Well, England never make things easy for themselves - there's never a dull moment with England in big tournaments.
I predicted an early goal for England - and that did arrive - although many (like me) missed the goal due to ITV HD going to an advert break at a crucial point!
Overall England were frustrated by the USA and a freak goal denied them the win.
There were some key areas, though, that England had problems with in my view:
1. Heskey
Played well and did exactly what he's been picked for - but when he was through 1 on 1 with the goal keeper we all knew he would not score. I believe a striker's primary role is to score goals.
2. Lenon
In the second half he had one moment where he showed his pace - after that he did very little in terms of feeding the strikers - more often than not instead of going down the wing he'd turn inside and play an easy pass instead - he's in the squad to scare defenders with his pace - I think he under performed.
3. Rooney
Where was he? The service in to him was not great - but I'd have expected him to adapt his play and to really have influenced the game - but he did not.
The midfield did ok, there was good play in patches from Lampard and Gerrard but despite England's dominance of the game they were not able to keep possession well - which seems to always be an issue with England in tournaments.
A draw is not the end of the world - lets see what Friday brings.
I think Rooney thought he is Beckham and can play in front, middle, left and right, but he is not!!! the guy just didn't play at all.
Posted by: ramzez | June 13, 2010 at 03:01 PM