Fierce_LiNk

It really is down to how you want to play. With both Defoe and Rooney up front, and playing in the same way that Tottenham play, then I think both could really have a great time being a menace to the opposition's defence. I think I always prefer a more "traditional" style of 2 attackers up front, wingers supplying balls to the strikers, and two in central midfield (one attacking and one holding). Heskey is almost like another midfielder, but playing further up the pitch. A lot of people are starting to take more of a notice of Carlton Cole, and he does offer something a bit different to both Defoe and Rooney, and even Heskey or Crouch. There are quite a few attacking options, so that's good for variation. What I do like about Heskey is that he brings others into play, so although he may have a terrifying goal-scoring record, it allows others to do their stuff, players such as Gerrard or Lampard who can them come into the game from midfield. Would that still be done with Carlton Cole or Defoe upfront? I think we'll only see that in games. Ideally, what would be best would be an amalgamation of Heskey, Crouch and Defoe, haha. The ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play (Heskey), the goal-scoring record and height of Crouch, and the pace and finish of Defoe. That would be quite some player.

You know, I did overlook Crouch there. For me anyway, I think Defoe has done very well so far by coming on in the second half, and injecting some pace into the game against an already tired defence. Do Crouch and Heskey have the same pace or similar to what Defoe has, I'm not so sure that they do? I don't think it's showing a lack of faith in Heskey, but really a lot of his game for England relies around him holding the ball up for Rooney. It depends how you want to play, really. But, so far, Heskey's job has been to cause a nuisance to defenders, hold up the ball to bring Rooney, Gerrard and others into play. Defoe has that goalthreat, which is why a lot of people are pushing for him to start against Croatia ahead of Rooney. At the moment, what has happened in previous games (such as the game against the Netherlands) is that as soon as the game looks to be in a spot of bother, Heskey is taken off for Defoe. It's been working, and Defoe has been on a fine scoring run for England, particularly when he's been coming off the bench. That's a very positive thing to have, and it is very important to have players in your team and on the bench who can change games. You'll know a lot more about Defoe and Crouch and the form that they're in for club because you're a Spurs supporter. In my opinion, it's not always best to go out with your best individual 11 players, you pick the best team that you think can do the job effectively. Sometimes you do need to have those special players that come into the game on the hour mark, such as players like Aaron Lennon, or James Milner. They give you different options and opportunities. Much like what we had with Ole Gunner Solksjaer. I would like to see Defoe start more games for England, as I do like the guy. But, I would also like to see what would happen if the Defoe-Rooney partnership wasn't working after, say, the first half of a game. It'd be very interesting to see.

That does look seriously awesome. I think it may be the first time I've seen it in motion. Its very pretty.

It wasn't the greatest match in the world, and there were some parts where I just felt bored watching it. Also, I just get annoyed watching Glen Johnson, as I think that most Slovenian attacks and threats actually came from his side. Defensively, I don't like him. The thing that makes me wonder with starting Defoe is that if the game is 60 minutes old, or 70, and the score is locked in a draw, who would England bring on as a substitute to freshen things up? Defences are tired around that time, and I think that's where the likes of Defoe and Carlton Cole thrive. I just don't think there is much of a Plan B if Defoe does start. It would be shocking if one of those three didn't make it. However, what are the odds that all three will fail to reach it? Might be worth a cheeky bet. The Irish are great for atmosphere and getting behind their team. I sat watching a game a few years back with my friend and his Irish friends, and they just blew the roof off the place. The Dutch are also pretty awesome at that, too.

Are you one of those people? The ones that just...are good at everything? Bastard. That's really impressive. That's an interesting idea, or collection of ideas there. Although, with Dutch for example, it seems really tricky getting the spoken element of the language nailed, or the pronounciation of some words. Like, I'll look over a few words, think in my head that I have it down right, and it turns out it's huuuugely wrong. I may try that. Although, I'm a bit stumped as to how I can practice the spoken part, so that I know exactly what I'm reading actually bears a resemblance to the language I'm trying to speak. I'm very sure that we had the same system in our school. So, top set English = top set French. Also, I think it was either year 8 or year 9, but you also took on Spanish, too. So, it was tough enough with English, Welsh and French, but top set English = top set French and then Spanish, too. You had no choice in the matter. I ended up liking Spanish, and I wanted to take that for A Level instead of French. The problem? My School didn't do it. So, you take on a language for a few years, enjoy that language, and then you stop learning it. Gah.

When I clicked this thread, I had no idea what it was about, or what you were talking about. I thought you were some crazy Hollyoaks addict, probably high from Calvin. So, I youtubed these ads. It turns out that I do know what you're on about! It's another case of "I don't know what this advert is advertising because I'm watching the pretty pictures and not listening to a word the guy says." You know where else that has happened? Probably in my top three favourite arses ever. However, again, I didn't know what the damn thing was advertising for weeks/months.

Haha, I definitely see what you mean. For me though, I think it's a good language to learn because it's non-European, so it's quite different to what we're taught in schools or what other languages/countries are particularly close to us. I do agree about the gamer mentality, especially with so many wanting to visit the Nintendo Motherland. But, it wouldn't really be for that factor why I'd like to give it a try. Ahh, that's a nice mix, heh. When I was younger, I remember I had a few video game manuals which featured more than one language. So, I used to read the English, then look at the French, for example, and try and familiarise myself with it, or match up words.

That's awesome that you had Japanese as a GCSE option in your school. I've always imagined it as a very tough language, though. Might give it a try one day. Also, I think you mentioned before, but you are part or all Italian? If so, then that is also excellent. It sounds like a beautiful language to speak and hear. A few of my friends at uni were taught German in school, but we never had that choice. Maybe if we didn't have to learn Welsh, then maybe German would've been an option? Bluddy awesome that you got full marks in your oral exam. I agree with what you said about the educational system in Britain. Although, I think the issue is that most people in the UK will mainly use English as their first language, bar the odd holiday here and there. There's not much pressure on us to learn another language. But, I think it would be a great skill to have, and as you say, it helps you understand the world and cultures that are out there, that surrounds us. Learning the language is a step towards understanding and being a part of that culture. I feel pretty bad when I go to Belgium and hearing all this Dutch around me. I do try and pick things up and I do want to learn it, but it's hard taking it all in. I think I need to pick up some learning materials, like tapes, books, dvds and stuff.

What the hell, dude? Grow fassssteeeer. I'd expect it would differ between each speed-dating group...location...thing. Probably around 5-10 minutes, as I expect that there are a fair few people you need to get around. Also, I bet it's quite short, so to keep the pace up. Sit down, start talking, get into the conversation quickly, not enough time for awkward silences. In that case, 10 minutes might be a bit too long.

I wanted to do it quite a few years back, as a friend was going to give it a try. The only thing that stopped us was that we were told you had to be at least 21 in order to do it. So, sadly, we never did it. I've also missed the boat again as now I am not single anymore. Maybe you could attach a camera to your face when you do it, Danny, so I can see what it's all about.

Speed dating does sound like something that is worth trying, even if it's just to say that you've experience it. You're bound to meet some interesting people, and it may also help you develop your confidence further to speak to randomers.

I've got no problem with learning some of that stuff, because you are right, it is a place to start off at. Just, I felt that there was so little progression, if any at all. Even at the end of A Level, I didn't particularly think that I had learned a lot at all. That degree does sound pretty awesome. I'd love to be able to do something like that.

Ou es le stade? Ohhh! Tournez a gauche. La premiere Rue at droit. Continuez! Everything about you is to do with filth. *shakes head* I wish I was better at languages now. Now, I've got a fever. And the only prescription, is more languages. Hahahaha. Dude, numbers in Welsh is piss easy. 11 = un deg un un deg dau onwards. 20 = dau deg. So simple.

Yes. It also feels a bit patronising how you are only taught tourist French. How to ask for a room in a hotel, and a kilo of apples. And the directions to the beach. French from the start of High School up the GCSE age is so samey. You learn and then re-learn the same things over and over, again.

Sounds like a good plan. Man, you ain't half a pain in the arse. It is frustrating and annoying if you feel a bit lost for direction and ideas. But, the important thing is not to panic. You're still young, you've got experience in retail under your belt, and also a degree. So, there's some things there to work with. It sounds like you have a base or something to work from in that post I just quoted. So, look at that and see what you can do with it.

There's definitely going to be a difference, but it is pretty cool listening to other people and hearing them switching between two different languages with relative ease. I haven't reached that level of understanding with a language yet where I can flitter between them. It makes me wonder if I even can.

It is pretty shocking you, Ine, The Portuguese Mafia et others have brilliant English. I feel a bit inferior when I meet someone who has English as a second or third language to find that they probably speak it better than I do. No fair.

Haha, Spanish is a very, very sexy language. Maybe we could learn together, and then venture off to some exotic Spanish speaking country - like Spain! We could sell drinks by the beach. First you sell the drinks. Then, you get the women.