Wednesday, May 31, 2006
England 3-1 Hungary
Theo Walcott got his first cap and became the youngest ever England international during England's 3-1 friendly defeat of Hungary.
The young lad did have his moments, although I don't see what he's offering that other strikers don't. It's a big load for such young shoulders in a squad with only three fit strikers - four if you include Gerrard.
The formation early on was 4-1-4-1, with Carragher in the holding position and Owen up front on his own. Gerrard was nominally working off Owen although he tended to play his normal role as roaming midfielder more than support striker.
Carragher - for the quality player he is - added nothing to the squad, particularly in the first half when he played within a tight zone just in front of the two centre backs. Here he did not really break up any Hungarian attacks, and acted mostly as a resting place for the ball when England were in possession. Whether Eriksson ordered this or not, it just didn't work and I'd rather see Carrick or even King there.
Owen looked lonely up front in the first half, through no fault of his own. Those long balls were somehow reaching him but even if he managed to win the ball, what was he to do with nobody to give it to? Later, when the midfield started pushing up (and particularly as Gerrard moved into more of a striker's role) England looked far more balanced.
Player Ratings
Robinson 6 - Nothing to do.
Neville 7 - Surprisingly (for me) did most things well, although the quality of his crossing could do with improvement.
Ferdinand 7 - Read the game and broke up many attacks.
Terry 8 - Reliable in defence, and got a goal.
A. Cole 5 - Barely got forward, and found too many dead ends. Average defending.
Carragher 6 - Immobile in midfield, although his skill and experienced helped him retain possession. Adequate at right back.
J. Cole 8 - Found lots of space in the first half but had no end product. Strangely enough, in the second half when Hungary started to pressure him a little more, he seemed to really enjoy the game and became a real danger.
Lampard 7 - Did his usual job.
Beckham 7 - Plenty of good crosses and dead ball work.
Gerrard 7 - Worked hard, and looked better up front than in midfield. A nice header for his goal.
Owen 6 - Could barely get involved, and somewhat out of sorts when he did. But given little opportunity to prove himself.
Hargreaves 5 - For a while I thought he was Dailly in disguise. But that's harsh on Dailly.
Campbell 6 - Don't remember much about him playing.
Crouch 7 - Good awareness and finish for the goal.
Walcott 6 - Made a couple of good runs and seemed to have a good sense of positioning, but will need more time with the team before it all clicks.
whubris said...Some links:
Fat Frank funnies
Yossi gets Premiership Newcomer of the Year
Graham Arnold on Australia's tactics against Brasil
beggers said...Thanks for the post match report.
I just don't get a good feeling from the England side. Hope I'm wrong but can't see them winning it really. Won't stop me from belting out a few songs at the pub mind.
whubris said...Not with fucking Sven in charge. Honestly, the England squad should all take out restraining orders against him.
Since he's been in charge England have got by solely on the quality of the team. He hasn't got a clue. The game this morning stank like a meaningless middle-of-season friendly rather than a World Cup preparation match. He has no idea how to play to players' strengths.
If England had got Scolari, Hiddink, or any other half decent manager, I reckon they'd have been in with a real shout of winning it, Rooney or no. But now, they're just going to be knocked out of the semi finals - talent will get you that far but no further without managerial nous.
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beggers said...I agree whubris. Unfortunately Sven has never been able to bring the best out of, what is and has been , a very talented squad over the years. We all know he's had a crack at European and World Cups in the past, but in both tournaments England never looked the business. As for that Semi against Brazil, I know we're losing the game so I'll bring on Gary Neville, that'll shake things up. Do me a favour!
whubris said...Anon, thanks for the post. Those scheming media bastards!
Beggers, you're dredging up some painful memories. As well as the Brasil game, managing to lose against 10 men (when Ronaldinho was sent off - what a gift!), there was the Sweden game where they were 1-0 up and defended in the box for the final 30 minutes. Of course, Sweden levelled. Unbelievable.
Beex, mate, I'll never trust you again :-) For me it's gonna be a classic Argies vs Brasil in the final, 3-2 to the golden boys. Argies will beat Mexico, Germany, and Italy to get there, and Brasil will beat Czech, Spain, and either England or Holland in the semi(probably Holland being realistic).
said...Eriksson juggles formations and players and invites all of English football to play a fool's game of unfathomable calculation.
Exactly which stage of the Eriksson masterplan have they reached?
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