English Chess Forum

What's your take on England at the world cup? I can't say I am too impressed and don't expect them to get very far.

They've got further than some fancied sides already.

Though at the moment France look so much better than anyone else, its hard to see beyond them.

That's true yes but either Mexico or Brazil will stop them if we keep playing the way we have so far (first game excepted)

England v Norway at 81.56 on the football clock. Fairly sure I just saw camera pick out Magnus in the crowd. No remark by commentator.

Paul is right. 3 mentions of chess by the commentator.
And Sir David Becks, Mick Jagger and - wait for it - Magnus himself look on. Xtra time now being played in Miami.
James

I hope to see Magnus be (gently) asked about this in future by chess publications, and for this to come up in Olympiad clashes. Does Magnus still play Olympiads?

Paul Habershon wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 11, 2026 11:49 pm

England v Norway at 81.56 on the football clock. Fairly sure I just saw camera pick out Magnus in the crowd. No remark by commentator.

Actually there was a remark by the commentator something to the effect "this match is like a chess game" etc. This was close to the time when Carlsen was shown (he appeared twice). Unfortunately clearly the commentator had no idea who he was so was unable to make any witty ripostes about chess.

Yeah I heard that. Could have been wittier.

I think that Magnus once made a cameo appearance in a match at Real Madrid (a friendly match, in case that was not obvious). The commentators did not recognise him then either.

MJMcCready wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 01, 2026 9:54 pm

What's your take on England at the world cup? I can't say I am too impressed and don't expect them to get very far.

Do you stand by this prediction?

"I think that Magnus once made a cameo appearance in a match at Real Madrid (a friendly match, in case that was not obvious). The commentators did not recognise him then either."

I believe he did the ceremonial kick-off in a proper game, (this may well be a completely different event), whilst the British commentators said something like "some Spanish bloke has just ..." Magnus is renowned for looking Spanish. But rather pleasingly, as he retreated to the touch line, one of the Real players ran up and shook hands with him.

John Upham wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 13, 2026 9:43 pm

MJMcCready wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 01, 2026 9:54 pm

What's your take on England at the world cup? I can't say I am too impressed and don't expect them to get very far.

Do you stand by this prediction?

Clearly, the prediction was incorrect. It remains true, however, that to date England looked the most impressive in their opening match.

Neil Graham wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 12, 2026 12:40 pm

Actually there was a remark by the commentator something to the effect "this match is like a chess game" etc. This was close to the time when Carlsen was shown (he appeared twice). Unfortunately clearly the commentator had no idea who he was so was unable to make any witty ripostes about chess.

Was Eberechi Eze on the pitch at the time? He could have been mentioned as a fellow chess champion.

Eze came on at halftime, so yes

Yes he did. He looked as talented as always but didn't make much of an impact.