2004-06-17


England lose but it isn't at bad as it seems. The squad is super talented and just a few tweaks to the team will set things straight.

England lose. Big news, of course, but all because they went from victors to victims in the space of two minutes. If you have a goal in hand, and want to defend and kill the game, you keep hold of the ball. If France dont have the ball, theres nothing much they can do about the score line (of course Gerrard proved me wrong). Fundamental knowledge you might say, but I didnt see England holding it up.

The thing is, the French played rot, given what they can and actually have done many a time. The great Zizous and Henrys looked pretty average. How many clear cut chances did they create ? 

And yet, the match was like Manchester United vs. a usual relegation candidate ( ok ok, forget last season ). The weaker team depends on setpieces and probably gets one in, but let them defend all they like the champions will finish them off. Puhleez ! England are far better than that. Almost all of the starting eleven are huge assets to their clubs.

Ok, where did they go wrong ? You would think they could play with a little more confidence. Heads up lads, you are as good as any in the tournament. True, France have achieved a lot more, but that doesnt make England any less.

On the pitch then.

You cannot play Scholes on the left and expect him to score. Like it or not, he has his place on the pitch, and behind the striker and out there, he is THE BEST in the world. Fiddle with him and hes pretty average, Fergie will agree. Meaning, if Sven sticks with the same eleven (not against Switzerland, Scholes is doubtful to be fit), it will have to be Gerrard in the holding role as Lampard is too good attacking to be held back. I suppose Kieron Dyers pace will be a welcome addition to the squad if he comes in the place of Scholes against Switzerland. Or an excellent option is to bring in Phil Neville as the holding mid and let Lampard and Gerrard get on with it.

Ledley King will have to make way for Terry, fine. King wouldve got himself in the sights of his boss to be - Santini, good for him. Wayne Bridge instead of Ashley Cole ? Why not he might just bring in that creative spark that was missing in the opener.

That should about do it, lets see about the quarter finals when we get to it.

Have a ball !