Portugal v Turkey anybody think that..

3blokes

England would have struggled against either of those?
From what I saw, I think both teams had enough individuals with control, movement,speed and invention to have got past us.
If that is a taste of what is to come in this competition, then I think we will look several years back in development from these sides.
There is a lot of talk about the pace of the English game, but this one was played at least a tempo to match anything you will see from us.
I find it hard watching our national team at the moment.
Personally I can't see how bringing Beckham back helps us get a good basis for the future. I know it was in part a financial promo thing, but we need to be looking to young talent, don't we? Is it out there? I think it is but somehow we are losing our way at national level. It seems a rich man's sport now, and all rather too cosy. Somehow other national teams always seem hungrier for victory than our players, whether this is just how it seems, rather than is, I don't know.
I really hope I'm wrong, but I just think glory at national level seems a long way off.
Anyone out there want to cheer me up on this? :)

bingaddick

We'll always struggle technically against Portugal but we should beat Turkey. Capello I believe recognises the lack of hunger/under performing and will change it, I am confident of that.

Algarveaddick

Other nations appear to perform wthout the fear that seems to dog the England side.

Kap10

Not that I amsupporting Beckham's return, but since McClaren dropped him his relacements have hardly shown an ability to contribute more thasn him. His ball to Crouch against the Croatians at wembely gave us hope - his ball to Terry at wembley against the US is another example. Wrigtht Phillips,Aaron Lennon and David Bentley have all yet to make such significant contributions. Sadly this is a reflection of the state of our younger players rather than the world class standing of Becks.