I agree, but equally, these are the best in england, if they have no faith in their leader, surely they can devise a plan, even during the game, adapt to what's happening, draw Iceland out, make room for one over the top for vardy, get down the wings, play in the box. But no, they can't find a way to create anything in the 2nd 45. I'm more pissed off than I thought I'd be.
I agree about some sort of mental disability. There is something in the English psyche whatever the sport we play. Time after time we seem to lack the mental toughness to face up to task in hand. You seldom see that with the Germans or the Italians, except in friendlies when it doesn't matter and they learn something from it anyway. We do the reverse; we play well when it doesn't matter, then fool ourselves that we're world-beaters, only to show once more that we can't handle it.
The irony is, I was rooting for Iceland from about 65 minutes.....England were so awful it was almost unbearable to watch.
Can we stop bigging up Iceland? They are brave and organised and they're also quite ****. France will put 3 or 4 past them.
The pundits on RTE are laying into the players as being totally inept in skill sets, the over hyped Premier League and the brand that has been created by Scudamore and how they all believe in their own hype and press cuttings........
Actually Col I'm quite content to give Iceland all the credit, they played the better football, closed down the England not allowing them any time on the ball and looked the more likely team to score......so no, I actually want them to go all the way in this competition. What's the saying? Humble in Victory, Magnaminous in defeat........
Apart from our rugby players. Perhaps we need Jones to manage the football team. Hodgson has resigned. Not sure who can take over?
There is a bit of a theme coming through Col - Leicester, Italy, Iceland (agree they are severely limited, and shouldn't be on the list) nearly Atletico Madrid - teams without stars which have an identity, a style, some flexibility and total spirit. One day someone will remember how Alf Ramsey won the World Cup - by picking a team to play the way he wanted, regardless of 'stars'.
If they want to progress they need a manager that can tactically influence a game whilst it is in progress, who's next? I'd give Eddie Howe a go...
Just sad that the England side that looked so promising during the last 12 months didn't turn up.....they had a real chance to go all the way.
