Subject: [U21] WC Rnd 2 - Italy

Italy seem to be magnets where we are concerned. We got them in the last World Cups Group, then in this WC's Qualifying Group and now again in the knock out phase of this World Cup.

Italy are the defending Champions and are Ranked No.2 in the World behind Poland.

In our Qualifying Group we beat them in the first match 1-0 dominating the game.

The return match saw them win a more even game 3-1 and we were unfortunate.

So far in ratings they have far exceeded any other nation in this World Cup.

Therefore taking the above into account last weeks unfortunate defeat has gone against us in a large way. Tomorrow will be tough.

.......BUT I am confident we can hold our own and we WILL cause them some serious troubles I hope.

Frustratingly we have lost Roland Elston to an injury this week but we do welcome back Luke Moggs our most in form Keeper and also Dom Skeffington a nice mnidfielder who probably would have played in all of our matches so far had he not been injured for the last 4 weeks.

The team and tactics are a work in progress...........with a bit more luck than last week we could achieve a shock result imo.

The squad is chosen with some changes made, forced and unenforced.

The tactic is virtually completed with some extra work to be added later. The task could not be any harder really - I am confident that we will not go out without a serious fight though. To date in this World Cup we have dominated every game and I have no intention of not attacking the Italians despite their strength.

Come on England! :)

Kick off is our time 8.29 tonight. Enjoy.....I hope anyway.

ENGLAND EXPECTS !!!!



(no pressure ;) )

England always expect and so do Scotland.

We expect Englang to raise their expectations to a level no man could possibly attain and then fall flat on yer arses.

BRING ON THE PENALTIES :D :D :D :D

I am genuinely excited about this match. I have worked hard to get to this stage and am very hopeful of being the first team to stop Italy winning the U21 World Cup. We are virtually full strength. We will miss Elston and in an ideal world Stunt would be in form for once in his life being a fantastic keeper.....but we have what we have and thats what I have worked with.

We have 3 Superdivine Form strikers to choose from so maybe.....just maybe one chance could lead to a goal and the Quarters.

I am the one doing the expecting this time though. ;)

If this were the quarter-finals, losing would be considered a heroic failure.

If we win this, we are sure to go out to a much weaker team next round, thats how us English work :)

"Brave" would also be used.

Good luck

1 up after 22!

And the same at HT, both sides are struggling to create chances, which is probably a good thing at 1-0 up.

1-1 in the 84th.

And extra time, they look the more likely to score, probably due to our slightly injured GK.

Wow this game hates me!!!!!!

That's really unlucky. :(