Last nights score, David Beckham 2, Macedonia 2.
As the tv pundits said "We expected four goals, but not two apeice."
This time we cant blame the pitch either.
Fair dues to Macedonia, they worked hard, attacked with vigor and broke fast when they got the ball, (pity they went down injured every two minutes though) and effectively denied Owen the ball.
Which was a shame as Englands game strategy for the last few matches seems to be getting Beckham or Gerrard to lob a pinpoint pass to Owen's feet, and then hope he remembers where the goal is.
Lets face it, England were crap. Although Beckham produced his usual gutsy, hard working performace, as did Alan 'red card' Smith and our latest addition to the left of midfield Wayne Bridge, the rest of the team might as well hand in their England shirts.
What the hell game was Gerrard playing in? "Oh dear I've passed to the opposition, I'll jog leisurely back towards our goal." Its almost unfortunate he saved face with one stunning volley which was a carbon copy of the 2nd goal against Germany all that time ago in Munich (beleive it or not, this team once beat Germany by 5 goals to 1 away. I kid you not!)
Sol Campbell then displayed a first touch worthy of Emile Heskey and passed straight to the other side for goal two, and looked unsettled in defence all night. Woodgate wasnt a lot better, having to be rescued by Neville more than once.
Ashley Cole actually put in a reasonable defensive display and linked up well with Bridge on the left flank, one of the few plus points to come out of the game.
As for Seaman, he's been a great keeper, with the emphasis on has. Time for him to retire and make way for someone else. Robinson of Leeds is a popular choice, he's been picked ahead of Martyn at club level, which has to say a lot!
On the whole, England didnt play as a team, and the other side did.
I suppose it might help if Erikson tried playing the same team for more than 45 minutes at a time in freindlies rather than making 9 substitutions at half time. It might have also helped if he'd had more than one attacking player on the bench. Where was Teddy Sherringhams guile, vision and aerial ability when you needed it?
Come on Sven, this was Macedonia! Everyone expected a goalfest and you only bring one spare striker and lots of defensive players?
As the minutes ticked down, I actually found myself wishing Emile Heskey was available (ah, the depths of despair!).
I'm glad we werent playing Wales, who performed magnificently and thoroughly deserved to beat Italy. Well done!
As the tv pundits said "We expected four goals, but not two apeice."
This time we cant blame the pitch either.
Fair dues to Macedonia, they worked hard, attacked with vigor and broke fast when they got the ball, (pity they went down injured every two minutes though) and effectively denied Owen the ball.
Which was a shame as Englands game strategy for the last few matches seems to be getting Beckham or Gerrard to lob a pinpoint pass to Owen's feet, and then hope he remembers where the goal is.
Lets face it, England were crap. Although Beckham produced his usual gutsy, hard working performace, as did Alan 'red card' Smith and our latest addition to the left of midfield Wayne Bridge, the rest of the team might as well hand in their England shirts.
What the hell game was Gerrard playing in? "Oh dear I've passed to the opposition, I'll jog leisurely back towards our goal." Its almost unfortunate he saved face with one stunning volley which was a carbon copy of the 2nd goal against Germany all that time ago in Munich (beleive it or not, this team once beat Germany by 5 goals to 1 away. I kid you not!)
Sol Campbell then displayed a first touch worthy of Emile Heskey and passed straight to the other side for goal two, and looked unsettled in defence all night. Woodgate wasnt a lot better, having to be rescued by Neville more than once.
Ashley Cole actually put in a reasonable defensive display and linked up well with Bridge on the left flank, one of the few plus points to come out of the game.
As for Seaman, he's been a great keeper, with the emphasis on has. Time for him to retire and make way for someone else. Robinson of Leeds is a popular choice, he's been picked ahead of Martyn at club level, which has to say a lot!
On the whole, England didnt play as a team, and the other side did.
I suppose it might help if Erikson tried playing the same team for more than 45 minutes at a time in freindlies rather than making 9 substitutions at half time. It might have also helped if he'd had more than one attacking player on the bench. Where was Teddy Sherringhams guile, vision and aerial ability when you needed it?
Come on Sven, this was Macedonia! Everyone expected a goalfest and you only bring one spare striker and lots of defensive players?
As the minutes ticked down, I actually found myself wishing Emile Heskey was available (ah, the depths of despair!).
I'm glad we werent playing Wales, who performed magnificently and thoroughly deserved to beat Italy. Well done!
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