[Archived] England

[Tim Southampton Rover]

The only positive thing to come out of todays game is seeing Richards back at right back. He's miles better than Johnson and would be the only person to push out another England 'regular'.

[Mattyblue]

Sure the 'Capello Out' shouts will get louder, but lets face facts, the technical abilities of these players are nowhere near good enough for international football.

[BuckyRover]

Bent, Defoe, Hart, Lampard, Terry, Rooney, Johnson, Cole all out injured.

3 players winning their first cap. I really wouldn't worry about the performance. It was a tough ask.

[JAL]

The only positive thing to come out of todays game is seeing Richards back at right back. He's miles better than Johnson and would be the only person to push out another England 'regular'.

Tim the only positive for England will be... the final whistle.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Crouch scores AGAIN.

Probably be dropped when it actually counts though.

[JAL]

Sure the 'Capello Out' shouts will get louder, but lets face facts, the technical abilities of these players are nowhere near good enough for international football.

One or two yes, but not all of them.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

42 internationals

22 goals

Brilliant.

[HemelRover]

42 internationals

22 goals

Brilliant.

Cant agree with you more mate. I dont know how he does it but he should start EVERY england game when fit.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

What annoys me are the comments that Peter Crouch shouldn't start because he only scores against the poorer teams.

I admit that most of his goals are against the weaker opposition but nobody else seems to score goals against the poorer teams. We saw that in the World Cup when Crouch played about 5 minutes instead of being in the starting XI for all 3 group games.

[Eddie]

I don't think it's important who's playing today, I think game time is game time. However if he's going to set up with one (6'4") forward, why deploy wingers that continuously cut inside.

People say allardyce should never manage England, I bet he'd have got more of a game out of this lot today than capello has!

Of course it matters who's playing. Regardless of how they performed in the World Cup, this is actually a good France team and if you play a second string side against them then you are going to lose.

[JAL]

Ben Foster hoofs the ball out of play in the dying seconds whilst playing invisible man for Frances two goals.

Thank god there are no Rovers players involved in this current England set up.

[roversfan99]

I have no idea why Milner starts out wide, i wouldnt play him at all and I dont understand the hype. Hes like Emerton when out wide, no way to beat a man whatsoever.

[HemelRover]

Massive gap between the teams & players in technique, skill, talent, class and mentality.

[Mattyblue]

Massive gap between the teams & players in technique, skill, talent, class and mentality.

Don't worry, wait till we get Lamps, JT and the rest back

[emerton]

The biggest difference for me in the first half was the space inbetween the midfield players. France always had options with Malouda, Nasri & Gourcuff whereas there was far too much space in between Henderson & Barry.

Was really disappointed in Walcott & too a lesser extent in the first half Milner as Andy Carroll's aerial threat wasn't tested at all until a few minutes before he was taken off. The defenders seemed to think his presence up front gave them license to send through a long ball at every opportunity but on a wet night the ball was going to run on too much in the wet.

In the end a good display from France and a late rally at best from England. Nasri & Malouda were fantastic

[JAL]

I have no idea why Milner starts out wide, i wouldnt play him at all and I dont understand the hype. Hes like Emerton when out wide, no way to beat a man whatsoever.

Agree.

A water carrier at best.

[joey_big_nose]

Wow, I was out tonight so missed the game. Mental starting lineup! Sounds like we played very poorly.

[greco82]

Of course it matters who's playing. Regardless of how they performed in the World Cup, this is actually a good France team and if you play a second string side against them then you are going to lose.

A misunderstanding eddie,

I meant that the result doesn't matter. Win, lose or draw it's good for some of the fringe/younger players to get some game time. France have some good players, always have had.

[Tom]

Don't worry, wait till we get Lamps, JT and the rest back

Yep just like in summer

[Exiled_Rover]

I have no idea why Milner starts out wide, i wouldnt play him at all and I dont understand the hype. Hes like Emerton when out wide, no way to beat a man whatsoever.

Rubbish. He's not a wide man, but he can beat a player and put in a good ball. He's much, much better in the middle.

[cn174]

Before kickoff just before they unveiled the flags they did a nice little tribute to Ronnie Clayton on the big screen and sound system. Ill post the photo of it when u get home tomorrow.

[Hughesy]

So many seriously average players in that squad....Players like Warnock, Gibbs, Henderson, Foster, Lescott, Bothroyd, Barry, Smalling etc are not good enough to mix it with the best.

One or two could in the future if they get enough experience...Henderson, Gibbs, Foster & Smalling.

No quality ball players either & it shows against the likes of France or Spain.

[thenodrog]

England lost to France cos

1. France sacked an underperforming manager and England didn't.

2. They appear to have better players.

[neekoy]

I have a feeling an England full strength side would have still been rolled.

[Smithy]

England lost to France cos

1. France sacked an underperforming manager and England didn't.

2. They appear to have better players.

England lost to france, because:

Basically they are just not good enough.

On a lighter note doesn't Ronaldo look happy here:

My link