England vs USA /T&T
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
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I just watched England vs Trinidad and Tobago and, apart from the obvious political reasons it's hard to see what the game achieved. The opposition were a standard below the USA last week (who themselves were poor) and the England players were able to play almost at half-pace.
There were a couple of negatives to come out of the game that answered - or at least further asked- questions.
Point 1; Jermaine Defoe is not an international standard player. OK, he got two goals, but both he miscontrolled or mish*t and was fortunate the amount of space T&T offered him. He should have had four. He just doesn't offer that extra something you need at that level, like Rooney certainly does and Crouch does too.
Point 2; Stewart Downing. The guy keeps getting games but when has he ever played well for England? He just doesn't cut it at international level. I was very surprised to see Capello start him instead of Ashley Young.
Point 3; The Beckham issue. Obviously he's not the long-term answer, but I think David Bentley isn't quite ready to replace him yet. I think Beckham's got to stay in the side for now, but it is worrying that there is no replacement for him right now.
Point 4; Theo Walcott. He got his debut way too early under SGE and it looked to me like his second cap - two years later - it is still too early. Maybe a whole season of fullfilling the undoubted potential at Arsenal and he might be readybut not right now.
Comments anyone?
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
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Defoe needs alot of chances to score one goal, at least at international level. Against quality opposition, especially when you're England right now, you may only get one or two chances. Owen still is the only one who can be trusted to put those away. What if he was playing instead of Defoe? Score would've been much higher for sure.
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Agree. Owen is still the best partner for Rooney but can we rely on his fitness? Otherwise, i'd have Crouch in the mix, either starting or off the bench, and I'd've had a look at Gabby Agbonlahor. Capello missed an opportunity there I feel, he had him on the bench but didn't use him.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
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although he isn't a long-term answer at 30, i still like the way Heskey works with Owen (again not a long term solution)
I know Heskey doesn't score many but in combo with Owen that's not necessairly his job
as to the future then i suppose it's a rejuvenated rooney (his summer holiday should help) and ?? someone with pace infront of him
on a different note i loved the way shaka hislop pronounced Trina' Tbago
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Owen like splaying with Heskey too. But you're right, the age thing is against them as a combo, and individually for Heskey.
Maybe Rooney in behind Agbonlahor?
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
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I'm pleased that Gazza Bazza got on the scoresheet.
Three for me, and two for them.
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Did I miss something? England played against a team that they should only ever play in the group stages of the world cup finals. Political postering by the English to get the vote of the T&Ts. We should be given the World Cup without having to play meaningless matches. Sure the players would of loved a jolly up at the end of a hard season, and what better place to play. But im really not interested in England until they play a qualifing game against a real team for a tournament that means something. For the same reason, I was surprised to discover that Euro 08 is starting next week, and im not even bothered about whos playing, as England failed misrably to make it.
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Agreed that it was a forgone and pointless match. And also agreed that Gabby and Young should have definatley started, the future of English football, the fixing of their issue is NOT (been proben time and time again) in Jermain Defoe, i think anyone could tell you that, and with young, fast and impressive players like Agbonglahor, Young and Walcott gearing to play, without testing them out playing defoe is in my opinion i waste of time
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I guess it could be looked at as Defoe's last chance to impress management (not just Capello but others like Pearce, Clemence etc who've been there a while). And he failed, despite the two goals.
I really do think that he'll struggle to get any sort of look in now. But, like you NZVillain, I couldn't understand Gabby Ag not getting a run. Strange. And as I said, Young should have got a full ninety or close to it.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
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Indeed, Gabby, i reckon could be a very unique,oh-so-pacy and effective striker for a new look England team whichi think needs to be pursued to really change things up for the better.
Change is nessercary, and good! Gabby, and Ashleyare your men
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