Congratulations to England and France, performances to be proud of by both.
EURO 2012
- Thread starter Jax
- Start date
Not a great England performance, but about time we had a little bit of luck at this level, and if nothing else it's nice to see a real team ethos out there and us looking like we have a plan, even if that plan isn't always very exciting.
I think the context of the game made it difficult as well. However many times Roy said we were going out to win it, the fact that they needed a win whilst we only jneeded a point was always going to have a phychological impact I think, especially given the 'away game' nature of the match.
Can't argue with 2 wins and a draw, no losses and topping the group. My optimism has been vindicated--I wonder if in another universe Harry's England are on their way home
And I think some of Jax's reviews are a bit harsh. Hart made at least one phenomonal save, and Lesscott is playing very well I think, as for Johnson, well given how poor Milner is going forward (although I think he does contribute towards the team) it's nice to have some attacking presense on the right flank...maybe they should swap positions?
I think the context of the game made it difficult as well. However many times Roy said we were going out to win it, the fact that they needed a win whilst we only jneeded a point was always going to have a phychological impact I think, especially given the 'away game' nature of the match.
Can't argue with 2 wins and a draw, no losses and topping the group. My optimism has been vindicated--I wonder if in another universe Harry's England are on their way home
And I think some of Jax's reviews are a bit harsh. Hart made at least one phenomonal save, and Lesscott is playing very well I think, as for Johnson, well given how poor Milner is going forward (although I think he does contribute towards the team) it's nice to have some attacking presense on the right flank...maybe they should swap positions?
When is Greece taking on the Jerries?
Tomorrow: Czech Republic-Portugal
- Friday: Germany-Greece
- Saturday: Spain-France
- Sunday: England-Italy
Disaster. I have drawn England in our belated office sweepstakes. Not only is that money lost, I have to have an England flag put up on my desk until they go out. Which I think now may well be in the semis, given the luck they've managed to acquire.
Credit where it's due though, they did well to top that group. And Ibra's goal against France - woof!
Credit where it's due though, they did well to top that group. And Ibra's goal against France - woof!
Hey I got Greece at my workplace
your money is safer than mine and worth more against the Euro 
No idea who to root for here. The Three Pussycats or Air Italia...
These quarter-finals are going to be quite interesting.
First we have Portugal and Czech Republic. That is the sort of team Portugal does not fair well against. I fear the Portuguese will have the easy pickings mentality, and not play like they did during the group stage. If the Czechs score first, they have already demonstrated to be quite capable of holding a lead for the majority of the game. And please let it not reach the penalties.
Germany - Greece, is either going to be an easy ride for the Germans, a battlefield, or both.
Spain - France is going to be interesting since both teams imploded during their last group matches, the french more so then the spaniards. Lets see if they were bluffing - and lets see if Platini stays off the game this time.
Lastly, England - Italy. Watching two profundly tactical teams, with on/off talent, play defence the entire game, is going to be a dream, if one likes that sort of thing - which I do actually
First we have Portugal and Czech Republic. That is the sort of team Portugal does not fair well against. I fear the Portuguese will have the easy pickings mentality, and not play like they did during the group stage. If the Czechs score first, they have already demonstrated to be quite capable of holding a lead for the majority of the game. And please let it not reach the penalties.
Germany - Greece, is either going to be an easy ride for the Germans, a battlefield, or both.
Spain - France is going to be interesting since both teams imploded during their last group matches, the french more so then the spaniards. Lets see if they were bluffing - and lets see if Platini stays off the game this time.
Lastly, England - Italy. Watching two profundly tactical teams, with on/off talent, play defence the entire game, is going to be a dream, if one likes that sort of thing - which I do actually
Lastly, England - Italy. Watching two profundly tactical teams, with on/off talent, play defence the entire game, is going to be a dream, if one likes that sort of thing - which I do actually
Sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about. Hodgson isn't really known for his profound tactics. The English team plays pretty straight-forward and sort of naive. They have passion and also some skill but the 3-2 against Sweden showed just how bad both teams were tactically. Also: 4-4-2 (or: 4-4-1-1)? Really? *sigh*
Italy is probably the most interesting team in the tournament tactically. I wonder how Prandelli will react to England's archaic tactics. Against the standard 4-2-3-1 tactics in this tournament Prandelli used a 3-5-2 to have a spare man at the back and 2 strikers up front who can create a 2 vs. 2 against the opposition's centre backs who aren't used to playing against 2 strikers anymore.
Against a 4-4-2 there's always the chance of being overwhelmed on the flanks if you play 3-5-2 because the opposition's full-backs can create a superiority down the flanks if they move up with the wingers.
On the other hand it really depends on the opposition quality and their courage. I've seen plenty of games where the full-backs didn't dare push forward enough to actually be a threat to a 3-5-2.
But yeah, that's the area where England can win the match if the formations are as anticipated.
Random tip: Jonathan Wilson: Inverting the pyramid
Yeah all too easily 3-5-2 can become 5-3-2.
The fact that the England Sweden game was so much fun suggests a few more teams should use archaic tactics
Matter of taste. I thought the game was hilarious because both teams were so incredibly bad. But "fun"?
Nah, I'll take the 1-1 Spain vs Italy match any day. Much more fun to me.
Well I happen to agree with you both to a degree.
I thought that the England vs Sweden game was the game of the tournament so far. However, much was down to the deficiencies of both sides.
I actually think 3-5-2 would work well for us, especially given that our wingers are so poor.
3-5-2
Hart
Jagielka, Lescott, Terry
Johnson, Gerrard, Parker, Cole
Rooney
Welbeck, Carroll
Rooney's much better behind someone, and Johnson and Cole are great at being able to get forward.
The only downer here is that you'd have to be extremely careful on Glen Johnson's side. He's not the best and getting back quickly after he's gone forward, and with 3-5-2 he really wouldn't have any cover.
Anyway, England vs Italy - I expect this to be settled by the odd goal. Gerrard and Parker will try and shackle Pirlo in midfield. If they do, then I think we'll win. If not, I suspect Italy will win. Either way, tight.
I thought that the England vs Sweden game was the game of the tournament so far. However, much was down to the deficiencies of both sides.
I actually think 3-5-2 would work well for us, especially given that our wingers are so poor.
3-5-2
Hart
Jagielka, Lescott, Terry
Johnson, Gerrard, Parker, Cole
Rooney
Welbeck, Carroll
Rooney's much better behind someone, and Johnson and Cole are great at being able to get forward.
The only downer here is that you'd have to be extremely careful on Glen Johnson's side. He's not the best and getting back quickly after he's gone forward, and with 3-5-2 he really wouldn't have any cover.
Anyway, England vs Italy - I expect this to be settled by the odd goal. Gerrard and Parker will try and shackle Pirlo in midfield. If they do, then I think we'll win. If not, I suspect Italy will win. Either way, tight.
Let's just hope it doesn't go to penalties. Neither country has much of a record as I recall. Although, Joe Hart really hits his penalties so I'd like to see that.
Hodgson was more inventive than just 4-4-2 wasn't he, or am I just misremembering? I do like 3-5-2 - when it works, it really works. Really enjoyed Wigan and Napoli's use of it in particulari in the last couple of seasons. Given Glen Johnson's involvement though, it would be suicidal for England to adopt. Can't Baines play that side?
Hodgson was more inventive than just 4-4-2 wasn't he, or am I just misremembering? I do like 3-5-2 - when it works, it really works. Really enjoyed Wigan and Napoli's use of it in particulari in the last couple of seasons. Given Glen Johnson's involvement though, it would be suicidal for England to adopt. Can't Baines play that side?
