The Official *England's Journey to Brazil 2014* Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

"There is a forgotten, nay almost forbidden word, which means more to me than any other. That word is England."
Sir Winston Churchill

Yes, it's nearly that time. Time for England to begin their Qualifying Campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Those promising, encouraging, and brave displays witnessed during Euro 2012 will have to be built on as the long road to Brazil starts. Along the way, they will play in London, Podgorica, Kiev, Warsaw, Chisinau and Serravale. The aim is simply to top the group and make it to Brazil with a minimum of fuss.

"Ask any man what nationality he would prefer to be, and ninety nine out of a hundred will tell you that they would prefer to be Englishmen."
Cecil John Rhodes

England have been drawn in Group H with Montengro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino. I don't even need to be insanely optimistic this time round. England will top that group. Moldova and San Marino will be the whipping boys. Montengro, Ukraine and Poland will only prove a challenge in their own ground. Wembley will be deemed a fortress.

"Remember that you are an Englishman, and have consequently won first place in the lottery of life."
Cecil John Rhodes

The fixture list for those Qualifiers is the following:

Moldova v England (7th September 2012)
England v Ukraine (11th September 2012)
England v San Marino (12th October 2012)
Poland v England (16th October 2012)
San Marino v England (22nd March 2013)
Montenegro v England (26th March 2013)
England v Moldova (6th September 2013)
Ukraine v England (10th September 2013)
England v Montenegro (11th October 2013)
England v Poland (15th October 2013)

Lovely, simple, finishing with a Wembley double-header. I predict we'll get 28 out of 30 points, perhaps getting a draw in either Warsaw or Kiev.

"Follow your spirit; and upon this charge,
Cry "God for Harry! England and Saint George"."
William Shakespeare

Of course, while England's fate will be defined by those 10 games, the ever important International Friendly will hone the team against more quality opposition. The friendlies currently scheduled are:

Italy v England (15th August 2012)
Sweden v England (14th November 2012)
England v Scotland (14th August 2013)

So let's get the England train rolling, starting on Wednesday, build up momentum before landing in Brazil in nearly 2 years time. Come on England!

“The English are so filled with their own greatness and have won so many big victories that they have come to believe they cannot lose. In battle they are the most confident nation in the world."
Unknown

[Stella]

Isn't Wilshere injured?

[NickisBHAFC]

I hope we have a look again at the Gerrard-Carrick partnership again, they were both outstanding against Poland.

[mystiroakey]

you were drunk nick, they were pretty average dude!

[Duty281]

Not Carrick. Not Carrick. Not Carrick.

Centre of midfield was arguably our weakest point against Poland. The partnership should be, in order of preference:

Gerrard-Wilshere
Gerrard-Barkley
Gerrard-Lampard
Gerrard-Jones
Gerrard-Barry
Gerrard-Parker
Gerrard-Cleverley
Gerrard-Carrick

And people still bang on about Carrick being the best passer in the country. He bloody well isn't. Anything over 5 yards forward is a bit too much for him. He can't tackle well, he's hasn't got a great first touch, he's not good in the air, he's not quick, he's not going to make a 50-yard pass, he's not going to make a driving run from deep, he certainly won't score, he can't take a set-piece, he's going to do f**k all as the game passes him by.

[NickisBHAFC]

you were drunk nick, they were pretty average dude!

People just hate Carrick because he isn't a center mid that will run with the ball take it past everyone and score. He keeps the ball and uses his brain when to pass the ball. Good player, him and Gerrard bossed it that night. I remember out first goal very well. Ball falls to Carrick, i bet you 9/10 times a center mid will shoot, and yes you never know they could well test the keeper, but Carrick played a very clam pass to Baines and his cross was world class as was the header by Rooney. I would rather see Gerrard and Carrick, than see Lampard and Gerrard play like 2 strangers with one and other. 

There's a long way to the world cup, but if it was tomorrow, i would start exactly the same team that started against Poland. Best England performance u i have seen in years, yes it was against Poland, but it will still outstanding. 

Also Mysti, i only had 1 that night, along with a dodgy curry

[Duty281]

you were drunk nick, they were pretty average dude!

People just hate Carrick because he isn't a center mid that will run with the ball take it past everyone and score. He keeps the ball and uses his brain when to pass the ball. Good player, him and Gerrard bossed it that night. I remember out first goal very well. Ball falls to Carrick, i bet you 9/10 times a center mid will shoot, and yes you never know they could well test the keeper, but Carrick played a very clam pass to Baines and his cross was world class as was the header by Rooney. I would rather see Gerrard and Carrick, than see Lampard and Gerrard play like 2 strangers with one and other. 

There's a long way to the world cup, but if it was tomorrow, i would start exactly the same team that started against Poland. Best England performance u i have seen in years, yes it was against Poland, but it will still outstanding. 

Also Mysti, i only had 1 that night, along with a dodgy curry

I'm confused, am I thinking of another game? England were bang average for most of the first half, played a bit for the last 20 minutes of the half, and nerves took over in the second half. We were much better against Montenegro on the Friday before.

And as for Carrick's style of play...I didn't mind super Scotty Parker. Carrick is just average, you can bet if he plays, England will be average. Ecuador, Poland, Montenegro (the away fixture), Poland again.

[NickisBHAFC]

Duty saying something bad about England    

[mystiroakey]

you were drunk nick, they were pretty average dude!

People just hate Carrick because he isn't a center mid that will run with the ball take it past everyone and score. He keeps the ball and uses his brain when to pass the ball. Good player, him and Gerrard bossed it that night. I remember out first goal very well. Ball falls to Carrick, i bet you 9/10 times a center mid will shoot, and yes you never know they could well test the keeper, but Carrick played a very clam pass to Baines and his cross was world class as was the header by Rooney. I would rather see Gerrard and Carrick, than see Lampard and Gerrard play like 2 strangers with one and other. 

There's a long way to the world cup, but if it was tomorrow, i would start exactly the same team that started against Poland. Best England performance u i have seen in years, yes it was against Poland, but it will still outstanding. 

Also Mysti, i only had 1 that night, along with a dodgy curry

I'm confused, am I thinking of another game? England were bang average for most of the first half, played a bit for the last 20 minutes of the half, and nerves took over in the second half. We were much better against Montenegro on the Friday before.

And as for Carrick's style of play...I didn't mind super Scotty Parker. Carrick is just average, you can bet if he plays, England will be average. Ecuador, Poland, Montenegro (the away fixture), Poland again.

You get that drunk on one pint!!
Thats the Brighton in ya!"

wuss

[Duty281]

Rest assured though that I will not cease from mental fight, and nor shall my sword sleep in my hand...till we have built Jerusalem, in England's green and pleasant land.

I'm never too patirotic at this time of the year.

[mystiroakey]

by the way I thought Carrick had an outstanding game for united v bayer leverkusen.

But in that game I wasn't that impressed with the 2 off Carrick and Gerard.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Duty you're just having a lull before the Ashes, preparation for the glorious victory

[mystiroakey]

I would go with a seasonal depression disorder.

I am really not feeling good about the ashes- I think they are going to turn us over

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

At worst it'll be a draw, no way the Aussies win a series having barely won a test for the past 2 years Mysti

[Duty281]

I do have seasonal depression actually...but in the summer, not winter. Odd, eh?

And whilst the Ashes are around the corner, it is quite difficult to get excited by a contest that happened 3-4 months ago. Wish we were playing South Africa this winter, 4 long years since England have been there.

[mystiroakey]

When was the last time we started a series well?

if they get one up on us... I think the whole of Australia will get behind them and rattle our boys who seem to be sitting a bit too pretty and easy at the moment...

Australian sport is at an all time low, all the efforts will go into beating the poms in this series..

That or we will just crush them 5-0

[mystiroakey]

I do have seasonal depression actually...but in the summer, not winter. Odd, eh?

And whilst the Ashes are around the corner, it is quite difficult to get excited by a contest that happened 3-4 months ago. Wish we were playing South Africa this winter, 4 long years since England have been there.

Interesting, you get more patriotic the lower you feel.

[NickisBHAFC]

you were drunk nick, they were pretty average dude!

People just hate Carrick because he isn't a center mid that will run with the ball take it past everyone and score. He keeps the ball and uses his brain when to pass the ball. Good player, him and Gerrard bossed it that night. I remember out first goal very well. Ball falls to Carrick, i bet you 9/10 times a center mid will shoot, and yes you never know they could well test the keeper, but Carrick played a very clam pass to Baines and his cross was world class as was the header by Rooney. I would rather see Gerrard and Carrick, than see Lampard and Gerrard play like 2 strangers with one and other. 

There's a long way to the world cup, but if it was tomorrow, i would start exactly the same team that started against Poland. Best England performance u i have seen in years, yes it was against Poland, but it will still outstanding. 

Also Mysti, i only had 1 that night, along with a dodgy curry

I'm confused, am I thinking of another game? England were bang average for most of the first half, played a bit for the last 20 minutes of the half, and nerves took over in the second half. We were much better against Montenegro on the Friday before.

And as for Carrick's style of play...I didn't mind super Scotty Parker. Carrick is just average, you can bet if he plays, England will be average. Ecuador, Poland, Montenegro (the away fixture), Poland again.

You get that drunk on one pint!!
Thats the Brighton in ya!"

wuss

A 36 year old has just said that. God.

[mystiroakey]

Nick you posted on here from the pub singing carricks praises. You sounded drunk.

being 36 has no relevance over making a harmless joke

[Duty281]

Actually, with England playing Chile and Germany in the football, New Zealand in the Rugby Union, France in the Rugby League, and Australia in the Ashes - all over the next week - my patriotic feeling is returning.

England will stuff the lot of them!

Incidentally, Carrick and Welbeck are both out injured for the two friendlies. Disappointed for the latter, not so much for the former - hopefully Ross Barkley will get a start now in at least one of the games.

[Duty281]

Gerrard and Walker are both out of the Chile game. Still hope that they'll be fit to face Germany though.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

#howsonforengland

[Guest]

#pointlessfriendlies

I'm all for giving youth & peripheral figures a chance but we all know Roy will resort back to the tried & tested.

[mystiroakey]

Chile star dismisses england fgrom 2014 because our players are too soft.

His reasoning is that our players get everything handed on a plate from day one and are academy players from 10-11, he says on the flip side he was washing cars at that age.

Errrr.

Ok dismiss England,, but like the above is any different for Dutch, German, Spanish or Italian players!!

[Duty281]

Roy Hodgson believes that where England are drawn is more important than who England draw. You'll be wanting group H then on Friday, Roy, where all 3 games are in the Southeast. Group B isn't too bad either, while Group G is light on travelling.

[Guest]

Get the excuses in early Roy.

Gabby Logan interview with Roy at WC next July -

Gabby - ''Roy, how come we lost today & have failed to quality out of the group?''

Roy - ''Well, we had a long way to travel you see, Brazil's a big country & unfortunately our hotel is located too far away from the grounds we are playing at. The boy's were tired from travelling & you could see in our play we were tired''.

[Duty281]

Have a bit of positive John - we're only 7 games from glory...

[mystiroakey]

Go in understated duty.

Hopefully he will play a young side.

I really dont want the same tactics as last cup.. That wasn't to great on the eye.

[Duty281]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25206040

Because FIFA love to confuse, England will have a one in nine chance of being moved from pot 4 to pot 2. If that does happen, England will be GUARANTEED to have one of Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia in their group, thereby excluding any chance of having Germany, Spain or...er Switzerland.

Only a 1 in 9 chance though, the much more sensible odds suggest that England could still face any of the top seeds in the group.

I have only two real wishes for England at the world cup:

1) Argentina in the group stage please.
2) BAN THE BAND!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

What a joke that is BTW Duty!

In 06 Serbia and Montenegro were out into pot 2 as the lowest ranked European side. This year it'd be France and suddenly it becomes a random draw..................

Also surely it should only be the teams who qualified via the playoffs??? Hardly fair if say the Netherlands get drawn into pot 2 where as a France or Portugal doesnt , despite the Dutch bossing qualifying.

Absolute shambles

[Duty281]

If I've learnt one thing over the last couple of weeks, it's that friendly matches should not count towards the FIFA world rankings. The Netherlands aren't a top seed because of some meaningless friendly they played, and England aren't simply because of the draw against Ireland and the (narrow) win over Scotland, also in friendlies.

[mystiroakey]

Remeber last qualifying when they changed it last minute so Ireland would have to play France--

Fifa just make it up as they go

[Duty281]

Go in understated duty.

Hopefully he will play a young side.

I really dont want the same tactics as last cup.. That wasn't to great on the eye.

Understated? Nah...En-ger-lund are gonna win the world cup!

I thought glory was only true in fairytales,
Meant for someone foreign but not for me,
Football was out to get me,
That's the way it seemed,
Disappointment haunted all my dreams.

Then I saw Roy's face, now I'm a believer!
Not a trace of doubt in my mind,
I'm in love, I'm a believer!
I couldn't doubt him if I tried.

I thought Englandwas more or less a givin' thing,
But the more I gave the less I got,
What's the use in dreaming?
All you get is pain,
When I needed sunshine I got rain.

Then I saw Roy's face, now I'm a believer!
Not a trace of doubt in my mind,
I'm in love, I'm a believer,
I couldn't doubt Roy if I tried.

[Steffan]

Understated? Nah...En-ger-lund are gonna win the world cup!

Just keep talking pal

[Duty281]

Steffan, these are nervous times for the majority of English fans. Brazil may fulfill our wildest dreams. The dream of....

BANNING THE BAND!

Don't let us down Brazil!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25238830

[mystiroakey]

So I take it this band get travel paid for by pukka pies , free tickets and free pies for life?

well anything is better than the Voo Voo's at SA

[Duty281]

Roy Hodgson doesn't fear who we get in the draw tomorrow - he seems to be more concerned about the choice of hotel!

My dream group for tomorrow:

Argies
England
Australia
Nigeria

[Duty281]

England - Draw specialists? The below table will probably back that up:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-25233859

England have drawn the joint most games in world cup finals, level with Italy on 16 - but Italy have played 20 games more.

Now we just need to get the penalties sorted for the summer...

[mystiroakey]

One reason to take Lambert- King penalty taker

[Duty281]

The media it seems didn't know, but Rafael, the Manchester United full-back, was seriously considering playing for England. Under the five-year rule, and because he's only played friendlies for Brazil, he would have been eligible this year.

According to the Times though, he has changed his mind.

As you were.

[Guest]

I'd rather the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles version Duty.

[Guest]

Rafael - shocking. Haven't we already got enough right backs who have no positional sense & can't defend.....Walker (cough)

[Crimey]

I'm pretty sure the five year rule doesn't apply for England or any of the other Home Nations because of their separate agreement, it has to be blood relations or been educated in the country for a number of years.

[Duty281]

Turning into the New Year then, and six months away from the greatest sporting tournament of them all. England are looking very rosy right now.

Roy Hodgson is as calm as ever, ahead of what could be the biggest seven games of his life.

There's plenty of competition for places on the plane to Brazil.

There's several young English players stepping up in the PL - the likes of Barkley, Townsend, Henderson, Sturridge, Lallana, Walcott, Morrison, and Berahino.

The established players are doing quite alright as well. Gerrard has had a good start to the season for Liverpool, injury aside. Rooney is carrying Manchester United. Welbeck's chipping in with goals. Walcott and Wilshere are doing well on their return from injury. Hart has seemingly put the bad form behind him. Baines and Cole are as good as ever. Oxlade will soon be back from injury. Jones and Smalling are getting plenty of game-time for Manchester United. Even Milner's in some cracking form currently.

The skyline couldn't look much more pleasant for England right now - will 2014 fulfil the hopes and dreams of the nation that gave the world its most popular sport?

Go on, you know you want to believe.

[Guest]

England are looking very rosy right now.

The skyline couldn't look much more pleasant for England right now.

England 0-2 Chile
England 0-1 Germany B

Very rosy indeed!

[Duty281]

Don't put meaningless friendlies in the mix, John. 4 years unbeaten in competition, near-enough.

In Roy we trust, England might just go all the way.

[mystiroakey]

John cracks me up. Allways biased against england.

States Germany b . but not england b v Chile.

England are in a good place. One of the reasons the pl is so close this year is due to English players stepping up from the lower teams.

[Guest]

John cracks me up.

  

You love it! C'mon England!

[mystiroakey]

Thats the spirit- get behind the lads.

[Duty281]

Roy Hodgson - I've never lost the World Cup in a dream.

Nor have I Roy, nor have I.

[Steffan]

Just keep taking pal  

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