Wednesday 23 June 2010

Slovenia 0, England 1

Obviously the last two games were a disgrace, but we really couldn't afford a repeat today. Amazingly, the pampered twerps actually seemed to get that too and started the game in lively fashion. Interest, passion, a will to keep moving forward, chasing free balls and tackles and passing well. They worked for each other and it showed. The after game punditry did its usual and lauded Rooney for being an icon for England and a pivotal player, which is odd really considering what actually went on, on the pitch. Initially Rooney couldn't get into the game, then he got close, but still is far too easily dispossessed (and by any level of player apparently) and only once got into a dangerous position. Then, one on one with the keeper, he scuffed it. It was even a bad choice of kick, but thinking about it, he probably only has one way of shooting. Guile and thoughtful football is beyond him. He did seem to come alive and do some useful stuff, but was soon injured and subbed. We clearly don't need him, he is more mascot than icon.
Gerrard was busy, busy, busy. Constantly scurrying about and crossing good balls, tackling and generally causing mayhem for the Slovenes. Upson did some useful work but generally was a bit poor. Glenn Johnson clearly has some skill and was trying hard, but he seems out of his depth at this level. John Terry, whom I think is past it and a liability more likely to foul than tackle, was his old solid, dependable self. So well done him, too.

Overall, a good performance that did the job, but the question remains, why can't we score? At times we made the Slovenes look as stupid as England have to date, but we only managed to score once. The spirit may be back, but perhaps an edge is still needed. Maybe this result will bring it and from here the team will settle into playing the games the individuals it is composed of, are capable of.

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