England (National Team 2002)

Well, the World Cup 2002 is now upon us and England will once again be changed into a football crazy nation. Japan and Korea are the hosts this time around which means for all of us who reside here in the UK, we will have to be early birds to watch most of the games live. Because of the difference in time zones most matches will kick off at three specific times. 07.30 am BST, 10.30 am BST and 12.30 pm BST (British standard time). There is occasionally to be a few games slotted in at 6.30 am BST and 8.30 am BST. Unfortunately England have been drawn into the group of death for the first round ... more

CONTINUATION This is not a new op but a continuation of my England football op. That op had reached its maximum limit of 5500 words. Ciao gave me permission to continue my England cricket op so I am assuming Ciao will do likewise for the football version. I try to update this op after every England match. UPDATED June 2002 ENGLAND 1 SWEDEN 1 Well the World Cup has finally got under way for England. England started very well and the passing and movement was good. I did notice a lack of players in the midfield though. David Beckham led by example. Darius Vassell really looked lively. The Swedes ... more

Following what can only be described as a shocking performance against Sweden, England will have to improve leaps and bounds to live up to excessive pre world cup hype. A disorientated, disorganised and non-fluent England performance was the reward for all the fans who travelled to Japan for their opening match. England’s team looked like a quality team for the future, but not one for the present. Sven must now look to rally the troupes if progression is going to be a considered possibility. The front line looks quick but lacks any service, the midfield were sluggish and lost possession ... more

After having to endure 2 nail biting England matches against Sweden and Argentina, I have decided to express my opinion on the Three Lions and why I think they can go all the way. England fans are now use to the usual sitting on the edge of the seat type of game and it was no different for the 1-1 draw against Sweden or the narrow 1-0 victory over the Argies, nor will it be any different for the remainder of our stay in the tournament. After much anticipation for the naming of our 23-man squad I think Sven has got it right with the final 23. Some people have forgot that we have lost Steven ... more

After spending the last few months watching the England cricket team get completely humiliated by the Aussies, it was with a great deal of anticipation and expectation that I sat down to watch 'our boys' take the Socceroos on at our national game last night. Surely this would be the time when we wiped the smug smiles from their faces and gave them a taste of their own medicine. Not a bit of it. What transpired was an absolute disgrace. Sven-Goran Ericsson decided to take the cliche "A game of two halves" to a new level, by announcing beforehand that he would start with a team of established ... more