I for one will enjoy the rest of the Euros without that awful fear of doom that accompanies watching England play... Cmon Iceland... Cmon Wales
Him or Andy Carroll who was on form before the tournament. Hopefully Gareth will pick the right team ...i doubt it though!
I am really looking forward to watching that later... no speakers / headphones here in the office :-(
Watching the Italy v Spain highlights the other night when the commentator started with the words Italy have picked the same team that started the previous 3 matches. After 10 qualifiers and numerous friendlies Roy did not seem to know what his best team was to start each game, injuries allowing. He selected players that were not game fit (Wilshire - I like him but should not have gone) and played them at random. He introduced new players (Kane/Vardy/Ally etc - all good but disturbed a stable mix) at a late stage as they were "in form" and again played them at random. There did not seem to be a set formation or tactic which should have been largely the same for each game. No wingers, yet he played the wide game. No wonder they were running around like headless chickens. Surely if you are planning for a major event in any activity you have a plan, get your resources together, devise a system and practise it so when the event arrives everyone know how they got there and what they doing. Once that is in place then you can tweak it A LITTLE BIT to suite different circumstances. Simples Meep? Olympic athletes start training up to 8 years before achieving success perhaps a little long term thinking is required. Rant over.
Scully, this is where the ECB are more switched on than the FA as they have the England Futures Performance Programme. A lot of those who have become part of the England squads in all 3 formats in the last 2 or 3 years have played for the Lions.
Wales looking strong..... great equalizer...... but Belgium look dangerous on the break eh.... Surprised how much possession Wales had in the first half
Wales showing what can be done! Cracking game with great goals. Shame for Wales that Ramsey will miss the semi if they hold out.
What Wales have shown is that there is a need for a Winter break in English football, but only for England players - as long as it is accompanied by an Autumn, Spring and Summer break.
The FA will probably try and claim they (Wales) are helped by Bale having a break in Spain.. Robson Kanu is actually a free transfer I believe - be a few clubs after him now.