yep, I have fond memories of 1990 as it was my first World Cup

but fell in love with Cameroon and players such as Maradona and Caniggia as well as BBC's coverage just as much Gazza, Lineker and England. I remember thinking what an amazing the idea the competition is and I still love it. Having spent a considerable time watching the World Cup back it is very poor in quality compared to 1986 and even 1994 and 1998. 2002 is possibly comparable (the fact Hoofball Ireland did well both times says it all).

1990 England's only TWO excellent performances ended 0-0 v Euro Champs Netherlands and 1-1 v the World Champs in waiting West Germany. So lucky against Belgium and Cameroon and were average v Egypt and Ireland.

Euro 96 was a poor tournament overall but did feature two excellent England performances, but again in their two hardest matches, against Netherlands and West Germany. As well as the 2nd half of England v Scotland, which was the first match in my life where I was really aware of the importance of tactics (I was 12). Jamie Redknapp came on for Pearce at HT and I remember being impressed how much this changed the game, although I never really rated Venables as a manager.

Posted By: Brandonio, May 31, 22:34:10