England are now officially worse than Bosnia at football… and Scotland aren’t far behind

metro.co.uk ^ | 17 July 2014 | James Phillips

[Berlin_Freeper]

England have dropped ten places to 20th in the latest FIFA world rankings, meaning they are now officially worse than Bosnia-Herzegovina according to the complex system.

The Eastern European nation, who participated in their first World Cup in Brazil, also exited in the group stage but, unlike England, managed to win a game. They have now moved up two places to 19th, leapfrogging Wayne Rooney and co.

Other nations to feature above the Three Lions now include surprise quarter-finalists Costa Rica plus Mexico, Greece and the USA – who all made the last 16 at the World Cup.

[Berlin_Freeper]

He attended the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final and claims to have been influential in persuading the linesman, Tofiq Bahramov (who was from Azerbaijan), to award a goal to Geoff Hurst when the England striker had seen his shot hit the crossbar of opponents West Germany, leaving doubt as to whether the ball had crossed the line. Clarke's position in the Wembley crowd was right behind the linesman at the time, and he shouted at the official to award a goal.

David Cameron will LOSE election blasts Ken Clarke

[ExCTCitizen]

That would be like American losing #1 to Cuba in football.

[righttackle44]

Good. The quicker we can bury soccer and those awful little veggie sandwiches the Brits serve at afternoon tea, the better off the world will be.

[righttackle44]

Well expressed. You’re right.

[fr_freak]

Should’nt it be “England IS now officially worse. vs. “England ARE now officially worse? Unless the word England is now being used as a collective pronoun.

I've noticed that the British always seem to use the names of sports teams in the collective sense (e.g. the United were in Liverpool last night). Here, they appear to be referring to "England" as the English World Cup team, rather than the country, and so are in keeping with the collective tradition. And it is grammatically correct, although it sounds odd to the American ear.

[ExpatGator]

Have you never heard of Bobby Moore, or Jack and Bobby Charlton!? Seriously!?

[Mears]

“I’ve noticed that the British always seem to use the names of sports teams in the collective sense “

—

They do it for “government” and “parliament” too.

.

[IronJack]

I only started following soccer a few years ago when my son got me interested. But England’s failure to field a competitive World Cup team is the stuff of legend.

[gusty]

If you have GOLTV on your cable system the Bundesliga is already available, about 2-3 games per week, live. Starting next season, the Bundesliga will be on Fox, so look for it on FoxSports 1 in the 2015-16 season.

[ExpatGator]

They have had a bad run, I agree. However, I am a fan of English style of play. Not so much grandstanding and flopping. Their blue collar style has always appealed to me. My stepmother grew up in Manchester, so I got educated from my early teens. Started playing at the same time, 40 years ago. A life ago, it seems. Played until my mid 30’s when back and neck issues forced me out. Went out on a good note, a goal and an assist. I miss it.

[ExpatGator]

Oh, you should go to Youtube and look at some of the footage on that ‘66 English team.

[safeasthebanks]

England made the semis in 1990. We’re unlucky to lose in penalties to....guess who?

[SeaHawkFan]

You left out Nobby Stiles; who played every minute in the 1966 World Cup.

[IronJack]

Well, if you have roots in Manchester, then you’ve seen the best the Premier has to offer. And like I said, even if the Brits can’t put together much of a Cup team, I still follow the Red Devils fairly closely. And I agree, their style of play is a lot of fun to watch.

[Ax]

That was when Geoff Hurst’s hat trick did the trick. Believe that’s the year that North Korea beat the Italians, who were pelted with rotten veggies by their “ Tifosi “ when they arrived back in Italy: 1966.

[SumProVita]

For the author, Mr. Phillips:

England are....should be England IS.

England have....should be England HAS.