I thought England played quite well. First half reminded me a bit of the worst of Poyet era: lots and lots of passing but no space created and no end result. Still, at least they didn't resort to lumping it forward so kudos for that. Second half I think we looked half-decent - and by England standards that's pretty good.
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Italy v England
- Thread starter Bozza
- Start date
Very much this. What pleased me most was Hodgson's immediate analysis of proceedings, where he didn't shy away from talking about the tactical mistakes or things that weren't working. He wisely experimented - gave it a half and then changed things to something more conventional when it wasn't working. And I like the fact that he's stumbled across the idea of building a midfielder around Michael Carrick. Carrick just doesn't give the ball away and likes to pass forwards, but simple and along the floor. This was always the problem with Gerrard in particular. Also, Jordan Henderson impressed me. I think he's suited to the international game because he is adept at creating space for himself by controlling the ball as quick as anyone in the team and making intelligent feints and turns out of trouble.
On the downside, our left back Kieran Gibbs didn't look anywhere near good enough as far as I was concerned.
Second half performance we probably deserved the draw although Italy could have had two or three by the time we woke up.... Even though they have world ranking of 7 compared with Englands 17 there was not much to be optimistic about. although jagielka looked good and Kane did nothing wrong and for his first full game did ok..time will tell.
Megazone
On his last warning
Sums up the Brits abroad.
BensGrandad
New member
I agree about left back, I think it is a problem position as I do not consider Baines or Gibbs good dnough ag defending.
I disagree about Henderson as I thought he was poor and doesnt know how to pass forward. For the next match I would like to see Carrick as CM with either Barklay or Lallana attacking am still looking for a left sided midfielder and the DM but wouldnt put Henderson in there possibly Townsend as LM.
Have to agree with many views on here. Going forward we look better than we have for, well, as long as I can remember. Pace in abundance, players comfortable on the ball and seem to enjoy playing for the manager. Unfortunately this promise is all undone by the donkeys at the back. We need defenders who actually like having the ball at their feet, Italy knew the score and each time Jagielka Jones and smalling were in posession Italy pressed them making them look like the donkeys they are.
Pretty pink fairy
Banned
- Jan 30, 2008
- 31,981
ALL SEEMS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NICE ,the gimp in the blue was quivering his arms then gives it the
.................. 
regards
DR
ALL SEEMS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NICE ,the gimp in the blue was quivering his arms then gives it the
regards
DR
Plenty of passion there last night DR
Pretty pink fairy
Banned
- Jan 30, 2008
- 31,981
I'm sure there was , Nice not having to endure the dirge of the "band ' I guess the Italians stopped them from entering
regards
DR
Sheebo
Well-known member
- Jul 13, 2003
- 29,319
Amazing video! All you could hear was England on the TV - would have loved to have gone...!
Sheebo
Well-known member
- Jul 13, 2003
- 29,319
I love you Mellotron
Id say 10x the player Ozil is based on this season - what u think [MENTION=12101]Mellotron[/MENTION] - closer to 20x ?
Return of the Rev
Well-known member
Not quite euro 88 when the whole 5000 gave the v! even when it game round from both sides it got a double v response! The stadium announcer explained to the England fans that they could join in the mex wave
It was. You're being silly. A couple of things he did, if done by Ibra or Suarez, people would go "see, why don't we have anyone who can do that?"
Streets ahead this season but play fair, Ozil is Turkish.
Born and raised in Gelsenkirchen makes you somewhat German in my mind. Not that it matters.
mikeyjh
Well-known member
I love that, exactly the correct response to a wave.
Of course it doesn't matter - I'm mucking about. Why it would matter to either of us what nationality he was anyway is baffling.
Sheebo
Well-known member
- Jul 13, 2003
- 29,319
