Wales v England

Sorry for the delay in sending a report on the game bloggers but things have been a bit hectic since I came back especially with Mrs G in Majorca sunning herself.

Left the hotel early morning as I wanted to get to the same parking area as I did when we were at the Hartlepool play-off final. It is called Rolls Street and only about 10 minutes walk from the ground no parking meters or permit holders only, so it is a good place to park if we get to any of the finals this year and Wembley is still not finished (only dreaming bloggers!)

Went to the stadium area and sat outside the Holiday Inn with a crowd of England supporters - it is great to have a discussion on football with fans from around England i.e. Chelsea, Man U and Nottingham Forest without any trouble. I then decided to look up the England village in the castle grounds - as it was early (10.45am) there were only about 1,000 in the village but the queue for the bar was about 500 yards long, but everyone was queuing without any hassle as it was bright sunshine. There was a DJ playing England songs and plenty of amusements for every age group. I stood around admiring all the flags from loads of different areas of England - there was even a Glasgow Rangers Branch flag!

I then looked up an off license for two cans of Strongbow and again sat outside the Holiday Inn watching the world go by. Atmosphere was great - better than England home games. Two guys near me, Hull City fans, had no tickets and were busy calling on the mobile and were being offered tickets in the Wales end for £150 each - they got fixed up later at a good price of £100 for two.

Then I had the usual walk around to see what was happening - took a walk into Wetherspoons on Westgate Street only one thing on my mind was where was the loo as the two cans of cider had now made their way to my bladder. While I was in the loo two bouncers came in to escort me off the premises!!! (Were they from Leicester???) They explained that it was for my safety and nothing else as it was a home fans only pub. On coming down the stairs I realised what I had walked through when looking for the loos and the greetings I got on leaving were not too friendly I can tell you - kindest comment was "leave him in we are all British aren't we" - to - "Fucking English bastard should be ashamed to wear that fucking shirt." Oh well at least I know not to enter that Wetherspoons again!

So back to the Holiday Inn and more banter with some more fans and then back to the village to see if things had started to liven up. It certainly had in the village, drink was taking hold and everyone was in a party mood with Vindaloo belting from the speakers. Again I thought what a terrific atmosphere and made me decide definitely to go to Germany next year with or without tickets.

Went into the stadium just when the players were coming out to warm up - we were in the corner of the stadium opposite the players tunnel. My seat was on the bottom tier so I could not see the fans above only when I peeked a view when I was allowed down to the front. Just before the kick off and next to me, as I was on the end of the England area only separated from the Welsh by empty rows and netting, came in a handful of well picked heavies from a firm called concert and event security - these guys looked like ex-boxers and not to be messed with - probably on the door at Cardiffs nite spots!

The game was okay - we had a professional approach but the 4-5-1 system looked rubbish especially when it looked like the 5 were a more defensive midfield rather than attacking. A Plymouth fan next to me put it in perspective when he shouted " fucking hell man you are up against 1st and 2 nd Division players and you still can't break them down". Joe Cole scored the winner albeit a deflection and probably the only good thing he did all game. Comments:- Beckham looked cool and in control although I did not like where he was positioned, goalkeeper looks okay, Defoe is not world class, Wright Phillips should take a defender on more, Rooney should not be tackling at the right back position, Gerard looked fucked all through the second half, the worst game I have seen Lampard have in an England shirt, Rio looked well in control at the back, Jamie Carragher struggled at first but then settled down, bring on Michael Owen for the Northern Ireland match. Which leaves me to add I am pleased I am not going to Belfast as there seems to be plenty going without tickets and the anti IRA songs being sung in Cardiff leads me to believe there will be plenty of trouble over there.

So the game ended 1:0 to England job done, not a brilliant game but another three points - it is nice to come away enjoy the day and see your team win for a change - hope for the same on Saturday against Chelsea!!!

I set off at 5.10pm in the Gilligan limo and by not keeping to the speed limits I was home by 9.15pm and in the Greyhound with PeterJ at 9.45pm and supped until 1.00am. Great day out!
Made me realise what a long journey back by Griersons it had been from the recent Liverpool game when I got back later than I did from Cardiff - and Steph Walton did not complain about being back late after that game!


Jim Gilling
England on Tour
World Cup 2006