Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Yet more of the same

World Cup over for injured Owen?



Well we hate to say we told you so. An entire nation is probably thinking that this morning. Michael Owen's knee twisted and buckled under him within 60 seconds of the start of last night's game and it looks like he'll be going home. This leaves our striking options as an unfit Rooney, a gangly comedy player (who to be fair looks competent in flashes) and a completely untested 17 year old. How Defoe must be feeling now. We have so much cover in midfield why not leave out someone like Jenas and take five strikers. Anyway what's done is done, and let's face it : The way things are going it's not like we are going to lose the world cup due to lack of forwards.

Yesterday was, apparently, a much more entertaining game...entertaining for everyone other than England fans. We still look pensive and nervous going forward...we lack movement and seems easily stifled. Joe Cole might look back on this game as his true coming-of-age (fabulous looping, dipping volley from his own chest down



and a brilliantly measured delivery for Gerrard's second...The way he looked up, made the angle for himself and then held onto it that extra second drawing the Swedes in was brilliant), Hargreaves showed what he can offer England, I think Beckham is coming into the game more but Lampard was woeful. It just feels like we never swing momentum round our way, take the game by the scruff of the neck. Last night brought in a new element...we were woeful at set pieces and could have conceded another 3 goals. Lot of work still to be done. We just aren't ready for the likes of Holland, Spain & Argentina.



Anyway job done...and ultimately a slight improvement on the previous two games and compared to our normal group stage form we aren't doing that bad. Sweden always frustrate us. Hopefully it's got to click soon.

Sweden 2-2 England

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