Kid in the Riot

Tonight England are playing a game in a friendly competition which they have already been knocked-out/relegated from. Therefore, is this England's most pointless game of football, ever?

Of course not. So much melodrama it's unbelievable. Just look at how Italy, Germany, Spain and France have been getting on recently too - not much better. People have forgotten these games are basically friendlies, which were nearly always drab affairs. I'd take issue with "fortunately drawn" WC group. Isn't it the highest ranked group, or something? Iran will be a nightmare to play against, USA have decent players these days, and Wales are perfectly capable of getting results against the top sides in Europe. We should qualify, of course. But not as easy as some think.

You've just given me a flashback. Pretty sure I had that song on my ill-fated Sony minidisc player!

Like NickJ, I only properly met Beanie for the first time 12 or so years ago but enjoyed several great England away days in his company. Really lovely man, and as others have said, great wit. Rest in peace.

Oh come on! It's the fight any self-respecting spartan would take!

It's just The Hives supporting at AG.

I was half an hour late so missed what sounded like City's best spell. We were a bit disjointed today, which was a shame given the sizeable crowd. This is Southampton's first season as a professional outfit, so feels like you need to be winning games like this at home if we have ambitions on promotion. They looked physically bigger/stronger to me, but out players definitely looked better technicians. Good to see Nahki Wells there watching too.

Shock. I've always got the impression, and backed up by Fury's actions, that he's never really fancied fighting AJ. The whole 2020/2021 debacle being a case in point. Not sure why... Seems unlikely as ever that the fight will happen. I think Fury favours a lower risk/high reward opponent.

Alright, got next week's lottery numbers too mucker??

That was brutal. Parker took some serious punishment there. Very impressed with Joyce.

Joyce needs summat special now. Left eye closing up and right eye cut. Looks very uncomfortable in there

My scorecard so far

58-56 to Joyce with six rounds to go

Got them all square after 4 rounds

Same. He's a bit crap too.

Served to win the match but wasn't to be. I'm currently balling my eyes out here. Rafa crying like a baby that his greatest rival and protagonist has retired has tipped me over the edge. These two have done more for a sport I love than anyone in my living memory. Two legendary sportsman. Roger, merci. Edit: Roger now telling his children he is happy whilst crying, whilst they are crying because he is crying ?

That's not his fault, in fairness. It's this Tory government. Good job he didn't try that stunt in Cornwall, for example, he'd be dead by now.

Brilliant article from Barney Ronay on him: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2022/sep/15/farewell-roger-federer-greatest-player-era-tennis-greats Was fortunate enough to see him in the flesh at Wimbledon and Roland Garros. The GOAT for me.

I think Parker unless Joyce has developed a defensive tactic better than stopping punches with his face.

Both support acts are decent too. Imagine it'll sell out quickly. What we saying, £70-£80 cheapest tickets?

I'm confident Committee will approve both applications.

Pretty sure it was early/mid Sept, but it was unusually hot in Valencia - mid/late 30s

The pitch looks dreadful, but honestly reckon the standard is below the National League. Loads of heavy touches, missed tackles, and frankly aimless balls/passes. Certainly nowhere near Championship standard.

Same when I saw Valencia v Atleti. I'd always assumed it was partly to do with the heat.

Went Corrie Curry House couple of weeks back and was disappointed. Must have changed chef or he had the night off as it was not up to their usual high standards. Owner brilliant as always though, free shots and a big cake for the birthday boy in our group.