England - The best in the world already!

[Burger]

Interesting stuff Guess, it's surprising only 7 different countries have ever won it. Something to be proud of, even if it was several light years ago.

I was Beckham, Lampard, Terry or Gerard I would be planning to watch the semis and final back at home with the family and If I was Owen I would be staight to the bookies to try and recoup some of my losses.

I have a sneaky feeling Mr Terry will be in Will Hill's with Mr Owen!!

Just out of interest (and not attempting to wind-up) but what's the furthest our loving neighbours have gone in the finals, remember Republic of Ireland's quarter final effort at Italia 90, I guess thats the best of the lot ??

Burger

[Jockey]

What's YOUR favourite World Cup song? (Mines "We Have a Dream" 1982)

LONDON, June 5 (Reuters) - Singing sheep, a "crazy" cartoon frog and a disgraced former MP -- the English may not lift the trophy but when it comes to the World Cup pop charts, they are hard to beat.

As 32 teams limber up for the start of the tournament in Germany later this week, at least as many artists, from well-known acts to the downright weird, will begin a frenzied battle of their own to be number one in the music charts.

"Certainly the top 20 or 30 (in the charts) could be populated by at least 10 or 12 of these particular tracks when the World Cup gets under way," said Gennaro Castaldo from music retailer HMV.

Soccer-inspired pop songs have long been a British tradition since the England squad, led by defender Bobby Moore, went to number one during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico with their song "Back Home".

British band New Order then made the format credible with music fans in 1990 with their chart-topping hit "World In Motion", which featured a rap by England winger John Barnes.

That was followed by "Three Lions", penned by well-known British comedy duo Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, which became an anthem for England fans, topping the charts in both 1996 and 1998.

FRANKLY BIZARRE

But this time round, the dizzying array of singles varies from the official Football Association-approved track by indie band Embrace, to long-forgotten stars, ageing comedians and the frankly bizarre.

"Everyone's having a go whether they've got a well-known profile or they are just some local band hoping to make it into the charts and get 15 minutes of fame," Castaldo told Reuters.

The media have also jumped on the patriotic bandwagon with newspapers and radio stations lending their support to some of the various acts.

So, the Tonedef Allstars, featuring Geoff Hurst who scored a hat-trick in England's only World Cup triumph in 1966, are backed by The Sun, Britain's best-selling daily paper, for their "Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Juergen Klinsmann" song.

Virgin Radio has adopted punk group Sham 69's hit from the 70s into "Hurry Up, England" (instead of "Hurry Up, Harry"), while presenters at the Talk Sport radio station are releasing their own single "We're England".

"It wouldn't have happened 20 years ago," Castaldo said.

"You've got two features to this whole World Cup thing. Essentially it's become about the fans themselves and their passionate aspirations for team and country.

"But you've also got the media who increasingly want to align themselves to the World Cup and they are looking for a track or a product that will allow them to do it."

"BAARMY" SONGS

However it is the odd songs that really stand out.

The Cumbria Tourist Board have recorded a flock of sheep -- the "Baarmy sheep" -- from the picturesque Lake District, "baa-ing" to the tune of the English classic anthem "Land of Hope and Glory" (www.golakes.co.uk/worldcupsheep).

Neil Hamilton, a former Conservative Party Member of Parliament who became a minor media celebrity after becoming embroiled in a "cash for questions" scandal, has produced a duet with his formidable wife Christine.

Crazy Frog, an animated character used in TV adverts to sell mobile phone ringtones, has produced a cover of rock band Queen's "We Are The Champions".

And unknown double act Edd Holloway and Ben Goodridge are hoping to latch on to the nation's fears over injured star striker Wayne Rooney with "We Can't Smile Without Roo" -- a reworking of Barry Manilow's 1978 hit "Can't Smile Without You".

However, bookmakers predict that it will be the Tonedef Allstars who will triumph when all the singles are finally released.

Their offering -- based on the theme tune from the BBC's World War Two comedy classic "Dad's Army" -- has the sing-along qualities that spark fans' imaginations, they believe.

"But I think if England start looking as if they've got a really good chance then it could be 'Three Lions,' as nostalgia comes back in," a spokesman for William Hill said.

Those dreading the month-long hype that surrounds the World Cup might just be hoping that Sven-Goran Eriksson's men do badly.

"If the team don't do too well and are eliminated earlier than anticipated, then all these releases and energy might come to nought," Castaldo said.

But he warned: "You'd imagine in four years time, if England are in the next World Cup, you'll probably have twice as many potential entries."

[Jaime]

Just out of interest (and not attempting to wind-up) but what's the furthest our loving neighbours have gone in the finals, remember Republic of Ireland's quarter final effort at Italia 90, I guess thats the best of the lot ??Burger

I don't know about the others but John Charles' Wales side got to the quarters during Wales' last appearance in the World Cup in 1958!

They were beaten 1-0 by Brazil with a late goal scored by the 17 year old Pele. It was his first ever goal in the World Cup and I think it may even have been his first international goal.

[Toni]

I believe Northern Ireland also reached the last eight at the same tournament, not sure about Scotland - I think they have reached the second round once.

[Jaime]

Aah... edicatin' these navel-gazin' heathens gives me such, well, fulfillment, like!

[Big Boy]

1 - 0
Another convincing victory!
Just 6 more games like that and its coming home

2 teams next time - bring it on both Trinidad & Tobago (& Scotland???)

[usual suspect]

So then after seeing England blunder their way thru' 90ish mins of their
opening game, I reckon Sweden can sit back and not worry.

When O when are the English 'team' gonna play as a team??
Sorry but this Sat. night I've got my shirt on, but its not to celebrate
their 'win'...just like to be a bit patriotic.

I hope they can go forth and do great things, but after tonights effort
I reckon the team will be going back and seeing the games on their
flat-screen TVs c/o ITV 1 or BBC!!

[Big Boy]

US,
I'm not sure of what the object of the game of football is where you come from, but here it is to score more goals than the opposition, and win.

Something I believe England did on both accounts. They did enough - no more, no less. They are pacing themselves for the 6 remaining games.

On the other hand, I note that you refer to Sweden ie:

I reckon Sweden can sit back and not worry

Obviously some sound advice from somebody who understands the game very well. I hope the Swedish manager can take some solice from the fact his team of Vikings failed to score against 10 men from the smallest nation ever to grace the World Cup Finals.

[Joni]

Great win.
And Sweden match 0-0 very good result

[Guess]

Interesting stuff about the Celtic achievements especially the bit about Pele.

I personally would put Ireland ahead of England on skill in most of the years since 1966 at the rate of 60 40.

As for now and England. Sorry to be cynical again but England have had the luckiest start they could possibly have dreamt of. They certainly did not play for it. Not only did they just win with a lacklustre performance (probably the second worst performance so far in the competition) but they then had the unbelievable luck of seeing Sweden with their lethal trio of Larsson, Ljungberg and Ibrahimovich only manage a draw.

What I fail to understand is why Terry, Lampard, Cole and Gerrard who are outstanding in the premiership fail to gel and produce at international level whereas Crespo and Drogba both finished with style for their countries in the most enjoyable match so after both being a bit dissapointing at club level.

Could it be that the English players (certainly not the fans) have a patriotism problem or is it just nerves on the big occasion that the South Americans and the Africans seem to feed on.

Maybe it is just that they have a manager who is shoite, will be unemployed at the end of the tournament and just happens to come from the only country that have a realistic chance of kicking England out in the first round.

Anyway lucky or not it is a good start for England but:

They still need three points to ensure survival and more to ensure first place to avoid Germany next. This means one game from the next two must be won and Sweden can not be allowed to beat them.

I wish England the best of luck as they surely need it.

[JW]

Get a grip lads, we were appalling - the same old crap, we could hardly string a pass together in the second half. It was a case of hang on for dear life for the last 60 minutes - its a good job the oppopsition were s*** also.

[lomuamart]

Guess hit the nail on the head.
We've got to win this group to avoid meeting Germany in the knockout stage next. I can't see the Germans coming second in their group.
So the Swedish game was a big result for us as well.
After missing the first 30 mins to Thai television, I settled down in the knowledge that it was 1-0. Until the second half. Paraguay weren't a bad side, but why do England always try to rest on their laurels and try to defend a one goal lead. We're not very good at it and other teams will take real advantage.
Still, this was the first game. We won and so have something to build on. Maybe I was expecting a winning margin higher than happened so am a bit negative.
Again as someone said, the start in the group couldn't be better.

[Big Boy]

England have had the luckiest start they could possibly have dreamt of. They certainly did not play for it

That's like saying Ronaldinio didn't try when he scored that 'freak' goal for Brazil against England 4 years ago - he's since been crowned the best player in the world. He's also scored many similar goals since. Beckham's centres are deadly - this is the 3rd game on the trot that the opposition have had no answer. How many more times has he got to do it before somebody realises he has a little skill to go with his prettyboy image?

the same old crap, we could hardly string a pass together in the second half. It was a case of hang on for dear life for the last 60 minutes

They scored more goals than the other team, they didn't concede any goals and they won. What else can you ask for? Prettyboy football doesn't win tournaments - have you ever watched the first few Italian games in any tournament?

We've got to win this group to avoid meeting Germany

Why avoid Germany? They're all lambs to the slaughter. Just bring it on..........if we're going to win and be the best in the world again, we don't need to be afraid of any team - just be a little more respectful. England always play better against teams that can also play football.

C'mon Guys, you may have abandoned your herritage, but least give them a chance. With attitudes like yours, its as if you want a job with the British media. Try to be a bit positive and support your team. Don't moan until they let you down. I don't think leading your group by 2 points without conceding a goal is anything to moan about.

[Guess]

That is quite a refreshing attitude difference from othe England supporters I have spoken to over the last few weeks.

Up to now I've heard "maybe if this happens or that happens and they bring on this player and drop another player and a bit of luck England may reach the semis".

In Italy, no matter what criticism you come out with about their style of play and their opening games etc .etc., every single person both on and off the pitch KNOWS that they have the best side in the world and that they are going to win.

This statement would be prettty much true of Brasil and Argentina also.

I peronally am looking forward to all the Italian and Brasilian games right up until they meet in the final. At that point dreams become reality.

[Big Boy]

In Italy, no matter what criticism you come out with about their style of play and their opening games etc .etc., every single person both on and off the pitch KNOWS that they have the best side in the world and that they are going to win.

Well said that man. - just the attitude the average English football supporter should be taking rather than being brainwashed by the British media. Just remember, we are just normal football supporters - we don't have to sell newspapers. Leave the anti-England message to those who get paid to do so.

I too, am also looking forward to seeing England play the best teams in the World on their way to victory. Certainly I'm not looking to avoid some of the other better teams en-route.

Don't forget, all of the teams in this tournament have had to qualify over a number of matches, with many not so good teams falling by the wayside. There aren't any bad teams in this tournament, just a few that will prove themselves to be just a little better than the rest.