England v. Iceland

eaststandmike said:

lancashire lad said:

If England can score a few tonight, 3 minimum, then the side will have the confidence to go on and beat France, assuming Iceland don't score more than 2

I heard on the radio this morning that apparently the last time we scored more than 2 goals in the knock out stages of a tournament was 10 years ago against the mighty Trinidad & Tobago.

That was the group stage and I thought we won 1-0??

Atletico Addick said:

From quite a knowledge of Icelandic football - I would pack out the width, rather than squeeze it in the middle. I'd play Clyne in behind Walker on the RW who would tear them to shreds - they have weak links but they can get away with these when everything is pressed. Great crosses and runs from deep will undo them. Their keeper has only been professional for 2 years, they all rate him over there but I think he's a liability and a mistake waiting to happen (as we've seen in their first few games)

Exactly what was needed (esp. 2nd half) against Slovakia too. The verdict and acceptance that it's nigh on impossible to break down a team playing like they did, was in my opinion, a cop out!!

ValleyGary said:

The only way they'll trouble us is by their long throw and Harte flapping

I fancy him to knock in a free kick though.

MuttleyCAFC said:

The Organiser said:

eaststandmike said:

lancashire lad said:

If England can score a few tonight, 3 minimum, then the side will have the confidence to go on and beat France, assuming Iceland don't score more than 2

I heard on the radio this morning that apparently the last time we scored more than 2 goals in the knock out stages of a tournament was 10 years ago against the mighty Trinidad & Tobago.

That was the group stage and I thought we won 1-0??

I remember that game for being particularly frustrating. It looked like we would draw it until Crouch rescued us late in the game.

And a great Gerrard strike made it 2-0?

Sure of it unless i am going mad which is possible.

colthe3rd said:

moutuakilla said:

Sterling? Really? Hodgson really is a stubborn old boot

I don't think it's that bad. Lallana has a knock from training, you probably don't want to risk him picking up something more serious and risk him being out of the QF. I don't think Vardy worked that well in the wide position and he'll have even less chance of getting in behind the back line tonight. Give Sterling a go, if he gets some confidence back then great should help, if not then we know he shouldn't start against France (assuming no injuries). I'd also rather have options from the bench if it wasn't working.

In reality, if we fail to win this game it won't be because Sterling started. The reserve lineup should win comfortably.

Agree mate, I'd rather have Sterling out there than Vardy playing out of position.
Our problem has been square pegs in round holes for so long now, need to find a system, stick to thr system, and pick players that fit the system.

For the record, I would rather have Vardy up top than Kane tonight

I think I would go Kane. Like I said I don't think Vardy will get any space in behind. I think Kane would do better IF he gets the service into the box. He's the only one that's even like a target man/lone striker. Also, he hasn't suddenly become a bad player. He's just looked knackered, but then he did have most of the last match off and a full week to at least recuperate a little, should look a bit fresher if he plays tonight.

I'm worried that Vardy will only be effective against teams that come at us and allow him to get in behind their back line. Slovakia sat back, Iceland will too.

I'd be tempted to go 4-4-2 with Kane and Sturridge up front - Kane has been too isolated in the minutes he's played, Sturridge needs to be in and around the box and not coming deep looking for the ball.

Rooney and Dier can pull the strings in the middle and I'd have Lallana (if fit) on the left wing with a Walker and Clyne combo down the right.

Danny Rose at left back, Smalling and Cahill in the middle. Hart in goal.

Vardy, Alli, Rashford and Barkley ready to come off the bench if we need a goal.

Vardy would be a great substitute to bring on when you're ahead, and the opposition leave space at the back. One quick ball over the top and he's clear

soapy_jones said:

All i know is, i will be screaming at the tele about 5 minutes in as usual...

Seriously, we've got to beat Iceland surely?

Deep breaths soapy, deep breaths. And more importantly I will be here for you tomorrow should the result not be a favorable one

had never seen it before


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15joCwPYYk8

Team news:

Hart; Walker, Rose, Cahill, Smalling; Dier, Rooney (c), Alli; Sterling, Sturridge, Kane

TalkShite right again......