Lets calm down abit. We are missing our Chelsea players. Mexico are a good team and are really up for this. Just hope nobody gets injured.
This has always been our downfall, set pieces and scores of of headers from corner kicks or just anything to do with airial attack. We play fantastic possession ball, feed the forwards, but seem to fall short.
He's being exposed by Baines being weak on the left, Ferdinand coasting and the midfield letting players run at our back 4. However he can play a lot better, first game for England in 3 years and looks rusty.
I can tell the team has played many games in this system. They should do alright in the world cup if they sort out the defence.
I can't understand why we're playing with our 3rd string. It doesn't make sense. This is a fantastic friendly, why waste the keeper position.
I didn't know you supported Mexico... I know England has looked less than stellar, but it seems Capello is clearly much more interested in taking this opportunity to make the tough decisions. With the Chelsea players rested, this is a rare chance to really field an alternate look to the side. No, it's not working particularly well, but I think as a manager he will be glad to see that first hand rather than speculate. I am surprised at the reception Walcott's getting as to me he's been pressing the issue more than most for England. I know... "end product" ... but in a match like this he's creating putting consistent pressure on a shaky back line.
That was a terrible first half. Our presence in Centre-Midfield seems to be non-existent. Carrick is not exactly dominating the midfield area. We need to tighten up and impose ourselves in midfield. Somehow we are winning at HT. Walcott looks determined to secure his place in the Final Squad, he has done very well. Credit to Mexico, they have dominated the first half. Baines and King are getting some International experience. They need to improve rapidly on this first half though.
That's what I'm saying. For what he is being asked to do, with Baines playing next to him, he is covering a lot of space. I'd have him right under Green for MOTM at the moment.
Maybe it more of my reaction to their goal as they had just scored. But on the corner King was a full yard off his man as headed it towards our goal for Baines to "clear" off the line. King needs to be marking tighter there. Earlier in the half he got roasted by one of their speedier players and he looked like he was running in mud. Maybe it's his injuries, but I thought he was faster than that. To be fair, he is not getting any protection from the midfield.
funny people have long wanted friendlies to be used to blood and experiment and when they finally are many turn on the Coach....no injuries and some lessons learned a good results, though tbf most of the lessons so far are who not to use and where... but that is still valuable
Capello got what he asked for with this team selection. when I saw it I was like "what the hell is this shit?" . lets hope for a better 2nd.
Mexico should be winning and I'm not saying this because I'M Mexican, it's a fact! who cares if it's the B or C team of England, it's ENGLAND!!! we should be up 2-5 at least, had it not been for Vela screwing things up! and EVERYONE knows Mexico's kryptonite is set pieces and most of all corners hopefully we come back and tie or win
Both our full backs look shit. Strange really, since the Mexico forum are talking about our defence like it's a solid wall. Johnson really does scare me at RB.
They just showed an advert where Andy from Little Britain's 'Lou and Andy' takes the ball off Walcott. The way he's playing atm that could probably happen. Maybe we should stick the Andy character in defense
Halftime Player Ratings MEXICO GK Perez: 5 - couldnt really do much RCB Osorio 5 - hasnt shown much CB Maza 7 - good coverage apart from the impossible task of marking Crouch LCB Salcido 6 - good going forward, bad tracking back RDM Aguilar 4 - gifted a corner for the first goal CDM Marquez 6 - good passing, good pressing LDM Torrado 6 - good pressing other then the major f@ckup on the first goal RW Juarez 6- good attacking play LW Gio Dos Santos 8 - most dangerous player on the pitch ST Vela 6- Should have had 2 by now story of his year as usual ST Franco 7 - Really liked the way he played ENGLAND GK Green 7 - excellent saves, minor hiccup in the last goal RB Johnson 5 - nonexistant CB Ferdinand 6 - good coverage CB King 6 - goalscorer LB Baines 4 - nervous CM Carrick 4 - passing back too often CM Milner 4 - havent even seen him on the pitch RW Walcott 7 - very dangerous going forward, bad decision making LW Gerrard 6 - one assist, otherwise drifted in and out of game ST Crouch 6 - Just for being tall ST Rooney 7 - All over the pitch, when he gets the ball he can make things happen
Carra is gonna get booed! LOL Frankly the whole team should be booed if they repeat that first half shambles.
I watched first Half and i was surprised how England would just let Mexico in there 6 yard box, and the amount of space they would give them.