Lallana was given the England MOTM by the BBC's Phil McNulty. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24966559
Just got back in from Wembley. JR had few chances, but looked nervy. Don't honestly think he is cut out for it. But AL was pretty decent, as was Rooney in spells. One of the worst performances I have seen, from Southend to Southampton to England. Really abject.
Lallana did ok and perhaps merits another chance. I think he would be an excellent choice for the England team and looks like he has it within himself to get a regular selection. Lallana played well but in a poor England performance where they were easily beaten by a much better team. As for J-Rod, I would have to agree. His was probably the least inspiring England debut for years and the game totally passed him . We was very, very lucky to have been selected in the first place. Perhaps Hodgson's worse piece of judgement as England manager? He should have been substituted after 30 mins and made Cleverley seem like a quality player. I felt sorry for him but he is clearly not of international class and not worth considering for future matches. In that resepct, the headline in the mirror is a bit unfare but haow the BBC gave Lallana as our star performer staggered me. Rooney, as ever, was the only player really up for it. He is a player of real stature.
Lallana did well and certainly will get other chances. It was a very hard match for JRod...a shame to get your chance in such a hard game for England. He would probably have done better if his debut was in a full confident England team and he just had to do his bit. However, I think Jay will do well for Saints because he has settled in now and offers us something different (which was what Hodgson was hoping for). Jrod was only given his chance because of the shortage of England strikers...hope he gets another chance, but I doubt it. Lallana on the other hand is an England quality player (if that isn't insulting him). Rooney tried very hard but lacked support. Hope Rickie is back for the Germany match (though I don't want him risked if he even has a broken fingernail, especially now Osvaldo has had an allergic attack).
We know Rooney's ability, and therefore any performance less than what he gave is unacceptable. He leads the line. Considering it was Lallana's debut, playing in a very threadbare line-up, I think he showed his class. A deserved man of the match (for England) for me. J-Rod however looked extremely nervous and very lightweight. That said, I thought the support that he got from Baines was shocking. Baines and Johnson were both absolute dross.
If you like it when newspapers print nice things about Saints, you can't have any quibbles when they put the boot in. Do what I do, ignore them at all times. Or, mob up and firebomb their offices.
I love the way the Mirror slam JRod but still stay loyal to the old guard who were absolutely useless but no doubt will still get picked for Brazil When a lot of new players debut its up to the experienced players should step up to the plate but instead everyone seemed to disappear up their own backsides! Hodgson knew Chile put play the pressing game but did nothing to counter it but instead left the players in limbo trying to press up front but sit deep in the middle of midfield/defence leaving the forwards chasing shadows - Roy needs to spend more time at SMS to see how its done
I watched the England match and realised that I would be fuming if Saints passed like that. Our players don't make those mistakes if not under pressure. To be fair, Saints rarely meet the high press, don't play at Wembley with all the related pressure, and are familiar with their team mates.
The Beeb summariser grades the performances pretty much as I thought: Forster 6/10 [OK-ish] Johnson 5/10 [get Clyne in there] Baines 5/10 [uncharacteristically poor] Cahill 5/10 [no partnership with Jones] Jones 5/10 [as above] Milner 5/10 [go away and stay away] Lampard 6/10 [time is almost up on this performance] Wilshere 5/10 [what is supposed to be outstanding about this player?] Lallana 7/10 [best player for England, but that was easily done] Rodriguez 5/10 [nervous and barely touched the ball] Rooney 6/10 [another below par performance for a supposed World Class player] http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24966559
I wouldn't bet on it, they were very good, and very streetwise. I feel a bit for Rodriguez, it was a very tough game to make an impression in and although he didn't really cause their defence any problems, he didn't really make any mistakes either and was disciplined in tracking back. Despite the criticism from the media I don't think Hodgson will have been too disappointed with his contribution. In fact I'm a lot more worried by the more experienced players. The whole back four was under par, and Lampard and Wilshere were both just as anonymous as Rodriguez. Ironically I think England missed Lambert's presence up front more than anything. He would have had a field day against the diminutive Medel and given us an out-ball when under pressure from the Chilean players.
Neither would I, but I think they could have given Chile a very good game. Possibly, maybe even probably, winning. I also felt for Jay. It reminded me of James Beattie's England debut. Never did anything wrong, but didn't do anywhere near enough. Couldn't do though because he never got near the ball. As regards Lamps and Wilshere, I totally agree. Completely anonymous. Yep, he would have led the line properly. England persist with Rooney and yet he is no line-leading striker. I don't know why people can't see this obvious detail. His ideal place is behind the striker, in my opinion, or if he must be an outright striker, then as the junior partner of a pair. Everton played him as an attacking midfielder in his younger days and that is still his best position, in my opinion. Now I just want to lads to come home safe.
Make of this what you will:- http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/video-lambert-hoping-to-return-soon-1178062.aspx http://pediatrics.med.nyu.edu/conditions-we-treat/conditions/gluteal-strain
Much as I love him getting recogniition I'd rather he missed Germany and took his frustration out on Arsenal!
