What did we learn from the England game?
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 2:34PM Practically nothing.
Sure, it's a friendly and okay Fabio selected an experimental side and some of the more senior players were applying little assertion to avoid big injuries. And post-match, for Fabio to state he knows his final 23 players already would suggest that regardless of what happened against Japan, there wasn't a lot of importance bestowed on the game, other than perhaps one or two miracles to make him scratch that chin and re-think. Which is fine considering how casually inept the game was as a whole from our standing point. I mean for starters, our two goals were scored by Japanese players. Heskey might have nabbed one all for himself from 3 yards out, but the ball really needed to be 2 yards out for him to stick it away with conviction. Bit unlucky there.
Elsewhere, Huddlestone played well without being exceptional. He did what he did, passing the ball around neatly. Not really a test and not the type of game where he could perhaps show the gaffer he is a better bet than say Carrick. Our back four were pretty much woeful for large periods. Johnson was all over the shop. Again. I bet he's gutted King wasn't on the pitch to take the blame.
And then there's Theo Walcott. I know he's young, and I know two years back many had reservations about Lennon and his (lack of) end product, but why exactly we persist in a player (a confidence player with no confidence) when it's obvious that waiting for him to recreate the type of magic he's created 2 or 2 times before (that many) seems to be quite desperate from an England perspective. He has pace, and if the plan is to use him as a late sub, it still doesn't fit well considering he struggles to influence the game in any meaningful way when given more time on the pitch to impress.
He's had a poor season, has suffered from injury layouts. Still living off that hat trick, that run against Liverpool and that chipped goal for Soton. Is he even a winger? If he played for anyone else, he'd be nowhere near this squad.
Which brings me back to the point of this game. If it was one last chance (to follow on from the whole bundle left behind him) then he failed to impress. SWP did more in his appearance than Walcott has managed for countless England games. This is not a 'Aaron is better than Theo' propaganda piece. This is more of a 'let's drop the dead donkey' awareness campaign. Azza was placed on the left, obviously to accommodate Theo's inclusion. So we hardly got much from our wing-man thanks to Ashley Cole and his marauding runs on the left. That and the fact that the ball spent most of it's time going out to the right hand side, before the players got a little bored of nothing happening. I'm hoping Fabio is well aware that Lennon works better running down the wing, with a man up head to skip past - which is why he is better suited to the right-wing and no Cole. As for Theo, he's better suited at home watching the WC on his wide-screen. Although I'm sure if he doesn't travel, he'll still manage to get a mention (ask ITV and Gareth Southgate who described a Walcott shot on goal which the keeper saved, when it was Lennon who had the effort).
Okay, so it is a propaganda piece. I'm just bored of repeating myself here. And before any gooners latch onto this, there's a fair view who agree with me. If there is room in the squad for a 'wildcard' then I'd probably go with Adam Johnson. He's had a far better season. If TW does go, and proceeds to go on a mazy 50 yard run and scores the winner, then most of us probably wouldn't care if he doesn't do anything again for five years. Seems an awfully big risk and ask of the kid. He has time on his hands. Let him claim stake to true form and end product by developing and improving, rather than us forcing the issue, over and over and over again.
So, over to Fabio for that one. And for the sake of England, Walcott is better off out on loan at a club with less pressure and with no bog-standard requirement for Henry mk II posturing.
As for the rest of the game, there's not that much more to comment on. No tempo from England, all far too ordinary and predictable and pedestrian with (thankfully) some fine moments from Rooney and Hart to keep as mostly awake. We didn't use the wings - but then I've already explained why. It was all pretty much a bore, and I'm sure we'll improve tenfold when we play the USA. At the very least, it will be a more balanced side - so perhaps we'll have some form of tempo to excite us and give us hope. Might actually be a blessing, playing the USA. Could turn out to be a EPL type of encounter.
I expect Hudd and Daws to be tuning into the game with the rest us. Both lack the experience and can't be risked. Although the irony of someone like Dawson (who has arguably had a fairly fantastic season) missing out, is then not so hurtful when you consider the experience that stands before him for those central positions. Even with the likes of Rio and Terry looking a bit shaky at times. You can't honestly see him going because every CD has more England experience than him (although I don't rate Carragher or Upson above Daws - but the former is (apparently) more versatile).
It's all come a bit too late for Tommy (Joe Cole a shoe-in), so perhaps next time round. For the both of them. Crouch, Defoe, Lennon and King - dead certs.
England expects.
Reader Comments (32)
we learned that dawson didn't even get a try, rio and terry are shit, david james should not of been picked, theo wallnut isn't good enough to clean lennons boots, heskey still can't score, defoe is not international class but crouch is!!! rooney could lose his head at anytime in south africa, joe cole would be worth the effort of signing and huddlestone could be a great england player in the next few years.
Fabio selected Dawson for the experience of the England training set-up. Nothing more.
A reasonable synopsis of the situation. It is becoming apparent that effective creative talent is thin on the ground in the current squad. I am sorry but I would not bet on England getting out of its group. Rooney is the only reall attacking threat ad he will be marked closely in all the games. I dread to say it but I figure Carraher will be top scorer for England given his o.g. record.
I was not impressed. Those who did were Rooney, A.Cole & Joe Cole
Tell you what I learned. The England boys hate Aaron Lennon. I have no idea why, but Walnutt was given the ball 3000 times in the first half and did feck all, in the second half Lennon got the ball like 3 times or something daft. He was isolated and double marked. A tiny bit of support from Carragher or someone in the midfield would have been great. The only time that seemed to happen was when Joe Cole linked up with Lennon and crossed for the equaliser.
It's amazing the conclusions people can come to after 90 minutes of football. I mean we all saw against Arsenal Danny Rose but we're not screaming for him to be in the England squad because it would be ridiculous. As is trying to come to conclusion about player after watching them play a half of football
joe cole would be a fine addition to the spurs team,
the second hand car dealer will get far more out of him than saf
a half of football?nah sorry but we aren't gooners who rate players based on 1 game. Walcott has been shite for 4 seasons with arsenal. That 45 minutes against the Japanese and that 5 year trophyless season with the woolwich has showed us Walcott cant make an impact at the highest level.
The game is not for learning anyuthing. It is a 'warm up' game, and is useful for that purpose only. Just to keep layers fit-ish and ticking over. Those trying to gain more from it are missing the point. Its nothing more than a glorified training session. England will get out of the group comfotably, but that say more about how crap USA and Slovenia are than anything else. If we turn up and give any sort of performance we will beat USA 2 or 3 nil.
J Cole will go - he always should have done, and the debate over whether he would was a confusing one. Yeah hes only really played the last 10-15 games of the season, but really, have any of his other rivals done significantly more? Add to this the fact that he was our 2nd best player in the last WC, and its a no brainer. Hudd will also go. Dawson wont. Adam Johnson is the new Tony Daley.
Also, does anyone else find the constant criticism of walcott, from everywhere, just a bit tedious (as spooky himself alludes to)? Look at who everyones boo boy was before the last world cup - Hargreaves. This was also because he had delivered some mediocre performances, when eveyone was expecting fireworks, and also because he seemed a bit quiet and slightly smug. Someone who is an easy target. When the public rounds on a player it inevitably backfires on them when he proves himself to not be the most useless thing since unsliced bread, and everyone is made to feel very sheepish when they reflect on the level of vitriol against someone who at the end of the day is just a young player trying to learn his trade, who has had the bad luck of occasinally being brilliant.
Ah...the old club v country debate. Six Tottenham players in the England squad with hardly enough time after the WC for a cuppa and a change of socks before the CL qualifier ? Or all of them chopped and spending a nice summer of r&r, feet up in front of the telly and fresh as a daisy for the new season ?
reply to Edi -
Think you overstated a bit but Lennon was certainly frozen a bit. I put it down to the old boys club looking after each other rather than worry about the team. Actually I thought the whole spirit of the side looked wrong and if teamwork and team spirit is wrong at this stage we are f'd whatever we do. Hope I am wrong but another "unlucky" QF would be my current bet.
Experience of what? Constantly failing miserably and being unable to get past the QFs? No, this "experience" argument belongs on the scrapheap. Dawson HAS to go to the WC. The only way to get experience is to do the job. Failure to recognise this is the main reason why millions are unemployed.
Huddlestone should go, and play. If Barry will be fit enough to take part in the 2nd round onwards then by all means he should go, but Huddlestone will be more than adequate in the defensive midfield role against Algeria, Slovenia and the USA. Parker will be a liability for England in the world cup, not because he is a bad player or a dirty player, but he will be penalised a lot more than he is in the premier league for fouls and the way he pushes himself about due to the hyper sensitive international refereeing. Huddlestone can keep the ball and dominate against teams of the quality in our group. He might be found out against the better sides later in the tournament (should we get through the group stages, of course), but by then Barry should be back and besides I would not expect Parker to last longer than 30 minutes against Messi and company.
agree oldspur, we also don't need players in view of the world, they need rest and a long relaxing holiday with the families, mind you lets face it even if they all get picked most would get enough rest on the bench anyway lol
Lennon had similar brilliant performance for Spurs at the same age and it was obvious to most he had plenty to learn and hardly got an England look-in. Walcott has been taken forwards by hype and people seem to forget his age and the fact that he isn't half as good as he hopes/thinks/Wenger thinks he is.
Pace? Yes. Intelligence on the ball? No. Final ball? No. He can score fairly well. Actually sounds like I'm describing Darren Bent.
Anon - I agree, but I'm simply stating the England standpoint on this. They will go with the trusted old guard and not risk someone of little experience. Unless Fabio plays a curve ball, but can't see it personally. Would be great if we had the balls to select players outside of the norm, but when the likes of Gerrard (who has been poor for the best part of the season) is guaranteed to go then any other form of logic re: selection is out of the window.
bent is better than wallnut by a mile and i don't even like bent, how did he get picked for england before sandra????
Why waste one of the valuable 23 places on Walcott.He does,nt play regular first team football at Arsenal,he did,nt show anything against Japan and he did,nt kick a ball in 2006 even after we lost players through injury.His inclusion stopped Lennon from from playing his most effective role.Iam not convinced he is a footballer we need at this worldcup,sure he can run fast so can Linford christie but he wont be going to South Africa.Arsenal fans want him included because he is the only Englishman they have and they would feel a bit left out if England had none of their players in the team/squad and this would be a bit embarrassing when you claim to be a big team in the prem league.Surely Arsenal fans if they were honest can see this is not a reason to include him at the expense of players who have played regular football this season and have contributed to their teams cause if not their country.
Jep
I think that is what Walnut will end up as - a poor mans Darren Bent with a posh accent. btw I never rated Benty but to his credit he does what he does and does it well and dont sugar coat and spin to pretend he is something he aint.
Barry is important. Lamps, Gerrard and co are all RIGHT-FOOTED and find it easier to pass to the left midfielder and not Lennon in his best position. Barry is a leftie and can pass it right easier. Lets hope Barry is fit for Lennon's sake as well as England. Hudd and Daws will be watching from their living room sadly.
I bet you anything Walcott goes to the world Cup. I just know it deep down.
Of course little Theo will go, Fabio loves him , I thought the best move he made yesterday was that little wave when they were huddled around the screen. Too much hype, and too much expectation placed on him. Lennon however has grown into the player Fabio thought Theo was. SWP did himself no harm, same with Cole. Rooney showing us all it's only going to take one defender with a brain or a big mouth and he'll be off before you can say Carvalho's knackers.Oh and Ball retention? What's that then? Also giving an alien new system half hour in the last game before the WC? Shocking.
You watch. Plan B will become Plan A
If we want a goal at this WC, then step forward 3-Metre-Peter.
To say Lennon was frozen out is ridiculous. I was quite impressed with the way that Gerrard found him on 4/5 occasions with effective driven balls across field and and 2/3 more that he overhit and Aaron couldn't reach or control them.
He was double marked as he is at Tottenham which creates space inside for Cole and Rooney to exploit.
He set up Cole when he cut inside and then switched it outside into space for Joe Cole to set up the second goal.
Several times he laid it back to Carragher when confronted by two defenders. Capello is cute enough to see the benefit of this.
Playing on the left was to enable Capello have a last look at Walcott and to see if switching Lennon could be an effective ploy, bearing in mind that Johnson can play either side.
I thought Tom was neat and tidy found space well but was mostly too deep. He was certainly involved but did nothing to stake a real claim for inclusion. Could manage very little in the way of forward or penetrating passes to make a claim for a unique or different contribution. With the rest of the team playing so poorly around him he could do little to impress.
He's only 23 and his time will come.
Personally I'm quietly pleased that Dawson is likely to miss out, as I honestly believe that he'll become an even better player in the process. If partnered by King, he's allowed to be a little rash at times, as King can cover his 'enthusiasm by knowing his play. At international level errors are exposed ten fold, and I feared Dawson like Robinson before him could be affected by the slightest of errors. They'll be plenty of opportunities for him in the very near future, which hopefully will culminate in him becoming a regular fixture in the England side for years to come.Same applies to Big Tom, get a rest over the summer, and hit the ground running for Spurs
What worried me most about watching England the other night was when i watch Spurs we stroke the ball around hold possession and look comfortable on the ball, Watching England at Wembley we were unable to put two passes together, I thought it may be down to the Wembley surface as all the players constantly bitch about it, but no such excuses against Japan we just cant retain the ball some of our most experienced players were the worst offenders Rooney, Gerrard, A Cole very very worrying this close to the world cup. Rooney looks like the season has just caught up with him and he looks fucked. Fergie must be chuffed with himself, probably out buying his Argentina shirt with the rest of the sweaties as we speak.
Anyway COME ON ENGLAND. !!! St George and Harry Hotspur.
Jimmy, not saying he was frozen out, but England can use him far more effectively, IMO.
It's not just that we are unable to retain possession (because quite clearly we can't) it's also the fact when we are in possession we are too impatient: always looking for the killer pass, always looking to attack straight away, in failing to appreciate a sideways pass once in a while, or just simply slowing the game down ,we are our own downfall by banging it all over the place with abandon.
More worrying is our inability to keep clean sheets under Fabio (the oft repeated stat last night was Played 24 Clean Sheets 6....)
Walcotts lack of progress is purely at the door of Wenger.
Arsenal don;t play wide players, wingers, running at defender getting to the bye line and whipping crosses in to a packed box of strikers and attacking midfielders. They are lucky if 1 person is on the box to get on a cross, and usually its someone small and unlikley to beat the defence.....SO why play Theo out wide.
Walcott is right footed. His left is about passible but he struggles to shoot and cross on this right, so on his left we see little more than simple balls....So he plays out wide, knows there is no point getting to the bye line, knows he will not have space to use his pace and run in to, becasue arsenal play tippy tappy football around the edge of the box. the result is usually that he'll fail to beat the full back(s), and will cut in on his left and play the simple ball.
He is expected to play like Nasri plays or Rosicky.....they fail to recognise his strengths and play to them. Walcott has failed to develop because he is not a winger. He has little in the way of trickery, if there is space to knock it past and run, then he is good, but good teams won't let that happen.
I think he needs to be played centrally or a part of a 3 pronged attack...or at the very least played on the left (at Arsenal) where he can cut in on to his right at run at players, at the goal. Centrally he would terrify CBs. Terry would hate to have someone so fast and agile on his shoulder. to me it seems like a no brainer.
So he hasn't developed and thats due to wenger. At another club he could really develop. 3 or 4 years has already been wasted. AW is heralded as some sort of genius but on this occasion he has got it all wrong... He'd suit Villa or Liverpools style of play, if played in the right position.
But until then Lennon is clearly the much better player, more complete, plus he can beat a man with skill and tricks from a standing start. Something Walcott cannot.
Im gonna have to say those who dont believe Lennon was frozen out must have watched another game because first half ball was always and i mean always played on the righ (to the boy with no end product, wont mention your name Theo) Second half ball always pretty much played on the left, and only played right by joe cole. The england boys need to realise england are most dangerous when involving Lennon. People also seem to underrate Lennons short ball game which in my opinion is quite good. I must actually mention carragher who i thought complemented lennon well.
I think capello missed a trick when he started both lennon and walcott on the right, it should have been jcole on the left and lennon on right and huddlestone would have better choices to spray the ball. GJohnson will be our weak point, was it just me or were the Japanese exploiting the right back as they know he is inconsistent and lacks concentration.
My wild card will be one of 3 things, Hudds goes or, walcott left out or both walcott, lennon, SWP and cole goes
If I were going to pick a right winger it sure wouldn’t be Theo. Sorry. There’s a better right winger called Lennon. That’s a fact. You may stop your internal dialogue. “But Bill Theo scored that…” Shut the fuck up. You’re wrong. Kay? Kay?
What hapened to picking players on form Barry was crap for City Gerrard and Carragher Ferdinand back is worse than mine Heskey is a Zombie Cole is worried his wife is going to have a good time tonight Black eyed peas Terry is a grovelling wreck Johnson couldn't tackle a blonde in a Telephone Box Ledley is not Deadly on the Wembley peat bog Dawson cant be awesome without playing Hudds was set up by having to play with Lampost and a pissed of Rooney without is Gerrard and Carragher and England and swp and J Cole are lucky bastards for coming on with five subs and tired jap a knees get it in off own goals . Poor Tom was set up with Sandra bent to fail
THEO OUT!
JOE COLE IN!
ADAM JOHNSON OUT!
DAVID BRENT SORRY DARREN BENT OUT!