I don't think England have much of a chance in the next WC either way, partly because it is going to be here in North America, and absolutely roasting hot. Until fairly recently, the only South American team to have won in Europe was Brazil (Sweden in 1958) and no European teams won outside Europe (I think I am right in this) until Spain in South Africa in 2010, quickly followed by Germany in Brazil in 2014. In short, European teams don't historically travel well for WCs.
Beyond that, there is simply no way England keep getting delicious, soft muffins of a draw like three out of the last four. That was a historical run of luck that statistically would seem improbable of continuing.
The thing I am most interested in is if Tuchel becomes the first England manager in forever to avoid square pegs in round holes, and resists the urge to shoe horn all of the attacking talent into one team.
I am going to stick my neck out and say that England will lose to the first serious contender they face (if they make it out of the group stages), like every knockout since 1966.
The present contract (as I understand it) terminates after the 2026 World Cup Final. Or are you suggesting that he might be indulged with an extension even if he doesn’t steer us to the promised land in 2026 ?
Yes, subjective, I know, and I do think Germany was the best win of the Southgate era, but I think both were bigger names than actual versions of themselves:
Germany (2020): Were 5 or so minutes from going out at the group stage before a late equalizer against Hungary, and were in a midst of a bit of a trough.
Netherlands (2024): Came 3rd in their group, only win with a fairly late goal, were in the weak side of the draw like England, and still were rather fortunate to beat Turkey.
To my mind a contender is one of the teams who you really expect to be in the mix to win it. I understand disagreement given the names (and given Holland made the semis in a mirror image of England's jammy draws) but I think both were poor versions of themselves.
Not sure what it says about me or my perception of Dutch football as being (or at least having at one time been) both “total” and highly entertaining but I felt compelled to look into the meaning and possible relevance of a phrase that I’d not previously encountered.
Not technically a knockout, but it was a good win. We have beaten other contenders in group stages too (Argentina 2002 comes to mind). We just don't seem to do it when it is "win or go home".
Comments
I think you need to produce evidence that you are of Anglo-Saxon blood!
A fellow Scot.
Why a good start, in particular?
I don't think England have much of a chance in the next WC either way, partly because it is going to be here in North America, and absolutely roasting hot. Until fairly recently, the only South American team to have won in Europe was Brazil (Sweden in 1958) and no European teams won outside Europe (I think I am right in this) until Spain in South Africa in 2010, quickly followed by Germany in Brazil in 2014. In short, European teams don't historically travel well for WCs.
Beyond that, there is simply no way England keep getting delicious, soft muffins of a draw like three out of the last four. That was a historical run of luck that statistically would seem improbable of continuing.
The thing I am most interested in is if Tuchel becomes the first England manager in forever to avoid square pegs in round holes, and resists the urge to shoe horn all of the attacking talent into one team.
I am going to stick my neck out and say that England will lose to the first serious contender they face (if they make it out of the group stages), like every knockout since 1966.
Because short contract equals cheap and easy to fire
Tuchel's contract runs from Jan 1st 2025 until the end of England's involvement in the 2026 World Cup.
Hopefully 19th July 2026, with a win.
If he wins the world cup its the pinaccle
The present contract (as I understand it) terminates after the 2026 World Cup Final. Or are you suggesting that he might be indulged with an extension even if he doesn’t steer us to the promised land in 2026 ?
Are you suggesting Holland weren't 'serious contenders' in Germany?!
Germany in Euro 2020?
You have some extraordinarily high standards sir!
Yes, subjective, I know, and I do think Germany was the best win of the Southgate era, but I think both were bigger names than actual versions of themselves:
Germany (2020): Were 5 or so minutes from going out at the group stage before a late equalizer against Hungary, and were in a midst of a bit of a trough.
Netherlands (2024): Came 3rd in their group, only win with a fairly late goal, were in the weak side of the draw like England, and still were rather fortunate to beat Turkey.
To my mind a contender is one of the teams who you really expect to be in the mix to win it. I understand disagreement given the names (and given Holland made the semis in a mirror image of England's jammy draws) but I think both were poor versions of themselves.
Wow.
Absolutely extraordinary stuff
Bonkers
Famously England didn't lose to anyone by any method in 82.
I mean, have a look at that France side we beat. One of the greatest international sides of all time
The Netherlands are never serious contenders when it comes to football.
They are however world champions at disappearing up their own arses.
Paul Tisdale appointed Head of Football Operations at Celtic.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy5yzk3wyp4o
Oh, how we've missed this.
Not sure what it says about me or my perception of Dutch football as being (or at least having at one time been) both “total” and highly entertaining but I felt compelled to look into the meaning and possible relevance of a phrase that I’d not previously encountered.
What a card!
@glasshalfempty ?
Everybody knows that the Dutch invented Total Arseball.
I was rather hoping for another Anusol joke from you, @mooneyman.
Obviously not!
I thought it was Arsėne Wenger!
You jolly well are (and no mistake).
I’m out.
I’ve been called something beginning with ‘c’ before.
Not technically a knockout, but it was a good win. We have beaten other contenders in group stages too (Argentina 2002 comes to mind). We just don't seem to do it when it is "win or go home".
Hopefully not...(spoilered for offensive language)
Colchester fan
Now that would be below the belt.