Nice little interview.

We'll have to see how those respective matches go before we decide that. If England thump Ecuador and those two fight out a game into extra time without really impressing I'm sure the mood and odds will change. I'm always of the opinion that the form book goes out the window in this, no one will be looking forward to playing England.

I probably couldn't have asked for a worse schedule in terms of me getting to games.

Yes, Pope got his first yellow after a long ball was played over the top and he pulled an attacker down around the halfway line when he was the last man.

Fine by me, don't think I'll be the running.

That is correct.

Why not just who is on top at the end?

Wonder what odds you would have had on Gerrard to get it? Already has 2 and with Owen now out and the possibility that we switch to a 4-5-1 could see him scoring a few more, at least he has to if we are to progress.

Lowest score, like golf.

They said that this morning on SSN, well someone said it, but I think he earns 1 million a year (according to SSN), so unless Sven has had a raise that isn't true. Feel really sorry for Owen, blow for England. Only positive about it is what it does to newcastle.

So many players seem to be slipping at the moment, need to all get proper boots.

That may well be true dave. Crouch is becoming less and less impressive by the game for me.

Well I'm holding up the entire league.

As I said, on current form they are the better side, but to say that they are a class above is untrue. Time will tell, we can't beat the likes of Germany, Argentina, Spain or Brazil in the group stages and there is no point in trying, we'll see what happens now that we are getting to the money end of tournament. Don't allow the group stages to turn teams from mediocre into world class. I doubt very much that pre-tournament you would have said that Germany were anything other than workmanlike and effective, even the Germans were saying that, three games doesn't change that, especially when none of those games were againt top opposition. I still rate this England side for that very same reason, three games doesn't make you a bad side. I won't deny that Germany are in better form, but they are in much better form than Brazil (who have been no more impressive then England), yet you wouldn't say that they are a class above Brazil because of the general opinion that exists surrounding this amazing Brazil side. I hope that this England side will play as it can, if not then I can't see us getting much further, but I am still aware of the quality we have in our side and what we are capable of and that is a class above Germany. Of course we have to produce the goods, if not then this side will have wasted a great opportunity and tremendous amount of talent.

I think that you will struggle to convince people that Germany have a good of a team as England, though they are certainly in the better form.

I'm thinking that Sweden's work ethic will match Germany and that if they have a full side (with Ibrahimovich back) that they could produce a surprise result, especially if there set pieces are as effective as they were today.

Bad luck.

What is it about those Swedes? Thought we were good in the first half, no long balls, nice movement and passing, but it all went pear shaped in the second. I think a lot of that has to be credited Sweden, they closed down well and worked hard and turned it into a grudge match that was never going to be pretty. Our defending from set pieces needs to improve, though that was most unlike us, again though some of that can be put down to Sweden's quality, it was the one area where they looked like they could trouble us and they worked it very well.

You clearly do love this England team.

I would think and hope that, that is a joke. If not then that is a great tactic, good way to ###### of the fans and prevent any player from ever signing a contract again.

Thank you for explaining that, I have been thinking about that for ages, he did it at the end and after both goals, it was most odd.

Going to go for a 3-1 Portugal, but two teams that are a bit unpredictable.

Can always count on you for the positive.

Footballing god?

Indeed, how about a personal bet?