Australia have totally dominated us in this game...i mean....Australia !!!
And yet, they lost... How unique.
Talk to me about Rooney everyone. ( Not digging you here, Pres )
Cannot be bothered to trawl back on some of the pelters I and others have had supporting England's number one goalscorer, because I will be given stick for being the kind of sad case that goes trawling back and digging out people who have given England's number one goalscorer pelters. But I really think he played well tonight, and I also think he looked genuinely delighted at Rashford's goal. I still would not start him up front, but only a fool would not have him in the squad, in my opinion.
Rooney was excellent - as he was for the cup final last week.
I've defended him time and time again. Like him or not, his record for England is can't be argued. He is the captain as well and the players all respect him. He hasn't really done much at tournaments since 2004. But then again who has?
Was having the Rooney argument in the pub last week - somebody said he shouldn't go because Barkley is a much better player - that's when I knew I'd won the argument.
A drop of the shoulder fools the England defence and midfield nearly every time. It was a worry especially in the first half how a team like Australia could run large swaths of the game and find gaps between the midfield and defence. A better final ball or a bit of luck would of seen them equalise.
I think I must be the only one who thought Rashford looked poor. Sure he took the goal well but after that his first touch let him down so often . I wouldn't take him if Sturridge is fit but he will definitely go now because he's being hyped up as the next big thing. I have my doubts .
Rooney to start in the Euros - the bizarre in/out debate over his inclusion is over after last night's game. Rashford now proven capable too.
Barkley is in abysmal form, unfortunately Drinkwater adds little for England, Sturridge is struggling. I'd let them all drop out the squad but then bring in another 'proper' defender to balance things up.
I think Roy will have to click the Fantasy Football option called "all out attack", as all our form players and young starlets are attacking players, and hope we win 7-6 :-)
Delighted Rashford, Rooney, Vardy and Kane have all scored.
The proper test will be against Portugal, in front of a Wembley sell out, with our strongest eleven against a team/Ronaldo who will punish any errors we make.
Very optimistic that we shall make the semi finals.
A drop of the shoulder fools the England defence and midfield nearly every time. It was a worry especially in the first half how a team like Australia could run large swaths of the game and find gaps between the midfield and defence. A better final ball or a bit of luck would of seen them equalise.
A few more correct decisions and better first touches from the young Rashford would have seen us four in front KMB. If me auntie had bollocks...
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
A drop of the shoulder fools the England defence and midfield nearly every time. It was a worry especially in the first half how a team like Australia could run large swaths of the game and find gaps between the midfield and defence. A better final ball or a bit of luck would of seen them equalise.
A few more correct decisions and better first touches from the young Rashford would have seen us four in front KMB. If me auntie had bollocks...
...She'd Would be very popular amongst both sexes!
A drop of the shoulder fools the England defence and midfield nearly every time. It was a worry especially in the first half how a team like Australia could run large swaths of the game and find gaps between the midfield and defence. A better final ball or a bit of luck would of seen them equalise.
A few more correct decisions and better first touches from the young Rashford would have seen us four in front KMB. If me auntie had bollocks...
...She'd Would be very popular amongst both sexes!
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
That's what warm up games are for. And now, in my opinion, it's proving the right thing to do. Get an injury crisis during the tournament and people will say "why didn't we give the replacement players game time?" We know what Hart, Rooney, Alli, Cahill et al are all about. He will probably go full strength for an hour against Portugal. For me it's what happens on the training ground. Tournament football is very different to anything else at international level - as in a number of games in a short period.
It's the quality at centre half that bothers me. Not really concerned about the midfield. Turkey and Australia aren't mugs - yes we should be beating them. we would take 3 2-1 wins in the the 3 group games. A number of teams have reached finals and not played particularly well - you need a bit of luck, so let's hope for 1 tournament we get that, we don't usually and always get woeful refereeing descions. Almost like we're being punished for having the Russian linesman 50 years ago.
Agree with Beds, Rashford seems to be a totally natural finisher but is very average when doing anything other than putting the ball away. I'd be happy for him to come off the bench when we're throwing the ball into the box though.
As for Rooney, I've never suggested he shouldn't go to the tournament, but have been very critical of his utterly abject performances in tournament football. I don't think a goal against a lousy Australia changes that.
Given how well Alli and Kane have done, I'd still prefer to see Wayne playing midfield (where we've failed to control the ball against the Aussies and the Turks).
But I am feeling positive about Rooney's current form and fitness, which are traditionally woeful at this time of year.
I don't think an improvement there makes any criticism of his previous appearances incorrect.
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
We have a grand total of three friendlies that the "what's the point in friendlies when we have an important league match on Saturday" mob cannot moan about. For one of those games, the players from one of the biggest clubs were not available (two of them scored at the right end last night, in case you didn't know who I meant). One game was played with more or less the first team - minus the chaps from Manure - the other was to see how youngsters like Rashford performed, and to see who will make the final cut. After his form for Manure, can you imagine the hoo-haa from the press if Roy hadn't even considered him? Roy knows his starting 11, the final cut is made on Tuesday, the first team will play against Portugal.
This is not a team that relies on one man, like Wales, Portugal or Sweden, there's no "first name on the team sheet" (other than Hart, possibly) so Roy has to look at everyone, and I applaud him for it. I doubt Ronaldo will feature on Thursday - as a one man team they need to wrap him in cotton wool until the finals.
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
That's what warm up games are for. And now, in my opinion, it's proving the right thing to do. Get an injury crisis during the tournament and people will say "why didn't we give the replacement players game time?" We know what Hart, Rooney, Alli, Cahill et al are all about. He will probably go full strength for an hour against Portugal. For me it's what happens on the training ground. Tournament football is very different to anything else at international level - as in a number of games in a short period.
It's the quality at centre half that bothers me. Not really concerned about the midfield. Turkey and Australia aren't mugs - yes we should be beating them. we would take 3 2-1 wins in the the 3 group games. A number of teams have reached finals and not played particularly well - you need a bit of luck, so let's hope for 1 tournament we get that, we don't usually and always get woeful refereeing descions. Almost like we're being punished for having the Russian linesman 50 years ago.
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
That's what warm up games are for. And now, in my opinion, it's proving the right thing to do. Get an injury crisis during the tournament and people will say "why didn't we give the replacement players game time?" We know what Hart, Rooney, Alli, Cahill et al are all about. He will probably go full strength for an hour against Portugal. For me it's what happens on the training ground. Tournament football is very different to anything else at international level - as in a number of games in a short period.
It's the quality at centre half that bothers me. Not really concerned about the midfield. Turkey and Australia aren't mugs - yes we should be beating them. we would take 3 2-1 wins in the the 3 group games. A number of teams have reached finals and not played particularly well - you need a bit of luck, so let's hope for 1 tournament we get that, we don't usually and always get woeful refereeing descions. Almost like we're being punished for having the Russian linesman 50 years ago.
Fucking spot on! Can I give this post 12 likes?
Just send your Aunt over to me for an hour or so......Now I know she hasn't got bollocks!
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
That's what warm up games are for. And now, in my opinion, it's proving the right thing to do. Get an injury crisis during the tournament and people will say "why didn't we give the replacement players game time?" We know what Hart, Rooney, Alli, Cahill et al are all about. He will probably go full strength for an hour against Portugal. For me it's what happens on the training ground. Tournament football is very different to anything else at international level - as in a number of games in a short period.
It's the quality at centre half that bothers me. Not really concerned about the midfield. Turkey and Australia aren't mugs - yes we should be beating them. we would take 3 2-1 wins in the the 3 group games. A number of teams have reached finals and not played particularly well - you need a bit of luck, so let's hope for 1 tournament we get that, we don't usually and always get woeful refereeing descions. Almost like we're being punished for having the Russian linesman 50 years ago.
But do you see that team making a semi final?
Winning the group is vital. I can see us being home before the QF if we don't.
Big warning signs are there already we simply are not up to it.
Rooney looked fresh and sharp so hopefully will make that difference creatively.
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
That's what warm up games are for. And now, in my opinion, it's proving the right thing to do. Get an injury crisis during the tournament and people will say "why didn't we give the replacement players game time?" We know what Hart, Rooney, Alli, Cahill et al are all about. He will probably go full strength for an hour against Portugal. For me it's what happens on the training ground. Tournament football is very different to anything else at international level - as in a number of games in a short period.
It's the quality at centre half that bothers me. Not really concerned about the midfield. Turkey and Australia aren't mugs - yes we should be beating them. we would take 3 2-1 wins in the the 3 group games. A number of teams have reached finals and not played particularly well - you need a bit of luck, so let's hope for 1 tournament we get that, we don't usually and always get woeful refereeing descions. Almost like we're being punished for having the Russian linesman 50 years ago.
But do you see that team making a semi final?
Winning the group is vital. I can see us being home before the QF if we don't.
Big warning signs are there already we simply are not up to it.
Rooney looked fresh and sharp so hopefully will make that difference creatively.
I do. I think we genuinely have options - apart from at the back. A lot of it is a mental thing. Hodgson isnt afraid to mix it up. I like the fact that we have players to play a number of formations and not pick a team like we have in the past to suit say gerrard, scholes, beckham and lampard. We also have solid holding players.
Also having more teams involved means an extra game before the QF. I know you get that at a World Cup, but with the euro the quality isn't as good (as in non European teams not being there) that's 4 games to build momentum up.
The fact that Kane, Vardy, Alli and to a lesser degree Rashford have come in and taken their chance has given Rooney a kick up the backside.
The options we have are so much better that we've had for a long time.
Some people are so over critical of England (I'm not just talking on charltonlife) If Charlton turned in that type of performance (relative to their standard) then people would say great run out etc etc. I don't whether it's over expectancy or because it's difficult for some people to warm to players that play week in week out for another club, but it's clear people have trouble evaluating performances fairly.
I'm not as optimistic as I was before the friendlies. I thought for large spells in both game we looked like a bunch of strangers especially in defence.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
That's what warm up games are for. And now, in my opinion, it's proving the right thing to do. Get an injury crisis during the tournament and people will say "why didn't we give the replacement players game time?" We know what Hart, Rooney, Alli, Cahill et al are all about. He will probably go full strength for an hour against Portugal. For me it's what happens on the training ground. Tournament football is very different to anything else at international level - as in a number of games in a short period.
It's the quality at centre half that bothers me. Not really concerned about the midfield. Turkey and Australia aren't mugs - yes we should be beating them. we would take 3 2-1 wins in the the 3 group games. A number of teams have reached finals and not played particularly well - you need a bit of luck, so let's hope for 1 tournament we get that, we don't usually and always get woeful refereeing descions. Almost like we're being punished for having the Russian linesman 50 years ago.
But do you see that team making a semi final?
Winning the group is vital. I can see us being home before the QF if we don't.
Big warning signs are there already we simply are not up to it.
Rooney looked fresh and sharp so hopefully will make that difference creatively.
I do. I think we genuinely have options - apart from at the back. A lot of it is a mental thing. Hodgson isnt afraid to mix it up. I like the fact that we have players to play a number of formations and not pick a team like we have in the past to suit say gerrard, scholes, beckham and lampard. We also have solid holding players.
Also having more teams involved means an extra game before the QF. I know you get that at a World Cup, but with the euro the quality isn't as good (as in non European teams not being there) that's 4 games to build momentum up.
The fact that Kane, Vardy, Alli and to a lesser degree Rashford have come in and taken their chance has given Rooney a kick up the backside.
The options we have are so much better that we've had for a long time.
We'll find out more against Portugal which should be the starting 11.
Had a bet of England to win by exactly two goals, gutted when Dier scored that own goal. Why go with his head?
Really hope that Drinkwater still makes the 23 and even with all the hype, I still wouldn't take Rashford if Sturridge is fit. There were a few times last night where he didn't control the ball well enough and he played against Australia, no way he would get the space and the time he did against a better nation. Everyone has their own opinion but I wouldn't take him, think Roy will however.
Roy taking only 3 CBs will be a big problem. You can tell how uncomfortable Dier is playing CB against a team with zero ability in Australia, so imagine what will happen if he ends up playing in the later stages after an injury.
From the friendlies so far I'd drop Sturridge (injured/hasn't trained), Barkley (overrated) and Delph.
Had a bet of England to win by exactly two goals, gutted when Dier scored that own goal. Why go with his head?
Really hope that Drinkwater still makes the 23 and even with all the hype, I still wouldn't take Rashford if Sturridge is fit. There were a few times last night where he didn't control the ball well enough and he played against Australia, no way he would get the space and the time he did against a better nation. Everyone has their own opinion but I wouldn't take him, think Roy will however.
Completely unrelated to the match but I believe Dier is the grandson of Ted Croker ex CAFC player, FA dignatory and brother of CAFC Club legend and 1947 FA Cup winner Peter.
It is odd how many of those Aussie players play at such a low level and outposts of the game, yet managed to make our celebrated stars look pedestrian.
For example if Aaron Mooy isn't a better player than Jordan Henderson, then I am a bi-sexual Dutchman called Glenda!!
Similarly someone like Robbie Kruse seems to drift around the lower end of the Bundesliga, yet whenever he plays for his country, he looks excellent.
It is odd how many of those Aussie players play at such a low level and outposts of the game, yet managed to make our celebrated stars look pedestrian.
For example if Aaron Mooy isn't a better player than Jordan Henderson, then I am a bi-sexual Dutchman called Glenda!!
Similarly someone like Robbie Kruse seems to drift around the lower end of the Bundesliga, yet whenever he plays for his country, he looks excellent.
Roy taking only 3 CBs will be a big problem. You can tell how uncomfortable Dier is playing CB against a team with zero ability in Australia, so imagine what will happen if he ends up playing in the later stages after an injury.
From the friendlies so far I'd drop Sturridge (injured/hasn't trained), Barkley (overrated) and Delph.
"Zero ability" like Australia? Not sure what game you were watching mate?
That was the base of the Aussie team, that gave both Chile and the Dutch hard games at the last WC - they are no mugs I can assure you, and of course are current Asian champions.
Another point as well is that football's popularity over here is rocketing, especially at youth level. Don't be surprised to see the Aussies make a big impact in the Qatar World Cup, in conditions they will be familiar with.
Roy taking only 3 CBs will be a big problem. You can tell how uncomfortable Dier is playing CB against a team with zero ability in Australia, so imagine what will happen if he ends up playing in the later stages after an injury.
From the friendlies so far I'd drop Sturridge (injured/hasn't trained), Barkley (overrated) and Delph.
"Zero ability" like Australia? Not sure what game you were watching mate?
That was the base of the Aussie team, that gave both Chile and the Dutch hard games at the last WC - they are no mugs I can assure you, and of course are current Asian champions.
Another point as well is that football's popularity over here is rocketing, especially at youth level. Don't be surprised to see the Aussies make a big impact in the Qatar World Cup, in conditions they will be familiar with.
Roy taking only 3 CBs will be a big problem. You can tell how uncomfortable Dier is playing CB against a team with zero ability in Australia, so imagine what will happen if he ends up playing in the later stages after an injury.
From the friendlies so far I'd drop Sturridge (injured/hasn't trained), Barkley (overrated) and Delph.
"Zero ability" like Australia? Not sure what game you were watching mate?
That was the base of the Aussie team, that gave both Chile and the Dutch hard games at the last WC - they are no mugs I can assure you, and of course are current Asian champions.
Another point as well is that football's popularity over here is rocketing, especially at youth level. Don't be surprised to see the Aussies make a big impact in the Qatar World Cup, in conditions they will be familiar with.
Roy taking only 3 CBs will be a big problem. You can tell how uncomfortable Dier is playing CB against a team with zero ability in Australia, so imagine what will happen if he ends up playing in the later stages after an injury.
From the friendlies so far I'd drop Sturridge (injured/hasn't trained), Barkley (overrated) and Delph.
"Zero ability" like Australia? Not sure what game you were watching mate?
That was the base of the Aussie team, that gave both Chile and the Dutch hard games at the last WC - they are no mugs I can assure you, and of course are current Asian champions.
Another point as well is that football's popularity over here is rocketing, especially at youth level. Don't be surprised to see the Aussies make a big impact in the Qatar World Cup, in conditions they will be familiar with.
Shame the 2022 World Cup isn't in Australia, would have been good.
Roy taking only 3 CBs will be a big problem. You can tell how uncomfortable Dier is playing CB against a team with zero ability in Australia, so imagine what will happen if he ends up playing in the later stages after an injury.
From the friendlies so far I'd drop Sturridge (injured/hasn't trained), Barkley (overrated) and Delph.
"Zero ability" like Australia? Not sure what game you were watching mate?
That was the base of the Aussie team, that gave both Chile and the Dutch hard games at the last WC - they are no mugs I can assure you, and of course are current Asian champions.
Another point as well is that football's popularity over here is rocketing, especially at youth level. Don't be surprised to see the Aussies make a big impact in the Qatar World Cup, in conditions they will be familiar with.
Has Oz recently moved to Asia ?
Been in the Asian group since 2006, giving an easier route to the World Cup after no qualifications from 1978-2002 from Oceania where they would routinely win their group but then get beaten in a sudden death game vs the lowest ranked South American team.
Comments
I've defended him time and time again. Like him or not, his record for England is can't be argued. He is the captain as well and the players all respect him. He hasn't really done much at tournaments since 2004. But then again who has?
Was having the Rooney argument in the pub last week - somebody said he shouldn't go because Barkley is a much better player - that's when I knew I'd won the argument.
Sure he took the goal well but after that his first touch let him down so often .
I wouldn't take him if Sturridge is fit but he will definitely go now because he's being hyped up as the next big thing.
I have my doubts .
Barkley is in abysmal form, unfortunately Drinkwater adds little for England, Sturridge is struggling. I'd let them all drop out the squad but then bring in another 'proper' defender to balance things up.
Delighted Rashford, Rooney, Vardy and Kane have all scored.
The proper test will be against Portugal, in front of a Wembley sell out, with our strongest eleven against a team/Ronaldo who will punish any errors we make.
Very optimistic that we shall make the semi finals.
To think with a couple of games left we are still playing fringe players to see what they can do.
I can see us scraping out of the group and then going home at R16 or QF at the absolute maximum. No way that defence and midfield are getting anywhere near a semi without a lot of luck.
It's the quality at centre half that bothers me. Not really concerned about the midfield. Turkey and Australia aren't mugs - yes we should be beating them. we would take 3 2-1 wins in the the 3 group games. A number of teams have reached finals and not played particularly well - you need a bit of luck, so let's hope for 1 tournament we get that, we don't usually and always get woeful refereeing descions. Almost like we're being punished for having the Russian linesman 50 years ago.
As for Rooney, I've never suggested he shouldn't go to the tournament, but have been very critical of his utterly abject performances in tournament football. I don't think a goal against a lousy Australia changes that.
Given how well Alli and Kane have done, I'd still prefer to see Wayne playing midfield (where we've failed to control the ball against the Aussies and the Turks).
But I am feeling positive about Rooney's current form and fitness, which are traditionally woeful at this time of year.
I don't think an improvement there makes any criticism of his previous appearances incorrect.
This is not a team that relies on one man, like Wales, Portugal or Sweden, there's no "first name on the team sheet" (other than Hart, possibly) so Roy has to look at everyone, and I applaud him for it. I doubt Ronaldo will feature on Thursday - as a one man team they need to wrap him in cotton wool until the finals.
Winning the group is vital. I can see us being home before the QF if we don't.
Big warning signs are there already we simply are not up to it.
Rooney looked fresh and sharp so hopefully will make that difference creatively.
Also having more teams involved means an extra game before the QF. I know you get that at a World Cup, but with the euro the quality isn't as good (as in non European teams not being there) that's 4 games to build momentum up.
The fact that Kane, Vardy, Alli and to a lesser degree Rashford have come in and taken their chance has given Rooney a kick up the backside.
The options we have are so much better that we've had for a long time.
Hart
Clyne
Cahill
Stones
Bertrand
Wilshere
Dier
Henderson
Rooney
Kane
Vardy
We'll find out more against Portugal which should be the starting 11.
Which I fear will be a rude awakening for some.
Really hope that Drinkwater still makes the 23 and even with all the hype, I still wouldn't take Rashford if Sturridge is fit. There were a few times last night where he didn't control the ball well enough and he played against Australia, no way he would get the space and the time he did against a better nation. Everyone has their own opinion but I wouldn't take him, think Roy will however.
From the friendlies so far I'd drop Sturridge (injured/hasn't trained), Barkley (overrated) and Delph.
For example if Aaron Mooy isn't a better player than Jordan Henderson, then I am a bi-sexual Dutchman called Glenda!!
Similarly someone like Robbie Kruse seems to drift around the lower end of the Bundesliga, yet whenever he plays for his country, he looks excellent.
That was the base of the Aussie team, that gave both Chile and the Dutch hard games at the last WC - they are no mugs I can assure you, and of course are current Asian champions.
Another point as well is that football's popularity over here is rocketing, especially at youth level. Don't be surprised to see the Aussies make a big impact in the Qatar World Cup, in conditions they will be familiar with.
Only in football terms of course!