Sandbach Shrimper
Life President⭐
So England put us through the motions as usual. 1st half was a bit scrappy, very congested in midfield but I thought we were pretty solid and Sweden didn't look very threatening. Brilliant cross from Gerrard (again) and header from Carroll. But then we go to sleep at two set-pieces early in the 2nd half. When Olef Mellberg scores twice against you, you know you have some defensive issues. Seems to be a bit of a lack of organisation at the back, although I thought Glen Johnson was superb tonight. Have to say at 2-1 down I wasn't hopeful we'd come back but fair play to them, they didn't let their heads drop and just kept calm and carried on. It's nice to see an England team with some spirit, fight and pride (all of them sang the national anthem). Reflected by the reaction of the management team to the goals. I don't think Capello or Eriksson's England would've come back there. Inspired substitution by Roy, Walcott's pace stunned them. The equaliser was a bit lucky - what on earth was the keeper playing at - but the winner was a good run and very skilful finish by Welbeck. Really like the look of him, very composed on the big stage for such a young lad. Can thank Fergie for that partly. Some dilemnas for Roy now - who does Rooney come in for, if anyone? Does Walcott start? I thought Young was poor and ineffective tonight, Milner was better. Oxlade-Chamberlain is exciting when he comes on. Gerrard put in another strong captain's performance and Carroll did what he was there to do. But we need to keep the ball better and sort our defending at set-pieces. We should beat Ukraine but I fear a top side would beat us quite comfortably playing like that. Mention for our fans too, vastly outnumbered but outsung the Swedes in the 2nd half. Loved the old English chants of 'Shall we sing a song for you' and 'you're not singing anymore'.