5am, Ascot Racecourse this morning, taking the chef for a corporate bash. Then on to Heathrow for a pickup. Best time of the day on the roads...
Very good. Yes, as I'm sure you know, Slovenia did try to win and very nearly did. Thing is, with a proper centre forward and a better final ball England would have made as many chances as they did. England were poor mate and even I can't cover up that fact. But I do believe we missed Lallana a lot and also Sterling to a lesser extent. Stones is still over playing at times and Henderson will never be a Gerrard. I'm not convinced by Southgate. We need someone to come in and really shake things up player wise and tactically. I think Rashford is the real deal and I would start him up front every game for the entire qualification period. I'd also keep Alli at 10 although he must stamp his authority more on the game. He disappeared 2nd half. Sturridge is very talented, but he often slows up play and is too selfish too often. Very pleased for Hart. He was truly world class last night. Lastly. If we need a goal bring Rooney on UP FRONT. He's scored a few in his time!
I didn't know at the time Col, I hadn't watched any of the game, and I am coming round to your view that international football games usually involve at least one team trying not to lose. If mid level international teams wake up to the fact that it's worth attacking England we could be in for some fun. Thankfully Scotland are not even a mid level team and don't have any strikers. Losing to them would be worse than losing to Iceland. I saw the highlights, we looked very lucky, plus good keeping. What did you like about Giggs? I have only seen him punditing a couple of times, he seemed a bit hesitant and nervous, but it may have been his debut in the role. But he did look like he was thinking about what he said, which is a plus.
Did you see the game? Most of the shots were horrendous, I kid you not when I say a couple went to throw ins! We had one, ONE shot on target until we took the lead in the 77th minute. Our first goal being an own goal scored by a plumber who plays part time football for fun in the San Marino second division. I didn't even know they had a first division. Agree with you though, I doubt they will change. For that the ineptitude is to great.
Thought it was a good game and England lost on points but got a draw This campaign it already looks like they are earning their stripes opposed to silly heavy pressure from fans who already think games of football are won I sense real development with this England squad they will be a very good side Just need to carry this form into tournament football The U.K. Fans are the problem Look how they influence team selection Rooney will need to recapture real desire naturally to become the player we know . Can't blame him as he reached his personal submit years ago Harts save was as good as Banks IMO brilliant I see no point in thinking of too many past players they won nothing as a group ... It clinging to a dream this team could actually win stuff IMO
Are you on the wacky stuff Earle? Or hoddles mate, the game was a drab affair, no flair no movement, no excitement, this team is going nowhere fast, I used to go to pubs watching & they was packed but not anymore, fans are bored with England, it's a shame team needs overhauling, as I said earlier give Austin a go up front.
Disagree...it was not a drab game at all. It was quite exciting...but not in the safe happy exciting sort of way.... much more in the "When were we going to concede sort of way".
Apologies. I think Slovenia were a decent side with good technical players. Luckily they didn't have a real cutting edge up front. I wouldn't put them in the same categorie as Malta et al, so they were entitled to attack us, although we still have over 60% possession. Giggs came across as very knowledgeable and gave good insights, particularly involving wide play.
I enjoyed it a growing New England side facing a passionate emerging football team who beat us on points Good game IMO very open and really thought England would Nick it when Townsend came on Few mistakes yep so what In Dyer and Stones there is st last great hope for England What fans really want is a 3-0 away win everytime Rooney in Rooney Out Shake it all about Hart out Hart in Time to again look inwards on what a UK fan has become and as QPR fans we should be well equipped to understand so that when it all gets better we will be on top mentally and intellectually
The best International teams keep their best players til they are well into their 30's if they are still fit and good enough. They still perform well and help ease the young players in. I never get why so many English fans always seem to want to discard anyone close to 30. As many, Rooney had a very bad game against Iceland but was one of our best otherwise in the Euro finals. Seems a player well worth keeping in the Squad while he is still good enough to be playing regularly in the PL.
No I haven't seen these last 2 games, but saw the Germany game where there was a horrific class difference. I just don't think Norway have enough players playing in top Leagues now to be successful Internationally. When they did so well in the nineties they had a team full of players doing well in the top English, German and other Leagues. Before they went Route 1 just before the 94 WC, they outplayed teams like Italy through the midfield not over it! Doubt we'll see that again...
More apprehensive...remember I support the mighty RRRRRs, so I exist in a bubble of "when are we going to concede"
That is absolutely correct. But under Høgmo we attempt to play expansive 4-4-2 like we have the same calibre of players as Germany, Spain etc. It's mindblowing to watch. We also lack fight and passion, the players look clueless out there, and that is 100% down to the management imo. Play to our strength, we don't have to look much further than to Iceland to see what's possible with the right gameplan and commitment.
I only remember 1 striker playing up front against Germany - Joshua King. And he was totally føkked after 30 minutes or so! Who do you want as the Manager then? I shouted for Rekdal before because he is or was a winner - not so sure now! I don't think Solbakken can cut it when the going gets tough.
