I'd suggest that Roy will be reasonably happy with his teams last run out at Wembley before they fly off for their hot weather training camp in Miami. His side were given a good send off by a large crowd, who were seemingly understanding at the lack of intensity displayed by a comfortable England.
The main thing (along with working on formation and shape) from these warm up matches is that we come through unscathed, with no injuries, particularly to key players. And, other than a reckless early challenge on Gerrard that had us all wincing, it was a thankfully routine evening. With Jagielka and Rooney returning from injuries, they got much needed minutes, though there is clearly a way to go until they're up to speed.
It took a while to make a break through against an organised and fairly deep Peruvian defensive unit, with early periods of the game seeing our opponents dominating possession. From this point of view it was a decent exercise, as undoubtedly the Italians will set up similarly, although clearly they will have far more penetration going forward. We seem to have learnt that the International game requires patience (maybe through Capello in fairness to the odious disciplinarian), that we haven't always got the ability to impose ourselves for fear of leaving gaps.
However, once we had opened the scoring, the game did open up and it looked like it would be a question of how many (although it didn't quite pan out that way)?
And what an opening goal it was too. Sturridge showing real class to caress the ball across the keeper into the top corner from outside the box. Great to see him bring his club form through to the England stage. I for one have been critical of Sturridge's commitment to the England cause in the past. Too many times has he pulled out of squads with minor knocks just to be miraculously playing again a few days later for Liverpool. I know he's not alone, but that it was only his 6th start for his country, paints a picture. It appears that Roy is granting him his wish to play centrally through the middle as our most advanced player, and it's worth noting that his hold up play (and strength) has improved considerably. It's time for him to show us what he undoubtedly believes he can do at the top level.
With Sturridge becoming the central attacking figure, it leaves an interesting question mark over our talisman, Wayne Rooney? Where does he fit into the 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation that we will definitely play? He is not good enough at dropping deep into midfield, plus there would be better options in this role (Wilshere, The Ox). It's a waste of his talent seeing him playing deep in midfield, but that is basically what Roy is asking of him by starting Sturridge up front. Rooney's best ever form has come where he's been told to stay up top, and not under any circumstances come back. Playing for Manchester United in 2011-12 he scored 34 goals by doing so. He's an instinctive finisher with exemplary movement. The early days where he burst onto the scene with raw pace and a fearlessness have gone, replaced with a more rounded but nowhere near as effective individual, keen to work hard for the team at the expense of doing what he's best at.
There have been calls from many to see him benched. I'd argue that in this set up, with Sturridge as the focal point, this is not that ridiculous a call. We can't just crowbar players into a team. However, you can't overlook a player who has scored 38 goals for his country, only 11 strikes off being our top scorer of all time at the age of 28. With 7 goals in 8 games during qualifying (easily our top scorer) you just can't leave him out in my opinion. I'd have him playing through the middle and Sturridge on the left instead of Welbeck. If you drop Rooney but play Welbeck, then frankly you are mad.
We all know Rooney's struggles for fitness and form in previous tournaments, and it genuinely seems from his comments and attitude (see his training videos from his family holiday) that he is desperate to finally make the impression he is capable on the biggest stage of all this summer. The only way he can do that is for him to lead the line, score goals, and not trudge around in the centre circle while we're attacking.
I argued in my previous blog that Baines isn't of the class we need at the World Cup. Nothing I saw, admittedly in a warm up friendly against Peru, last night tells me otherwise. The main reason he's in the team is because of his set play deliveries, and time and again he failed to put dangerous balls into the box. Throughout the Euro's and qualifying, we've had Gerrard taking these kicks and so many times they've led to goals, and now we just hand that over to Baines? Not for me. I know we eventually did score from a Baines corner, but he just hit an area and Cahill did remarkably well to connect.
I'd like to see Luke Shaw get a start in the next game, assuming he recovers from his 'head cold' (move to Manchester United).
Glen Johnson is a player I like. He was brilliant in the Euro's (our best player with Terry and Gerrard in my opinion) and has generally been a good player for England for years. Last night he looked lethargic, flat footed and like he could make a mistake at any moment. His touch was poor on many occasions and against a better team he'd have been punished.
It doesn't help that he is nailed on to start. I think the lack of competition has led to him being far too relaxed about his position. He needs a kick up the arse over the next fortnight.
Jack Wilshere looked lively when he arrived. I was a little surprised (as was Glenn Hoddle) not to see him starting. As an exercise to get vital minutes on his return from injury, it would have been perfect. Roy is clearly preserving him though and I still expect him to start against Italy.
Joe Hart proved once again what a great keeper he is by making a couple of crucial saves in the first half. One with his foot after Baines got caught up field, and another as he back peddled to scoop away a wicked deflection that looked like it was looping over him. If he picks up an injury in the coming weeks, frankly we've no chance.
Just a quick word on the ITV coverage. I for one never watch the build up, half time, nor post match analysis (not that I do on BBC or Sky). However, Adrian Chiles is deeply unlikeable and downright boring, and Andy O'Townsend has the potential to ruin the World Cup for me. How is someone who offers so little in the way of tactical knowledge and basics of the English language in such a position? He's like a walking cliche.
So, the team jets off to Miami hoping to experience conditions not unlike Manaus where they open their World Cup account in 2 weeks time. Next up is another friendly against fellow qualifiers Ecuador on Wednesday.
What did you think of the match? Do you think that team is what we're looking at to start v Italy? What changes would you make? Rooney or Sturridge? Or both?
Please leave comments below, or contact me via Twitter @russellheaps
Saturday 31 May 2014
Wednesday 28 May 2014
England - A squad for the future; Ready to make an impression on the World stage
Over the past two weeks, since the end of the domestic season, we've seen Roy Hodgson pick a very young and exciting England squad. I for one was absolutely delighted with his positivity.
Known for his conservative nature, it would have been easy for Roy just to play to type by including the usual middle of the road dross.
The players he left out, Cleverley, Carrick et al have had their numerous chances (and on occasion have been useful to be fair), but are nowhere near dynamic enough to make an impression at the very top. Rather, let's go with youtheful, exciting, unpredictable players like Barkley and Sterling, players who are bang in form, and who have years at the very top ahead of them.
The goalkeepers other than Hart really could have been names out of a hat for me. Hopefully we don't have to call on any of them, as the drop in class from big Joe is considerable I'd suggest (Forster is a bit of an unknown quantity, but he does play in the Dog and Duck league, so...). I've actually always been of the opinion that you could easily gamble at only taking 2 keepers in your 23. When has the 3rd keeper ever been required in the World Cup? A risk I would take personally. We could always stick James Milner in nets if worst comes to worst.
In defence, Smalling for me has not done enough this season, and Jones too has not lived up to the potential that we saw just a few years ago (when he's not crocked). I would have taken Stones (a ball playing centre half, and a future England captain whose calmness belies his tender years) and the tenacious and versatile Flanagan (as back up to Johnson), in their place. Lest we forget, these are players that excelled for their respective clubs throughout successful seasons, kept established performers out of their teams, and showed no sign of nerve or inexperience in the process. They are players who will undoubtedly be in the squad come the next qualifiers, and with likely 25-35% of those selected never getting any game time in Brazil, why not get these players involved now? I'd have every faith that they would perform to the required level should they be needed. Certainly much more than I would 'Bambi on Ice' Smalling!
At least Walker was injured as I'm not sure I could have watched him face anyone other than the Costa Rican left winger, and even then I wouldn't fancy him in that battle to be honest.
The inclusion of Shaw was both brave and necessary. This boy is already at a standard where he would walk into virtually any team in the world in his position. At 18 it's quite remarkable how composed he is, and how many matches at the top level he already has under his belt.
I can't help but think that overlooking England's greatest ever left back is an error. Unlike other players, Ashley Cole's age has not affected his performances, and only Mourinho's stubborness led to his lack of minutes this season. He's been put out to pasture one tournament too soon. You only have to look at his level of performance and fitness towards the end of the season in key matches to see he is still as good as ever. Ask yourself this; if Leighton Baines was released on a free transfer, would the likes of Madrid, Liverpool, Monaco, etc be clamouring to sign him? I think not. Steady domestically, but he has never been and never will be world class. And tellingly has never been picked ahead of Cole in a competitive match. Shaw will usurp him for the next tournament, and Cole is better than him now (and should be starting against Italy). I'd suggest that Baines has only been included on the strength of his set plays and penalty taking,
The midfield threw up little surprise to me, and it looks a really strong area. Sterling, Barkley and Henderson are all rewarded for terrific seasons, with the latter in with a real chance of continuing his solid club partnership with Gerrard in the starting XI.
You could argue that Jack Wilshere is a little lucky after a particularly disappointing season, albeit one which was beset by injury (nothing new there). Is he robust enough for tournament football? Is he even fit enough? He has unquestionably got the ability though, and is clearly a favourite of Roy, so I wouldn't bet against him starting the first game.
Lampard's inclusion raised some eyebrows, but I'm not entirely sure why? Never let his country down, some much needed experience, and essentially back up to Gerrard incase of injury or suspension. He will be useful to bring on late in games when, in boiling conditions, we will be required to hold on to the ball, ie. not play 'Hollywood' passes.
Lallana is the player that I find interesting. Where does he fit? Will he start? I really don't know. Maybe he'll get more minutes the deeper we get into the competition (assuming we play more than 3 games!) a la Platt in Italia '90?
Walcott's absence is a huge blow, and we will miss his pace and finishing. There have been few players as unfortunate as him when it comes to the big tournaments; picked in 2006 at the age of 16 but no appearances, didn't qualify in 2008 (the dark days of McClaren), dropped in very strange circumstances by Capello in 2010 (better off out of it to be honest), and then struggling for fitness in 2012 (although he did score the equaliser and set up the winner in 15 minutes against Sweden). Townsend too would have been a useful addition, and by rights did as much as anyone to get us to Brazil. However, both these players will get their chance again.
In attack, the lineup pretty much picked itself; Rooney and Sturridge, with Welbeck included due to a lack of viable other options. The only vaguely interesting choice was Lambert over Carroll, but Roy got this bang on for me, and there wasn't really a choice to be made. Lambert is clearly the better footballer, plus a team player who will be 'good to have around the camp', whereas Carroll spent the majority of the season injured, and then returned late in the season to be nothing more than a big lump who doesn't score goals but does make a nuisance of himself. With shit hair.
So, as you can see, I am very excited and positive about this attacking and youthful squad. It really could make a mark in the next few weeks. And if it doesn't, these young Lions will have got further vital tournament experience that should stand us in good stead going forward. Potentially a great time to be an England fan!!
What do you think? Are you happy with the squad? Would you have made any different choices? Do you agree/disagree with my opinions?
Please leave comments below, or contact me via Twitter @russellheaps
Known for his conservative nature, it would have been easy for Roy just to play to type by including the usual middle of the road dross.
The players he left out, Cleverley, Carrick et al have had their numerous chances (and on occasion have been useful to be fair), but are nowhere near dynamic enough to make an impression at the very top. Rather, let's go with youtheful, exciting, unpredictable players like Barkley and Sterling, players who are bang in form, and who have years at the very top ahead of them.
The goalkeepers other than Hart really could have been names out of a hat for me. Hopefully we don't have to call on any of them, as the drop in class from big Joe is considerable I'd suggest (Forster is a bit of an unknown quantity, but he does play in the Dog and Duck league, so...). I've actually always been of the opinion that you could easily gamble at only taking 2 keepers in your 23. When has the 3rd keeper ever been required in the World Cup? A risk I would take personally. We could always stick James Milner in nets if worst comes to worst.
In defence, Smalling for me has not done enough this season, and Jones too has not lived up to the potential that we saw just a few years ago (when he's not crocked). I would have taken Stones (a ball playing centre half, and a future England captain whose calmness belies his tender years) and the tenacious and versatile Flanagan (as back up to Johnson), in their place. Lest we forget, these are players that excelled for their respective clubs throughout successful seasons, kept established performers out of their teams, and showed no sign of nerve or inexperience in the process. They are players who will undoubtedly be in the squad come the next qualifiers, and with likely 25-35% of those selected never getting any game time in Brazil, why not get these players involved now? I'd have every faith that they would perform to the required level should they be needed. Certainly much more than I would 'Bambi on Ice' Smalling!
At least Walker was injured as I'm not sure I could have watched him face anyone other than the Costa Rican left winger, and even then I wouldn't fancy him in that battle to be honest.
The inclusion of Shaw was both brave and necessary. This boy is already at a standard where he would walk into virtually any team in the world in his position. At 18 it's quite remarkable how composed he is, and how many matches at the top level he already has under his belt.
I can't help but think that overlooking England's greatest ever left back is an error. Unlike other players, Ashley Cole's age has not affected his performances, and only Mourinho's stubborness led to his lack of minutes this season. He's been put out to pasture one tournament too soon. You only have to look at his level of performance and fitness towards the end of the season in key matches to see he is still as good as ever. Ask yourself this; if Leighton Baines was released on a free transfer, would the likes of Madrid, Liverpool, Monaco, etc be clamouring to sign him? I think not. Steady domestically, but he has never been and never will be world class. And tellingly has never been picked ahead of Cole in a competitive match. Shaw will usurp him for the next tournament, and Cole is better than him now (and should be starting against Italy). I'd suggest that Baines has only been included on the strength of his set plays and penalty taking,
The midfield threw up little surprise to me, and it looks a really strong area. Sterling, Barkley and Henderson are all rewarded for terrific seasons, with the latter in with a real chance of continuing his solid club partnership with Gerrard in the starting XI.
You could argue that Jack Wilshere is a little lucky after a particularly disappointing season, albeit one which was beset by injury (nothing new there). Is he robust enough for tournament football? Is he even fit enough? He has unquestionably got the ability though, and is clearly a favourite of Roy, so I wouldn't bet against him starting the first game.
Lampard's inclusion raised some eyebrows, but I'm not entirely sure why? Never let his country down, some much needed experience, and essentially back up to Gerrard incase of injury or suspension. He will be useful to bring on late in games when, in boiling conditions, we will be required to hold on to the ball, ie. not play 'Hollywood' passes.
Lallana is the player that I find interesting. Where does he fit? Will he start? I really don't know. Maybe he'll get more minutes the deeper we get into the competition (assuming we play more than 3 games!) a la Platt in Italia '90?
Walcott's absence is a huge blow, and we will miss his pace and finishing. There have been few players as unfortunate as him when it comes to the big tournaments; picked in 2006 at the age of 16 but no appearances, didn't qualify in 2008 (the dark days of McClaren), dropped in very strange circumstances by Capello in 2010 (better off out of it to be honest), and then struggling for fitness in 2012 (although he did score the equaliser and set up the winner in 15 minutes against Sweden). Townsend too would have been a useful addition, and by rights did as much as anyone to get us to Brazil. However, both these players will get their chance again.
In attack, the lineup pretty much picked itself; Rooney and Sturridge, with Welbeck included due to a lack of viable other options. The only vaguely interesting choice was Lambert over Carroll, but Roy got this bang on for me, and there wasn't really a choice to be made. Lambert is clearly the better footballer, plus a team player who will be 'good to have around the camp', whereas Carroll spent the majority of the season injured, and then returned late in the season to be nothing more than a big lump who doesn't score goals but does make a nuisance of himself. With shit hair.
So, as you can see, I am very excited and positive about this attacking and youthful squad. It really could make a mark in the next few weeks. And if it doesn't, these young Lions will have got further vital tournament experience that should stand us in good stead going forward. Potentially a great time to be an England fan!!
What do you think? Are you happy with the squad? Would you have made any different choices? Do you agree/disagree with my opinions?
Please leave comments below, or contact me via Twitter @russellheaps
Welcome!
Hi, and welcome to my brand new blog! This is the first time I've done anything like this, so be patient, I will improve the format as soon as I work out how. For the time being, I was keen to get this online, and I'll gradually get it up to standard.
I've started the blog as somewhere to post my thoughts on the forthcoming football World Cup in Brazil. With only 2 weeks to go, excitement is palpable, and I'm sure I'm not alone in being completely distracted by it. There is news everywhere you look, and it's only going to get better (or worse depending on your stance).
Hopefully this blog will act as a twist on this news, along with opinion pieces, some humorous inclusions, and ultimately to try and promote comment and debate.
Please do take a few minutes to have a look, and if you do like it, please share with others.
You can follow me at Twitter @russellheaps or email me at russell.heaps@gmail.com
Alternatively, comment on the blog posts at the bottom of the page.
I've started the blog as somewhere to post my thoughts on the forthcoming football World Cup in Brazil. With only 2 weeks to go, excitement is palpable, and I'm sure I'm not alone in being completely distracted by it. There is news everywhere you look, and it's only going to get better (or worse depending on your stance).
Hopefully this blog will act as a twist on this news, along with opinion pieces, some humorous inclusions, and ultimately to try and promote comment and debate.
Please do take a few minutes to have a look, and if you do like it, please share with others.
You can follow me at Twitter @russellheaps or email me at russell.heaps@gmail.com
Alternatively, comment on the blog posts at the bottom of the page.
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