We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Goldenballs is expected to earn his 100th cap for England today against France on a day chock full of international friendlies. FSC is favoring us with the U.S. vs. Poland at 3:30 and Brazil vs. Sweden at 5:30. Join me for the afternoon.
posted by gatorbob @ 3:00 PM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
164 Comments:
Here's the starting eleven for England today:
England: James, Brown, Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole, Hargreaves, Barry, J Cole, Beckham, Gerrard, Rooney.
Rio is captain and Becks starts but will surely not last the 90 minutes. Alexi Lalas and Ruud Gullit will be praying that he doesn't pick up a knock as the MLS season begin Saturday.
Hey Bob, I am here.
I will be here following England on the computer and the US on the TV. I won't fork out $25 for the England game.
I will listen to Five Live until it cuts out and then off to Talksport.
I wouldn't have picked Cashley
Lampard is unwell and still at the hotel.
Woodgate has a sore hammy.
Wow, Rangers vs Celtic on Sunday night on FSC
Just looked it up to see that Roma vs United is the game on ESPN2 on Tuesday
Wotcher, Dave! I'm settling in to watch Poland vs. the U.S. The national anthem is actually getting a hearty round of applause. I haven't heard that in a while! And now the Polish anthem - the crowd certainly is in a good mood tonight.
I'm certainly looking forward to the next round of Champions League games. The United fans can't be looking forward to seeing the Olympic Stadium in Rome again so soon, eh?
I don't know about Roon up front alone with Gerrard supporting him. He doesn't like to lead the line. Was Owen in the squad?
Right, Dave. Here's your quiz question for the day:
"Becks is the fifth player to earn his ton for England. Who are the other four?"
The field looks like Wigan's
Billy Wright, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Peter Shilton
I have a faculty meeting on Tuesday so I won't be around.
Right you are! I knew you could do it.
The U.S. have started and you're right - it's an appalling pitch. But the commentators are right too - they really need this kind of gritty affair to toughen up the typical college wussies that play for us.
Here's the starting eleven:
1 Tim Howard
6 Steve Cherundolo
22 Oguchi Onyewu
3 Carlos Bocanegra
5 Heath Pearce
8 Clint Dempsey
13 Ricardo Clark
10 Landon Donovan
11 Brian Ching
4 Michael Bradley
9 Eddie Johnson
An attacking look for sure with two out and out strikers plus Landycakes, Dempsey and Michael Bradley, who's been in terrific form. I'm not a Gooch fan; he's the U.S.'s Titus Bramble and could really be exposed today.
Levindovski is already making a monkey out of Cherundolo. This could be a long afternoon for the U.S. boys. European sides always like hard cases when compared to our boys.
Free kick opportunity for the U.S. and GOAL! Bocanegra scores with a header!
Wow, you can hear a pin drop in the stadium now.
Full credit to Landycakes; it was a delicious ball in, but the Poles were caught napping with several U.S. forwards completely open. In fairness, Boca basically shouldered it more than heading it, but they all count. The commentators were caught out too - it was several seconds before they realized that the U.S. had scored because there was absolutely no reaction from the crowd as the U.S. players wheeled away to celebrate. Great start!
Part of the problems for the commentators is probably that the camera work is really erratic. Some of the shots are extremely high and wide, as if filmed from a high-rise apartment building outside the ground. Clearly high-def hasn't made it's way to Cracow yet.
Like a lot of sides, the Poles don't seem to have done their homework about how the U.S. plays and have taken us for granted. I remember the same from Argentina in the Copa, but the Argies then had the ability to stop the rot and put four by us. I doubt that the Poles can do the same. We're playing really good stuff here.
Wales are winning early at Luxembourg
Another shock score coming through. Austria, one of this summer's hosts, has put one in against the Dutch.
Did you see that U.S. goal, Dave? Any comments?
Austria are now two up!
I missed it but I just looked back at it. It was a nice cross but a bit scrappy
Yeah, exactly. If Boca had been challenged at all, he probably wouldn't have scored. And the keeper looked poor on it.
Here's the line-up for France:
Coupet, Abidal, Gallas, Makelele, Malouda, Toulalan, Clerc, Thuram, Trezeguet, Ribery, Anelka.
Where's TH-14?
TH is injured
1959: Fabio Capello has a quiet word in Becks's ear before kick-off, perhaps complimenting the England midfielder on his fancy new boots. They're white with gold writing.
Are you following the England match on the computer? How about Brazil Sweden?
Thanks. Nice comment there. I reckon that he said, "Enjoy this - it's the last time you'll be wearing an England shirt, mate." Or whatever the equivalent is in Italian.
I am following on the computer. You're having a laugh if you think I'd pay for it. I'll be watching the U.S. game and then the Brazil game at 5:30.
Austria are beating Holland 2-0
The bloody Russians are losing 3-0 in Romania!!
Nice save from Howard
For once, it's you who hasn't been keeping up with the comments. I posted on that back at 3:59.
Well done, it slipped by me
From 365: "3 mins: Beckham picks the ball up in the right back position and fizzes a forward ball to Wayne Rooney but it's at an awkward height and the Manchester United man can't control it."
Everything for England seems to be going through Becks.
Germany have taken the lead agains the other Euro hosts
Scotland 0 Croatia 1
Two Nil to the Yanks!!!!
Corner to the U.S. here. Landy to take....
GOAL! Gooch with the second. The Poles are looking like numpties on these set pieces. What a gift!
Did anyone even want to attempt to mark him??
Northern Ireland 1 Georgia 0
How are they in the Euros
Austria have scored again
I really didn't expect this. Poland qualified for this summer's Euro at a canter. I thought they'd be handy.
2010: Franck Ribery floats over a free-kick and an unmarked Nicolas Anelka heads wide. Poor defending from England.
What about the Dutch? They're position in the Group of Death has got to be seeming tenuous. If they can't beat Austria, how will they fare against Italy, France and Romania?
Maybe Romania, the rank outsiders, will come through. They are showing something against Russia
The Dutch just got a goal back
Phew!
From 365: "11 mins: Anelka, allowed space, turns on the edge of the area but he scuffs his shot and it's an easy save for James."
It sounds like England is under the cosh.
Four goals in the first 38 minutes in Austria
A Cole crosses from the left but there is only Rooney in the box. Coupet makes a hash of collecting the ball and Beckham nearly scores at the back post.
Ashley Cole's cross is palmed away unconvincingly by Gregory Coupet and Beckham almost cashes in at the far post.
That would be something if he were to score on his last match.
Should have been #3 for the US
NI has scored a second. David Healey scores again
EJ should've scored there. Took too many touches and the gk blocked it. Corner to the U.S. Let's have another Landy! Again unconvincing from the Poles but no goal this time.
Don't get me started on David "I only score in Green" Healey. Spare me!
Well done USA. Two nil at half
England are having trouble getting the ball to stick up front and they don't really have the option of going over the top, with Rooney and Gerrard both looking to drop deep.
Sorry
Healy used to be an untouchable up and coming reserve for United until he was sold to Preston.
NI are three up!!
Wales have gone two up
Half-time: Bradley will be ecstatic with a 0-2 lead at the half. More of the same please.
24'France made an excellent start but it is England on top for this period of the game.
Scotland have tied up against Croatia.
Such is England's dominance of possession that the visiting fans are singing "you're supposed to be at home" to their French counterparts.
FSC is big-upping their coverage of MLS on Saturday. It does sound tasty, but what that hides is that ABC/ESPN seem to have declined to cover the opening of the season. If the MLS has been downgraded to an FSC sport, that's not so good for the league.
Oh Dear!! As talksport is at the match, David James gives away a penalty.
He brings down Anelka
Ribery scores for the French
Nice job by the ref!!!
2034: GOAL France 1-0 England
Nicolas Anelka breaks into the area and takes the ball past David James before he is clattered by the England keeper. Clear penalty. Franck Ribery sends James the wrong way. Ribery takes off his shirt to reveal a tribute to commentator Thierry Gilardi - who died yesterday - and is promptly booked by the ref.
As I say, I hate that. Shame about Calamity living up to his name again. Why do they keep picking him? And why don't we have any decent keepers around. Surely Keller, Friedel, Howard and probably Hahnemann are all better than the best of the England keepers.
Second half starting in Cracow. Let's hope that the U.S. can continue their excellent performance in the first half.
Rooney swivels his hips, cuts inside and finds Gerrard but the Liverpool man can't get it out of his feet and the best he can do is win a corner. Beckham sends it in but France clear and break upfield.
Beckham has celebrated his 100th cap with a ... yellow card
Beckham marks his 100th cap.... with a booking. A tug on Ribery is the punished crime and he can't complain.
What a miss by Landy!!!!
Landycakes is streaking away from goal and....he misses! What a muppet! Your sister would've scored that one.
The Poles are leaving loads of room at the back. There could well be some more goals in here for the U.S.
Rooney loses possession and then chases the ball around like a small boy in a bid to get it back.
All square at Hampden Park at the half
The Poles are starting to really dish it out now.
Half time in Paris
Bretos says that the U.S. are fortunate to be two up. Really? I reckon that they should be three or four up!
Good save by Timmy there. That was a might close.
The Polish fans need to learn a new tune - they've been singing the same moronic jingle for fifteen minutes.
US get another chance!!!
By the way, I got no kudos from you for know the tonners for England!
It has to better than
USA USA USA USA USA USA
Greece are two up in Portugal.
Ron and Nani are both not playing
Look back at 3:44 p.m. You're off your game today, mate.
I take it back.. that chant is bloody annoying!!
I can't hear any of the U.S. fans today - they must be just trying to stay out of trouble.
Will Owen come on in the second half at some time?
Bloody hell - Josh Wolff is coming on. I didn't expect to see him in an American shirt again. Good to see Jay Demerit get another start.
Shut that bloody bazouki up! Told you...
ooops, three strikes and I am off!!!
What is the story of Josh Wolff?
I have just seen the first picture of the England game.
France are in all blue.
No England player is in the shot.
Are they wearing Red or White?
Healey gets an award before the game by Platini for his record setting goal haul in the qualifiers.
He follows that by a goal AND NOW an OG!!!
Josh is one of those speedy little guys who's suffered from injuries like Michael Owen. It's taken years off his career and a bit off his pace. The last thing I knew he was playing for the Chicago Fire but Bretos mentioned that he's playing in Germany again.
Taylor tips Tskitishvili's penalty on to the post and David Healy, trying to tackle penalty-taker Tskitishvili, slots the ball into his own net for an own goal. He just can't stop scoring, that boy. Worth a look on youtube that one.
England are wearing red today. I saw a picture of Joe Cole earlier. I don't like the new England kit. It reminds me of the mid-80s kit (circa Butch Wilkins/Bryan Robson era) with the horizontal stripes at the top of the chest. Don't like it.
Another photo of the England game and still no England player to be seen except for James in banana yellow
Couldn't happen to a nicer bloke. Healey's got to be told that Norn Ireland don't pay his bloody wages. He took us down to the third division and he's in the process of doing the same to Fulham now. Complete tosser.
Good free kick opportunity but with Landy off I'm not sure who'll take it. Maybe Eddie Lewis? Yep, here's Eddie. Derby County reserve...
Fabio has made FOUR CHANGES at the half.
Rooney and Gerrard are off for Owen and Crouch.
J Cole replaced by Downing
Terry off for Lescott
Jonathan Spector on now. Eddie Lewis approaches it....
and GOAL! Well done, Eddie!
THREE NIL TO THE US!!!!
Nice free kick
Holland have gotten a second back
Good changes there. But I'd like to see Becks come off post-haste and I'm sure Lexi and Ruud would agree.
Germany have scored a second.
Spain and Italy have kicked off
This is becoming embarrassing for Poland. They haven't done themselves any favors by fouling in key areas.
Eddie scored a load of free kicks like that one for Leeds during his time at Elland Road.
Wales have won
Downing runs away from the French goal this time, but at least he wins a freekick.
Well done the leek-eaters.
Beckham's corner finds Crouch but the Liverpool striker can't keep his header down.
Surely Bentley will replace Becks so that the crowd can give Goldenballs a big ovation for the last time.
Almost four!!
Germany are three up
Another tasty ball in from Eddie Lewis and both EJ and Demerit could've scored a fourth there. As it is, Demerit heads wide. They got in each other's way there.
Austria have scored a third! 3-2 over Holland now.
Shut that bloody bazouki up! Told you...
Are you going to watch the Brazil game? I'm not
Yeah, someone needs to organize a brass band for the Poles and teach a few ditties like the themes from The Dambusters and the Great Escape.
Why not? Are you teaching tonight?
Another Derby County reserve now...Benni Feilhaber.
Anelka tries to feed Ribery, who appears to be being pulled back by Barry but no free-kick. Co-ordinated gallic shrugs from the French coaching staff.
No, I going to watch Seinfeld or Cash Cab
The Dutch have equalized again! It's 3-3 - what a ding dong!
Are you keeping away from the score
I'm guessing your not a Ronaldinho fan, then.
They've taken the lead!!
The score isn't up on the 365 screen so I'd no idea that it was already going on. Yeah, don't tell me the score unless it's 0-0. I won't bother to watch then.
Right you are - 3-4 Holland now. I wonder who's rattling in all the goals.
Beckham and James aren't on the same wavelength as France play a ball into the England box. Beckham does the right thing and clears into touch. Iffy judgement from the England goalkeeper there.
Becks is coming off for Bentley
Glen Johnson on for Wes Brown
I can't believe that Don Fabio is stupid enough to send Becks the message that he has a future on this team by keeping him on for ninety minutes. Bring on Bentley!
Finally!
I can't believe that the Orrible Orange was on at all! WTF?
Hey, he scored again Costa Del Pool on Sunday
And it is over
Well done US!!!
Full-time: Poland 0 U.S. 3. One of the best performances I've seen from the U.S. boys in a long time. Well done. With Bradley in charge and the current side, I'm hopeful for 2010.
The Dutch have won
NI scores their fourth.
Let me guess - David "Bloody" Healey!
From 365: "70 mins: The game's gone extremely quiet as have the crowd."
Nope, some newcomer knocked it in with his hand
2132: David Beckham's not getting any sympathy from you lot on the occasion of his 100th cap. His rating is a meagre 6.10, although that is above average for the England team. Franck Ribery leads the way on 7.34 - quite right too.
The Germans have scored a fourth
The Germans must be one of the favorites for this summer - they're in great form.
Talksport saying that the night started off as promising but has now turned to a disappointing night.
The Brazil match is starting up from the Emirates. It's the 50th anniversary of the Brazil vs. Sweden WC final when Pele sprang to life. Will Pato do the same? We'll see.
Game over at The Emirates.
Do you know the score?
The England fans refuse to join in a Mexican wave before bursting into song in an attempt to rouse their team, who seem to have gone to sleep.
Bit of a disappointing line-up for Brazil - no Kaka, no Pato. Yeah, tell me the score. I should get some work done.
NI won, Wales won, Scotland drew and England ???
1-0 to the Brazilians.
A spectacular second half goal by Pato
76'Crouch sells a dummy to Gallas and passes to Owen, who is free in the box. Owen looks up and sees the offside flag. Better play from England though.
77'I'm thinking back and I can only remember one shot on goal in the whole match and that was the penalty....
I'll catch that later on the Fox Sports Report. Cheers!
Still 10 minutes to go in Paris
Scotland's game is still going on
Lovely feet by Crouch to take down Ferdinand's pass and keep England in possession. The ball is played to the far post by Bentley and France are rather hesitant when clearing Downing's header but eventually clear the danger.
Daren Fletcher comes off hurt in injury time SAF won't be pleased
It is over in Glasgow.
Scotland do what England couldn't.
Draw with Croatia
Still two minutes of stoppage time, eh?
2151: BBC Radio 5 Live summariser Graham Taylor is asked if he's seen anything from England that's pleased him. "No," summarises Taylor.
And that's it.
France 1 England 0
Very depressing.
Good to spend the afternoon with you Bob.
Talk to you on the weekend.
Final Score - France 1 England 0.
It reinforces my feeling that England are no longer in the top tier of European sides. Don Fabio has a lot of work to do before qualifying for 2010 starts.
Cheers, Dave!
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