However, being English that is about the only plus side I can think of. I’m already braced for another disappointing performance from this supposed “golden generation” of England players. Golden generation, really?
The fortune of my country over the summer isn’t the main thing that is worrying me though to be honest, and instead I’m reverting to my Newcastle first mantra. We’ll be represented at the European Championships by a number of players, and that is something that is worrying me no end if truth be told.
As it stands Yohan Cabaye is more than likely going to be playing for France in the tournament, and he could be supplemented by Hatem Ben Arfa should he make Laurent Blanc’s final cut next week. Then we have Tim Krul, who started in goal for Holland last night, who will probably make the squad, if not as first choice goalkeeper.
The real worry for me is that our players go to the tournament and play a key part in their country having a great tournament. If that happens you can bet your bottom dollar that people will be watching and, as we see after pretty much every tournament, teams will offer silly money for next hot property!
Unfortunately the “silly money” part of that matches up with our policy of selling players if the money is right. I know that every player has a price and that essentially we are being run as a business, and I even get that we will replace any players that do attract silly money bids, but it still won’t make it any easier.
One of the reasons why the season just gone was a remarkable success was because we were unfancied. We were going to drop with our unknown Frenchmen and cheap buys that would take ages to settle into the Premier League. Now they aren’t so unfancied, and a good showing at the biggest tournament of the summer will only enhance their reputation further.
Is anyone else worried?
1st 😎
Rodzilla(Quote)
I have no interest in the tournament other than I live in Scotland and they will all be supporting everyone against us. I hope England don’t give them the pleasure but it’s inevitable….when the national side start Downing and introduce Henderson….sweet Jesus nothing ever changes does it?
Even the introduction of Martin Kelly, decent player but Simpson must be spewing after he has been ever present for one of the best teams in the league all season and some lad who doesn’t get a game for the most under performing team in the league. I know it’s a friendly but it’s same old England. Couldn’t give a toss about them.
I will however be supporting Andy Carroll. Always support my Geordie brothers in competition, good luck to him flying our flag.
Moreno(Quote)
maybe a couple of slight hamstring pulls might come in handy to save us,yes i worry jabba might cave in with good bids. how the hell the likes of green and dowling ect get into england team beats me there really are ****
icedog(Quote)
Would be if we had some1 who could find carrols head in the box proper **** crossers of a ball we got
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
I think we are past the ‘goalden’ generation now and tbh I wouldn’t mind just seeing some decent hard working low-key players who are just proud to wear the shirt rather than these golden generation players like Becks, Gerrard, A.Cole, Rio ect that were bigged up too much and actually produced very little.
DJG(Quote)
TOONARMYELITE@4 how Joey Barton hasn’t made the squad is beyond me…
Munich Mag(Quote)
I see Gareth Barry is a doubt for the squad now , that can only be good for England if he has to pull out .He is the most overrated player in the premiership . As for dreading the Euros yes i am , i hope that our lads come back without any injuries , i would hate us too start the season without Cabaye ,HBA or Krul .
Axel(Quote)
DJG in all defence, the “golden generation” of Beckham etc in there prime were imo our best chance at winning something, they just typically didn’t have the nads, nor the breaks, when it came to the big event…. Typical of English football to be honest, that they actually end up believing the PR from the delusional English press and media…….
The current England set-up, now that really is pish-poor…
Munich Mag(Quote)
“Is anyone else worried?”
Yep! Our players being in the “shop window” is bad enough, but then there’s the risk of injury and the fact they will have a shorter close-season to recharge the batteries!
UTD111(Quote)
MUNICH MAG his prison sentence put pay to that but think he can cross better than what we got at mo,his twitter account dont help his cause also lmai 🙄
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Golden generation, how many would get into a recent eg post 1990 best of england team. 1, 2 ?
Watched the first half last night and it was a step up. They looked like a second class international team rather than a third rate disorganised charity team.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/how-england-squad-would-look-833762
worth a look, ignores forster & Hooper but then it’s EPL only
premandup(Quote)
I’m not ‘dreading’ the Euro’s or the olympics, what happens is gonna happen and there is nothing we can do about it so no point worrying. We haven’t got many players called up, let alone will be starting for their teams (Timmy is back-up and Cabaye and Benny have a lot of competition) so its hardly likely that we will have another Michael Owen situation. Likewise I can’t see us having anything to worry about if they have a few good games or score a good goal, it’s unlikely clubs will be bashing the door down because of that. Plus they are all under contract and we know that nobody will be leaving on the cheap!
DJG(Quote)
I’ve given up on England before it even starts. Totally toss team.
I will however be eagerly following the tournament still, and probably for the first time ever not be hating France. I’m not really arsed about it inflating the price of our transfer targets; I’d be surprised if many of them were in it to be honest, with no South American or African teams. Plus Carr tends to spot them before they become well-known international regulars anyway.
…not arsed about it showcasing our good players either really. It can only be good for NUFC. If we have players who are good enough to get head hunted, it’s inevitable someone will bid at some point. The Euros can only increase their value, it won’t go the other way, meaning more money for Fatty to spend on incomings.
Rodzilla(Quote)
I don’t like Barry…however….
I think Barry was excellent for City in last few games of the season, him and Parker in CDM would be hard to break down. People forget that Cappello took him to the last tournament totally crocked, he should have never played.
Plus, who would his replacement be? Jordan Henderson. Barry not looking so bad now is he? 😆
Moreno(Quote)
Well in my opinion I don’t think these players like Beckham, Terry ect. were ever good enough. There have always been much better teams around, we got spanked at the world cup as soon as we played Germany. Watching us in the friendly last night, we are like a 2nd rate team and Norway are like a 3rd rate team. As soon as we come up against a 1st rate team like France, Spain or Germany we are fooked.
DJG(Quote)
Think in the past the england teams always been hyped up to win it,maybe this year we may be surprised,as theres no really expectaions on the team to win it, so the pressures off this year
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Im sure the manager will get the blame but the sad facts are, every tournament, our players aren’t good enough.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Last time england won something i was 8 months old thats very sad 😯
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
England=dads army of the euros 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Interesting article that, Premandup. Matthew Etherington has got to be one of the most unglamorous footballers on the planet, but he’s better than Stewart fkn Downing. The stats prove if you’re at a high profile club, or have a high transfer fee you’re far more likely to earn a call-up than the Etheringtons and Jarvis(es). A bit weird really, considering better stats at a ******* club should really stand up more.
Stephen Gerrard is well past it too. I bet he gets injured in the first game. He needs putting down and made into glue.
Rodzilla(Quote)
Rod there are a few in that squad, Holt & Murphy that I probably would not bring to the euros on age grounds, but surely that has to be a better squad than what we have.
premandup(Quote)
I think Danny Simpson should be taken to the vets to be put down if he can’t get in that team ahead of Phil Jones and Martin Kelly. He’s in no position to be contract wrangling!
DJG(Quote)
For the first time I can remember we go to a tournament with low expectations, which is good.
I think we’ll be lucky to get out of the group stage, but then again stranger things have happened – we finished fifth when there were low expectations. 😯
Stuart79(Quote)
Yeah, guess we’ll never know though Prem. Sad truth is, we can’t compete with the big boys, regardless. We might have the best league in the world, but the best players in it aren’t English.
We could all be proved wrong, of course. But I can’t see it. I reckon Spain will **** it again anyway.
Rodzilla(Quote)
…mind you, Greece won it in 2004 😯 😯
I might have a cheeky punt on them at 80/1.
…actually, no I won’t. 😆
Rodzilla(Quote)
Maybe Hodgson’s drill & kill will whip them into shape a little. It seems they’re not a very talented bunch, but organization goes a fair way.
Anybody watching France today? Is HBA playing?
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
27th 🙄 🙄 ❓
toonarmybill(Quote)
Well done Bill. Mine was better though.
Rodzilla(Quote)
FSOTC, Barfa is expected to play, not Cabaye though, according to this:
http://www.goal.com/en/match/79917/france-vs-iceland/preview
Rodzilla(Quote)
…although these boys seem to think they’ll both start:
http://www.nufcfans.co.uk/toon-french-boys-set-for-iceland-friendly/
Rodzilla(Quote)
Did everyone died? 😐
Rodzilla(Quote)
I think Ben Arfa could do amazing at this tournament and turn a lot of heads throughout Europe. He’s the one I’m worried about most. However, his big turnaround is mostly due to Pardew and his time at NUFC. Would Ben Arfa actually prefer to stay with us just one more season to see what can be done? Possibly
AndrewT(Quote)
Having watched a bit of yesterdays England game it was a pretty dire display but Judas looked good .Thing is that won’t be the best team we put out anyway .Still too many players picked because of where they play rather than how well they play imo.
On topic ,yes I am worried about the Euros and injuries and it will be the same with the Olympics if Saylor ends up going and Cisse and Ba too . Having said that theres nowt to be done about it so may as well enjoy it ,though I am finding it really hard to get excited by Euro 2012 ,maybe once it starts I will get into it more. I’ve never been so unexcited as this by a tournament ,tells you the state and expectation of our national team that.
Been spoilt by days of Gazza lineker shearer sherringham & co ,don’t care what anyone says todays English players are mostly rubbish and every new manager scared to take a chance on anyone other than the big shots who always under perform . And its not tactics or wags or not enough discipline its just lack of talent and spirit.
kimtoon(Quote)
What happens if it’s a Holland v France final and Nigel De Jong shatters Hatem’s foot again? 😯 🙁 .
Andymag(Quote)
ANDYMAG believe me i will drive to De Jong’s house a **** the **** .
Axel(Quote)
Sorry, Rodz, I was offline for a bit and will be heading out now too, but did anybody see the USA-Scotland friendly? Klinsmann has the US playing great. Yeah, it’s only Scotland, but still…
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Then Adil Rami comes on and takes on De Jong and beats the pulp out of him
Beast of a man Rami. Id love for us to buy him!
ManassasMag(Quote)
Axel…what do you think to Georginio Wijnaldum possibly being Liam’s mystery player?
richietoon(Quote)
KimT…I’m not sure if the club would allow Saylor to play in the Olympics after being out injured for so long….hopefully.
richietoon(Quote)
Richie
I think his club wants 6-8m for him, like hell we’ll pay that for an untested player.
Andymag(Quote)
Axel
I’ll pay for the fuel 😆
Andymag(Quote)
Axel@ And I’ll come visit you when you get sent down for gbh . 😉 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim
I’ll come congratulate him on his MBE. 😉
Andymag(Quote)
Richie@39 you would hope so but I can see a potential collision course between Pearce and Saylor and the club on the horizon there. Reckon Stu will dig his heels in and Saylor may well want to play if only to show he can cut it at international level for Roys future thoughts .
kimtoon(Quote)
club sold
more info to follow.
hitman(Quote)
Andy ,no mate ,that merits a knighthood for sure in my book. 😎 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
Hitman @45 -stop messing about ,I know its a slow week but its too hot for that malarky. 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
Andy…didn’t say we would, just speculating on Liam’s player and what a club wants for a player and what they’ll get are 2 different things. !40 league games in the top Dutch league isn’t really “untested” though imo 😉
richietoon(Quote)
KimT…It’s not up to Pearce though, clubs don’t have to release over age players….if Taylor really wants to go though, that’s a different matter.
richietoon(Quote)
RITCHIETOON no , wijndalum will stay at PSV for another season now that Advocaat will be trainer next season and VanBommel has signed for them as well . PSV seem intent on building their team up .
Axel(Quote)
I think Hitman’s on about the golf clubs he’s been watching on ebay.
Rodzilla(Quote)
Richie ,lets hope Saylor sees sense and comes back slowly and doesn’t try to run befor he can walk .
kimtoon(Quote)
i think Liam’s player is Narsingh , i hope it’s Narsingh and if it’s not Narsingh i will go vist him after i have sorted De Jong 👿
Axel(Quote)
Looking forward to Wor Tayls being back, big loss this season. He has the kind of drive to get that last ditch block in on 89 minutes and rescue points
Moreno(Quote)
Narsingh…isn’t he just a different sort of Obertan? Just pacey with little end product? 😕
Moreno(Quote)
Axel…ok, not asking if we could him, just I can’t think of many that would get Liam so excited from the Dutch league other than ones that have already been linked, mind Wijnaldum has already been linked too a while back.
richietoon(Quote)
Moreno…22 assists I think he had, if I remember right from what I read the other day.
richietoon(Quote)
….or am I thinking of someone else 😕
richietoon(Quote)
I know nowt about him Rich…other than I signed him on fifa and he is absolutely rapid 😆
Moreno(Quote)
…apparently he’s off to Fulham anyway
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2141136/Fulham-close-Heerenveen-duo-Luciano-Narsingh-Oussama-Assaidi.html
(yeah I know it’s the Daily Mail) 🙄
Rodzilla(Quote)
Axel…Did Liam not say it wasn’t Narsingh though?
richietoon(Quote)
pards ashley and lameass were on Oceanco Constellation the Qatari Royal Family’s superyacht last neet.
hitman(Quote)
…8 goals and 22 assists in 34 games Richie.
Rodzilla(Quote)
Axel ,it’s not Narsingh ,Liam said that the other day when someone suggested him.
kimtoon(Quote)
Moreno….to be fair that’s not much less than me 😆
Rodz…cheers, I was begining to doubt myself, I’ve read up on that many players lately me heeds spinning 😕
richietoon(Quote)
RITCHIETOON i think your about right with the assists MORENO the lad has an end product , Yes he has the pace of obertan the dribbling skills of a HBA and the crossing ability of Beckham . Its not for nothing he is going to the Euros with Holland .
Axel(Quote)
Hitman ,they are looking for investment in club not to sell it though I thought.
kimtoon(Quote)
Hitman…Must have been disguised, I never seen them…….though there was some ugly fella, looked a bit like an owl, who ran naked across the deck before jumping owa board 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Axel….
Have you got owt left of what you’re smoking mate and can I get some? Sounds great 😆
Moreno(Quote)
Imagine if they said to him… ‘We will buy the naming rights to your stadium for £10M a year, in exchange that you ban alcohol from the ground and women have to cover up’. 😯 😕
DJG(Quote)
Richie @49
Tis true 😉
Andymag(Quote)
MORENO plenty of the stuff to get here , but guess what i don’t smoke 😉 anti drugs me mate , i do like a few beers though . Just watch the lad at the EUROS though ,if we were to get him he would have the toon army high as a kite with his displays . 😯
Axel(Quote)
Axel…aye, if Liam’s “source” is right, I hope Liam was trying the old double bluff saying it wasn’t him. He’s the one I’d prefer out of all the one’s mentioned.
richietoon(Quote)
Whey I’ve decided, not going to the match cos I can’t be arsed. A few cans and maybe watch France on a crappy stream instead.
richietoon(Quote)
RICHIETOON me too m8 of all the Dutch players we could possibly get he would be first on the list for me , followed by Luke De Jong . After that 2 good Defenders and we would be sorted for next season provided none of our “blue chip ” players leaves .
Axel(Quote)