I think we secretly switched the two when we sold Martin. Marcus suddenly got a lot better. Good business.

Starting to take shape nicely I think. Armstrong and Chapman or players of that ilk plus a centre forward and we're looking good I reckon.

Why would we sign this Algerian kid? We’ve got Timmy Sherwood?!?!

I think he’ll be in with a shout of a upper Championship side AT LEAST if the idiots end up hounding him out. But a TOP club? If you think we’re playing in those circles, do you think Pep, Mourinho, Klopp, Pochettino et al would take on the Croatia job, hypothetically? Our national team position is no more attractive than theirs - AT BEST. Third and final time I’ll be bothered... Who do you want? I really want some ideas. I can take all night, but two or three replacements would do.

I’m not saying that Davenport is the second coming of Tugay or anything, but it really does make me smile and remind me of this footage when I see people lamenting the chances being reduced for Tomlinson et al. Perhaps an extreme example, but if Tomlinson was better or even close then of course you would question the logic of signing Davenport - unfortunately you kind of have to just trust the manager’s judgement. It is only time that will tell. Unless Willem shagged Tony’s wife or something, or Davenport is Kentaro. I for one look forward to seeing him play.

Forwards is what I want. Wingers, centre forwards, goalscorers and a genuine Dack plan B. Loads of them and the moon on a stick. Score goals and create problems for teams in the Championship and we’ll be reyt.

I’ll take that as a no then. But to follow your diversion - I think we could, and have, done worse. Genuinely interested to hear who you think should be England manager?

Any recommendations?

Delighted to see Courtois beaten twice with relatively low shots. Mouth.

You’ve got a good druggie pusher, if you think we’ll win it in Russia...

100% defence mechanism. I hate England for making me hope.

Are we? This World Cup proves that heart, guile and belief means at least as much as wage packet and exposure. It’s a one off game. Prepare the rubber underwear.

Cheers.

Anyone else still wish we had it that easy? Suppose those that did will blame Belgium for resting players as we did.

Anything can happen I reckon - Yoshida is a unit at the back, could be a good tussle.

“Ethnic Albanian” but from Kosovo I thought? They make the team. I agree it would have been a fantastic squad, and they would be punching far above their weight still. Maybe a little tension in the dressing room though.

Yep. We’re going to have to play at 100% against ANYONE to go through. I got them at 28/1, feeling pretty confident they could do it. Today’s games have put the frighteners right up me. We’re a stubbed toe away from Gary Cahill playing in a game like that last one. Would be a cricket score unless we can play with that kind of intensity and quality. Hope we can.

If anyone. ANYONE. Thinks that England getting past this stage in the competition is any barometer for success they need their heads checking. We got out of the group. There is no shame of going out now, to anyone. The standard of the football played today is so far beyond our capabilities it’s unreal. Fantastic game.

Because games would last over 3 hours. You get to play for as long as the opposition.

“A star is born” - Linekar re: Mbappe. He’s the second most expensive player of all time, thought he might have known about him.

Mbappe is a whole different level. Not even 20.

Absolute bellsniff. It’s the stupidity of his arrogance that is most shocking. He ALWAYS gives an anecdote or reference to his playing days at every opportunity. But to do it in France v Argentina at the World Cup? Lad needs help.

France look great, but Argentina are absolutely woeful. Completely tactically bereft.

Depends on the shot, but in this case, the one that can go higher. The left. (just realised I think you agree?)

Can’t wait to find out. The last 24 hours have been horrendous.