If that header or that back heel had been german, Italian or Spanish we'd be taking about Class. It's the stupid panicky last Ditch. Throw it anywhere **** in between that mucks it up. Will Rooney enhance or destroy?
My prediction before the tournamant was that we'd do ok then Wayne "the saviour" Rooney would come back for the final game, we'd lose and go out! Would be quite funny if he came back got sent off and we went through and he didn't play again.
It shows that Hodgson hasn't fully implemented his ideas on the team yet as Johnson was awful under Hodgson's tactics at Liverpool...
Lets go for it! …………………..Hart…………………… …………….Terry……..Lescott……………. Johno…………Parker…………..Cole …………………Gerrard………………… Walcott…..Rooney….welbeck…….…. ………………..Carroll…………………… No chance of it happening, but that would be a great team!
Johnson made some cracking tackles but, to be fair, it was his positioning that got him into the situation in the first place The back five have played well so far though, all have room for improvement as do the rest of the team but I'm happy with what they have done so far (bar the shocking making for Sweden's second).
Good points and a fair question. I agree that the team involved colours the commentary. If today's game was between Germany and Sweden, and we were Germany, pundits would be praising the German mental strength, their grit and determination ('they are never beaten', etc.). Because it's England, this element will barely get a mention - aside from the in the English tabloids where they'll go too far the other way and compare us to Brazil. Interesting question on Rooney. He's "hyped-up, psyched-up'" and "ready for wilin'"...whatever that is. So he'll probably be sent off. Seriously, though, he should link up well with Young and Welbeck - and Gerrard always seems to enjoy playing with him on the pitch. I don't think we're going to play that well against the Ukraine - I just have a feeling - but if we get a result that is all that matters. Maybe Rooney will scare the opposition with his new haircut? We can but hope.
well thats Rooney playing against Ukraine. More Hodgson on talisman Wayne Rooney's impending return from suspension: "Wayne's been excellent in training and looking really sharp. We need quality for the next game against Ukraine where we've got to get a result and a player like Rooney can make a major difference. "If I did make the decision to leave him out all hell would break loose in the dressing room." So who gets dropped?
He was caught out once and made up for it with a good tackle on Elm. But his positioning the rest of the game was good and covered the CB's well especially in the first half to deny Ibrahimovic a clear chance.
All hell would break lose? What?! I'd be more annoyed if I was Carroll or Wellbeck and had scored, played in 2 games and got 4 points and was dropped for someone that let the Country down in his last game and nearly made us not qualify for the tournament and so far has done nothing to help the team.
**** Okay, I think it should be Ashley Young that's dropped. IMO, he has been poor in both the opening games, he can't say he's not been in the right position either - behind the front man in the first game and on left in second, where else does he play? However, this creates different issue in that the shape of the side would have to change. Welbeck to the left with Rooney playing off Carroll? Leave Milner on the pitch so he can tuck in and help Parker and Gerrard out if needed. Walcott is usually better as an impact sub (like tonight) so I would keep him on the bench. the Ox should be kept in reserve too in case we need a goal or some creativity (hopefully, Woy won't wait until 85 minutes).
I disagree and I usually stand up for Johnson. He was out of position a few times but most balls were going towards the corner so he just stood up (after casually jogging back into position!). He was excellent at covering for over with last ditch tackles etc though, he never lets a team down in this department
Seems like Roy's achilles heel is pandering to the masses. Rooney is capable of winning any game on his day,but he's also liable to show petulance.
Thank god somebody else see's this!!!! It does my head in!!! So lazy!!! no passion and no heart!!! he did this so often against france too... Kelly anyday for me!
But he does get back into position more often than not. I remember seeing him this against France but he jogged back, got into position against Ribery and made the tackle. Agree it can probably cause problems but I think he's improved a vast amount in recent years.
I don't, have not. Probably won't ever rate Johnston: but 3 times in two games his pace & last ditch tackle has saved a centre back. Is he **** or who did he have to race to cover? You're all too bloody negative. The teams fecked before they kick a ball. Surely there's a middle ground where the English fans do the Irish fan thing so that the English team can a actually do what they are capable of???
I don't care if he does eventually get back in position, one time he won't eventually get there in time and the team will get punished for it, especially when there is no reason for him not to sprint back and get into position like gerrard, parker, terry, cole and milner (who has been shocking this tournement) ... if there was an excuse for it then it wouldn't be so bad, the fact remains that there is no excuse instead its just laziness and a lack of desire!! And until he learns this and realises it, i will never defend him in any argument!! ... One of my favourite quotes in football ... "Extra discipline makes up for a lack of talent and a lack of discipline quickly siphons away extra talent, that's why it's frequently the most disciplined rather than the most gifted rise to the top" (applies nicely to Kuyt) ... Johnson has all the talent in the world but if he doesn't want it badly enough, if he hasn't got the desire, then he wont get any support from me!
