We didn't start with 4-2-3-1 really, played 4-3-3 with Gerrard, Lallana and Henderson playing in the middle, the full backs pushing forward to provide width and Rooney in the middle with Welbeck and Sturridge flanking him. I didn't think any of the from 3 played particularly well, Sturridge's goal was good but other than that he was pretty patchy. Midfeild looked pretty comfortable but didn't move the ball fast enough was surprised to see Sterling, Barkley and Wilshire on the bench to start and thought that all three looked pretty good when they came on Barkly probably the least effective, but also got he least time after the game had been put to bed. The player I thought was awful was Glen Johnson, I always hate him in an england shirt as his fellow defenders aren;t so used to that fact that when England loose the ball that doesn't mean he's going to come back to the RB position. I really like the look of John Stones and think that he's definitely a future star, it's a shame he's not in the squad.
Didn't realise Stones wasn't in the squad, seemed odd him coming on second half then. Agreed Johnson looked awful. His touch was poor and his positioning worse. Shame Walker's not fit either. Yeah, didn't mean we were playing 4-2-3-1, but that's just how I'd have set up. I guess Henderson plays too advanced a role normally to be one of the two holding midfielders. Surprised Barry isn't in the squad really, if Gerrard gets injured we'll really struggle in that role.
The highlights from last night: [video=youtube;BV6EP9bBbac]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV6EP9bBbac[/video]
A game not without positives. The defensive 5 with the exception of Johnson look secure. A work in progress one has to think.
anyone else got an eye on the eng vs argentina 1986 re-run on the BBC website now? look away now if you don't want to re-live those bad memories
They were awful, Smalling, Jones and Milner should never put on an England shirt again, Foster makes poor decisions. Let's just hope Hart, Cahill, Jagielka, Johnson and Baines all keep fit.
Poor old Milner. I'm one of the few that actually rates him, but as soon as he plays abroad and the weather is a bit hot, he looks like he's about 45 years old!
If anyone wants to read a lengthy, but genuinely quality, blog about each of the groups (so far got to E): http://football-hipster.blogspot.co.uk
Saw a stat today - England have the 6th least experienced squad at the World Cup (in terms of total senior international appearances): England = 626 total caps Compare that with the most experienced squad: Spain = 1,375 total caps http://www.theguardian.com/football...up-squads-rosters-broken-down-club-age-height
In the spirit of honesty, it is written by a lawyer (though I promise you not me) who I know, but please don't let that put you off until you've had a skim. It's very thoroughly researched
anyone seen this about Exeter City and their link to the creation of the Selecao? http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/09/-sp-a-century-of-the-selecao-the-remarkable-story-of-brazilian-football
I can't remember which one, but a Brazilian legend signed a short-term contract with Exeter a few years bact to commemorate an anniversary!
