21 Jun. 2016– Let me first start by saying Wayne Rooney has been magnificent for England. Moving on, The Three Lions, more often looking like The Three Kittens have been nothing short of terrible over their first three matches. A draw with Russia, a lucky win versus Wales, and then a scoreless draw against Slovakia. In my humble opinion, Roy Hodgson is to blame. He seems to have no idea how to run, or lead this team.
In their first game, Hodgson’s lineup was far from decent, his tactics were off, and his substitutions were unintelligent. Kyle Walker should have been benched in place of Nathanial Clyne, Sterling had no business starting, Rooney was playing out of position, and Harry Kane was taking every single corner kick. He subbed out Rooney in the 78th minute with only a 1-0 lead for holding midfielder Jack Wilshere, losing the creativity, and scoring threat the captain provided. That was only five minutes after Dier scored England’s lone goal. Then he put in James Milner in the 87th, another holding midfielder in for Sterling. Not much good came from that as five minutes later Russia scored and the game was over.
Against Wales, Hodgson made no lineup changes, kept Rooney out of position, and didn’t bench Sterling. Kyle Walker had a good game, his man of the match award proved so, but I still believe Clyne is the better player. Finally doing something meaningful Hodgson subbed out Sterling and Kane for Vardy and Sturridge after watching another terrible half hoping they would do something for his team. Still the English looked poor, and lacked a finishing touch until lucking out with a late goal after getting a lucky first one.
Six changes came in the last game of the group stages. Rooney, Alli, Rose, Sterling, Walker and Kane were all benched. Quickly noticing the error in his changes, Hodgson sent Rooney and Alli to the field in place of Wilshere and Lallana respectively early in the second half. Desperate for a goal, Kane was subbed in with fifteen minutes remaining, but it was to no avail. Rooney once more was placed out of position and again the England squad lacked a finishing touch with 27 shots but no goals.
It’s tough to say what England should do, besides firing the coach after the tournament. If they can’t find the fire they need to win a game from Hodgson, then perhaps they can find it from each other. If that doesn’t happen don’t expect them to be in the Euro much longer.
Article by: Nick Husni
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