Who will win the world cup?

I'm not so sure....Stones & Walker have just been part of (arguably) the most dominant side in Premier League history. We've a number of capable full backs. And I think Harry Maguire is a player with bags of potential.

I really do think that central midfield is the big issue. You want your players to be either supremely skillful, athletic or physically imposing. So they're either the creative hub of your team, or at very least they're massively disruptive and impossible to play through.

Dier and Henderson are none of those things - they're tidy and efficient, and would work well if you paired them alongside a creative wizard (e.g. Iniesta), a defensive pest (e.g. Kante) or a freak of athleticism (e.g. Pogba) but together, they're just thoroughly blah.

For what it's worth, this is also the reason why I don't Belgium will (or ever do) win - they've all the forward talent in the world, and some mean defenders, but they're going to be rolling out the likes of Dembele, Witsel and Fellaini in CM, and that's just not enough in the most important part of the pitch.

Doubt we would partner Henderson with Dier as that's surely overly defensive bearing in mind we're playing 5 at the back.

I think we're more likely to see Loftus-cheek or Lingard in that position.

Oxlade Chamberlain was nailed on for that position until the injury.

Think it will be the following.

Pickford

Walker. Stones. Maguire

Trippier Henderson Loftus-cheek Young

Alli. Sterling

Kane
 
Doubt we would partner Henderson with Dier as that's surely overly defensive bearing in mind we're playing 5 at the back.

I think we're more likely to see Loftus-cheek or Lingard in that position.

Oxlade Chamberlain was nailed on for that position until the injury.

Think it will be the following.

Pickford

Walker. Stones. Maguire

Trippier Henderson Loftus-cheek Young

Alli. Sterling

Kane

It depends how you view the wing backs being used, I suspect they will be used far more as an attacking approach so Dier/Henderson would be defensive cover to allow them to do that.
 
Think it would be great if we had a new name on the cup. Mexico? Sweden? Peru?
 
I've got Tunisia in the sweepstake and for some reason I'm full of confidence (NOT)
 
Spain to win it for me, Clive.

Best goalie and best defence which is so important in international tournaments. Not conceding is more important than scoring lots for the big teams.

Their midfield is excellent too and although they don’t have the best striking options in the world, that’s increasingly less important in the modern game.
 
How about your Messi & Argentina. Greatest footballer I have ever seen. I think it would be great if he could crown his career with a WC win & then sign for OUFC, after a few cheeky beers with KR and SD @ the after party ;-)
 
I have a feeling that Argentina will win it, a true world class player in a tournament with no outstanding team it won the last euros, and I have a feeling the Messi factor will kick in.

Obviously if we play Argentina I hope we butcher the midget and hammer them.
 
I have a feeling that Argentina will win it, a true world class player in a tournament with no outstanding team it won the last euros, and I have a feeling the Messi factor will kick in.

Obviously if we play Argentina I hope we butcher the midget and hammer them.


Been there, done that....oh, hang on
 
Think it would be great if we had a new name on the cup. Mexico? Sweden? Peru?

Would be great if Mexico and Sweden did something - because they're both in a group with the Germans! I guess the Swedes have already knocked out the Dutch and the Italians to get here, so you never know.......

Anyways, on tournament's eve......it's still Brazil for me.

Talent all over the place in attack and midfield (and on the bench as well), and their defense looks much more solid than it did four years ago (taking David Luiz out of the equation will tend to do that.......). Keeper would be my only area of concern with them.

Think the only two sides that can match them for all-round ability are France and Belgium, and both of them have question marks over their temperament.

Spain are aging; Argentina lack much of a midfield; Germany are just functional this year and not in great form; England will be better than expected but aren't ready yet.

Hopefully there will be a surprise team that goes on a long run this year. Peru's not a bad shout. Maybe Senegal as well?
 
Spain have just sacked their manager!

New manager bounce for the Finals then.

Get Aladici in I say - 100% win rate as an international manager and available after Everton gave him the heave-ho:
 
New manager bounce for the Finals then.

Get Aladici in I say - 100% win rate as an international manager and available after Everton gave him the heave-ho:

He's a perfect match. I'm sure Ramos will love his new pre match meal of pie and gravy
 
Hopefully there will be a surprise team that goes on a long run this year. Peru's not a bad shout. Maybe Senegal as well?

Uruguay. 2 quality CBs that play together every week at Atletico Madrid, 2 of the best strikers in the world and, if Tabarez gets it, right a strong and creative midfield with Bentancur, Torreira, Vecino & de Arrascaeta without a whiff of onion. Plus the Ladislao Mazurkiewicz de nos jours between the sticks. Might struggle against pace on the wings.....
 
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