Conference trucks::football;1

    
    There hasn't been many details around the shortfalls or 
    strengths of his 'new' knee. My worry is someone putting
    a tackle on him in a fully competitive match and his knee 
    standing up to the force.
    
    I think he is fit but needs match fitness and I don't know
    if he should be in the squad for Sweden.
    
    JN.

    Leave the Fat boy at home sulking.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry.

    
    I very much doubt if a player who has had no competitive matches for
    over a year will be risked in such a demanding tournament as the
    European Championships. In some respects, Taylor is probably hoping
    that Gascoigne is not declared fit, for if he is, then the clamour from
    the popular press to take him will be enormous. Of course, if Taylor
    were then to take him and he immediately broke down, the England
    manager would be slated by those very people who campaigned for his
    inclusion.
    
    In fact, don't be too surprised if the fat boy never plays
    competitively again. It may well be that when he does try to return to
    top class football, his knee won't take the strain; he wouldn't be the
    first.
    
    As for England's midfield, I expect Platt and Steven to fill two of the
    places; they are at least international class but you can take your
    pick from the rest.
    
    jeff
     

    
    Taylor has an excellent opportunity to check out Paul Gascoigne on
    Sunday and I will be dissapointed if he doesn't take it.
    
    If Taylor play's Gazza against Brazil he could decide wether he is fit
    or worthy of a place then..
    
    Gary..

    
    I doubt that Gascoine will be selected. In the Daily Mail
    this morning Taylor was reported to have said to Gazza
    that he won't be going to Sweden and that he should concentrate
    on preparing himself for the next world cup.
    
    As much as Taylor may wish to select him he is more than likely
    scared to do so as he has not played for so long. As stated in
    a previous reply Taylor would be hammered by all and sundry if
    Gascoine played and busted his knee again.
    
    Gazzas return will be gradual and I wouldn't be suprised to see 
    him remain at WHL for next season and not go to Italia.
    
    JN.

    He won't be going. 
    
    Let him stay at home and practice timing his tackling down the nearest
    nightclub stairs.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry.

    
    As the title of this note is 'England's midfield' maybe we should
    broaden the discussion from just Gazza. (personally although I'd like
    to see him in an England shirt i think Sweden is out of the question)
    
    We need some ball players who can open things up a little and who feel
    comfotable on the ball. I'd take Webb as he can do these sort of
    things. Platt is good from a penalty box-to-penaly box point of view
    and so will also be in the starting line up IMO. trevor Steven and Tony
    Daley have had good games on the wings and i feel that both should go
    as well. i'd take Clough (another play maker with a good football
    brain) and probably a battler like Batty for when the going gets tough.
    
    anyway thats my 2p's worth..
    
    DavidS.
    

    
    As a by the by, are any noters in here making tracks to the
    England v Brazil game at Wembley on Sunday ??
    
    JN.

    
    The question being asked after yesterday's game is not "Who's going to
    be in England's midfield?" but "England's midfield? What's that?"
    They were outplayed in all departments by the Brazilians, who were
    lacking many of their European players, and who moved the ball through
    the middle of the pitch almost at will. Their teamwork and individual
    skill was to be admired, but England's tendency to isolate their own
    players and constant losing possession made things easy for them.
    
    Webb seems to be promoted on the grounds that he's the only player
    we've got who can pass the ball; is it really true that in all England
    there is only one midfield player capable of performimg such a basic
    requirement? Having seen the efforts of Palmer, Batty and Thomas this
    season, it seems like it might well be.
    
    jeff

    
    England's squad for 1992 European Championships:
    
    Woods          (Sheff. Wed)
    Martyn         (C. Palace)
    Dixon (!)      (Arsenal)
    Walker         (Sampdoria)
    Keown          (Everton)
    Wright         (Liverpool)
    Dorigo         (Leeds)
    Pearce         (Forest)
    Steven         (Marseille)
    Webb           (Man. Utd)
    Platt          (Bari/Whoever)
    Palmer         (Sheff. Wed)
    Batty          (Leeds)
    Barnes/Sinton  (Liverpool/QPR)
    Lineker        (Some Japanese club)
    Shearer        (Southampton)
    Daley          (Aston Villa)
    Clough         (Forest)
    Merson         (Arsenal)
    Smith          (Arsenal)
    
    Seaman will travel as reserve 'keeper, whilst Sinton will only make the
    trip if Barnes is not fit.
    
    Two surprises: Batty and Dixon, who have only played a few minutes in
    the last batch of friendlies. The inclusion of Dixon (at the expense of
    of my b�te noire, Gary Stevens) seems to indicate that Taylor intends
    to play with five at the back. Stevens can feel a bit aggrieved; not
    because he's good enough to be in the team but because Dixon is as bad
    as he is.
    
    Any thoughts?
    
    jeff

    > Any thoughts?
    
    Experienced quality players are a bit thin on the ground.  Walker,
    Wright, Pearce, Steven, Platt and Lineker make a sound backbone to the
    team plus Woods is an OK 'keeper.  But if a couple of those are injured
    whose going to replace them?  Dixon, Palmer, Batty and Sinton are all
    good first division pros, but aren't really going to set the world
    alight at international level.  Daley, Clough and Webb look good one in
    three games, but in the other two they are a waste of space.
    
    I think Keown, Dorigo, Smith and, in particular Merson and Shearer have 
    all got the potential to be very good international players but is the 
    European Championships the ideal proving ground.  It could be if one or
    two of them come in and play in a team that is doing well.  However, if
    the team is struggling then they are likely to struggle too.  As for
    Barnes, I hope he proves me wrong but, surely his international career
    is over.    
    
    If none of the players who make up the backbone of the team get
    injured and if one or two "nearlys", like Merson and Shearer, make the
    grade and if we get a bit of luck as in the Brazil game then things
    might be OK.  However, there's too many "ifs" for my liking.  I think
    England will do well to get to the semis.
    
    Still, it could be worse.  Now where is that Scottish squad!  :-)
    
    Mike M

    
    
    The draw against Brazil on sunday has really highlighted our Midfields
    total averageness. It was like a third division side getting a draw 
    against a first, with everybody knowing they would get a stuffing in
    the replay.  One of the panel of experts (probably Chinny hill) said 
    something about Webb is a natural choice cos he's our best passer of
    the ball ( if this is true then we're in trouble ) and Palmer has done
    enough cos of his workrate ???  I thought that was Platts role ? 
    
    Who's going to provide the skill in this team. ( and nobody say Clough
    please )
    
    
    	Chris

    It needed Gascoine, even a half fit Gazza is better than nothing
    and thats what he's selected bar Platt.
    
    If Platt has a good tournemount than England might do well....
    
    -Dom

    Get Hoddle back.  O.k. he's knocking on a bit now, but that will only
    affect his stamina. We're not asking him to sprint 100 yards every five
    minutes (can't remember him doing that anyway!) but collect the ball
    from whoever, jiggle around his marker and plant a 50 yard pass on
    Lineker's head or right foot.  He's more than capable of doing that,
    and his experience will more than compensate for any lack of
    superfitness.
    
    Stevo
    

    
    It's a nice idea but just *even* thinking about recalling Hoddle 
    for midfield shows the sad state of affairs we've found ourselves in. 
    
    He might be alright as a sweeper though.
    
    CHris

    Bring back Butch Wilkins!

  Re.. last 4 or 5.
  
      It looks like a repeat of Euro 88!! No wins and was it one goal???
I'll go for the same next month, with Lineker as usual scoring your only goal..

                                                                -dave-

    
    
    It looks like you could be right Dave . Still if it means we peak again
    for the next World Cup and go a stage further again then I'll go for
    that.
    
    
    Chris
    

    
    	fwiw...
    
    	comments on the squad:
    	
    	Dixon has to consider Rob Jones' misfortune (injury) to be his
    	own good fortune. He's only there because Gary Stevens proved
    	to be worse in the last two matches..
    
    	Keown has a heart as big as a football, and what he may lack in
    	finesse he makes up for in effort. He's also more skilfull than
    	he would appear (=not difficult, I guess..)
    
    	Barnes? Why bother. He'll play like he's injured even if he does 
    	go.
    	
    	Smith is a cabbage. Bin him. Ian Wright must be spitting feathers
    	at being omitted whilst that bloke gets on the 'plane..
    
    	Sinton - solid worker, but is he good enough? I'd have picked
    	Rocastle, who has class. And why not Michael Thomas? He's played
    	well for Liverpool lately..
    
    	Palmer goes 'coz we need a ball-winner/worker besides Batty, who's
    	temprement *may* be exposed by cynical play. But I'd probably have
    	chosen Paul Stewart. He can be particularly "hard", but also gets
    	goals and is talented.  
    
    	Webb's lucky to be selected. So's Merson, but he's more likely
    	to be a surprise to the competition, and deserves the chance just!
        Ditto Shearer, but I guess who else is there? Hard luck on Hirst,
    	but I don't think Taylor rates him much.
    	
    	Andy.

    re.19
    
    Andy,
    
    > Smith is a cabbage. Bin him.
    
    classic. absolute classic.
    
    Ian.
    

Re .19

I think Webb is the only midfielder England have got; OK
he doesn't tackle like Robbo, but at least he can pass
which ios more than can be said for Batty or Palmer.

I'm no real fan of Platt either. To me he's the ultimate
headless chicken. Covers mile after mile but is not 
particularly effective.

Is Paul Parker injured; he should have been the right 
back?

    
    
    I'll have to disagree with the last 'Webb can pass' bit, Ok  he 
    might know where he's going to pass the ball but actually getting it 
    there causes him problems.
    
    If I may use a current phrase  'He's not worthy'
    
    IMO
    
    Chris
    

    List of midfield players selected by Taylor with number of caps.
    
    T. Steven (34)
    B. Robson (90)
    Webb (23)
    P. Ince (0)
    P. Davis (0)
    Rocastle (14)
    M. Thomas (2)
    G. Thomas (9)
    Salako (5)
    C. Palmer (3)
    S. McMahon (17)
    S. Hodge (24)
    D. Batty (8)
    Platt (28)
    Cowans (10)
    A. Gray (1)
    A. Stinton (4)
    T. Daley (4)
    M. Walters (1)
    Barnes (66)
    Gazza (20)
    P. Stewart (3)
    Merson (4)
    Waddle (62)
    
    Scorers for last 20 games:
    Lineker	13
    Platt	 5
    Smith	 2
    Beardsley, Wise, Pearce, Hirst, Shearer, Merson, Keown, Steven	1.
    
                                                                          
    
    Remember: England-France 3:1 Spain 1982. Goals: Robson (2), Mariner.
    
    Team:
    ----
    
    Shilton - Mills, Butcher, Thomson, Sansom (Neal, 90') - Coppell,
    Wilkins, Robson, Rix - Mariner, Francis.
     

    
    RE .21
    
    If Webb is "the only midfielder England have got" then we really are in
    deep trouble. Platt is a far better player in every department; can you
    imagine if it had been Webb instead of Platt against Belgium in Italy,
    it doesn't bear thinking about.
    
    A fit "Gazza" would get into England's midfield without question, and I
    think it is a great shame that, through being a complete D**K, he won't
    be fit to go to Sweden.
    
    If Platt gets injured in Sweden we will be in trouble. If Barnes
    doesn't go, then our midfield looks as though it will be a long way
    from international quality. I would love to see England do well, but I
    don't think we have the depth in our squad to win the Championship.
    
    Ben 

    
    Lee Dixon is out of the squad after an accident in training; it seems
    he went for a run and after about 100 yards fell over and injured his
    leg (nice to see he trains like he plays!). His replacement is, yes,
    you guessed it, the wonderful Mr Gary Stevens. Is that the sound of
    laughter I can hear from across the Channel?
    
    jeff

    
    What about Paul Parker at right back, or is he injured??
    
    Nige.

    
    I've no idea about the fitness of Parker; maybe some of the Mancs
    fans will know. He doesn't seem to be very popular with Taylor, who's
    hardly picked him since he took over. For me, Parker was one of the
    stars of England's world cup, proving himself to be a far better
    defender than Messrs Stevens and Dixon ever were or ever will be.
    
    jeff

    
    Taylor has now named his team to play Finland, and they are expected to
    be England's first choice selection throughout the tournament. The team
    is:
    
    				Woods
    			
    		    Keown       Wright    Walker 
    
    		Stevens                      Pearce
    
    		    Steven       Webb     Platt
    
    			Lineker       Barnes
    
    Basically he has chosen to use a back five, with Wright as sweeper
    encouraged to go forward, along with Pearce and Stevens. The midfield
    is Steven, Webb, and Platt with Barnes given a free reign to go where
    he wants. Keown is the only player in the team who was not in the
    Italia 90 World cup squad.
    
    Lets hope it works.
    
    	Steve.
    

    
    	Seems fair enough to me I guess. Now all Taylor needs to do is
    	convince Barnes that he's in fact representing Jamaica instead
    	of England and maybe he'll repeat some of his undoubted Liverpool
    	form in the England shirt for a change..
    
    	jmo of course...
    
    	Andy.

    
    With the players Taylor had available I think this is the best side he
    could of picked, I hope Barnes can really turn it on this time, I know
    we've been saying this for along time but I've got good vibes about
    him, I don't know why? I think Barnes will come good in this
    tournement.
    
                  Neil.....
            

     
    re .29
    
    � Now all Taylor needs to do is convince Barnes that he's in fact
    � representing Jamaica instead of England...
    
    Huh??
    
    

    
    According to the book "All Played Out" by Pete Davies the
    Barnes saga was let out of the bag.
    
    In diggers own words he explained why he fails to turn it
    on for England and one of the reasons is the way Bobby Robson
    always asked him to play. When I get the book returned to me
    I'll post an extract here on his conversation with Pete Davies
    and then you can judge for yourself.
    
    Personally I do not believe in conditioning a player to become
    orthodox this and that as we've seen it doesn't work.
    
    If Barnes is truly being allowed a free role in the Finland game
    then I expect/hope he will do the biz.
    
    JN.

    
    The concept of a "sweeper" seems radically different in Britain to what
    it does on the continent. Here, the sweeper is simply the spare man at
    the back, used to shore up leaky defences; the only attacking
    consequence is that the two full-backs are, in theory at least, able to
    push forward more. When England first adopted this system in the 1990
    world cup, the consequences were nearly disasterous since none of the
    defenders seemed to be aware of just who it was they were supposed to
    be marking.
    
    Continental sweepers such as Koeman and Popescu, on the other hand,
    contribute very positively to their team's attacking potential by
    pushing forward a lot more and often arriving unmarked to score goals.
    Apparently, this is what Taylor wants Mark Wright to do for England;
    breaking the habits of a lifetime overnight may be beyond him but if
    he does, England may just prove to be a threat.
    
    jeff

   If England play Neill Webb in the middle of the field, they might as well
pack their bags and go home because any player who can't make a stuttering &
crap Man Utd side surely doesn't deserve to play for his country. It's a 
wonder Taylor hasn't drafted in that most gifted of players Mike Phelan as well.

    Cunno

    re.30
    
    re. vibes & Barnes.
    
    Neil,
    Don't take up fortune telling for a living will you.
    
    		Brian.

    
    	.34...
    
    	At least he'll be there, though, Martin. If we were to extend
    	your theory on the mighty Whelan that makes Webb a better player
    	than he. ?!? Surely not....
    
    	Yours fraternally in football, etc.... 

      <<< Note 213.34 by ESSB::MCUNNIFFE "The Mancs are out of the cup" >>>
                        -< Webb in Midfield ????????? >-

>   If England play Neill Webb in the middle of the field, they might as well
>pack their bags and go home because any player who can't make a stuttering &
>crap Man Utd side surely doesn't deserve to play for his country. It's a 
>wonder Taylor hasn't drafted in that most gifted of players Mike Phelan as well.

>    Cunno


yo Cunno,


Could you please gives us the run down on the U.S.A mid-field.

Thanks in anticipation.

Stuart

    I love John Barnes don't you nicey?
    
    Not 'arf Smash, he's one of the best injured @*?# type players we've
    got mate.
    
    Good ole Graham, he's absolutely Taylortastic. 
    
    Bonkers mate!
    
    

    
    Team news: 
    
    With Barnes out and Stevens injured, the new favourite for a call-up is
    Keith Curle. UEFA may only allow one replacement which means, if Sinton
    were called up, that the team would be short of right-sided defenders.
    If Curle does get the call-up, it'll be tough on Sinton whose hopes
    will have been raised and dashed once again.
    
    jeff

    
    Latest news:
    
    Stevens is definately out as well, so England have requested two
    replacements, Curle and Sinton. UEFA will decide today.
    
    If they refuse, England will go into the Finals with only 18 players,
    and will almost certainly have to abandon plans to play with five at
    the back.
    
    jeff

    
    Latest:
    
    Going by the press this morning it looks as though Sinton and Curle are
    definately IN.
    
    There was talk of Taylor including Gazza as well. Do you think that
    would have been a good idea??? comments.
    
    The press says that Taylor in playing cautiously by including Sinton,
    whereas if he had included Gazza, that it might have been a bit more
    attack minded.
    
    We shall have to wait and see.
    
    mac

    
>    There was talk of Taylor including Gazza as well. Do you think that
>    would have been a good idea??? comments.
 
    YES!!!
    
    Stefan (on behalf of the managers for France, Denmark and Sweden)   
    

re .41
  >>There was talk of Taylor including Gazza as well. Do you think that
  >>would have been a good idea??? comments.

Considering what happened to Barnes, I don't think Taylor should even think about
Gazza. I know that Barnes picked up a different injury to the one that kept him 
out for most of the season, but I feel that it was his lack of match practise
and fitness that caused this new problem. I may be wrong, but had he played all
season, then he would not have been so badly injured, if at all.

Gazza has played only a handful of PRACTISE games, and therefore his full fitness
and especially the strength of his knee have not been fully put to the test.

Gazza should concentrate on getting himself back into contention for the WC
qualifiers. He can think himself lucky that he can still play, and if he were
pushed too hard too early, he may not be able to for long.

Just imho

Al

    As soon as anyone hears the team selection, if Taylor decides to name
    before next month, will they post it here please.
    
    Jim.

    
    According to my paper the team is
    
    Woods,Curle, Keown, Walker, Pearce, Steven, Platt, Webb, Sinton,
    Merson, Lineker.
    
    Looks like a flat back 4.
    
    Gary.

    For the first time ever, I will be shouting for the Great Dane Peter
Schmiecel that he keeps a clean sheet tonight. 

  Such a strange feeling................!!!!

     Cunno 

Taylor won't be naming the team until an hour before kick off

Al

>>>      <<< Note 213.46 by ESSB::MCUNNIFFE "The Mancs are out of the cup" >>>
>>>                          -< Come on the Great Dane. >-


>>>    For the first time ever, I will be shouting for the Great Dane Peter
>>>Schmiecel that he keeps a clean sheet tonight. 

>>>  Such a strange feeling................!!!!

>>>     Cunno 
    
    So you've become an 'honourary Dane' now ? - Strange, I thought you
    were Irish..... oh of course Ireland didn't qualify did they.....
    
    
                         :-)
    
    Paul
        

    
    
    Methinks that "Cunno" may well be the longest standing typo in history
    ......
    
    Adam.

    
    Methinks that "Aldo" may well be the 2nd longest standing typo in history.
    ......
    
    Nigel
    
    

    
    The really contentious issue is not why England are even contemplating
    playing a sweeper (when they haven't got one) or even why Carlton
    Palmer is in Sweden at all. No, the real question is just what the
    bl**dy hell is Alan Ball doing as part of the England set-up? If Graham
    Taylor needs his advice then England are in BIG trouble.
    
    jeff

    Jobs for the boys.

    Well he's taking advice from McMenemy, so why not Ball 8-) I hear
    Paul Daniels has been flown in as well 8-)
    
    I reckon the FA made a big mistake giving Taylor this job, they
    should have forgotten their differences with Brian Clough and
    given him a go.
    
    All Taylor has done since he started is pick c**p sides,play c**p
    football and upset everybody 8-) Oh yeah, and he doesn't arf
    moan a lot 8-)

    Strage times indeed that Cunno would be rooting for a MANC player! By
    the way, Cunno, your legend has crossd the Atlantic. At the Ireland 
    matches in Boston this past week, I saw several people throwing themselves 
    down at the feet of Aldo, serenading him with hosannas fit for a king. 
    After all, he is "the most prolific scorer ever to lace on a pair of 
    footbal boots." I even was able to take a pictuere of his majesty running 
    out of the tunnel to the pitch...
    
    Tom 

    RE:-1 But Pagey hes only lost 1 game. I admit that theyve played crap
    most of the time though.
    
    Paul Daniels - thats great - anything Jesus can do my man Paul can do -
    no probs.
    
    Now Paul can you turn this bucket of water into fine English ale.
    
    Nigel

    
    re. 55
    
    � Now Paul can you turn this bucket of water into fine English ale.
    
    Whitbread's can do it the other way around.
    
    jeff

    Word has it that Carlton Palmer is in fact our lord and Saviour Jesus
    Christ !! He's on a goodwill tour of the universe,according to a press
    release from the Vatican.

    
    What amazes me is the notion that Taylor could even think about
    bringing in Tony Adams to take over the role of Mark Wright.
    
    Amazing.
    
    JN.

	The team was woods, curle, keown, walker, pearce, steven, platt, 
palmer, merson, lineker, and smith.

	Substitutes used where daley for curle, and webb for merson.


						Dave.

    Lads, I'm hurt...hurt and ashamed.
    
    We were crap.
    
    Jim.

    I'm mystified why he took off Merson. We were even more of a pooh-sandwich 
    after he left the field for fatboy Webb. What annoys me in the last
    couple of England appearances by Webb is he is *always* looking for the
    killer ball. He'll not give it to someone else better placed. No, he
    always goes for the highly difficult option.
    
    Ian.

    
    	Yeah, another vote for Merson. The boy done well.

    
    What England need in the middle of the park is someone with a bit of a
    football brain. Of the guys that are out there, that means Clough. OK,
    he's slow - but he has a bit of vision, and can find players. I'd give
    him a go, since the other midfielders (when it's not being completely
    bypassed) just seem to run around like headless chickens.
    
    Merson/Lineker up front, Daley a free role. JMO.
    
    Adam.

    Didn't anyone else notice that when Daley first entered the game on the
    right, he instantly made an impression, shortly afterwards 'fatboy'
    Webb came on, Daley moved to the left and caught the Barnes disease!
    The only time the ball comes up Englands left is when Pearce is going
    forward. Daley got pushed deeper and deeper and just faded out of the game.
    It was a sad waste, especially as Webb did naff all =-(
    
    (��)Munce 

    
    
    
       Lets face it, were just gonna have to call up Vinny " i think
       i'm Irish" Jones into the midfield..
    
       

    
    Re .64, Daley was brainless last night.  He's  not International class.
    Webb didn't get a chance.  Steven should be in midfield.  He's a class
    midfield player but a useless right back.
    
    I wouldn't be surprised if Taylor called up Vinnie Jones.  He's his
    type of player.
    
    Gary.

    What's the name of the MAD character? Is it Alfred E Newman? Has
    anyone noticed the similarity between the MAD one and Graham Taylor?
    
    barry.

	Its nice to see everyone argue about the midfield...!!

	Lets face it it hasn't been the same since ROBBO left it..

	I have always said that NO one in England can replace him..and I was
	shot down .....How does it feel ....????

	Robbo with one leg and one arm could have done better last night..

Tony

Re .64,	valid point about Daley, but not quite the way I saw it.

(Isn't it strange how so many people see _totally_ different matches ?)

	The way I saw it was:	Daley comes on.	Like a breath of fresh air -
First two times he's shown the ball, he skins the full-back.
Third time, the defender reads it & tidies up well.
Fourth time, again the defender cleans up well, Daley doesn't like it, hacks
him down & gets booked - rightly so.
Immediately, he gets switched to the left - for his / the team's safety
(i.e. lets finish the game with 11, & also see if this fullback cottons on
as quickly).	 Must admit, didn't notice if the fullback swapped as well !

	Am I that read it that way ?

Regards,	
Dave

    England were absolute crap last night and the soft talk that came from
commentators and Taylor in particular was rubbish. How Brian Moore and 
Taylor can claim that the ball crossed the line in unbelievable. When shown
from behind the goal, it was clearly outside the line. It would have been a
travesty of justice had the referee allowed it. Afterall, England won a 
world cup in '66 through a bad linesman and let's hope it doesn't happen 
again. Taylor's saying that England can cope with the best is way off the
mark. England don't have people who want to take responsibility, take people
on, etc. The French , Germans, Dutch, Swedes all try to play football but
England are totally devoid of creative ideas. They will not progress with
donkeys like Curle, Batty, Sinton, Palmer, Webb. They also don't look like
scoring goals. The one player I feel sorry for is Linekar who may fall short
of the scoring record because he is surrounded by a bunch of idiots. I also
think it was a mistake not to take Beardsley to Sweden. He has the ability
to turn a game unlike most of the people who were selected. 
France to beat Denmark, Swedes to draw 0-0 with England. France & Sweden to
go through and England to go out after not conceeding a goal. Let's hope that
the way it works out. If only England had the services of the GREAT ALDO.

    Cunno

    
    	You've got a lot to say considering you're not even English, 
    	Martin...
    
    	Read 230.0
    
    	Andy.

    I see that the Irish (with The Great #$^%) are not in Sweden.
    
    jb.

    Andy,
    
    Martin doesn't need to be English to have an opinion on the English
    team.  Don't be so selfish.
    
    Martin,
    Take the hook out of Andy's mouth and throw him back.
    
    		Brian.

    
    	Now Now, Brian...don't be patronising....nowhere in
    	ESSB::CUNNIFFE's .71 does it suggest any form of humour. I
    	can live with it in the right spirit, but it's getting to
    	be very very tiresome. I'll swim back to the bottom of the
    	lake now...;-)
    
    	Andy.

       Andy,
            Any time that I have seen England play recently, humour comes
to mind straight away. Still at the back of it all, I'm really worried because
we finished runners up to a crap team so that doesn't look good for Ireland
either.
  By the way, England have failed to win any of their last five games in the
Euro finals of 88 and 92.

    Cunno

    re: .71
    
    >> After all, England won a world cup in '66 through a bad linesman <<
    
    It's a good thing England scored four against the Germans then!!
    
    :-)
    PJ

To show how much confidence that Taylor has in his team, I heard on the radio
this morning that he thinks that the Dutch will win the tournament.

He may as well tell his players to pack their bags and give Sweden a walkover.

Can you imagine the effect that this will have on his players.

Sack 'im and give the job to Clough

Al

    With Englands final game in the group coming up tomorrow, we need to
    score at least one goal. This is not a fault of the Golden One but of
    the midfield which brings me back to the start of this topic, the
    midfield.
    
    Although the team did look better against France than against Denmark,
    there is still a need for a creative player in the middle of the park.
    This means, and I hate to say this, that maybe Nigel Clough should be
    given a run out. He is hardly "world class" but maybe he has the vision
    to give one of the front players a good opportunity.
    
    Has anyone changed their mind over the inclusion of Gascoigne after two
    such miserable England midfield (and the rest come to think of it)
    performances? OK, so he isn't match fit, but 15 minutes at the end of
    each game could have given him the opportunity to open up one of the
    opposing defences. Lets face it, Platt (how much?) has hardly set the
    championship alight has he?
    
    I just hope that one of our players, more likely Steven than Platt, can
    break the habit of a championships and find the skill to do something
    creative in the last third of the pitch.
    
    Jim :-(

After being in the wilderness for a few seasons at highbury, last year he played
extremely well for most of the season. In my opinion, I feel that he would be
valuable to england in midfield.

though on second thoughts, I'm quite happy with the way england are playing :-))

Now, i do believe that england have gone backwards since the world cup. At least
robson had them playing some attractive football, they mixed it better back then.
Now, if i'd have anything to do with it, I'd sack what's he's name and put clough
in, its worth a try anyhow


Mick

    
    This will get Martin going:)
    
    Bring back Robbo, there is no fire in midfield and with his agression
    and passion, the attackers would have got a lot more service, and who
    knows he may have scored.
    
    Disappointed is Lineker, Platt, and Walker, makes me kind of glad they
    are going to foreign lands. Alan Shearer looks good, and Man Utd should
    pay up for him asap.
    
    Anyway, I do hope that England qualify, along with Sweden, as the way
    the French played against the English was boring, nearly as bad as the
    CIS :)))
    
    mac(who supports SCOTLAND and is proud of it :)))
    

    I have been surprised by Taylors total snub of Waddle, apart from a game
    at wembley a few months ago. I think he stands out a mile as a player 
    who has the ability to win a game for you, especially when compared with 
    the current crop of midfield players in the squad.
    
    antony

    
    It seems that all England fans want Taylor replaced. Somehow, I doubt
    that we shall be seeing a new manager untill after we fail to qualify
    for the World cup (Damn, my dad is retiring to the U.S., and I was
    going to use his home as a base to follow England, {and Canada ;)} ).
    
    So, *IF* the English FA were to see sense, who would be the likely
    replacemant ? Clough is the poular choice, but I doubt that he will
    be given the chance, and would he even want it ? The English FA are
    to old fashioned to even consider a non-Englishman for the post, so
    who would that leave ? Is there anyone that could do the job ?
    
    Wayne
    

    Big Jack Charlton.  No nonsense, no bullshit.
    
    		Brian

I guarantee Jack wouldn't take it either

    I agree with you there.
    
    W

    Remember this is all conjecture the FA have yet to see sense. They did
    after all want him to stay on after the World Cup.
    
    A fiver to the person whom can remember when the FA last acted with any
    sense.
    
    Taylor must go. He winges about everything and anything. Why pick a
    crock like Barnes and then complain about injuries. Assumming all
    possible players were available I doubt wether he really does know his
    best 11, if he does I very much doubt they could perform capably.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Barry.

    Is there an English player somewhere in the wings that could replace
    Brian Robson, ie someone with the same skills ?
    
    Thanks
    W

RE. .88

	Paul Ince......

	Watch this space...!!!

    The only thing Ince has got to compare to Robson is his non-stop mouth.
    
    Maybe you just mis-spelt S-T-E-W-A-R-T.
    
    Jim.

    England were absolute crap last week and the soft talk that came from
commentators and Taylor in particular was rubbish. How Brian Moore and 
Taylor can claim that the ball crossed the line in unbelievable. When shown
from behind the goal, it was clearly outside the line. It would have been a
travesty of justice had the referee allowed it. Afterall, England won a 
world cup in '66 through a bad linesman and let's hope it doesn't happen 
again. Taylor's saying that England can cope with the best is way off the
mark. England don't have people who want to take responsibility, take people
on, etc. The French , Germans, Dutch, Swedes all try to play football but
England are totally devoid of creative ideas. They will not progress with
donkeys like Curle, Batty, Sinton, Palmer, Webb. They also don't look like
scoring goals. The one player I feel sorry for is Linekar who may fall short
of the scoring record because he is surrounded by a bunch of idiots. I also
think it was a mistake not to take Beardsley to Sweden. He has the ability
to turn a game unlike most of the people who were selected. 
France to beat Denmark, Swedes to draw 0-0 with England. France & Sweden to
go through and England to go out after not conceeding a goal. Let's hope that
the way it works out. If only England had the services of the GREAT ALDO.

    Cunno

================================================================================
Note 213.92                     Englands Midfield                       92 of 92
ESSB::MCUNNIFFE "The Mancs are out of the cup"       23 lines  23-JUN-1992 16:52
                         -< England are a great side. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


France to beat Denmark, Swedes to draw 0-0 with England. France & Sweden to
go through and England to go out after not conceeding a goal. Let's hope that
the way it works out. If only England had the services of the GREAT ALDO.

    Cunno

    
    What ?????????
    

    
    	Don't forget, CUNNO wrote that note some time ago.... .92 was
    	merely a copy, but he forgot to take out the out-of-date bits 8-)
    
    	Andy.

    
    Ahh, didn't he get a reaction the first time he posted it ?
    
    Adam.

    I was at the Glastonbury Festival this weekend where the England team
    were the subject of much jollying by the array of comedians on show.
    Unfortunately, I didn't get to see Rob Newman who is a footie fan and
    would no doubt have shoved his thought down our throats.
    
    A chap called Attila the Stockbroker (a Brighton fan no less) had a dig
    or two...I seem to remember he even wrote a poem which consisted of the
    line "England are Crap". I can't remember if it had any other lines!
    
    The band "James" dedicated the B-side of their new record to Graham
    Taylor and his men...
    
    It's called "Goalless Draw"!
    
    Jim.

    This seems a reasonably relevant topic, given the cause of my wishing
    to vent my anger.
    
    Terry Venables, in keeping with his predecessors, has been overcome
    with Madness (and no, he isn't wearing Baggy Trousers). Le Tissier is
    probably the most creative "Englishman" and Venables telss him, in not
    so many words, "we don't care if you play for England or not". All
    because the bloke won't join Scribes West as a member. Revie & Ramsey
    omitted Hudson & Bowles, everbody seemed to omit Hoddle on a consistent
    basis (but he did scrape 50+ caps) and now Le Tissier. 
    
    And then you get "players" like Barnes, Waddle, Wise filling the
    wing/wide positions and they are all complete wastes of space. Wise
    especially. 
    
    Lunacy, sheer lunacy.
    
    Sack Venables now!
    
    Stuart

    
    Stuart,  Can't agree more.
    
    I've been gradually building up to a major eruption over the past few
    months due to Mr Vegetable's ineptitude.  I like many others thought 2
    years ago that England's fortunes would be greatly improved when he was
    employed as coach but whatever Taylor had seems to have permeated our
    Tel.  More frighteningly, Bobby Robson will enter the history books as
    England's most successful manager for the last 29 years !!  How anyone
    in their right mind can exclude proven class and graft such as Lettuce
    and Ince is beyond me.  And as for persisting with pensioners such as
    Barnes & Pearce, Sir Stan must be rubbing his hands in anticipation.
    
    IMO there are currently 6 players who should be picked automatically,
    they are ;
    
    Seaman, Pallister, Adams, Ince, Platt, Shearer.
    
    All have proved themselves against quality opposition in the English
    league, in Europe (Bar Shearer) and internationally.  "What about
    Beardo, Gazza & Lettuce" I hear you all shout, this is where it gets
    difficult as they are all creative playmakers and depending on the team
    formation will define whether you can play only one or two (but not all
    3), but THEY ALL SHOULD BE IN THE SQUAD !!
    
    I appreciate Tel has had to cope with several injury problems, but the
    fit players excluded from his club make sad reading.
    
    
    Nev.

    
    Yep...I'm afraid Venables, who used to have a knighthood in his WHL
    days, really has no idea what he is doing. Basically he picks his mates
    and anyone who has Eric Hall as an agent, everyone knows that. His
    treatment of Le Tiss is a disgrace. How can you pin your creative hopes
    on two players, one who is constantly injured and the other, John
    Barnes, who has proved without doubt that he cant do it at the top
    level. The ommision of Les Ferdinand is also very worrying.....Alan
    Shearer isnt exactly banging in goals left right and centre for
    England, but it seems his place is not in question, I'd say its about
    time Shearer, if he is as good as we all think, starts doing it at
    International level or lets see someone else have a go.
    
    Dave...

    And, another thing, related but more of a forwards point.
    
    Why the hell is sheringham in the squad on a regular basis and
    Ferdinand isn't? Now granted, Ferdinand is getting superb service from
    Ginola and Gillespie, who aren't English but wouldn't get into the team
    even if they were, but Sheringham is a donkey. His scoring record at
    club record is bettered by a lot of strikers. He has not impressed at
    international level. He has scored once (or twice at the most) for
    England and, in my opinion, is one of the least impressive strikers at
    international level in the last 20 years.
    
    After all, like Anderton, he only gets into the team because he goes to
    Scribes West and plays for Tottenham.
    
    Stuart

    re: Nev
    In fairness, I think he's "temporarily" excluded Ince because he ducked
    out of the summer tournament withe Brazil, Sweden and Japan. No doubt
    he'll be back next time round...or else the natives will be just a
    little restless!
    
    re. Stuart
    I agree with most of what you say, apart from defining Waddle as "a
    waste of space". Sorry, but this is the classic British island mentality 
    coming through: cross the Channel and everyone thinks Waddle is (was)
    the greatest thing since sliced bread. Apparently, he still has a huge
    fan club in France (crowds of them still come over to see him play for
    Sheffield Wednesday!). At Milan, Maldini, Baresi and Tassotti still
    rate him as their "most difficult opponent". Maldini marked Waddle
    for Milan against Marseille and for Italy against England...and spent
    most of the time on the seat of his pants! So I think you can safely
    count him in with Le Tissier, Hoddle et al.
                                                                
    Hey, it just occurred to me: you're a Gooner, and Waddle's
    ex-Tottingham, isn't he? Say no more ;-)  
    
    Dom

    Dom,
    
    To be fair to Waddle, at club level he is still one of the best players
    in this country when he is fit. At international level, he has played 
    only a handful of good games for England yet still managed to get 70 caps. 
    He was lucky in that the media rated him highly and the managers at that 
    time were trying to court popularity, to a certain extent, by playing him. 
    One of his last appearances, under Graham Taylor (oo-er), was I think, 
    typical of his England career. We beat Turkey 1-0 (Alan Smith scored, if 
    memory serves) and Waddle was anonymous. His debut against Eire was
    inauspicious, tripping over the ball on numerous occassions, and really
    he consistently failed to reproduce his club form, even when he was in
    Marseilles. Whether that was due to the system England were playing at
    those times is open to debate but the fact is, he was a lucky
    gentlemen.
    
    Stuart 

    
    Sheringhams inclusion constantly mystifies me. With the likes of Cole,
    Collymore and as Stuart said, Ferdinand, left out its hard to see where
    he's coming from. We have a dearth of excellent strikers for the first
    time in years. why aren't we using them???
    
    Ian. 

    
    This may cause gasps of exasperation throughout the conference, but I
    think that Platt is vastly over-rated. Yes, he has scored many a 
    crucial goal, but his passing is woeful and his defence is not the
    soundest. Anderton is another one who I feel is lucky to be in the side
    (not the squad). My own choice for the England midfield is:-
    
    Ince
    Lee
    Le Tissier
    Stone
    
    but I can't see that one being picked in a hurry !!
    
    I don't know what went wrong with Venables as he always seemed quite a
    sensible bloke, but he has lost his way internationally. How you cannot
    pick England's most gifted footballer for the squad, let alone the
    first XI, is just madness, especially when you consider that he has
    picked Barry Venison !! I think though that Premiership managers
    have let Terry down with some of their choices, eg, Lee Sharpe @ Left
    Back when he is a left winger (there must be others but I can't think
    of them at the moment). If people throughout the country were asked to
    pick an England Squad, there wouldn't be many that would leave out Le
    Tissier. Unfortunately, Terry's one of those few.
    
    
    Ian.

I can hear Bobby Gould cackling from here....

quote from today's Scum (yes, I've bought it again...but I've been off it for 
months...and I only bought it for the following headline);

"TISS OFF TO WALES - TEL WILL LET MATT GO
England coach Terry Venables will not block Matthew le Tissier playing for 
Wales or Scotland.
.
.
Venables, who ditched Le Tiss after last season's abandoned game against the 
rep. of Ireland added, "I'm not thinking of talking to the player.""

m.

    
    
     I know Le Tissier has been included in England sqauds before, but
    has he never played for them? If he has only played in friendly
    matches, does this free him up for any of the other "British" sides?
    I'm sure he would be more than welcome in the Scotland side although
    Craig Brown has consistently denied any interest there.
    
     Re .104. I actually agree that Platt is one of the most over-rated
    players in football at the moment. However, his goal-scoring rate at
    international level is unbelievable and probably guarantees him a 
    start. Mind you, I wouldn't mind being over-rated and pick up the
    kind of money Platty has in his career.
    
    Danny.

    Le Tissier has played for England in a couple of friendlies. 
    
    This ruling whereby he is able to play for Wales/Scotland having
    played for England already, is the most ridiculous thing I have ever
    heard. Whether he played a friendly or in the World Cup final, it
    shouldn't matter - he has represented one country and should not 
    be able to play for another. Le Tissier has been capped by England,
    there is no way he should then be able to be capped by Wales, for 
    example.
    
    It's bad enough the way some of these players qualify to play for 
    certain countries in the first place but the Le Tissier furore has 
    highlighted one of the most ludicrous rulings in Football.
    
    Andy
    
    
    
    	

Ah, but if you restrict this kind of thing, then surely you'd have to make 
other kinds of restrictions such as his ability to play for any one of the home 
nations...he's from Jersey.

    Guernsey.

    
    I must admit old Terry V has baffled me with his inclusion 
    of any of the Spurs players because their all crap.
    
    Le Tis can't understand that - he can do what favourite Gazza
    can now only dream about.
    
    As for players on form why did'nt Draper come into the
    reckoning.. now is the time to find out the guys potential.
    
    Just to show I'm not biased I can't beleive the cheeky chappie
    Dennis was included either.
           
    Pj
    Pj
    
     

re .109

Guernsey/Jersey; neither are English 8-)

    No one ever said they were, Matt. 
    
    The crux of the matter is that Le Tissier can play for any national
    team based in the British Isles...with the exception of Rep. of Ireland
    (bit of irony there, what?) ;-). 
    
    The point made in an earlier note (by Andy?) was that it seems
    ridiculous that, having represented England in 2 friendlies, he is now
    free to switch his allegiance to a different home union. I for one
    think he merits an England place, but if he isn't worth another cap,
    I don't see why he should now be allowed to try his luck with 
    Scotland, N. Ireland or...(snigger) Wales ;-)
    
    Dead simple, IMO.
    
    Dom  

    Or France ???
    
    
    			Stretch.

    He's got a British Passport tho', so he can't play for France.

Dom, 

It's not fair to restrict a player from playing international sport because he 
has been rejected by one country.  I hate to say it, but it seems to show 
resentment when people suggest that Le Tissier should effectively never be 
allowed to play international football again.  "If we can't have him then noone 
can".  If he was leaping about from country to country, leaving first XVs etc, 
then I could see your argument.  However, it's been made pretty clear that 
Venables will not pick him under any circumstances...  To the unbiased 
observer, Le Tissier has been one of the outstanding players of the last couple 
of seasons, and has still been rejected in favour of a strange bunch of Eric 
Hall's mates.

Personally, I reckon someone will convince him that Venables won't be there 
forever, and on current performances, his departure may be earlier than he'd 
expected.  Any other manager in the world would be at the Dell fairly 
regularly, checking out Le Tiss' performances to see if he's consistently 
brilliant, or just brilliant for the cameras, so to speak.  Venables is missing 
an opportunity by not including him anywhere in the squad, IMO.  

    I agree with the last part of your note, Matt...but giving a player the
    freedom to try his luck with any country for whom he/she (well, you
    never know ;-)) happens to be elegible would cause chaos.
    
    A player of foreign origin who qualified for a British passport could
    knock up 50 caps for England, retire from the game with a knee injury,
    get his pension....and then make a comeback and get another 50 caps for 
    Wales ;-)
    
    Dom
    
    P.S.
    >If he was leaping about from country to country, leaving first XVs etc, 
    
    Too much conference-hopping?

    
    Dearth Ian.....don't you mean abundance....mind you some satirical
    Brazilian might say dearth!!!
    
    Actually none of England's strikers are international class...not
    entirely their fault...they just haven't played a competitive game for
    years to be judged....
    
    Dezzz.

    
    And what's wrong with Dearth?!
    
    Ian$dictionary

    Wasn't he in Star Wars ??
    
    
    Ian

re .116

It'd be difficult to get 50 caps without playing a championship game, I guess.  
What they're saying is that he has only played in meaningless friendly matches.  
It's now a peculiar sort of norm that in many sports, including rugby (hence my 
numeric blunder 8-)), players can switch alliegance as long as they haven't 
competed at a major level for another country.  Whether that's wrong or right 
is a strictly subjective matter, but for as long as Football is a professional 
game, those dodgy things about restriction of trade come into play etc.

>It's now a peculiar sort of norm that in many sports, including rugby (hence my 
>numeric blunder 8-)), players can switch alliegance as long as they haven't 
>competed at a major level for another country.  Whether that's wrong or right 
    
    The Zola Budd and, more recently, Fiona May cases spring to mind. Both
    pretty ridiculous, IMO.
    
    Dom

    re .120 Whether it's a Friendly or not - it's still a Full England Cap
    therefore this is the line at which all this chopping and changing
    should be stopped. You should not be able to change alleigances once
    you have represented a country at full level (Full = Major, if you like
    Matt).
    
    Andy
    

    According to SKY text yesterday, Le Tiss doesn't want to play for
    Wales. He looks to be holding out for a place in the England squad
    sometime in the future.

Trev, it's always been pretty obvious that he'd want to play for England, but 
it's just brought up an issue.  I believe I said at least 20 notes ago that 
he'd stay and wait for Venables to either wake up or be sacked.

    I know, I'm not disputing your issue, just keeping you all informed.
    
    BTW the source of the quote was Lawrie McM.

    Well, despite what Glenn Hoddle and Phil Thompson said last night, I
    thought the England midfield played fairly well after getting off to a
    slow start. Redknapp looked comfortable, Gazza improved and then tired,
    McManaman didn't push up far enough but was always there to support or
    following in shots, and Wise was just Wise !! (not brilliant, but
    satisfactory). As was repeated a lot last night however, there is no
    point in playing Shearer up front on his own. I know Barmby was
    supposed to be his partner but I don't think he got ahead of Shearer
    all through the game. The important thing about the England midfield
    last night was the fact that they very rarely gave the ball away. There
    was some good passing movements and they were prepared to be patient
    and wait for an opening. I think England were unlucky not to score last
    night but I think Gary Neville looked just a little bit out of depth.
    
    JMO
    
    
    Ian.
    
    P.S. Cracking stuff from Higuita. You don't see that sort of thing
    	 happening too often !!

    >>I don't think he got ahead of Shearer
        all through the game.
    
    He did a couple of times, and every time he was offside.
    
                                               

    Ian,    
    
    I thought the performance was ok but not as good as it is being made
    out to be in the press this morning. The main problem is that Shearer
    is not a good enough player to be the sole forward and also, the
    support from midfield does not arrive quick enough.
    
    >Wise was just Wise !! (not brilliant, but satisfactory). 
    
    No, he wasn't. His delivery of crosses and corners was on the whole
    woeful. I just cannot fathom why Venables picked him ahead of Le
    Tissier but thats another story. BTW did you hear Venables in the
    prematch build up? Apparently his mother was Welsh and wanted him to
    play for Wales but he chose England. Yeah, right Tel. There are however
    a couple of differences. Firstly, Le Tissier is far more talented than
    you ever were, and secondly, you were being picked by Alf Ramsey and
    not being told via the media to make your mind up. Venables is
    certainly feeling the heat on that one. Or he was until this morning
    when the press decided that he is still the best thing since sliced
    bread.
    
    Anyway back to last night. The major problem is the formation, and
    particularly the forwards. I'm mystified as to why Sheringham is
    considered better than cole and Ferdinand? Yes, I know he is a Spurs
    player but he isn't good enough gor internationals. A forward line of
    Shearer/Ferdinand and Cole would work better than anything Sheringham
    is involved in. Unfortunately, unless Venables changes his system, I 
    cannot see England scoring enough goals to do well next summer. 
    
    As for the rest of the team, Barmby and Mcmanaman played well(ish) and
    Redknapp was ok. The player who looked good last night was Gascoigne.
    He seemed to enjoy the reponsibility he was given last night for
    bossing the midfield. However, it should  be remembered that the
    Columbians are an excellent passing side but completely different to
    anything that will be encountered next June. Against European
    opposition, I don't think that England have any choice but to revert to
    4-4-2 as a lone forward against, say, the Italians or Germans will have
    little or no chance of scoring.
    
    Stuart

    I thought LeTiss would have made the perfect substitute for Gazza/

    
    And the score was...?
    
    IAn

Not a bad match, but that Columbian goalie inconsiderately woke me up from my 
no-goal-induced slumber by doing that leap in his goals...

    re .104
    
    I would like to change my midfield to :-
    
    
    				Ince
    
      McManaman		      Gascoigne		   Le Tissier
    
    with :-
    
    			Shearer		Ferdinand
    
    up front and :-
    
    				Seaman
    
    			Adams		Pallister
    
    	Jones						   Le Saux
    
    in defence. Thankyou.
    
    
    Ian.	

    It seems that the journalists have decided that the performance on
    Wednesday justifies their clamouring to get their mate, El Tel, the
    England job. The Daily Mails "rent-a-gob" and self-proclaimed "pal of
    the England manager", Jeff Powell, (although if you want the England 
    team before it is announced, always look at his side as he has an 
    uncanny knack of never being wrong - even when wholesale changes are made) 
    has taken it upon himself to lambast Glenn Hoddle and Phil Thompson for
    being critical of the formation that Venables used. Now admittedly,
    Thompson by and large talks complete and utter bollocks most of the
    time, but on Wednesday both of them were spot on when they said that
    England didn't give Shearer enough support. God knows what Powell would
    have made of it if they had dared to say Shearer wasn't good enough.
    
    Another point being made today is the future of Platt and Ince,
    although Platt is the main target. Apparently the midfield on Wednesday
    was as near to perfection as is possible, or at least the journalist
    who wrote this had decided until he hit upon a slight snag or at least
    26 of them, being the n� of goals Platt has scored for England, and
    also the fact that England have scored only 13 goals in 10
    internationals under Venables. At which point the article does a
    complete u-turn and decides that Platt is good enough to keep his
    place.
    
    My England team would however be 4-4-2/3-5-2
    
    				Seaman
    
    		      	Adams		Pallister
        		         Ince                      
    	 	    Dorigo                         Neville
                	    Gascoigne	Platt  		       
                                 
    	     			Le Tissier		          
    
    			Ferdinand/Shearer	Cole
    
    
    Stuart
    
    

    Looks a pretty good team, Stuart, although I think your fullbacks need
    switching over ;-) Personally, I'd certainly pick Jones ahead of
    neville, and probably Le Saux ahead of Dorigo, though I didn't see the
    game against Colombia (did Le Saux have a stinker?).
    
    I think Redknapp is a very promising player, but he's unfortunate to be
    vying for a place with people like Ince and Platt. Agreed, Platt's
    international form has dropped off a little of late, but he's got more
    international experience than anyone - something I've come to regard as
    very important. Also, he always seems to score even when his performance 
    is otherwise mediocre. 
    
    I guess a fit Anderton would have to come into the reckoning too,
    although it might be a problem fitting him and Gascoigne into the same
    team. Italy have a similar problem with Zola and Baggio; Baggio was on
    the bench on Wednesday against Slovenia. In fact, he was absolutely
    crap when he came on so he'll probably stay there.
    
    As regards journalists, I nearly fell off my chair on Thursday morning
    when I read Giancarlo Galavotti's report on the England game in the
    Gazzetta dello Sport. Galavotti is the greatest Brit-hater of all time.
    Period. Anyway, he actually thought that England played very well and
    were unlucky not to win. I suspect his opinion was probably influenced
    by the umpteenth letter from an Italian reader (printed in that day's
    edition of the paper), criticising him for his biased attacks on English
    football/food/people/life, and, most recently, Paul Ince (defined as a
    "muscular, Albionic snob" - can we have Stuart Panes' take on that
    one? ;-)).
    
    Dom

    
    Must be a bit of a blow having Baggio on the bench 8-)
    and England had ...... John Barnes.
    
    Pj