Switching international allegiance

[Nade]

Don't forget to wipe your feet when you come back then

Whatever, pig.

 

[Rodley]

All fair enough but before you get all self righteous about it you might like to consider the fact that the French, Italians and Germans you mention all have a much larger element of right wing extremists in their country than we do in ours. The difference being the political parties representing them in those countries actually get into their parliament and in some cases have a shot at power. We just take the piss out of ours.
Knock this country all you like but don’t get myopic about other countries in your haste to decry your own. There’s lots wrong with our own country that needs changing but on the whole we’re not worse than some of our European cousins.
Oh and by the way before you say I wasn’t a Brexiteer

Agreed. When in Germany for the World Cup there was a neo-Nazi march in one city we were in. And witnessed some anti-Semitic abuse from German fans on a couple of occasions.

Went down to Italy to watch the final. I’d estimate circa 20% of the people in Verona’s main square added a fascist salute to the celebratory national anthem.

There’s some absolute nob heads among England support, as there is with most of the other nations.

 

[Rodley]

Not me, I can assure you. I shall be making use of unusually clear fairways and greens. Okay, and a bit of rough...

Ah, get enough chauvinism down the clubhouse Pinch eh?

 

[BushBlade]

Not me, I can assure you. I shall be making use of unusually clear fairways and greens. Okay, and a bit of rough...

Bit of rough? Like a Skinhead girl from Burslem?

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

I despise their facists as much as ours. It is particularly disturbing to see the presence of the AfD in the Bundestag. I simply prefer the decent people of all other countries to English racist scum.

Not getting into semantics with you but can I confirm you prefer decent British/English people to other countries racist scum?

 

[shorehamview]

I think you should support the country where you're born and brought up.

My youngest brother was born in Berlin, but brought up in England. Who should he support?

 

[HibbyBlade]

If Brooks lined up against England tomorrow I would love him to get a hat trick. If Fleck and Coutts were in the Scotland team and they were in the next World Cup I'd support Scotland I think. England mean so little to me as a national side. Imagine how beautiful it would be seeing Fleck bang a free kick in against Joe Hart! How could you not cheer that??

That would require Fleck or Coutts being picked.

I thought they would be a shoe-in for our friendly against the Dutch this week after their performances. It boggles the mind that anyone could think Ryan Jack of Rangers (who has been absolute pants this season) is more worthy of a call up.

Incedently, I’m one of the few Scotland fans who is happy to see England do well (English grandfather probably helped with that). When it comes to international games though I couldn’t “support” any other country than that of my birth.

 

[JJ Sefton]

I've always felt British over and above being English. I've always taken as much interest in Wales, Scotland and NI, and even the Repub of Ireland, as I have in the England team.
Should I shift my primary allegiance to the land of leeks and daffodils, along with Mr Brooks?

Supported England as a kid. Got fed they wouldn't pick Brian Deane, and my dad said it had always been like that (Hodgkinson, Currie) which is one reason he didn't bother with them. I remember thinking it was great when San Marino scored against them in 1993 and from then on I pretty much stopped supporting the England team. My family background is Irish, I lived in Wales for three years, so I follow those teams a bit. I love it when United have player in those sides.

 

[Booker4]

That would require Fleck or Coutts being picked.

I thought they would be a shoe-in for our friendly against the Dutch this week after their performances. It boggles the mind that anyone could think Ryan Jack of Rangers (who has been absolute pants this season) is more worthy of a call up.

Incedently, I’m one of the few Scotland fans who is happy to see England do well (English grandfather probably helped with that). When it comes to international games though I couldn’t “support” any other country than that of my birth.

Did you see the video of Kris Boyd on the current international team call ups? I don't watch Scottish football much I have to say, but surely a Scottish player doing well in the Championship, is more worthy of a call up than a Scot doing well in the SPL, Celtic aside, as they do play in Europe and have a higher quality of player.

 

[Booker4]

I support England whether I want to change or not, its irrelevant as I'm English! I don't feel as passionately for England as I do United, but that's very common with most fans preferring their club side. I also support Chile, as my Dads family hails from Chile. Sadly Chile didn't qualify for the World Cup. As for England currently, I've never been more despondent than now with England. Southgate was such a disappointing appointment, and I find it hard to muster enthusiasm with him in charge. I hope Ireland and Northern Ireland qualify, even though Ireland can't stand England, but I do get that.

 

[Pinchy]

Not getting into semantics with you but can I confirm you prefer decent British/English people to other countries racist scum?

You can indeed.

 

[Pinchy]

My youngest brother was born in Berlin, but brought up in England. Who should he support?

Obviously, the Mighty Blades! No need for a second team.

 

[Tyler Durden]

I support England whether I want to change or not, its irrelevant as I'm English! I don't feel as passionately for England as I do United, but that's very common with most fans preferring their club side. I also support Chile, as my Dads family hails from Chile. Sadly Chile didn't qualify for the World Cup. As for England currently, I've never been more despondent than now with England. Southgate was such a disappointing appointment, and I find it hard to muster enthusiasm with him in charge. I hope Ireland and Northern Ireland qualify, even though Ireland can't stand England, but I do get that.

Not strictly so. I've been around a fair bit of Ireland, even out west where Gailige is the first language in some parts. Never had anything but the warmest of welcomes.
A bloke in Dublin once told me that they get on very well with the northern English because we're very similar in attitude and outlook on life.
Any hatred is directed at the British state, but that's a whole other can of worms.

 

[tomtheblade]

International qualifying is mind numbingly dull, but I enjoy the tournaments, particularly the World Cup.

I don't compare it to watching United as nothing could ever compare. At that level I view it more as something like the olympics, a celebration of football itself and a bringing together of cultures from across the world. Some of the most outrageous displays of skill i've seen have been at a WC or Euros.

There is still so much wrong. FIFA is bent as fuck, tickets are often for corporate guests rather than fans, hooliganism/nationalism, and England are shite, uninspired and lifeless as well.

It's still worthwhile and interesting for me though, and I still support England. The problem with our national side is a malaise that reaches back years, but i still think we'll regain a side with character in the future. I haven't lost hope (yet).

 

[HibbyBlade]

Did you see the video of Kris Boyd on the current international team call ups? I don't watch Scottish football much I have to say, but surely a Scottish player doing well in the Championship, is more worthy of a call up than a Scot doing well in the SPL, Celtic aside, as they do play in Europe and have a higher quality of player.

If the player is doing well then yes, I agree they are likely better than most Scottish teams will have. Ignoring good players from the better teams in the Championship is just daft or evidence of poor scouting. Coutts, Fleck, Douglas, Cairney, Russell, MacKay etc... are all worthy call ups for me.

However, I don’t agree with the commonly held opinion that a player in this league is always better than a Scottish Prem player. The top of the Championship is better than most of the Scottish Prem, but I’m convinced the Hibs team I’m watching this year would leather the likes of Burton.

Also, exciting young players that haven’t played outside Scotland yet can often be better than Championship journeymen. The Scottish game is better than it gets credit for most of the time and there are some very good players up here. I think Boyd was way off in his assessment of the Aberdeen players he picked out for example.

Picking players just because they play in England has been the downfall of several Scotland managers IMO. It’s why we have ended up playing dross like Chris Martin or Grant Hanley just because they get a game for Fulham or Norwich.

 

[BladeFisher]

I've always followed Germany and Ireland so I couldn't give a toss either way.

I guessed you had IRA leanings from your Celtic connections, but Baader Meinhoff too. Congrats.

 

[Tyler Durden]

I guessed you had IRA leanings from your Celtic connections, but Baader Meinhoff too. Congrats.

Cheers Combat 18.

 

[Booker4]

If the player is doing well then yes, I agree they are likely better than most Scottish teams will have. Ignoring good players from the better teams in the Championship is just daft or evidence of poor scouting. Coutts, Fleck, Douglas, Cairney, Russell, MacKay etc... are all worthy call ups for me.

However, I don’t agree with the commonly held opinion that a player in this league is always better than a Scottish Prem player. The top of the Championship is better than most of the Scottish Prem, but I’m convinced the Hibs team I’m watching this year would leather the likes of Burton.

Also, exciting young players that haven’t played outside Scotland yet can often be better than Championship journeymen. The Scottish game is better than it gets credit for most of the time and there are some very good players up here. I think Boyd was way off in his assessment of the Aberdeen players he picked out for example.

Picking players just because they play in England has been the downfall of several Scotland managers IMO. It’s why we have ended up playing dross like Chris Martin or Grant Hanley just because they get a game for Fulham or Norwich.

I unlike you don't watch Scottish football, other than when United are linked with a Scottish based player like Louis Moult. However, the style of play seems decent and the SPL undoubtedly produces decent players, but when you look at the players that arrive from England to the SPL, often coming from League Two and the conference, it does make me wonder if the standard has dropped up North? You may have Heard Tony Cascarino today saying this on Talksport, but understandably the Celtic fans didn't like it!

Also in the past, it used to be that the cram of Scottish football went to the top English sides, or at least the top division, whereas now you often see decent Scottish players going to League One or the Championship. I think that you're right that there are some decent players up there and I've no doubt that Aberdeen would do reasonably ok in the Championship as would Celtic obviously, but the rest maybe not? Either way, I hope we continue to look to Scotland for decent players because the SPL provides a decent base for players to play regularly, from a young age and then move on down South, or to Celtic!

 

[The Crab]

Bit of rough? Like a Skinhead girl from Burslem?

Like I said, don't skimp and pick the Budget option when you go to Crab Dating. And anyway, she might not look much but there isn't a train she doesn't know the number of.

 

[BushBlade]

Like I said, don't skimp and pick the Budget option when you go to Crab Dating. And anyway, she might not look much but there isn't a train she doesn't know the number of.

Good, I'm not paying for a taxi.

 

[The Crab]

Good, I'm not paying for a taxi.

Big Vern says he'll drop you off. Literally if you don't pay the invoice

 

[Silent Blade]

My youngest brother was born in Berlin, but brought up in England. Who should he support?

You have something in common with Craig Short!

 

[CrookesBlade]

International qualifying is mind numbingly dull, but I enjoy the tournaments, particularly the World Cup.

I don't compare it to watching United as nothing could ever compare. At that level I view it more as something like the olympics, a celebration of football itself and a bringing together of cultures from across the world. Some of the most outrageous displays of skill i've seen have been at a WC or Euros.

There is still so much wrong. FIFA is bent as fuck, tickets are often for corporate guests rather than fans, hooliganism/nationalism, and England are shite, uninspired and lifeless as well.

It's still worthwhile and interesting for me though, and I still support England. The problem with our national side is a malaise that reaches back years, but i still think we'll regain a side with character in the future. I haven't lost hope (yet).

Same.

I’ve always loved international tournaments. Great showpiece events each with their own individual character and story as well as being a welcome break from the bread and butter of a league season.

Sadly they are about to go the way of the FA Cup now they are being expanded and fucked about with.

As for the England team I support them and more than likely always will (but certainly not to the extent I do with SUFC, it’s not possible) but can see why others don’t. The FA have done everything they can to kill any enthusiasm people may have once had for the national side.

 

[IOM Blade]

Used to get as passionate about England as the Blades until about 2007. The penalty shootout defeats hit me just as hard as United's play off failures. I could write an essay on why things changed but I genuinely don't think I'll even cheer when (if) England score at the next World Cup. In fact I would absolutely piss myself if they lost every game 6-0.

It's not something I'm proud about but it's just how I feel. In just 10 years I've gone from caring deeply about the national side to sort of hoping they didn't exist at all. I don't think I'm the only one

It was the Iceland game that did for me. I really thought we could do something at that tournament. The 3-2 win in Germany a year earlier was one of the most exciting England performances I'd seen for years. But that capitulation scarred me and I don't have the same passion.

More excited to see Brooks Vs France then England B Vs Germany.

 

[steve26272]

UPDATE: Just checked and the Moroccan's have confirmed that they will honour this and Steve can report for training next week.

UPDATE ON THE UPDATE.
Gibraltar have approached Steve as he was in their air space when he started his wank, thinking about a lez off between Claudia Winkleman & Nigella Lawson

 

[Grappler]

UPDATE ON THE UPDATE.
Gibraltar have approached Steve as he was in their air space when he started his wank, thinking about a lez off between Claudia Winkleman & Nigella Lawson

UPDATE ON THE UPDATED UPDATE

As Gibraltar is a British owned territory, this unfortunately means that Steve is now eligible to play for England, sorry pal...........

 

[Kev Gee]

Brooks was born in Warrington i think?

But yeah whatever floats your boat 'Ar skid'.

 

[goatherder]

Agreed. When in Germany for the World Cup there was a neo-Nazi march in one city we were in. And witnessed some anti-Semitic abuse from German fans on a couple of occasions.

Went down to Italy to watch the final. I’d estimate circa 20% of the people in Verona’s main square added a fascist salute to the celebratory national anthem.

There’s some absolute nob heads among England support, as there is with most of the other nations.

It stands to reason that aside from the terrible, monotonous football witnessed over the years from England ...the emergence of right wing nationalists hijacking the football to express their own racist views, (not just in England but other countries in Europe too) is just another reason why your average English football fan just can't be bothered with International football anymore.

We have plenty nationalist right wing racists here in Australia too but fortunately they don't go to the football, as its still considered a game for 'wogs, poofs & sheilas' by those types. You're more likely to see them at a long day drinking at the cricket which is a far more dodgy place to be for someone whose doesn't aim to follow the Aussie stereotype.

International football here is often a quite enjoyable experience if you can accept the lower standard of football often played.

 

[tomtheblade]

It stands to reason that aside from the terrible, monotonous football witnessed over the years from England ...the emergence of right wing nationalists hijacking the football to express their own racist views, (not just in England but other countries in Europe too) is just another reason why your average English football fan just can't be bothered with International football anymore.

I hear this as a very common reason for many who have been turned off of supporting England. They have no desire to be associated in any way with hooligans or right-wing nationalist, racist thugs.

Whilst I completely understand the sentiment, and share it, I see no reason to simply hand over institutions such as the English national side to people who don't deserve to be involved in any way whatsoever.

If, the minute a racist minority emerges (and I believe it is a minority), we simply throw our hands up and say that's it, i'm no longer following the side, then we basically make the situation worse, imo. I think we should push them out rather than admit defeat and distance ourselves. If people are tired of supporting England because they're shit then i completely understand, but I don't think this a productive alternative reason for giving up.

 

[goatherder]

If, the minute a racist minority emerges (and I believe it is a minority), we simply throw our hands up and say that's it, i'm no longer following the side, then we basically make the situation worse, imo. I think we should push them out rather than admit defeat and distance ourselves.

I completely agree Tom, it would be great if the majority of football fans got together to try to get this minority banned from following the national side however reality is most people just think, 'oh that's too hard...I can't be bothered with it anymore'. Following international football for most is just something to do for when your club side is not playing so its not a big thing to give away.

I'd love to do something about the casual ingrained racism towards aboriginal Australians I hear from someone almost every week...but other than signing a few petitions & not voting right wing, there's not a great deal I can do to change the views of millions of people.