Friday 15 June 2012

Decisions for Roy!

What a match. England are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter finals of the European Championships after a thrilling 3-2 win over Sweden, beating the Swedes in a competitive match for the first time.

Andy Carroll put England ahead with a powerful header midway through the first half meaning we went in ahead at the break with everything going to plan.

The plan then went out the window and Glen Johnson will not want to see a replay of what happened next. The ball was cleared yet he was the only defender who failed to follow the ball out, playing a handful of Swedish players onside. Joe Hart then parried the ball onto the inside of the post and despite his best efforts to make up for his earlier mistake, the Liverpool defender could only put the ball into his own net.

Things got worse 5 minutes later as England were caught sleeping at the back post allowing former Villa defender Olof Mellberg to head home and put Sweden ahead for the first time on the night.

Roy Hodgson then decided to make a change withdrawing the disappointing James Milner for Theo Walcott and Roy's faith in the Arsenal winger was rewarded shortly after when Theo fired home from all of 25 yards after a corner was cleared.

Theo then turned provider as his cross was flicked home in a very cheeky fashion by Danny Welbeck restoring England's lead, a lead they weren't going to surrender again!

With Rooney available for selection for the first time in the finals after serving a 2 match ban, Roy now has a decision to make with who will partner Rooney up front or if he starts him at all.

I feel that most people will vote in favour of Danny Welbeck and I would have to agree. I think his runs, pace and unpredictability will complement Rooney's presence, not to mention the fact that they play together at Man United and will know all about each other.

Dare we dream? Expectations were low coming into the tournament and we may have even exceeded them already. Could this be our year?

Let me know what you're feeling after that rollercoaster of a game!

WHUT&T

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