Interesting Jim! Missed that

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

Harry Kane putting the world to rights. I'm sure we've all done this.

[Link]

I am informed that it was a lacklustre and dour performance from England who reverted to type.

One suspects that Southgate will be subjected to great fustigation and animus when England return to the UK on the back of a disappointing World Cup.

Both against relegation fodder! Next England face the equivalent of the A23 derby....

Systematically dragged down by the lawmakers

England v Wales. It might be a big game for the English fans (and maybe, perhaps, the players) but is met with indifference from a lot of the Welsh population.
It might be some consolation if the Welsh can stop England progressing, but they're really not bothered much at all.

On the political side, a commentator (I think it was Roy Keane) summed it up pretty much last night. Why are fans moaning about beer restrictions (and crusader costumes), when they travelled to Qatar, being completely aware of their way of life and how provocative some actions might be.?
And why use football to make some political statements ? Footballers aren't politicians, and there are politicians and arms dealers,etc, better-placed to make statements, than players not wearing rainbows or making gestures on the field of play.

And I think the one consolation for Wales is that Wayne won't be eligible to play against England after his red card.

Edited by Forest Hillbilly (26 Nov 2022 5.07am)

"The facts have changed", Rishi Sunak

I guess it's hard for a country to be too passionate about a sport that they're never going to win anything in, or even qualify for the major tournaments in on a regular basis. It's like here in Malta, the locals all follow England or Italy as the national team are terrible.

As to Keane, does anyone listen to that bloke? I do agree that players shouldn't be forced to get involved in politics, but having said that if you believe in freedom of speech (which I do) then I also don't think they should be gagged either. Qatar chose to host the tournament which was a political act in itself; it can't have been that naïve to think Westerners might challenge its regime and some of its more abhorrent laws. I see Saudi Arabia are considering bidding for a World Cup in the future, that could be an interesting conversation between Shearer and Linekar.