Well nice to see that mini international football mirrors that of it’s slightly balding greying older brother. As a group of mostly experienced English premier league players get passed off the park by a technically superior Spanish outfit. I had convinced myself that the result was secondary and that individual performances were key. Until we equalised with just minutes remaining, of course then rightfully determining that the result was all important. Which was handy as outside the Spanish team there wasn’t too much to shout about. The one shining light for England was that of right back Kyle Walker who was as good going forward as he was defensive, qualities perhaps not associated with Glen Johnson the current full international incumbent.
Though England relinquish large amounts of possession, in truth we were sound defensively limiting Spain the few clear cut chances. That said they were surprising un-assured at corners considering the teams involved but unlike natural ability that is something that can be coached, so little emphasis should be put on that. Besides the ultimate goal from these tournaments is to identify just a handful of players who can make the step up to become a full international. Chris Smalling and Brad Jones again played well defensively but where woeful in possession. Adopting for the long ball more often than not. Smalling in particular seemly lofting the ball high as it went long, whatever happened to pinging the ball?
Though England relinquish large amounts of possession, in truth we were sound defensively limiting Spain the few clear cut chances. That said they were surprising un-assured at corners considering the teams involved but unlike natural ability that is something that can be coached, so little emphasis should be put on that. Besides the ultimate goal from these tournaments is to identify just a handful of players who can make the step up to become a full international. Chris Smalling and Brad Jones again played well defensively but where woeful in possession. Adopting for the long ball more often than not. Smalling in particular seemly lofting the ball high as it went long, whatever happened to pinging the ball?
Henderson seems very average and Mancienne seemed happy to let the game pass him by rarely showing short, perhaps this was the managers instructions to hit the ball long early to stretch the game, the Spanish philosophy is to press high, so there is logic there. But with that approach it's probably best not play with two strikers who do their best work on the shoulder of the last man. Still Psycho, the man who made a living from the ‘non league channel ball’ has to be the right man for the job right? God forbid we get dragged into a decent game of football. But what about the peno celebration in 96! Yea good shout you can’t argue with passion that’s exactly what England lack, forget this tippy tappy nonsense, can’t we forge Lee Cattermole’s birth certificate or something.
In truth maybe I’m doing Stuart Pearce an injustice but if your opposition rarely gives the ball away surely it’s football 101 to try look after it as best you can? Still it’s important to take the positives, England could feasibly go on and win the tournament then once again we’re have a golden generation to look forward to, remember you heard it here first, I for one never doubted them. Best team in the world. All together now; EN-G-LAND repeat until cooked throughout.
In truth maybe I’m doing Stuart Pearce an injustice but if your opposition rarely gives the ball away surely it’s football 101 to try look after it as best you can? Still it’s important to take the positives, England could feasibly go on and win the tournament then once again we’re have a golden generation to look forward to, remember you heard it here first, I for one never doubted them. Best team in the world. All together now; EN-G-LAND repeat until cooked throughout.
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