Tonight's football thread

[noel]

I thought it was more of the familiar old failings from England. All the players looked nervous and played worse than they do for their club sides (except perhaps Rooney, who had a good game). It's interesting that this is the first time they've brought in a sports psychologist - Hoddle's faith healer didn't count. This didn't seem to make any difference.

Until we can get a manager who can motivate players and get them to play up for England, it doesn't really matter about formations and players, we will always underperform.

That said, I think Roy should be allowed to continue what he's started. Reassess after the Euros.

[IainR]

So, bearing all that in mind, it's strange that you don't make the final step to seeing what the problem was last night.

First game against Italy - formation set up with Sterling in the hole, free to run at opponents, go either way with the ball and generally cause mayhem. Linked up with Sturridge well,brought Welbeck into play. Generally a threatening performance, let down only by ineffectiveness on the left-wing.

Solution? Common sense would say change the left-winger. Stick Lallana in and we'd have balance.

Instead, we changed the whole formation to accommodate the left midfielder from the first game, sticking him in the hole and moving the dangerous player out onto the right wing, where Uruguay were able to pin him to the touchline and reduce his effectiveness. Welbeck was anonymous out left and Sturridge hadn't got the link with Sterling that worked so well in the first game.

Whether Rooney played well or not (and I think he was ok, which isn't a ringing endorsement), last night proved the old rule that it's usually better to build a team of reasonable ability that works as a unit than build a team around one (supposedly) star individual. Yes blame defenders, yes blame the referee for not sending their man off, but last night was a game lost by the manager.

This is the problem with British football.. Static! I am gob smacked you can seriously think Lallana is the difference.. he's a decent player, good.. would make a difference, no chance. We created plenty of chances to win.. to think that was down to one position is just crazy talk..

Why have a 'left winger'? play with freedom.. It's how Fergie dominated the premier league for 20 years.. From Giggs to Sharp, to Ronaldo and Rooney.. all the front 4 could interchange.. England have great options to do that.. But we have too big a gap between midfield and the front because Henderson and Gerard drop too deep. Last night when Baines finally started being Baines, Barkley got on the bal, Henderson started making runs forwards we caused them trouble..

Most top teams now have freedom, players move around, City do it very well, but so do Liverpool.

The defence was woeful.. look at Liverpool.. you can't win things when you concede, especially in international tournaments..

I don't think we did build the team around Rooney, hence why he played left wing, but playing centrally he was a far better player.. but he's a good pro so does a job on the left.

But last night he was our best player by a mile, but most importantly he wanted to try things, he wanted to be on the ball, its why he's a top player because he wants to make a difference.. Too many went hiding. Welbeck did what welbeck does, solid but nothing special, Sterling froze (understandable at his age).. Gerrard went back to form and launched balls..

The big mistake was lambert.. we needed creativity.. not someone just stood up field.. Barkley made a massive difference because he wanted the ball, he wanted to beat men, Lallana didn't.. I'm just not convinced he can play at a top team, not at all..

[IainR]

I thought it was more of the familiar old failings from England. All the players looked nervous and played worse than they do for their club sides (except perhaps Rooney, who had a good game). It's interesting that this is the first time they've brought in a sports psychologist - Hoddle's faith healer didn't count. This didn't seem to make any difference.

Until we can get a manager who can motivate players and get them to play up for England, it doesn't really matter about formations and players, we will always underperform.

That said, I think Roy should be allowed to continue what he's started. Reassess after the Euros.

I thought effort wise it was there.. I'm quite positive.. the average age is great.. Stones and Shaw to come in.. Jones possibly.. the average age is superb, we played much more positive than we have for a long time, we had 13 shots at goal.. 62% of possession.. we just made stupid errors but we are certainly moving in the right direction.

[TheHeathens]

I didn't think we played at badly last night, or against Italy.

It's a young squad and they've gained valuable experience. I'd like to see Roy throw caution to the wind though and play a really attacking side against Costa Rica

[Alf]

Suarez has been scoring against better organised defences than England's in the Premier League all season so no surprise really last night. Italy will no doubt dish out a bit of physical intimidation to him when they play Uruguay to see how he reacts, probably what we should have done!

[Alf]

""Before the game too many people in England laughed about my attitude over the last few years," Suarez reflected. "This is a very good time for me. I want to see what they think now."

Does he mean the attitude that was responsible for the racial abuse and the biting he handed out? He has obviously not acquired any more maturity after that remark.

He will probably get the same treatment back in England that Ronaldo got when he returned from the World Cup having contributed to Rooney's sending off.

[Alf]

England think its all over.....

[Alf]

...it is now

[Richard Head]

According to Greg Dyke, Roy Hodgson will carry on as England manager till 2016, that's a shame I was looking forward to the biennial 'Harry Redknapp for England' campaign

[Stagger]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97RSuv8hroc

Any these lads were in a tough situation not paid millions for doing FA.