It's England Time!

Morning, chaps! It's England time again. By knocking off Italy in yesterday's opening R16 match, Switzerland have now created a pathway for England to the semis that avoids all of the traditional powers. But first, they have to knock off Slovakia, exactly the kind of side that Gareth Southgate's team has been struggling to defeat in this tournament. So, expact Slovakia to park the bus and allow England plenty of possession in midfield. After England's victory, we get to sit back and relax as Spain take on Georgia in the evening match. The winner of that one will go on to meet Germany, the winner of yesterday's late match. It should be fun today - enjoy!

Euro 2024 - The Knock out Rounds Begin!

Morning, chaps! The knock-out rounds are here! This is where the rubber truly hits the road at Euro 2024, with the first eight knock-out matches spread over the weekend. We get going with Italy v. Switzerland. Like a lot of the bigger sides, Italy underwhelmed while Switzerland overperformed. The Azurri looked really unconvincing throughout the group stage, but they do have the habit of creeping through the rounds in major tournaments without really impressing. Then it's on to Germany v. Denmark. The hosts have been one of the most impressive sides in the tournament so far; yet, Germany fans will tell you that there is little confidnce in Der Mannschaft. Denmark led by the inspiring Christian Erickson, have been thrilling the crowds at Euro 2024 when they weren't expected to do much. Enjoy the matches today!

Euro 2024 Group Stage Update #3

Evening, all! Well, that was a thrilling end to the Group Stage today. It also turned our predictions game upside down, so it's time to take stock of our standings before we head into the knock out rounds on Saturday. One of the major themes of this tournament has been the underwhelming performance of many of the traditional powers (with the exception of Germany and Spain, who have been excellent) and the surprising form of the usually weaker countries such as Romania and Austria who both topped their groups ahead of the likes of France and Belgium. That meant for the loss of a few points in our game and will almost certainly impact scores down the line. For example, none of us got more than one of the third place qualifiers for the R16. None of us are getting points in the Golden Boot category as the current top scorer is Georges Mikautadze of plucky little Georgia who did the business over Portugal this evening. oticoN picked up one point in the First Missed Penalty category for being the first in the pool when Luca Modric failed from the spot yesterday against Italy. Ironically the first missed penalty in the tournament was by hsi colleague Bruno Petkovic in Croatia's opening disaster against Spain. All this means that we've all dropped some points since the last check-in but that our current LOB Shield holder Bee's Knees is in the lead on 28 points with Goone71 in hot pursuit. Here are the full standings: 1. Bee’s Knees - 28 points 2. Gooner71 - 26 pts 3. Blue Devil - 25 pts - Man Utd Rules - 25 pts - United We Stand 25 pts - West Ham - 25 pts 7. oticoN - 24 pts - Red Dragon - 24 pts 9. Red Devil 1FCK - 22 pts - Teddy Goalesevelt - 22 pts

Euro 2024 - Day 13

Morning, boys! It's the last day of the Euro 2024 Group Stage, with Groups E and F wrapping up proceedings this afternoon. We kick off at noon with Group E, where each side has a win and three points. So, it's all to play for and could be really entertaining. Like a lot of the more fancied teams coming into this tournament, Belgium have struggled to get going, but face Ukraine in their final group match. The surprise packages of Slovakia and Romania, who both won their opening matches, face off against each other. Later in the afternoon, Group F wraps up with Portugal facing Georgia and the two sides with new names - Czechia and Turkiye - kicking off against each other. The Portuguese have huffed and puffed but won their opening two matches and should top the group in the end and avoid a tougher match against a group winner. The Czechs will need a win over the Turks to have any chance of qualifying for the R16. Enjoy the matches today!

Euro 2024 - Day 12

Morning, chaps! It's a massive day at Euro 2024, with two groups wrapping up play and determining who will move on to the R16. Let's start with Group D, which kicks off at noon EST. Tournament favorites France were unconvincing against the Netherlands last time out and have now allowed the Orangemen to top the group due to goals scored. So, if the Dutch match the French, they'll go through top and will avoid meeting another group winner, whereas France will likely get a tough second round match. Fortunately for Les Bleus, they're facing Poland, who have already been knocked out, while the Netherlands face the scrappy Austrian side who are on 3 points and will fancy an R16 berth. This could go down to the wire as Group B did today. AThen in the 3pm hour, Group C kicks off. England have failed to click into high gear so far, with the Fleet Street hacks getting the knives out for Gareth Soutgate. Yet, they still top the group and qualified for the R16 this afternoon. All signs are that Southgate is going to mix things up a bit, swapping Trent Alexander Arnold and Kieran Trippier. Sadly, I'll be on the road to the pediatrician for the twins' second year check-up, so I'll have to follow the events on the phone whne there is a dull moment. But enjoy the matches!

Euro 2024 - Day 11

Morning, gents. We're onto the final Group B fixtures this afternoon. So far, this group has gone largely to form, with Spain romping both of their matches against Croatia and Italy. That means that they can rest their starters for this dead rubber against Albania. Things are a bit dicier for the Italians who have three points from their win against Albania in the first round of fixtures. If they slip up against Croatia they'll likely qualify in a third-place spot but will then have to face a group winner, perhaps Germany. Croatia will need a win in order to have any chance of qualifying, as two points won't likely do it. Enjoy the matches today!

Euro 2024 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update #2

Evening, gents. I hope that you've been enjoying the football this week. In all honesty, though, I feel that, after that breathless start to the tournament, the matches tightened up a bit in this round of matches with more nervous draws than in the first round. Five of the six groups have essentially gone to form, with only Group E where all four sides now have a win presenting some surprises. It all means that we've all earned plenty of points in this stage of the tournament, which should us up nicely for the latter stages. Only Germany's Jamal Musiala has scored more than one goal (Owen Goal excepted), though Romelu Lukaka may feel as if he should have had six or seven at this point. No one in our pool has been sent off yet, so no points there either. So, Bee's Knees continues his early lead in the tournament; here are the full standings: 1. Bee’s Knees - 31 points 2. Gooner71 - 28 pts - Man Utd Rules - 28 pts - Teddy Goalesevelt - 28 pts - United We Stand 28 pts - West Ham - 28 pts 7. oticoN - 27 pts 8. Blue Devil - 26 pts 9. Red Devil 1FCK - 25 pts 10. Red Dragon - 23 pts

Euro 2024 - Day 9

Morning, chaps - we've got a really intriguing day of Euro 2024 footie ahead of us, wrapping up the second round of Group Stage matches. We start with Group F, where the early match is Georgia v. Czech Republic. That's followed at noon by Portugal v. Turkey. The late one wraps up Group E action with Belgium, who need a win against Romania to survive in this tournament. Enjoy the day, everyone!

Euro 2024 - Day 8

Another day, another set of Euro 2024 (and now Copa America!) fixture. Honestly there are just too many matches on these days. When are we supposed to eat or shower? It all starts as usual at 9am with a duff match-up between Slovakia and Ukraine. That's followed by Poland v. Austria at noon and then finally the marquee match-up of the day between France and the Netherlands. Later on Peru and Chile are on at 8pm in case you need another hit. Cheers!

Euro 2024 - Day 7

Morning, chaps - we've made it through a week of Euro 2024 and it seems like every match has been a rip roaring entertainment fest packed full of goals. Let's hope it all continues today as we get back to Group C - England's group. We've barely recovered from the white knuckle ride that England took us on in the second with Serbia on the way to an opening win. On the one hand, England should have been able to see off Serbia rather more easily than they did and the performance highlighted a number of frailties that, if not addresse will likely pose problems down the road in the knock-out stages. On the other hand, however, that was exactly the kind of match with inferior opposition that England used to routinely draw (think Ireland in 1990 or the US in 2014) or even lose. So, let's be hopeful that England can see off Denmark with another professional performance. Before that, we've got the other match in the group between Serbia nnd Slovenia, where we probably could use a draw. Then after England, we can celebrate with the marquee match of the round between Italy and Spain. So get comfy and join me for a natter.

Euro 2024 - Day 6

Right then, boys - it's a busy, busy Monday in the Euros as we start in on Round 2 of the Group Stage matches. We start, somewhat improbably, in Group B, with the match-up between the two losers from the first match. Croatia will be fancied due to their tournament pedigree, but plucky Albania looked a bit tasty against Italy in patches. They could surprise everyone. Then we're on to Group A, with Germany v. Hungary as the noon-time fixture and then Scotland v. Switzerland as the late one. Come on and join me throughout the day.

Euro 2024 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update #1

Believe it or not, we're through the first round of group stage matches, so it's time to take stock of our standings before Groups A and B kick off again in the morning. It's been a quite thrilling competition so far with a goal rate of more than three per match. That said, there have been few surprises. With the exception of Slovakia's big win over Belgium, all of the favorites to win the tournament got off to winning starts and look set to cruise through their groups. Germany and Spain were particularly impressive, while Holland, England, and Portugal put in professional performances and got the three points they needed. Blue Devil, Red Devil and Red Dragon got off to a good start by predicting that Florian Wirtz would get things rolling with the first goal. No one predicted Ryan Portius' two-footed lunge that saw him sent off in the opening match. So, one point is still up for grabs in that category. There haven't been multiple goal performances, so all of the goalscorers are on one - only "Owen Goal" has scored more - he's on three so far (joke courtesy of UWS). So, the points for first hat-trick are still up for grabs. All of that means that our current LOB Shield holder Bee's Knees is off to a great start with a shared lead with UWS at the top of our table. Here are the current standings: 1. Bee’s Knees - 26 points - United We Stand 26 pts 3. Gooner71 - 24 pts 4. Man Utd Rules - 23 pts - oticoN - 23 pts - West Ham - 23 pts 7. Blue Devil - 22 pts 8. Red Devil 1FCK - 21 pts 9. Teddy Goalesevelt - 20 pts 10. Red Dragon - 19 pts Eagle eyed participants will note that I corrected a few clerical errors after sending out the initial welcome message on Friday. I also welcomed a late entrant - our friend West Ham Rising - into the fold, so we now have an even ten players in the cohort. Please let me know if I've made any errors with your predictions.

Euro 2024 - Day 5

Morning, chaps. There isn't a 9am match today, so we can all get a bit of extra kip. The only matches left in the firt round of group matches are the two in Group F. We begin with the undercard match between Turkey and Georgia at noon. Then the marquee match for the afternoon is Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, for many the dark horse favorites for the title this year. Bring it on!

Euro 2024 - Day 4

Morning, boys - the days and matches are coming thick and fast now. We've barely recovered from that narrow England win over Serbia yesterday and here we are staring at three more matches in the face. The undercard matches today are from Group E - the duffest group in the tournament, starting with Romania v. Ukraine and then followed at noon by Belgium v. Slovakia. But the marquee match is France v. Austria at 3pm. Join me if you're around.

Euro 2024 - Day 3

Afternoon, chaps. It's been wall to wall Father's Day celebrations, so I'm late in posting this one. We started the morning with an undercard match between Netherlands and Poland. I'm just settling in to watch the other match in Group C and then of course the build up is all for England's opener against Serbia. Drop in for a natter if you're about. And Happy Father's Day, everyone!

Euro 2024 - Day 2

Morning, boys - it's Day 2 of the tournament, which promises a packed agenda of the good stuff. Fox are off to a poor start this morning, as they've decided not to give us any coverage of the 9am Hungary v. Switzerland match. Things heat up, though, with Spain v. Croatia at mid-day Group B action. Then it's off to Italy v. Albania for the evening match. Pop in for a chat if you're watching today.

Euro 2024 - It All Starts Here!

Morning everyone! It really doesn't feel like summer until a big summer tournament kicks off. So, here we are at the start of Euro 2024 in Germany. The tournament coverage starts at 2pm this afternoon on Fox, followed by the opening match between hosts Germany and bonnie Scotland. Join me for all the festivities this afternoon and throughout the month. Let the games begin!

Euro 2024 Group F Preview

Hiya, LOBers, I'm wrapping up my series of Euro 2024 previews tonight with Group F, possibly the least inspiring of all the groups. But let's plug on, shall we? Prospects: Euro 2016 champions Portugal come into this summer's tournament in ripping form, having won 11 of their last 12 matches since hiring journeyman manager Roberto Martinez. Despite nearing his 40th birthday, Cristiano Ronaldo is still leading the line and, let's face it, he still looks better than any of us while doing it. Czech Republic (or Czechia as their now being called) pose the biggest threat to the Iberians, despite their FIFA ranking of 36th. A lot off their success will be based on the form of their star striker Patrik Schick, who scored the goal of the tournament last time around. Turkey were considered tournament dark horses in 2021 but then crashed out with three losses in the group stage, so no one is rating them this time around. However, however....they did impress in qualifying, topping a group that included Croatia. Finally, Euro debutants will likely park the bus and hope to keep the score down. Spain beat them 1-7 at home in qualifying, a scoreline that will bring a smile to Ronaldo's lips. One to Watch: 22 year-old Czech winger Adam Hlozek just won the Bundesliga with Leverkusen; I'm really looking forward to watching him rip up some sluggish defenses in this group. Most Likely to see Red: 36 year-old Guram Kashia will be at the center of the Georgian defense and is likely to be under the cosh from the opening whistle. Key Match - Portugal v. Czechia - June 18 - 3pm: This opener in the group between the best two sides is likely to set the tone. Blue Devil's Crystal Ball Says: The Portugeezers sail through the group stage setting up a relatively safe passage through to the Quarters. Czechia edge out Turkey for second spot. The Turks have to wait until the last day of the group stage to see if they qualify for the knockout rounds. A quick flight back to Tbilisi for the Georgians.

Euro 2024 Group E Preview

Happy Monday, chaps! We're mere days away from the start of Euro 2024, so it's time to kick this into high gear. Tonight, I'm focusing on Group E. Prospects: Group E is arguably the weakest in the tournament. This summer is almost certainly the last hurrah for the golden generation of Belgian football that has included the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Romelu Lukaku. There is quality throughout the side but it's an aging group that may wilt in the latter stages of an intense campaign. This will be Ukraine's fourth consecutive appearance at the championships and there should be a good deal of sympathy and support for them in the stands in Germany given the bravery of their defense of their self-determination against Russian aggression. The Romanian side isn't the prettiest to watch but their defensive approach proved effective as they were unbeaten in qualifying. Slovakia have the indigity of playing Belgium first. A heavy defeat in that match could put them on the back-foot in the group stage. One to Watch: 22 year-old Belgian winger Jeremy Doku is often lost amidst the other glittering stars at Manchester City; however, he's a special talent with a huge future. Most Likely to see Red: Empoli's gritty Romanian defensive midfielder looks good for a couple of yellow cards and an early bath. Key Match - Belgium v. Ukraine - June 26 - 12pm: If Belgium stumble out of the gate, this third match in the group against a team with support in the stands could be a tricky one for the Red Devils. Blue Devil's Crystal Ball Says: Belgium should have enough talent to top this group. Based on national pride and adrenaline, Ukraine should finish second. If they keep the score down, Romania could easily be a best third team and qualify for the R16.

Euro 2024 Group D Preview

Hiya, LOBers, I'm back with another Euro 2024 Group Stage Preview, this time focusing on Group D, which promises to be another very competitive group. Prospects: As with Group B, Group D features two traditional powers in European football: France and the Netherlands. These two teams will know each other well, having already battled it out in the qualifying stages. Didier Deschamps' side had the edge then and should have again in this tournament. France had the stingiest defense then and of course possess the ultimate X Factor in Kylian Mbappe who has just completed a move from PSG to Real. Ronald Koeman's Dutch limp into this tournament riddled with injury concerns from goalkeeper Justin Bijlow to key midfield cog Frenkie de Jong to striker Memphis Depay. Ralf Rangnik's Austrian side impressed in qualifying, coming second to Belgium in their group, but recently lost talismanic leader David Alaba to injury. Perennial Euro qualiiers Poland may well be a dark horse side this summer. Striker Robert Lewandowski may be past his best at this point but he's still Robert Lewandowski. One to Watch: In the absence of De Jong, Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. who just completed a spectacular season with AC Milan, will likely shoulder the burden for his side. Most Likely to see Red: Polish central defender Jan Bednarak spent a long season learning the Championship dark arts with Southampton this season. Key Match - France v. Netherlands - June 21, 3pm - This could easily end up a highly-tactical borefest, but any time these two teams face up against each other, you have to watch. Blue Devil's Crystal Ball Says: France are one of the favorites to win this tournament - and for good reason. Their squad is dripping with quality. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the Netherlands struggle in the group stages and are edged out of second by Poland, still qualifying for the R16 as one of the best third-place teams. Manchester United fans will enjoy seeing Ralf Rangnik being humiliated.

Euro 2024 Group C Preview

Happy Saturday, everyone - I'm back with my third installment of the Euro 2024 previews. Prospects: Gareth Southgate's England team come into this tournament with the weight of enormous expectations at home. Boasting arguably the best squad of players in European football, there is no reason why the Three Lions should not go one better than they did in the last European Championships and win the whole thing. Group C should be a useful warm up for them but the real business will take place in the knock-out rounds. Denmark, who were England's semi-final opponents back in 2021, pose the biggest threat, with Man Utd hotshot Rasmus Hojlund leading the line. Serbia are participating as an independent nation for the first time, having previously been part of the FYR Yugoslavia mix. And it's a second outing for Slovenia. One to Watch: England midfielder Jude Bellingham has just finished a stunning first season at Real Madrid, where he scored goals for fun and won a Champions League medal. Most Likely to see Red: Fiery Serbian manager Dragan Stojkovic Key Match - Serbia v. Slovenia - June 20, 9am - given the history of the 90s civil war in the former Yugoslavia, this one could get lively. Blue Devil's Crystal Ball Says: If Southgate can get the most out of his squad, England should sail through this group. Denmark will likely edge out Serbia in the last match in the group. I don't see either Serbia or Slovenia advancing to the R16.

Euro 2024 Group B Preview

Evening, chaps - I'm back with my second installment of the Euro 2024 previews. It's time to discuss Group B. Prospects: Group B is the Group of Death within this summer's tournament, with the current Euro holders Italy alongside recent World and European champions Spain and Croatia, who have been finalists and semi-finalists in the last two World Cups. La Roja are the favorites to advance top of this group, having turned it around since being knocked out of the last World Cup in the R16 by Morocco, under the leadership of Luis de la Fuente and with a young exciting side. Italy's fortunes on the other hand have suffered in the same space of time and they'll be pushed hard by an aging but tournment experienced Croatian side. The less said about Albania, the better. One to Watch: Barca forward Lamine Yamal may only be 16 but he's already becoming a key figure in de la Fuente's team. Most Likely to see Red: Mercurial Roma striker Gianluca Mancini is the current bad boy of Italian football after having been fined for displaying an offensive banner to opposing fans after scoring the winning goal in the Rome derby in April. Key Match - Italy v. Croatia - June 24, 3pm Blue Devil's Crystal Ball Says: Spain will cruise through this group, anchored by one of the world's best midfielders, Rodri. Italy usually find a way to navigate a last crucial match in the group stage match and will do so again against Croatia - but only just. Albania will provide the shooting practice for the others.

Euro 2024 Preview - Group A

We’re a little over a week away from the start of Euro 2024 tournament, so it’s time to start my usual previews. I’m starting today with Group A, which include perennial powerhouses Italy, along with Hungary, Switzerland, Bonnie Scotland. Prospects: Germany enter this tournmaent in an unfamiliar situation - as dark horses. Yet, no one has the tournament pedigree or mentality that Der Mannschaft typically possess, so only a fool would discount them. They're likely to be hardest pressed by the plucky Hungarians but neither Switzerland nor the Scots, who are merely happy to be in the company of other Euro qualifiers, will trouble them. * One to Watch: Midfielder Florian Wirtz was a big reason that Leverkusen upset perennial Bundesliga favorites Bayern Munich this season and picked up the Bundesliga Player of the Season award as a result. * Most Likely to See Red: Kieran Tierney, Scotland's "Ball Recovery Monster." * Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” Dimunitive Swiss schemer Xherdan Shaqiri has a flair for a dink. * Key Match: Germany v. Hungary - June 19, noon * Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: As long as they can navigate their second match against Hungary, Germany should top the group. Hungary and Switzerland will vie for second spot and one of them should be one of the best third place teams in the R16. Steve Clarke shouldn't book an extended stay at the tournament hotel. His squad will be home with their feet up watching the latter stages.

Hi there, folks - The 2023/2024 season has barely finished but it's already that time again. With merely ten days until the opening kick-off of the Euro 2024 tournament with Germany taking on Scotland in the opening match on Friday, June 14 at 3pm EST, I'm asking you to pull out your crystal balls and come up with some predictions for this summer's tournament. For those new to our predictions games, all you have to do to participate is email me by Thursday evening (June 13) with your predictions in the following categories (please email me without "replying all" to the list of competitors so that we get a variety of entries):

1. The top two teams in each of the six groups (you'll receive two points for each correct team plus an extra point if you get them in the correct order); e.g. "Group A: 1. Germany  2. Scotland.”

2. The four best third placed teams that also advance to the Round of 16 

(1 point for each team)

3. The winners of each of the eight Round of Sixteen matches (3 points per team)

4. The winners of each of the four Quarterfinal matches (4 points per team) 

5. The winners of each of the two Semifinals (6 points per team) 

6. Champions! (10 points) 

7. The scorer of first goal scored in the tournament (3 points/ 2 points for first in pool)

8. The scorer of the first hat-trick (if there is one!) (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

9. The first player sent off (either straight red or two yellows) (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

10. The first player to miss a penalty (either during regular play in a match or in a penalty shoot-out) (2 points/ 1 point for the first in pool)

11. The first match to go to a penalty shoot-out (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

12. The player who scores the winning goal in the Final (if there is one) (2 points) 

13. The first manager to be sacked (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool) 

14. The Golden Glove winner (top goalkeeper) (4 points) 

15. The Golden Boot winner (top scorer) (8 points)

16. Tournament MVP (8 points)

The winner of the Euro 2024 Predictions Game will receive the vaunted Lancer Cup, which is currently held by our friend Teddy Goalesevelt - you'll have to work hard to pry this junk shop beauty out of his hands! 

I'll be starting a series of group previews that I'm posting on the blog at http://lakenheatholdboys.blogspot.com/ and on my Facebook feed, which may (or may not) help you with your picks. I'll be updating the game on the blog and through email every few days throughout the tournament. While I'll be too busy with the twins to live blog every match as I usually do, I'd love it if some of you keep up the tradition on the LOB. 

I can't wait for it all to get started.

Cheers, Bob

Congratulations, Bee's Knees!

Hi there, everyone! Hearty congratulations to Bee's Knees (aka, Dom) for winning this year's edition of the Premiership Plus Predictions Game. He has just edged out current holder Red Dragon at the final hurdle, with Real Madrid's big win in the Champions League Final putting him over the top this afternoon. So, the LOB Shield will be staying in the Capital Region of Upstate New York, where it will have pride of place on Bee's Knees' mantle for the 2024/2025 season. 

While it won't change this result, the PFA Awards, which will be announced on later in the summer, will add to everyone's final scores.

Now then, as the football never ends, Euro 2024 tournament is right around the corner, so I'll be reaching out in the coming days to get you started thinking about the predictions game for the European Championships. So, dust off those crystal balls and start thinking about which sides and players will be your favorites this summer.

Here are the final standings: 

1. Bee’s Knees – 57 points

2. Red Dragon – 54 pts

3. Man Utd Rules – 52 pts

4. Blue Devil – 48 pts

-  Someone Said – 48 pts

-  United We Stand – 48 pts

7. oticoN – 45 pts

8. Teddy Goalesevelt – 43 pts

9. MOT the Hoople – 42 pts

10. Gooner71 – 40 pts

11. West Ham Rising – 34 pts

12. Red Devil 1FCK – 27 pts