When you're quoting a list of teams England have lost to, the chances are you will see a lot of defeats yes.

It's clearly not England's entire knockout record, for any number of obvious reasons.

They're one of, if not the biggest supporter national team.

As well as having Rattin sent off in the quarters.

We missed a golden opportunity to win a second World Cup in 1990. Argentina were dire in the 1990 final and I believe we could have beaten them if we had won the semi shootout.

If England were a Premier League team, we would be Everton. A decent team who are capable of beating anyone, but aren't good enough to win major trophies.

In what sense?

I agree. Even Germany weren't that good in 1990, but it's not always the best team that wins the World Cup.

The point I'm making is that our players and tacticians are too insular, inflexible and looking at the short term. There are plenty of opportunities abroad that could end up benefiting our younger players, giving them great and varied experience, which would benefit the national team and English leagues. Rather than the usual whingeing about foreign players coming here and taking all our jobs, stealing our women, etc, they should be seeking out ways to play at the highest tiers possible, on foreign shores if need be, and thinking ahead. Still, I suppose they speak a different language out there beyond Blighty and don't have fish 'n' chips.

Oh, and yes, players here can learn from foreign players playing for their teams, but they're still being managed and coached in the English way, especially when young. Rather than the usual mentality of bleating about no opportunities at home, maybe they need to challenge themselves and seek opportunities elsewhere, especially if they want to be top footballers. It can't be too good for them to give in so easily with such feeble whingeing, particularly if they want success in a competitive sport.


Been there, don't that. It's more than just a change of wallpaper, like a new manager can end up being. The issue is more ingrained in our character, which also includes our fans and media. If we can start tackling our insular attitude and broaden our minds, then maybe we can move on.

I suppose it's not an accident that we're both Arsenal supporters.

There isn't a more cosmopolitan league in the world. Foreign owners, managers, technical staff & players. You do not need to go to the continent any more to get a flavour of the 'foreign' game. And don't use the grass roots excuse. PL clubs pick up lots of kids for their academies from the age of 10.

Sure you can argue that young English players don't get the first team experience because there are too many foreign players with more experience and that to get the experience they should find first team opportunities else where, but the bottom line is the PL teams pay the most so why on earth would a kid go somewhere for less pay just to improve the national team?

And that is the bottom line. For 23 out of 24 months the national team in this country is at best a distraction and at worst a liability. Players, media and fans don't take it seriously until a major championship is upon us then suddenly we have all of this nonsense. In this county the club comes first then the national team some way behind so it's no surprise we don't do better.

England on home soil can be competitive as in 1966 and 1996. But when taken out of their "safety zone", exposes that England is only a 2nd tier football country. In the away qualification matches, England could only muster draws which "big countries" would have comfortable wins.

Rarely any of our international players play abroad as they prefer the comfort zone in the Premier League where they look good amongst foreign players (use Rooney's World Cup record as an example). Sadly our players listen to the hype and believe that they are world beaters. But whilst Spain, Italy, France and Germany have won titles in the last 20 years, England is just opposition for them to play.

No, I don't consider England a big team. To be a big team you'd need to get to the semi-finals of the Euros or WC. Without reaching the last four of a major tournament I don't think any team can be described as big. We're just an average team with the rare moment of brilliance. (okay, very rare!)

They have the support base of a big team, but unfortunately lack the world class players to be a big team. Gerrard is past it, Rooney isn't world class, there is no distinct quality in the squad. We don't have a match winner like Suarez or Neymar. We can't be a world class team, without world class players. Also, not a fan of Hodgsons tactics either.

Big team yes. Good team no.

England had the potential to be great:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiBxyPqV1BY


I think a super fit Michael Owen playing with better English players and we could have got to a World Cup final. I think M Owen (when fit) was England's best striker since 1966. Sad the way his international career ended rather abruptly.

it's about more than just "getting a flavour" though, isn't it?

I can't believe people are deluding themselves about that 5:1 win over Germany. At the time, Germany was going through the worst football crisis in their history and would lose to a team of school kids. England weren't brilliant, Germany were just very poor. However, Germany learned their lesson and brought up a new generation of young players, whereas England did nothing. Even with a terrible team Germany managed to get to the WC final just a year later, whereas England got eliminated in the quarter finals again (!). So the joke is really on England.

NO we are not a big team, I don't think we have been for years. We are average at best. History shows this.

Read this and make your mind up...

The big Five European Leagues and major tournament wins.

England:...1966

Spain:...1964,..2008,..2010,..2012

Germany:...1954,..1972,..1974,..1980,..1990,..1996

Italy:... 1934,..1938,..1968,..1982,..2006

France:...1984,..1998,..2000


England with one solitary tournament win are also rans.

Until we understand our status, we can never hope to improve.