England v. Japan Live!
Join me this morning as England travel to Graz, Austria for their final warm-up for SA 2010 again Japan. Come on, England!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:16 AM
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Join me this morning as England travel to Graz, Austria for their final warm-up for SA 2010 again Japan. Come on, England!
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Contributors
Previous Posts
- World Cup Preview - Group E - Denmark
- A "Friendly" Saturday
- World Cup Preview - Group E - Cameroon
- Sing it For England!
- World Cup Preview - Group E - Japan
- LOB Book Club -- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- FIFA World Cup Weekly podcast
- World Cup Preview - Group E - The Netherlands
- The Final U.S. Squad!
- World Cup Preview - Group D - Ghana
185 Comments:
England kick off this final warm-up match wearing red and I'm dismayed to see Wayne Rooney starting up front yet again. What does Fabio want from the kid - a pint of blood?!
Early chance from a Lampard free kick. Knocked out again.
England have started confidently and brightly so far.
A first corner for Japan...
GOAL! Tanaka has scored from an obviously planned corner routine. Well taken.
0-1 Japan!
Why wasn't the Brazilian born Tanaka picked up by someone at the corner. That was sloppy from England.
Theo falls in the box pleading for a penalty, but it did look like he'd lost control before.
Rooney and Bent look as thought they've just met. That's not the pairing we're looking for.
I'm afraid I'm a bit late to proceedings this morning, so I'll try to spot the England starting XI as I type:
James, Johnson, Ferdinand, Cole, Terry, Lampard, Lennon, Huddlestone, Rooney, Bent, Walcott.
On the replay of the goal, it's noticeable that Glen Johnson was picking up Tanaka. That seems odd that the right back had to come straight across the pitch to the left to track him. Also, I thought either James or Cole on the line could have done better.
Capello isn't happy - he shouts "Come on!"
It's the first time England played with the official World Cup ball. As with previous balls, the complaint about it is that it's too like and erratic.
Japan with another corner and again it's like the cat amongst the pigeons. Why on earth would a side like England fear Japan at set pieces? Very nervy there.
Huddlestone clatters Kazaki as he tries to save a poor ball from Ashley Cole. Might have been a yellow in a regular match.
So far the idea of playing Lennon - a natural right footer out wide left has not worked. Ferdinand tries to pick him out with a big diagonal and it goes straight out of play. I think in the end Fabio has to be brave and pick either Lennon or Theo on the right. Lennon for me.
Oh - great work from Rooney, sliding through to Lennon who hit his shot straight at the keeper. Best chance yet for England.
Oh dear - Ferdinand has a real balls-up moment with Okazaki and fortunately the striker blazes over. That would have been embarrassing.
Another chance for Lamps to swing one over and it goes straight across the box without any England player getting to it. Goes out for a corner. Short to Lennon who tries a curler.
Good morning Blue Devil. I posted some comments on yesterday's "Saturday Friendly" link not realizing that you have created this post.
Lampard over another free kick, a bit straight this time. The keeper spills it and Bent just can't get to the rebound quickly enough. The ball did move all over the place.
Free kick to England as the goalie saves from Lamps and Japan clear the resulting corner.
Morning, MUR! Sorry to get to the blogging late this morning. I had a bit of a lie in after a late night out. Welcome!
England have dominated, but were caught out by the short corner. I expected more from CSKA's Honda.
Yes, Gooner noted Honda on the Japan preview thread. I don't know him at all.
Thank you. England will not advance as far as we expect if they continue to commit silly errors.
Lamps with another set piece oppo. Straight into the wall. The Chelski man is going to have to do better with the chances come next month.
The Japanese defenders are complaining to the Austrian referee about supposed bias towards the English. I don't see it. They are simply having difficulty handling the English attacks an are merely " hanging on."
I notice that you commented on the other thread that Capello is looking at the three last slots. I have to assume that that's why he's played Huddlestone and Bent from the off today. Both are probably on the bubble. There is a worry about Gareth Barry not making full fitness and thus having to thrust Carrick into his spot with the need for back-up. My choice would be Scottie Parker, but Huddlestone's definitely in with a shout.
I saw Honda in a Champions League match and he seemed to be lively. I think he can take a free kick or two as well.
I think so too. The Japanese are particularly having difficulty with Theo's pace. That's my main hope for England - that Lennon and Theo will frighten opposition defenders.
I think Parker is lower down the pecking order, at least in Capello's mind. I think he prefers Huddlestone for his passing ability even though I have always been a Parker fan.
Bent should have scored there. He needed that one in order to increase his chances of getting on the plane. I don't see it. I'd have Rooney and Crouch as the starters, with Defoe and Heskey as the back-ups. I'm not sure I'd take a fifth striker.
Huddlestone's too slow and light in the tackle for my taste to play the role. He's more like a traditional #10 in the Glenn Hoddle mold - that is, a luxury player.
I agree with you evaluation of Japan. Even though friendlies are not always an accurate indicator, it seems as though Japan will finish last in their group. I don't see any other possible outcome.
The band is livelier than England's play at the moment. Like the US yesterday, it seems that many players are playing at half pace.
I think Bent will be the odd striker out unless he chips in with a goal. I believe he will take the four strikers you mentioned.
HOPELESS!
Well, apart from a couple of corners (one from which they scored) and that Ferdinand whiff, they really haven't threatened.
Morning, sleepyhead! How are you, UWS?
Why is Rooney on the pitch? Get him off!
Japan seem to be well organized at the back or defending by sheer numbers. They have the speed to counter. This is what we should expect from them in South Africa.
Do you think Joe Cole is out?
The Austrians don't seem to care about favoritism!
"Good Luck England"
Lamps is, again, not playing like he does in blue!
That was nice. Rooney dropping deep, chipping one to Theo who volleyed a cross over. No one at the door though.
Good morning MUR.
I've just been watching it upstairs!
Watching F1 too
I worry that Joe Cole is well done the Capello list at this point. I don't know why. He's such a clever player and can play in a number of positions.
The USA were this bad yesterday in the first half
I am not sure about Joe Cole's status.
You've got FSC in the upstairs bedroom as well? Flash bastard! I've got to see this palace with me own eyes.
I remember. They were a different team in the second half. I hope England improve too. They need to capitalize on their opportunities.
That's a fair comment, UWS. I was probably more unhappy with the USA's performance yesterday at this stage and I ended up fairly happy after the second half. Hoping for that here. But would love a late first half goal for the Ingerlund.
MUR, why did you just say good morning to yourself
Good morning fellas
I agree with you. If Lamps had four set piece chances for Chelski, at least one would be nestling in the back of the net. And he's not competing for pitch space with Stevie G. today so there are no excuses.
I've had the cable box in the bedroom for a while
My apologies. Good morning UWS. I am present physically, but not mentally.
Nice running from Theo there and a cross but too close to the keeper.
I don't think Lennon and Walcott have been that dangerous
No worries, MUR. I often say good morning to myself. If I didn't, who would?
England fans not looking very happy there. Apparently there's no Watney's Red Barrel or cheese and onion crisps to be found in Graz.
Half time: Well, that wasn't very good, was it? A bemused fan response at the referee's whistle. It's got to get much, much better in the second half.
Thank you. I feel your pain. Halftime as England concede an early free kick. Capello will have plenty to say in the dressing room.
Good news, there, though. I reckon that Bent has definitely played himself out of the reckoning there. He might just sneak onto the plane but it's got to be Crouchie up front with Roon. If Bent gets on the pitch, we're in big trouble.
I agree with UWS. The experiment with Theo on the right and Lennon on the left hasn't worked. Lennon had one great chance but was forced to hit it with his weaker left foot. If it had been a natural left-footer (Milner? Cashley?) it might have been a goal.
Webby is absolutely right - "it's not good enough."
No worries. I cannot see Bent on the plane to South Africa unless he buys a ticket and watches the tournament as a spectator.
Not much to add here. Japan's press has negated much of England's forward progress. I think we have to inject some pace in the center to make Japan work even harder.
The defensive breakdown at the corner that led to their goal must be taken seriously. We'll face teams with more quality on their set pieces so being chumped by the Sheringham corner is just disgraceful.
Teams back out on the pitch. Changes certain to come.
I don't see Capello starting both Theo and Lennon in the same match. The highlight of the half is that this is a friendly and any failed experiments occur now rather than in South Africa.
Morning, Gooner. Totally agree with you. To get punked at such a meat and potatoes aspect of the game is embarrassing.
I'm not sure that Bent is good enough, but you have to say that he's received no service at all. The balls been forward to Rooney who's been marked by 3 men. Nothing for Bent to run onto.
Lennon on the left, not really an option. Theo's been good defensively, but getting forward has been a struggle.
Why has this stadium changed its' name from Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium?
They don't like what he is doing in California?
Morning Gooner
The second half kicks off. England will need a much improved performance.
Good morning Gooner.
Rob Green is getting the second half. Joe Cole also on for Bent. Carragher on for Johnson. Gerrard on as well, for Huddlestone. Lennon's switched over to the right.
England make some changes but the cotton wool is still not out for Waz
Glad to see Gerrard. There was news that he hurt his calf in training. Seems to be okay
Agreed, Gooner. However, if you're in Bent's situation and you're presented with a headed chance six yards from goal, you have to score. If you don't, you can't expect to get into the squad.
Are most dangerous player is Crouch! i think he should start on the 12th. He just sets up or scores goals
Carragher Gerard,and SWR on for Bent, Huddlestone and Theo. IS SWR a "bubble player" or is he on the plane to South Africa?
Wayne Rooney is clearly still in the "Wax on, wax off" stage of the relationship with Fabio.
Yes, UWS - Crouch has the best strike rate of any current England player. Nearly a goal every other game. Even Roon can't match that.
OUR sorry about that
Why continue with Frank Lampard. He's definitely on the plane, probably in the first half.
Joe Hart with a finger tip save from Honda. It seems as if the referee has awarded a goal kick. Fab giving Joe Hart an opportunity.
Lennon back on his favorite right side wins a corner.
Gerard's corner is cleared. Japan now in the England half.
Beckham to take...
SWR with a speedy run and Lamps is fouled just outside the penalty area.
Penalty! A bit of a gift.
Penalty to England
Not a good freekick by Lamps but a definite penalty
Not like the Cup Final Frank
Lamps fires into the wall and the ref awards a penalty for a foolish handball by Honda.
HE DOES!!!
JUST TYPICAL!!!!
Scores every time for Chelsea and then he takes it for England! Not a good sign
Lamps misses the penalty as his penalty is saved.
Poor penalty from Lamps - distressing!
Get Roon off!
England's penalty jinx continues. My only memory of England success with penalties is the shootout victory in the quarters against Spain in Euro 96.
Becks was scored the decisive penalty against the Argies in 2002.
That is the only successful pen shootout in England's history, MUR. Gooner and I were actually there for that one. Unfortunately we were also at Wembley for the penalty shootout that we lost to Germany in the 96 semis.
If you remember, it was a rubbish pen from Becks, straight down the middle. And then he missed one against France in Euro 2004 after Roon was hacked.
Again, Lamps annoys me so much! He is a world beater for Chelsea but for England is an average Joe. Yes, he scores a few goals but nothing like he does for Chelsea.
Rooney looks to be trying for United and England
Rooney is well offside as England try for that elusive goal.
Come on, England!
I don't think those guys are real knights!
Agreed, UWS. I'd almost swap Gerrard for Lamps on this form.
Who will start in goal for England on June 12th? That question has not been answered as both goalies have been spectators. FSC claims that James made one save. When?
You know that things aren't going well when Rooney drops back forty yards from goal to receive the ball.
I think James collected one from a Japanese corner, but you're right. This won't have settled the goalkeeper question. My choice is Green.
I think I would pick Green as well.
It will never happen with Lamps
He is gets the step up on Gerrard. I would definitely have it the other way... you know how hard that is to say with him playing for Costa Del Pool
Where's Jamie Milner? Playing natural right-footers on the left flank just doesn't make any sense.
Good save, Hart, from Morimoto!
Nice save from Hart.
Why are some of the players on the fence not given a run?
Nice movement from Roon, got the ball over too, but no one following in.
Joe Hart with an excellent save from Morimoto. This move from Japan is better than anything England have produced apart from Rooney's pass to Lennon in the first half.
Which players are on the fence who aren't getting a chance, UWS?
Venus Williams has been knocked out of the French in straight sets
Lovely curler from Roon! Great save.
Luka Modric signs a six year contract with Spurs
Bangladesh 131 for 0 after being asked to follow on at Lords
Better from England as Kawashima tips Rooney's effort over the bar. The resulting corner is cleared.
Are you monitoring the entire sporting world today, UWS? If so, who won the 1:30 at Epsom?
Any more sports updates wanted?
When did the US score yesterday?
Epsom don't meet til next week
The hard question now is whether Lamps is the first choice penalty taker after missing two so recently. It's got to weigh on him now.
Yes, United's popular scorer OG with the goal
Classic header!
GOAL! It's looks like an o.g. from the fullback. Joe Cole forced it. Very fortunate.
Jozy scored in the 58th minute and Dempsey in the 75th minute yesterday.
GOAL 1-1!!! jOE COLE MAKES AN INSTANT IMPACT AS HIS CROSS IS TURMED IN TO the goal by Tanaka. An O.G. by Tanaka. I believe he has scored for both sides today.
Useless cross by Cashley
Was the OG scored by the same bloke who scored at the right end?
Hopefully that Joe Cole cross puts him on the plane. He showed his worth there.
Heskey about to come on... surely for Wayne
Hopefully Heskey's arrival on the touchline means that Roon finally gets a breather.
Heskey about to come on. Who will he replace?
What do you make of Carradona at right back, gents?
Bloody hell - it's Lennon off. What has Fabio got against Roon's ankles?
Nope... Lennon off
I guess Fabio wants to see everyone work with Roon.
I am not sure why he brings on a big man and takes off someone that would supply him
Our question is answered as Heskey replaces Lennon. Rooney is still playing much to Bob's dismay.
I'd like to see Adam Johnson.
Did anyone hear that song? What was the first line with "you're having a laugh?" I couldn't quite hear it.
I guess these results are a good thing.
In previous years, we crush teams 5-0 and everyone says we're going to win the Cup! NO ONE will say that after these two performances
Wait a minute - those knights have cellphones! Run away!
I agree . I think Adam Johnson should be among the 23 as he has played brilliantly since his move to Citeh.
Nice interplay there between Roon and Gerrard, but Stevie ran out of space.
How would Adam Johnson be used?
A great move from England and Kawashima collect's off of Gerard's foot. Better from England.
Nice run from SWP but he asked too much from Heskey.
The replay shows a great pass from Rooney and poor control from Gerard. He should have done better. That should have been 2-1.
ANOTHER OWN GOAL!!!
GOAL! I think that's another one from OG! What a goalscorer - get him on the plane to SA!
These Japanese defenders are clinical finishers!
The first OG was scored by the first scorer
GOAL 2-1 ENGLAND!!! The cross is from Ashley Cole and OG scores yet again. England will not be so fortunate in South Africa.
2-1 England. Could be and should be 3-1 really. The same scoreline we had against Mexico. Still, the performance has been muted.
Oh, I don't know. Did you see Algeria the other day. They're good for an o.g. or three.
Still five minutes or so to get the third. And the rain has started in Graz.
Nakazawa had the clinical finish and Capello was definitely surprised.
Roon crosses in hoping to get another assist from OG. Nothing doing there.
I'd love to sign OG for Leeds United for next season. He's bloody brilliant, he is!
Honda has a chance from a free kick now...well over.
Ivanhoe should have scored there
Crouchie would have put it in
Honda's free kick is well over. He has been rather invisible today even though he has not received any real service today.
Oh - Heskey must score from there. Again a striker misses a header from close in. Even Roon might have got the header in. Should have been #3.
Hart tips over and Japan have a corner.
Hart tips over again. He's definitely done himself some good today. Great performance. I'd have him as #2.
Struth... where was the defense for that corner??
Stoppage time then....
I agree. Hart helped his chances with his performance.
I do not know why England are nervous about Japanese corners. Their tallest guy - Morimoto - looks to be about 5'10".
Hart saves again there. Well held on the greasy surface.
And hello to you, Mr. Theo!
Gerrard feeling his knee. Knock it off Steven
Tamada shoots straight at Hart. England hanging on for an unconvincing 2-1 victory.
Full-time: England 2 Japan 1
That's it then; another win, another less than satisfying performance.
That's it. 2-1 England as two OGs help England to a somewhat fortunate win. The League playoff final kicks off from Wembley.
And that is it!!
England are all set and off to SA with two hopeless performances
I really hope they can improve!
I think a big thing that not many people are talking about is that England will not have to deal with oppressive heat. It is winter!
Take care everyone
UWS
Take care UWS.
Lessons learned for Fabio:
*Huddlestone doesn't add anything
*Pick one from three to start on the right - Theo, Lennon, SWP
*Joe Cole needs to be on the plane
*Carragher doesn't add the attacking dynamism of Johnson at right back
*Bent and Heskey are no replacements for Super Crouchie.
*Joe Hart is a decent shout for starting keeper.
Cheerio, lads!
Perfectly stated. I agree.
Cheers everyone.
Yep, those are apt conclusions.
The usual strange friendly results today:
France have tied with Tunisia and only through a late William Gallas goal.
Well fancied Ivory Coast have drawn 2-2 with unfancied Paraguay. But they'll be happy that Drogs was on the scoresheet.
South Korea have lost 1-0 to Belarus.
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