Internationals tonight.

[davek]

I think Andy Townsend made a good point, England's players are so immobile on the ball. Both centre midfielders drop deep and either pass the ball out to a fullback or back to there own centre backs.

Neither of them look to turn and start things themselves, like Arteta does for or Alonso would do for Liverpool. Control, turn and look for a forward pass.

The same thing in the Champions League final, the massive difference between Xavi and Carrick in the deep lying playmaker role. England still lack a Paul Scholes.

The England set up rely on what they think are outstanding rampaging full backs bombing forward: Cole, Johnson - Richards when he was in the frame. It's one dimensional and completely predictable.


Good goal by Defo, btw.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

The England set up rely on what they think are outstanding rampaging full backs bombing forward: Cole, Johnson - Richards when he was in the frame. It's one dimensional and completely predictable.


Good goal by Defo, btw.

Pace, power and athleticism over ability, it isn't the way forward. Sadly it all starts at youth level for England.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

Btw, your support is great, I have to say. Can only hear the English support singing.

 

[Jamo Martinez]

Macedonia 2 - 0 Spain

42 minutes gone. 2 goals for Pandev

 

[Dutch Toffee]

2-2, you deserved it 2nd half.

 

[GhostOfDixie]

Did Well
C Cole, Green, Defoe, Beckham, Milner

Ok
A Cole, Terry, Lampard, Carrick, Bridges, Rooney

Poor
Ferdinand, Barry, SWP, Heskey

Did they even play???
Young

 

[kenada_blue]

Pace, power and athleticism over ability, it isn't the way forward. Sadly it all starts at youth level for England.

I think that's what summed the 2nd half. We performed better by putting some pace on and really just went for power, bit of hoof, and strength.

Carlton Cole is better at doing the Heskey job than Heskey being that he can actually get into goal scoring oppourtunities as well has hold the ball up.

Defoe added that pace over the last man. I do like Defoe but more times than not at international level he needs 4 chances to score one. But you've got to be there I guess.

Wright Phillips or Aaron Lennon on the right if Walcott aint fit.

Left is still a problem. Aint got a better player than Joe Cole there..but Milner played well.

But we still dont have that player able to take the ball off the defenders and bring it out. I do think Beckham could do it if we're getting desperate. And I would play Carrick over Barry.

And Glen Johnson loves to defend...shame he cant.

 

[GhostOfDixie]

Ashley Young was woeful. I would have been ashamed of his non-performance tonight, especially as he gives the big man in the Premier league.

 

[GhostOfDixie]

2113: James Milner replaces Ashley Young to win his first full England cap. Graham Taylor's verdict on Young: "He has done quite well. The service hasn't been all that plentiful, but he has been prepared to go looking for it."

Is he stoned? Ashley Young was garbage, when he did get a chance to cross he hoofed it. Milner crossed and we looked dangerous.

That Taylor talks some [Poor language removed].

 

[kenada_blue]

Ashley Young was woeful. I would have been ashamed of his non-performance tonight, especially as he gives the big man in the Premier league.

That's his 3rd run out I think and it was exactly the same, he's 1 dimensional. People wondered why Stuart Downing was played over him...but despite not ever clearing the near post man on a cross, has more to his game than Ashley "kick and run" Young.

 

[kenada_blue]

2113: James Milner replaces Ashley Young to win his first full England cap. Graham Taylor's verdict on Young: "He has done quite well. The service hasn't been all that plentiful, but he has been prepared to go looking for it."

Is he stoned? Ashley Young was garbage, when he did get a chance to cross he hoofed it. Milner crossed and we looked dangerous.

That Taylor talks some [Poor language removed].

Its the same thing that happened with Agbonglahor when he got his cap. Did nothing all game, he just didnt have the smarts and is a right winger turned striker. Carlton Cole came on and created about 4 chances, having one cleared off the line - reason why? He's a striker 1st and has added to his game.

 

[GhostOfDixie]

It's the "kiss arse" mentality that does my head in. At least cricket experts talk the truth and don't blow smoke up players arses.

If they were [Poor language removed] they were [Poor language removed], end of. Don't sugar coat it. To be honest it's the same attitude from Everton fans, I prefer to critique rather than caress.

 

[Jamo Martinez]

Spain have turned it round. 3-2 now Torres, Pique and Riera with the goals. Great goal by Riera to be honest. dedicated it to Dani Jarque.

Off thread but has anyone noticed that when there's a minute's silence, most last about 35 seconds?

 

[ToxtethBlue]

I think that's what summed the 2nd half. We performed better by putting some pace on and really just went for power, bit of hoof, and strength.

Carlton Cole is better at doing the Heskey job than Heskey being that he can actually get into goal scoring oppourtunities as well has hold the ball up.

Defoe added that pace over the last man. I do like Defoe but more times than not at international level he needs 4 chances to score one. But you've got to be there I guess.

Wright Phillips or Aaron Lennon on the right if Walcott aint fit.

Left is still a problem. Aint got a better player than Joe Cole there..but Milner played well.

But we still dont have that player able to take the ball off the defenders and bring it out. I do think Beckham could do it if we're getting desperate. And I would play Carrick over Barry.

And Glen Johnson loves to defend...shame he cant.

Even Carrick struggles in this area, he has a tendency to pass the way he's facing. This area of his game was exposed when he was asked to take responsibilty in the Champions League final.

Players like Scholes are always facing the play, he turns so quickly on the ball and just gets it out of his feet. With players like Barry and Carrick it's more 'control the ball, think about it, think about it, turn slightly, pass to your fullback and run forward'.

Beckham would probably be the best option in this England squad, that says it all really.

 

[GhostOfDixie]

Yeah most of the CM's for England tend to pass back, or as I like to call it passing the buck.

Every single CM who plays International footballer should have it in his locker to be able to beat 2 or 3 of his peers and seek out a pass or move into a position to start an attack. They should never be passing back as the first option. It kills the attack stone dead.