From Rhys Jaggar:
So England came within 90 seconds of being close to going home: without Sturridge’s last-minute goal, they would have 3pts and sweating on going out.
They played like against Poland 1973, except the goalkeeper didn’t have to make many saves and the opponents were a lot worse.Not that all the ‘changes’ were bad.
Nathaniel Clyne showed that England have two rampaging right backs. He can be justly satisfied with his contribution last night. Bertrand was fine although I don’t think he’ll be dislodging Danny Rose in a head-to-head soon. Henderson did his job OK.
However, Wilshere starting was a sad farce, given that it was quickly clear that he was not match sharp nor fully fit.
The thing with that game, though, was this: if England had scored one, the floodgates could have opened.
Slovakia had decided that 4pts would see them through and therefore playing for a draw and possibly nicking a 1-0 by chance was their preferred strategy.
England’s appeared to be playing tippy-tippy without forward movement. Many times I was saying: ‘for fuck’s sake, Sturridge et al are just standing still – how can you pass to them like that?’
They had no idea how to break down two banks of four did they? Towards the end, they resorted to individuals trying to be heroes shooting from 25 yards. More swearing chez Jaggar.
However, on a brighter note, England’s pressing strategy looked good and they did retain the ball better than usual England teams.
One is minded to ask whether it is time for England to follow the lead of English rugby and hire a proven top international coach for the national side. An amiable duffer just doesn’t cut it at the Euros or the World Cup, does he?
Did you read Carlo Ancelotti’s DT article just prior to the Euros?
If foreign diplomacy is about shooting someone with soft words and a smile on your face, Ancelotti’s ambassadorship is in the bag.
The most important words he wrote: ‘Everyone must know their job exactly’. Too many of England’s players either don’t or aren’t doing it properly. That’s on the manager’s desk, I’m afraid…..
The one thing, of course is this: no teams look that outstanding as yet.
My view is that the best two so far are Italy and Spain.
If Wales’ performance last night had been against a proper football team rather than one which should be pelted with tomatoes upon returning home, you could add them to the list. They will fancy their chances of doing a Greece.
England are still in it though.
And if Wayne Rooney can take his anger out on the last 16 opponents rather than his manager, who knows what might happen?
Myles says:
Football is a game of opinion, Rhys.
And opinion makes the world go round, as Brian Clough said.
I would not have taken Wilshere or Sterling or Sturridge to France.
I’m gobsmacked when I see journos on TV telling me Sturridge is the most talented striker England have.
Like you, I scream and shout while watching England. And I’m nervous all day before games in a tournament like this. But don’t know why. I can explain most of my behaviour but not that.
Didn’t see that Carlo piece but did read the FT Lunch With feature on him on May 27th
Didn’t know his wife is Canadian and lives in Vancouver.
Carlo said his life changed in 1987 when he was brought to AC Milan by Arrigo Sacchi, the Pope of pressing. Sacchi got them to challenge for the ball high up the pitch and force errors.
Pressing, by my definition, is attacking when you don’t have the ball.
Pressing would have worked for England last night if Hodgson hadn’t started the rusty Wilshere and the super-selfish Sturridge.
Selection is 80% of the job.
A proven foreign coach who has managed in the Premier League could improve the England team.
As long as he wasn’t a bully like Fabio Capello or a groupie like Sven.