It's the World Cup in Brazil!
In a group with England, Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica, you'd fancy England's chances to advance into the 2nd round. Too bad they suck. Here're some thoughts:
1) Roy Hodgson Is David Moyes' Twin
They play almost identical styles, 4-4-2 with huge dependency on their wingers pumping in cross after cross. Little pressing on opponents with the hope of counter-attacking. So it wasn't a surprise that England lost, because they had no bite.
2) Wayne Rooney Is The Weak Link
Not only is he the highest paid player on the team, he's also supposed to be the most technically gifted. Too bad he was neither today. His first touch was so bad that each touch drew more and more groans and moans. He was also wondering aimlessly often and didn't look like he knew what was going on. Granted, he did chalk an assist, but that was his only moment of good play. His corner kick in the final minute which was ballooned into the stands will go viral for awhile.
3) Roy Hodgson Is David Moyes' Twin Again
In that he has no balls. He showed that when he didn't dare to sub out such a painfully below par Rooney. Also questionable subs all round. He took out a dangerous looking Welbeck for Barkley (when Rooney or Henderson should've been replaced) in the 60th minute. He took out Henderson for Wilshere, who made no impact at all, in the 75th minute. Finally he took the most potent attacker in Sturridge out for Lallana in the 80th minute. Effectively, England had no centre forward when they had to chase the game. Even Rickie Lambert would have been a smarter choice.
4) Defence Is Suspect
Aside from Phil Jagielka, the rest of the back four and keeper were found wanting. Glen Johnson, Gary Cahill, Leighton Baines and Joe Hart weren't very impressive at all. All have seen better performances. The first goal wa effectively a freebie for Claudio Machisio to shoot from outside the box. The second goal from Mario Ballotelli was the fault of Cahill and Hart for not covering the far post well.
5) Wide Open Group
With Uruguay's 3-1 loss to Costa Rica, this could be the most wide open group and England might well finish last in the group. Every opponent will be very difficult to breakdown and if England keeps playing like this, they look like they will exit the tournament very soon.
