Italians were knackered too but as they did not have to run long runs with or without the ball it was a bit easier. They just keep their defense organized. Italian playingstyle is easier too in the weather like that because they have more skill.
If Hulks was a peanut for Brazil, then Gerrards was a nailed on pen, Would start with Lambert against Uruguay and leave shrek on the bench, he was absolutely woeful apart from that cross, would also start with Barkley in place of Henderson.
It wasn't a penalty lads and obviously neither was Hulks for Brazil. But that aside, England still deserved a draw.
You need to play Rooney behind the striker or not at all. I'd give him another shot but in the right place, Raheem will still be effective out wide. I didn't think they swapped positions enough.
I'm conscious of the fact that the vast majority of people on here are English and it's not my intention to offend but I wasn't in the slightest impressed with England's performance last night. I though overall it was average at best and I feel Wroy got his tactics wrong. I felt the only way that England could win this game was playing the 'Premiership way' with high pressing, high tempo and loads of energy. Instead England allowed Italy to have the ball at will and IMO never pressed Italy high enough. Italy strolled through long periods of the match with loads of possession and I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that the reason England players had cramp (and the Italians didn't) was due to the amount of chasing shadows they did for long periods of the game. The Italians looked so comfortable on the ball while IMO this English team remains unable to retain possession. Wellbeck and Rooney are not wingers and left the fullbacks horribly exposed at times. Rooney has great talent but IMO is far from a great player. He should be dropped. It's simple for England now, win or go home. I'd love to see Barkley, Sterling and Shaw on the pitch and told go out and 'have a go'. This English team needs to play with a higher tempo and with no fear. The players are there to play much much better than that.
I agree with some of that mate. Roy certainly got it wrong playing Rooney on the left, despite his great ball to Sturridge. However, in that formation, the two on the left and right of the three behind the striker are always a bit narrow and the full backs need to press on. Johnson did it on the right, but Baines revealed himself to be the very ordinary player that I've always said he is. If Cole had been picked at LB it would have been a different story imo. Rooney should be played in the middle behind Sturridge or not at all imo. I don't agree that England were average overall tough. Our defence was always going to be the vulnerable part of the team and so it proved. However, England attacked with speed and determination and battered Italy for spells, with their keeper by far the busier one. England deserved the draw, but at this level more than any, if you don't take your chances you don't often get anything. Rooney should have scored, after "doing the keeper with his eyes" and sending him the wrong way. I've seen him do that dozens of times in the past.............sadly he missed. The heat was also a factor and so the "higher tempo" you mention could not be maintained all game. I wouldn't mind seeing Barkley start in the middle with Wellbeck and Sterling each side against Uruguay. I'd also pick Shaw, as he cant be any worse than the woeful Baines!! If Ox is fit I'd be looking to get him on for the last 30 mins too. A win and a draw could still get us through as long as Italy continue to win, so it's far from over yet.
Is the next England game on ITV ? I would rather have 30mins of adverts and useless Andy Townsend, than boring bastard Phil Neville.
I watched the game in a pub in Brighton, and the atmosphere in there was amazing at times - the place went crazy when Sterling had that long shot 3 minutes in - only for everyone to realise it hadn't gone in! It was probably the best I have seen England for a long long time. Attacking not only with pace but also varying the style of attack which is obviously much harder to defend. In years gone by we have seen us try the same thing over and over with little success. Defensively however we do look suspect - especially shown by the 2nd goal. Rooney was also disappointing - but shouldn't have played on the wing.
I think that was the best I've seen England play in a long time! Compared to South Africa and euros were we played with no cutting edge, bland boring football that has been England's trade mark over the last couple of tournaments. Last night was major improvement, we played with flair! The front 4 interchanged positions. What change from the rigid football woy played at the euros. Even if we don't make it out of the group at least we are trying to play football in the right way
This seems to be the consensus on here, apart maybe from nuts and wubba. I'd love to see us get through to the knockout stage, as we could well frighten one or two.
Totally agree. Actually enjoyed the game. Usually I am whinging and groaning, at England's boring 1 dimensional play.
You couldn't have played like that in that heat, you have to play to the conditions as well. Baines is getting caned here and in the press for being left exposed by Rooney and when the switched Wellbeck, while he didn't do well it wasn't all his fault, don't know why Roy didn't sort this in the first half. Overall, it was a damn site better than we we last played Italy, and you can see the attacking potential of this side.
TBH i didnt expect to beat the Italians. we werent that great and they had a (great) 35yr old strolling though the match and running the show. we certainly caused some problems but just look at thier first goal for a perfect example of thier class. straight off the training ground and when needed the ball was put spot on target. We got found out t owards the end as we appeared to have no plan B. Once we tired we were out of the game. We can only use that pace game for so lone then we need another option. I like the fact that we tried and the team were young but we just lacked that leadership and experience. We were out of ideas. i found myself shouting to get Gerrard off and put Lampard on. At least he would have given us more direction. Just for the record im a massive Gerrard fan BTW Gerrards was not a penalty. On what planet was he ever going to get to that ball? he played for the pem and got found out IMHO. i agree it could have been given, but SG isnt quick enough to get there anymore. If it had been Sterling od Wellbeck etc..then it would have been a valid shout . Just my opinion
Not at all gutted, we put in a good shift generally, and were far more positive than we have been in recent games - even those we won. The problem was, that old 'troublesome left side'. Rooney left Baines completely exposed, and the Italians took full advantage. If Rooney can't - or won't - stay out there and put in a shift, he needs to be dropped. I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but it's crying out for Milner out on the left against Uruguay, because if there are the gaps down the left again, we're coming home. Milner at least will provide the cover we so lacked, and which ultimately cost us the game.
