Everton duo watch on for England opener

, 11 June, 90comments  |  Jump to most recent
England 1 - 1 Russia
As expected, John Stones and Ross Barkley were named on the bench by Roy Hodgson for England's Euro2016 opener against Russia.

Chris Smalling was preferred by Hodgson as the central defensive partner for Gary Cahill while Dele Alli got the nod in attacking midfield alongside ex-Blue Wayne Rooney.

England had by far the better of the first half but couldn't find the breakthrough. Adam Lallana had two very good chances, forcing a parrying save from Igor Akinfeev with one while Rooney's effort was fisted away by the Russian 'keeper later in the first half.

The Russians came into the contest more in the second half and Smolov curled a shot just wide as Hodgson's side struggled to match their intensity from the first 45 minutes.

But it was another former Evertonian, Eric Dier, who spent a period on loan in the Blues' Academy as a teenager, who broke the deadlock with a well-struck free-kick 15 minutes from time.

England were looking to close out the match as it headed into injury time but following a corner, the ball was swung back into the box and Vasili Berezutski's looping header was touched over the line by Glushakov to hand Russia a point.

In the earlier Group B game, Wales beat Slovakia 2-1 thanks to Hal Robson-Kanu's late winner. Gareth Bale's excellent free-kick had put the Welsh ahead but they were pegged back to 1-1 by substitute Ondrej Duda before Robson-Kanu scuffed the ball home to grab the points.

 

Reader Comments (90)

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Chris James
1 Posted 11/06/2016 at 21:45:42
Absolutely right, neither Barkley nor Stones can really justify a starting spot based on their form this season, they are lucky to be their frankly (I think Baines and maybe Jags were better shouts).

Mind you, the same could be said for Sterling (done nothing much for City and hardly played), Lallana and Henderson (largely average performances in an ultimately underwhelming season), Wilshere (not played a bloody game!) and Sturridge (also crocked and temperament issues). Cahill has hardly been a tower of strength in an out of sorts Chelsea side either and the least said about the desperate attempts to shoe-horn in Rooney the better.

When you see the likes of Drinkwater left behind (and Vardy behind Kane on the bench tonight), it does appear that who you play for matters more than form - so if Vardy wants a decent crack for England he should definitely join the Arse!

Pablo Brown
2 Posted 11/06/2016 at 21:48:01
I'll be happy if they spent the whole tournament watching from the bench. There's always a mistake in Stones and Barkley and when it happens the world and his wife jump on it.
Dave Abrahams
3 Posted 11/06/2016 at 21:54:41
Russia were very poor and didn't make Hart produce a save until h had to get the ball out of the net after the Russian equaliser.

England deserved to win but didn't have much to beat and failed again.

Liam Reilly
5 Posted 11/06/2016 at 21:59:35
Agree Pablo, let Woy's favourites take the shit this time. I noticed 2 out of his 3 subs were from the shite and the other, Wilshire wasn't fit.

Lallana was poor as was Sterling but both stayed on the field and will probably both start against Wales.

Craig Fletcher
7 Posted 11/06/2016 at 22:16:11
Chris (1) to be fair Rooney was one of England's better players today, and I don't see him being "shoe-horned" into central midfield, he fits there well.

Agree on your points re Sterling and Wilshere though. I think Vardy could have started ahead of Sterling and England could have played two up front.

James Stewart
8 Posted 11/06/2016 at 22:23:19
Typical turgid England. Media go totally over the top over failure to beat an awful Russian side.
Peter Mills
9 Posted 11/06/2016 at 22:34:23
I kind of want England to do well, but it just isn't that important, when they mess up I just shrug my shoulders and get on with life. Whereas had that been Everton conceding that late goal (as if we would ever do that) I get on with life but a reduced life, having a searing pain of despair, and sense of disgust at those who had just let me down.

Am I alone in this?

Colin Glassar
10 Posted 11/06/2016 at 22:41:42
No you're not Peter. I gave up on England in '98. Everton are far more important to me and after knobheads like Keegan, Sven and Capello in charge I don't give a toss anymore about the national side.

This squad has some good, young players but the manager is in the pockets of the richer clubs and the media. Until we get a manager with balls who plays the in-form, fit players we will win nowt. Woy out!!

David Cromwell
11 Posted 11/06/2016 at 22:49:31
Yep that was shite. How Sterling and Kane stayed on the pitch I'll never know. Milner should be watching in the stands not coming on to shore things up. Smalling is calamitous. That they couldn't put away a very very ordinary Russian team speaks volumes. Wonder if they'll bottle it against Bales pub team?
Peter Mills
12 Posted 11/06/2016 at 22:57:13
Colin, it was 1970 that did me!
Colin Glassar
13 Posted 11/06/2016 at 23:11:04
Peter, I thought we were great in '90 and '96 but Beckham and the penalty shoot out in '98 finished my love affair with England. Never again, never again.

David, I can see us getting two more draws and being eliminated on three points. Roy will then get another two years to "prepare us" for Russia.

Christy Ring
14 Posted 11/06/2016 at 23:19:48
Lallana started, brought on Wilshire(how is he in the squad) ahead of Barkley, totally mystified, can see how we only drew.
Colin Glassar
15 Posted 11/06/2016 at 23:32:12
Not to worry, apparently we are buying Joe Hart, Fraser Forster AND Kasper Scmeichel for good luck.
Kieran Kinsella
16 Posted 11/06/2016 at 23:52:11
Frustrating usual ineptness but I e had some light relief with Copa America. Good football, exciting games and total emotional detachment which is nice after last season with Everton.
Robert Elliott
17 Posted 11/06/2016 at 23:55:55
Peter, I'm exactly the same. I saw a re-run of the England v Scotland game from Euro 96 the other day and I remember watching that game live at the time and being desperate for England to win. Now, I couldn't care less. For me it changed after the Euros in 2004 when the players and even the bloody England manager were publicly discussing Rooney's future. It was clear some serious tapping up of our Wayne took place during that tournament. After that, I'd be happy if no Everton player played for Engerland!
Paul Smith
18 Posted 11/06/2016 at 00:04:12
Though Sterling played well for once. If anything, Kane was poor - Vardy on at 65 minutes for me, his pace is frightening......he must start the next game.

Not sure why there's so much anti England sentiment on TW, it's curious.

Btw the scenes of violence are shocking.

I went to Bordeaux with the Royal Navy years ago, French Algerians attacked us with stanley blades, almost causing a diplomatic incident. Needless to say, it was hushed up on both sides and we swiftly sailed, never to return. I feel for the poor bastards out there, even if they bring some of it on themselves.

John Graham
19 Posted 12/06/2016 at 00:17:03
Good first half. Couldn't keep it up in the second. Rubbish subs. Should have brought on Vardy for Stirling.
Too scared of the opposition. Got to have more options in attack and Stones should be a definate starter.
Gavin Johnson
20 Posted 12/06/2016 at 00:17:31
Don't really care whether they play or not tbh. I haven't been able to rouse any passion since the late 90's for England games, apart from the Rooney euros of 2004 and then it was ruined by the newspapers continually touting him for sale until they got their wish.
Eugene Ruane
21 Posted 11/06/2016 at 00:17:54
Only interested in Everton and how we get on.

Win/lose/draw, England's results mean absolutely nothing to me (nor do the results of any other national team).

I might add that I hope all those shaven-headed, fat, tattooed wools who were sitting in the street in Marseilles singing 'stand up if you hate the French' get everything they deserve.

Mike Hughes
22 Posted 12/06/2016 at 00:18:20
International footy is a bore fest most of the time to me.

Compared to EFC it might as well be hockey or Grand Prix or cricket. I really don't give too much of a shit.

I might watch the odd game but that depends on whether there's anything better to do (clean the fridge? Weed the garden? Treat our Dixie for fleas?)

I do enjoy the after-match phone-ins though. They are often close to the hilarity / histrionics of a rs defeat.

We also clearly have more than our fair share of bell-ends supporting the national team judging by what is happening in Marseilles.

I think I'll cheer Wales on - at least they've won their first Euro match - more than England have apparently (ever).

Did I hear the TV commentator right during a brief attentive moment? After England scored did he really say 'justice for the England 11'?

Patrick Murphy
24 Posted 12/06/2016 at 00:30:38
Mike (22) He did indeed, I really couldn't believe my ears.
Mike Hughes
25 Posted 12/06/2016 at 00:37:06
Patrick - it was in very poor taste.
Given it was part of the audio for the goal I'm sure it'll be edited out. Wait for the (justified) complaints to pour in. (Was it Martin Tyler?)
Brian Porter
26 Posted 12/06/2016 at 00:45:52
Typical Hodgson rubbish which he of course tried to talk up into it being a stellar performance undone by tewwibly bsd luck at the end. Now, who does that remind you of? England will win nothing with Hodgson in charge. As others have said he picks players on reputation, club and media favouritism, rather than those in form. Smalling and Cahill just don't gel as a defensive partnership, Milner shouldn't even be there and Wilshire only has fifteen to twenty minutes in him due to missing all season. What kind of international manager takes the crocks along for a major tournament and with Kane doing little for once, why the hell didn't he bring Vardy on? Wales could stand a great chance of turning us over and really embarrassing Woy and his superstars! They, at least will play with passion and a will to win. Oh yes, and Alli was crap too, but Barkley stayed on the bench. Well done Woy.
Patrick Murphy
27 Posted 12/06/2016 at 00:52:58
Mike (25) No it was Clive Tyldesley, I agree it was in poor taste whichever way you look at it and it probably will be edited out although ITV didn't do a highlights show for the England match as far as I know.
Phil Bellis
28 Posted 12/06/2016 at 01:08:06
1970...last time I got upset over an England defeat
Bally AND the great Colin Bell in midfield, Muller stole it
Derek Thomas
29 Posted 12/06/2016 at 01:15:35
Glad I didn't get up at 5.00AM to watch and shall delete the recording I made without watching any. I've been done with England since the Gaza Italia thing really. Hope our lads don't kick a ball, don't get injured...nothing much you can do about the tapping up though.
Don Alexander
30 Posted 12/06/2016 at 01:32:30
Me, Peter Mills (#12) and Phil Bellis (#28) sing from the same song-sheet. I get as excited on England as I do about Uzbekistan for the past several decades.

More importantly these days, I fully agree with Eugene Ruane at #21. "Fans" chanting that sort of shite are surely "Brexit" supporters.

David Israel
31 Posted 12/06/2016 at 01:35:02
Peter Mills # 12, Yes, same here! That awful Mexican referee and the calamitous Peter Bonetti!
David Barks
32 Posted 12/06/2016 at 01:36:09
Contrast the England selection with the likes of France, who started with Kante and Payet, two players from "small clubs". If they were English neither would get in the starting 11. Instead you must be from Liverpool, United, City, Chelsea and now Spurs really to get into the team.

Drink-water doesn't even make the squad, Vardy doesn't get a minute. But Sterling plays despite being awful all season, as does Lalana, Cahill, and even Milner gets brought on. And that's why England will always fail, because we go off of reputation and club instead of actual ability and form.

David Israel
33 Posted 12/06/2016 at 01:38:19
Phil Bellis # 28, Muller, the ref and Bonetti, as I've just pointed out. That Uwe Seeler goal was unacceptable and the foul on Francis Lee was worse than "the hand of God".

I also still remember the semi-final between the Germans and Italy. Amazing stuff, 4-3 or something to the Italians.

Paul Kelly
34 Posted 12/06/2016 at 02:14:39
What's this " justice for the England eleven" all about? am I missing something? Poor taste? How?
Ernie Baywood
35 Posted 12/06/2016 at 02:39:41
2004 was my last tournament of interest for England. Used to be incredibly passionate about my national team before I clocked that it was just a closed shop full of pricks like Cole, Terry, Ferdinand, Stevie Me and of course a sales event for the odd Everton player that was too good to ignore. I used to find it strange that older mates dislike England (as most will know, that's very common in Liverpool) and suddenly I got it, before emigrating.

Over the years I've watched a handful of games, and got to the point of actively supporting the opposition. I remember laughing at that Robinson air kick.

Now my kids (though not English born) consider themselves England supporters so I've been dragged back in with them, and actually thought I could get on board with this young team. But today was the same failings as always and both goals did nothing to me. At best, I'm a neutral.

Sterling just isn't a footballer. Incredible that the RS got so much for him. The centre forward taking shit corners just highlights the lack of technical ability in the team. Alli was completely ineffective tonight but stayed on. Rooney did well but came off just when they needed his experience. Two old fashioned headers of the ball at centre back, two athletes at full back who struggle to play football.

Rose and Walker are like Ashley Cole if he'd been no good at football and turned to lifting weights as a hobby.

The only negative I felt was that I could completely understand Ross not coming on because I wouldn't have trusted him at 1-0 either and I might be his biggest fan. Somehow, Everton and England need to unlock what's within him because he's the best technical player in the country.

Patrick Murphy
36 Posted 12/06/2016 at 02:42:52
Paul (34) Considering the long and arduous campaign to achieve justice for the families of the Hillsborough tragedy, it would seem more than a little insensitive to use a similar phrase in a major football tournament - perhaps I and some other people are being over-sensitive, but I found it a bizarre way to greet a goal for the national team.


Paul Kelly
37 Posted 12/06/2016 at 02:53:40
Cheers for clearing that up, I can see were your coming from but I didn't make the connection and neither did my RS mate, I just seen it as a comment about England's dominance, in fact I didn't know anything til coming on here.
Phil Sammon
38 Posted 12/06/2016 at 03:18:07
Great to see some political point-scoring on the back of this violence. Nice one, lads.
Kieran Kinsella
39 Posted 12/06/2016 at 03:37:32
I'm not a fan of hooliganism. However, the Russian lot didn't seem up to much. Pretty sure Batman would've wiped the floor with them.
James Byrne
40 Posted 12/06/2016 at 04:20:56
Like some TW's I don't have the slightest interest in England; particularly when we play shite like Lallana, Sterling, Wiltshire and Henderson etc.

I'm just glad there were no Everton players on show for the media to blame after that game, although you won't hear a word from the media against any other players.

Alan Holman
41 Posted 12/06/2016 at 07:35:13
Stevie G not mention in commentary until 31st minute, new record.
Steve Pugh
42 Posted 12/06/2016 at 07:57:52
If you have no interest in England why are you reading and participating in a thread about England?
Mike Hughes
43 Posted 12/06/2016 at 08:29:42
Steve #42 - simply because it's hard to avoid due to media hype - and it's even on here (therefore fair play to comment). Next ...
Ernie Baywood
44 Posted 12/06/2016 at 08:46:02
I don't care whether England win, lose our draw but I'm happy to both watch and discuss the players and games. I don't see why that wouldn't be OK.
Ian Cowhig
45 Posted 12/06/2016 at 09:07:36
Thought England were a bit unlucky. But then there is the problem with Roy as the manager.
Russia changed shape in the second half, and Vardy should have been on with Sterling off, and back to a traditional 4-4-2 formation.
There was a number of times in that second half that England had numbers to counter attack. Unfortunately all of them fell to Sterling, and his control or distribution was extremely poor for someone rated at close to 50 million.

Though Lallana was good first half, but bit quiet in second. Walker was excellent throughout. Pity we did not win the battle to sign him when Ginge was in charge.

Colin Glassar
46 Posted 12/06/2016 at 09:11:05
Technically good, mentally weak. Roy is a weak manager who will probably be knighted if we get out of the group..
Ian Burns
47 Posted 12/06/2016 at 09:20:48
You are winning 1-0, then you take off your most influential player and captain, leave on Sterling; leave Kane on the field playing poorly when you have Vardy who you could have put up against two centre halves whose combined age was plus 70 - and you end up 1-1. It was Martinesque game management from Hodgson.
Guy Hastings
48 Posted 12/06/2016 at 10:17:16
If Baines, Stones and/or Jags had been on the pitch when Russia scored they'd have been slaughtered in the press. That whole back line was all over the place when Russia scored. If LB and Jags allowed themselves a wry smile at that moment I couldn't have blamed me. As for me, I laughed out loud.
Brin Williams
49 Posted 12/06/2016 at 10:24:08
There's an easy way to solve all the disappointment being expressed on these pages - send the team home, ban them from all competitions until such time as their hooligan fans understand that they are not Crusaders bullying their way through other peoples' countries as if they were the chosen ones.
About time all Englishmen stood up against this scourge, they are a disgrace to the Country and the flag - thank God I'm Welsh and proud of it.
As for the team - you get what you deserve.
Colin Glassar
50 Posted 12/06/2016 at 10:30:15
Brin, there are a minority of morons who went for a fight but weren't they attacked before the game by French and Russian (commando style) thugs?

I'm not making excuses for our thugs but the other lot are just as guilty. As for the French police.........

Brin Williams
51 Posted 12/06/2016 at 10:37:03
Ban both teams then - it's the only way to stamp out this sort of thing.
But that'll never happen will it - too many vested interests! If indeed the were wearing vests!
Colin - et al - not trying to score points here but this sort of thing is totally unacceptable and time WE the BRITISH people stood up and said enough is enough.
It will never happen tho' - we are outnumbered by morons! Aren't we?
James Hughes
52 Posted 12/06/2016 at 10:51:58
NornIron & the Polish also attacked in Nice. At A time when the threat of terrorist attacks are very real it is disgrace these thugs add to the dangers of going the game.
Trevor Lynes
53 Posted 12/06/2016 at 10:54:27
England should have been two up by half time and they ran out of steam with half an hour to go.Vardy with his energetic running would have made the difference and the Russian centre back was so slow and was never tested for pace.I could actually 'feel' the equalizer coming as I have in so many Everton games after dominating the game.We had Vardy warming up but never being brought on and when Milner came on it was an attempt to hang on to the one nil lead.Surely we should be looking for a 2nd rather than try to sit on a slight lead.Wilshire is another favourite as he has hardly played any football for ages.England played well up to half time then seemed to run out of steam for some reason.Russia were poor and if we are to progress in the competition we need to beat this standard of opposition clearly.
Eddy Bernard
55 Posted 12/06/2016 at 10:57:40
Not interested in England until the FA address the southern bias. Cant stand the God save the queen nationalism and the whole Club Wembley thing is a money making racket.

Everton first, England last every time

Colin Glassar
56 Posted 12/06/2016 at 11:03:53
I agree Brin, I'm not trying to make excuses. As for the usual coordination between the French and British police, what happened there? The Russian thugs, well they've been waiting for years to test themselves against ours, so this shouldn't come as a surprise.
Eugene Ruane
57 Posted 12/06/2016 at 11:13:12
I really enjoy watching international football because I don't give a shite who wins.

It's great (every couple of years) to have completely stress-free football.

A chance to watch games with a more analytical eye.

With Everton, certainly at the time I'm watching, I know I'm seeing the game a different way.

Every throw-in is 'our-ball!' every foul against us committed by 'a fucking animal' every foul we commit is due to a 'diving cheating twat' etc.

With international tournaments, you just calmly think 'it was a corner/foul/free-kick/pen' etc.

Obviously it's the genuine passion that makes football what it is, so as nice as the break from the lunacy is, come August I'll be gagging for the real thing once again.

Tony Twist
58 Posted 12/06/2016 at 11:17:24
I don't agree with what hodgson did, you should never try to shut up shop and rely on one goal to win the match. He should have kept the attacking intent with bringing on Vardy, keep the opposition worrying about what you are going to do rather than them getting a head of steam up and getting the ball into your penalty area. Let's face it, players may change but England as a team don't change. They always make a meal of these things.
Paul Thompson
59 Posted 12/06/2016 at 11:48:02
Groundhog day x 3. England game, cue 25+ comments from Toffee Webers telling us they are not interested in England. We know. We remember the last thread, when the same comments were trotted out.

On the pitch, Roy's tactical ineptitude and conservatism repeated by keeping Kane on and not using Vardy, trying to shut up shop etc. That was a pity because there were some good signs in the 70 minutes. Rooney looked good in midfield and the two full backs were excellent.

Final groundhog, a minority of tanked up morons behave like idiots then whine about the nasty police.

Welcome to another international tournament.

Mark Murphy
62 Posted 12/06/2016 at 13:17:51
I agree with Eugene. I'll watch England Wales, Ireland, north and south, and Scotland games with interest but nowhere near the passion and nerves I suffer every Everton game.

Yesterday I enjoyed the Wales game more that the England match and like others have mentioned even had a chuckle when Russia scored imagining the commentators desperately scouring the pitch for Baines or Jags to blame!

On another note – I don't understand the comments re Lallana, I thought he played well in the last two games. "Justice for the England Eleven" though? Not just tasteless it was cringeworthingly sixth-form smart-ass commentary!

Mark Murphy
63 Posted 12/06/2016 at 13:20:28
Regarding the Wales game hopefully the whole football world will now see that yard dog Skrtl as the dirty thug he really is! How that didn't earn a straight red is beyond me!
Charles Brewer
64 Posted 12/06/2016 at 13:38:59
Well,, at least none of us was surprised that an inept manager managed to turn a probable win into a draw that felt like a defeat. The best player (by far) swapped for a slow, not up to speed old player, a useless, off form striker playing for the whole match while another whose skills (aggression, speed) looked to be perfect for the situation ( playing against a slow and ponderous defence). All resulting in a cross in extra time giving an undeserved result to the other side. Hodgson, are you Martinez in disguise?
Alan J Thompson
65 Posted 12/06/2016 at 13:50:09
As an aside, I was a little bit amused by the comment by the French that few stewards or police were deployed inside the stadium as they would not move security personnel from duties stopping terrorists entering the country. However, large numbers of foreigners were allowed in to punch big lumps out of each other.
Andy Crooks
66 Posted 12/06/2016 at 14:04:38
Eugene, I know that feeling. When I watch most international games it is like a scout. I actually cannot watch derby games because the tension makes me ill.( yes, ridiculous, I know).

However, when Ireland, north or south play, I feel the same. I feel no jingoism whatsoever, just wanting lads who are getting what I dreamed of doing well. I felt like that about Wales yesterday. If Barkley or Stones had played I would have cheered on England. Where on earth do those fanatical England supporters come from? This is a genuine question.Is it a north south divide?

Anthony Jones
67 Posted 12/06/2016 at 15:06:42
It is strange watching England. I wanted them to win at first, but seeing Cahill dejected at the end made me question why I was bothered with the result at all.

Rooney is a Manc now. "Mad for it, don't steal my hubcaps", etc. Milner is Hodgson's never-tiring but not-very-good ferret. Sterling runs like a freak. Lallana joined the dark side. Delle Ali is decent but he is keeping Ross out of the team.

I have to wonder how much the hardcore England fans really care about their respective clubs. If you can forget completely about rivalries that run from August to May every year as soon as you see the 3 Lions, you have a powerful mind.

Andrew Clare
69 Posted 12/06/2016 at 15:48:41
Colin#50,
You end your comment with 'and as for The French police.... '
I don't agree. We accept this sort of behaviour by drunken thugs all over the UK. Go out in any provincial town or city on a Friday or Saturday night around closing time and you will see this sort of behaviour. It's accepted. On the otherhand in Europe people on the whole are law abiding and respectful. Older people and families with children can stay out to the early hours without worry.
The French police react in the way they do because 1. They just don't come across behaviour like this and 2. They just won't accept it.
These so-called England fans are a total embarrassment to the people of this country.
Mike Powell
70 Posted 12/06/2016 at 15:58:46
England were poor. Sterling was woeful – why he wasn't taken off at half-time is beyond me.

What were them subs about? How the fuck were they going to change the game. As soon as I seen the team, I knew we would struggle.

Terry Underwood
71 Posted 12/06/2016 at 16:01:19
The commentator said England were playing 4-3-3. From what I saw it was 4-3-2 the 11th was Sterling who may as well have had his phone with him playing crazy birds, cos he contributed sod all to the game. Kane is supposed to be our number 1 striker, yet the midfield seemed unable to play him in on goal Lalalalalal ( can start spelling it don't know when to stop)had a couple of decent attempts and Rooney had a good shot, that's about it, May all be over in a weeks time AGAIN!!!
Colin Glassar
72 Posted 12/06/2016 at 16:04:56
You might be right Andrew although I was mainly referring to presence, or lack of, police in the stadium. A tarpaulin was the only thing separating both sets of fans. I didn't see any police or stewards forming a human barrier (like they do here). Was there any coordination with the British police to spot the trouble makers?

It is common knowledge that Russian hooligans have been dying to test themselves against our lot for years now. They tried during the last euros but the Polish and Russian authorities were all over them and nothing came of it. Hopefully, the guilty will be caught, tried and jailed and the keys thrown away.

The next games are relatively close to each other so unless the French take measures I can see another battle brewing.

Ian Burns
73 Posted 12/06/2016 at 16:06:46
Andrew - 69 - You are absolutely correct in your post. I no longer live in the UK but here "on the continent" and you do not see behaviour as you see in the provincial cities in the UK - at least not that I have experienced.

We will only see a solution to this problem when a team or two is thrown out of the competition. I fear for the World Cup in Russia in 2018 - in fact I fear for the rest of this Euro competition unless urgent action is taken such as a points deduction or preferably a straight ban.

Terry Underwood
74 Posted 12/06/2016 at 16:10:00
If the FA had a pair, they would withdraw from the whole thing.... but money talks
Brent Stephens
75 Posted 12/06/2016 at 16:23:44
EUFA say will ban country if any further fan trouble. Quite right.
Tony Draper
76 Posted 12/06/2016 at 16:58:02
Kieran @39.
Supergran would have sorted them cowardly russkies out with a sideways glance.

"Ultras" attacking people who had primary school kids with them ?
Fuckin' Rock 'Ard !

Paul Smith
77 Posted 12/06/2016 at 16:59:26
Andrew Clare.

Are you really conflating a Saturday night in Leeds with a sustained and systematic attack by organised thugs on mainly innocent English fans ?

Also ,French Police have to deal with ruthless French Public sector workers erecting barricades, setting fires, and perpetrating a dearth of civil unrest measures to make their point, but hey ho, it's quaint and tranquil over the channel.

Andrew Clare
78 Posted 12/06/2016 at 17:05:01
Colin, Yes the policing in the stadium left a lot be desired and Ian, Terry and Brent I agree, firm action must be taken. This is a football tournament not a war!
Andrew Clare
79 Posted 12/06/2016 at 17:22:54
Paul that Saturday night in Leeds is happening in every town and city every Saturday night across the country all year round and we accept it.
I am not saying that everything is quaint and rosey on the continent all of the time but generally speaking it's a lot safer in most places than the UK late at night in town and city centre's.
It's a shame but most people wouldn't even contemplate going to an England match abroad because of the hooligan element that follow them.
Russia has the same problem.
I'm afraid the image of the Englishman is that of a beer drinking drunken slob. You really have to think that there is a major problem with our society if we produce people like this.
Colin Glassar
80 Posted 12/06/2016 at 18:09:43
Andrew, can you imagine how it is going to kick off in Russia in two years time? They give lip service to their hooligan problem but many think it's semi-state sponsored. Personally, I would give Russia 2018 a wide berth.
Andrew Clare
81 Posted 12/06/2016 at 18:13:53
Definitely one to miss Colin.
Colin Glassar
82 Posted 12/06/2016 at 18:23:34
FIFA should kick the Russians out of football until they clean up their act. Can you imagine if Israel qualify - rampant anti-semitism in Russia, or what happens with the Ukrainians? And as for the African teams with Russian racism so widespread who knows? I'm just glad there won't be any openly gay teams going.
Raymond Fox
83 Posted 12/06/2016 at 18:25:59
I thought Kane had an awful game, that was smart having a centre forward and top goal scorer taking the corners don't you think!
Not very well either I might add. Who's bright idea was that.

Colin Glassar
84 Posted 12/06/2016 at 18:54:13
That Milik fella looks good.
Tony Draper
85 Posted 12/06/2016 at 19:04:21
Russia WC 2018 ?

Won corruptly.
Hosted by an openly racist homophobic state (in direct contravention of FIFA policies).
There will not just be organised attacks, there will be kidnappings and murders possibly including officials and players as well as fans.

Blatters corrupt legacy.

Sam Hoare
86 Posted 12/06/2016 at 19:14:13
Colin 84, that Kapustka lad looked useful too.

Thought Perisic looked useful for Croatia earlier. Always liked him as a the person to fill our left wing spot.

Tony Hill
87 Posted 12/06/2016 at 19:18:36
I was actually a bit disappointed with Milik but I've seen very little of him and others on here whose opinions I respect think he's going to be a real star.
Dennis Ng
88 Posted 12/06/2016 at 19:27:33
Quite a lot of good young prospects on show. Germany next. With the Lukaku saga, we should ready a replacement quick and before he gets another word out about his "ambitions", e.g. Milik.
Garry Corgan
89 Posted 12/06/2016 at 19:50:06
UEFA and FIFA are a fucking disgrace. South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022. Not a single country I would feel safe walking around in - especially not as part of a group of football fans. And not one of them had a particularly good human rights record.
Paul Kossoff
90 Posted 12/06/2016 at 19:50:22
My bet that our two will only be used in an emergency or when England have already qualified.

Hodgson has his favourites and they are in the Sky six.

Kim Vivian
93 Posted 12/06/2016 at 21:22:31
The 2018 World Cup should be moved if possible. I reckon there's time for us to hold it with all our stadiums and the Olympic infrastructure.

And with Russia kicked out of course. It's not like the awarding of it was shrouded with squeaky cleanness.

Jay Harris
94 Posted 12/06/2016 at 22:28:52
6 games played and not one of our lads has seen a minute of action while OFM2 is doing what he does best talking a good game as a commentator.

The only player who should be of interest to us so far is Milik.

Thought Yarmalenko wasnt that good today drifting in and out of the game.

No standout keepers so far either except for Neur of course.

Ernie Baywood
95 Posted 13/06/2016 at 00:46:13
Jann Sommer for Switzerland was outstanding, Jay.
Mike Allen
96 Posted 13/06/2016 at 08:54:07
We all like a good moan when England play but what gets me is the manager doesn't see the obvious. I'm not picking on Kane but he was not on his game. It was crying out for Vardy or at least a change.

Playing out from the back is all very well but... keeper, quick throw to full back, square pass to CB or other FB, who is then under pressure, so back to keeper, who then kicks it long or out.

Free kick... good chance to get the ball in the box... but NO – square pass or backwards... half-a-dozen passes to get back to square one.

Seems a bit of Roberto has rubbed off on the Hodge...

John Graham
97 Posted 13/06/2016 at 10:06:21
Andrew (79). Looks like your scared of your own shadow, and living in the past. A very very big majority of games now have good humoured and well behaved fans before, during, and after games. Don't tar everyone with the same brush. The genuine fans just want a good game of football with hopefully their team winning. Everton have fantastic away support with very few problems. I suggest you actually go to watch a match instead of making judgements from something you see on your tv from your armchair.
Andrew Ellams
98 Posted 13/06/2016 at 11:04:23
I was watching N Ireland and Polish fans walking away from the game chatting and having a laugh on the news this morning but you can guarantee when Poland are up against Germany next all the ultras will rock up and there will be murder. The Eastern European thugs are far scarier than anything we have seen before because they are way beyond a few drunken morons.

Oh and buy Milik quickly and try and beat Utd to Embolo (£15million, an absolute steal).

Mark Pendleton
99 Posted 13/06/2016 at 11:06:25
I'm glad the Everton boys weren't there so the media could blame them for the goal. It must be so difficult for the press when England make a mistake and there are only players from their beloved teams on which to apportion blame. So much so that they were even speculating if the players were distracted by the flare that was sent into the England fans just before the goal!

I support England and want them to win but I have nowhere near the pain or pride relationship that died in me after Euro 96, the last tournament when I thought just about the best group of players we had played to their potential.

I am embarrassed by the team for which I place a lot of blame on what I see as a manager who fails to instil passion and belief and I am embarrassed by a number of so called England 'fans' who think they are so superior and can chant obscenities about other nations, fans etc...

Yes, England played fairly well in the first half but the manager then had no clue how to keep it up in the second half. Poor against a poor side.


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