I reckon we're playing pretty well and expect us to progress a fair way in the tournament now (before inevitably losing on penalties to Germany, I suppose.)
However, I think today's game against Wales shows how hard we're going to find it to break down well organised teams who defend across the edge of the box, particularly if we are a goal behind. OK , Vardy came on today and scored but his contribution was very limited because there was never an inch of space behind their defence. Ironically I feel he SHOULD have come on when we went one up against Russia, that's when he's going to be at his most effective.
We really only had the option of trying to play THROUGH the Welsh defence today which was always going to be hard. I mean, how many times did Walker get the ball in a great position to cross second half but always tried to beat the man, check back inside to Rooney or play it into someone with their back to goal. So when we are playing a team who insist on defending between the six yard line and the penalty area we need someone like a Peter Crouch or Andy Carroll to bring on. That would have forced Wales to push out more. But what do I know compared to the Gweat Woy.
Anyway, very glad we won as the Welsh had far too much to say.
Shame the Dutch aren't there, Bert. They are always a big team who all the others want to try to knock over.
I reckon we're playing pretty well and expect us to progress a fair way in the tournament now (before inevitably losing on penalties to Germany, I suppose.)
However, I think today's game against Wales shows how hard we're going to find it to break down well organised teams who defend across the edge of the box, particularly if we are a goal behind. OK , Vardy came on today and scored but his contribution was very limited because there was never an inch of space behind their defence. Ironically I feel he SHOULD have come on when we went one up against Russia, that's when he's going to be at his most effective.
We really only had the option of trying to play THROUGH the Welsh defence today which was always going to be hard. I mean, how many times did Walker get the ball in a great position to cross second half but always tried to beat the man, check back inside to Rooney or play it into someone with their back to goal. So when we are playing a team who insist on defending between the six yard line and the penalty area we need someone like a Peter Crouch or Andy Carroll to bring on. That would have forced Wales to push out more. But what do I know compared to the Gweat Woy.
Anyway, very glad we won as the Welsh had far too much to say.
Shame the Dutch aren't there, Bert. They are always a big team who all the others want to try to knock over.
Thanks Mick and although I have sympathy for Wales the victory was 100% deserved. Think your analysis is spot on. Think a lot of teams are only there to defend and keep a clean sheet and hoping for a succesful counterattack. Think Kane is not at his best and now- for the last game against slowakia - when a draw seems enough for bot teams 0 i would start with Rashford.
