England 2 Trinidad & Tobago 0
Well that was a bit of an effort. I thought we were heading into the final game needing a result against the Swedes to go through.
It was a flattering result after a poor performance and I'm sure the English press are going to have a field day with this. But there were some positives;
1) We got 3 points and qualified.
2) Rooney is back.
3) Lennon is class (and I hope he gets the credit he deserves for changing the game).
4) Beckham can play at right-back.
5) Hargreaves stayed on the bench.
I thought the first 45 minutes was the worst of the World Cup so far and the Hollywood passes were infuriating. Some of the players looked uninterested (Ferdinand especially), or as if the result was a given, even when it was still 0-0.
I'm not sure where this leaves Owen. Rooney will need the game time but will Sven risk him for the full 90 minutes when we only need a draw to top the group?
It was a flattering result after a poor performance and I'm sure the English press are going to have a field day with this. But there were some positives;
1) We got 3 points and qualified.
2) Rooney is back.
3) Lennon is class (and I hope he gets the credit he deserves for changing the game).
4) Beckham can play at right-back.
5) Hargreaves stayed on the bench.
I thought the first 45 minutes was the worst of the World Cup so far and the Hollywood passes were infuriating. Some of the players looked uninterested (Ferdinand especially), or as if the result was a given, even when it was still 0-0.
I'm not sure where this leaves Owen. Rooney will need the game time but will Sven risk him for the full 90 minutes when we only need a draw to top the group?
posted by Jonny @ 4:12 AM
3 Comments:
At 16/6/06 3:22 PM,
Andy said…
To be honest, I can't help but feel that a lot of the critisism England have faced is a bit harsh. Admittedly the first half last night was patchy to say the least, and we still seem to be taking the wrong options (i.e., long diagonal balls when we have one of the best midfield's in the World, supposedly). The expectation on England this year means that anything other than a World class performance every game will be criticised heavily.
Some players clearly suffered from that subconscious feeling that we would be able to win without trying. But as well as the positives that you pulled out, it was also another clean sheet and I really think that teams will find it hard to break us down. (Although Argentina did look class today, admittedly)
Gerard did say this-morning that England will not win the World cup playing like that, and that he believes England have a 'couple of extra gears' that they will be able to utilise in the later stages. Let's hope so.
At 16/6/06 4:33 PM,
Me said…
As you say, Jonny, at least Hargreaves stayed on the bench this time, rather than being brought on to win the game for us.
I kind of agree with Andy. I think we made loads of chances. Whilst it was frustrating and nerve-wracking viewing, we could've won it four or five nil. Then the press (and us) would be talking differently.
Still think Rooney should play a half at the most in the next game. He looked very fit for two minutes, then knackered for the rest.
At 17/6/06 12:44 AM,
Jonny said…
Oh yeah, I fogot to mention the clean sheet as a positive. Thanks John Terry.
The expectation levels are huge and England were probably in a lose-lose situation in that game, with everyone expecting a handful of goals. I'm sure it will all come good and I look forward to us putting on some fantastic performances.
Richybonch - dear oh dear. Some things will never change. Is there German blood coursing through your veins?
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