Absolutely true

And of course, there was never going to be any doubt that you'd be the guy to say it. If we play like that against Argentina, say, in the QFs, we'll struggle.

But since I can remember, first games have been tense, scrappy affairs - and perhaps a little rusty too. And given that it was 30 degrees in the shade and the hottest part of the day, the football was bound to get sluggish, the decision making can suffer (literally in the 'heat of the moment') and the end product looks pretty iffy.

My main concern was with the decision to take off Owen - curious one that - but as we had started the half badly a change of some kind made sense and beefing up the midfield did too.

I am not at all unhappy because, unlike in 1986 (when we didn't score until our third game) or 1990 or 2002 we have won our first game and our defence looked rock solid. We will undoubtedly improve and we don't have to play another game at 2pm - which makes a big difference to our high energy game.

6/10, points on the board and, to be honest, no real change in my overall view of our chances.

Posted By: The Judge on June 10th 2006 at 16:39:41

Message Thread

Alan Green "this is anxious!" (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 16:11:18
- You are possibly (Other Football) - romayellow, Jun 10, 16:46:26
  - Where did I once say I hoped England would lose? (n/m) (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 16:48:03
    - Exactly, that's right, I haven't so go fuck yourself Luke, moronic to the bone! (n/m) (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 16:52:59
      - Sorry, touched a raw nerve have I? (Other Football) - romayellow, Jun 10, 16:59:58
        
        Just the same old roma, doesn't really matter the subject, you say the exact same thing to (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 17:31:34
- Absolutely true (Other Football) - The Judge, Jun 10, 16:39:41
  - Fair points, it's a great result, England are through (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 16:43:01
    - A friend of mine has a Polish wife (Other Football) - The Judge, Jun 10, 16:57:18
- history repeating itself...oh well...well done England anyways.... (Other Football) - Brandonio, Jun 10, 16:20:34
  - I saw what I said to Dog yesterday, in that if Lampard and Gerrard play together (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 16:28:24
    - I think Lampard needs to give Gerrard lessons in how to keep the ball down (Other Football) - Old Git, Jun 10, 16:34:19
      - It's certainly gonna be the talking point of the tournamant (n/m) (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 16:35:13
        
        Bring back the Mitre Ultimax! (Other Football) - Iwan Husarmi, Jun 10, 16:36:27
        
        This one moves in the air like a wembley five (n/m) (Other Football) - The Judge, Jun 10, 16:59:37
        
        I have to admit (Other Football) - Iwan Husarmi, Jun 10, 17:05:52
        
        Justin Fashanu Red and White Stuart Surridge (n/m) (Other Football) - yarmyyarmy, Jun 10, 16:41:50
- Your a fucking wanker (Other Football) - ghostof barry butler, Jun 10, 16:15:29
  - Are you suggesting that they played like that on purpose? (n/m) (Other Football) - pants, Jun 10, 16:24:54

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