[madsteve]

We have had the thick end of a decade of boring stuff with the same old players. The last couple of years, we have started to introduce younger & more exciting players (Barkley, Shaw, Sterling, Clyne, Stones, Kane, Delph, Shelvey) which might not win things but at least it will be more exciting. Since Glenn Hoddle, young players have had to wait until their mid 20s for a chance. At least now, if a player is good enough, he gets a chance.

[consilio]

I don't think we are good enough to win it but there is only one outstanding side in Europe at the moment and I certainly think we can have a successful tournament.

The Germans will be favourites, France will be tough to be in their own country and Spain will also come close. Apart from that, we're as good as anybody else.

We have got to just go out their and have a go. It's great to see such a young England side full of players that look keen and up for the fight.

If we can turn up with a fully fit squad I fancy us for the semi's, maybe even one better.

[BottesfordOwl]

3-1 Kane

212 minutes

[madsteve]

After years of an ageing team under Eriksson, McLaren & Cappello, Hodgson has been an improvement in that he is giving youth & talent a chance.

[Owlkev71]

Be lucky to get out of the group stage, quarters at best.

[Thurnscoe_OWL]

I agree that what he's doing is a refreshing change. I've been saying for the best part of 6 years that we needed to sack off the old favourites and start again with the newbies. Hopefully in a couple of years time we will have a solid team capable of competing

[Jacko The Flopsy Piglet]

I'm new to this (although I've been amused by the antics on this and the old sites for years), but I'll give it a go.

I reckon England will do the usual and look really ineffective for most of the game against a Swiss side that still has something to play for.

Probably finish 1 - 1.

Late penalty from Rooney.

There, done it. Probably a load of old nonsense though!

[madsteve]

Be lucky to get out of the group stage, quarters at best.

Quarters is about right for us. Anything better would be a very good achievement.

[Statesideowl]

Agreed, it's nice to see a different approach, but it is still the same old management. Hodgson didn't start his Job this way, he didn't come in and say " Right enough of this old boys club bollox, we're blooding youngsters, and this will be the future"

Seems to me like the change began from public and media outcry, that the same old boring England had indeed become more than tiresome. I feel people give Hodgson and the FA far more credit than they deserve. Of course that's just my opinion. The catalyst for change was not Grandma Hodgson, as always, it's in the people.

One thing is undeniable, with hungry youngsters we can only improve so that is great to see. I think we can make the Quarters, we should make the quarters as there aren't many other teams whom have the strength.
Having said that though, we all know any team can beat any other at that stage.

I'm just looking forward and hoping for some good football to watch. It always ends up that watching Spain V Germany for example will be a much better game to watch than any England game.

Yes cynical yet sadly steeped in truth. Don't forget Woy has England down to the lowest rankings in 20 years. I know some don't care about that. but it's just another statistic!

[Imre varadi]

Lughing my bollocks off consilio !!! we are shit we wont get past the group stage and all we can hope for is for the xxxx dino to get sacked as soon as this happens !!