England could have waltzed it
YESTERDAY, I attended the wedding of my goddaughter, Elizabeth May, to James Sapsed in Royston, Hertfordshire. I somehow managed to tear myself away from the wonderful festivities to watch England take on Russia, the first game of a tournament that has not been a marriage made in heaven for the Three Lions; more Blind Date than Mills & Boon.
With half the outfield players originating from White Hart Lane, familiarity was always going to breed content within the England side, especially as three-quarters of the team played and won in Berlin in March.
The youngest squad in the Euros started the match impressively; Kyle Walker was playing like a right-winger from the first whistle and four early chances were created for Dele Alli, Adam Lallana (twice) and Harry Kane. The Russian’s giant striker, Artem Dzyuba, was often isolated up front and comfortably controlled by Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill.
England were in so much control it was embarrassing for the Russians – Joe Hart (right) could have read War and Peace in the first half (I think he only touched the ball once) – but the final pass and shot further up the pitch wasn’t good enough to give a dominant England a well-deserved lead.
Half-time gave me the opportunity to see the new Mr and Mrs Sapsed’s first dance but I couldn’t believe just how many times England waltzed through the Russian rear-guard only to find Akinfeev as the Best Man.
Defensively, after 45 minutes, there wasn’t a problem. Shape-wise, Hodgson’s choice was spot on – but when you are on top and dominating, you have to score.
Whether England had too much wedding cake in the break, Russia were out of the blocks quicker, and Cahill had to produce an inch-perfect tackle on Dzyuba in the six yard box.
For the first time in the match, Hodgson’s much-maligned back four was under pressure but stood firm until the very end. Overall, the problems for Roy were not as expected – it was up front that England struggled to click.
But at least this team has character and perseverance.