Last month, it was 42 years since England won the World Cup. Since that day in 1966, England have made just one semi final, two or three quarter finals, and failed to qualify for at least six major tournaments. In sharp contrast, the Germans have played in something like 13 finals, winning six of them, whilst Italy have won World Cups in 1982 and 2006, Brazil in 1970, 1994 and 2002. Even the French won the 1984 European Championships and 1998 World Cup, yet boorish drink-fuelled England fans and rose-tinted spectacle-wearing journalists continue to pretend that England are a major force in world football, even though the post-1966 record shows otherwise. So when will England next win a major tournament?

France also won Euro 2000 ;)

In answer to your question though, I can't see when England will ever win anything as we're complete and utter rubbish.

France also won Euro 2000 ;)

In answer to your question though, I can't see when England will ever win anything as we're complete and utter rubbish.
I forgot all about France winning Euro 2000, which makes it worse still for us. And Brazil will have won the South American Cup (Copa America is it?) a few times, as will Argentina, who also won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986.

Yeh if you're counting the Euros then you have to count the Copa America aswell. Although to be fair, there is only really 2 teams that have any real chance of winning that (Brazil & Argentina), at least with the Euros, theres a fairly decent number of teams that have got a chance (England not being one of them.....)

It took Spain 44 years from their last trophy! in 1964!!in 2010 it will be 44 years since England won their last silverware, could this be a good omen?

England's problem, for many many years, has been that they never think in terms of winning, but of doing enough to qualify. In knockout matches, that usually means they play brilliantly, take the lead, and then stop playing brilliantly because "as things stand, we're through." No. As things stand you are NOT through because the game isn't over yet.

In group stages, it's even worse. They set out thinking it's okay to only take one point from the first two games, because it's still possible to qualify by winning all the others. They put themselves behind the 8-ball before they've even got started.

When England go out and attack and try to win, they're one of the most dangerous sides in the world; almost always, have they been so. Unfortunately, whenever they're leading, or only need a draw - theydon't go out and try to win. They try to defend what they've got, instead of doing what they're good at.

It took Spain 44 years from their last trophy! in 1964!!in 2010 it will be 44 years since England won their last silverware, could this be a good omen?

I don't think so. England simply aren't good enough, and those we describe as our best players will be over the hill by 2010.

The vast majority of the players in the current squad aresponsible for the failure in the last world cup and two eoropean championships. If we do not qualify for the next world cup they should all be retired from the international set up and play the under 21s who play with passion for the shirt and are not overpaid prima donnas

Whenever a major tournament is held in England.

That's the only time I can realistically see it happening.

Whenever a major tournament is held in England.

That's the only time I can realistically see it happening.
It didn't happen in 1996, though. And like then, we'll probably get knocked out by the Germans - maybe after a penalty shootout.

Hope I am alive to see it :)

Where's the option for 'the day after Hell freezes over'?

It didn't happen in 1996, though. And like then, we'll probably get knocked out by the Germans - maybe after a penalty shootout.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that.

The first major national tournament I can remember. Absolute heartbreak for a 9 year old. :(

Yeh if you're counting the Euros then you have to count the Copa America aswell. Although to be fair, there is only really 2 teams that have any real chance of winning that (Brazil & Argentina), at least with the Euros, theres a fairly decent number of teams that have got a chance (England not being one of them.....)

Granted it has been a while, but I believe Uruguay are the joint record holders for the most wins.

Granted it has been a while, but I believe Uruguay are the joint record holders for the most wins.

14 each they and Argentina, with Brazil on only eight. And Uruguay's last win was surprisingly recent: 1995. They did have six on the board by 1926, though.


Now. Who can guess which country (of those who have competed) has the worst overall record in the Copa America? No sneaky looking it up. ;)

England's problem, for many many years, has been that they never think in terms of winning, but of doing enough to qualify. In knockout matches, that usually means they play brilliantly, take the lead, and then stop playing brilliantly because "as things stand, we're through." No. As things stand you are NOT through because the game isn't over yet.

In group stages, it's even worse. They set out thinking it's okay to only take one point from the first two games, because it's still possible to qualify by winning all the others. They put themselves behind the 8-ball before they've even got started.

When England go out and attack and try to win, they're one of the most dangerous sides in the world; almost always, have they been so. Unfortunately, whenever they're leading, or only need a draw - theydon't go out and try to win. They try to defend what they've got, instead of doing what they're good at.

What a load of B****cks, England haven't won anything for ages simply because they haven't had a decent manager for ages. Eg, Sir Alex has a good squad of players but they are not the best players but he is the best manager as his record shows. Get a manager like him and you will win something.

What a load of B****cks, England haven't won anything for ages simply because they haven't had a decent manager for ages. Eg, Sir Alex has a good squad of players but they are not the best players but he is the best manager as his record shows. Get a manager like him and you will win something.

Isn't that a circular argument? You've got a good manager because you win trophies, and you win trophies because you've got a good manager.

It doesn't wash, anyway. The manager in charge when England dominate a game and take the lead in the first half, is the same manager still in charge when they suck royally in the second. If it was the fault of the manager, they would suck royally ALL the time.

14 each they and Argentina, with Brazil on only eight. And Uruguay's last win was surprisingly recent: 1995. They did have six on the board by 1926, though.


Now. Who can guess which country (of those who have competed) has the worst overall record in the Copa America? No sneaky looking it up. ;)

venezuala have the worst record followed by japan .

venezuala have the worst record followed by japan .

Well, my "record" table is based on total points accrued, and Japan is down at the bottom with one. But you're right in that Venezuela have the worst average result; just under one-third of a point per game, assuming 3 for a win.

Well, my "record" table is based on total points accrued, and Japan is down at the bottom with one. But you're right in that Venezuela have the worst average result; just under one-third of a point per game, assuming 3 for a win.

same table , I was going on percentage.

Isn't that a circular argument? You've got a good manager because you win trophies, and you win trophies because you've got a good manager.

It doesn't wash, anyway. The manager in charge when England dominate a game and take the lead in the first half, is the same manager still in charge when they suck royally in the second. If it was the fault of the manager, they would suck royally ALL the time.

Then you need to get a 90 minute manager and not a 45 minute manager. :loopy: You really need to put your brain in gear before you start typing. :hihi:

I can't see it happening myself with the current set of English players in the professional game. Maybe 10 or 15 years after the national football centre is up and running in Burton.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that.

The first major national tournament I can remember. Absolute heartbreak for a 9 year old. :(
And whats the likelihood of Baddiel and Skinner, walking sticks in hand, re-releasing their slightly reworded Three Lions song just before the 2046 World Cup (which they won't win), with the words "Three lions on a shirt, Jules Rimet still gleaming, Eighty years of hurt, never stopped me dreaming ...."?

Three Lions 2046 version

(I think it's bad news for the English game)
(we're not creative enough)
(we're not positive enough)
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home (we'll go on getting bad)
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home
Everyone seems to know the score, they've seen it all before
they just know, they're so sure
that England's gonna, throw it away, gonna blow it away
but I know they can play,
'cus I remember

Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
eighty years of hurt
never stopped me dreaming

So many jokes, so many sneers
but all those 'oh so nears
when you're down, through the years
but i still see that tackle by Moore
and when Lineker scored, Bobby belting the ball
and nobby dancing

Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
eighty years of hurt
never stopped me dreaming

(England have done it, in the last minute of extra time)
(what a save, what now)
(good old England, England that couldn't play football)
(England have got it in the bag)

I know that was then, but it could be again
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home
(England have done it)
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming,
footballs coming home *REPEATED IN BACKGROUND*

Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
eighty years of hurt
never stopped me dreaming

Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
eighty years of hurt
never stopped me dreaming

Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
eighty years of hurt
never stopped me dreaming

Next month, it will be 42 years since England won the World Cup. Since that day in 1966, England have made just one semi final, two or three quarter finals, and failed to qualify for at least six major tournaments. In sharp contrast, the Germans have played in something like 13 finals, winning six of them, whilst Italy have won World Cups in 1982 and 2006, Brazil in 1970, 1994 and 2002. Even the French won the 1984 European Championships and 1998 World Cup, yet boorish drink-fuelled England fans and rose-tinted spectacle-wearing journalists continue to pretend that England are a major force in world football, even though the post-1966 record shows otherwise. So when will England next win a major tournament?

I don't normally stick up for the England team, but I feel the need to correct your assessment of "just one semi final, two or three quarter finals"

Since 1966 we've made 4 World Cup quarter finals (1970, 1986, 2002, 2006) and one semi final (1990), and one Euro quarter final (2004) and one semi final (1996). We were also a losing semi-finalist in the 1968 Euros, but there were only four teams in it and the tournament started at the semis, so not something to be proud of :)

But in answer to your original question, probably not in our lifetime until some decent investment in youth talent takes place.

So England drew 2-2 against the Czech Republic at Wembley, with their blushes spared thanks to a deep in injury time equaliser. If England can't beat the likes of the Czech Republic at Wembley, then how on earth can they be expected to win the World Cup? I'm afraid we will be waiting right up to the middle of this century at least - a year I won't live to see, before it happens - if it ever happens. There's no world class talent coming through whatsoever as far as England are concerned.

Not the first team we put out though was it Firecrackster? Admittedly, even then we should have won but still....

Actually, thinking about it... it'd be nice if teams pooed themselves at the thought of playing us, instead of wetting themselves with laughter. Friendlies would be a good start. If we took em seriously and went for it then maybe we'd be beating teams in proper games more regularly as well.

Dammit. I hate our footy team sometimes. I think Capello might get em going, but ... well... it's us isn't it?

Stop the influx of foreign players
Restrict prem teams to a certain number of foreigners
Work more on team youth systems
Build a national accademy that encourages and brings through young english players

How Long is that gonna take...........................

Stop the influx of foreign players
Restrict prem teams to a certain number of foreigners
Work more on team youth systems
Build a national accademy that encourages and brings through young english players

How Long is that gonna take...........................

How long is that gonna take? What? With our F.A.?! We're talking about a group of apparent experts who thought that Steve McClaren was competent.

How long is that gonna take? What? With our F.A.?! We're talking about a group of apparent experts who thought that Steve McClaren was competent.

He can speak dutch now
How competent do you want:hihi:

He can speak dutch now
How competent do you want:hihi:

So he could tell us the Dutch for 'Muppet' then? :P

On another note - in my last but one post I said that we didn't have all the first team players against the Czech Republic. Silly me. I was going off the squad from the BBC site, and only checked who he played last night. So even that excuse has disappeared.

Man, we suck.

I just cant see England ever winning a major soccer tournament, well not for a good few years anyway. At a guess im going to go for the 2022 world cup. As it said on the back page on one of todays daily rags, anyone for cycling.

only when this current generation of players are over.

not that they aren't good enough physically because we see them play brilliantly week in week out in premiership. Its just that on the international stage they cannot play together and simply flop.

At first i thought it was just Steve Mclaren but now having one of the best managers in the world with countless medals under his belt, he can still do no better.

The worrying thing is that this is the best bunch of players we are going to have for quite a long time

Just look at the under 21s and the young english players in the prem and there is nothing there that excites

The worrying thing is that this is the best bunch of players we are going to have for quite a long time

Just look at the under 21s and the young english players in the prem and there is nothing there that excites

then more than likely not for a very very long time :(

might get a tan and try and pass myself off as a Spaniard :D

At first i thought it was just Steve Mclaren but now having one of the best managers in the world with countless medals under his belt, he can still do no better.

Let's not jump the gun on Fabio, don't forget that McClaren's first few results were indicative of a bright future. It was only when he started making tactical 'decisions' that it all went to pot.

The Czech Republic are higher in the world rankings than England so why shouldn,t they beat us,also what really got on my nerves last night was some reporters saying Cappello's honeymoon period is over,what after 5 matches,this is the reason why England never do anything in any tournement because the press destroy managers & players all the time.The guy is Italian & he does not know much about our players or game,the 1st half England played some nice passing football & had about 4 shots on target,Gerrard was played out of position & Beckham was all over the place,it is time some of the younger players were brought in and the other so called 1st teamers were left on the bench for a few games.

The Czech Republic are higher in the world rankings than England so why shouldn,t they beat us,also what really got on my nerves last night was some reporters saying Cappello's honeymoon period is over,what after 5 matches,this is the reason why England never do anything in any tournement because the press destroy managers & players all the time.The guy is Italian & he does not know much about our players or game,the 1st half England played some nice passing football & had about 4 shots on target,Gerrard was played out of position & Beckham was all over the place,it is time some of the younger players were brought in and the other so called 1st teamers were left on the bench for a few games.

Younger players being who?

i think we have the manager - we just need the players to start performing to the best of their abilities. somebody needs to have a word with rooney and tell him he's a forward not a one man team roaming around the pitch for n90 minutes trying to latch onto his own through balls and head in his own crosses - we've got steven gerrard to do that.

we should also be picking players on merit not reputation. lampard's never done it for me in an england shirt - for chelsea he's brilliant 95% of the time but for england he seems an altogether different player. very sluggish, not overly keen on getting involved with attacking moves and not has creative. solve the gerrard/lampard problem by binning frank.

two players who i think should have played on wednesday night from the start were ashley young and gabriel agbonlahor - two of our brightest, and in form, talents.

not enough experience some people will say, but why not throw them in at the deep end and see what they're made of?? we did it with owen and rooney why not these guys?

We just to keep dreaming and hope ENGLAND will come good!!

Younger players being who?

Agbonlahor,Young,Lennon,Bent,Bentley,the under 21s play for the shirt,the seniors are over rated prima donna's,take all the foreign players away from the big clubs & see how good our top players really are.Benitez said this week that Gerrard was tired,after 2 games this is taking the P it is time the seniors played for the shirt or pack in being England International's like Carragher.

Agbonlahor,Young,Lennon,Bent,Bentley,the under 21s play for the shirt,the seniors are over rated prima donna's,take all the foreign players away from the big clubs & see how good our top players really are.Benitez said this week that Gerrard was tired,after 2 games this is taking the P it is time the seniors played for the shirt or pack in being England International's like Carragher.

Totally agree about the foreign players thing
But if the young uns you quoted are all we have to look forward to then we are in real trouble
LENNON!!!......The kids got pace and thats all he has,would rather see dracula on the wing,at least he knows what a cross is

Agbonlahor.....would you pick him over Owen (when fit) or Crouch (who should be given a shout) or Rooney?

Bent.....had a chance and did nothing with it and has done bugger all against 2 average teams so far this season

Bentley YES but only as a sub for Beckham

Young YES,but would you pick him over Joe Cole?...i wouldnt

And as for playing for the shirt Bentley REFUSED to play for the shirt at under 21!!!