this is ****ing awful. terrible tactics

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

I seem to have misplaced my rose tinted specs. For large parts of the game we were outplayed by the French. We were behind against the Swedes and only got back on top when we reverted to the English style. We beat a poor Ukraine, without their best attacker and down to their 4th best keeper because said keeper made a mess of taking a standard cross and the Ukrainians were denied an equaliser because of a mistake by the officials. We had only 43% possession and only 4 shots on target. I can find no reason to be optimistic about the future on the basis of what I have seen so far.

 

Did I dream that England won 1.0?

 

People keep saying "can't be optimistic after that" after each game, but we keep getting the results. I will take that.

 

Average performance from a very average side, grateful we topped the group when we have the likes of Welbeck, Parker, Lescott etc in the starting 11.

 

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

No, just misplaced the part of your brain that fails to value winning over losing.

And we drew. We played well against a team that was favourite to win.

Odd, I seem to remember it being from a good cross and a very cute finish at the near post from Wellbeck. Hardly long ball charlie. Carroll's goal was from a great cross and a very well taken header. Again, not exactly a hoof upfield.

He was a yard offside in the build-up to the goal, but don't let that spoil your fun.

Posession counts for diddly squat. Scoring more goals than the opposition is what matters.

Miserable sod.

 

The people that remember England last winning a major trophy are now fifty-somethings. As a thirty-something, I couldn't give a rats arse if we play Andy Sinton as a lone striker as long as we win summat before I'm pushing up daisies.

 

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

Really, you don't see anything to be optimistic about? How about the fact that we've made it through a very difficult group including a home nation, one of the favourites to win the tournament (and unbeaten in umpteeen games) and our bogey team.
How about the fact that young players like Wellbeck, Carroll and Oxlade Chamberlain have slotted in and generally been impressive.
How about the fact that we appear to have a manager who recognises our limitations and uses a style and system that suits our best players.
How about the fact that our best players are on top form. Alright, maybe pushing it with Rooney but he's sure to be better for the 90 mins.

The goals we've conceded have been from set pieces and a shot from outside the box. I'd say other than that, teams have struggled to get behind us. So defensively we've been excellent. I had qualms about our attacking line up but Wellbeck has been excellent and we're a constant threat from Gerrards excellent set pieces.

I'm realistic, I think we'll do well to beat Italy but for me my expectations have been surpassed already.

 

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

You can't argue with seven points and knocking the hosts out. However, I thought some of our passing was horrendous and we couldn't keep hold of the ball for more than a few seconds at a time. If Ukraine had more of a clue in the final third they would have won. I fear a very boring game against the Italians but one we could realistically win. I just think we will be found out against the Germans. I also think that Parker and Milner are two of the most limited players to ever wear an England shirt.

 

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

I like to see my team win, but I much prefer to see the team win with style. For example, I had much the same discussions on here with regard to Mark Robins style of play. Keith Hill prove, at least until Christmas, that it is possible to win, and also win with style. Do not not believe that it is impossible for England to win in a better style against teams like Ukraine. Your point appears to be that we can either win, or we can lose with style. I do not believe that is true. In the end it is not 30 passes on the trot across the back four that get crowds on their feet. It is shots, saves and goals and if stating this truism makes me a miserable sod, then I am in lots of good company.

 

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

You must tell me where you bought those rose tinted specs. To my eyes, only Gerrard and Hart are playing to Premiership standard. To a certain extent, the forwards have an excuse because we are playing too deep and the midfield are not allowed to get close enough to support. I am not surprised that we aren't conceding many with a back 8, a system which does not guarantee goals, but should ensure we do not lose by many. Once again I will state that I believe that the team could have beaten Ukraine playing more positive football.

 

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

Agree about Gerrard. Hart has looked OK and I think Cashley has played quite well over all.

 

If I were you, I would concentrate on keeping breathing for some time yet, because those players and those tactics will will not win anything.

 

The new Italian mentality

with the existing national coach is to be more attack minded, 3 up front in their group games. Pirlo is their standout player, but after that, I'm not sure there's much to fear, certainly not with Balotelli playing for himself and they don't seem as 'together' as previous Italian sides. I can see quite an open game actually, RoI created chances against them, wouldnt be surprised to see quite a high scoring game.

So nil-nil then.

 

We'll beat Italy

 

Re: There's some right wa.nkers come on here

Agree about Parker and Milner.

 

We won. Without playing too well. And, we should have been further ahead but for Rooney's header that was very reminiscent of Ade Akinbiyi in his pomp.
The Ukraine 'goal' counts for nowt, as it wasn't given, and the guy was a yard offside anyway in the build-up.
We would have been two up against France but for Milner's sorry miss too. And Sweden were the best side we played, and we beat them.
What's to moan about?
We have already done more than I expected us to, and I have faith in this England team to at least give their all for us - sumat that was lacking in the last tournament for sure.

Italy will be a tough game, and I expect little. But how nice is it to still be in with a shout of winning a tournament? However unlikely that may be, the vast majority on this forum expected us to be out by now - me included.

Well done Roy and his boys...

 

Re: The new Italian mentality

still gutted.