Roy, just play the best players

I was happy enough with England's performance against Russia but I only thought we looked right after Dier scored the opener. I finally saw a use for Sterling.

Lallana did exactly what a forward should do in 433. Pass early, keep the ball moving at your feet unless there's an overlap, draw defenders to create space, try one two's and make sure the pace of play is purposeful. He may not be a star but he played his part and allowed Walker and Kane to stick to useful positions.

Sterling however slowed the play, allowed defenders to settle, waited for tackles, and caused players to recheck runs/come for the pass. I'll keep the head shaking to a minimum.

When I compare other nations players I'm absolutely baffled why someone like Townsend or Albrighton were not embraced as tactical weapons. Euro 2016 will be won and lost though concentration. Either a defender giving himself a moment to rest or an attacker who doesn't take a chance. You need aware players who create chances, good or bad.

However there's no opportunity for change, and I'm not all that disappointed. Though Roy can gain balance, even if it's only playing to the teams natural abilities. 

Therefore I don't think 433 is a tactic England can rely upon. We must play narrow and use our full-backs. We may lack some natural technicians but we have intelligent energetic team players, which frustratingly need some time to bed.
Kane next to Sterling and Lallana forced a false 9 approach, but England need a striker up at all times because Rooney doesn't score from distance any more. Similarly Walker and Rose need two strikers to aim at because they're not precision crosser's.

The balance is still wrong and it will require the best players to play. Milner for example had to start against Russia because Kane would've spent more time on the front foot.
With two tough games to go and the Welsh only needing a draw we need to pray that Sterling's other use is making a Championship player feel inadequate. 

Yes sir, no sir, three bags full of money. Capello resigns.

   As Capello leaves his post as England manager a nations fans rejoice and the FA could be pushed into making the decision the fans would have made many years ago.
That decision is not one pertaining to the potential appointment of Harry Redknapp but rather if he does get the job fans will feel vindicated that they finally have a man with motivational charm and in this case a suitable nationality to boot.


And Booting will most likely be the next step for Mr Redknapp; a few players must be concerned for their future and others perhaps ready to give the best 6months of their career but what we know is that he has the attitude to make players believe and everybody with the right attitude could be in contention.


Capello leaves amongst Terry turmoil and the FA’s statement showed no signs of giving anything away.

"We have accepted Fabio's resignation, agreeing this is the right decision. We would like to thank Fabio for his work with the England team and wish him every success in the future."

At least they are taking control again and perhaps the next step they make will make or break them as a unit.

   Capello whose recent appearance on Italian television criticised the way The FA dealt with the Terry affair was the final insult for both parties, and the impending resignation has been nicely coupled with 6 months press of ‘Arry for England.’

If anyone needs reminding of the qualities of a man motivator they should look at O’Neil at Villa, O’Neil at Sunderland and of course Redknapp at Tottenham.

So who might prosper and who might get cut and who might sneak in if Redknapp gets the nod?



Darren Bent – Sold by Redknapp; thinks his wife is a better striker.

Jermain Defoe – Liked by Harry, plays for his club, still in and around the England squad.

Kyle Walker - Harry’s right back star gets things going for his attacking team and works well in his system.

Ashley Young – Harry tried to buy him so will probably get his place

Gabriel Agbonlahor – Another player Harry has been linked with

Aaron Lennon – Admired by Harry, plays for him and in front of Walker.

Frank Lampard – Family, blood is thicker than water

Joe Cole – Surely not....but Harry has always liked him

David Beckham – Still an admirer; sees him at Spurs so why not England

Dawson – Not a regular for England but one for Tottenham and liked by Redknapp

Phil Jagielka – Handy player that Harry would find useful at Spurs and probably useful for England

Ledley King – Looks assured of his place if he stays fit, a certain starter under Redknapp

Jack Rodwell – Harry has made no secret of his admiration, perhaps he will get some friendlies

Scott Parker – Clearly a starter for Harry and it could signal the end for either Lampard or Gerrard with a captains role to boot

So is it going to be Harry? And if so is he going back to Spurs? A nice way to get to know some players if he is.