Euro 2012

[Iron]

Italy might have been lucky against Spain. But I'd say that it generally takes more than luck to draw against a team like Spain's in a competitive fixture.

I hope my pessimism proves to be misplaced. But England have underperformed on the big stage so many times (including in this tournament) that I'm not going to get my hopes up. So far, we have played reasonably competently IMHO (and better than we did 2 years ago), but our play has been scrappy. I haven't seen much evidence of an ability to pass the ball cleanly and crisply (as Germany did against us 2 years ago), nor much in the way of great flair play (a couple of great goals aside). And against Ukraine, we gave our opponents far too many chances at goal.

Jeff

[CaerMyrddin]

Don't forget, Spain lost their opening match in the WC to Switzerland. That didn't make the Swiss a nation to be feared by other teams

But made Switzerland world champions, didn't it?

[Euler]

I think England and Italy will cancel each other out this evening. It's going to be a case of Italy vs Italy.

[LeTiss]

It's a gut feeling, but I really fancy England tonight. Current price of 3.05 is an excellent bet IMO

[mugsgame]

It's rare you can bet over 1.5 goals at 1.60 pre match.

I am going to wait 10 mins then back over 1.5s.
Penaltys are 10. I might back Italy to take some of the inevitable pain away

[Euler]

Market is forecasting two goals for the match so it's basically saying a low scoring tense affair. Luck is with England at the moment though. Maybe Hodgson will pull some tactical genuis out of the hat.

I didn't think much of his appointment but he has generally made the right call in each match so far. This is a real test though.

[Iron]

We need to start concentrating, or it's just a matter of time before Italy score!

Jeff

[mugsgame]

When you start watching the game behind a cushion like a 10 year old watching Dr Who you know it's not good

[Euler]

It's tense isn't it. You can see England are not going to win the tournament at this rate. Maybe they can sneak something here?

Ashley Young just doesn't seem to make much of a contribution does he? Anything could happen in the next half hour!

[Iron]

It's typical England fare. If we're lucky enough to sneak a victory, we'll get massacred by the Germans if we play like we played in the second half.

BTW, if I were Hodgson I'd seriously consider not starting with Rooney in the next match, as he just hasn't been firing on all cylinders this evening or in the previous game.

The curse of the England shirt strikes again...

Jeff

[Euler]

I can't watch

[lilgreenback]

Oh well here goes the lottery!! time for some composure.

[pdupre1961]

Rooney hasn't played well for England since 2004.

[giulio2010]

Whatever happens I am proud to be Italian. Italians and English have been the most fair players in the competition so far. fair play won here. I won't be dissapointed if we go out on penaltys.....

[pdupre1961]

Now back Italy...