retired_v_meenucancer

no there aren't. and aren't you in dubai, thus not best placed to see how the media-fed spaz frenzy takes over?

retired_monica90

It's the obsession with size, grit and passion for me. The intrinsic problem with English football that's evident throughout all the coverage of the national team. Too much emphasis on physique and commitment and too much neglect of intelligence and technique as rewarding footballing traits. Permeates our game at all levels and to see it time and time again on the pitch, then over-analysed by idiots is depressing.

retired_therob

The only thing I'd agree with there is the car flag thing, although amongst all the things I want changed in the world, that's not really up there on the list of priorities.

retired_be_me

88th in the world behind Zimbabwe.

Since August:
Austria 1-1 Czech Rep
Austria 0-0 S.Korea 4:3 pens
Austria 0-2 Chile
Switzerland 3-1 Austria
Austria 3-1 Ivory coast

cbhoyhern

Beat Ivory Coast 3-2 last month, one in ten this year (3 draws though, including one against the Czechs)> Ouh getting better!

retired_Fit

Yes, i have lived in England and i was also there for the 2002 World Cup (last one). I am well aware of the media build-up and frenzy. It just doesnt bother me and i dont see how it ruins anyone's enjoyment of matches or tournaments.

It seems the reason of choice for slagging England off and people seem scared that saying "i hope we win" will somehow lump them in with the retarded football fan/daytripper

retired_erynelouise

Qualifying is pointless as we aren't going to win anything with these limited footballers anyway.

retired_Fit

Might as well have a tournament with about 3 or 4 countries in it then

retired_erynelouise

Save a lot of bother.

mattsaunders

Benayoun urged to rescue England

Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard have told team-mate Yossi Benayoun to restore England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008.

England need Benayoun to help Israel to beat or draw with Russia on 17 November to stand a realistic chance of reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

"Me and Stevie have been getting into him," Crouch told his club's website.

"We're trying to keep him fresh for the Israel game. Hopefully he will do us a job against Russia."

Russia play international minnows Andorra, who have yet to register a point in Group E, after Israel in their final game of the campaign on 21 November but that is seen as a match Guus Hiddink's side are expected to win.

Therefore, England are pinning their hopes on Israel doing them a favour - thereby leaving Steve McClaren's outfit needing a win against Croatia on 21 November at Wembley to earn one of the two spots available for Euro 2008 qualification.

Croatia lead Group E and need a point against Macedonia before playing England to book their spot in next summer's finals.

England coach McClaren will name his squad for the game against Croatia on Friday but, after the 2-1 defeat in Russia last time out, he knows matters are out of his hands.

Benayoun is in good form and notched a hat-trick on Tuesday as Liverpool beat Besiktas 8-0 in the Champions League.

Crouch added: "Of course, now it would be great to see him make himself a hero to the England fans as well as the Liverpool ones."