I personally thought it was average, although Sturridges goal was a goal to be savoured..... after 70 mins it just became " a mess " like all friendlies with so many subs..it loses the fluidity maybe just use 4?
I got bored after 60 mins had a shower and made myself a cheese sandwich on reflection I should of added some ham.....
once the subs started coming on it destroyed the balance a bit, there were some lucky "saved" by the keeper moments in the first half.. think 3rd in our group unless we get it together more... draws with Italy and Uruguay a win against Costa Rica will give us 5 points.. then either Italy or Uruguay getting a result would put us 2nd assuming they also both beat Costa Rica!
I thought Sturridge oozes class, but the older players were feeling the effects of the high velocity training which is going on, and none more so than Rooney. I understand he has been taking extra training in a desperate desire to hit the World Cup fit and healthy for once. I think he needs to take it easy for a few days, because he looked f--ked. I reckon he could still provide some shocks once the tournament gets going However the most worrying older player for me is Gerrard, The Un-dropable One. Fact is, with Wilshere (who looked like he was enjoying himself) in Gerrard's position, we look slick and pass the ball with skill and penetration. This could be a good month for Wilshere. Alongside him, the young and emerging Henderson was impressive in the holding role. With this system, England finally began to get a shape - Classy Lalana on the right and the midfield looking dominant on an international stage for the first time since Beckham and Scholes, or even (he said hesitantly) Gascoigne and Platt. The piece de resistance for me was an exciting glimpse into England's future with the 20 year old Barkley. One confident and dominating run and clever pass was indeed Gazza-like, and full of promise. The chief concern has to be the defence. Cahill is an accomplice, not the great libero, and as such he is excellent. But we need a Bobby Moore. In fact we have one in John Stones, but here is the rub, because those brilliant youngsters may be 2 years too early. Or maybe the next month will turn one into a world beater... I do love the World Cup
Personally think Gerrard isn't the answer, he looked overweight especially when you saw a more nimble Wilshire run on to take his place. I like Barkley too and think he could have a great World Cup.We also have Lampard in the squad. Just hope he doesn't get any ideas about playing him and Gerrard together. Gascoigne at his peak was possibly the best and most talented midfielder England had and it is a real shame when you see him today.
Lots of possession without creating any chances in the first half, scored from big players at set pieces second half.. Reminded me of somewhere but cant think who.
from recent times we are lacking a Neville a Rio OR a Terry...... Up front we probably have the players to score, but need a gerrard or a lampard of 2-3 years ago Thought Welbeck did enough....
Gazza gave us something which we lost in 1970 - our self respect. With him at our hub, we looked like an authentic international side instead of a bunch of mercenary strangers with no love of playing football. Gazza would always have developed his love of stupidity and alcoholism, but I do think it was his injury that messed up his head as well as his knee. And as they do say, the closer to genius the closer to madness
Didn't see the game due to the time difference, but I think the next 2 friendlies should be used to look at a midfield pairing that does not include Gerrard, I think a pairing of Henderson/Wilshire could well be the key. I would start with Hart Johnson Cahill Jones Baines Lallana Wilshire Hendersonn Sterling Sturridge Welbeck
Hart Cahill Jagielka Baines Ox Wilshere Gerrard Lallana Sterling Barkley Sturridge Gerrard sitting deep allowing Wilshere and Lallana to get forward where they are move dangerous, Sterling and OX on the wings for pace, Rooney deserves to be dropped as does Glen Johnson. Want to see Barkley have a go. Only a friendly so its worth experimenting a bit before the real work starts. (Pointless not picking Gerrard as Woy will never drop him)
Good call, except I would hope they leave Jones on the plane. John Stones should be there in his place. All we can do is hope Jones gets injured
I know come the tournament we will see Gerrard & Rooney in the starting eleven, just would like to see Woy use these 2 friendlies to explore other options in case Stevie G gets injured/suspended, unless he tries new partnerships in the middle of the park the fallback will be............ Lampard the sprightly 35 year old!!
