Another 1-0 victory for England but this time against a much weaker team, nevertheless a clean sheet and Fabio Capello's new defensive machine begins to look solid even if there was 8 changes from the team that beat Spain. The performance overall was not amazing but England did create especially in the first half a number of clear cut chances. These are the chances that you want to create as I think that some of the more senior players would put away, so the result could have easily been more clear cut.
As there was no major talking points or drama in the game I am going to again talk about some of the players that stood out to me in either a good or bad way.
1) Phil Jones- Phil Jones was one of the 3 players retained from the XI that played against Spain on Saturday and was again playing in an unusual midfield position. This time he was the sole shield to the back four. Today I thought he was much more comfortable in the position, although when there was a break down in the play he often drifted closer and closer to the back four, rather than holding the shape for the midfield. He also had a good chance that his pace and power created for him but an unfamiliar attacking position in the centre of the goal resulted in him missing the target. Overall it was clear to see that he is a class player and a definite for England in the future available in a variety of positions, although I can't see past Scott Parker for holding midfield in the near future.
2) Bobby Zamora- Another Heskey? I think Bobby Zamora had a good supportive game to the attacking wingers and midfield today, but if England are going to continue with a one striker system I can't see him playing as he wont get enough goals. That being said he linked play well and drew defenders out which allowed the wingers and full backs to get behind the defence and create some good opportunities.
3) Kyle Walker- Was given man of the match by the ITV commentary team and I think that was deserved for the work ethic. He offered an option on the right the whole game and his pace defending was extremely useful. His discipline was also greater than Glen Johnson's against Sweden and I believe if Capello wont choose Micah Richards then Walker should be Englands first choice right back.
4) Daniel Sturridge- Daniel sturridge finally got his England debut today, but as a winger. I am a bit disappointed to see him in this position as he is a definite goal scorer and striker. I think it was a waste by Fabio Capello to bring on Bent for Zamora as the lone striker as it seems he has secured his place in the squad so why not allow a striker who has been getting goals in the premier league for almost a year a chance to play up front as he offers nothing defensively and seemed out of sorts.
Overall if the 3 golden opportunities that England created that weren't taken were, then we could be looking at people describing this as a wonderful performance, as it is, it wasn't amazing but there are a few positives to take and our defensive strength is pleasing.
As there was no major talking points or drama in the game I am going to again talk about some of the players that stood out to me in either a good or bad way.
1) Phil Jones- Phil Jones was one of the 3 players retained from the XI that played against Spain on Saturday and was again playing in an unusual midfield position. This time he was the sole shield to the back four. Today I thought he was much more comfortable in the position, although when there was a break down in the play he often drifted closer and closer to the back four, rather than holding the shape for the midfield. He also had a good chance that his pace and power created for him but an unfamiliar attacking position in the centre of the goal resulted in him missing the target. Overall it was clear to see that he is a class player and a definite for England in the future available in a variety of positions, although I can't see past Scott Parker for holding midfield in the near future.
2) Bobby Zamora- Another Heskey? I think Bobby Zamora had a good supportive game to the attacking wingers and midfield today, but if England are going to continue with a one striker system I can't see him playing as he wont get enough goals. That being said he linked play well and drew defenders out which allowed the wingers and full backs to get behind the defence and create some good opportunities.
3) Kyle Walker- Was given man of the match by the ITV commentary team and I think that was deserved for the work ethic. He offered an option on the right the whole game and his pace defending was extremely useful. His discipline was also greater than Glen Johnson's against Sweden and I believe if Capello wont choose Micah Richards then Walker should be Englands first choice right back.
4) Daniel Sturridge- Daniel sturridge finally got his England debut today, but as a winger. I am a bit disappointed to see him in this position as he is a definite goal scorer and striker. I think it was a waste by Fabio Capello to bring on Bent for Zamora as the lone striker as it seems he has secured his place in the squad so why not allow a striker who has been getting goals in the premier league for almost a year a chance to play up front as he offers nothing defensively and seemed out of sorts.
Overall if the 3 golden opportunities that England created that weren't taken were, then we could be looking at people describing this as a wonderful performance, as it is, it wasn't amazing but there are a few positives to take and our defensive strength is pleasing.
Kyle Walker - England's new PERMANENT right back!
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