For every England game in the 2010 World Cup, I will be giving my personal opinion on performance, result, chances of victory in the World Cup, and anything else.
So, England 1-1 USA. A terrible start to the World Cup campaign. Although USA are also favourites to go through with England, 3 points seemed inevitable. It was inconceivable to all English fans that England would not win. The fact that we drew was terrible. England had too many "schoolboy" errors.
The game started very well, with England taking the lead just 4 minutes in. A delightful move from England, involving one touch football and a very tidy finish from the skipper, Steven Gerrard. Annihilation seemed to be on the cards.
Then, in the 40th minute, a massive shock. Clint Dempsey's shot was very optimistic, too optimistc and Robert Green had it covered. Or did he? Just as Green went to get the ball, it cannoned off his glove and bobbled into the net. A disgraceful error at International level.
The second half's best chance fell to Emile Heskey. He had all the space and time in the world, and he drove the shot right at the goalkeeper. A very poor attempt. The last sentence summed up England's game very well, a very poor attempt.
Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard and Aaron Lennon were easily England's finest against the USA. Gerrard proved a worthy captain, and rallied his troops in the best possible way, a goal. Unfortunately, many of the England men did not respond to Gerrard's fine finish.
Emile Heskey, in my own personal opinion, does not deserve a place at the World Cup. He did a couple of things right, but overall was poor I thought. I prefer most other English strikers. Defoe, Crouch, Rooney, Bent, Zamora all worthy of World Cup places. Heskey is not.
Robert Green, one word springs to mind, why? I have no doubt about his ability, but his confidence and experience are terrible. David James should be England number 1. His jersey says he is, Capello said that James was number 1, yet he puts Green in goal and costs us 2 points! I don't get it.
England do not look like a team that can win the World Cup. The quality is there. The team confidence and chemistry is not. I fear more World Cup heart ache on the horizon, and sooner than most people may think. I thoroughly hope that I am wrong. I truelly do. But I cannot see England winning the World Cup for many more years.
Still, I will support them every step of the way. Come On England!
Me, at the laptop
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
England's World Cup hopes.
On June 1st 2010, the England world cup squad was announced. If you haven't seen the squad, here it is:
GK: Joe Hart, Robert Green and David James.
DF: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Matthew Upson and Stephen Warnock
MF: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Micheal Carrick, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner
ST: Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney
So, the biggest "surprise" drop from the 30 was Theo Walcott. For me, this was the right decision. Despite Theo scoring a hattrick in the qualifying round against Croatia in Zagreb, I am not surprised with this cut. I do not feel Walcott is a very good player. I know he is very quick, but his performances are not consistent. Shaun Wright-Phillips, Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole and James Milner are all better wingers in my opinion.
I am glad to see Jamie Carragher in the squad. I think he is a very reliable and tough defender. Capello will more than likely use him as a right back, and he is useful in that position. Also Ledley King is a great asset to have at the World Cup. He is a solid Centre Back.
Personally, I would have included Darren Bent. I feel this season was fantastic for him and I do not like Heskey. I know that Heskey is good at allowing other players to score, but I don't think he is World Cup quality.
My starting line up would be as follows:
GK: David James
RB: Glen Johnson
CB: John Terry
CB: Rio Ferdinand
LB: Ashley Cole
CDM: Gareth Barry
LM: Joe Cole
CM: Frank Lampard
RM: James Milner
CAM/CF: Steven Gerrard
ST: Wayne Rooney
I believe England CAN win the World Cup this year, but I don't think they will. England just do not win tournaments. It will be phenomenal if we manage to come home as World Cup champions, and it is possible. Unfortunately, it is also unlikely.
GK: Joe Hart, Robert Green and David James.
DF: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Matthew Upson and Stephen Warnock
MF: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Micheal Carrick, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner
ST: Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney
So, the biggest "surprise" drop from the 30 was Theo Walcott. For me, this was the right decision. Despite Theo scoring a hattrick in the qualifying round against Croatia in Zagreb, I am not surprised with this cut. I do not feel Walcott is a very good player. I know he is very quick, but his performances are not consistent. Shaun Wright-Phillips, Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole and James Milner are all better wingers in my opinion.
I am glad to see Jamie Carragher in the squad. I think he is a very reliable and tough defender. Capello will more than likely use him as a right back, and he is useful in that position. Also Ledley King is a great asset to have at the World Cup. He is a solid Centre Back.
Personally, I would have included Darren Bent. I feel this season was fantastic for him and I do not like Heskey. I know that Heskey is good at allowing other players to score, but I don't think he is World Cup quality.
My starting line up would be as follows:
GK: David James
RB: Glen Johnson
CB: John Terry
CB: Rio Ferdinand
LB: Ashley Cole
CDM: Gareth Barry
LM: Joe Cole
CM: Frank Lampard
RM: James Milner
CAM/CF: Steven Gerrard
ST: Wayne Rooney
I believe England CAN win the World Cup this year, but I don't think they will. England just do not win tournaments. It will be phenomenal if we manage to come home as World Cup champions, and it is possible. Unfortunately, it is also unlikely.
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