Morning after and I got to thinking about about the fine lines in football between success & failure. Remember Shearer & David Hirst getting their first cap, Shearer got a fortunate goal, Hirst played better, but didn't score. Rest was history. If Rickie hadn't have scored that header, but had subsequently hit the post and scuffed that later shot, the headlines would have been very different. In fact, I guarantee that would have been his only cap. But a perfect delivery and Rickie's natural instincts meant all that is irrevelant now. Its great to see good things happen to a good person.
On way into Southend on a London-bound train. Business types all sat there with their papers and Rickie is all over them. Awesome moment.
My joy has been slightly tempered this morning by my discovery that William Hill void all goalscorer bets for players not in the starting lineup. You have to look pretty hard in the small print to find that one let me tell you...
The bottom line is that England were MUCH better when Rooney went off. Lambert quite simply looks a better player. Would Rooney have scored that goal? No! Would Rooney have even been in the positions Lambert was for his other chances? Doubtful. Did Lambert make more successful passes in 25 minutes than Rooney did for 65? Don't know but it seemed like he did. Will Rooney start next game? Of course! I think Lambert and Lampard made the difference. Rooney and Wilshere as a linking pair were woeful. What a night!
If you read my post I'm referring to the game at Wembley in Feb when we beat Brazil 2-1 not the game in Brazil. Just checked and the starting midfield and attack were the same.
King Rickie will live long in the memory for us who have seen his magnificence in person week in week out
Just seeing the news scrolling across the bottom of the screen on SSN re King Rickie. Hodgson saying that there will be more competition next time, and that Rickie will have to continue to work hard (not that he's likely to slack off!) for Southampton. Also, that 'he certainly won't be getting struck off my list lightly' I like Hodgson, and I hope he keeps his word and doesn't pick other strikers that may be underperforming? Hopefully Nevilles's presence is useful, as he (and Hodgson) clearly believe in him.
Think it will be a straight choice between Rickie and Carroll. Sadly if Carroll stays fit I think he'll get the Brazil spot.
Agreed. And Sturridge missed the squad this time too. Defoe isn't getting used much at Spurs recently so maybe that can continue. I think from his comments, Gary Neville is a big Lambert fan and may have had a big influence on Roy with the selection of Lambert.
One wonders if this performance will perhaps open the door for more "unconventional" players so to speak. I'm looking at Joe Hart's spot in particular, that howler is one he's made once too often.
Let's hope so DTLW. . I know we're be accused of being biaised but Rickie has so much more to his game than Carroll imo
