England v Belgium match thread

[TBM]

EVERY England player singing. That's a first

[SLAMMED]

Paper planes on the pitch. Been there, done that

[TBM]

This thread is more exciting than the game

[RoyalChicagoFC]

^early runner for Post of the Summer

[RoyalChicagoFC]

Now that was nice

[Blue&White Mage]

Nice goal from Wellbeck

[SLAMMED]

Great finish by Welbeck.

[TBM]

What's the deal with Beckhams tash?!

[ZacNaloen]

Like the tache personally


I think England look alright, we aren't spectacular but we don't look like being undone too easily and when we do get the opportunity to go forward we do it in numbers.

Playing like mcdermott plays reading tbf

[TBM]

Ok chocks away Ginger

[Bumblebee]

EVERY England player singing. That's a first

Except that Captain Charisma was mumbling like John Redwood at the Welsh Conservative Conference in 1993.

[Victor Meldrew]

Stevie G named man of the match.
Maybe he is just a bit better than some of the fools on here think he is.

[Simon's Church]

Stevie G named man of the match.

By Andy Townsend.

[Ginger Ninjas]

Or maybe Andy Townsend is just another one of those fools...

Anyway, pretty dull game, can't say anyone particularly impressed me, although Wellbeck took his one chance very well - I'd rather he started and use Carroll as an impact sub

[PieEater]

A pretty ordinary display against a team who didn't qualify that dominated us.

We just seem to be incapable of retaining possession and doing anything with it.

I really can't see how we'll win any of our opening games, but maybe the play is to not lose to France or Sweden then beat Ukraine to go through,

[Hoop Blah]

Another second half that tailed off quite badly, hopefully just because players were holding back.

I thought we looked ok first half but we do still need players to be brave and try to do a bit more on the ball at times. It still looked like players playing with the fear and playing a bit too safe at times. I guess that's why Oxlade-Chamberlain gets people excited as much as he does.

Didn't think Young had a good game, despite a lovelly ball for Welbecks winner. Welbeck also failed to really get into the game, despite the cracking finish, and I'm intrigued to see what Hodgson does for the France game now. I was edging towards Welbeck but Carroll and Young looked more effective than Welbeck and Young tonight.

Defoe looked sharp too.

[Jack Celliers]

I liked the subs - Walcott and Defoe especially - and it is a massive shame that the central defence won't be Jagielka and Lescott, but it was a pretty good day for the new manager. There was nothing to raise our expectations and nothing to make the media call for his head. It was just another 1-0 win. If he can put together a few of these at the start the Euros, we have a chance to do well.

Townsend naming Gerrard MotM was a bit of a jaw-dropper though. Fairplay to his sidekick though for giving Neville a bit of credit for his performance this year on Sky.

Can I give marks out of 10?

Hart 6

Johnson 7
Cole 8 MotM
Terry 5
Cahill n/a Lescott 7

Parker 6
Gerrard 4
Milner 6
Oxlade 5 Walcott 6

Young 7 Defoe 6
Wellbeck 7 Rooney 3

[Hoop Blah]

What's the basis for Gerrards low mark and criticism then?

Is this just another Wax Jacket username?

[No Fixed Abode]

Stevie G named man of the match.
Maybe he is just a bit better than some of the fools on here think he is.

I was actually shocked Stevie G was given man of the match by Townsend. Obviously I want Stevie to do well in an England shirt but MOTM? First half he was 'ok' - 2nd half I don't think he touched the ball.

Eden Hazard looks like he's going to be something special. A young Xavi or Iniesta. Skilful, great touch, great passer. Just his shooting let him down yesterday.

[winchester_royal]

Stevie G named man of the match.
Maybe he is just a bit better than some of the fools on here think he is.

I was actually shocked Stevie G was given man of the match by Townsend. Obviously I want Stevie to do well in an England shirt but MOTM? First half he was 'ok' - 2nd half I don't think he touched the ball.

Eden Hazard looks like he's going to be something special. A young Xavi or Iniesta. Skilful, great touch, great passer. Just his shooting let him down yesterday.

'Greed on the first point. Genuine around Winchester when Townsend made that decision. He was okay, not nothing more.

Dis'greed on the second. Looks light-weight to me, and didn't impose himself on the game as much as he should have given the amount of possession Belgium had. Will be a good player, but not worth the reported 32m IMO