spains midfield...EEEK

[Drumstick]

I'll be at this with my bha flag!, Just hope we don't get a tonking. The whole English set up could do with a gus esk transformation from top to bottom!

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

It's alright though, apparently we're starting with Phil Jones in centre mid...

 

[Dave the OAP]

Looks a bit lightweight to me

 

[e77]

Phil Jones pulling the strings will show them.

 

[Triggaaar]

There have been some years where we've had a group of decent individuals, and it's been frustrating that they've not been able to get closer to winning a trophy. Right now though, we are miles behind the likes of Spain. It is sick how good they are.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

excellent interview with Xabi Alonso here - Xabi Alonso: 'Spain benefited from players going to England' | Football | The Guardian

Great footballer, intelligent guy.

There are some interesting observations in another part of today's Guardian today. It points out England's reluctance to pass to closely marked players, but Spain are happy to do this. This in itself must seriously restrict England's range of movement and passing. Also there were comments about how Spanish players in possession shield the ball when under pressure from an opponent; they turn their back to the player, shield the ball and wait until a pass is on and release it in a controlled manner. England immediately look to release the ball and have not considered all options.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

"if we can win the ball back, get our front men away, with the pace in our team......."

Frank Lampard.

So, clearly, nothing has changed.

 

[TS90]

Really? Thought he was a winger/attacking midfielder whenever I've seen Villarreal, not particularly young either. If anyone I'd imagine it's Thiago Alcantara being dubbed Xavi's successor. (Who incidentally isn't even in the above squad, along with Pedro Rodriguez. Unbelievable. )

You are exactly right on Cazorla. Thiago is probably my favourite young player around at the moment but he seems like he could be a slightly different player (more Iniesta than Xavi). I reckon Javi Martinez would have been the most like for like replacement for Xavi but Bielsa prefers playing him at the back for Athletic. Which for any other European team would be a waste but the way Spain use their centre backs to attack, he could fit in well.

 

[W.C.]

There are some interesting observations in another part of today's Guardian today. It points out England's reluctance to pass to closely marked players, but Spain are happy to do this. This in itself must seriously restrict England's range of movement and passing. Also there were comments about how Spanish players in possession shield the ball when under pressure from an opponent; they turn their back to the player, shield the ball and wait until a pass is on and release it in a controlled manner. England immediately look to release the ball and have not considered all options.

it's all about 'being brave' - Gus Poyet

 

[00snook]

I don't see the problem,we have Lampard.

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Genius.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Spain beat Scotland 3-1 last month even though they'd already coasted to qualification and had nothing to prove to anyone. Highly impressive, though curiously vulnerable to a team that runs at them. Result could have been closer.

If England come out with all guns blazing and get Spain on the back foot, then I reckon they could spring an upset. On the other hand, if they come out and fanny about in their traditional manner, then they'll get hammered. No pressure then...

 

[the right footed denilson]

You are exactly right on Cazorla. Thiago is probably my favourite young player around at the moment but he seems like he could be a slightly different player (more Iniesta than Xavi). I reckon Javi Martinez would have been the most like for like replacement for Xavi but Bielsa prefers playing him at the back for Athletic. Which for any other European team would be a waste but the way Spain use their centre backs to attack, he could fit in well.

Might be thinking of Canales? Who, incidentally, has just done his cruciate after starting to settle on loan at Valencia.
I think Javi Martinez is the one who is really seen as Xavi's heir..

 

[TS90]

Maybe but Canales again is another more attacking player. Pretty sure he played as a second forward at Racing Santander

 

[00snook]

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Genius.

And now am eating my words.

 

[BensGrandad]

I think that 2 of our team are better than their Spanish counter parts Joe Hart and Ashley Cole.

 

[TS90]

Maybe Ashley Cole but I wouldn't have Hart over Casillas. At all.

 

[BensGrandad]

Maybe Ashley Cole but I wouldn't have Hart over Casillas. At all.

I think that Casillas is the most over rated keeper playing. I think Reina is better.

 

[TS90]

Ah yeah, he was brilliant in dealing with Bent's header prior to Lampard's goal.

 

[Deleted member 18477]

We will win this 1-0 ffs and we'll once again go to a major comp as second favourites or something stupid and the cycle will begin again. I think we need to take a tonking today if we are to progress in the long run.

Great prediction!

 

[Deleted member 18477]

I don't see the problem,we have Lampard.

LOL!! We certainly did!