Many a truth spoken in jest: Scotland Ireland and Wales are putting in a joint bid for the Euros. Now if we can just export deep-fried mars bars to the rest of Europe we've got a chance.
Ye gods, that was a bad half of football. A serious upping of the tempo and skill factor in the second half by England, please...
So, topped the group, just the Italy, then Germany, then Spain fixtures to navigate to become European Champions. Easy Easy Easy
We won the group. I think that's going to take until about lunchtime tomorrow to sink in. When Hodgson was appointed, I said I was pretty relaxed with the decision, but as the injury list grew in the runup, I have to say I did a mental shrug of the shoulders and just thought this Championship would end up as a good workout and a solid base to build a World Cup qualifying side. Never expected this. I seriously think we can beat Italy but Spain would surely have been too difficult. Scotty Parker my MoM again - good grief, he was everywhere tonight. Rooney well off the pace, and looked knackered when he came off but he was right there when it mattered; Gerrard highly influential tonight; Young still nowhere near his best; Cole absolutely solid. And as for 'the goal' - everything that comes around, goes around. Over to you Mr. Blather...
Well, with their "goal" it was offside in the build up....so we weren't lucky exactly...just evened itself out.
Could somebody please explain to me what Milner's role is in the team....I sure as hell can't work it out!
He's just training for the olympics. Going to win us gold in the 15k. But more seriously, I guess it's a defensive thing. Glen Johnson is....not the best defender in the world. If you have Walcott on the right as well, it could leave the side quite exposed. That'd be my guess anyway, he certainly doesn't offer anything going forwards.
And the linesman allowed them another gilt-edged chance which they spurned which should have been offside. We were outplayed in the middle of the park today with two our wide players staying wide but we are better where it really matters, in the two penalty areas. No-one likes Terry but he was tremendous today, with Lescott not far behind. And although our front three were not at their best they still looked more dangerous with fewer chances. Might not have got away with it had Shevchenko been fit to start, but then look how many players we are missing. I am worried how long Parker and Gerrard can keep going on their own. They are both struggling with fitness. We have no-one suitable to replace either of them. Never thought I would miss Lampard or Barry for England but we could do with at least one them on the bench.
Ryan, in my opinion Johnson is far from the best right back in England, Richards (on his holiday somewhere) is better at both attacking and defending but has obviously had a disagreement with Roy at some time! Richards and Walcott would be my right hand side. For the Italy game I would consider Jones and Walcott, I think Jones has played RB for Manure
I think everyone and their mother knows that Richards is a better RB, but you can't have a defence with terry and a fully black guy can you now? But more seriously, apparently he did the same thing as carrick and demanded a first team spot or nothing. If that's the case, it's fair enough to leave him out.
What annoys me is the pundits argument for why Milner should start ahead of the Ox. It's exactly what you say - to protect Glen Johnson. But two things: The Ox is still young enough to be taught how to protect his full back. You don't have to curb his attacking instincts, but if you don't let him have match experience in these scenarios then you will make him become the player you assume he is. If you need to have a defensive right midfielder to protect your right back- then surely you need to select a better right back?
That's my point Mary, if you have to play Milner if Johnson plays then the problem is not Milner IT'S Johnson! Play Jones at RB and a proper right winger!
Jones scares me at RB, but could well be the better option against Italy. Why he didn't select Richards- only he knows.
Congratulations to the Roy and the boys. And Sweden. Terry was MOM for me. He may be a bit of a git, but, in my opinion, he is the best defender in the world and I would not replace him with anyone. Parker trying to win a tackle with his head was a joy to behold. Gerrard had his best game in an England shirt for many a year. If Rooney hadn't scored, his inclusion in the team would have been utterly pointless. The big Geordie could have filled his boots last night. Not sure what all the fuss about Johnson is. Roy should tell him to curb his attacking habits and allow Theo/Ox to do the marauding instead. Milner must go. If Parker was knackered out or injured, then I would consider him in the defensive midfield role, but playing him out wide is a no-no. Come on England!
Agree about Gerrard. I had to double check it was him for that bit of skill/turn of pace last night. I think the main thing for Rooney last night was to get 90 minutes and feel his way in. He will now be sharper for Italy which is where I think he'll come good and terrorise their patched up defence
I totally agree that Rooney needed the game time and that it will help no end for the Italy match. I just feel that there is too much weight of expectation on his shoulders and last night may have gone better had we already qualified for the quarters. Still, the great players should thrive on such a challenge. I was quite surprised he lastest that long, though. He seemed to be puffing by the 60 minute mark. Too many ***s, I reckon.
