The '98 team imo was stronger as the midfield was so strong. The game has changed. So it really is a matter of opinion.
Yes the ‘attack’ is better and Rabiot is a real motor in midfield however there isn’t that solidity that the '98 squad had. That’s why they can struggle at the back and need to commit more fouls in situations the '98 team would just absorb the pressure.
There’s more of an individual emphasis today but it lends to some great actions.
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The problem with Patrick Berg is that he is no longer very young. He is in reality, a late bloomer. And has become better and better as he has become older (and wiser). But that also means that it’s a real risk for big teams to buy him from Glimt (where he excell), because he is so important that Glimt would actually like a lot of (for Norwegian standards) money for him. But he is 28 now, not 24.
Barcola, Doue, Dembele are just as fast and equally tricky.
What a team!!
And Zaire emery is on the bench.
And they don’t have Hugo right now.
Insane!!
I hope we sign him, irrespective of his form at the WC. Irrespective of his standing in European football.
Simply because I can fish out an old away shirt, whiten out ER and recycle it as brand new.
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Well, they would not have had any advantage last night. I think their next is the last match in Mexico. Their opponent will probably go 3 days or so in advance to acclimate, so definitely some advantage
Yeah, Mexico’s next game is the last to be held in Mexico. It is where England will go if they win today 
so many good players coming from a farmers league,
what is that clubs in this farmers league do that other clubs in elite league cant do?
The altitude is likely to cause an issue
Nothing. It’s just one club massively distorting the competition by being able to spend billions on players without anyone doing something about it. They buy up every top talent in the country.
That being said, root formation is very good in France, since decades. It’s a big country with a lot of footballers. If root formation is good, it will necessarily produce a lot of good players.
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Essentially they have to produce and play youngsters to survive.
They can then sell the good ones off for profit and keep the decent ones to bolster the team/squad.
Despite being a farmers league the style and tactics of the teams vary a lot so the young players the bring through the system have a good know of the game and are adaptable.
The big problem in England is clubs don’t play their youngsters in the 1st team preferring mediocre aging foreigners.
The scouting system of many clubs is levels above most other countries.
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Looking forward to see what Dr. Congo can prescript for tonight’s game.
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It will likely be some concoction with an apricot, a guava and a mango
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That sounds delicious!
Look at this. Mexico has been tormented by a failure to get past the first KO round game since 86 and this was their celebration last night in Mexico city
https://x.com/MenInBlazers/status/2072216195302875604?s=20
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Well also remember that France is a big country with a long tradition of football, good resources for development and a good climate for playing. Not that surprising it reels off the talent.
What’s Germany’s excuse? Facilities too good? Weather too ideal? League too strong?
Madueke in for Saka. I know people have been on the lad but I don;t think he’s been bad at all. I do think Tuchel probably regrets not including Rio in that squad though. If England need anything it’s someone who can unsettle and take on defenders.
Well they´re still producing a lot of players relative to most countries.
They have lost their identity though could be argued.
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All much of a muchness really.
I think England is crying out from some creativity and guile to unlock teams.
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My favourite German player is still Lothar Matthaeus.
They haven’t come close to producing someone of his levels. Schweinsteiger wasn’t even close, as good as he was at his best.
Maybe I’m being a bit harsh. Matthaeus is an all-time great.
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