I agree generally with your last point although international tournaments are a different beast. I fancied Spain and Germany in the last world cup due to Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick being the most accomplished managers in the tournament and was obviously badly wrong.
I like Nagelsmann and feel he got a raw deal with Bayern. Their squad is the most technically gifted in my view - Kroos, Kimmich, Gundogan, Wirtz, Musiala are all superb pure footballers. Neuer, despite the howler v Madrid, and Rudiger offer a sense of steel at the back. SanĂŠ and Adeyemi offer loads of pace on the wings, while Nagelsmann has two nice options up front in Havertz and Fullkrug. At home, they have a huge opportunity to banish a decade of poor performances at int tournaments.
France probably have the most high profile talent and if a gun was to my head I would reluctantly pick them to go all the way. They have been steadily consistent in reaching the latter stages of tournaments under Deschemps - even if I really donât like his style. Topping the group SHOULD also leave them with a niceish route.
For similar reasons, England have a good shot. They too have been steadily consistent under Southgate but for them I fear Maguire is actually a huge loss. I also do not rate their midfield. Germany, for example, would boss them in this area. They could have a very favourable draw should they top the group, which looks very weak in comparison to the makeup of others.
Finalists last time out, anything other than the trophy will be a disappointment for England. However, they are mentally weak, defensively weak, and look like theyâll start a chap in midfield, and Kane will play every minute. Its plain as day where it will all go wrong, hereâs hoping they make the knock out stages though.
Would I be correct in saying that itâs the same format as the *much vaunted Italia 90 World Cup? 24 teams being whittled down to 16. It just about works in association football.
Would you say a âworldâ cup has more scope to have larger entries and not overly detract from the quality of the tournament? versus, letâs say, a tournament like the European championships?
The WC was built on a carnival of world involvement.
The Euros were built on quality and high stakes⌠Thereâs no high stakes now and the quality remains to be seen.
Christ, watching the BBC, youâd swear Scotland are about to beat Germany. Iâm sure theyâll do the same shite about England being tournament favourites.
Germany 4 - Scotch 0
