Yes, Sturridge wasn't at his best; but he frightens defenders with his pace and acceleration. I thought all the "youngsters" did well. How many times did Gerrard give the ball away though? Although he scored the second and played a big part, he is increasingly prone to lose possession (and not just with his long passes). Rooney is beginning to look like his old self. He seems to have so much time and be able to extricate himself and the ball from impossible situations. He's thriving under Hodgson. I think Roy H has done a great job. Unbeaten and showing how, when you've got the team working well defensively, you can afford to be more expansive in attack. (Now where have we heard that before? .)
first of all, i thought it was an absolutely cracking football match, full of excitement. the first half in particular was great, chances at both ends, open play, some abysmal defending but the 2nd was a little more cagey although still action-packed. had i been a neutral i'd have still been sitting on the edge of my seat throughout. carrick for me was man of the match - i was very surprised to see him taken off, especially for lampard. it was noticeable how fragile we looked when he went off. welbeck was excellent once again - i really can't understand why anyone would criticise him at the moment - he's a good individual talent but he's a great team player, unlike many of his team mates. rooney too had a very good game and is closing in rapidly on sir bobby charlton's goal record. the major worries for me are in midfield where steven gerrard is nowhere near good enough anymore. i know he scored but he was pretty awful - giving the ball away, always trying to do too much with his passing when a simple option is on, not closing down quick enough - he was extremely poor and his goal has glossed completely over it with itv, probably inevitably, falling into the trap by stating after the game he was 'outstanding' and 'led by example'. no he didn't - he was ****e. this is far from the first time he's been poor for his country. i wouldn't pick him. he should be in the squad, don't get me wrong - he's still one of england's better players - but i wouldn't play him as a first choice and he certainly shouldn't be captain. get wilshere in, get barkley in. quick word for chris smalling too who, played out of position, played well. made a couple of positional errors early on but settled into the role. and joe hart did well too, made one vital block. pleased for him but pleased for hodgson most of all. no, he isn't particularly charismatic, no he isn't 'arry redknapp, but he's a good coach and you don't get to manage clubs like inter milan if you're crap. i think, considering this is some way short of a 'great england squad', he's done well to get us to brazil, albeit it wasn't the strongest group - it was still a competitive group. we won't win the world cup any time soon but the main thing is to get there and see what happens. a world cup without england just isn't as enjoyable.
Just watched some extended highlights of the Scotland game (busy day). Snodgrass appeared to be playing behind the striker - looked good too, decent movement and link up play.
Only saw the highlights but Rusty also appeared to put in a solid performance for the Scots. Croatia did not have that many shots on target. saw one trade mark block.
so, who do we have who could be going to the world cup then? i know it's a way off, but worth a comment Leory Fer? started last night vs turkey (according to NCFC facebook page), if he continues his good form for us he should be on the plane you'd have thought Elmander and Olsson, Sweden face a play-off but are one of the stronger teams in there along with France and Portugal John Ruddy? will need to play well to keep his place when Ben Foster returns from injury and if Fraser Forster continues to play well. Outsiders - Gary Hooper, given limited striking options for England.
Tough to call. Just thinking off the top of my head, there's an awful lot of competition for CM positions in the Dutch squad: Sneijder Van der Vaart Strootman Wijnaldum Schaars Maher N. de Jong S. de Jong Clasie Van Ginkel De Guzman As for the rest, I can see Ruddy and Olsson being there, probably Elmander too. Don't think we'll see Hooper though unless he scores a ridiculous number of goals this season. RvW maybe?
agreed JK. isn't van ginkel out for the season, so you can cross him off at least? they have plenty of options and are a strong team
In other news, did you hear about Panama? They were leading USA 2-1, 90 seconds away from a playoff with New Zealand, when they conceded twice in stoppage time completely blowing it! Mexico fortuitously go into the playoff instead!
