What was Capello up to tonight exactly? Why he played Rooney for 85 minutes is completely beyond me. We know what the guy can do so why force him to play another 85 minutes of football unnecessarily? Surely tonight was the ideal opportunity to start Cole and Defoe? Instead, we saw Rooney and Defoe together in awkward tandem, before Defoe was withdrawn, forcing the protracted employment of Rooney or an equally unnatural combination of Crouch and Cole. To give Cole just 5 minutes was horribly unfair.
In goal, Green did ok, but he didn't have much to do. He took the crosses well and his handling was good. His distribution was decidely ordinary however.
Upson's face must have been as red as his shirt, however, after that slip leading to the Egypt goal. He didn't do much wrong apart from that, but one slip resulting in a goal could cost us the World Cup!
What did we learn from the night? Brown was shit but we know that anyway. Walcott was invisible after the first 15 minutes. He will be very lucky to be on the plane to South Africa now. Wright-Phillips scored and set up a goal but his touch is so heavy. He is not international class in my book. I like the look of Milner however. There is something old fashioned about him. Lots of endeavour, lots of commitment and a kind of clumsy British class. Carrick also did his claims no harm at all. Terry? After a shaky start he did ok. Baines had an innocuous debut which was disappointing. I was hoping he would get in more crosses but he looked nervous and played the ball square too often. Gerrard looked much better when he came off the left flank. And Crouch? That's 20 goals for England now. He looks ludicrous but his movement tonight was excellent and he bagged his chances superbly.
The best thing about tonight? The way we scored in the last 15 minutes yet again. This team will believe they can win any game in the final quarter of the match.
7 comments:
Should have given Cadburys longer than 5 mins but proud to see 3 hammers finish the game. Well done Cadburys Greano and offsoon. Ironssssssssssss
ITV news said FA just announced two more friendlies before the WC. Mexico and Japan if I can remember. Still more chances for Cole, Walcott.
Greeny still can't kick. Almost got one horribly wrong.
Pitch wasn't the best but that's about as good as they are going to be in South Africa so Upson better tighten up. Great pass and finish from the Egyptians though.
Milner needs to start left hand side for me. The guy hardly ever wastes the ball, can cross with both feet and is technically good. I would have Lampard play the more defensive role like Capello had him play before. I would go Milner, Gerrard, Lampard, Walcott/Beckham. Sorry Gareth, I just don't rate you.
Lampard should have had two. Why he tried to go with his left for both I do not know.
Terry showed his lack of pace but otherwise did well.
Baines will get more confident and better. The fact he was stepping up for the corners and free kicks already, is positive.
Barry set up the first goal mate and made one brilliant challenge on the edge of our box.
I couldn't fit him into the midfield though HF, for what he offers. I'd wanna start with Milner so Gerrard and Lampard have to go middle. That leaves the left. If Lennon doesn't make it then I'd go for the pace of Walcott with Beckham as back-up.
I think we have missed Owen Hargreaves badly. He has been away so long that many have forgotten his rise and influence in the side. After our Hammers, he is the one guy I get disappointed about most when we don't see him. His work used to free-up others. Hope he is back for the Euros at least.
*leaves the right sorry.
Hargreaves will announce an Ashton soon.
...what he's pregnant?
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