England has finally found their football touch at least for the time being after playing 3 games and qualified for the quarter final. And if they can maintain that kind of play or form they could gain a respectable spot in the final though football is always an unpredictable game. (you may play well but not necessary the winner)

England has always been a very much publicised team as compare to the rest of the world in our region. But sad to say that they seldom live up to that expectation. Euro04 will be a test.

The team played very well indeed despite losing to France. Its just some "school boys" mistake that ruined the game. Fortunately, they could redeem themselves and won convincingly the next 2 games.

Credit to most of the players and one particular player that stand out is none other than Ashley Cole. He can overlap and run at defenders with confidence yet so reliable recovering his position at the left back. Any strikers in the world will have a hard time trying to beat him, not even world class player like Pires. Of course, there is the hot sensation in Rooney who can hold, beat and torment defenders at will.

However, the biggest upset is on the right flank, manned by Gary at the back and Beckham, midfield whom everyone expected some magic touch.
If we are to conduct a post-mortem on the performance, I would say they are more of a passenger to the team rather than a contributor. Gary is slow in his turning, no dribbling skills and most vulnerable among the back four.

Beckham is the biggest let-down. Never run at defenders and everytime he got the ball, the momentum stops there. With no dibbling skills, what he does is only pumping crosses which every teams knew about and what to expect. An experience player is not necessary a sure winner, perhaps maybe a good coach. No wonder Owen's supplies are easily thwarted by the opponents.

The coach has got a pool of players to choose from for that position namely Owen H, Keiron, Joe whom all has the individual skill which Beckham does not possess.

Imagine that England has got 2 aggressive attacking flanks, and I'm sure it will be a nightmare for any team.

In my opinion, another mistake made during the England vs Croatia game was the coach took out attacking players and substituted with defensive players which resulted in England having to absorb all the pressure towards the later part of the game. And Croatia come close to equalising with few dangerous moves.

What I feel is that,attacking players should be fielded to push the ball in the opponents half and this will take some pressure off from the defenders. It may result in getting few more goals.

That's all from me and Best of Luck!

Alex - Malaysia



Alex Chan