Euro 2012 (Football)

[Osprey]

Originally Posted by SEE

You have to admire the Germans........why the hell can't our lads (England) play like that? Poland, Ukraine showed some true grit - nice to see too.

I don't see England creating the chances even if and when they do keep the ball - they seem to be devoid of that 'cutting edge killer instinct' or maybe they just lack the confidence to perform at their true potential at international level!

Now, I don't think this is the best England side we have but don't forget we were playing a good French team who haven't lost in 22 matches. England were organised in defence, played with 2 rows which is tough to break down and have some pacy players to break out with, although imo Wellbeck was poor as an outlet and failed to hold the ball up quite a few times. Rooney would do this job much better. Also, consider that the referee (sorry to blame the ref) failed to stop the French from cynical fouls on at least 10 occasions which allowed them to regroup from dangerous situations. Given that England cut them open early on and Milner failed to score - it's this sort of break they were vulnerable to and had we been protected from that sort of cynical foul by the ref we'd have had a few more chances like that. What we do not know about is consistency. Sweden are not a strong team but they play differently, I think we will win it. Ukraine are a worry because they are hosts - god knows what sort of ref we'll get for that!

Originally Posted by SEE

Gripe - Theo Walcott substitute with 90 seconds of the match to go - what the hell was that all about?

Running down the clock.