Interested to see that the Portugal v Holland game is to be reffed by a Swede. A ref from the country beaten by Holland in the last round. Exactly like England and Portugal, is this a EUFA policy or are they just hoping the ref will harbor enough ill will towards the Dutch to tip the game the Host Nations way. Perhaps a controversial disallowed goal, or is it a smoke screen to disguise the fact they set up the England game.

We have, and have had for years an apathetic public when it comes to Rovers. Most of them seem to need only half an excuse to not go.

Come on Rev you are brighter than that. It's the whole national pride thing, people who don't even watch footy will jump on the St George flag waving wagon. It's a feel good thing and draws people together. You might as well ask why so many people watch a Royal Wedding when no-one shows any interest in a local one. Poor analogy I know but you get my drift I'm sure. I have always been almost as keen on England games as Rovers, I would most likely pick Rovers to watch if both were playing at the same time. But what is odd, with England the joy of a big win (not felt it much) or the sorrow of a tournanment loss seems to last longer and run deeper than a similar event with Rovers. Rovers win and losses I get over the happiness or sadness much quicker. Whe England go out of a top tournament I am usually done with it, I tend not to watch anymore 'cept perhaps the final. Rovers go out of the FA Cup etc, I still watch as much as I can of that cometition. Losses/wins in playoffs or relegation/promotion would be the only exception to this, cos those emotions carry throught to the next season. But with out a doubt the two can and do coexist, like having two kids do you have to have a favourite, can't you just love them both.

Just popped in because I thought I was feeling better about our demise. It's took me two minutes to realise I am not. AESF that piccie with the dog hepled bloody funny that. Well now to WC 2006, and no doubt another England exit on penalties and late disallowed winning goal, most likely against the hosts by a ref from a country whose national team we had annihilated in the previous round. Mmmm, new career. USABlue's palm reading and Psychic hotline. How long till our footy starts 6 weeks? We can enjoy the weekly ref bashing with the big team favouritism every game.

Not wanting to say I told you so but I told you so. As soon as I heard the other day the ref was Swiss I had my reservations, posted it somewhere. Why do we always seem to get screwed to go out. Sweet revenge for the Swiss I suppose. Very sad right now. On the bright side it's saved me between $20 and $40 I would have paid for PPV had we progressed, too bad I'd be more than happy to pay that for a spot in the final.

Possibly a host nation decision?

Bloody Screwed now. Damned officials.

Are you sure you are not just standing amidst some old people. Too scared to predict this one. I can't understand the statement that we have "too much quality" for them. Individually Portugal have some fantastic quality and talent with skills to spare. If they can happen to turn it a team performance it could be scary. Could the hype get to young Rooney? could it be his let down, if so let's hope Owen starts to perform. Good luck to us anyway.

My heart goes out to the surviving family of this young man, Steven. IT's a crying shame, 28 years old so much to live for. Why am I suspiscious about the reports that it was not football related, don't know just am. On the topic of the drugs ban, yes, there again there does seem to be a double standard. Rules for England, rules for others. How on Earth the Welsh got nowhere with their complaints either is beyond me it all stinks, it does. I wonder what would happen if Rooney showed up positive on a drugs test about now.

??? Hey! Wotchit. Are you sure you were in a Pub? Wasn't a Morgue was it?

I won't be I'll be at work, but I will be keeping a very close eye on Soccernets gamecast. Come on England. Let's not buggar this one up and let's not have any trouble.

Hmmmm I don't agree with this, Eriksson has always given youngsters a chance in the squad, that is hardly an aqusation you can throw at him. King did well, but in a tournament situation I wouldn't like to think we'd pick someone based on one game. Terry has been better than King for the majority of the season and I'm glad Eriksson is picking the team based on the bigger picture. The fact that King got his chance in the first place despite being average in a poor team should be encouragement enough. Did not mention Erikson, at all. Just saying based on performance King deserved to keep his spot. I doubt it would have done Terry any harm to get more rest/healing under his belt in case we progress, his experience would be better served in the latter stages against better opposition should we get through. If Terry is lacking for pace then I have a real concern about him playing against Croatia and their counter attack. If you read my post you will see I hold Terry in high regard and voiced my concern when I heard he would be out for the first match. Yes Terry had a brilliant season but I thought King did enough in the game to get another start. Just my thoughts, not trying to criticise anyone, management or anyone else.

No and no. Good and I disagree.

Can someone explain to me why Ledley King was dropped for todays game. If there was more the lad could have done to keep the shirt then I don't know what it was. You just don't need youngsters being dropped just for a big name. I am a John terry fan and was very worried when he came up lame but on merit King should have kept his spot, this will only serve to frustrate the youngsters, they need to be shown that effort will be rewarded. They don't need the message sent to them that no matter how well they perform they will be dropped as soon as big name Charlie is fit, it's demoralising.

There is one team England MUST be concerned about, Croatia. The form of the other teams you so confidently sum up means nothing if we get scuttled by Croatia. Something which would not surprise me in the least. Is Rooney suspended for the Croatia game? Should Owen be dropped? thoughts please.

Seems like a decent move. It's part of a plan though. If no-one else moves in for Pedersen we will be back in for him towards the end of the Norwegian season, at a bargain rate. I think we have sent a clear message to Tromso and Pedersen. However, I think we still need cover there on the left. If LeChucks hero goes down injured we are right back at square one. Or we stick it out as we are with this new fella and hope that he stays healthy and young Jemal Johnson develops quickly.

Carragher backpass? Were you watching the right game? Oops Gerrard, I mix them two up a lot.

Just got back from the Mountains, watched the game on video I was absolutley stunned still shell shocked. Why is Heskey allowed anywhere near an England shirt? What was he thinking, Carragher back pass terrible, but that's us for you.

You could go a long way to cheering yourself up, for a start SHUT UP. Then go and mingle with your own kind.

Either I totally mis read things or something has changed, it is no wonder you don't understand I don't either. They way I read it initially was that you were saying Tugay was in the same class as Duffer. This now seems not to be the case. Perhaps I went senile for a few minutes. Sorry.

I Know T4E thinks Tugay is a god but bloody hell , Duffer and Tugay in same quality league, nah sorry, maybe if they were the same age but PLEASE,. Yeah he is good on his day when he plays 100% but that aint happened as often this season, maybe he's gettin too old to hack it week in week out. You know I think he's a God? I've never spoken to you in my life, you have no idea what I think. I stand by that point. I said "not far behind". Duff was fantastic when he was on top form, and he could have a lot of influence. But he was a left winger, and our record without him when he was a Rovers player was pretty good. Tugay is the heart of almost everything we do, but at the moment we dont have anyone to replace him. The jury is out on Ferguson, and we need another season to decide if he can take his place. For now, the re-signing of Tugay is essential. Tugay and Duff in the same class? I'll have what you are having. Ooopps sorry you said quality league, not sure what you mean by that but I think I have an idea what you are getting at and I still disagree. But thats OK.

It makes sense to make this deal an appearances or incentives based deal. We can not get emotional about this unproven young lad and should be prepared to walk away if tromso try to hold out for much more than our second offer.

Bit different than HAVE signed contracts.

Jury is out for me on Toogs. He was a shadow of himself last season compare to the previous seasons, mind you I did see one or two sweet passes to set up Andy Cole for goals. Tugay looked all the world to me like a footballer suffering from complete burnout last season. I feel it had something to do with the Euro 2004 campaign, almost seemed to take his enthusiasm for the game away. Many times his facial expressions and body language seemed to show that he was not really enjoying himself. Hopefully with his international retirement and some quality rest this off season he can come back refreshed and hungry for action and show us he can still be the World class player we know and love.

Yeah right, way too steep for a prospect. Only way I would do 2.5 MIl for a player I think is being way way overrated is if he came with a one year money back guarantee.