Israel vs Russia

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Originally Posted by jebus

Poor selection by McClaren, could cost them there place to be honest. Carson's nerves might get to him, Richards is going to have to cover for Wright Philips not tracking back, as well as Campbell's tired legs so he could get caught out once or twice and Joe Cole is hit and miss. Good idea playing Crouch up front with Gerrard and Lampard behind him though, he could lay up some nice opportunities for the pair of them throughout the night

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Carson is a great keeper, as good as Shay Given. He dominates his box, and makes very few mistakes. It's a home game for England, and Croatia don't really give a monkeys. I fear the game will be over well before half time. :(

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Originally Posted by mypost

Carson is a great keeper, as good as Shay Given. He dominates his box, and makes very few mistakes.

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Burn!!!!

Get in!!! :D:D

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Originally Posted by OwlsFan

I see Scott Carson is playing in goal for Engerland. Meteoric rise as he was on loan at Wednesday not long ago. Back 4 of Richards, Grandfather Campbell, Lescott and Bridge. Not exactly world class and the dreaded 5 scenario in midfield. There's hope for Russia yet.

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I could see it but Steve Mclaren couldn't. Carson and 5 in midfield. Asking for trouble.

One of the best games I've seen in a long time. This isn't wise after the event but as Croatia were 2 up I said to myself England will get a soft penalty (soft but it was one) and then they'll equalise because that's the sort of lucky so and so's they are. I hadn't counted on Croatia getting a winner though.

As the BBC and SKy commentators said, ENgland were just not good enough. The continentals pass the ball from cradle to grave, the British and Irish players possibly (this is my theory) because of the muddy and damp pitches they play on, hump the ball forward.

Russia only won 1-0 in Andorra. Stan's 2-1 in San Marino looks ok then.

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Originally Posted by mypost

Carson is a great keeper, as good as Shay Given. He dominates his box, and makes very few mistakes. It's a home game for England, and Croatia don't really give a monkeys. I fear the game will be over well before half time. :(

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I only just saw this. Honestly, this is not with the benefit of hindsight. I think Carson is a good keeper in general but is actually prone to errors and very soft goals. Liverpool at home to Juventus was what first alerted me to this.

He's young though and has it all ahead of him still but I think he'll be a "nearly" keeper. I've been wrong in the past: I swa Schmeichel concede a simple shot through his lregs to cost Brondby the UEFA Cup semi-final yeras ago and when United bought him I had a chickle. :) Duh.

Watching Carson last night made me think of Colin Doyle. He has it all, but can he remain error free? Not sure.

The funny thing is, England used to have the best 'keepers out of anyone. All the way down too. If Paul Robinson was around in the 70s / 80s he'd be laughed at. Flapping and punching and palming away balls. Great reflexes but give him a second to think about anything and he's all over the place. In the past, 'keepers in England were solid and realiable and not so flash, now it seems to be going the other way. I've always been negative on Robinson by the way.

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

The funny thing is, England used to have the best 'keepers out of anyone

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They used to have tough defenders and quality midfielders too. Where did it all go wrong George?

I don't know a single person who ever rated Robinson. He was certainly rated as a prospect when he burst on the scene with Leeds but I don't think antbody thought he fulfilled that potential. Carson (and Ben Foster and Kirkland) are the exact same btw. Loads of potential but it takes a while to develop top class keepers

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

The funny thing is, England used to have the best 'keepers out of anyone.

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One of my pet hates of the 1970s and 1980s. The English commentators always called their keepers "the best in the World". Motson was at it last night referring to Shilton. I remember him making some terrible blunders but it was a cliche all the English commentators used to come out with. If I ever see that Bank's save against Pele again, I'll shoot myself!!

I think it was just propaganda. They were no better or worse than the likes of Dino Zoff etc etc. Their current crop aren't great but then neither are the rest of their players.

Israel did what they normally do won at home. Despite this helping hand England still blew it!
As regards the keeper thing... A Peter Shilton mistake made sure England didn't qualify for the 1974 World Cup if I recall correctly, against Poland . Dino Zoff and Pat Jennings were the best keepers in the World during the 1970's and early 1980's.