Can a British Soccer Team Ever Win?

[Cable Monkey]

England are through. Wales and Scotland are in with a chance. However the finals offer the spectacle and thrill of participation, but do we realistically believe any of the home nations have what it takes to win the European (or World) Cup? Personally I don't think we do. Should I be wrong you are welcome to ressurect this and verbally abuse me. I would be too happy to care (regardless of the country involved)! What do people think of a British team?
I will put our aspirations in perspective. Fifa rankings placed Wales lower than Jamaica before the recent Welsh run of form. Even the strongest nation England have to exert undue influence to keep themselves as a seeded team in the World Cup...

[Cable Monkey]

Who do we think Ireland have missed the most. Manager or Captain? Especially as they have blown Euro 2004.

[Sharky]

I think Ireland have missed Keano. What side in the world wouldn't.

As for championship success, I think England have the best chance of the home nations given they are already there.

I think Wales can do it. We could have got a much harder draw than Russia. They are a good side but on our day Wales can beat anyone. We have a good backbone to the side and are maturing with every game. Ok, so they were poor in the last 4 games of the group, I think the pressure got to them a little, but they are a young side with some good old heads and a fantastic manager in ol' Sparky. Cummon Wales :D

Scotland however, well.... it looks bleak. :( Holland are a fantastic footballing side, and Scotland will find it very tough going against them. Remember how happy England were to beat Holland 4-1. Sorry all you Scottish Football fans :(, I hope you do it and prove me wrong :p

The full draw for anyone who is interested.

Latvia v Turkey
Scotland v Holland
Croatia v Slovenia
Russia v Wales
Spain v Norway


First legs will take place on November 15/16 with the second legs on November 18/19.

[Cable Monkey]

I have to say that the feature that stands out for me about Englands victory against Holland back then was the fact they were totally intimidated by England. To me this would suggest the route Scotland should take. Aggressive rotweiller like football, chase every thing and have the Dutch glancing over their shoulders? Personally I think Scotland just need a threat up front to transform their fortunes. England have lived off a sound centre half pairing coupled to the 'Owen' syndrome. A sides inherent fear of what a good forward might do always limits them. I haven't rated the England midfield as a unit for a while. Lots of talent and star qualities but low on teamwork. Can Keane qualify for England under the residency rule? ;)

As for Wales, I know Russia seem an easier draw, but don't be complacent. Having to travel to Moscow has tripped up a fair few British teams, despite inferior opposition...

Oh, and I think had McCarthy stayed, Ireland would have qualified. I am not sure they would had Keane been available.

[Sharky]

Originally posted by Cable Monkey

As for Wales, I know Russia seem an easier draw, but don't be complacent. Having to travel to Moscow has tripped up a fair few British teams, despite inferior opposition...

I know. Russia are not an easy team to play, home or away. I was just thinking that its a better draw than say Croatia, Holland, Spain (possibly, they often surprise me at how poorly they play togerther) and Turkey.

As for Ireland, they lost their first 4 games under McCarthy and the Keane row. I'm sure were it not for the Keane row, they'd have qualified with either boss. It disruped the squad too much. Once they had a new boss and some continuity, they got some good results. But it was too little too late

[The Magician]

The scots will never be a major force in european or world cups due to the fact that the scottish league is the poorest league in the football world and there are too many foreigners playing for the the big 2 teams in Scotland

Wales only have about half a dozen top flight footballers

England need to get that left side of midfield sorted and need more people to score goals than rely on Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

Rep of ire Good players and a good manager surprised they never qualified for the euro championships

N I Not good enough to qualify for a major tournament