I went to watch the game live as its only down the road from me. Disappointed JWP and NR didn't start. Jack Stephens looked very steady although not properly tested Abrahams looks really special at centre forward and Grelish very talented
Sturridge has been absolutely ****e so far. Slovenia hit the post and then miss an open goal after some of the worst defending I've ever seen from England.
Right so I missed the first 15 minutes but I can finally see what everyones saying... We're a much better team without Rooney
Walker with a poor cross - 'that's very unlike him' says Hoddle. That's all he's done in a game and a half for England!
Build-up play too slow and no end product. We've looked okay when firing passes bypassing through their midfield and into Ali when he finds pockets of space. Quick interchanges between midfield and attack is what we need, but we are relying solely on Alli to find space - Walcott and Lingard just hugged the touch line and offered absolutely nothing But passing between Hendo and Dier, then out to right back/left back then onto right wing /left wing and then back is too sloooooow. Never going to drag defenders out of position like that.
The back four look so uncomfortable trying to play keep ball, when being pressed. Too many wrong passing choices being made. Ball control is embarrassing. Why, when they spend so much time on the training pitch, are English players so inept at controlling the ball with one touch? Even when they manage to stop the ball dead, they invariably need a second, or third, touch to get the ball into a position to pass it, by which time gaps have been closed.
Much better game than when we play at home against a team that just sits back though. I'm mildly enjoying this.
'Why are English players so inept at controlling the ball' I touched on this earlier... it's because we still value pace/power above technical ability & skill at youth level. These ain't a great side by any stretch but I'd say they are technically better.
If the strength is in pace and power then that's the style they need to play with. Either pick technical players to play a slow, clever build up game, or pick quicker more powerful and get things moving. Not pick one type to do the other!
Or change the entire set up in the country because international football moved on donkeys years ago I do take your point, it's just another short term thing imo.
