Having just about fully recovered from the emotional rollercoaster of watching Sweden 2-3 England, it’s clear, despite the win, that there are some flaws with England’s approach and mentality.
After taking 4 points from their opening two games England are odds on to reach the quarter finals, but a more positive outlook is desperately needed.
Against France we looked fairly assured, however once we took the lead then we immediately retreated to the edge of our own box and camped there for the rest the game.
Fortunately we held on for a draw but the signs were there, we were too deep and too wasteful with possession.
Same story against Sweden took the lead looked comfortable, panicked sat back conceded the initiative, before showing some pleasantly surprising character and spirit to come back and win.
I can see a pattern emerging here after we take the lead we almost seem confused as to what to do next, and while we’re working out what to do the other team have already got back into the game.
England need to relax more they have cheaply conceded possession on far too many occasions and are sitting too deep.
This means when we regain the ball no England player is more than 30-35 yards away from our goal, meaning there is no out ball and we either give it away trying to thread impossible balls through an overly congested area or are forced to hoof it long.
When teams like Spain and Germany take the lead there is a faint air of arrogance about it as if the players and fans are thinking ‘it’s about time’.
From their they always look to push on and most importantly keep the ball.
When England take the lead I get the impression that all the players are thinking is s**t now what do we do.
For our final game against Ukraine changes need to be made both in terms of the starting XI and our game plan.
As Ukraine are still totally reliant on Shevchenko for goals and will be under the extra pressures that come with being hosts, I think we should be positive and attack from the outset.
France easily beat them 2-0 without having to play that well and it can only give this England team added confidence.
In terms of starting XI I would go with:
GK – Hart (Obviously)
RB – Jones (For me Johnson is a great athlete, but is too cavalier and has been caught out of position too many times, Jones is more solid and better at his defensive duties)
CB – Jagielka (Although Lescott scored against France, he lacks pace and I think has a mistake or two in him, Jagielka adds pace to the defence and is better on the ball)
CB – Terry (I would move Terry over to the left side because that’s where he plays for Chelsea and he can continue his understanding with Cole)
LB – Cole (Solid so far)
DM – Parker (Needs to relax on the ball has given it away too easily so far)
DM – Milner (I think his workman like style would suit this role better than playing out wide where he lacks the pace and inventiveness to cause the top teams problems)
RW – Walcott (Changed the game against Sweden, his pace and willingness to run at defenders will cause problems for anyone)
CAM – Gerrard (C) (While he has shown he is more than capable of playing a deeper role his ability to play the killer ball and score goals means he must be more involved offensively)
LW- Oxlade-Chamberlain (Seems totally unfazed by his surroundings and will always take the game to the opposition, plus Young has been a passenger so far)
ST – Rooney (Having scored 35 goals this term, more than Welbeck, Defoe and Carroll combined, must be given a starting berth. His link play with Gerrard I think will be the key to England’s progress)
By playing this team and being a bit more patient in possession I think we can beat Ukraine and progress (hopefully as group winners).
I don’t think we have a chance of winning the tournament but we would at least be able to come home saying we attacked and tried to make things happen.
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