England v Sweden Match Thread

[BrooklynRed]

Had to come back in here to say the those who suggested Gerrard could not play deep midfield role when I suggested that, as he gets older, he's going to need to play deeper; you all can bite me.

Thanks. That is all.

*ha*

[Neil Young]

As one of eight men behind the ball. Is that what you want? Is it? IS IT?

[Fredo]

Anyone thinking that it's Hodgson's honeymoon period? They don't last you know.

[Chazza]

Anyone thinking that it's Hodgson's honeymoon period? They don't last you know.

A few journalists have said that this tournament is a free ride but you do wonder if they will turn on him if we lose a couple of qualifiers for the world cup

[dww]

Had to come back in here to say the those who suggested Gerrard could not play deep midfield role when I suggested that, as he gets older, he's going to need to play deeper; you all can bite me.

Thanks. That is all.

*ha*

Really, you think that was an example of the sort of midfield performance we need? Yes Gerrard can stand deep and tackle people whilst pinging low odds balls to the channels. However, that can only really be seen as a positive in a team set up like Hodgsons to cede midfield to the opposition for most of a game.

I'm not saying that Gerrard can't play a more nuanced/useful deep midfield role (although I am skeptical) just that his performances in the last two England games can't be used as evidence that he can.

[Shaggy]

I didn't think Welbeck meant that. Thought it was a fluke.

Am I being biased/bitter or what?

[Gibbo]

My first thought was that he was trying to bring it under control and hit it with his left.

Give him the benefit of the doubt though.

[Neil Young]

I didn't think Welbeck meant that. Thought it was a fluke.

Am I being biased/bitter or what?

All three. And quite rightly too.

[SimonNo7]

Euro 2012: Roy Hodgson has 'Midas' touch - Sir Dave Richards

Football Association vice-chairman Sir Dave Richards says Roy Hodgson has brought "a Midas touch" to England's fortunes during Euro 2012.

Richards, also chairman of the FA's international committee, says the team spirit shown in Friday's vital 3-2 win against Sweden was "unique".

"The way they all want to work for one another and the comradeship behind the scenes is quite unbelievable," he said.

"It's down to Roy. He seems to have that little bit of a Midas touch."

England were trailing 2-1 in the second half of their Group D game in Kiev when Hodgson introduced substitute Theo Walcott. And the 23-year-old Arsenal winger turned the game in England's favour by scoring the equalising goal before setting up Danny Welbeck's winner.

Afterwards, Hodgson praised Walcott's impact and said he had been impressed by his whole team's response after Olof Mellberg's double threatened to send England to defeat.
But Premier League chairman Richards, speaking to BBC Sport from the England team's base in Krakow, insists 64-year-old Hodgson deserves the plaudits for ushering in a new team spirit.

"He's brought something a little bit different, he's very progressive in his way," he said. "It's something that is a little bit unique - I've never seen anything like it before.

"Everybody seems to be in a great frame of mind. The mood is fantastic and the manager is in great form."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18473557

[Frenchie]

Ffs

[SimonNo7]

Ffs

What? Don't you agree?

[Daniel 7]

Gerrard wasn't that great to prompt a specific bite me reply, jesus!

[Fredo]

"Midas touch", Roy has got the "Midas touch".

[BrooklynRed]

Gerrard wasn't that great to prompt a specific bite me reply, jesus!

hahahaha...

[Leyton388]

Uefa starting disciplinary proceedings against the fa for the behaviour of the english fans during the win over sweden.

What the **** did the fans do. I have not heard of any trouble.