Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

[James]

Discussion around Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

14 June 2014
Uruguay v Costa Rica
Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza


14 June 2014
England v Italy
Arena Amazônia, Manaus


19 June 2014
Uruguay v England
Arena de São Paulo, São Paulo


20 June 2014
Italy v Costa Rica
Arena Pernambuco, Recife


24 June 2014
Italy v Uruguay
Arena das Dunas, Natal


24 June 2014
Costa Rica v England
Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

 

[flibbertyjibber]

My kids already asking if they can stay up for the opening England game. Yeah as if they will be up at 2am.

Nightmare group, can't see us qualifying.

 

[fredfertang]

That's mean - let 'em watch it

 

[GIMH]

It's at 11pm now

 

[BoyBrumby]

Yeah, excellent. Nothing better than kicking off in tropical conditions at an earlier time.

I know telly rules and all, but **** me...

 

[Furball]

That's my 3 kits sorted for next summer then.

 

[Ausage]

Yeah, excellent. Nothing better than kicking off in tropical conditions at an earlier time.

I know telly rules and all, but **** me...

Shouldn't be much easier for Italy tbf.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

So this one-man team led by Luis Suárez...

 

[Cabinet96]

Why does Mario Balotelli appear to be the face of Italy in the same way Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo are for their countries? Have I missed something or is it because of that one game against Germany at the Euros? Would've thought Pirlo or Buffon would be more deserving.

 

[sledger]

Scores goals = more marketable.

 

[duffer]

Scores goals = more marketable.

Remember when Cannavaro won World Player of the Year? Would have Pirlo as face of the team.

 

[GIMH]

Am hearing Wellbeck is out of the Italy game

 

[King Pietersen]

Good. Wouldn't have surprised me if Woy ended up playing him in place of Sterling. Now we should end up with a front four of Sterling, Lallana, Rooney and Sturridge. Personally, I'd go for Barkley ahead of Rooney on current form, but that isn't going to happen. Barkley as super-sub.

 

[marc71178]

Have to say I don't get the Barkley over-reaction based on those friendlies - gave the ball away so often, and in the conditions we're going to encounter that's criminal.

 

[King Pietersen]

I'm an Everton fan though, so I'm hugely biased, and have been keen on Barkley getting a go for months. He just has that special something about him that could win us games. Am content with him being an impact sub for now though.

 

[marc71178]

Yes, personally I'd leave Stirling as impact sub for Saturday's game as a minimum - last half hour against tiring legs he could be a huge asset, but then again only if they're still in the game at that point.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Have to say I don't get the Barkley over-reaction based on those friendlies - gave the ball away so often, and in the conditions we're going to encounter that's criminal.

Looked better than Wilshere though, he was garbage against Ecuador.

 

[marc71178]

I wouldn't have Wilshere in either. The Ox being injured is a big blow. I'd probably go with Lallana and Welbeck on the flanks but if Welbeck's ruled out then I'd probably go for Milner to leave the pacier men in reserve.

 

[Tom Halsey]

Nah Sterling has to start IMO, is a gun. Would have said this had Ox and Welbeck not been injured as well. Fully agree regarding Barkley though, another of those promising young English players that there seem to be a lot of at the moment who I agree are promising but seem to be becoming overrated in terms of their current ability just based on that promise. As much as I have doubts over how well Rooney will play, there is still no way I'd start Barkley ahead of him.

 

[Pothas]

I am a huge fan of Barkley, just can't be cynical about him at all. But yeah he should not start. Prefect player to come on with 20 minutes to go.