or their 100th, Spanish player know what to do because the way they play has been drilled into them since they were 9 years old, pass, move, find space etc. I know some people find it boring to watch as they want to see pace, power, dribbling and skills but i really enjoy watching it, perhaps because i'm also a big futsal fan and that's a big part of their development. 

Aye, I'm not a fan of the Man City or Spain style of play.

However, I have to say, last night, Spain's pressing, passing and all round play was on point.

[Window Cleaner]

16 minutes ago, saintant said:

Half expecting England to shoot themselves in the foot tonight. Seen it too many times in the big games. Hope they go out and prove me wrong.

Think the game may well get a bit feisty. Lads need to keep their calm.

[Window Cleaner]

7 minutes ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Aye, I'm not a fan of the Man City or Spain style of play.

However, I have to say, last night, Spain's pressing, passing and all round play was on point.

The différence for me was that Rodri became Rodri again. Plus the full backs and Ruiz being so much better than Pedri who's lost his way.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 hour ago, redkeith said:

The BBC summary on the News this morning dissed Oyarzabal because he is a one club man, and Sociedad only finished 10th last season ! As if that makes him a bad player!  It is also worth noting that Sociedad also won the Copa Del Rey last season and so qualified for Europe. They spent the last month of the season on the lash!   

They re still struggling to understand how a team effort can possibly overcome the one they jumped on the bandwagon with. So, like 3 year olds, they lash out. 🙂

[Holmes_and_Watson]

4 minutes ago, Window Cleaner said:

Think the game may well get a bit feisty. Lads need to keep their calm.

Camera pans to Beckham shouting "kick him! kick him!" 🙂

[RedArmy]

1 hour ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Has Craig Hope done his pre-England game slagging off article yet?

He’s probably too busy with Gibsons cock in his mouth to help him with the shame of saying we should leave Jude at home. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

Really thought France were on a roll and would find a way to get the job done against Spain (who I dislike due to the incessant theatrics). Spain just had a better game plan and more skill across the team. If we manage to see off Argentina this evening I would not hold up much of a hope beating Spain in the final.

But we have to beat Argentina first and that is far from an easy task, especially if the officials are going to hold an element of bias which I reckon is likely. Let’s hope we’ve got a decent set of VAR officials and not FIFA cronies. This evening is in some respects Englands final - we owe them a sound beating for their cheating past. Let’s hope we can make ‘em pay.

[saintant]

8 minutes ago, Window Cleaner said:

The différence for me was that Rodri became Rodri again. Plus the full backs and Ruiz being so much better than Pedri who's lost his way.

Rodri is a world class player. Always in the right place at the right time and rarely gives the ball away. He ran the game last night.

[Paul_B]

Agreed this is our final. No way we're beating this lot, even if we play the best we ever have. We'll huff and puff, like we have for most of this tournament, they'll be pretty shit but there will be an outrageous VAR decision, lots of horrendous officiating, Messi will score with a deflection of his left testicle, everyone will say how amazing it is and we'll go home.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

2 minutes ago, Paul_B said:

Agreed this is our final. No way we're beating this lot, even if we play the best we ever have. We'll huff and puff, like we have for most of this tournament, they'll be pretty shit but there will be an outrageous VAR decision, lots of horrendous officiating, Messi will score with a deflection of his left testicle, everyone will say how amazing it is and we'll go home.

The ball of god.

[DellBlockH]

Quite pleased to see Digne getting criticism. I remember a really bad tackle on one of our players - a scrape down the calf and Achilles. I don't remember it well enough to know which player, or which game, but it was possibly in lockdown 😉. Ever since then, I've watched out for him and he puts in quite a few dirty tackles (as well as some excellent ones, in fairness). 

[Window Cleaner]

13 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Really thought France were on a roll and would find a way to get the job done against Spain (who I dislike due to the incessant theatrics). Spain just had a better game plan and more skill across the team. If we manage to see off Argentina this evening I would not hold up much of a hope beating Spain in the final.

But we have to beat Argentina first and that is far from an easy task, especially if the officials are going to hold an element of bias which I reckon is likely. Let’s hope we’ve got a decent set of VAR officials and not FIFA cronies. This evening is in some respects Englands final - we owe them a sound beating for their cheating past. Let’s hope we can make ‘em pay.

France were always going to get their come-uppance sooner or later, such a team of détestable individuals. Needed a old head like Griezmann to calm them a bit, but he's over the hill, there are others but they don't fit the Deschamps mould, everyone knows that he's not keen on certain types of players, he's gotten into evergoing  spats with Cantona and others over it.

Zidane will change most of it.

[Saint86]

12 hours ago, Jimmy_D said:

We really do have a decent chance now... would be utterly amazing to see us actually take it.

I wouldn't hold your breath.

Spain just qualified for the final with relative ease against what the vast majority consider the best team in international football. They have an extra days rest, they've not played extra time or penalties, they've had no suspensions or injuries etc. They have also already won at this level. They should be considered clear favorites now.
 

[Window Cleaner]

8 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

I wouldn't hold your breath.

Spain just qualified for the final with relative ease against what the vast majority consider the best team in international football. They have an extra days rest, they've not played extra time or penalties, they've had no suspensions or injuries etc. They have also already won at this level. They should be considered clear favorites now.
 

Yes. Spain would, in theory anyway,have to not play well for England to triumph. Or get a couple of reds. 

That said we have a more structured midfield than France.

Have to get past Argentina first and that's not really a nailed on certainty, I'd say 65/35, something like that.

[Osvaldorama]

Buzzing already. 
 

COME ON ENGLAND 

[Osvaldorama]

3 hours ago, Turkish said:

Thierry Henry gave a very good summary of Spain. He was saying it doesn't matter who plays, if its Yamal, Nico Williams etc, it doesn't matter if its their first cap or their 100th, Spanish player know what to do because the way they play has been drilled into them since they were 9 years old, pass, move, find space etc. I know some people find it boring to watch as they want to see pace, power, dribbling and skills but i really enjoy watching it, perhaps because i'm also a big futsal fan and that's a big part of their development. 

Honestly find them so fucking boring. 
 

Pass, pass, pass, dive, dive, moan, cry. 
 

[BARCELONASAINT]

I had a great night last night as so many of my mates were made to eat humble pie after gloating that France would destroy Spain. I just sat there quietly as Spain dominated from start to finish and destroyed the team most pundits had put all their money on to win the World Cup. 

Really need England to step up tonight and for once and for all put in a quality performance that sees Argentina sent packing. We have the players to win and win comfortably against an ageing Argentina who have really been bang average and have relied on Messi too much.

Come on England, give me that Spain v England Final i have craved so much. Come Sunday if we are there, on our day England can win, this is our time.

[BARCELONASAINT]

8 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

Honestly find them so fucking boring. 
 

Pass, pass, pass, dive, dive, moan, cry. 
 

You don't think we have players that dive, moan,cry? 

[sockeye]

We simply have to win

[moonraker]

4 hours ago, Turkish said:

Not like the French to wave the white flag when the going gets tough is it

VERDUN!

[RedArmy]

 

Let’s smash these cunts. 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

33 minutes ago, RedArmy said:

 

Let’s smash these cunts. 

That’s blue on blue, they’re on our side! 

[Challenger]

Fuck it, giving the boozer a miss tonight.

Had enough of fat, sweaty, shaven - headed, tattoo - plastered chavs ( and their husbands) flinging cat - piss lager about.

[tdmickey3]

Anyone looking forward to us getting 4th place?

[Wade Garrett]

6 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Has Craig Hope done his pre-England game slagging off article yet?

Don't know.  I'm waiting to hear what that treacherous wanker Troy Deeney has got to say.  What an utter prick that bloke is.

[revolution saint]

6 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

Anyone looking forward to us getting 4th place?

I'm looking forward to tonight's game and think it could be a good one.  Neither team is as good as France or Spain but from an excitement point of view I reckon we'll see goals and a bit of drama. 

No denying Spain are a very effective team and can look really devastating when they click but most of the time I don't find it them that entertaining.

[SNSUN]

35 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

Anyone looking forward to us getting 4th place?

We'll easily beat France if they play like they did last night. But fuck it, bring on the final. 

[East Kent Saint]

I just hope it's not another boring game , ok top skill levels and movement but a  couple of shots on target in 100 mins of football ? Nearly as bad as Russball at it's worst 😄

[Football Special]

24 minutes ago, East Kent Saint said:

I just hope it's not another boring game , ok top skill levels and movement but a  couple of shots on target in 100 mins of football ? Nearly as bad as Russball at it's worst 😄

I'll take a very boring game if we win it. 

Argies having been giving it the big one last few days, would love to beat them 

[Whitey Grandad]

1 hour ago, tdmickey3 said:

Anyone looking forward to us getting 4th place?

We've already got it. 

[qwertyell]

1 hour ago, tdmickey3 said:

Anyone looking forward to us getting 4th place?

We're definitely the 4th best team of the 4 semi finalists. 

You can't keep scraping by and saying "we can play better" - at some point you actually do have to play better, or conclude that, in fact, the performance level was the best you can do. 

Expectations are pretty low for tonight, but you never know. Argentina aren't too amazing either.

[sadoldgit]

I wasn’t expecting too much against Mexico and Norway so I will stick with the pessimism in the hope that England will put in a decent performance this evening. I expect it will be a bit livelier than last night, maybe one or two red cards?

France showed last night that previous performances do not necessarily translate to form in a semi final. Here’s hoping!

[CB Fry]

38 minutes ago, qwertyell said:

We're definitely the 4th best team of the 4 semi finalists. 

You can't keep scraping by and saying "we can play better" - at some point you actually do have to play better, or conclude that, in fact, the performance level was the best you can do. 

Expectations are pretty low for tonight, but you never know. Argentina aren't too amazing either.

Argentina have reached the same level of averageness as we have. 

I think our advantage might be our manager who is pretty good at winning tournaments.

Edited Wednesday at 16:44 by CB Fry

[Turkish]

i confidently predict heroic failure as we have become accustomed too.

[Gloucester Saint]

2 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

Don't know.  I'm waiting to hear what that treacherous wanker Troy Deeney has got to say.  What a violent thug and brain dead pillock that bloke is.

Edited for you

[Gloucester Saint]

7 minutes ago, Turkish said:

i confidently predict heroic failure as we have become accustomed too.

Hard to call. We should have more energy in the midfield but Messi even at walking pace is so good he can make space for their high quality frontline. They’re not great at the back either though, and lack genuine width bar their wing backs who leave space in behind. 

[qwertyell]

13 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Argentina have reached the same level of averageness as we have. 

I think our advantage might be our manager who is pretty good at winning tournaments.

Unlike the clueless Argentina manager, who has (checks notes) won the World Cup.

[aintforever]

Hope I'm wrong but I've got a horrible feeling it's going to go to penalties which probably won't end well because Argentina have a keeper with regular length arms. 

Either that or we play well but get fucked by the ref.

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

This is the most I've ever believed we will reach the final of a major tournament since the 79th minute of the FA Cup semi final.

Feeling a bit giddy.

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

10 minutes ago, aintforever said:

Hope I'm wrong but I've got a horrible feeling it's going to go to penalties which probably won't end well because Argentina have a keeper with regular length arms. 

Either that or we play well but get fucked by the ref.

Fear not. We've got Ivan Toney for the pens.

[whelk]

How come Qatar didn’t build air conditioned stadia?  Were told all sorts of clever stuff was going to be done so could be held in summer which was all bs. Yet the yanks can manage it a piece of piss