bobzy

They're far too light up front. If you take out obvious weak sides (Panama, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica), they've probably got the worst strike force in the tournament.

I reckon he will be. He's an absolute class act, though. Pretty underrated.

I don't really understand your point, to be honest. Should it be ignored? Go abroad, support your country and behave yourselves. It really isn't **** hard at all, yet we've consistently got morons doing moronic stuff. **** them.

Not remotely surprised - quite the undercurrent of hate in the Polish lot.

Iran to beat Portugal. Make it so, football Gods.

KDB for me I think, but Modric is pretty under-discussed at that top table. Incredibly consistent performer.

Think Croatia could top the group here. Dark horses?

Second best.

Love it - what an appointment. Even if he does well/badly/whatever, it's nice to see a side in the Championship a] show some real ambition and b] see a manager who has been discussed on here numerous times, finally show what he can do on these shores.

Yeah, I like Lukaku as top scorer (for value) - same reasons as Kane. I actually think Belgium have more goalscorers than England, though, so not sure which to gamble on... I think there's potentially value for e/w on (WillHill odds): Mbappe (28/1) Isco (50/1) Falcao (50/1) Mertens (80/1)

Well, no. But probably our best player.

Shudder.

Bringing in an additional referee isn't replacing others, though. A linesman does more than simply make offside decisions, so you're not removing the use of that role. I see 0% downside to letting the linesman focus on other infringements that may be happening rather than close offside calls that can be more easily analysed on a screen by someone else. But, hey, I quite like change

I think it's entirely a good thing (in theory). Correct decision should be made every time but, also, you should cut out defenders stopping playing and putting their hands up in the air for offside, then berating officials if/when a goal is scored. Quite literally a case of play to the whistle. Will be interesting to see if every single offside is reviewed retrospectively, though. What if play goes on and results in a throw-in to the defending team. If the attacker was offside, will a free-kick be given instead? etc. etc. Also, VAR doesn't replace the officials. It's an additional official, reviewing incidents on a screen. Technological advancements and all that.

Antoine Griezmann as topscorer and Germany to win the WC @ 80/1 with WillHill (better odds probably available elsewhere).

Yep.

?!!

Oh really? The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico after their joint bid beat Morocco's proposal to host it. The 'United 2026' bid was selected by Fifa member nations, winning 134 votes compared to 65 for Morocco. (Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44464913)

Was this a financial fair play issue, though, or more a poorly managed wage bill and lack of interest from the owner who wanted to sell? The situations seem to be pretty far apart, even if the net result is the same (i.e: panic regarding finances at the club).

Wasn't it Evans that had the transfer clause of £4m but you had to pay £7m to his agent too? Wonder if a lower selling price for the club somehow negates that clause or something.

I always look forward to World Cups but I find it hard to recall specific moments. Germany 7-1 Brazil last time round was surreal - particularly those first 20 or so minutes where the Germans just blew Brazil away. Stunning. However, one game that I have always remembered, for whatever reason, is Mexico 1-2 Argentina (aet) from Germany 2006. The Argentines were pretty heavy favourites (and potentially World Cup favourites at the time?) but Mexico were superb and contributed to a brilliant, open game that was completely end to end. And of all the goals to seal victory? Just wow.

Am I missing something? The punishments for failing to meet FFP seem to be fines or maybe points deductions. Why do we need to plug a £40m gap right now? Can’t we just sod it, take a fine/points deduction and continue to settle the club down? maybe I’m naive. I just don’t get why it’s a necessity to sort out the shortfall.

We’re better in every position down the spine of the team than any of those sides (Chester, Grealish, Kodjia) and none of them were relegated. It isn’t outside the realms of possibility that we’re in a relegation fight next season, but I’d be utterly staggered if we are.

I know you have a massive chip on your shoulder about them - but seriously, they’re not in the same league as the others.

Man Utd are pretty scummy as an away team - not sure Liverpool fans (aside from throwing things at a bus) are particularly scummy; more annoying/self-entitled. I generally group Chelsea fans with West Ham, Leeds, Cardiff, Millwall, Blues etc - just a large undercurrent of shit, aggressive dickheads. @The_Rev is right; a very odd mix of glory hunters and right-wing nutters.