The 4-4-2 Diamond is a bold selection by Hodgson. The full backs have to cover a big space.
Defence looks vulnerable. Smalling is a right footer playing in the left centre back position, so will be weak against passes through the Portuguese inside right channel, especially when Rose pushes on and leaves the full back area exposed.
On the positive side, the Portuguese are 4-4-2 and not man-marking Rooney. He should be finding space to play in Kane & Vardy.
Need to have Dier covering.
Dier is picking up the opposition attacking midfielder in the no.10 role, in this case it's Rafa Silva (17). If he has to cover across, he'll leave the central area vacant.
This is why I have been saying you need a genuine box to box player alongside dier. To cover the no 10 when Dier drops to cover the full backs. But this I why I favour a 433 /4231.
I think he may go 4-2-3-1 against Russia, with Rooney behind Kane. Then use the diamond against Wales. Tonight's selection will keep the Russians guessing.
Yep. It's more 4-3-3, which is obviously by design when the opposition have the ball. Rooney is playing too far forward in Kane's space and Vardy is too detached out on the left.
For me there is no point in trying to find a system that can fit all your best players in. It's never gonna work. Pick your best system and then work with it.
4231
Kane Sterling Alli Lallana Hendo Dier
Harsh on Vardy but he'll make a great impact sub.
Would have Drinky there ahead of Hendo and Welbeck (if fit) and Townsend in consideration.
DIer & Wilshire as the holding two. A defensive midfielder and a playmaker. Rooney in behind Kane. Alli on his left of Rooney and Milner/Sterling on the right. 4-2-3-1.
DIer & Wilshire as the holding two. A defensive midfielder and a playmaker. Rooney in behind Kane. Alli on his left of Rooney and Milner/Sterling on the right. 4-2-3-1.
Would work for me. Just can't see Wilshere dropping in and covering if a full back bombs on. Or being disciplined enough to play that role. And would rather Alli central in the role he has thrived in.
Rooney on the bench. Someone remind me if Wellbeck is fit? If so, happy with him on the right too.
Vardy could play central with Kane dropping out and Llanna (however you spell his name, you know who I mean) can slot it on the left as he has done for the bin dippers.
Why pick this diamond formation and then not put anyone into their best positions?
Trying to desperately keep Rooney and Vardy into the team to its own detriment. Just pick one and then bench the other. Put our best player Alli in his best position.
As much as we have lots of really good young exciting attacking talent. I think Roy needs to accept that he won't be able to fit them all into a system and so some of them are going to have to be impact subs.
Much better since the subs. Rooney now up top. Allowing Alli to play his role and create more. Already seen much better link up play than in the first half. Sterling's pace makes him a threat and Wilshere looks like he can create something from nothing with his passing. Something Milner just doesn't have.
Much better since the subs. Rooney now up top. Allowing Alli to play his role and create more. Already seen much better link up play than in the first half. Sterling's pace makes him a threat and Wilshere looks like he can create something from nothing with his passing. Something Milner just doesn't have.
I'm not Sterling's biggest fan but I do think he looks the part for England. Walker's had a great game. All of our full backs have looked good in the last fortnight.
Rather Vardy didn't start. He's only top class at one thing, and that's running at goal and shooting. Not sure he'll get too many chances to do that.
Comments
Lack of width means we're not looking dangerous in the slightest.
4231
Kane
Sterling Alli Lallana
Hendo Dier
Harsh on Vardy but he'll make a great impact sub.
Would have Drinky there ahead of Hendo and Welbeck (if fit) and Townsend in consideration.
Dier - Wilshire
Sturridge - Alli - Vardy
Kane
Rooney on the bench. Someone remind me if Wellbeck is fit? If so, happy with him on the right too.
Vardy could play central with Kane dropping out and Llanna (however you spell his name, you know who I mean) can slot it on the left as he has done for the bin dippers.
Milner left tied up in a friggin broom cupboard!
How Roy can not see the difference between our line up in the Germany game and this one is criminal.
More of a diamond now. I don't think Rooney understood his role at the tip of the diamond and played too far forward.
Trying to desperately keep Rooney and Vardy into the team to its own detriment. Just pick one and then bench the other. Put our best player Alli in his best position.
Looks 4231 to me.
Sturridge
Sterling Alli Lallana
Wilshere Dier
Rather Vardy didn't start. He's only top class at one thing, and that's running at goal and shooting. Not sure he'll get too many chances to do that.