Tricky result for Norway tonight, hope Ireland can replicate Hungary's performance in Bosnia tomorrow but not too hopeful...
Norway looked absolutely horrible upfront in that match with awful crosses into the box from their wide men (a bit like us). Was surprised Josh King of Bournemouth wasn't selected in their squad as he is a lively player who has scored a few goals at international level, though not at club.. Only 23, I thought he might have been a good young signing for us from Blackburn a while back. After work today looking forward to the 2nd half of Bosnia v Ireland and I see England are playing a friendly in Spain with the same kick off time. Joshua King please log in to view this image King training with Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2011 Personal information Full name Joshua Christian Kojo King[1] Date of birth (1992-01-15) 15 January 1992 (age 23) Place of birth Oslo, Norway Height 186 cm (6 ft 1 in)[2] Playing position Forward Winger Club information Current team Bournemouth Number 17 Youth career 1998–2006 Romsås 2006–2008 Vålerenga 2008–2010 Manchester United Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 2009–2013 Manchester United 0 (0) 2010 → Preston North End (loan) 8 (0) 2011 → Borussia Mönchengladbach (loan) 2 (0) 2012 → Hull City (loan) 18 (1) 2012 → Blackburn Rovers (loan) 8 (2) 2013–2015 Blackburn Rovers 56 (3) 2015– Bournemouth 10 (0) National team‡ 2007 Norway U15 4 (2) 2008 Norway U16 3 (1) 2009 Norway U18 2 (2) 2010 Norway U19 2 (1) 2011–2013 Norway U21 8 (1) 2012– Norway 19 (4) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_King_(footballer)
England have got better and better as the half has gone on. Sublime move before Kane's weak shot. If that had been Spain some of you would have been spunking your pants! Spain should beat what is a reserve England team in about 6-7 positions. Spain press very well which makes it hard to retain possession. Lalaana, who I like has really struggled. Good flashes from Barklay. Sterling and Bertrand have linked up well. Spain should win by a couple, but England are doing ok.
Ciaran Clark had a very strong defensive game for Villa in the 0-0 draw against Man City and he appears to be having a similar game tonight against Bosnia.
That's they way I see it, we've done ok. I think it would be good if we had it in us to switch to a Klopp/ Diego Simeone type game when we are playing against possession obsessed teams like Spain - not to worry about possession too much but to get the ball back very quickly when you lose it by swarming all over the opposition. Heavy metal v tika taka. But you have to be very fit and committed to do this, probably hard to train at international level if most clubs don't play it.
Whatever happened to the weather in Bosnia over the half-time break? Pea soup now, almost impossible to see anything. Not sure how long the ref can let this match go on?
Injured mate. England undone by an unbelievable strike, although Sterling gave the ball away in a terrible position and a cock up by Hart, followed by a wonderful finish from Cozorla. Not too bad, but I would have liked to see our strongest available side against Spain. I know the fringe players need games and Bertrand did well, as did Dier when he came on. I'd like to have seen Stones with Smalling and Clyne at left back. Walker is not much better than a Sunday league player imo. Shelvey was unlucky not to start ahead of Delf, who was poor. Sterling looks shot of confidence and needs to get it back. I thought Rooney linked the play well when he came on and Kane doesn't look a good enough finisher at International level. Lots to do, but seeds of potential there when we hit them on the break imo.
Big game here in Dublin Monday night. Could still go either way. I certainly wouldn't be counting my chickens yet. Would love to see us qualify considering all our neighbours who have already qualified.
Tamas Priskin starting for Hungary tonight. How bad must they be? And how bad is Norway who lost to them three days ago?!
