As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
if that racist jibe is directed at me , I take exception .
I know enough about holding bets until just before the tapes . Mate of mine was a bookie at Walthamstow and Yarmouth dogs also did Yarmouth horses too . I went with him a few times when we wer'nt playing golf .
if that racist jibe is directed at me , I take exception .
I know enough about holding bets until just before the tapes . Mate of mine was a bookie at Walthamstow and Yarmouth dogs also did Yarmouth horses too . I went with him a few times when we wer'nt playing golf .
No jibes, my friend. We’re having a laugh based on the fact that another member, on another thread, making derogatory remarks about our Irish brethren on the forum. We know you’re not being racist and we’re just making light of it all. Nothing to worry about!
if that racist jibe is directed at me , I take exception .
I know enough about holding bets until just before the tapes . Mate of mine was a bookie at Walthamstow and Yarmouth dogs also did Yarmouth horses too . I went with him a few times when we wer'nt playing golf .
I put laughing emoji's beside it ffs - if I felt you were seriously being racist would I do that ??
Bookies set their prices on the money staked . You horse racing Irish should realise that . It's why the last minute bets are so prevalent .
Bobby?
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The one two things stopping England from winning are Southgate, and the fact that there are far better teams in the competition.
Had to laugh at this although it's not a joke, it's the truth. Still funny though.
Made me laugh too, but in seriousness, the problem is that clown Southgate. There's a high quality group of English players available, but this dope sticks with favourites who aren't good enough for their club side and/or aren't getting game time....Maguire the stand out example. He's also constantly virtue signaling with his woke nonsense instead of getting on with managing the side without getting involved in quasi political, culture war crap. Of course, he knows what he's doing and it's all about safeguarding his job in my opinion. He knows that if he has the woke warriors in the media and politics on his side, then it will be difficult for our weak FA to sack him.
There's no guarantee that we could win the competition, but without Red Rum at the helm, I think we could have a good go at it.
All joking aside, England have the capability of winning an international tournament (as evidenced by their recent attempts - a final and a hard fought QF) but Southgate is the biggest issue.
This England team is a quintessential ‘cup’ team. They may not be the ‘best’ but they can beat any team on their day and go into win a cup. Southgate is the biggest obstacle; he likes his favourites and he’s doesn’t really get ‘tactics.’ I’ll also argue that Kane is the secondary issues; Southgate relies on him far too much, AND he fails to perform in any game (club or country) that had truly genuine significance (beyond a penalty kick). As much as I hate to say it, from and Gooner perspective, if this England team had a Sheringham or Shearer then I think it COULD quite easily win anything, Southgate aside.
All joking aside, England have the capability of winning an international tournament (as evidenced by their recent attempts - a final and a hard fought QF) but Southgate is the biggest issue.
This England team is a quintessential ‘cup’ team. They may not be the ‘best’ but they can beat any team on their day and go into win a cup. Southgate is the biggest obstacle; he likes his favourites and he’s doesn’t really get ‘tactics.’ I’ll also argue that Kane is the secondary issues; Southgate relies on him far too much, AND he fails to perform in any game (club or country) that had truly genuine significance (beyond a penalty kick). As much as I hate to say it, from and Gooner perspective, if this England team had a Sheringham or Shearer then I think it COULD quite easily win anything, Southgate aside.
I don’t even know when it is or who we have in our group
Not a fan of England in any respect really , wish our Gooner participants well but I got as much joy from France winning back in 98 as I would England due to Petitt, Vieira etc
I agree that up top and midfield England have a good / very good team, defence and Southgate will always be an issue.
All joking aside, England have the capability of winning an international tournament (as evidenced by their recent attempts - a final and a hard fought QF) but Southgate is the biggest issue.
This England team is a quintessential ‘cup’ team. They may not be the ‘best’ but they can beat any team on their day and go into win a cup. Southgate is the biggest obstacle; he likes his favourites and he’s doesn’t really get ‘tactics.’ I’ll also argue that Kane is the secondary issues; Southgate relies on him far too much, AND he fails to perform in any game (club or country) that had truly genuine significance (beyond a penalty kick). As much as I hate to say it, from and Gooner perspective, if this England team had a Sheringham or Shearer then I think it COULD quite easily win anything, Southgate aside.
Cannot agree with that at all - in the last 20+ years england have had some really strong teams that could and maybe should have won a tournament, but believe me this team is not one of them. You can start with erratic pickford in goals and then dissect a back 4 that has a few quality right backs (in my opinion) but no quality left backs and no quality centre backs. Previous england teams had a sprinkling of players that any top club in europe would want, but bellingham aside, does this team have any player good enough for the elite european clubs ? As I highlighted recently, the crayon muncher has scored 1 goal from open play in 16 cup semi final games - for a player of his rep, that is a shocking stat
All joking aside, England have the capability of winning an international tournament (as evidenced by their recent attempts - a final and a hard fought QF) but Southgate is the biggest issue.
This England team is a quintessential ‘cup’ team. They may not be the ‘best’ but they can beat any team on their day and go into win a cup. Southgate is the biggest obstacle; he likes his favourites and he’s doesn’t really get ‘tactics.’ I’ll also argue that Kane is the secondary issues; Southgate relies on him far too much, AND he fails to perform in any game (club or country) that had truly genuine significance (beyond a penalty kick). As much as I hate to say it, from and Gooner perspective, if this England team had a Sheringham or Shearer then I think it COULD quite easily win anything, Southgate aside.
Cannot agree with that at all - in the last 20+ years england have had some really strong teams that could and maybe should have won a tournament, but believe me this team is not one of them. You can start with erratic pickford in goals and then dissect a back 4 that has a few quality right backs (in my opinion) but no quality left backs and no quality centre backs. Previous england teams had a sprinkling of players that any top club in europe would want, but bellingham aside, does this team have any player good enough for the elite european clubs ? As I highlighted recently, the crayon muncher has scored 1 goal from open play in 16 cup semi final games - for a player of his rep, that is a shocking stat
I understand your view, however my assessment isn’t based on bias or a (misguided) believe that this England team is full of players that are better than we’ve had in years (The Robson/Venables were far better in comparison and, I’d argue, should have won something); I’m basing my assessment of the fact that there are very few ‘good’ international teams out there. They are some phenomenal players that play for their countries, but their countries may not be the best as a collective. I can’t pinpoint a team that I think could win it through pure talent, anymore. Haven’t been able to do that, on an international scale, since that Spain team a few years back.
Hence why I say this England team has a chance, and consider it a ‘cup’ team. Not because of England’s quality but the lack of stellar opposition.
I’m also going to add, I don’t believe, for a seconds that England are going to win it. I’m just highlighting the lack of overall talent in the international game, these days.
And germany are 3rd favourites 
in any respect really , wish our Gooner participants well but I got as much joy from France winning 
back in 98 as I would England due to Petitt, Vieira etc 
