Chelsea fans are really clutching at straws regarding Torres' performance against Italy. I see them saying it isn't his fault and its the managers for not showng confidence etc in him. But thats the 5th manager in a row he's looked poor for now (Del Bosque, Hodgson, Ancelotti, Di Matteo and Andre Villas-Boas). Maybe its time for people to look at him rather than the managers he's playing under and his team mates.
My Torres prediction looks a bit silly now, TBH. No more predictions from me. Frank: Hope Ireland do well against Croatia.
Half-Time: Ireland 1-2 Croatia. So, Ireland go into the break 2-1 down. Mandzukic gave Croatia the lead just 3 minutes in but Sean St Ledger got Ireland back into in the 19th minute from a McGeady free-kick. Not the best marking from the number 5 for Croatia for the goal but it gives Ireland some hope. Conceded at the worst possible time though. Everton striker Nikica Jelavic finished nicely inside the box after Ward had a 'mare with his clearance. Straight into the path of Jelavic who made no mistake. Set pieces seem the best chance for the Irish to get back into it. Still very much game on though!
Comedy of errors here. Got to be careful it doesn't become embarrassing. Ireland are sitting too deep; you can't give Croatian players this much possession.
What England tam would you like today? For me: ----------------------Hart---------------- ----Johnson----Lescott---Terry----Cole---- --------------Gerrard------Parker---------- --Wallcott-------------------------Young-- --------------Carroll------Welbeck--------- Could include Milner over Wallcott for extra midfield presence and cover.
Hart Johnson - Lescott - Terry - Cole Milner - Gerrard - Parker - The Ox Young Carroll /Welbeck Can't make my mind up on the front man. If we play these then it can become a 433 with Milner slipping into the middle and The Ox joining young and the forward in attack.
please log in to view this image JOHN MOTSON Q&AQ. Ben Vokes on Twitter: If Kenny Dalglish was sacked for his signings at Liverpool, why are they playing for England? A. I don't think Liverpool's poor form in the league was purely down to their players in the England squad. If you look at them individually, some were selected for England before they joined Liverpool. One or two of them have a point to prove. Andy Carroll has to show he is an international centre-forward. Stewart Downing has yet to score for England and hasn't that many assists, while Jordan Henderson looks very much a squad player. Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard as captain must make sure his voice is heard. John Motson talking his usual excrement.
please log in to view this image Wayne Rooney‏@WayneRooney Follow Can't wait for game. We're ready Reply Retweet Favorite But you're not playing Wayne.
Teams been leaked and your spot on. Welbeck starting. --------------------Hart-------------- Johnson - Lescott - Terry - Cole Milner - Gerrard - Parker - The Ox -----------------Young----------------- ----------------Welbeck---------------
Well Hodgson isn't anything but consistant. 2 lines of 2 looking for a counter. Given the French style of play this is probably the best starting 11 that we could put out. I think Carroll will be well pleased as he can come on with 20-25 minutes left and play the buccaneer. My only doubt will be Chamberlain. Can he keep his discipline and not get too engage in the forward play?
