I see it similarly, since France scored, our MF and forwards aren't linking/keeping the ball for long enough to give the defence a break, its just coming straight back into our half. Up until we scored you have to say France were perhaps just easing into their stride.
England have got to be looking at the ref, he is allowing a physical game, bring on physical players.
No steel in our midfield now. France are going to have a lot more space and time on the ball. Just asking to lose this 2-1 now.
See JD's movement there, why run toward the crosser with the ball???, why didn't he make for the 18 yd box and get across the keeper. He does this all the time, only wants to pick the ball up outside the area for a shot. The cross ends up to no-one and he's stood outside the 18yd box with his hands on his hips...fukin useless.
They really are struggling to complete every pass, even back passes. Partly France is closing down very well.
Well, England should be grateful for the draw. Hart shouldn't have let in the goal, but when one team dominates possession so completely, it's no surprise when one leaks in that shouldn't. France is looking good. I really like how aggressively they closed England down. Ribery's a complete twat, though.
Well, I've got to say that, overall, I was pleasantly surprised by our performance. Strong and composed at the back, and always a threat on the break. Given how dangerous France are, I think Roy must be congratulated for getting his tactics spot on, with this one. As much as it grieves me to say it, I thought young Oxo had a very good game, as did Wellbeck. The French defence had to work very hard to keep those two at bay.
Wellbeck was very good. Anyone think Rooney would have been better? In fact if Rooney had put in the same performance the pundits would be saying how brilliant he is. I say no room for him in this team... who gets dropped? As good a team performance overall as we could have hoped for. Also thought the ref was very poor, and I don't think I'm being biased here. So many niggling 'professional' (hate that word for it) fouls that went unpunished, only cards went to us. At least three blatant blocks not given as free kicks at all!
A very Hodgson performance, really. Good result, decent defensive display, if a little bit uninspiring. Given what he's got to work with, I'd say it's a fairly encouraging start. I thought that the ref was bloody awful, Vimhawk. That's not unusual for me, though!
Hodgson presented the team as I expected organised and committed. Good performance by England, I think many underestimate Hodgson who represents one of the best decisions by the FA in a long time. I have no complaints, a proper English team playing to their strengths.
RE: DDDDDD If you want to annoy HIAG, then do it on his threads. If that's a genuine opinion, then you're wrong. Thanks for contributing, though.
Technique is a French word, boring is an English word. The last 90 minutes summed up in ten words. Highlights from the loudest, proudest English fan to win 70 Irish caps: "Great first touch by Ashley Young" as Young has to chase the ball five yards, as he completely failed to control the ball Bitching about Ribery being milking it as England played on after he'd been clattered by two players, going apoplectic when France played on minutes later when Milner was down "Great delivery by Gerrard" as his corner misses everyone but the ballboy on the other side "England have kept France at arm's length" as no England player can get within three feet of the ball at the end
Slightly OTT as rooney would have caused them french centre backs as much problems as wellbeck, in a different manner but actually wellbeck and rooney as a partnership would have been even more lethal as the french defence really was there for the taking.
I agree. I thought he was very biased against us. Cabaye should have been booked at least twice, for a start.
