England v Holland. 29.3.2016. Wembley

[PhilM]

....I think it's easy to confuse poor defending and poor defenders. My opinion is that Everton suffers more from poor defending as opposed to having poor defenders. It's an important distinction.

Baines, Jagielka and Stones have shown that they're more than competent defenders. The problem is the setup, not the players as you rightly infer.

 

[Eggs]

Wouldn't surprise me if Hodgson hasn't already got Smalling and Cahill down as his first choice centre - half's.

....possibly but I think he sees Stones as unique in having the ability to break with the ball. He offers something the other two don't and I think Hodgson will utilise that skill as long as Stones proves his form.

 

[LouReedwalkonthewildside]

Baines, Jagielka and Stones have shown that they're more than competent defenders. The problem is the setup, not the players as you rightly infer.

The set - up can't be blamed though for those defenders you mention not being able to head a ball clear, or making mistakes, something they have all been guilty off quite a bit this season.

 

[FOXINPEACE]

It's like Carlton Palmer all over again........

Or Leon Osman

 

[LouReedwalkonthewildside]

....possibly but I think he sees Stones as unique in having the ability to break with the ball. He offers something the other two don't and I think Hodgson will utilise that skill as long as Stones proves his form.

If it was me I would have Stones and Smalling as first choice in the Euro's.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

What's happened to the Dutch national team?

That starting 11 is horrible.

Changing of the guard. Only problem is that we seem to have changed our guard with that of Belgium. Think it will take a long while before we're back as a major force.

 

[Jxg]

Forster is an absolute unit

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Well in England supporters during that Dutch anthem

Perfectly observed

 

[quasi modo]

Changing of the guard. Only problem is that we seem to have changed our guard with that of Belgium. Think it will take a long while before we're back as a major force.

Always enjoyed watching the Dutch and was familiar with most players in the national squad but not anymore.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

James Milner as England captain though

FFS

 

[duncs pigeon]

James Milner as England captain though

FFS

Why not? Hes the best choice out of that starting 11

 

[sageyefc]

Don't let me down Holland

 

[PhilM]

The set - up can't be blamed though for those defenders you mention not being able to head a ball clear, or making mistakes, something they have all been guilty off quite a bit this season.

I disagree. I'm not completely exonerating them of any blame as they have had their own individual poor games and have also made mistakes.

Yet, I find it remarkable (and pretty unlikely) that three proven and competent defenders all suffer a major lull in form at the same time.

I suppose it may just be coincidence, but I'm more inclined to think that there has been a catalyst for their demise: in this instance our approach.

Jagielka is clearly uncomfortable on the ball as Martinez wants him to play, while Stones has been clearly asked to play suicide football at the back.

Baines I'd say is a combination of our defensive setup and its frailties and the fact he's had very little support in front of him this season.

Again they're obviously not without fault, however with a slightly more defensive minded approach that suits their style I think they'd improve.

 

[PhilM]

Changing of the guard. Only problem is that we seem to have changed our guard with that of Belgium. Think it will take a long while before we're back as a major force.

Sorry to say this but I looked at your squad genuinely saw nobody who I'd say is anything above an average to good talent.

You do have lots of injuries though haven't you? Would your line up be much improved if that were not the case?

 

[Eggs]

If it was me I would have Stones and Smalling as first choice in the Euro's.

....and me, Mate.