European Championships

Hodgsonism and England – Time For Plan A

Jun 272012

The two inevitabilities which arise during an English campaign at a major tournament are that they will exit on penalties, and that we will be asking the question ‘where next?’ even before the final ball is scuffed by an English foot. The air of resignation with which England approached this tournament was viewed as refreshingly realistic by most England fans, and Hodgsonism was fully embraced by a nation of noble warriors battling against the footballing odds, and in the shape of Andrea Prilo and Gigi Buffon, the footballing Gods. A few fans thought that England had more to give than the Hodgson tactics permitted, and many foreign pundits were bemused by the new look Steven Read more..

Euro 2012 – Notes From a Small Tournament

European Championships

Jun 162012

Euro 2012 - Notes From a Small Tournament

Hodgsonism Roy Hodgson has managed to instil a team ethic into the England ranks, which has lead to every player being as average as the next. He’s successfully prevented any England player from being the hero, and at the same time he might have prevented any of the players from becoming the villain. If every player can perform averagely, at a level of around 6 or 7 out of 10 in each game, then they might manage to achieve a slightly above average performance as a team. We want to win, but we want someone on the other team to get man of the match, thanks. Oh, and contrary to popular belief, Steven Gerrard can be Read more..

Andy Carroll Header – Sweden v England – 15-06-2012

European Championships

Jun 162012

Andy Carroll Header - Sweden v England - 15-06-2012

Andy Carroll’s towering header is shown here – the first goal in England’s roller coaster ride of a match against Sweden in their second group game of Euro 2012. After going 1-0 up in the first half, England lost concentration in the second period and Sweden capitalised with two goals of their own. Roy Hodgson then brought on Theo Walcott to exploit the area of the right wing James Milner was unable to. The Arsenal man made an immediate impact with an equalising goal, followed by a burst into the area, squaring the ball to set up Welbeck for a cleverly taken winning goal. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Share on Read more..

Supporting England at Euro 2012 – Even if They Are Rubbish

European Championships, Opinion

May 312012

Supporting England at Euro 2012 - Even if They Are Rubbish

Unlike club football where it can be perfectly reasonable to pick and choose a club to support based on a number of different factors, international football is very much a case of being stuck with what you’ve been given. Unless, it seems, you’re one of a growing number of England fans who seem to think they can abandon their native country and declare support for another nation, whilst continuing to criticise the inevitable failure of the England team as some kind of justification for this decision to defect. You don’t have to be a nationalistic, right wing, patriotic flag waver to recognise which national football team you should probably support. It should be the easiest Read more..