It's been said for a while Charles should just hand it straight on to William, especially when his popularity was at its lowest in the late 90's after the Diana divorce and subsequent death. I think time has healed a lot of that, from a UK perspective at least. He's an old man in his own right now and seems to be a lot more comfortable in his own skin than he was 20-30 years ago. The other issue is if you immediately made William king now and skipped Charles then the next in line is currently a child, they'd want to avoid that if at all possible.

I've never really been fussed one way or another for the monarchy, it's just something we have and that's that. However a large royal event undoubtedly brings out a sense of patriotism in the country on a scale little else does. With all that said I've still found myself unexpectedly sad about the Queens death, she'd sort of become the nations grandma and her longevity meant she was a constant in British life unrivalled by virtually anything else.

I can see the side of the argument about the monarchy and the inherited privilege etc etc but it's so woven in to the fabric of the country at this point that for me it's hard to imagine the UK without one. Also, whilst all the points about royals being in palaces whilst others starve and live in poverty is valid, those people would be living in poverty anyway, it's not like countries without a royal family have zero poverty or deprivation. The optics aren't great but it's unlikely to make much real world difference should the monarchy be abolished.

I wouldn't disagree this is an important point for the monarchy though. There is definitely a version of the future where this is the beginning of the end for them. Charles will need to navigate the next decade very carefully.

Saw it at the weekend.

Agreed, I think The Rebel sounds ready made for Slash and Duff too. I'm intrigued to hear what they might make of State of Grace as well.

I'm really digging Hard School (the K can fuck off). I liked the demo and at first the studio track sounded jarring but a few listens in and I was used to it. Love the additions from Slash and Duff. At first the guitar work sounded kind of basic but it has really catchy hook to it. Like others have said I'm not sold on the mix, the drums sound like I'm hearing them through cotton wool.

I think they made a mistake going with Absurd as first single. The attention on HS has been lower and I think it's because it's come second and I think the momentum it could have generated as first single has been lost. Hard School is a viable hit rock single but I think a to lot of casuals it will have lost the intrigue element after hearing Absurd.

Which comes back to management and who is making these commercial decisions for the band because they don't make a ton of sense from the outside looking in. Duff in particular is a smart business savvy guy, I can't believe he looks at most of this and agrees. Even something as simple as the 'branding' of the two new songs, why do they need to invert the R on Absurd and call it Hard Skool (shudder)? It's something a 12 year old would do.

Anyway, minor moans aside, delighted with HS and delighted the band are releasing music again.

Yes good point they were two good games. For long enough that night it looked like it would be England v Hungary in the last 16.

Thanks, no doubt, have to be in it to win it as they say. I think if we got through Germany in 96 we probably go on to win it, maybe the same in 90 as well given the relative calibre of finalists on both occasions. Nevertheless they didn't and this team have made it.

Can't agree that they were screwed. Was it a soft pen? Yes. Do you see them given all the time? Also yes. It was about as soft as the free kick that was awarded to Denmark for their goal. I think the one on Kane in normal time was more of a pen tbh but the ref said no for that one. I guarantee if the same scenario had presented to a Danish player or an Italian tomorrow they do exactly the same thing as Sterling.

From 60 mins onward the Danes were spent and rolled the dice on subbing half the team to freshen it up and it didn't work. In a game where they were allowed to make 6 subs in total and still ended up with 10 men for the last 15 mins isn't unlucky, it's poor management.

I personally think the 2004 team was the best squad (on paper at least). Only David James was a downgrade really, add in a red hot Wayne Rooney and I think it beats the 02 team. As you say though tactically poor and Eriksson wasn't brave enough to either change his shape to accommodate the players or change the players to accommodate the shape and we suffered as a result.   

I think Italy are favourites and I'm expecting them to win tbh. I think it will be close but I can see an Italy win. They did seem to tire against Spain though which might also work in our favour.

I'm glad we are playing a proper classical team in the final, if we win it will have been deserved. Agree, not sure if we lose quite where we sit among Europe's best but if nothing else it will have been a fun few weeks.