Just saw a comment on BBC website that says on Rooney: his record as England's top goal scorer is the most misleading statistic in football history
Well I wouldn't go quite that far, but I can interpret/understand what is meant. Throughout Rooney's international career he has often flattered to deceive, yet he sits there with a bucket load of English caps and having the highest total goals. And yet he doesn't hold a candle to Gary Lineker, Jimmy Greaves, or even Alan Shearer and Mick Channon. But they were out-n-out strikers with strikers' instincts and I've never believed that of Rooney. He has been much more in the mould of Charlton, for me, and his record compares in that respect. However, whereas Charlton was considered to be one of the greatest world players of his generation, and scored significantly in tournaments, playing well right up until his last game at 32 in Mexico 1970, Rooney has been diminished greatly as a force for several years. Mind you, if he carries on being picked for England, and that shouldn't be a guarantee, I hope he plays in an attacking midfield role, which is his best effective position, in my opinion. Does he have one last hurrah in him.?
I see the Wales squad being quite heavily criticised for overtly celebrating England's demise at the Euros. Why.? What are they supposed to do, sit meekly and disappointedly, sharing their fellow professionals sorrow.? No, of course not. They're having a laugh. They're celebrating the fact that they are the top team in Britain. They have been in the professional shadow of the England team throughout their Welsh careers. Crikey, if it were me, I'd be doing exactly the same.
I just think it makes the team look small. I always support the home countries (and ROI) just behind England. Cannot imagine England celebrating Wales going out. Not angry or anything....I spent four years in Cardiff so I expect it. Just used to shake my head sadly and move on. However, I'm still supporting Wales in the tournament.
Wales are insignificant to us really. I want them to do well. Kind of like Bournemouth to saints. Back to Rooney, his problem (as it has been for ages) is that he slows the game down, wanting too many touches. It's embarrassing. Every quick counter we have, ends because Rooney takes five touches. He plays those Hollywood passes sure - but it's too late as the opposition defence are already back and set to defend it by the time he sorts his feet out. Although on the surface he played Ok this tournament, I would argue that him being constantly picked hurt us massively - AGAIN.
BTW, if you want to be entertained by England football pundits then pop across to last night's BBC R5 Live Sport programme: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07h8n8n In it there are no holds barred comments from Chris Waddle, Danny Murphy, Danny Mills, Alan Shearer, and most significantly from Gary Lineker. Presented by Mark Chapman. They can't hide their shame and they don't try.
There were plenty of England fans celebrating when Scotland didn't qualify. Although I wouldn't 'support' another home nation I would certainly want them to do well, much like other English teams/Celtic in the Champions League. Have probably supported the home nations more than usual this tournament due to Long, Bale and S. Davis though. Same with the other teams with Saints players in.
From BBC Football. Against Iceland. Agree with this, and comments? Joe Hart (goalkeeper) 3 Dreadful tournament summed up by his error for Iceland's winner. Overheated again in the tunnel before kick-off. Made a couple of decent saves but damage done. Kyle Walker (right-back) 4 His worst night of what had been a good tournament. Recalled but was caught out for first goal and wasted any attacking positions. Danny Rose (left-back) 4 No shortage of effort but still looks short of international class. Chris Smalling (centre-back) 4 Uncertain under physical pressure from Iceland's attackers. Never looked totally settled. Gary Cahill (centre-back) 4 Same as Smalling and the rest of England's team. Nervous, unsettled, poor. Eric Dier (midfield) 4 Had a good tournament and one of just four players to start all four games, but was way off the pace on Monday. Taken off at half-time but will come again. Dele Alli (midfield) 4 Struggled to make any sort of impact on this game - and indeed Euro 2016. Wayne Rooney (midfield) 4 Another who had played well but this might just have been his worst England performance. Never seen so many passes go astray in the second half. Raheem Sterling (forward) 4 Surprisingly recalled despite doubts about his confidence. Won a penalty but his confidence looks shot. Substituted. Harry Kane (forward) 4 Complete nightmare. Missed a good headed chance in the second half and took a collection of the worst free-kicks and set-pieces seen at this level. Daniel Sturridge (forward) 4 Busy early on playing on the right of the front three but completely wasted out there. Faded along with everyone else. Substitutes Jack Wilshere (for Dier 45 minutes) 4 Nowhere near fit enough to be taken to this tournament and could not put his imprint on the game. Jamie Vardy (for Sterling 59 minutes) 4 Plenty of pace and energy but by then the game's pattern was set. Marcus Rashford (for Rooney 86 minutes) No rating Almost a contender for England's man of the match with his running and endeavour…in his four minutes. I think they are remarkably fair scores.
I would have given Rashford a 5.5, Joe Hart 2, rest 3s. Actually Walker 2 as well, Rooney only escapes a 2 as he scored.
I wouldn't even give Kane a 1. That was one of the worst performances I've ever seen from a professional footballer. He couldn't pass, control a ball or shoot. His free kicks... My god.
What's pissed me off most (well as much as Sterling playing) is that Lallana was probably our best player during the group stages, and he was dropped to force Sturridge into a right wing position. Hodgson's love affair with a winger (Welbeck) who scores and tracks back ruined him I think.
An ex-player on Sky (also a Geordie by the sound of him) said our trouble was a lack of a particular way of playing. We should have a system and pick the people to play it....Hodgson just picked players and the rest of the team had to cope. A lack of identity really.
My thoughts exactly. No plan, not discipline, no motivation. Apparently Kane asked the ref "will we be out if we lose this?" At half time
If you're referring to his speech impediment, that's hardly his fault. If you're referring to his inability to articulate his thoughts, he's hardly alone in that amongst English footballers.
He's still in the majority. Players like JWP, for example, are a rarity. Probably why he's captain of the U21s. He can talk.!
