Euro 2012 - Get It Quietly Thread

[duke3016]

Put me in the draw please

[Des]

Here"s some extracts from the Stewart Downing Press Conference.  

Downing on England"s training base: "It is very good set-up, the pitch is nice though it was a bit dry this morning. Once the first sessions are out of the way, you crack on from there, and we have a couple of days to work on until the France game. I am delighted to be in the squad, I aim to do well and make an impression on the team."

Downing on France: "We"re confident we can get a result. We don"t fear them. We know they are a good team but so are we. We know their strength and weaknesses."

Downing: "The World Cup in 2006 was very exciting, so I understand what the young lads will be going through. If they need to speak to me or any of the other experienced lads I"m here to lend a hand. Whoever the manager picks we just get on it with, if I am picked I will just concentrate on my role in the team and get on with it."

Downing on Liverpool team-mate Martin Kelly, who has replaced Gary Cahill in the England squad: "He"s a quiet lad, goes about his business, he"s going to be a terrific player and is a real talent. The manager has seen his ability and he"s settling in quite well."

Downing to BBC Sport"s Dan Roan on six Liverpool players in the England squad: "If you look at our performances we battered teams at times but we did not have the killer instinct."

Downing on being one of the senior players in Roy Hodgson"s squad at the tournament: "I understand what the young lads are going through - it"s a great experience for them. If they need help or tips, I can give them that."

It"s beyond belief that Downing and Henderson are in that squad.  Not to say that they aren"t capable of putting in a performance from time to time, but based on last season"s form they shouldn"t be in the 23 - injuries or not.

[Marty719]

Marty - "England lack the quality, with Rooney being the only world class player in the squad"...... ummmm Gerrard?? Terry??

I certainly wouldn"t consider either World Class at the minute.  It could be argued tht both were at one stage (I"m not so sure.  The phrase "world-class" is thrown around a lot, but it"s tough to truly be at tht level), but not based on this seasons performance.  

[PHIL_TC]

Sweepstake.. yes please

I"ve had a £25 dabble on Portugal. Going to be away in India for most of the tournament hoping they have some coverage over there. They just like that game with bats though don"t they... might be a struggle.

PS BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM... do I win a prize for number 1000?  

[Des]

Marty - "England lack the quality, with Rooney being the only world class player in the squad"...... ummmm Gerrard?? Terry??

I certainly wouldn"t consider either World Class at the minute.  It could be argued tht both were at one stage (I"m not so sure.  The phrase "world-class" is thrown around a lot, but it"s tough to truly be at tht level), but not based on this seasons performance. 

I"d tend to agree with this, with the caveat that Gerrard has been world class in the past.  I think Oxlade-Chamberlain if given the opportunity, is the player that could make the difference for England in this tournament and I think you"re well served up front with Wellbeck and Defoe.

It"s great news too that the press are currently off their backs, but one decent result and the headlines writers will be all over them again.

Still, it"s going to be fascinating to watch and I hope the England team go all the way, with the only exception being if they come up against the Irish.

[Des]

Sweepstake.. yes please

I"ve had a £25 dabble on Portugal. Going to be away in India for most of the tournament hoping they have some coverage over there. They just like that game with bats though don"t they... might be a struggle.

PS BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM... do I win a prize for number 1000?  

Congrats on your innings Phil and the best of luck in India.  

[mousebob]

In draw please (preferably not England).
Happy to draw Dutch though

[Joker161]

Sweepstake - yes please.

Not much coverage out here in Vegas. I sort of assumed Engalnd would be rubbish as usual, although I like the idea that everyone, at last, including the press, thinks the same this time round, so without the pressure England might surprise. After all, group-wise it could have been a lot tougher. In 1966 it was all about picking a team that worked, not the 11 best players (no Greaves in the final. Sticking with Hurst. Same with Rooney?) Perhaps Hodgson can fluke putting together a "team" this time round.

7.20am here. PLO tournament at the Golden Nugget today. Been persuaded to do the Helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon on Friday. First time in five visits. I know - poor priorities!

[ian.ski309]

Sweepstake - yes please !

[pables]

yes pls

[AceOnTheRiver]

Team please  

I"m flying to Donetsk at the weekend

#justsayin"  

[mporter123]

In for the sweepstake please.

Ashley Cole is the only other world class England player in my eyes. I dont think Gerrard or Terry are there any more.

Also I think the way Rio has been treated is pretty disgraceful but no point dwelling on it now...

[Chipaccrual]

Sweepstake.. yes please

I"ve had a £25 dabble on Portugal. Going to be away in India for most of the tournament hoping they have some coverage over there. They just like that game with bats though don"t they... might be a struggle.

PS BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM... do I win a prize for number 1000?  

India hey ?

When do you Goa Phil ?

Hope the trip Delhivers all you want.  Remember that those Indian barmen really Kanpur a mighty good drink, so watch yourself.

Anyway, I"ll just wish you Lucknow and have a safe journey.

[deanp27]

I"ll have a team please.

[smasher37]

I will take a team please