davewebbsbrain
Webby⭐
We're going to lose against Italy and probably Uruguay too and will be going back after three games.Sorry.:sad:
Have you got a time machine?
We're going to lose against Italy and probably Uruguay too and will be going back after three games.Sorry.:sad:
Anyone see what Valencia said after the game?
"I apologise to the country, my teammates, the coaching staff for the expulsion of today. But most importantly, I'm fine"
He was nowhere near getting injured, it was a wild tackle but Sterling was nowhere near getting the player, was clearly going for the ball, give him a yellow and tell him to calm down and get on with the game. Valencia's reaction was disgusting, particularly in a friendly game, thought Sterling did well not to react knowing his temperament.
Did anyone else spot the Southend flag at the game yesterday? Wonder if any Shrimpers are heading out to Brazil.
I thought we played pretty well last night against a decent Ecuador team, considering it was essentially a reserve team and they were probably a bit jet-lagged. Oxlade-Chamberlain and Barkley were impressive going forward and I love the way they just pick it up and aren't afraid to run at opponents. I thought Rooney had a decent game on the left and Lambert didn't do much wrong and scored a lovely goal. Defensively we looked a bit shaky and Chris Smalling did little to change my opinion of him but I thought Phil Jones did ok after a shaky start and Luke Shaw didn't do much wrong. Milner wasn't convincing at right-back but he was up against a very pacey winger. Let's just hope none of our first-choice back 4 get injured. Only major disappointment (other than the Ox's injury - fingers crossed!) for me was Wilshere, who gave the ball away too much and just looks scared of tackling now, which is understandable but you can't afford to be carrying players like that. He could've done more to prevent the shot for their 2nd goal too. I thought Sterling deserved a yellow at most for his tackle and Valencia's reaction, considering his experience and the fact he's captain towards a 19 year-old was disgusting.
Also what was the point of bringing on Stones and Flanagan when they're not in the 23-man squad?
Three teams are broadly similar:
Uruguay: 7th
Italy: 9th
England: 10th
Costa Rica: 28th
Costa Rica aren't **** as you put it, they're only 2 behind Ecuador.
It's the toughest of all the groups, which just underlines why I can't get excited about this world cup.
It's not about overrating Welbeck, it's about remembering him being a stand-out player at Euro 2012. He got 2 in 4 (the equaliser in the draw against France where he led the line, and the crucial winner against Sweden). He has a knack of scoring important goals for England and his all-round play is superior to Sterling (who is a great prospect, but last night he showed his naivety). Bringing in youth and pace is all well and good, but Welbeck has youth, pace and big tournament experience which is crucial.
Last night we gave the ball away too cheaply for my liking and Welbeck is intelligent on the ball and can also stretch the play and accelerate when breaking.
If not Welbeck, then who?
If my memory serves me correctly, we took the lead against France and Lescott scored. Cancelled out by a Nasri strike!?
If my memory serves me correctly, we took the lead against France and Lescott scored. Cancelled out by a Nasri strike!?