The Official *England's Journey to the Promised Land* Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

"And here comes Hurst, he's got...some people are on the pitch, they think it's all over! It is now! It's four!"
England, despite drastically underachieving, are one of only eight nations to win the World Cup.

So here we are then, the eve of yet another FIFA World Cup, the grandest sporting tournament of them all. For the under-hyped England team, it's another chance to add to their one solitary World Cup and bring football home.

"Oh and he left Cooper standing...Pele! What a save! Gordon Banks!"
The greatest goalkeeper of all time makes the greatest save of all time.

The conception is that England will be lucky to make it past the group stage. The reality is that 2014 is the best chance of winning the World Cup since 1970, for the Three Lions. It is a squad largely unburdened by previous failure. It is a squad free of expectation. It is a squad that has the perfect balance between youth and experience. It is a squad fantastically prepared, tactically fluid in its play-making and with a wonderful manager at the helm.

"And Moore stops him! What a player this fellow is."
Now that was simply the greatest challenge of all time, made by the greatest centre-half of all time.

England are ready to win the World Cup.

"There's a header in there, and a great chance for the goal and it's there! Bryan Robson!"
Captain Marvel scores the quickest meaningful World Cup goal of all time.

In defence, Joe Hart has bounced back from his early season failings better than ever, and is all set to prove himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers this summer. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are a good partnership at the heart of the defence. Leighton Baines is solid, and Glen Johnson is...um..not the worst full-back in the world. The English shield wall won't concede many goals this summer, they never do; qualifying and history shows us that. And the depth remains solid.

Now is the time, that everyone sees/You never give up, that's how it should be/Don't get caught, make your own break/Express yourself, don't give it away.
That might bring back memories of when England last made a World Cup Semi-Final.

In the centre of midfield, Steven Gerrard has come off one of his best seasons for many years, fully enjoying his new holding role. Accompanying him will be his club team-mate, Jordan Henderson, who has rapidly settled into the England set-up despite not playing a single minute of qualifying. Frank Lampard adds the experience, and Jack Wilshere gives the style and energy of youth, both from the bench.

Three Lions on the shirt/Jules Rimet still gleaming/No more years of hurt/No more need for dreaming.
And this classic still resonates loud and true.

On the wings, England's main strength this year, Hodgson's team have a vast array of options. Danny Welbeck is as capable as ever out wide. Raheem Sterling is a superb talent with an eye for goal, plus enough pace and skill to trouble any defence in the world. Adam Lallana is as deft as they come: so very crafty, so skilled, so clever. And Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might just have the greatest potential of the lot, combining all the aforementioned assets. Not forgetting James Milner, who gives England crucial depth and brilliant crossing ability.

"Here's Gascoigne..oh brilliant! Oh yes! Oh yes!"
Just technically brilliant.

Up front, Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney together means England have, at the very least, a good strike pairing. Such a strike pairing haven't been seen for the England team since the days of Owen and Rooney at Euro 2004...or perhaps Shearer and Sheringham in Euro '96. Both Sturridge and Rooney have had great seasons for their clubs; the former is still in form, the latter is working hard to find his. And Rickie Lambert, who has also had a great season for his club, completes the striking package by offering a more-than-decent goalscoring threat from the bench. And he's not too shabby from twelve yards, either.

"Oh Owen's through again for England, what a chance for the hat-trick here. Owen! Oh this is getting better and better and better!"
England stuff the Germans in Munich..O happy day.

Then there's Roy Hodgson. A fabulous manager who has given England direction, tactical improvement and has improved their reputation off-the-field massively in the short space of two years. He's integrated many new players into the team, prepared them superbly and, after not being a million miles away from shocking the footballing world at Euro 2012, strolled through qualifying. A man with World Cup experience, he's certainly the best manager England have had since, at least, Sir Bobby Robson.

"Captain's example, David Beckham. England lead Argentina - those three little words that mean so much!"
And that was the last time England had a major win at a tournament.

After the humilation in South Africa, it's difficult to believe that England would be standing on the precipice of world glory just four years later. And here we are. England are seven games from winning their second World Cup. Football's greatest prize has, for too long, been absent from England's green and pleasant land.

"And Gerrard has found a way into the box, and he has found the net! And England are heading to the World Cup Finals!"
England seal qualification with a 2-0 win.

Bring her home, Roy, bring football home. Back to where she belongs.

[Duty281]

Lest we forget, it was only an incredible save from Buffon that stopped England from going 1-0 up after four minutes in Kiev.

If Buffon is out, it will be a blow to Italy. His replacement is good, but he's not Buffon good.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

You sound like Duty though, clutching to any positive possible. I don't see it as a major blow really. Yeah, Buffon is great but Sirigu is more than capable.

Fully expect a howler from Sirigu now & you to be quoting this later   

Not particularly! All I said was he could be out, I didn't say he was out of the game as he has foreseen the great English march to a 7-0 opening game victory   

I'd imagine its probably not happening anyway, but it is interesting nonetheless.

[owen10ozzy]

"Gerrard and England begin the long walk towards their destiny."

That's the headline from the Times today; good to see some typical English understatement!

History shows us that England's opening game at a World Cup will begin well, they'll score first, and then gradually fall apart. Oh well...send history to the dustbin today!

England are expected to line-up thusly:

Hart in goal.
Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, and Baines as the back four.
Gerrard and Henderson in the middle.
Lallana right, Rooney ten and Welbeck left.
Sturridge up front.

Italy's big threat, Pirlo, is set to be played in a more advanced role this time, with De Rossi utilised as the holding man. Henderson and Welbeck are all set to counter the Italian's possession football with their high work-rate.

England's key is pace and width. And they have plenty of it.

Even better for England is they have fantastic options off the bench: Wilshere, Barkley, Sterling and Lambert can all be sent on to attack, and stretch a tiring Italy in the second half, or maybe the experience of Milner and Lampard can be used to close a game out.

Final prediction: England 2-0 Italy. Gary Cahill to nod in from a set-piece, and Sterling to settle it from the bench.

This is what baffles me with people and especially you Duty; in one breath your saying pace and width is the way to beat Italy...yet in another your defending the possible selections of Lallana and Welbeck as wide men and the inclusion of both Henderson and Gerrard?!   

Of that team you said only Sturridge has World Class pace....Lallana certainly won't put the frighteners up anyone and nor will Welbeck. Neither have searing pace.

Welbeck and Lallana (especially him) will invariable come inside most of the time...rarely will you see either trying to go by their man and put anything in the box. I'll guarantee as your watching the game you will consistently see both moving inside which will clutter the center of the pitch...leaving Rooney frustrated once more before he then decides to drop back to find space...then isolating himself from Sturridge.

I have to say given all the talk, even from Hodgson, of this being a new England era and a side which he feels can go out and play some adventurous football the starting XI hardly reeks of that being the case.

2-1 Italy ...outclassing us for most of the game on the way.

[Guest]

Agree with what your saying Owen, just a load of hyper-bole being spilled now about England. I want to see actions now, instead of meaningless words. I don't see Lallana working or penetrating in behind a vulnerable Chiellini at left back. Would of gone for Sterling.

C'mon England, time to f****** deliver.

[skyeman]

Buffon has been ruled out then. Every little helps.

[Duty281]

"Gerrard and England begin the long walk towards their destiny."

That's the headline from the Times today; good to see some typical English understatement!

History shows us that England's opening game at a World Cup will begin well, they'll score first, and then gradually fall apart. Oh well...send history to the dustbin today!

England are expected to line-up thusly:

Hart in goal.
Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, and Baines as the back four.
Gerrard and Henderson in the middle.
Lallana right, Rooney ten and Welbeck left.
Sturridge up front.

Italy's big threat, Pirlo, is set to be played in a more advanced role this time, with De Rossi utilised as the holding man. Henderson and Welbeck are all set to counter the Italian's possession football with their high work-rate.

England's key is pace and width. And they have plenty of it.

Even better for England is they have fantastic options off the bench: Wilshere, Barkley, Sterling and Lambert can all be sent on to attack, and stretch a tiring Italy in the second half, or maybe the experience of Milner and Lampard can be used to close a game out.

Final prediction: England 2-0 Italy. Gary Cahill to nod in from a set-piece, and Sterling to settle it from the bench.

This is what baffles me with people and especially you Duty; in one breath your saying pace and width is the way to beat Italy...yet in another your defending the possible selections of Lallana and Welbeck as wide men and the inclusion of both Henderson and Gerrard?!   

Of that team you said only Sturridge has World Class pace....Lallana certainly won't put the frighteners up anyone and nor will Welbeck. Neither have searing pace.

Welbeck and Lallana (especially him) will invariable come inside most of the time...rarely will you see either trying to go by their man and put anything in the box. I'll guarantee as your watching the game you will consistently see both moving inside which will clutter the center of the pitch...leaving Rooney frustrated once more before he then decides to drop back to find space...then isolating himself from Sturridge.

I have to say given all the talk, even from Hodgson, of this being a new England era and a side which he feels can go out and play some adventurous football the starting XI hardly reeks of that being the case.

2-1 Italy ...outclassing us for most of the game on the way.

Cheer up lad, it is only a game at the end of the day.  

And we are missing Walcott and Oxlade on the wings = this is our second choice wide men playing.

Now put yourself in Italy's shoes..er loafers: they're out of form and struggling for wins and are heavily reliant on an old man and mister erratic - Mario Balotelli. Italy aren't a team to be feared.

If Roy is negative, which he won't be, it'll be a draw. If Roy is positive, as he will be, it'll be an England win.

Why you ask? Because England have the better players, and if they play well they will net three points.

And I wouldn't rule out Hodgson making a surprise selection close to kick-off - as he did against France when he played Oxlade, and versus Montenegro when he started Townsend. I wouldn't rule out Sterling or even Barkley starting.

England 2-0!

[Fernando]

Sirigu has a rib injury apparently so Mattia Perin could play for Italy.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Just seen this thread had a little read and the major lolz of using Ruel Fox as an example of superior players not being picked. Oh the lolz

Anyways looking forward to tonight, I'd take a draw to get us on our way, think its important we don't lose and put ourselves in a sticky spot ala Spain 

Buffon out is a blow. Sirigu is good, but Buffon offers so much experience and leadership that will be sorely missed. If both are out and Perin is playing then obviously that is a big big blow

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Also didn't Pele once say Nicky barmby was world class? And Javier saviola would be the best striker in the world?

[Guest]

Buffon to Sirigu was a small drop in my opinion but Buffon to Perin is a significant blow. He was the keeper who played against Fluminese last week, let in three & had butterfingers. We should be pinging some 30 yarders at him early doors.

Excitement building.....

Olly - don't forget Messi said Gutierrez was the best Argentinian he'd ever played with   

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Buffon to Sirigu was a small drop in my opinion but Buffon to Perin is a significant blow. He was the keeper who played against Fluminese last week, let in three & had butterfingers. We should be pinging some 30 yarders at him early doors.

Excitement building.....

Olly - don't forget Messi said Gutierrez was the best Argentinian he'd ever played with   

Well he is superman after all John  

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Expected to be around 26 degrees around kick off time, better than the media blown 35 degrees 90 percent humidity that was predicted

[GSC]

CONFIRMED: #ENG XI v #ITA: Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Gerrard, Henderson, Welbeck, Sterling, Rooney, Sturridge. #BrazilNuts

All positivity dead. Henderson, the English Park Ji Sung and Rooney wide

[sportform]

I just had a look back at my bold predictions from August 2012 were I said that Raheem Sterling would play for England that season. Despite comments like no, nope, not a chance and who he started for England a month later.

I also said:-
"I can remember watch Sterling play for the England at the World Youth Cup. He was easily England's best player and a huge threat to the opposition. I would have loved to have seen him play in the centre, no 10 position, in that tournament but because he is small and quick he got shoved out wide and was easier to defence against."

Looking forward to seeing the QPR youth academy product playing tonight.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

August 2012 is a heck of a long time ago

[Fernando]

Link or it didn't happen  

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

CONFIRMED: #ENG XI v #ITA: Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Gerrard, Henderson, Welbeck, Sterling, Rooney, Sturridge. #BrazilNuts

All positivity dead. Henderson, the English Park Ji Sung and Rooney wide

All positivity dead? Lolz

The three behind Sturridge all interchange throughout the game anyways, Sterling a bold pick. Henderson will be needed in this game, although I'd have preferred Wilshere myself

[Guest]

don't see Lallana working or penetrating in behind a vulnerable Chiellini at left back. Would of gone for Sterling.

Well done Roy, listening to John is the way forward

[Fernando]

Apparently this is the Italy team

sirigu
darmian barzagli paletta chiellini
de rossi
verratti pirlo marchisio
candreva
balotelli

[GSC]

Sterling is central.

Same scared, passive approach. Rooney played wide where hes nullified because we can't drop him. Welbeck picked because he runs a lot. Ditto Henderson.

[GSC]

You never know though, we might try and play against Costa Rica after we camp in our own half for 180 minutes

[GSC]

I'd love to be wrong, but that team screams repeat of 2012 to me. Disappointing because Italy aren't unbeatable. But all the creative talents benched

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

We've seen throughout the warm ups the three behind and including Sturridge interchange throughout the game

Sterling and Rooney aren't creative? Alrighty then

Henderson has earnt his spot throughout the season, and you've got the Liverpool combo there. Although I agree I'd have liked Wilshere, again he hasn't really done enough to take the place

[Duty281]

Welbeck, Rooney and Sterling (good decision) will interchange well. The full-backs will also get forward at every opportunity. It's an attacking team.

[GSC]

Rooney does nothing out wide or "interchanging". Sterling won't be afforded the space he regularly was with Liverpool, or in a more conservative team. Its a scared team, telling Italy's midfield they have free use of the ball this evening.

[GSC]

I'd love to be wrong, but I imagine it'll go something like this. Italys midfield controls possessions, when we get it, the CBs have nowhere to go short like Honduras and resort to hitting it long where Sturridge is crowded out.

Welbeck gets credit for spending most the game covering the FB, Rooney touches it about 10 times and does nothing.

[Guest]

Italy will control possession whatever the line up to be fair G. This is England we are talking about.

Still, a tough one to call.

[GSC]

You can limit it by actually playing some players of your own who can keep the ball.

Or pick a few of Farahs mates.

[Duty281]

You don't need possession to win a football game; as Colombia showed, and as the Netherlands showed.

[Guest]

England are now favourites to win the match. Big swing in prices.

Must be due to the Buffon injury?

[GSC]

Not really sure why you included Colombia, beyond losing possession (54-46) that example doesn't really work at all.

Of course if England had RVP and Robben I might agree.

[Duty281]

Interesting stat: England haven't won a World Cup game without a clean sheet since beating Cameroon in 1990.

[Duty281]

Oh I'm rather...cheery after that defeat. More optimistic than ever. Positive about the future.

You know, England have had their critics about being negative, about boring Roy, backwards this and defensive that. I thought they were really positive tonight, so much improved from that game in Kiev two years ago, and really should have got at least a point, if not more. It was actually quite similar to the rugby game this morning (well yesterday morning, now!), and England lost for the same reasons: inexperience and a lack of precision.

For the first thirty mintues or so, it went exactly as I thought it would. England direct, with a fast tempo - Sterling nearly scored a rocket, Henderson's effort was well saved, and Sturridge nearly got his boot on the end of a cross. Italy were better at retaining the ball, and tried to draw England out.

The goal England conceded was poor. Very similar to the first goal they conceded at Euro 2012. The defence was too deep, allowing Marchisio time and space to rifle one in - fantastic hit. A shame as well, because England really should have been at least one to the good by then.

The response was brilliant and swift though. Sterling with a majestic pass, one of the best of the night, and Rooney's only meaningful contribution led to an easy finish for Sturridge. One brilliant clearance by Jagielka later, and it's all square at the break.

England started the second half better, which was why Italy's goal was such a sucker punch. Good cross and Mario had a simple header in.

From there, England strained and endeavoured, tried and twisted, but couldn't break through. Oh they had so many chances; Barkley and Rooney both drawing smart saves. And if England's crossing was better, it could have been a different story.

Alas, experience and greater defending carried the day. Well played Italy. They'll march on Costa Rica knowing one more win will get them into the knockout stages.

England will have a pressure encounter with Uruguay; thanks to Costa Rica, the pressure is equal for both teams as they'll both need a win. Unless of course Italy beat Costa Rica, and England draw with Uruguay before defeating the Central Americans.

No forget that and just win.

And drop Wayne Rooney as well. He can't play out wide, that much is obvious. He was incredibly laboured, and contributed vastly to Italy's dominance down the right in the first half. He then tried too hard to rectify his mistakes in the second. Rooney can't play ten, Sterling was superb tonight, and he certainly can't play nine with an in-form Sturridge up there.

Will Roy have the bottle, as he said he would if it came to it? I sincerely hope so, as England's World Cup may rest on it. Get Lallana in, Oxlade if he's fit, even Milner - Wazza cannot play wide.

On the whole though, Hart decent. Johnson meh, perhaps his fault for the second. Cahill and Jagielka were OK, if slightly sluggish. Baines wasn't helped by his teammates. Gerrard and Henderson decent, but nothing special. Sterling superb. Welbeck good for the role he had to do, perhaps a little more positivity, a little more running, when on the ball. Rooney poor. Sturridge fine, needs to link-up better with the wide options, though.

Now I think England will beat Uruguay, on the evidence of both of today's games, but they have to work on quite a bit of defensive organisation in order to achieve that. And the final ball is absolutely crucial. It may also be worth considering dropping Henderson for Wilshere as England should have supremacy in the centre of midfield, meaning they can be more attacking from there. If Roy's positive, it should be a win (oh gawd, I've said that before!), and we must remember Uruguay are a much inferior team to Italy.

So the optimism still grows, I'm feeling very positive after a positive England display. At least they had a go, yes?! Deserved to win as well...ah maybe a point.

Knock-out football on Thursday then, I didn't think it would come so soon!

Least it can't go to penalties!

[Guest]

Summed up perfectly there Duty.

I think we'll take care of Uruguay, no problems.

[Duty281]

Oh and sorry to my neighbours as well for the primeval scream I let out when Sturridge scored!

I never knew something so masculine existed within me.

Whether my vocal chords will recover is another matter entirely!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I'd say pretty much spot on Duty, maybe a little harsh on Rooney for me, but we can agree to disagree

That's the most entertained and best performance I've seen from England since I can remember, just beaten by the more savvy side and a lapse in concentration. 

Sterling was running rings round em at times, goes past players with ease. Ran our of steam a little, understandable, but a great positive. I also thought Henderson played quite well, was more positive than against Honduras.

[sportform]

Some interesting stats. Italy's pass completion in that game was 92.2%, the highest by any team in the World Cup since 1966. England's pass completion rate was 91% their best ever in a World Cup game.

[Calder106]

So the pitch wasn't as poor as the media scaremongers wanted to make out. No way Italy would have scored their first goal if the pitch had been poor.

[GSC]

Uruguay were beyond poor against Costa Rica. We can certainly take them on.

Rooney to CF or dropped. Wide is a cop out that helps no one. Gerrard doesn't have the legs for this tournament.

Hart

Johnson-Cahill-Jagielka-Baines

Wilshere-Henderson

Welbeck-Sterling-Lallana

Sturridge

With a view to Barkley in for Costa Rica

[Duty281]

I'd think I would go for the same team but with Oxlade coming in for Rooney on the left, if he's good to go for Thursday. If he's not good to go, play Lallana.

I wouldn't mind if Wilshere started in place of Henderson, either.

[GSC]

I'd rather drop Gerrard than Henderson.

[Duty281]

So would I, but we both know that's not going to happen as Gerrard is skipper. And if Gerrard is dropped, for whatever reason, "super" Frank will replace him...which is worse!

Look on the bright side, if England finish second then they get to play their last sixteen game in the Maracana. Every cloud, eh?

[NickisBHAFC]

Can't remember the match in great detail.

However we played better than any game in 2010
Rooney should of scored
The whole pub thought Sterling score
Sterling was class
Defending was very poor
Woy should of brought Lambert on and kept Sturridge on.

Uruguay Thursday night. We go again!

[Duty281]

Yeah I thought Sterling scored as well! I think Sturridge was injured when he came off, hence the limping.

And, as an addition, I really wish big Andy Carroll was on the bench. He might have made the difference, certainly he wouldn't have been more ineffectual than Lallana.

[NickisBHAFC]

Lambert could of easily made the difference had he been brought on. Im not gonna complain too much. Simply though a must win game Thursday night.

[owen10ozzy]

Since I get crucified for being negative I will start with the positives:

Sterling - Simply sensational last night; instrumental in our goal and the way we countered all night long. Didn't matter if he was playing down the middle, over to the left or cutting from the right the Italians didn't know what to do with.

Sturridge & Henderson - Thought Sturridge started slow but got into the game as it progressed. Looked lively and his pace and movement gave the central pairing plenty to think about. Also took his goal very well. Henderson whilst not a stand out performer did what he was expected to do..looked to break down the play when Italy came into our final 3rd but more importantly kept his passing neat and simple and didn't waste possession which was vital.

Baines - Now this is more for the last 10 mins when Lallana came on...we actually saw why Baines is in the team. If he has a wide man who stays out wide and knows the position i.e. wont drift inside all the time...then he himself can get forward and provide balls in/something else for opposition to think about. Sadly he couldn't do it for the first 80 mins..well we all know why.

We also created many more chances than I had anticipated and looked a threat going forward - however this also brings me onto the negatives:

Had Sterling not been playing last night I think we would have resembled the Uruguay team yesterday without Suarez...i.e. lacked creativity massively. Think Sterling created at least 50% of our chances perhaps even more.

There were still far to many moments when we just didn't have enough bodies in the box; the bbc team pointed it out and myself and have others have said it before...for a counter attacking team we are often far to slow in the midfield getting up and supporting Sturridge...as shown perfectly in the 63rd minute...Barkley went down the left on the counter and when he arrived in the box only Sturridge and Henderson were arriving...Rooney appeared moments after the ball had gone out. This is a problem which rears it's head time and again. Essentially this will always be the case unless you have a body between your holding midfielder and your number 10...when Wilshere came on England had a link when moving from defence to attack thus we had more bodies in and around the box (although obviously we were attacking a bit more anyway but you could see the shape was better going forward)

As has already been noted defensively we were a shambles down the left. I place no blame on Baines as he was literally defending against two all night. All of you who keep saying 'oh playing Welbeck/Rooney or anyone else who is not a natural wide man but works hard defensively' need to watch last nights game time and again before coming out with that gash again. I said it before the game and I will say it now my point has been proven....they can work as hard as they want all night but they will always drift inside and leave the team narrow thus allowing full backs in behind them which leaves our defence with gaping holes...Jag's shouldn't have had to go across for the second goal but he did because Welbeck lost his runner so others have to compensate leaving the team out of shape. Many said that the positional choices of Roy gives the team balance, I hope your giving that some serious rethought....

Not only that but bar the 1st goal we lacked any penetration from out wide; until the latter stages when Sterling was pushed to the right and Lallana came on left. Again this was because when Welbeck and Rooney got on the ball they for the majority looked to come on to the inside. Thierry made a good observation about Welbeck last night; he rarely runs at players or uses his pace...something we want our wingers/wide men to do!

Pressing - Detrimental in the first and 2nd goals...players not pressing the ball. Another thing England have failed to do against the top sides. Gerrard hasn't the legs to do it; Johnson always stands off...Henderson cleans up he doesn't press..we allowed them far too much time on the ball and against players of there quality you will be punished.

Final negative and the biggest of the night: WAYNE ROONEY! Mr Untouchable...the man who was shocking but stayed on the pitch till the end. Yes he created a goal for England but lets weight that against the negatives:

He missed a fantastic chance to level: Should have at least got his shot on target and if he is this world class player that so many still believe then he should have buried it...Messi would have, Ronaldo too..Robben did...Van Persie did...Neymar did...! As Shearer said...you may only get one chance and the difference in levels is the very best put them away.

He left Baines exposed all night...even when he switched to the other side the problem was still occurring. Time and again he drifted inside...Baines must have had at least half a dozen words with him but it still happened. Most annoyingly he knew it..you could see him glancing across his shoulder as he came inside looking to see if the full back was moving on...by time he did something about it, it was to late and his man was already bombing on.

His cross and moment of taking the ball of Barkley in the final 15 showed a man who is lacking the judgement and form at this level. Ross looked like he could have nutted him for that and I wouldn't have blamed him...then that corner...jesus talk about a waste.

I didn't think Gerrard had a particularly great game either...far too many wasted passes/Hollywood balls. All well and good playing it long/diagonal but if there is no one to support the player once he has the ball..pointless.

Perhaps most concerning for me is if Hodgson genuinely meant what he said with regards to Rooney and whether England were vulnerable in that position. If he did then regardless of how poor Uruguay were both them and Costa Rica will know exactly how to beat England. I hope it was just a front so as not to criticise Rooney publicly...sadly I don't think it was and I fully expect him to start on Thursday..

Moving forward: we created enough last night to suggest we can still escape this group however Hodgson has some massive decisions to make and I don't think he is bold enough to make them which will cost us. The big problem is Rooney...you simply cannot play him out left...yet can you now bring him into the 10 role given how good Sterling was? I would say no! Can you play him up top in place of Sturridge..well given the Liverpool man put his chance away and looked more lively plus in terms of goals/assists last season is the in form of the two..again no.

That means...Rooney has to be dropped for me and I don't think we will miss him at all.

The second big decision I think needs to be made is to drop one of the holding midfielders...now I actually wouldn't mind if it was Henderson despite him having the better game. I say this because I think if Gerrard is told just to play like Henderson he could (though would have to come off after 70 as he couldn't do it all day). That allows Wilshere into the fold who I think is essential for England because he is a link man and we cannot play the way we do without one.

My team for Thursday:

Hart

Johnson (no alternative) Cahill Jags Baines

Henderson

Wilshere

Oxlade (if fit) Sterling Lallana

Sturridge

If Ox isn't fit I would be half tempted to play Sterling right and Barkley in the middle. I do not want to see Welbeck or Rooney anywhere near the starting XI.

Sterling, Oxlade and Lallana will run at players and are more capable than Roo/Wel to stay out wide. Wilshere provides the link man but also adds bite and guile to the side. He will press the ball continuously and force players into mistakes. Lallana would also allow Baines to get forward without worrying as much about space behind.

We all know it won't happen but we can live in hope! Still another result I got right and the score as well..good job I put a tenner on it. Great result for Costa Rica as well

[owen10ozzy]

It will seem like a negative post but it really isn't..merely pointing out major flaws that the top teams will continue to take advantage off. They need addressing because if they aren't then we are out simple as. For me it was much better than anticipated...best I have seen us play in a long time but still the same mistakes from the same players..partly because they either are not up to scratch or are being played in positions they simply cannot play.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Rooney gave the moment of quality for England though. Moreover, the midfield wasnt reacting to the left side problem, nor was the bench for that matter, so Rooney cannot be just shafted blame for that. Also going to be less influential in that position. The strike is just one of those things, you'll see even better strikers than Rooney miss chances.

Also completely ignoring how brilliant Welbeck was in pressing Italy and how our game went off as he went off. And Henry probably should have watched Welbeck run at and destroy the Italians down the right when he so nearly set up Sturridge.

Sterling needs to improve his final ball and wasnt dangerous enough in dangerous areas. Considering Uruguay's defence I would also bring him wide for the majority of the game, although I think the front four showed good awareness of each other to interchange positions nicely. Rooney also has a major goal threat.

The full backs in this tournament are generally weak too. I'd have Welbeck left, Sterling right to exploit that and to make space for Rooney and Sturridge. I think Lallana and Barkley are as likely to pick them out with a pass as Rooney, but Rooney is much more of a goal threat and in our team we need that. Sterling isnt a natural goalscorer, the midfield two wont give goals, Welbeck picks the odd one up but isnt prolific, Lallana and Barkley aren't gonna grab loads of goals.

We just played not only the best team in our group but one of the strongest in the tournament. And we played well. I don't think a lot needs to be changed. We probably won't face a better midfield than that (I think its slightly better than Brazil's) unless we reach a semi final, so I'm not too worried about Gerrard just yet.

The Baines thing needs solving, Italy piled on him. Hes not amazing defensively but the bench didnt deal with it.

But, that was a very encouraging display against a very good side. Pace, verve, goal threat, passing game with possession and intent. No reason for slating personnel really, sometimes you just dont win games.

[GSC]

Rooney gave the moment of quality because he didn't track the FB. Italy got the best of that

[Duty281]

Still want Sturridge wide left, Owen?

I'd persist with Welbeck, personally. He was 7/10 good for me last night.

England's defending wasn't as bad as the media seem to be making out. Yes, England were left exposed at times, mostly because of Rooney's lack of energy, and on occasion owing to the lack of energy in the centre, but it still took a sublime cross for Italy's second.

The first goal conceded was very poor as England were far too deep. They actually had a problem most of the game in defending set-pieces (and attacking them!), which is quite rare for an English team. Other than that, England were generally tidy and well-organised. I think the heat contributed to them standing-off a bit more; Italy did the same a lot of the time.

I think there's a lot more positives than negatives from last night. England were wonderful going forward and really should have scored more than one. On another night they would have done.

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