England Euro 2012 Update – Assertive changes lead to recovery
Litany of errors though it undoubtedly was, beating Sweden is a huge step towards the quarter finals. It was a strange match in which neither team actually played with cohesion or incisive power. The second half must have been a thriller for neutrals. Infuriating for England and Sweden fans but thrilling for neutrals!
Roy Hodgson acknowledged before the game that England needed a more attacking set up against the Swedes. It wasn’t a major shock to see Andy Carroll start the game. The inclusion of Carroll was due to Sweden’s inability to defend against crosses. This observation proved to be unfathomably wise when Carroll’s brilliant glancing header put us ahead. It also silenced the doubters who have felt aggrieved by the exclusion of Peter Crouch. The only problem with Carroll’s involvement is that it is too tempting to hit long balls to him… long balls that too often get comfortably dealt with by the opposition. The start of the second half was calamitous for England. For fifteen minutes we were completely overwhelmed and our players looked woefully out of their depth. It’s difficult to give Sweden too much credit for finding their way into the game as it was almost entirely due to England’s careless avoidable errors. The equaliser came from a free kick given because Carroll inexplicably lunged and gave a free kick away. Defending at the free kick itself was slapdash and clumsy. The kick itself was poor and his straight into the wall. The ball was hit back into the dangerzone and, for no apparent reason, Glen Johnson didn’t push out and we were exposed. A few minutes later we feared the worst when Milner foolishly lunged at Olsson. Fears were justified when Mellberg gratefully headed home a free header. From being in control of the game we’d become a shambles.
It’s to Hodgson’s credit that he had the nous to change things immediately. Theo Walcott’s introduction immediately changed things. Fortuitous though his equaliser was it boosted his confidence immeasurably. It was Walcott’s burst of pace and skill that led to Welbeck’s wonderfully improvised winner. Some of the criticism Theo has received in recent years has been over the top to say the least. Making the difference in such a big game may be a pivotal point in him starting to fulfill his considerable potential. It was disappointing to look around the internet and see suggestions that Welbeck’s goal was a fluke. If a Spaniard or Brazilian had done that we’d look on with admiration and envy. An England player does it and we try to pick fault. Give credit where it’s due. Well done Danny Welbeck!! Our players made it hard for themselves but we won the because we were incisive in the attacking third and the substitutions were good decisions. Positive changes from Roy Hodgson were decisive. Wayne Rooney will finally make an appearance in the Ukraine game. It presents the manager with the problem of who will be replaced. It’ll be a tough decision but that’s his job.
To progress to the quarter final we need a draw against Ukraine in the final group game. It may seem to be a simple task but like everything with England, don’t expect it to be straight forward. That may seem excessively gloomy but there is a precedent to reflect on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80hZNGOY_g8&feature=related It’s fair to say that should we reach the knockout stage the powerhouse nations have little to fear from us. It should be noted however that England have already had a better tournament than many dared to wish for.