World Cup 2006
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Harry Harris - Chief Football Writer - The Express
Swedish endurance in Soho
It was an eye-opening experience to sample the atmosphere in Soho pub ‘The Endurance' on the night England played Sweden , and realise you cannot fool the fans.
The comments were spot on....the lack of depth in Sven's line-up of strikers, the problems in defence with Ashley still looking a long way short of his best after his long injury worries, and, of course, there was a collective in-take of breath when Michael crumbled and his knee buckled. And they all spotted the Wayne sulk when he threw his boots to the ground.
Few took much notice of the so called panel of experts who smartened themselves up with collar, suit and ties, after Big Sam, El Tel and Physco looked a right bunch of chancers in their open neck shirts which looked more natural on the Costa Brava.
But the BBC are streets ahead with Martin O'Neill by far the most entertaining of the pundits and Alan Hansen still a class act. Time for ITV to come up with some more trendy experts and get rid of the old soaks and their endless reliance on complex chalkboard know-it-all comments. The fans have wised up and know their holding players from the diamond, and most certainly have had their fill of the Christmas Tree.
It all adds up to the same. The best players win World Cups, and we want an insight into Sven's thinking and less of what the old boys would be doing if they were in the dressing room.
You don't need to hear my views on this, just listen to those fans fed up with being bombarded by with technical dross. Spurs supporter Barry was in his element when he spotted former Lane full back Justin Edinburgh standing in front of him. And, I can now tell you from first hand experience, how tough it is watching England , with all the roller coaster emotions that go with it.
So next up it's Ecuador and I'll be watching this one from the comfort of my living room on Sunday. Sven now has few options in attack, so it's Crouch and Rooney. If anyone of those two are injured we're in deep trouble.
But he does have Plan B, despite all the criticism that he has cocked up by not having Defoe. Lennon has the speed, he is confident, and showed that he can play in a system that can also accommodate Beckham on the right.
But are we ever going to see Walcott? If we don't, then the big question is why take him in the first place?
The other problem is to ensure that Lampard can function alongside Gerrard, as Lampard seemed to thrive without Gerrard in the team to start with against Sweden.
Related Links
Harry Harris archive
- 1. Harry Harris writes for ntlworld
- 2. Can England do it This Time?
- 3. There's only one Metatarsal
- 4. England best for talent
- 5. Bags packed, fingers crossed
- 6. Thrills, spills and intrigue
- 7. Prawn sarnies, cap controversy and Swedish sentiment
- 8. Swedish endurance in Soho
- 9. Scolari has some explaining to do
- 10. Give Rooney the armband
- 11. A triumph for Germany