The Euro 2012 thread

[kennyrester]

The Fury said:

kennyrester said:

The Fury said:

We'd prefer to come First, it's against Italy. But based on Spain last night, maybe not. The tournament is tough, that's how the Euros work, I'm guess Spanish fans are currently not liking the idea of having us or France in the quarters because anyone can still win (remember Netherlands and Russia are out), it's not like Spain walked their group. All teams should be afraid of the winners, Germany. :P

Rooney has to start, that's like Argentina not playing a fit Messi. Walcott is our best right midfield but I'd like to see Chamberlain start on that side being subbed for Walcott later, swap pace for pace. Why no on your Walcott view?

I know we had this discussion about Walcott a few days ago (that was you right?) and he proved me wrong, to an extent, but I think in a game that England only need a draw from he could be too much of a liability. How many times has he started for England and been anonymous? Presumably Hodgson will set the team up to play tightly again and the longer the game remains 0-0, or if England get ahead, the more Ukraine will have to press and I think it's then that space will appear behind the defence for him to exploit. 

Probably me, as I am a fan of him (Saints rules). Anyway, depending on how we play, yes maybe but that'sthe problem with England. Why would we play defensively? Croatia last night were against the best international team in the world and yet they didn't just sit on the goal line. 

He's hardly anonymous. He's one of only 10 players in our 20 outfield players that has ever scored for England, Milner and Downing have never scored and he's still only 23. Downing has been in the squad on off since 2005 apparently, uyet to be honest I can't remember any game when I could say 'wow, downing was great in that'. or 'Downing made a difference.'

That said, I do think Chamerlain should start on the right. Get Young in his left position (hopefully he will play better than the last 2 games now Rooney is back), Chamerblain on his good foot where he played a full season for Saints and then swap him for Walcott later to add pace.

Croatia did play defensively, their plan was obviously to not conceed for as long as possible. It wasn't last ditch Chelsea-Barca stuff but they weren's attacking either. They're a very different team to England with different strengths, particularly their more skillful midfield. Hodgson has obviously set them up as a solid, counter-attacking team. There's no reason or need to change that now. I don't know that they should play defensively but I'm pretty sure they will.

 

I mean Walcott's often anonymous in specific games, not all the time. He's only scored in 2 of the games he's played for England, and has been shite for them several times. Being better than Downing isn't really something to shout about, particularly since he won't start. I think with him in the team England are more likely to win but also more likely to lose and when a draw will do I  don't think it's a gamble worth taking. 

If they go behind then by all means bring him on though.