More or less watched the match as a neutral but what an exhilarating match of football. The best match of what has been a fabulous tournament so far. Was a bit worried that the game would fizzle out to a bore 0-0 draw after a slow start but the atmosphere did not allow it to.
So disappointed for Wales who did most things right. People will complain that they sat too deep in the second half but in all honesty they had to because England were playing the ball much quicker and getting players forward at most opportunities. People will criticise Hart for the Bale goal but that would be overlooking a magnificent 40 yard free kick that did what all free kicks should do - be of great trouble and devilish! England played well in the second half, like a Premier League side which begs the question - why do they play so slow and turgid? International football is slower than usual but England's only hope of doing something in this tournament is if they play the sort of heavy metal football (
) that is prevalent across the Premier League. And in all honesty, the only hope they will have of beating other teams in the tournament is if they outscore the opponent in other 2-1, perhaps 3-2 matches because their defence looks utterly unconvincing. Smalling and Cahill look like trouble in a positional sense and even under the high ball which Wales were starting to use a lot in the second half. But the good thing for England is that they have more goals in them (potentially) than any other team in this tournament. And there's no doubting that for them to score at will they will need to start Vardy and Sturridge (the less said about Sterling the better)!
What super subs they were! Sturridge sets up one and scores the other - pretty much perfect! I was OVER THE MOON when he scored. It's the least he deserves given the toughness of the last couple of years and what a typical Sturridge goal as well. He has a beautiful ability to hold everything still while he moves around all things. It was a piece of individual cuteness and sheer ability that not many other teams have in this tournament.
It was a great great afternoon of British football. Played with spirit and an incredible atmosphere by the Welsh and English fans. It was truly great to see the two sets of supporters applauding each others singing efforts after each national anthem. Undoubtedly exhausting to play in, it was exhausting to watch!
As a Scot my mind boggles as to why we can't produce players who could get in either squad or get its club teams who can play at such energetic, frantic pace. It's a prehistoric wasteland is Scottish football.
Both England and Wales should be proud of the show they put on today. It's just a shame it wasn't played at prime time as opposed to the middle of a working day! Regardless, both nations put on a show that would have entertained the whole continent. Brilliant afternoon of football.
« Last Edit: Jun 17, 2016 12:49:58 am by Frankly, Mr Shankly »
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