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6/15/2006 03:14:00 PM

England shouldn't be this boring

Posted by Mark Bechtel

I'm going to come right out and say it: England is boring. And unlike, say, Angola (which is boring because it's not good enough to attempt to play an exciting brand without getting killed), France (boring because it's nearing mandatory retirement age) or Switzerland (boring because they're Swiss footballers), England has no good reason for being this unwatchable. The team's loaded for bear, a star at just about every position. But it's not just an aesthetic quibble; it's an indication that something is amiss, a sure sign of a lack of imagination.

For the first 60 minutes of Thursday's win over Trinidad and Tobago, England was content to sit back, kick the ball from side to side a bit, then hoof one over the top, hoping it might find the noggin atop Peter Crouch's gangly frame. It was like watching the NFL's 1976 Oakland Raiders play. In the wind. With Ken Stabler nursing a bad rotator cuff injury. Misguided longballs everywhere.

England rarely looked like a threat to score, and when it did get a chance, it suffered from abysmal finishing. On three chances in rapid-fire succession late in the first half: Frank Lampard's blast over the bar (one of many), David Beckham's shot right at keeper Shaka Hislop and a comical miss from Crouch on which he shot from 12 yards out and missed wide by 13.

Of course, Trinidad and Tobago had some say in how the game was played. For most of the match it put 11 men behind the ball, clogged the midfield and tried to counter when it could. It was effective. Dwight Yorke, the former Man U striker turned central midfielder, played well, as did Chris Birchall (a.k.a. The White Guy) of Port Vale, who hounded Lampard all night.

Even T&T coach Leo Beenhakker found it less than thrilling. After the game, he went to great lengths to emphasize that he wasn't criticizing England's tactics ("It's free advice. I won't ask for money for it") before pointing out that after the first 20 minutes, England stopped trying to push forward "based on playing football" and resorted to the longball. "It's only one option, not the option," he said, and he opined that to beat teams in the knockout stages, England "will have to demonstrate patience." It was tough to argue with any of it.

The game picked up midway through the second half, largely out of necessity. Sven-Goran Eriksson had to do something, so he brought on Wayne Rooney, much to the delight of the English fans, who had been chanting his name throughout the first hour. And he took off right back Jamie Carragher in favor of another midfielder, Aaron Lennon, switching to a 3-5-2 that looked more like a 2-6-2 as the final whistle neared, thanks to Ashley Cole's runs forward.

When Eriksson brought on Rooney, he opted to bring off Michael Owen, who was merely invisible, as opposed to Crouch, who was visibly terrible. It turned out to be a wise move. Seven minutes from time Beckham picked him out on a cross from the right, and the big man nodded it home. With three points safely in hand, Steven Gerrard, another player who didn't make much noise, blasted a left-footed shot into the upper-right-hand corner.

"We finished the game very strong," said Beckham. "It would be very fair to say you've not seen the best of us yet. We know we can play better. We just have to show people that." Please, Becks. Show us something.
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Posted: 4:15 PM   by Question Doctor
Considering how anemic England's forwards look, it seems like a big mistake to have placed Walcott on the team instead of a proven forward who could certainly contribute, like Jermain Defoe. As it is, Crouch can't play at his feet, Owen can't play in the air, and we're still not sure if Rooney can play at all. Beckham has been a bright spot with good service, but if they're going to make it far, the forwards will have to start finishing good chances.
Posted: 4:27 PM   by Anonymous
England looked AWFULL for much of the first Half. The striker combination of Owen and Crouch is not working. The few times Owen was able to create space he was getting no support from Crouch, who simply looked like an ackward ScareCrow standing on stilts. I understand that he is 6'7, but unless he gets perfectly placed crosses from Becks, he offers nothing....GO IVORY COAST!!!!
Posted: 4:39 PM   by beckham=god
England isn't boring. In the first game they did what they had to do...win their first game and get the 3 points. In the game with Trinidad and Tobago they did the same. They did have some trouble, though, with finishing their chances at scoring. But these chances at scoring were what made the game exciting. Plus, with Wayne Rooney coming back, that got whoever is an england fan on their feet cheering for the young star to come back, which was also exciting. And with an ending like that, 2 great goals in the last 10 minutes, this game was definitely not boring. Once again they just did what they needed to get another 3 points and get to the round of 16. COME ON ENGLAND!!!
Posted: 5:06 PM   by Anonymous
Walcott selection, along with Jenas were jokes. A 23 man roster and no mater who gets injured there never seems to be a straight replacement? Glad to see Lampard finally getting slated - not up to it at this level, as shown in these last two games and Euro 04. Still ,a win is a win and England are into the last 16 where they will come across a proper team who will also be trying to win, rather than an 11 man defence. A bit more space and it might all com good for them.
Posted: 5:12 PM   by Anonymous
it doesn't matter how England played. It got all 3 points from both games. It doesn't matter what time and how many, England has 6 points. Let's not forget Brazil didnt live up to its standards either, but it managed to get the 3 points. We will have to see how the k.o stages go, but for now WE LOVE YOU ENGLAND!
Posted: 5:12 PM   by Anonymous
I'm getting a kick out of Ecuador in spite of all the negative soccer pundits--first it was the altitude bromide, then it was Poland and CC weren't serious contenders. After Ecuador beats Germany, I'm sure it will be Germany had an off day. In fact, I'm getting a bigger kick seeing the pundits proved wrong on this and other teams.
Posted: 5:14 PM   by Anonymous
At the moment, England are playing very, very badly. Yet, they still top the group with 6 points. If they ever wake up, watch out Brazil.
Posted: 5:22 PM   by Anonymous
the problem was T+T played defensive. throught all of the 1st half basicslly no T&T players were in our half. Crouch didnt play his best but at least he finly scored, better late than never. Gerard's game wasnt good until those last seconds where he got lucky. As an England fan I must say that by watching our last 2 games that its unliky we will get far, but im still hoping we will. What I've seen to notice is we play absolutely bad against the easy teams, and give a good fight against the better ones
Posted: 5:31 PM   by Anonymous
England isnt boring a win is a win. Do you want to know what other game was boring Holland vs Serbia and Montengro. Nobody cares if you are boring all they care about is winning
Posted: 5:34 PM   by Eric
Are we being too critical? We're watching the best teams in the world compete. I know things can always be better, but it seems like we should sit back and enjoy the ride a little more. As a Yank, I'm disappointed by the Czech game. But disaster?? Come on, look at how far we've come.

Meanwhile, England has 6 points. I didn't see the game (I recorded it for when I get home tonight), but how awful can it be? (Esp since my U.S. teams is on the verge of going home.)

I just watched the Federer vs. Nadal French open final. I was disappointed -- I thought the tennis could be better. But I also realized that part of the problem was that the two best players in the world were playing each other. I think we need to realize that part of the reason some teams don't look so good is because of the competition. Sports is always a two sided affair and it's probably the hardest thing in the world to distinguish between one side's greatness and the other's ineptitude.

Yes, there's a place for analysis and speculation. But I'm enjoying the World Cup and prefer to focus on the good in what we've seen so far, rather than always trying to find a negative.
Posted: 5:39 PM   by dude
Sven Eriksson will regret not bring Darren Bent or Jermaine Defoe to the squad. Without his speed, the unfit Owen is average at best. Crouch is better to play as a sub in the last half hour. Rooney needs a couple games to get his match fitness back. Walcott is a huge gamble. Who do England expect to score the goals?

They are lucky to get by Paraguay and T&T. How can England beat better teams with virtually no healthy and fit strikers?
Posted: 5:40 PM   by Anonymous
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Posted: 5:42 PM   by TheDoctor
Well, it is such a shame that an old hat at World Cup Soccer stuggled to score until the 83rd minute against a novice team like TnT, only in the setting of the exhaution of the final minutes of the match. This speaks to 2 things: 1. England may not actually be as "world class" at this sport as they are tooted to be, and/or 2. Trinidad and Tobago, though a "tiny" nation, has produced indeed world class footballers. The latter is the more likely, I take it. It looks like they're not only growing nobel laureates in that island! Go TnT!!! They'll be back stronger than ever in 2010.
Posted: 5:42 PM   by Anonymous
What's up with all the negative comments about England? They played, scored when they had to and have 6 points! The idea is to play, win and move on. If you want super action go to the movies! The opening rounds are about moving on and getting to know the surroundings. There is a lot left to come!
Posted: 5:43 PM   by Anonymous
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Posted: 5:47 PM   by Alaska Soccerguy
England has 6 points after 2 matches and are through to knockout. I rather play Germany at this point, Ecuador is in great form right now. Germany looked okay against Costa Rica who Ecudaor destroyed.
Posted: 5:49 PM   by dude
Compared to Germany (just an example), England look distinctly boring. Don't tell me that Germany's attacking players are better than England's. The fact is that - with Lampard, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham - England should create more meaningful chances. Instead, they looked slow and disinterested. They were also guilty of losing possession way too much. When England repeatedly lost possesion needlessly (a recurring problem in their two game), they couldn't establish any kind of rhyme.

Perhaps in the end, we may need to concede that the England players are just not that good to begin with.
Posted: 5:59 PM   by soundchazer
Don't blame the players... blame Sven Goran Ericksson... just like Anibal Ruiz did to Paraguay, he took any ounce of fun out of their play in order to avoid losing.

Nothing is worse in soccer than a team that is playing NOT to lose.
Posted: 6:03 PM   by J. Br.
england shouldn'be this boring, but that's what you get when you have the worst manager in the world. followed closely by lars lagerback. what's that with swedish managers and underachievement?
Posted: 6:09 PM   by Anonymous
*sigh* my god...yes a win is a win etc etc but England are struggling. I have to say that Terry save England so many times in this game and only beckham and joe cole are performing in mid field (although not scoring not that they should be). Those of you who criticised englands strikers are right to but they have lampard and gerrard to score the goals for them but both wilt under the high pressure of internationals (even though they don't in club matches). It's time for both of these world class players to wake up and start playing like the $10 million players they are!
Posted: 6:10 PM   by Anonymous
As I read, you almost had me convinced of your introspective argument, until the American Football analogy- Proven illiterati. Those of us reading don’t need, and don’t care for the analogies. The soccer (hate that word) community in the US has matured enough to forgo such simile. Just as when the game announcers make the reference to -insert American sport here- I change the channel. Thus- on to the next reporter who may just possibly understand their audience.
Posted: 6:13 PM   by Anonymous
I still wonder, why were the Trinidadian players weren't so smitten by playing a well known power? Why were they so intimidated? Were they to have played a regular game rather than a defensive one, would the outcome be favourable to them? How dare the Trini coach comment about English tactics when his own team played deplorably!
Posted: 6:19 PM   by Anonymous
Just to say ... 2 games 6 points ... i guess most of you on here are americans well just let me explain .... it all about the points, its all about grinding out the right results, i have seen some real boring games in the English Premiership from Man Utd Arsenal Chelsea .... but its all about picking up 3 points, all we have to do is draw against Sweden and we win the group, a major plus for us is that Rooney had a run out and came back ok .. next time he needs 45 mins then maybe an hour then the 90 mins ... just to quote Rio Ferdinand " Yeah I'll take 7, 1-0's all day long". Stop moaning about the performance and concentrate on the results .. do you want your team to play the best flowing exciting football on the planet and not win a thing ??? THOUGH NOT >>>> COME ON ENGLAND !!

Bullitt BWFC
Posted: 6:19 PM   by Anonymous
The problem with England is that the current team has no identity in the middle of the field. Lampard and Gerrrard are content with either passing to the flanks and letting Beckham cross the ball into the box with the hopes some crashes home a header or they play the long ball themselves. When Rooney came into the game, you finally saw a bit of creativity or at least, attack up the middle. T&T hung in that game because they knew exactly what England was going to do. If England thinks this style of attack is going to get them far in the knockout stages, they are dreaming. Gerrard needs to step up and play creatively like he does with Liverpool. Right now, England is playing ugly football. It seems that no one on that team wants to step up and be the leader by example.

Although Walcott is unproven...I would throw him into the mix. Owen is a poacher, Crouch just gets his head on balls. Its not enough. With Cole attacking outwide, Rooney getting back into the middle of the field, and Walcott's speed....that might complement the otherwise predictable longball tactics of England.
Posted: 6:22 PM   by Anonymous
England came out and took 6 points in 2 games, which leaves me chanting SCOREBOARD to all you nay sayers! This team should have no problem breezing through their group, and until they have an L up on the stat board, they can play as boring as they want to. And oh by the way, I remember a certain host team scoring the game winning single goal off a stoppage time deflection from striker Neuville, and people have been calling that the most exciting game of the Cup thus far. So my question is what's more exciting than ONE last minute goal? How about TWO last minute goals.
Posted: 6:25 PM   by Anonymous
It doesn't matter that England played a boring game. I don't think they care about how exciting the game was for the fans. All they care about is winning and they did their job even though not playing nearly as well as possible for 80 minutes of the match.
Posted: 6:37 PM   by Anonymous
England won't gonna win anything, despite the hype all British press, EPL followers are bragging about, or how good they claim England to be. The day the Three Lions crumble in the knockout stage will be the day when they meet one of the favourites, perhaps the Dutch at the quarters. No chance England. Nope.
Posted: 6:41 PM   by Kanatatsu
I am amazed at how unrelentingly pessimistic English fans can be. Watching this game, I saw one team absolutely dominate the other, create numerous chances, and finish two of them. If the game had played out exactly the same except that England scored in the first 10 minutes and at the end for a 2-0 result, people would likely be raving.

The fact is the T+T held Sweden to a draw and England generated far more chances and scored 2 more goals. I thought they looked fantastic, particularly the pinpoint service from Beckham. Every team has troubles finishing, because finishing is tough in general in football. But England was in total control of this match from beginning to end, with only a couple of good scoring chances for T+T.

How can you ask for much more? If Brazil had played exactly the same game, we would all be talking about how unstoppable they looked and how many chances they generated before finally (and inevitably) breaking through against a game T+T team. But when England plays that game, somehow they're rubbish. Must England beat a team 5-0 before their fans will believe they played a good match?

As a fan of Germany, I am scared to death of seeing England in the round of 16.
Posted: 6:47 PM   by Anonymous
I will agree that England doesn't look all that intimidating. But a win is a win. That's the point.

Say what you will about Crouch, he did score though. If Rooney can play up to his potential, England's offense will be more dangerous. What I'm really tired of is the anti-Owen sentiment by some fans. Owen just needs to score to get back his rythm and confidence.
Walcot? Who knows until he's out there playing.
Posted: 6:49 PM   by Anonymous
England needs to drastically improve its attack if it wants to advance to the quarterfinals or semis. It may have secured a berth in the knockout stages, but their performance today was abysmal.
Posted: 6:49 PM   by Anonymous
I'm english and the important thing is that england are through to the last 16. At least this time they played for 90 minutes and not just 5 like they did against paraguay. Plus it appears that Sven now understands that an attacking mentality and attacking players are needed to score unlike 4 years ago against Brazil. So i see more positives coming from today's game than negatives.
Posted: 6:51 PM   by Gladys V.
In total agreement...
Posted: 6:54 PM   by ktusk
Don't worry about being boring---we have two wins! It is safe to not worry about peaking too soon. Beckham is getting so much more comfortable; the Cole boys are moving nicely; Crouch will see less time with Rooney picking up more minutes; midfield need to push it forward some, but all in all who could complain at 2-0?
Posted: 6:55 PM   by Anonymous
I´ve been always a fan of english soccer, even though I´m German. But to be honest, those two games were horrible. Owen is not existing, Lampard is more a threat to planes than goals, that´s how high he´s missing the goal. Gerrard was nowhere to be seen. Only Beckham, who, I think is one of the most overrated players ever, played well.
If England needs an own goal against Paraguay and needs to pull some hair to get a lead against T&T (with all due respect, but it´s T&T!!!!)I have to believe, that England is one of the weakest "powers" right now. But than again, only Spain, Argentina, Italy and Germany really played well so far.
Posted: 7:13 PM   by cazanoma
What is all the criticism about England. They are in the knock out stage, 6 points in hand. If they are not playing up to their fullest potential and still winning their games, there can't be too much to fret about. That would also suggest that they have their best football to come--keep in mind too, defense wins championships in close games as well, while they haven't had a boatload of goals yet, they are unscored upon. They've also had several good looks at goal and some impressive buildups, relax everyone, they're still one of top four teams playing. the goals will come.
Posted: 7:13 PM   by Anonymous
Sven justified picking Walcott because of his pace, which neither he nor I had seen prior to this World Cup. But doesn't Defoe have the same type of pace and, probably, a better eye for goal than this teenager who is way over his head at this point in his career. He's no Owen circa 1998 in France. As a matter of fact, present-day Owen is no Owen circa 1998, either.

With no real quality attack-minded substitutes available, a not fully fit Rooney, and a manager with no tactical creativity, England are bound to fall in the knockout stages.
Posted: 7:14 PM   by Anonymous
typical world cup winning formula: play badly in the group stages, scrape through the next couple of rounds before finally coming good and taking the trophy.

Ps. even though it's not the done thing to criticize the underdogs, here you go: it was T & T playing the negative, boring football. Even if they had no choice, it's a fact
Posted: 7:15 PM   by Anonymous
Can't wait for the game against Sweden. Sweden hasn't allowed very many good chances at goal yet and no scores. With England's lack of offense it could be a tight match, with the winner not having to play the very good looking Germans.
Posted: 7:20 PM   by Anonymous
I`m glad people are finally realizing the kind of fraud England is. "a star at just about every position"?? no way, man! imo, the only player who looked decent was Lennon. is it because he isn't white? although that A. Cole guy is so awful... get lots of third tier players from places like Brazil and Argentina, give them english passports and try to use them in 2010. U'll have better chances of winning the WC. and this time without the help of the refs!!
Posted: 7:21 PM   by ian westmids
England could learn a great deal from the Spanish performance. Two teams packed with skilful star players, difference is that the Spaniards have now learned to play as a team !

Spain or Italy will win the cup ! As an ardant English fan Im sorry to say that ! ..If we dont learn (quickly) to play as a team... we'll meet Brazil (after Equador ) and we know what happens next !
Posted: 7:22 PM   by Anonymous
As one of the many anonymous said: "England isn't boring." True, England as a country is anything but boring, what with beautiful scenery, stately homes and a sense of history. Unfortunately England, as a team, ARE boring, what with their beautiful scenery (footballers' wives), stately hmes (Beckingham Palace? NOT) and a sense of history...remember 1966? God help us, will you ever let us forget?
Posted: 7:25 PM   by Anonymous
England could learn a great deal from the Spanish performance. Two teams packed with skilful star players, difference is that the Spaniards have now learned to play as a team !

Spain or Italy will win the cup ! As an ardant English fan Im sorry to say that if we dont learn (quickly) to play as a team... we'll meet Brazil (after Equador ) and we know what happens next !
Posted: 7:37 PM   by geoff
I'm English and wasn't too impressed with England's performance; their 'route 1' blandness was not befitting such a quality group of players. However, I would also add that we always struggle against the smaller sides (like Northern Ireland etc.), but seem to step up our game when it really matters. I'm still pretty confident, especially with Rooney back!!
Posted: 7:56 PM   by Anonymous
They looked like the Canadian hockey team from the olympics, confused and frustrated. Hopefully when Rooney is back in shape he'll be a shot in the arm. Good to see they were able to come through in the clutch though.
Posted: 8:00 PM   by Anonymous
England are boring.....Go Australia !!
Posted: 8:03 PM   by Anonymous
The game exposed why I hate the English squad and always root for the team playing against them: They do NOT play beautiful football. Not offense against the players: I love Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Owen and company. It is their game and strategy that I cannot bear. Please England, if you ever play beautiful football, I shall cheer for you. Long live the beautiful game!
Posted: 8:04 PM   by parnellpr
Yeah we not be playing at our best but boring??? If only. It's never boring watching England play, either because we play attacking football as we did when lennon and rooney came on, or because it's just too nerve wracking watching us play. Oh and for a "boring" team we've done ok, which is more than can be said for USA.......I blog on the world cup, and have done on this match. If anyone wants to add opinion come and pay a visit. Boring.....as we say in England "My Arse"!!!!
Posted: 8:24 PM   by Anonymous
England is going out in the round of 16...Germany and Ecuador have been schooling their opponents and one of them will get to school England.
Posted: 8:39 PM   by Anonymous
I wish you lot would quit whining. I don't think any of the England players (or fans, for that matter) give a toss whether you're bored or not. They played to win, and they won; end of story. If you think that's boring, then quite frankly, you can sod off. Watching the match in London, I can firmly assure you that very few people here found it boring.
Posted: 8:49 PM   by Anonymous
The problem has been that they are overly willing to play long balls into the box and hope that Crouch gets on the end of something.

Sometimes this means it only works once, but once is sometimes all you need. It also makes things boring as all heck.

In truth, I thought that the bringing on of Aaron Lennon gave England their first real spark. His pace presented clear problems for T&T.

And go easy on Gerrard; Sven's playing him as the holding midfielder if you look at where he was deployed for much of the match. Not much you can do there from an offensive perspective.

The fact is, had Lampard been remotely on target after an uncharacteristic off-day, everyone would be saying England were back. As it is, I think it's too early to say they're done.
Posted: 9:06 PM   by Anonymous
Beckham did what Beckham almost always does. He tries hard, despite not being that great in the pace department, he looks completely ineffective for large portions of the game, and then, in an instant, he cuts open a team with his right foot and that moment of brilliance is often enough.

Lennon was actually quite good and was around the T&T defenders often. Lampard had a horrible match, but he did lead the team in goals for qualifying so it might be a bit early to kill him off just yet.

Gerrard, however, showed his quality with that left footed blast. He's scored on every stage and if Sven lets him play in an attacking role (doubtful given Sven's tendencies) he might solve England's woes himself.
Posted: 9:21 PM   by Anonymous
go englang go... your the best
Posted: 9:41 PM   by Anonymous
Here we go again. Why don't we just stick a fork in England now and call it over. A round of 16 berth, a chance to go unbeaten in the group stage. I'm sick of all the criticism that England gets, and to a further extent, other powerhouses such as Brazil and Germany to name a few. The best teams will rise to the top in the knock off stages, not the group play. Do you honestly think that teams with a chance of winning the whole world cup are playing at full 100% capacity. If you do, than your nuts and shouldn't be commenting or reporting on football, sorry, Soccer for all you lame brain Americans! England will be in the final 4, along with the other "boring" teams Brazil, Argentina, and Italy.
Posted: 9:45 PM   by Anonymous
You play the game to win, England did that! You wait and see, Beckham will become the best player of the tournament when he puts Brazil out of the tournament. ;)
Posted: 9:56 PM   by Uncle Sam
After watching England play today, I think that we've finally found a team fit for the Americans to defeat! We beat you in 1776, we can do it again in 2006!
Posted: 10:18 PM   by Anonymous
I will tell you something neither England nor Sweden want to face Germany in the second round so it will be very very interesting to watch what England/Sweden do in their match if the Geramny-Ecuador game ends in a tie or a Germany loss which will make Ecuador top their group(gasp) and Germany second. We migth as well get ready to watch the most boring game of all time as both team TRY not to win the game so as to end second in their group and avoid Germany!!!
Posted: 10:37 PM   by Daniel Liontamer
Enough already!

I saw the game. I saw the chances Crouch squandered, including a half - volley in front of a completely open goal. I saw the first goal; Crouch was there, Brent Sancho did not go up for the header. "Super Shaka" Hislop had no chance.

England did not play to their potential. They played a Trinidad team who almost had a 0-0 draw in the bag, thanks to disciplined defending and not laying down next to Mighty England.

Trinidad also created chances, with Cornell Glen and Stern john getting shots off. Glen has shown himself to be a dangerous striker, but not quite the caliber of Rooney or Cole. They also did not lay back all the time; smart counterattacking with multiple players (except for the breakaways).

Hats off to T & T. England: you are a contender. If you can't get your act together, the Azzuri or Salcao will have you for lunch.
Posted: 10:44 PM   by Anonymous
Lampard and Gerrard should not be playing together in the center of the field. They just haven't jelled and they probably never will.
Posted: 10:52 PM   by Anonymous
I havnt seen anyone mention John Terry yet! What an amazing performance from him today. If Gerrard Keeps coming up with strikes like that every game we should go far. GL England!
Posted: 11:48 PM   by Anonymous
heres the thing...NOBODY has scored a single goal on England in the WORLD CUP and theyve scored 3 in 2 games...so stop criticizing them. Of course, they need to play more agressively...the long ball or square in from Beckham to Crouch strategy will get them a few goals but they need a little more to win the big games. Those 2 players tho have done well, however i am dissapointed with LAMPARD!!! Well, with ROONEY's return we are going to see a much stronger offensive England team! JUST WAIT!
Posted: 12:23 AM   by Anonymous
I am not a fan of any particular country. All I care about is whether the game entertains me. Brazil and Argentina games are usually entertaining, as are Holland and Czech Rep. Add Germany and Spain to the list, as they have played attractive football in this World Cup.

England? Not so entertaining to a neutral fan. Most of their players seem very slow to me. In today's game, the only exciting player in the England team is Joe Cole, who is willing to take on defenders. Beckham, for all his celebrity, is pretty much a stand-still player and fairly boring to watch.

I understand a win is a win for England, but what does it do to a neutral fan? Nothing! Beside, playing conservatively is can only get you so far. Even Italy have learned from their mistake and started to play with more attacking flair.
Posted: 12:41 AM   by Anonymous
england played good, not as good as it could have but it played and it won.. it was no boring, not like france and switzerland or germany against poland.. and it has a long way to go yet so GO ENGLAND!!
Posted: 12:46 AM   by Anonymous
I am glad to see Rooney on the field;but everything about England was so terrible!
Posted: 12:51 AM   by Anonymous
Sven needs to place the team in Gerrad's hands. Let him control the game from the middle of the field. He can create. He can score. He is a fighther. He is a leader. No one else on that team has ALL those qualities. remember the Champions League 2 years ago. England needs that Gerrard. England lacks a leader. With all those "stars" on that team...no one has stepped up to lead by example. Its as if they are all waiting for someone else to do it.
Posted: 12:53 AM   by Anonymous
Why do we expect so much out of England when the best players in English clubs are foreigners? Obviously English players can't displace them. England is overrated. Can't field own players in their own league, can't win Eurocup, etc..etc..
Posted: 12:55 AM   by ferdie ellema
I dont think England is that boring. It's just the tactics that the team is using that is so different from what we all get used to that some people (especially those "football experts") find new that they find boring. Although I agree with Beckham that England has something more to offer. This is just the team's second game so it is understandable that they are yet to peak. Let's give them the chance to prove themselves. At least they are better than Brazil who , obviously, is yet to satisfy the expectations of their fans.
Posted: 1:04 AM   by John
I'm getting a bit sick of people bad mouthing England. Yes the performance was poor at times and yes the finishing was woefull and the long ball lumped towards Crouch was too predictable but we should put the performance in perspective.

England dominated possesion and were facing 11 men who didnt want to attack and were playing for a draw. England had more shots than any other team in any other match in the tournament.

I'm an England fan and I'm still confident for this world cup as England always struggle against lesser opposition and I'm confident that come the quaters and semi's England will be up to 5th gear and playing like a dream.
Posted: 1:08 AM   by Anonymous
It's amusing to find the massive amounts of posturing done by English fans in this discussion. Face facts: you have played an okay Paraguayan team that should've had a 0-0 draw and a feisty Trinidad and Tobago team (Trinidad and Tobago! Let that sink in for a second) that probably should've had a 1-1 draw if Stern John gets a better touch on the Terry miracle save and if the ref is in position to see Crouch jump over Sancho (there's a reason Sancho didn't jump, Crouch had his arms draped over Sancho's shoulders).

You can posture and say that your team has six points all you want, but the fact is that your team has been almost completely uncreative in assimilating them. Several players looked dangerous today, particularly in the latter stages of the match: Rooney at least hustled (more than Crouch or Owen can say) and Lennon was absolutely sublime as a winger. In addition to that, Terry was fantastic throughout the game: you'd think that the captain for one of the best (read: most expensive) teams in Europe would get more credit than he does. However, as dangerous as Beckham may be serving long balls, if the rest of the team resorts to helping him then you will face problems against a solid Swedish team (that, coincidentally has struggled trying to play in a similar fashion) and then really struggle against a possession team that plays incisive attacking football: an Italy, an Argentina, a Holland, a Brazil... the list goes on. The long ball doesn't cut it at this level.
Posted: 1:17 AM   by Anonymous
Trinidad and Tobago was playing for a tie, and they almost got it. Crouch fouled the T&T defender on the winning goal. In other games, much less a mugging than that would have been called. I'm not impressed with England. These guys make a lot of money as top pros. Lampard couldn't find the net. I wasn't impressed with my first look at Rooney. Michael Owen seems to have lost his excitement for the game. All Beckham does is take free kicks and hit crosses into the box. I have been expecting more.
Posted: 1:23 AM   by Anonymous
Why is Gerrard getting lumped in with Lampard? Gerrard was playing defense and covering for Lampard every time Lampard made a forward run... every time England had the ball. The three times I watched Gerrard make a run, Lampard didn't cover and TNT had breakaways. Gerrard beat Lampard back in those cases. The fourth time Gerrard scored on his only shot. Gerrard is playing d because Lampard refuses to. If it's because that's Sven mandate than he should reverse the two, if not and Gerrard's just being responsible while Lampard's chasing glory insert a defensive minded player and let us enjoy Gerrard's offensive brilliance.

England will need him to score and create. Lampard didn't get it done.
Posted: 1:34 AM   by Anonymous
I watched on TV late last night a repeat of Crouch's goal...too funny that he did not get a foul for pulling the hair (rather said braids) of the T&T player while he went up for the ball...he pulled the braids down in order to get a better position!!!...I guess against Sweden England will have to find a better way to score....
Posted: 1:40 AM   by Anonymous
World is free to comment. But England and T&T match was not boring. Backhem has shown how he can himself cool throughout the game. Successful pass ratio is not less than 90%. He is probably the best trumph card England has got. He has shown the same in this Game.
Posted: 2:11 AM   by Anonymous
First of all the fact that so much attention is been given to England means that England is NOT boring. Let's face it they won, they're not all talk and they don't have misplaced confidence like some teams.....USA?
Posted: 2:12 AM   by Anonymous
First of all the fact that so much attention is been given to England means that England is NOT boring. Let's face it they won, they're not all talk and they don't have misplaced confidence like some teams.....USA?
Posted: 3:34 AM   by Anonymous
Come on Italy!!! Forza Italia !!!

Only you can beat Brazil !!!!!!

Nobodyalse can beat them.


I feel so sorry for the USA which are a good team , and i do feel so sorry for our friends Americans.

Dear friends, we italians we are not going to war it s just a football game i hope that, evrybody will enjoy it not matter what happen.

Forza Italia!!!
Posted: 4:12 AM   by Anonymous
It's difficult for any team playing against an 11 man defence.

But I agree, the level of dsiplay was worrying. I support England becuase I'm English, but I don't enjoy watching them play. Where was the passion?
Posted: 4:15 AM   by Anonymous
A good reason why the English team isn't at top form seems to evade everyone. How about that they have just completed a very long season without a winter break. How long is that, well lets say with a lot of their stars competing un the champions league, uefa cup and FA cup thats a season with close to sixty some odd games for some of those top stars. Thats a reason that England is traditionally a bit out of form going into most tournaments. But if you don't live in Germany , or England and get to see these guys in action on an everyday basis, then of course you wouldn't have considred this. Michael Jordan said after the Bulls won their third championship in row when asked why the Bulls looked so sluggish, " it doesn't matter how you do it as long as you get the job."
Posted: 4:35 AM   by Del Boy
So if boring football is winning 2 nil, what makes exciting football, losing 3 nil?
Posted: 4:40 AM   by Anonymous
England dreadful? Yes, but let's not forget they were up against the most appalling, unimaginative team of low-leaguers who defended with all 11 players from the start - relying on the occasional counter - and aiming to 'win' 0-0. Against a team playing football as opposed to crowding around their own penalty area it may, just may, be a different story. Had England scored earlier T&T might have attempted to visit the unexplored territory of England's half, giving the space for England to play and (quite possibly) score quite a few more. With players so much fitter than when football began as a game, perhaps it's time to think about reducing the teams by one player (at least) and create something approaching entertainment. Hats off to T&T for effort though.
Posted: 4:40 AM   by Anonymous
how dare another countrie say england is boring
Posted: 5:02 AM   by Charles
Think about how the games dynamics changed with the substitution.. Everyone is only focusing on Rooney, but the real star substitute was Lennon, creating more down the right side, normally Beckhams area.. Beckham doesn't run, but relies on the long ball he so famous for, but England gained pace when he fell back, and Lennon began attacking the defense with his runs, this is similar to Ashyley Cole on the left, and gives England a lot more option on the wings. Thats what they need, not ferdinand moving forward, passing it on the ground, running back, getting the ball back, passing etc.. we need runs down the flanks, and Lampard to get his aim right.. Too many shots not on target, but a win is a win, and i'd rather have these problems now, then in the later stages... Come On England.. FOOTBALLS COMING HOME, IT COMING HOME, ITS COMING
Posted: 5:14 AM   by Anonymous
The English won't like to hear it but for me England is the new Germany. They play (so far) the same slow, boring, uninspired, unimaginative football as the germans in the 80's and 90's (and also 2002) but are grinding out the winning result in the end.

Funny thing now is that they were quick to criticize the germans for it but are perfectly happy with their own team now (a win is a win and so on).

So, let's see how far they can get with this, Germany had some great success with this style of play as everyone knows...
Posted: 5:54 AM   by Anonymous
T&T did a great job of forcing Island Time on the English. The English couldn't play Premiership style football against that, it is too soft and resilient at the same time. When England pays Sweden it will be an entirely different game because Sweden will play faster and more agressive football which will allow the strengths of the English to utilized more effectively.

Sven stinks as a coach though. My mother, in all honesty, could coach better than Sven.
Posted: 6:01 AM   by Anonymous
More nonsense from another know-nothing Yank. How about some humble pie, Bechtel? If my memory serves me right, you had Sweden and Paraguay advancing from the group all along. Shows what you know. Now go back to covering your college bendoverball.
Posted: 6:05 AM   by Kinigit Lebba
I am sending this message from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.In my opinion of course England's game is boring.I don't know what has happended to the shinning stars of the premire leagues and the laliga. David Beckham is a handsome boy. He is not worth of being a football player only for the simple reason that he can sccore a penality. Anybody,including my self,criple,could do it. Who is Rooney. Isn't he that rude who has been accused of gambling and raping?
Coming to the stupid African players yeah they are the real good for nothing blacks. I don't think Africa should be represented with all this five countries.In my view one is too much for Africa.
Posted: 6:09 AM   by Anonymous
For England having declared themselves a favorite for the Cup the performance was meager on any count. Only one looked really good: whenever Beckham shot, he tried to look as good as possible for the camera. And after each game played so far, he promises to play better next time. Any other team playing like that would be overloaded with yawns...Like in the last tournament, England boasts it has "the best team ever" in the stadiums - hope they are not talking about the players wives, who deserve more attention...
Posted: 7:16 AM   by trinimarn Dave
Little Trinidad and Tobago had "mighty" England by their balls for most of the game. Football pundits and English fans predicted an easy walkover victory but the Soca warriors (not Soccer warriors as the commentators keep saying - Soca: Our Local Music) played their hearts out. Hats off to our team for a job well done. Our country and all those millions throughout the world backed the right team Trinidad and Tobago.
Posted: 7:18 AM   by Anonymous
I have to admit I dont know much about football, but i do know that this wasnt a boring game! It was tense and frustrating, which in my opinion makes a great game to watch!

Everyone says it was just luck...but at the end of the day we won!

Ill back England all the way!
Posted: 7:26 AM   by Anonymous
"England's performance wasn't entertaining to neutral fans." Well, sorry neutral fans, they aren't playing to entertain you, they're playing to win the biggest prize in international sport for their fans and their country.

Has nobody seen England play in the World Cup before? This has actually been one of our better starts. We will improve in the knockout stage, as we often do, although 40 years of hurt suggets that we won't actually win, it's the thought that we just might that keeps us going.

Brazil have had a poor start to their tournament but they don't get written off. Comments from Australians with chips on their shoulders just suggests that some of the people criticising England simply have other agendas.
Posted: 7:28 AM   by Anonymous
I think Ecuador is playing very good Probably better than Brazil.
If they beat Germany they can win the World Cup.
Posted: 7:31 AM   by Anonymous
All you need to say is two games, two wins, six points, scored three (sort of), conceded NONE and qualified for the knockouts with a game to spare (the first time since 1982), Not too bad I'd say. COME ON ENGLAND.....
Posted: 8:26 AM   by jancis
I am so tired of the commentators for the England matches. I would enjoy the game more if they would just keep quiet instead of continually criticizing the match. Australia scorees 3 goals in the last 10 minutes and everyone goes crazy, England plays a methodical game, definitely shows a game plan designed to wear eventually penetrate a defense based on 11 men in the box, and yet they are horrible? The only real negative I saw in the game was crouch looking like he was trying to make every opportunity he had in the first half into a highlight reel. Something I'm glad to say changed for the second half. You go England. Wear the defense down for an hour then stretch them with speed giving Beckham the room he needs to find results. And to the commentators, remeber, every time England gets the ball they're not going to score. The sooner you come to that conclusion the more enjoyable the matches will be for us all. England was supposed to breee through their group and with two games done they are past group play, sounds like a breeze to me. Have they played their best football? No. Have they needed to? No. Will they when they have to is the question, based on the talent I would say they will.
Posted: 8:32 AM   by Anonymous
Too many people here are either new to the game or fotgetting history. World Cups aren't won on early performances. How anyone can predict a Spanish win off one performance is beyond me.

The key is to improve over the tournament, peaking in the knock out stages.

England may not have played that well but they'll play better against tough opposition - they always do.
Posted: 8:38 AM   by truebluedom
6 points out of 6, you cant argue about that.. through to the next round.... stop complaining... England will lift it when necessary. Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard and Becks will lift their game. Quality throughout the side... Football, this year truely is coming home!
Posted: 8:38 AM   by Anonymous
while i do question some of the squad selection for england i was pleased to see eriksson make a formation change with his substitutes. when he put lennon on for carragher and switched to a 3-5-2 it really gave england a real burst of energy and they finally started to look dangerous. lennon seems to be the only "energy" player they have at the moment.

i wonder if they might pull gerard or lampard in favor of an out-and-out defensive midfielder like carrick (though i've not been impressed with his play) or hargreaves (even though a lot of english fans don't think he should have made the squad).

personally i'd like to see them stay in that 3-5-2 with lennon in the line up vs. sweden. but it may be easier to change to that formation late in games when your team needs a kick in the rear and some energy.
Posted: 8:41 AM   by Rufus
And their record is still what? 2-0? I'll take boring and winning over excitingn and losing.
Posted: 8:44 AM   by Anonymous
CONGRATS TO ENGLAND.BUT TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FIRST TIME IN THE WORLD CUP EVEN THOUGH WE LOST TO ENGLAND OUR COUNTRY IS PROUD MORE THAN EVER.GUYS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.WE HAVE ONE GAME LEFT WHO KNOWS WE CAN DO IT.GOD BLESS.

SHORMA
Posted: 8:59 AM   by Anonymous
I believe that Trinidad played remarkably considering that this is their first World Cup ever and to go against a team who is in the international limelight like that was truly a test. They have proven that they can stand and even gave England a run for their money as they kept them at bay for 80mins in the game. I stand strong, confident and most of all proud to be a Trini. Soca Warriors you have done us proud!!!
Posted: 9:43 AM   by Anonymous
Had it not been for crouch's fowl on sancho's back and pulling his dreads to get the ball, england would have to go to the change room under heavy military protection!!!!!!!
Posted: 10:42 AM   by Anonymous
England may be boring, but besides Spain and the Cheks, who are not. Seems the teams with the least amount to lose are playing with more heart. All the big teams are playing to get through. If England wants to get exciting let the players play - like let's play a little pickup in the street ....
Posted: 10:51 AM   by YankeeDream
Exiting football does not always gurantee sucess, look at the old german teams, they played strong defense and waited for the oppurtunity and won World Cups. I DOnt think people fully comprehend how hard it is to play a 'minnow' team, they play out of there skins, the refs are always looking to give them the benefit of the doubt and they put all 11 men behind the Ball. Add this to innept tactics by Mr Ericksson playing attacking midfielder Gerrard as a holding midfielder and then refraining from sitting the established players for players that would suit a complete system, i.e Lennon on and Carrick taking the holding midfielder role.

I dont think England have been a boring team to watch (2nd half agaisnt Paraguay aside) i think that we just know what we have to do to progress, when it comes to the game agaisnt Sweeden expect a lot better display, hopefully SGE understands that if your not on form you shouldnt be on the pitch.
Posted: 11:01 AM   by Anonymous
The worst England side ever. They play as boring as Germany did in previous worldcups. English fans hated "der Mannschaft" for this scoreboard oriented style. Now it's the other way round. I can't wait to see England kicked out of the tournament...
Posted: 11:27 AM   by Anonymous
It doesn't matter either way -- England doesn't stand a chance vs. Ecuador or Germany.
Posted: 11:34 AM   by Anonymous
It's amazing how arrogant the English still are. They refuse to give credit to the players of T and T. Even before the match, you had the English pundits saying. This was going to be over in the first 20 minutes. Now as you read the after match comments, the same English sports writers are commenting on how well Trinidad and Tobago played. Sweeden also underestimated the tiny nation. England has the same arrogance as the United States did, and they got 4 goal from the Chezs. Trinidad still has a chance to make it through. They now have the respect of the soccer world, except from the mighty English of course. Trinidad players hold they head high and be proud. Their nation certainly is. I could almost bet if these 2 teams met again, the outcome will be different.
Posted: 11:37 AM   by Peter, London
I'm so fed up with England's consistent failure to play to their abilities. The main problem is the impatience that leads to a lazy and sloppy long ball game. And the finishing must improve if we are to do anything what so ever in this world cup. After seeing Argentina today, I'm worried.
Posted: 11:37 AM   by Anonymous
Anyone who thinks Pittsburgh won the Superbowl can't possibly criticise England's winning play
Posted: 12:15 PM   by Marcus Taylor
The point that a lot of American Commentators seem to be missing when they criticize this England team is that WINNING is the sole purpose of playing. In one week no one will remember whether England only scored late in the game against Trinidad, but only that they WON, and are one step closer to ultimate victory. At the end of the day the runner up in this world cup will soon be forgotten, but history will always remember the name of its' winner, ENGLAND.
Posted: 12:43 PM   by Anonymous
I agree with the guy who said they England was up aganist a side that was playing fortress defense to try for a 0-0 draw. Now that is BORING!
I'm American and have recently started watching 'football' in 1998 during that World Cup.
The sport is really growing on me but only these internationl competitions. I sometimes watch EPL on TV...but often that can be a bore. England has quite the following here and I do like them but I can't say they are the most exciting team. That would go to Holland, Czech or Brazil. The thing with the T&T game was that T&T were just playing for a draw. If you want to blame anyone, blame Trinidad. Now, the trouble with England is that you can't convert easy chances. Owen missed a sure goal and Crouch missed at least 2 or 4 chances before getting his goal. Lampard shoots but is rarely close. The lack of converting easy chances will be the doom for England in this WC. Maybe Rooney can change this.
Posted: 1:13 PM   by Anonymous
Yeah I agree with the comments that at these early stages, its more important to learn your surroundings and getting to know your team before trying to play "creatively." Look at Brazil they have the most amazing strikers in the world yet they only went 1-0. When I thought it was going to be a trouncing.
Posted: 1:35 PM   by Anonymous
Why abuse England when your own team is so poor. We have won our first 2 games and haven’t looked great but the teams we have played have just sat back and played for draws. Wait until the Sweden game where they will try and win which will make it a much more open game. Thus better to watch and not boring. This is when you will see the real England. Oh and by the way who's in the next round and who will be on the next plane home.
Posted: 1:40 PM   by Anonymous
England really lacked any kind of fluency during this game, and it makes me ashamed to hear my fellow supporters saying come on england and well done, good result, the result was ok i guess, but the match was terible, it was an embarrassment, the amount of world class players that england have in their team should cause them to ran ragged the trinidad and tobago team who consisted of many lower league players. Lampard and gerrard didnt shine and im not sure if theyw ork well together because they are very similar players. things got better when aaron lennon came on and him and ashley cole started making moves down the wings. crouch i thought was laughable, how he is a professional footballer i do not know, he sould be serving me food at a takeaway! i just hope that england play a heck of a lot better in the knock out stages cause we will need to after seeing the way some of the teams have played in this competition so far.
Posted: 12:00 PM   by Anonymous
England is overrated and hasn't been a contender in 40 years. Face it, you invented the sport, South Americans perfected it. I know it makes your skin crawl but it's a fact. After your second round appearance either Germany or Ecuador will send you packing. Good show! See you in 4 years.
Posted: 12:23 PM   by Anonymous
England is boring. Yeah, yeah...6 points...US team sucks...blah, blah, blah. That doesn't change that England is not fun to watch. It's that simple. If you want to talk about how bad the US team has played, then that's a different topic. We're talking about how England puts me to sleep.

English fans crack me up. Getting a little defensive, aren't we??
Posted: 1:41 AM   by Anonymous
Quite by accident I have just come accross your highly amusing blog. Such concern about England is really touching - you are obviously all so preoccupied with them you have slightly overlooked the performance of the USA so far...I wonder what comments you are reserving for their illustious showing? An issue that seems to have been overlooked is that most of the T&T players ply their trade in the English and Scottish leagues as indeed do many of the Swedes. Thus they are are receiving very professional preparation in all aspects of the game. They are are very familiar will all the moves of the premiership players and study them week in week out, so it is no surprise that to a large degree they can cancel each other out for large periods of time. This will also be evident in the latter stages too - one only has to look at the origins of the Chelsea and Arsenal squads to realise this. The overall standard of the matches has been higher in this competition than any other, there are no easy matches, although the Czechs may disagree. This is what makes football unique - it is possible to have a fascinating and enthralling 0-0 draw which is highly entertaining ... a result which I dare say the USA would have settled for against the Czechs!
Posted: 2:48 AM   by Anonymous
Hey Bechtell, I don't know whether England is playing well or not, but I do know you don't know jack about NFL football. You clearly intend to disparage the English soccer team by comparing it to the 1976 Oakland Raiders and their QB, Ken Stabler. Well, are you even aware that the Raiders won the Super Bowl that year? Are you aware that Stabler had a great season throwing his sidearm darts to tight end, Dave Casper, and wideout Cliff Branch? Your analogy makes no sense.
Posted: 9:00 AM   by Simba
England will always self-destruct because England will Always be England-To get anywhere in England still depends on one's social connections,references and class.Like in many recent world cups,the working class players did the hard work during the qualification rounds-for the finals you select people like Peter Crouch!!
Posted: 8:53 AM   by Anonymous
England is a very boring team at the moment. It's a crying shame their coach let them play like this when there's so much talent in the squad. Well, maybe the lads can show something decent on the pitch tonight against the Swedes. Somehow I doubt it. Then again, it aint much if it aint Dutch. Cheers mates!
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