why does us beating Hondorus have any say if we will beat Italy?? Hondurus kicked the **** into us the whole game.. the fact we had no injures is much more important than winning Only problem I have is Woy playing Welbeck
I thought we played quite well actually considering we were being kicked all over the place. The players looked 'hungry' and like they really cared (unlike in South Africa). The friendlies are simply warm-up games and ok, we all want to see goals, but LAN said it all when he said we didn't pick up any injuries.
I seem to remember we won every single friendly in 2010 before the world cup, then we proceeded to have one of the worst world cups in our history.. If everyone stays fit, everyone gets a run in the team and they get more use to the hot weather that's more important than a win
Not the only problem I have, but I agree with the rest of what you say. Our team showed intelligence and control to come away without a stupid injury. Its Gerrard that bugs me. I think England are a far more potent force with Wilshere alongside Hendo, running the game and looking very effective. Barkley and Sterling can take it in turns to play in the hole, with Roo and Banana behind Sturridge Gerrard for me is too slow and predictable for international football -----------Hendo---Wilshere -------------Barkley/Sterling -----Banana---------------Rooney ----------------Sturridge
Joe Hart, Gerrard and Rooney are pretty much the guaranteed starters against Italy, you can probably add Glen Johnson to that team as well, sadly. I think Gerrard has moulded himself into a Pirlo type player, sitting infront of the back four, not moving a lot and constantly switching the play, he also isn't afraid to put a tackle in. Personally I think we need that type of player, but I think it's equally important we have the right type of midfielder next to him. It looks like a toss up between Wilshere and Henderson. Wilshere likes to go forward and try to make things happen while Henderson is quite similar to Gerrard. Personally hope we play a 4-2-3-1 with Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Henderson, Gerrard, Lallana, Rooney, Sterling, Sturridge. But if he replaces Rooney with Barkley I wouldn't be too disappointed.
Hope Lallana doesn't start. Weak midfielder who is overhyped. 4-2-3-1 will be our formation throughout the tournament. Hoping OX is only out for the 10 days which is looking likely as he has been declared fit for the World Cup When everyone is fit hope to see Hart Johnson Cahill Jagielka Baines Gerrard Wilshere OX Rooney Sterling Sturridge
My team Hart Johnson Cahill Jagielka Baines Gerrard Sterling Henderson Wilshere Rooney Sturridge My team is slightly defensive to start, but with Ox, Lalana, and Welbeck in the wings ready to make an impact, and Rickie to come on late to score the winning goal, now that would be nice.
Our Woy won't take a chance on youngsters from the start,especially against Italy, safe and conservative are his middle names. Barring injury he will start with Gerrard & Rooney and Italy will clap their hands as they will know exactly what to expect.
You are aware Italy are terrible at the moment? like really really bad and right out of form... They will be dreading this game more than us and it should be Gerrard and Rooney the ones clapping their hands..
I've said for a while that England are weak defensively when Glen Johnson plays. He makes far too many runs forward, and when we lose possession our back three are stretched out. This is something any forward worth their salt will punish us for. I really wanted Milner to work at right-back, but he was poor. To be honest I'd probably keep Phil Jones at right-back, and focus on youth over experience.
I agree Johnson is poor, even diehard Scousers want him gone from the club as he is do bad. Our defence is the weakest I can ever remember tbh, and doesn't bode well for this tournament.
Good habit to break Thats why I am glad we have a glut of talented youngsters on the bench, who have not experienced failure with England and so they may just give us something to be proud of. I have a good feeling about all this, a feeling that we may just give Italy a good thrashing
Actually I have just watched Italy's friendly against Brazilian club side Fuminese, and it was a little scary. Imobile, the new Dortmand signing looks a real handful in the Shearer mould, and I can't see him not getting through the game without scoring at least one. The good news is, Italy look every bit as gawky in defence as we do, so it is unlikely to be a no score result. Lets hope Hodgson knows when to unleash the stunning young talents at his disposal, and doesn't change things too late. For me, Barkley and Sterling can tie the Italians in knots, which is just as well because I dread to think what Imobile will do to Cakhill and Jugglelka Neither side look strong enough defensively to win the competition
