There seem to be plenty of people concerned by how so many changes might affect the momentum of the team, and I must admit that I'd be a lot more comfortable if we had seen out the Russia game and were sitting on 6 points right now, but at the same time I understand why we may want to rest certain players and get others some action. They should be up to the challenge and for England to make an impact on this tournament we will to take calculated risks at times. Vardy and Sturridge are very accomplished forwards, Wilshere (if fit) is one of our best players (though hopefully will remained disciplined defensively), and there were plenty of people suggesting Clyne should start ahead of Walker before the tournament started (who has been little short of magnificent - possibly the best right back in the tournament so far). Never been convinced by Henderson, and Bertrand still has a point to prove, but as I said, they should have what it takes to get the job done. If they can't, then you could argue that England don't deserve to finish top of the group. I rate Slovakia and think they will ask questions of us, but they will set up defensively once again, so it's down to us to take control and assert dominance - if things click, then I can see us scoring a few. If we're to be undone it'll most likely be through nervous defending.
I think this is a mistake. I will say that now rather than in hindsight later.. (I also sincerely hope I am wrong)
Agree with the strikers coming in and the 2 full backs being rested. Real concern in midfield though and 6 changes is a definite risk. Hope Bertrand plays well and keeps his place. I think the better teams,as we go further will identify our weakness in defence, particularly Danny Rose. He's great going forward but defensively suspect.
Good luck to you all, I will be keeping an eye on your result but tonight it's all about Wales. But good luck and hopefully we both go through
Wales are absolutely smashing it so far . Obviously it's England first for me, but genuinely want Wales and N. Ireland (and Republic) to do well. Would love to see them give a giant a bloody nose. England, as predicted, facing another defensive wall (or two). Keep like we have and we will break through...
I think the changes hinted a bit too much at complacency by resting players. However 3 games dominated against 3 teams who have parked the bus. Very unlucky not to have won it
Don't know if it is just me but I thought that goals aside, that was one of the best team performances I have seen from an England team in many a year. - total domination - quick and slick inter-passing - no aerial ****e When was the last time in living memory that we had 29 attempts in a game, we don't normally have that many in an entire tournament. A 4 or 5 goal victory would not have been unjust and we would all have been raving. Maybe it was better (not deliberately) to get over excited because if we play like that again, someone will get a proper hiding.... Disappointed we didn't win but overall, very happy with the performance...
I think suggesting that the changes indicated a sign of complacency is an insult to the players brought in - they're still talented players; many of which people hammered Hodgson for not starting the last game! There's still a case to criticise the team for not being able to find a way through, but I don't think that starting with the same 11, or with fewer changes would automatically have meant we would have won - you will scarcely see a more one-sided game at a European Championship.
Roy Hodgson made some wonderful tactical changes tonight and we qualified 2nd in our group, what a hero...
So frustrating how we can't score a bloody goal, good performances in the games overall but still really annoying how we can't put the ball in the net
29 attempts ? Probably my memory but I can think of 2 that were real chances - Vardy and Alli. And don't forget Smalling's best attempt - for them. Hodgson would have been toast if that had gone in. Just hope our inability to score doesn't mean another penalty shoot-out exit.
Portugal next possibly.. agree about the chances but Sturridge should have scored too though. Rashford on sub last night may have made a difference, Kane brought nothing and hasn't done all tournament. My £200 QF ticket is toast but I should have known better, I have no faith whatsoever in this manager he presided over the worst world cup performance ever last time and despite having a young, in form, hungry squad he's making us look like journey men again. (and playing them too Henderson!!) The football reminds me of City under Sean O'Dismal..
We are in danger of facing France if we get to the Quarters. Possibly the worst option we could have got. This is something like what happened in 1998 in France, when we came second in our group and ended up having to play the fancied Argentinians, and also when we got flattened by the young Germany a few years ago Will we never learn about the importance of winning our group ?
Possibility of Portugal (last 16), knocking out the French at the stage de France (quarter final), Germany/Spain/Italy (semi final)
