World cup 2026

[Blackpool Rock]

Can't believe Rooney saying thats' not a penalty. If that decision had been given against him while he was playing he would have gone nuclear

If that had been given then VAR wouldn't have overturned it but IMO it would have been a very weak penalty, Kane went over very easily

[Blackpool Rock]

At last Saka is coming on for Madueke who does a great run into space and then just gives the ball away, I commented he looked shit in a previous game 

[Blackpool Rock]

Was the comment made before the game started that this Manager has only conceded more than 1 goal once in 57 games 

Not exactly good for our lot who basically can't break down defensive teams, oh and we need 2 with the clock ticking down 
OK 1 to force extra time

[Private Parts]

Embarrassing

[bigden40]

If that had been given then VAR wouldn't have overturned it but IMO it would have been a very weak penalty, Kane went over very easily

Seen them given but it was a dive, surprised that going round the keeper wasn’t his first instinct.  Maybe realised it wasn’t a great first touch.

Congo keeper is having a blinder and Tuchel doesn’t really seem to have a plan B

You’re getting a taste of what it feels like to be Scottish 

[john122350]

Well 1-1, Kane equalised assist by Gordon

[Watts.E.Dunn]

seems we won???

DRC  woz Kaned!!

[mr.bluesky]

seems we won???

DRC  woz Kaned!!

Crikey, England like to make us sweat, they never make it easy for us. I have been critical of Gordon's performance for England but he made a big difference when he came on as a sub. Bellingham has got to learn to control his temper, gave away a late free kick in a dangerous position which could have cost us dearly.

[mr.bluesky]

Seen them given but it was a dive, surprised that going round the keeper wasn’t his first instinct.  Maybe realised it wasn’t a great first touch.

Congo keeper is having a blinder and Tuchel doesn’t really seem to have a plan B

You’re getting a taste of what it feels like to be Scottish 

Except England are in the next round and Scotlands players were watching the game back home in front of the tele 

[Blackpool Rock]

Except England are in the next round and Scotlands players were watching the game back home in front of the tele 

Yep anyone remember Scottish band Big Country did a song called Look Away   

Plenty of cans of Tennents will have been thrown at the TV when Kane's 2nd went in

 

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[Blackpool Rock]

Crikey, England like to make us sweat, they never make it easy for us. I have been critical of Gordon's performance for England but he made a big difference when he came on as a sub. Bellingham has got to learn to control his temper, gave away a late free kick in a dangerous position which could have cost us dearly.

Yeah they never make it easy do they 

We performed better after each of the hydration breaks, both of our goals were actually very good especially Kane's 2nd which was class 

I think we got away with one and it should have gone to extra time at least

Looked so much better once Saka; Gordon and Eze came on, perhaps fresh legs but they actually got a few balls through to the players in and around the box

And best of all I had money on a 2-1 win 

[finn5555]

Mexico in front of a fanatical crowd will see us on the plane home

[timsussex]

Great bit of calm thinking by Gordon to tee up Kanes first goal
I actually initially thought the second was all  Kane but the more I watched the replay the better Gordons contribution looks. He came in from the wing kept the ball away from 3 DR players and then found Kane rather than take on another and lose it

Nor sure what to do at the back though - Spence just didnt fit in and dropping Rice back was fine to get another attacker on  but can't be a solution

[shed]

Are England any better under Tuchel than we were when Southgate was the manager.? We only have two world class players in Kane and Bellingham. The rest are very average on the international stage and also look burnt out after a gruelling premiership season. Saka and Rice are prime examples. In a positive note we now play Mexico. Sometimes it's beneficial to be the underdogs. It's coming home 

[timsussex]

Are England any better under Tuchel than we were when Southgate was the manager.? We only have two world class players in Kane and Bellingham. The rest are very average on the international stage and also look burnt out after a gruelling premiership season. Saka and Rice are prime examples. In a positive note we now play Mexico. Sometimes it's beneficial to be the underdogs. It's coming home 

At least Tuchel has a plan B in attack - the lack of which was Southgates greatest failing
The problem is defence where he is already onto plan F if Mexico have a genuine left winger we will be in trouble

[Jumping Jack Flash]

Mexico in front of a fanatical crowd will see us on the plane home

Mexico in front of their own fans isn’t as big an issue as playing so high above sea level; our players will struggle with the lower oxygen levels.

[shed]

At least Tuchel has a plan B in attack - the lack of which was Southgates greatest failing
The problem is defence where he is already onto plan F if Mexico have a genuine left winger we will be in trouble

What plan b ? You mean Gordon for Rashford 

[timsussex]

What plan b ? You mean Gordon for Rashford 

and Saka - and he didnt leave it till 85th min to change

[shed]

and Saka - and he didnt leave it till 85th min to change

Saka is burnt out as is Rice due to the long season with arsenal. Tuchel lefty at  home some key game changers. We will see

[Blackpool Rock]

At least Tuchel has a plan B in attack - the lack of which was Southgates greatest failing
The problem is defence where he is already onto plan F if Mexico have a genuine left winger we will be in trouble

Southgate didn't have a plan A in attack, seemed to tell the team to pass it left and right then if they did get up to the box they had to pass it back to Pickford without getting a shot off 

[finn5555]

Mexico in front of their own fans isn’t as big an issue as playing so high above sea level; our players will struggle with the lower oxygen levels.

Fucked whichever way you look at it 

[mr.bluesky]

Mexico in front of their own fans isn’t as big an issue as playing so high above sea level; our players will struggle with the lower oxygen levels.

They are certainly going to have to move up a few gears to beat Mexico in their own backyard considering their home record.
Our defence is woefull 

[myothernameis]

Senegal up 1-0

[Blackpool Rock]

Senegal up 1-0

Yeah just had a laugh at the end of the 1st Quarter, sorry I mean during the 1st hydration break the sprinklers came on and soaked the Belgium Manager as he was talking to a couple of players 

[Punterperson1971]

They are certainly going to have to move up a few gears to beat Mexico in their own backyard considering their home record.
Our defence is woefull 

I believe they haven’t lost many at home in a few years(2 games I believe)

[Blackpool Rock]

Senegal home and dry 2-0 on 86 minutes but somehow conspire to draw 2-2 against a Belgium side who've basically done fuck all all game 

I really want Senegal to win this in extra time as I just get the feeling that Belgium will win it on pens 

[timsussex]

Senegal home and dry 2-0 on 86 minutes but somehow conspire to draw 2-2 against a Belgium side who've basically done fuck all all game 

I really want Senegal to win this in extra time as I just get the feeling that Belgium will win it on pens 

well you were sort of correct !

Belgian highway robbery !

[mr.bluesky]

Senegal home and dry 2-0 on 86 minutes but somehow conspire to draw 2-2 against a Belgium side who've basically done fuck all all game 

I really want Senegal to win this in extra time as I just get the feeling that Belgium will win it on pens 

 Belgium snatched it at the death with a dubious penalty 

[I like natural boobs]

What do we think of Folarin Balogun's red card for the USA? The tackle was no worse than Messi's in the Algeria game and Messi didn't even receive yellow. Bit of a lack of consistency there.

[Jumping Jack Flash]

I thought that it was a red, he dragged his studs down the other guys calf before stepping on his ankle.

I don’t think there was any intent but it’s a red card for me.

[RandomGuy99]

BBC News - World Cup dreams shattered as StubHub tickets cancelled at last minute leaving fans stranded outside stadiums
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[Blackpool Rock]

BBC News - World Cup dreams shattered as StubHub tickets cancelled at last minute leaving fans stranded outside stadiums
External Link/Members Only

It's a fucking disgrace really and surely it's possible to have a system which stops all this crap 

Secondary ticketing is a major issue and while they may be bona-fida businesses they don't seem any better than the old fashioned ticket touts, worse in fact 

[webpunter]

Saka is burnt out as is Rice due to the long season with arsenal. Tuchel lefty at  home some key game changers. We will see

Indeed

Must have been mentioned already Jordan Henderson there coz he's supposedly good on the dressing room at the training ground
Presuming the case put him in the coaching team
External Link/Members Only   lets rely on togetherness what can possibly go wrong ?
Tuchel brought him on late against the mighty Panama when 2 up i presume to stiffen things up & to justify his inclusion no doubt
This situation isn't going to be repeated the only 2 goal difference will see England behind

Likewise no doubt mentioned before & England's problems coming clearer into focus
Tuchel clearly has issue with TAA
One of the most gifted crosser & dead ball players there is & by some margin 
If he's good enuf for Real Madrid he's good enough for England
& in which position do we have a problem ?
Well fuck me sideways that which he plays in
Highly likely that Reece James wouldn't make all the matches just like for Chelsea time in the hospital ward
Surely there must be one player who could have been missed out of the squad other than for Henderson as he's sooo important ? 
If there is one stand out game changer its TAA

[Fuzzyduck]

Indeed

Must have been mentioned already Jordan Henderson there coz he's supposedly good on the dressing room at the training ground
Presuming the case put him in the coaching team
External Link/Members Only   lets rely on togetherness what can possibly go wrong ?
Tuchel brought him on late against the mighty Panama when 2 up i presume to stiffen things up & to justify his inclusion no doubt
This situation isn't going to be repeated the only 2 goal difference will see England behind

Likewise no doubt mentioned before & England's problems coming clearer into focus
Tuchel clearly has issue with TAA
One of the most gifted crosser & dead ball players there is & by some margin 
If he's good enuf for Real Madrid he's good enough for England
& in which position do we have a problem ?
Well fuck me sideways that which he plays in
Highly likely that Reece James wouldn't make all the matches just like for Chelsea time in the hospital ward
Surely there must be one player who could have been missed out of the squad other than for Henderson as he's sooo important ? 
If there is one stand out game changer its TAA

There is much truth in what you say but I don't see the point going on and on about it (not you specifically, but generally). The media seem to be keen to labour the point, almost in readiness for the "I told you so" later on when it goes tits up. We are where we are and it's more positive to focus on where we go from here. Home most likely, but I'm trying to be positive I reckon Konsa will get the nod at RB (cue Stones getting crocked in first 10 minutes).

I agree about Hendo. He's only there as in-game cover and to help gel the team. I wonder if Tuchel even considered him to do the graveyard shift at right back that Rice did.

[timsussex]

Rice wasnt moved to right back because Spence was crap (though he was) He was moved to allow another attacker (Eze) to come on
I think (& hope) the plan was to bring Henderson on for Rice at 75 mins when England were one or hopefully 2 up
Rice has played too much football this year - and is performing miracles for a 95% fit player  He wont last many more games He needs to be used sparingly if by some miracle England arent 2 down within an hour  on Monday

[WARSZAWA16]

Pubs allowed to stay open until 5am for the Mexico - England match. Cheers
External Link/Members Only

[timsussex]

Pubs allowed to stay open until 5am for the Mexico - England match. Cheers
External Link/Members Only

Only applies to England & Wales - perhaps as well - think of all those Scots in Mexican shirts celebrating in Scottish pubs at 4 o'clock in the morning !

[webpunter]

Pubs allowed to stay open until 5am for the Mexico - England match. Cheers
External Link/Members Only

People working in the pubs will be overjoyed .... not
How busy the pubs bars etc will be not a scooby
Getting home afterwards will be tricky
No public transport at 3am-4am maybe a few night buses & taxi drivers if there are enough will be swamped

[webpunter]

There is much truth in what you say but I don't see the point going on and on about it (not you specifically, but generally). The media seem to be keen to labour the point, almost in readiness for the "I told you so" later on when it goes tits up. We are where we are and it's more positive to focus on where we go from here. Home most likely, but I'm trying to be positive I reckon Konsa will get the nod at RB (cue Stones getting crocked in first 10 minutes).

I agree about Hendo. He's only there as in-game cover and to help gel the team. I wonder if Tuchel even considered him to do the graveyard shift at right back that Rice did.

 
I can see Henderson making an appearance @ 75mins [as @ts references] tho IMO more to keep it to 2-0 [down] rather than leaking more goals
The bookies see england as favourites crikey
England around 1 1/2-1 with Mexico @ 2-1 average ish
What do they know which we don't ?
I reck there's a natural inclination for people to bet on England albeit in small amounts tho this will shift / lower the odds as the bookies try to make a profit whatever the result

If England do get to meet France better bring Henderson on at the end of the 1st Qtr by then they'll have been ripped to pieces

Edit:  indeed "i told you so" its pretty obvious to most people including experienced pundits who have access to more insider knowledge than footy fans

[mills_and_bhuna]

Only applies to England & Wales - perhaps as well - think of all those Scots in Mexican shirts celebrating in Scottish pubs at 4 o'clock in the morning !

Scottish pubs are all closed well before 4 in the morning.
That's not to say we won't be out in the various city centres honking our horns and waving the green, white and red in celebration of our love of jalapenos and tequila
 

[mills_and_bhuna]

I can see Henderson making an appearance @ 75mins [as @ts references] tho IMO more to keep it to 2-0 [down] rather than leaking more goals
The bookies see england as favourites crikey
England around 1 1/2-1 with Mexico @ 2-1 average ish
What do they know which we don't ?
I reck there's a natural inclination for people to bet on England albeit in small amounts tho this will shift / lower the odds as the bookies try to make a profit whatever the result

If England do get to meet France better bring Henderson on at the end of the 1st Qtr by then they'll have been ripped to pieces

Edit:  indeed "i told you so" its pretty obvious to most people including experienced pundits who have access to more insider knowledge than footy fans

Odds are decided by exposure to risk.
I still remember kicking myself when I passed up Morocco at 3/1 against in 1998.
I can't remember the odds for 2+ goals margin but I remember thinking Scotland had no chance.

[webpunter]

Odds are decided by exposure to risk.
I still remember kicking myself when I passed up Morocco at 3/1 against in 1998.
I can't remember the odds for 2+ goals margin but I remember thinking Scotland had no chance.

Indeed & to generate a profit as i mention
So the betting odds dont always reflect the chances of the likely outcome 
I can't see England being favourites given Mexico's track record at home partisan crowd altitude & a disjointed England team
& no TAA 
I reck even stevens at best

[Blackpool Rock]

As we all know you get an advantage by winning your group right 

Our reward for winning the group is to play Mexico who are 10th in the Fifa rankings

Croatia finished 2nd and will play Portugal who are 8th in the Fifa rankings

Ghana finished 3rd and will play Colombia who are 11th in the Fifa rankings

OK so not much to split it in terms of Fifa rankings but in all honesty i'd probably say Mexico were the hardest of those 3 to beat closely followed by Portugal but it's Mexico with home advantage at high altitude at the Azteca where they basically don't lose

IMO Ghana finishing 3rd got the best draw 

[mr.bluesky]

I believe they haven’t lost many at home in a few years(2 games I believe)

Only 2 defeats in 84 games 

[mr.bluesky]

Scottish pubs are all closed well before 4 in the morning.
That's not to say we won't be out in the various city centres honking our horns and waving the green, white and red in celebration of our love of jalapenos and tequila
 

You Scotland fans are so lucky, as soon as Scotland get knocked out early from every competition you have plenty of teams left to switch your allegience too 

[mr.bluesky]

As we all know you get an advantage by winning your group right 

Our reward for winning the group is to play Mexico who are 10th in the Fifa rankings

Croatia finished 2nd and will play Portugal who are 8th in the Fifa rankings

Ghana finished 3rd and will play Colombia who are 11th in the Fifa rankings

OK so not much to split it in terms of Fifa rankings but in all honesty i'd probably say Mexico were the hardest of those 3 to beat closely followed by Portugal but it's Mexico with home advantage at high altitude at the Azteca where they basically don't lose

IMO Ghana finishing 3rd got the best draw 

I see what you mean but I don't pay much attention to Fifa world rankings or how they are calculated. It wasn't that long ago that Belgium were ranked number 2 in the World despite the fact they have never won anything 

[timsussex]

I see what you mean but I don't pay much attention to Fifa world rankings or how they are calculated. It wasn't that long ago that Belgium were ranked number 2 in the World despite the fact they have never won anything 

or England no 4 without winning anything 

Its all down to the draw and as I posted before its somewhat biased by the presence of 3 home sides, otherwise you would expect the top 16 sides to be seeded in different groups

[Blackpool Rock]

Spain beat Austria as expected but 3-0 at a canter without hardly even getting into 2nd gear

They haven't conceded a goal yet and their keeper has just beaten the record of minutes played in a WC without conceding a goal which was set in Italia 90

[Blackpool Rock]

Portugal Vs Croatia KO at midnight, come on Croatia I want to see Ronaldo cry again 

[webpunter]

You Scotland fans are so lucky, as soon as Scotland get knocked out early from every competition you have plenty of teams left to switch your allegience too 

Its just the same with rugby as footy
The fans aren't even aware of further matches
They think its a 3 match competition then fuck off home
Bless